Phototherapy for the treatment of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Phototherapy has been used to treat cutaneous GVHD, but data on its safety and efficacy are sparse. AIM: Review the current medical literature regarding the efficacy, dosing, and safety of various types of phototherapies for the treatment of cutaneous GVHD. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials databases was performed. Publications were screened according to the PRISMA guidelines. Exclusion criteria comprised case reports and case series reporting less than five patients, review articles, and articles not published in English. RESULTS: A total of 28/1304 (2.5%) studies were included. Fifteen studies (n = 267 patients) focused on psoralen and ultraviolet (UV) A (PUVA), in which 65.5% of patients received concomitantly other systemic treatments. The response rate was 89.9%, with a mean of 33.2 treatments. Adverse events were recorded in 54% but were mainly mild. Eight studies, encompassing 95 patients, focused on narrow-band (NB) UVB. A response was observed in 94%, with a mean number of 26 treatments and 8.6% adverse effects. UVA1 was reported in six studies (n = 132 patients). A response was recorded in 89.3% with a mean of 26.2 treatments. Adverse events were noted in 70.1%, with a discontinuation rate of 10.9%. It should be noted that adverse events were recorded during the follow-up period of the studies, which varied significantly, ranging from no follow-up to 31 months. CONCLUSIONS: Current data regarding the use of phototherapy for the treatment of cutaneous GVHD are based on retrospective studies and case series. The present report advocates the use of one of the three modalities of phototherapy as an effective and safe adjunctive treatment for cutaneous GVHD, especially NB UVB phototherapy.

The development and validation of the Emotional Entitlement Questionnaire (EEQ).

Beliefs about what one is entitled to emotionally may make a unique contribution to emotional and interpersonal experiences. In the present study, we introduce the concept of emotional entitlement, the degree to which people believe they have the right to experience different emotions (e.g., the right to feel happy, angry, sad, etc.). Our aim was to develop and validate the Emotional Entitlement Questionnaire (EEQ). In the first study (N = 200), we constructed a three-factor, 15-item EEQ, in Hebrew. Factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure of emotional entitlement to positive emotions (EEP), emotional entitlement to negative emotions (EEN), and the maladaptive aspect of emotional entitlement which we termed uncompromised emotional entitlement (EEU). The second study (N = 672) replicated this three-factor structure in a new independent sample and established test-retest reliability using two timepoints. In the third study (N = 495), we translated the EEQ into English and replicated the three-factor structure in another independent sample while establishing initial validity using the entitlement questionnaire, the positive and negative affect schedule, and the interpersonal emotion regulation questionnaire. Different dimensions of the EEQ were related to different levels of life satisfaction and loneliness, above and beyond the contribution of global entitlement. Overall, we would suggest that EEP represents an adaptive aspect of emotional entitlement, EEU represents a maladaptive aspect, and EEN has both adaptive and maladaptive aspects. The results indicate that emotional entitlement is a multidimensional construct and that the EEQ is a reliable and valid tool with good psychometric properties. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Differences in Interpersonal Resources and Risk Factors Among Mothers and Fathers of Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Serial Mediation Model.

Mothers and fathers of children on the autism spectrum may differ in their perception of their interpersonal resources and risk factors. Fathers (114) and mothers (507) of children on the autism spectrum participated in the study. Fathers (vs. mothers) reported lower interpersonal resources (interpersonal emotion regulation and perceived support from friends and formal sources, but not family) and higher levels of interpersonal risk factors (social, not emotional, loneliness). A serial mediation model indicated that parents' gender predicted interpersonal emotion regulation which in turn related to parents' social loneliness directly and indirectly through perceived social support. Fathers of children on the autism spectrum may differ from mothers in perceptions of interpersonal resources and risk factors related to parents' social belonging needs.

Vulnerability to loneliness among fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder: The role of interpersonal and familial resources.

Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be at increased risk of becoming lonely. In the current study, we explored the differences in loneliness between fathers of children with and without ASD and identified interpersonal and familial resources (social support, family cohesion, and family adaptability) that might be related to levels of loneliness. Using a cross-sectional design, 348 fathers (of 114 children with ASD and 234 without) completed a series of questionnaires. Fathers of children with ASD reported higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of social support and family cohesion. A moderated mediation model indicated that the interaction between social support and family cohesion mediated the association between ASD group (i.e., ASD vs. non-ASD) and fathers' loneliness. Findings suggest the importance of interpersonal and familial resources (e.g., perceived social support and family cohesion) for family members at risk of loneliness.

Topical phage therapy in a mouse model of Cutibacterium acnes-induced acne-like lesions.

Acne vulgaris is a common neutrophil-driven inflammatory skin disorder in which Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is known to play a key role. For decades, antibiotics have been widely employed to treat acne vulgaris, inevitably resulting in increased bacterial antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy is a promising strategy to combat the growing challenge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, utilizing viruses that specifically lyse bacteria. Herein, we explore the feasibility of phage therapy against C. acnes. Eight novel phages, isolated in our laboratory, and commonly used antibiotics eradicate 100% of clinically isolated C. acnes strains. Topical phage therapy in a C. acnes-induced acne-like lesions mouse model affords significantly superior clinical and histological scores. Moreover, the decrease in inflammatory response was reflected by the reduced expression of chemokine CXCL2, neutrophil infiltration, and other inflammatory cytokines when compared with the infected-untreated group. Overall, these findings indicate the potential of phage therapy for acne vulgaris as an additional tool to conventional antibiotics.

