Evaluation of the association between excessive screen use, sleep patterns and behavioral and cognitive aspects in preschool population. A systematic review.

In this review, we analyzed the possible relationship between the excessive use of screens and sleep patterns, and how this may affect certain behavioral and cognitive factors in preschool children. The selection, extraction and synthesis of the data were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in the electronic databases Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO (American Psychological Association), Scopus and Web of Science (WOS). Of the 597 articles initially identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias of the articles selected was evaluated using a specific scale created for this purpose. The results found indicate that excessive use of screens is associated with a negative impact on the duration and quality of sleep-in preschoolers, and this worsening of sleep in infancy is related with a greater probability of the appearance of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems and certain cognitive problems. The results also suggest that sleep could play a mediating or moderating role as a bioregulatory system that attenuates or increases the onset of behavioral and cognitive difficulties in those children most exposed to digital devices.

Language and autobiographical memory development from 5 to 12 years: A longitudinal perspective.

The main aim of this study, with two repeated measurements, was to analyze the development of autobiographical memory in a sample of 78 Spanish participants at ages 5 (Time 1; M = 62.43 months, range: 50-74 months) and 12 (Time 2; M = 142.71 months, range: 132-155 months). Data were collected on autobiographical memory and verbal functions. We analyzed the relation between language and autobiographical memory specificity from a longitudinal perspective and assessed the indirect effect of vocabulary in the relationship between age and specific memory at both temporal moments. The results showed that language skills were positively related with autobiographical memory specificity at preschool age, but not at the second measurement. Furthermore, vocabulary scores appear to mediate the relationship between age and autobiographical specificity when children are in the preschool years, but not later. These findings agree with previous research that consider preschool age to be a crucial period for the development of autobiographical memory and its relations with language, but once basic command of language is acquired, linguistic differences impact much less on individual differences in autobiographical specificity.

Effects of the use of autobiographical photographs on emotional induction in older adults: a systematic review.

There is evidence to support the positive contribution of autobiographical recall based techniques on individuals' quality of life, mood and cognitive functioning. In this review, we analyzed the effects of the use of personal photographs in interventions based on autobiographical memory in older people with and without cognitive impairment. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. The search was carried out in the electronic databases Web of Sciences (WOS), Medline (PubMed), SCIELO and PsycInfo (American Psychological Association). The articles based on clinical trials selected were evaluated using the PEDRo scale, which is specific to this type of article. Of the 1098 articles initially found, 6 met the inclusion criteria. The final articles focused their intervention on the use of autobiographical photographs as a means of stimulation. The results show that the use of photographs in different autobiographical recall stimulation techniques is associated with higher scores on well-being and quality of life, as well as with improvements in personal identity and cognitive functioning. This suggests that using personal photographs shows promise in enhancing the effect of these types of interventions in healthy or cognitively impaired older adults.

Relation between resilience and personality traits: The role of hopelessness and age.

Resilience refers to the process by which individuals use the ability to cope with challenges to successfully adapt to adverse situations, inclining towards the future and hope. The main aim of this study was to analyze the relation between resilience, personality traits, and hopelessness. Furthermore, we conducted comparisons between two age groups: young and older adults. The sample comprised 439 Spanish participants (66.7% women; M = 43.73, SD = 26.41; age range = 18-98 years). The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, NEO-Five Factor Inventory, and Beck Hopelessness Scale were used to measure the main study variables. The results revealed a negative relation between resilience and neuroticism, and a positive association with the other personality traits. Additionally, levels of resilience were found to be negatively related to hopelessness. The group of older adults showed significantly lower resilience levels than the young adults, although age was not a significant predictor of resilience. Neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and hopelessness were the only predictors of resilience for the current study. This work contributes to the study of resilience and related factors, by attempting to understand the role of resilience and resistance to risk and how individuals tackle challenges over time, with important implications for mental health.

Pessary with perineal suture for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: description and benefit of the technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vaginal pessaries are used as a conservative treatment for POP in women who do not want or are not candidates for surgery, or as a preliminary step to surgery. Our goals are: evaluate the evolution of patients with advanced POP and repeated expulsion of the pessary, who underwent perineal suture to try to maintain the device. Describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients treated with pessaries in our environment, with or without perineal closure. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and prospective study (October 2016-March 2021) that includes 352 women with advanced-stage POP treated with a pessary, of which 55, after repeated expulsion of the pessary, were treated with a pessary and perineal suture. RESULTS: After pessary insertion associated with perineal closure, 26 patients (47.2%) expelled the pessary and underwent surgery, and 29 (52.8%) kept the device, avoiding surgery. Regarding the women who required perineal suture: The mean age was higher than in the group of patients who did not need this intervention (75.3 vs. 68.3 years), 94.5% had POP ≥ grade III and 100% had a perineal width > 2.5 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with pessary and perineal closure avoids surgery in women with advanced age and repeated expulsion. Although age should not be an independent factor that limits surgical treatment or the type of intervention, it would be useful to have scales to quantify the frailty of patients, being able to standardize perineal closure in elderly and/or frail women, and in those who do not want or have contraindications for surgery.

Effect of popular songs from the reminiscence bump as autobiographical memory cues in aging: a preliminary study using EEG.

Introduction: Music has the capacity to evoke emotions and memories. This capacity is influenced by whether or not the music is from the reminiscence bump (RB) period. However, research on the neural correlates of the processes of evoking autobiographical memories through songs is scant. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences at the level of frequency band activation in two situations: (1) whether or not the song is able to generate a memory; and (2) whether or not the song is from the RB period. Methods: A total of 35 older adults (22 women, age range: 61-73 years) listened to 10 thirty-second musical clips that coincided with the period of their RB and 10 from the immediately subsequent 5 years (non-RB). To record the EEG signal, a brain-computer interface (BCI) with 14 channels was used. The signal was recorded during the 30-seconds of listening to each music clip. Results: The results showed differences in the activation levels of the frequency bands in the frontal and temporal regions. It was also found that the non-retrieval of a memory in response to a song clip showed a greater activation of low frequency waves in the frontal region, compared to the trials that did generate a memory. Discussion: These results suggest the importance of analyzing not only brain activation, but also neuronal functional connectivity at older ages, in order to better understand cognitive and emotional functions in aging.

Effects of affectively-loaded childhood-related photos from the IAPS on the induction of involuntary autobiographical memories in young and older adults.

Objective: Aging produces changes in emotional reactivity and the retrieval of autobiographical memories. The main aim of this study was to assess age-related differences, comparing emotion induction and autobiographical memory recall using photos from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) that are thematically related to childhood. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted, with the participation of 327 individuals (168 young adults and 159 older adults) with no cognitive impairment and aged between 18 and 88 years. We showed the participants a set of five pictures from the IAPS, the affective content of which was related to childhood. Two of these were considered to be positive images, two negative and one neutral, according to the valence of these pictures in the literature. The main study variables were the reactions associated with emotional valence or pleasure, arousal and dominance, after viewing the photos, and the autobiographical memories retrieved by the participants. Results: The younger adults retrieved a larger number of memories than their older counterparts. As regards the responses to the five affective pictures (IAPS) on valence, arousal and dominance (IAPS), statistically significant differences were only found for pictures 2,345 (BlackEye), with a more positive valence in the group of older adults and higher arousal in the young ones, and 2,312 (Mother), with a more positive valence in the group of older persons. A greater number of memories were retrieved for the photos that generated higher levels of pleasure, greater relaxation and greater emotional control. Conclusion: Of the variables that may be associated with the elicitation of involuntary autobiographical memories, the most significant are age and a positive stimulus.

Initial management of hydatidiform mole

Introduction: Hydatidiform mole is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease that results from the abnormal fertilization of an oocyte and causes nonspecific symptoms such as amenorrhea, metrorrhagia, and enlarged uterus. Although rare, its most characteristic symptoms include hyperemesis, early-onset pre-eclampsia, anemia, and respiratory distress. Case presentation: A 47-year-old Moroccan woman consulted the emergency department of the Hospital Clínico Universitario in Valladolid (Spain) after a month of persistent coughing and emesis. The patient reported epigastralgia and amenorrhoea for two months, as well as scant vaginal bleeding two days prior to consultation. Taking into account that the patient tested positive for pregnancy, that a heterogeneous intrauterine mass measuring 124x120mm was observed on transvaginal ultrasound, that no abnormal findings were reported on Doppler ultrasound, and that her serum ßhCG levels reached a value of 772.110 mIU/mL, a diagnosis of hydatidiform mole was suspected. Once informed about the possible therapeutic options, the patient decided to undergo a total hysterectomy, as she stated that she had already fulfilled her desire to be a mother. After the procedure, the patient's clinical condition improved, and the pathology report of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of partial hydatidiform mole. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of hydatidiform mole is paramount in order to provide adequate treatment and improve the prognosis of these patients. Therefore, despite its low incidence and non-specific clinical manifestations, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for first-trimester metrorrhagia.