Patient-oncologist working alliance and its relation to locus of control.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the patient-oncologist relationship, conceptualized as the working alliance from a dyadic perspective, and its relation to locus of control. METHODS: One hundred and three oncologist-patient dyads were recruited. Measures included a sociodemographic and medical questionnaire; the "internal, powerful others, and chance" locus of control scale; and the working alliance inventory. RESULTS: Application of the actor-partner interdependence model yielded 2 actor effects: a positive association between oncologist "internal" locus of control and oncologist working alliance, and a negative association between oncologist "chance" locus of control and oncologist working alliance. It also yielded one partner effect: a positive association between oncologist "internal" locus of control and patient working alliance. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The actor-partner effect suggests that oncologists' locus of control has a role in the establishment of the patient-oncologist working alliance; oncologists' internal locus of control is a dominant factor affecting not only their own perceived alliance but patients' perceived alliance as well.

BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster induces seroconversion in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma who failed to respond to two prior vaccine doses.

This prospective study evaluated seroconversion rates in response to BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine booster in 44 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) patients who failed to respond to two prior doses [42 previously exposed to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (moAbs) including 13 under maintenance treatment]. Seroconversion was obtained in 29.5% of the patients. Longer time from last anti-CD20 moAb (>6 months) and diagnosis of aggressive lymphoma compared to other, incurable B-NHLs were associated with increased seroconversion rates (47.8% vs.10.5%, p = 0.019 and 50% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.025 respectively). Thus, seronegative patients with B-NHL that completed anti-CD20 therapy more than 6 months prior to the booster have greater chances to achieve seroconversion.

Social participation and posttraumatic growth: The serial mediation of hope, social support, and reappraisal.

In light of the global crisis created by the outbreak of the coronavirus and the disease it causes, coronavirus disease 2019, the goal of the study was to detect factors that might enhance people's ability to experience positive psychological change during traumatic events. As such, this study examined the relationship between social participation and posttraumatic growth (PTG) during the coronavirus outbreak and tested the mediating role of hope, social support, and cognitive reappraisal in explaining this relationship. The sample consisted of 275 participants (21.8% male, and 78.2% female, with an average age of 33.42, SD = 13.63), subjected to social-distancing regulations during this period. Results demonstrated a serial mediation model in which social participation predicted PTG directly and indirectly through hope (pathways and agency), social support, and cognitive reappraisal. The importance of social participation in nourishing personal resources and practical implications including the need for prevention programs are discussed.

Sense of coherence and burnout among school psychologists: The moderating role of loneliness.

School psychologist have been considered at a high risk for developing work burnout due to their multiple responsibilities, overload and engagement in caring for children, families and professionals. In line with the salutogenic approach, the aim of the current research was to investigate protective and risk factors to burnout. Research has indicated that sense of coherence (SOC) may act as a protective factor. Studies reported that loneliness has been found a risk factor that may advance burnout. The current study hypothesized that loneliness may moderate the link between SOC and burnout. In a sample of 104 Israeli school psychologists, demographic aspects such as the gender, years of experience, or type of school in which they work did not predict the burnout, focusing on the importance of emotional aspects. The analysis demonstrated that the SOC was negatively associated with burnout among low or mean levels of loneliness, but not among psychologists with high levels of loneliness. The current study provides a new insight into the burnout risk, through the focus on personal resources and social perceptions. Implications for theoretical and practices are further discussed.

Feeling you, when you feel me: attachment, empathic concern, and interpersonal emotion regulation.

Empathic concern is an important part of social relationships. Attachment orientation may explain individual differences in empathic concern. However, the circumstances under which attachment orientation is related to empathic concern remain unexamined. This exploratory study investigated the moderating role of a novel aspect of emotion regulation, interpersonal emotion regulation, in the relationship between attachment orientation and empathic concern. Study 1 (N = 179) and Study 2 (direct replication, N = 202) yielded consistent main effects for emotion regulation. Interpersonal emotion regulation efficacy (people's belief that interpersonal emotion regulation can effectively change their negative and positive emotions) was positively associated with empathic concern. Avoidant attachment showed a moderately consistent negative association with empathic concern. Negative efficacy moderated the association between anxious attachment and empathic concern only in Study 1. The findings focus attention on the importance of interpersonal emotion regulation efficacy to empathic concern and on the complex relationship between attachment and empathic concern.

Exacerbation of Hailey-Hailey Disease Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination.

is missing (Short communication).

Entitlement, Hope, and Life Satisfaction Among Mothers of Children with Developmental Disabilities.