Introducción. La mola hidatiforme es un tipo de enfermedad trofoblástica gestacional que se presenta como resultado de la fertilización anormal de un ovocito y que ocasiona síntomas inespecíficos como amenorrea, metrorragia y aumento del tamaño del útero. Aunque infrecuentes, sus síntomas más característicos incluyen hiperémesis, preeclampsia de inicio temprano, anemia y distrés respiratorio. Presentación del caso. Mujer marroquí de 47 años que consultó al servicio de urgencias del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid debido a que había presentado tos y vómitos por un mes. La paciente refirió haber sufrido epigastralgia y amenorrea por dos meses, así como escaso sangrado vaginal en los últimos dos días. Teniendo en cuenta que la paciente dio positivo en una prueba de embarazo, que en la ecografía transvaginal se observó una masa intrauterina heterogénea de 124x120mm, que no se reportaron hallazgos anormales en la ecografía Doppler y que sus niveles séricos de ßhCG alcanzaron un valor de 772.110 mUI/mL, se sospechó un diagnóstico de mola hidatiforme. Una vez informada sobre las posibles alternativas terapéuticas, la paciente decidió someterse a una histerectomía total, pues refirió que ya había cumplido su deseo de ser madre. Luego de realizar procedimiento, la condición clínica de la paciente mejoró; además, el informe de patología de la masa permitió confirmar el diagnóstico de mola hidatiforme parcial. Conclusiones. El diagnóstico temprano de la mola hidatiforme es de gran importancia para ofrecer un tratamiento adecuado y, de esta forma, mejorar el pronóstico de estas pacientes. Por tanto, a pesar de su baja incidencia y sus manifestaciones clínicas inespecíficas, se debe considerar como diagnóstico diferencial de las metrorragias del primer trimestre.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes in women ≥40 years undergoing induction of labor compared with women <35 years: Results from 4027 mothers.

AIM: Cesarean section is known to be increased with advanced maternal age in women undergoing induction of labor (IOL), but there is less information regarding other possible adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of singleton, nulliparous, at-term women undergoing IOL between January 2007 and September 2020. Outcomes studied were: cesarean section, failed induction rate, fetal distress, post-partum hemorrhage, post-partum hysterectomy, and need of transfusion. Neonatal variables analyzed were: Apgar score, umbilical cord pH, need of admission to neonatal intensive care unit, and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 4027 women met the inclusion criteria; 1968 (48.9%) of mothers were <35 years, 1283 (31.9%) were 35-39 years, 658 (16.3%) were 40-44 years, and 118 (2.9%) were ≥45 years. Results showed a significantly increased incidence of c-section in women ≥35 years, with an OR 1.79 (95% CI 1.50-2.14) for women 40-44 years and OR 3.95 (95% CI 2.66-5.98) for women ≥45 years. The main indication for cesarean delivery was failed IOL, and this risk was also significantly increased in women ≥40 years. These differences remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors. No other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes showed an association with age. CONCLUSION: Maternal age ≥40 years was associated with an increased risk of c-section after IOL at term compared with younger women, mainly because of failed induction, but no association with other adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes were found in our population. Risks and benefits of IOL in older women should be individually evaluated and adequately discussed with mothers.

Relation between nighttime sleep duration and executive functioning in a nonclinical sample of preschool children.

Sleep is a support for cognitive development in childhood. Most of the studies in the field have focused on school-age children and sleep problems, but less research focuses on the relation between the normative course of sleep and executive functions in preschoolers. Thus, the aim of the present study was to analyze the association between nighttime sleep duration and executive functioning in a 158 non-clinical sample of Spanish participants (Mage = 56.35 months, SD = 11.24; ages 38-78 months; 48.1% girls). Sleep habits were measured by parents' self-reports; Shape School task was applied to assess inhibition and cognitive flexibility; Word Span task was used to assess working memory; and Vocabulary subtest from the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-III was used to assess verbal ability. The findings revealed that the relation between sleep and executive functioning was only significant in the cases of inhibition and working memory. Further, age and verbal ability were related and were predictors of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. We consider it necessary to continue researching in this area given the importance of forming a correct sleep habit during the preschool age and its impact on health, cognition, and well-being in childhood. In short, our results represent the first approach to the subject under study, which should be completed with objective sleep measures.

Role of Nrp1 in controlling cortical inter-hemispheric circuits.

Axons of the corpus callosum (CC) mediate the interhemispheric communication required for complex perception in mammals. In the somatosensory (SS) cortex, the CC exchanges inputs processed by the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) areas, which receive tactile and pain stimuli. During early postnatal life, a multistep process involving axonal navigation, growth, and refinement, leads to precise CC connectivity. This process is often affected in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and epilepsy. We herein show that in mice, expression of the axonal signaling receptor Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) in SS layer (L) 2/3 is temporary and follows patterns that determine CC connectivity. At postnatal day 4, Nrp1 expression is absent in the SS cortex while abundant in the motor area, creating a sharp border. During the following 3 weeks, Nrp1 is transiently upregulated in subpopulations of SS L2/3 neurons, earlier and more abundantly in S2 than in S1. In vivo knock-down and overexpression experiments demonstrate that transient expression of Nrp1 does not affect the initial development of callosal projections in S1 but is required for subsequent S2 innervation. Moreover, knocking-down Nrp1 reduces the number of S2L2/3 callosal neurons due to excessive postnatal refinement. Thus, an exquisite temporal and spatial regulation of Nrp1 expression determines SS interhemispheric maps.

Accuracy of dynamic implant navigation surgery performed by a novice operator.

AIM: The main objective was to evaluate the accuracy of dynamic navigation-guided surgery (DNGS) for implant positioning performed by a novice operator. The secondary objectives were to analyze the operator's learning curve and identify possible complications deriving from the technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five implants were placed in eight partially edentulous human heads. Preoperative CBCT scans were imported to planning software to determine the implant positions. Implants were placed using a dynamic navigation system. Postoperative CBCTs were superimposed onto the implant planning images. Discrepancies between the virtually planned implant positions and the postoperative positions were evaluated by measuring horizontal platform deviation, apex deviation, apicocoronal (vertical) deviation, and angular deviation. RESULTS: Mean platform, apex, vertical, and angle deviations were 1.55 ± 0.81 mm, 2.45 ± 0.84 mm, 1.59 ± 0.70 mm, and 5.56 ± 4.03 degrees, respectively. No significant differences were found between the maxilla and mandible or between anterior and posterior sites. A flat learning curve was observed, with the exception of the implant platform, where a tendency toward improvement in accuracy was observed between the 8th and the 17th implant placed. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of a study performed by a novice operator on a cadaveric model, DNGS allows accurate implant placement within a 2-mm safety margin in terms of implant platform and vertical positions, and a 3-mm margin in apical vicinities. The technique requires practice to learn the required eye-hand coordination. (Int J Comput Dent 2022;25(4):377-0; doi: 10.3290/j.ijcd.b2588207).

COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on dental students: A multi-institutional survey.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To investigate dental students' perceptions and concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, their coping strategies and support resources, and their perceived stress levels. METHODS: A customized 19-item survey and the perceived stress scale (PSS) were applied to undergraduate dental students from the US, Spain, Ireland, Chile, India, and Brazil between April 10 and July 5, 2020. Linear modeling and mediation analysis were used to explore the relationships among demographics, stressors, coping mechanisms, social support, and stress RESULTS: A total of 4475 students responded to the survey. The majority (72.4%) were women, and 52.3% had no COVID-19 training at the time of the survey. The students reported that they had to accommodate to changes in patient care (96.6%) and didactic learning (95.2%) activities, while 88.5% of the respondents indicated at least one of their courses moved online. Transition to online courses went "smoothly with some troubles" for 51.8% of the respondents, and 48.3% perceived the faculty as prepared for the online transition; however, 45.9% reported feeling extremely concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on their education. The average PSS score was 21.9 of 40 (moderate stress). Multivariate models were built for participants with full data (n = 3899). Being male, having completed more dental coursework, and perceiving a smoother transition were associated with lower PSS scores; more concern about academic progress was associated with higher PSS. Faculty support mediated the relationship between a smoothness of transition and concern about academic progress and PSS scores CONCLUSION: Stress caused by the pandemic may be alleviated by smoother transition and good faculty support.

A multi-method comparison of autobiographical memory impairments amongst younger and older adults.

Objectives: Research indicates that, compared to younger adults, older adults have difficulty recalling memories of specific past events (those lasting less than 24 h) and this difficulty is associated with depression. These studies are largely confined to a single measure of specific memory recall and there are conflicting findings when alternative measures are used. This investigation provides the first comparison of memory specificity between younger and older adults using several different measures.Method: Older (n = 105) and younger (n = 88) adults completed the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), Autobiographical Memory Interview (AMI) and Sentence Completion for Events from the Past Test (SCEPT) and the number of specific memories was quantified for each measure. Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory Version II (BDI-II).Results: Compared to younger adults, older adults recalled fewer specific memories in the AMT and more specific memories in the AMI. This latter effect was particularly pronounced for memories related to childhood. There was no group difference in responses in the SCEPT. There was no evidence of an association between memory specificity and depression for any of the measures.Conclusion: Older adults have difficulty retrieving specific memories after cuing by nouns and adjectives, as in the AMT, but they have enhanced recall of specific memories after cuing by life periods, as in the AMI, and this is particularly true of memories related to childhood. Individual differences in memory specificity are not related to depression symptoms in healthy samples.