The interplay between sense of entitlement and hope might have a unique contribution to mothers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) life satisfaction. Seventy-three mothers of children with DD and 47 mothers of children without DD participated in the study. Mothers of children with DD (vs. without DD) experienced low levels of life satisfaction and high levels of entitlement. The relationship between being a mother of children with DD and life satisfaction was mediated by the interaction between sense of entitlement and hope. Higher entitlement was negatively related to life satisfaction when mothers' hope was low and positively related to life satisfaction when mothers' hope was high. Entitlement can act as a resource for life satisfaction, depending on hope levels.

Antibiotic Susceptibility of Cutibacterium acnes Strains Isolated from Israeli Acne Patients.

Antibiotic-resistant Cutibacterium acnes has been reported worldwide, but data from Israeli patients with acne is currently lacking. This study evaluated the antibiotic susceptibility of C. acnes, isolated from 50 Israeli patients with acne to commonly prescribed antibiotics, using the Epsilometer test (E-test). Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis, 16S rRNA sequencing and single locus sequence typing (SLST) molecular typing were used to identify and characterize C. acnes. Among 36 strains isolated, phylotype IA1 was most common. Resistance to at least one antibiotic was found in 30.6% of tested strains. Resistance rates were highest for erythromycin (25.0%), followed by doxycycline (19.4%), clindamycin (16.7%), minocycline (11.1%) and tetracycline (8.3%). Significant correlation was found between resistance to multiple antibiotics, with 5.6% of isolates resistant to all antibiotics tested. When reviewing resistances rate worldwide antibiotic resistance was found to be prevalent in Israel. Measures to limit the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of Cutibacterium acnes should be taken and alternative treatments should be sought.

Caregiving styles and anxiety among couples: coping versus not coping with cardiac illness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: partners' caregiving efforts are not always beneficial to both recipient and provider. Bowlby's conceptualization of caregiving style as a stable predisposition may clarify such caregiving effects. The relationship between caregiving style (compulsive and sensitive) and anxiety among couples coping with cardiac illness and a matching control group not coping with cardiac illness were assessed. We hypothesized that one's compulsive caregiving would associate positively, and one's sensitive caregiving would associate negatively, with one's and one's partner's anxiety across contexts (cardiac and non-cardiac) and gender. DESIGN: A comparative design of 131 couples with a diagnosis of husbands' acute cardiac syndrome and 68 matched couples in the community was applied. METHODS: The Adult Caregiving Questionnaire and the Brief Symptoms Inventory were administered. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling revealed that one's compulsive caregiving was positively associated with one's anxiety, across most contexts. Multi-group analyses revealed that the associations between one's compulsive caregiving and one's partner's anxiety levels differed depending on gender and context. CONCLUSIONS: The distress which emerges in an individual who takes on a caregiving role and in his/her partner seems to result not only from the demands of the concrete caregiving situation but also from one's and one's partner's developmental history.

"It takes two to take": Caregiving style, relational entitlement, and medication adherence.

Partners' support has been associated with both patients' increased and decreased inclination toward health-promoting behaviors. Our hypothesis for understanding this enigma is that it is the interplay between partners' manner of care provision and patients' ability to accept these care efforts that may best predict patients' adherence. Thus, the current study's main goal was to examine the contribution of the interaction between caregivers' support style (sensitive and compulsive) and cardiac patients' sense of relational entitlement (restricted, excessive, assertive, entitlement expectations) to patients' medication adherence. The Adult Caregiving Questionnaire, the Sense of Relational Entitlement Scale, and the Medication Adherence Report Scale were administered to 114 cardiac patients and their partners, during patients' hospitalizations and 6 months later. The lowest levels of medication adherence were detected among patients high on restricted entitlement who were married to partners high on compulsive caregiving style. These findings strengthen our claim that it is the interaction between recipients' personality and providers' support style which explain self-regulatory processes that arise during times of family medical crises. (PsycINFO Database Record

Testing the concept of relational entitlement in the dyadic context: further validation and associations with relationship satisfaction.

The sense of relational entitlement is the perception one has of what one deserves from one's partner, and it may play a crucial role in determining the quality of a couple's relationship. However, the concept was only recently subjected to empirical examination. The main goals of the current study were to continue the work initiated by the scale developers (Tolmacz & Mikulincer, 2011) by (1) further validating the Sense of Relational Entitlement Scale (SRE) in a sample of adult couples; and (2) examining the contribution of each partner's sense of relational entitlement to his or her own and his or her partner's relationship satisfaction. A sample of 120 Israeli, heterosexual, older couples (age = 58 years) in long-term relationships completed the study measurements. Factor analyses revealed that the SRE scale consisted of two major dimensions: conflicted entitlement and assertive entitlement. Applying an Actor-Partner-Interdependence Model (APIM) analysis indicated that the more conflicted one felt with regard to what one was entitled to, the less satisfaction one felt with the relationship. Additionally, the higher one's entitlement expectations were of one's partner (a subfactor of the assertive entitlement dimension), the more one's partner was satisfied with the relationship. The sense of entitlement construct seems to be relevant to the context of dyadic relationships and, as such, is worthy of further attention and investigation.