Development and plasticity of the corpus callosum.

The corpus callosum (CC) connects the cerebral hemispheres and is the major mammalian commissural tract. It facilitates bilateral sensory integration and higher cognitive functions, and is often affected in neurodevelopmental diseases. Here, we review the mechanisms that contribute to the development of CC circuits in animal models and humans. These species comparisons reveal several commonalities. First, there is an early period of massive axonal projection. Second, there is a postnatal temporal window, varying between species, in which early callosal projections are selectively refined. Third, sensory-derived activity influences axonal refinement. We also discuss how defects in CC formation can lead to mild or severe CC congenital malformations.

Autobiographical emotional induction in older people through popular songs: Effect of reminiscence bump and enculturation.

AIMS: This study is based on two experiments, the first, with an exploratory character. The aim of which is to assess the capacity of native vs international pop songs (NAT vs INT) from two consecutive life stages, Reminiscence bump (RB) and the immediately subsequent period (No reminiscence bump, NORB) to elicit positive emotions and autobiographical memories. METHOD: A total of 15 middle-aged adults and 15 older adults participated in Experiment 1 (E1). Emotionality, song familiarity and associated autobiographical memories were assessed. Each participant was exposed to 20 randomly selected age-specific songs. Pre-and post-test measures of mood state were also included. Experiment 2 (E2) focused on late adulthood, using a sample of 35 persons. The experimental design was similar to that used in E1. However, this second experiment also included an analysis of the types of autobiographical memories generated by the experimental task and a study of their relationship with the characteristics of the songs, their familiarity and the emotions they produced, and the number of trials. The aim was to delve into the effects that influence the effectiveness of the induction procedure, particularly as regards emotional positivity and memory specificity. RESULTS: Regarding age effect, E1 results varied: under some conditions, emotionality showed no difference between groups, others showed positive older adult bias. In E2, the analysis of the relationships between memory types and the selected variables suggests the latter are not useful predictors of differences between memory types. The study design yielded a relatively high level of memory specificity and emotional positivity. CONCLUSION: The findings question positivity bias in the elderly. RB music produces different effects depending on age. Enculturation can be an important mediating factor in emotionality and memory. Finally, experimental design improves specific memory and positivity.

Volumetric changes in alveolar ridge preservation with a compromised buccal wall: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Many studies have addressed socket preservation, though fewer publications considering buccal wall loss can be found, since the literature typically considers sockets with four walls. A systematic review was made on the influence of type II buccal bone defects, according to Elian's Classification, in socket grafting materials upon volumetric changes in width and height. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic and manual literature search was conducted in accordance to PRISMA statement. The search strategy was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) describing post-extraction sockets with loss of buccal wall in which alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) was carried out in the test group and spontaneous healing of the socket (SH) was considered in the control group. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 7 studies. The meta-analysis showed an additional bone loss of 2.37 mm in width (p > 0.001) and of 1.10 mm in height (p > 0.001) in the absence of ARP. The reconstruction of the vestibular wall was not evaluated in any study. The results also showed moderate to great heterogeneity among the included studies in terms of the changes in width and height. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity of the included studies, the results indicate a benefit of ARP versus SH. Further studies are needed to determine the volumetric changes that occur when performing ARP in the presence of a buccal bone wall defect

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Fully Guided Tooth Autotransplantation Using a Multidrilling Axis Surgical Stent: Proof of Concept.

INTRODUCTION: Digital technology has been progressively introduced into tooth autotransplantation to enhance both treatment planning and surgery. The aim of this report was to describe a novel protocol for fully guided tooth autotransplantation. METHODS: This report includes 10 consecutive patients treated with a complete virtual planning and a multidrilling axis surgical guide in combination with the computer-aided rapid prototyping model. RESULTS: All transplanted teeth fulfilled the criteria for success over a mean follow-up duration of 13.1 months. No signs of progressive root resorption or pain were found during follow-up. One case required minimal adjustment of the surgical stent to allow correct seating, whereas a second case could not be performed fully guided because of limited mouth opening. CONCLUSIONS: Our protocol for fully guided tooth autotransplantation is a viable option that involves minimal bone preparation in a short surgical time. Future research should focus on further investigation of the benefits of this novel protocol in a larger sample.