Long-term Mortality and Hospital Readmissions Among Survivors of Sepsis in Sweden: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Survivors of sepsis may experience long-term risk of increased morbidity and mortality, but estimations of cause-specific effects beyond 1 year after a sepsis episode are lacking. Method: This nationwide population-based cohort study linked data from national registers to compare patients aged ≥18 years in Sweden admitted to an intensive care unit from 2008 to 2019 with severe community-acquired sepsis. Patients were identified through the Swedish Intensive Care Registry, and randomly selected population controls were matched for age, sex, calendar year, and county of residence. Confounding from comorbidities, health care use, and socioeconomic and demographic factors was accounted for by using entropy-balancing methods. Long-term mortality and readmission rates, total and cause specific, were compared for 20 313 patients with sepsis and 396 976 controls via Cox regression. Results: During the total follow-up period, 56% of patients with sepsis died, as opposed to 26% of the weighted controls. The hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was attenuated with time but remained elevated in all periods: 3.0 (95% CI, 2.8-3.2) at 2 to 12 months after admission, 1.8 to 1.9 between 1 and 5 years, and 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5-1.8) at >5 years. The major causes of death and readmission among the sepsis cases were infectious diseases, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. The hazard ratios were larger among those without underlying comorbidities. Conclusions: Severe community-acquired sepsis was associated with substantial long-term effects beyond 1 year, as measured by mortality and rehospitalization. The cause-specific rates indicate the importance of underlying or undetected comorbidities while suggesting that survivors of sepsis may face increased long-term mortality and morbidity not explained by underlying health factors.

Quantitative determination of vanillin and its detection threshold in sake.

Vanillin is naturally occurring in various food products, including alcoholic beverages; however, its contribution to the aroma of sake is unclear. In this study, an HPLC-MS/MS quantification method was developed and validated by linearity, precision, and recovery, and it was applied to 115 bottles of highly diversified sake. Furthermore, the odor detection threshold of vanillin in sake was determined. Notably, the established method exhibited great linearity (5-1500 µg/L), with a R2 >0.99, and the limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.7 and 5.5 µg/L, respectively. The spiked recoveries of vanillin ranged from 96.2% to 97.8%, with relative standard deviation ˂ 6.22%. Results revealed trace amounts to 29.9 µg/L of vanillin in the premium young sake, below the detection threshold (78.9 µg/L), whereas aged sake (43 bottles, 3-56 years aging) exhibited varied concentrations from trace amounts to 1727.5 µg/L of vanillin, notably peaking in a 20-year oak barrel-aged sake. The concentration of vanillin in most of the ambient-temperature-aged sake exceeded the detection threshold after 11-15 years of aging. The proposed method facilitates accurate vanillin quantification in sake, crucial for evaluating its flavor impact. Moreover, the discoveries provide a theoretical basis for the sensory exploration of sake aromas and equip the brewing industry with insights for modulating vanillin synthesis during sake aging.

Non-inferiority of additional gastrectomy after endoscopic submucosal dissection compared with surgery alone on long-term prognosis: A propensity score-matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients in whom endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has resulted in non-curative resection need further surgical treatment. However, the oncological outcome of additional gastrectomy after ESD compared with surgery alone remains unclear. METHODS: The clinical data of 778 patients who underwent gastrectomy for early gastric cancer from January 2008 to December 2019 in Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Of these 778 patients, 187 underwent additional gastrectomy after ESD (ESD (+) group) and 591 underwent surgery alone (ESD (-) group). We compared the overall survival and disease-free survival between the ESD (+) and ESD (-) groups, using propensity score matching to adjust for baseline characteristics. We also assessed early postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: After propensity score matching based on sex, age, tumor diameter, tumor gross type, and operative procedure, each group comprised 144 patients with no significant differences in clinical background characteristics. After matching, the 5-year overall survival rate in the ESD (+) and ESD (-) group was 90.9% and 87.8%, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.470). In addition, there was no significant difference in the disease-free survival rate (97.6% vs. 95.8%, respectively; P = 0.504). The postoperative complication rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Additional gastrectomy for patients in whom ESD resulted in non-curative resection did not adversely affect the long-term prognosis. Additional gastrectomy after ESD is oncologically acceptable for early gastric cancer.

Sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty grants satisfactory results with minimal patellofemoral arthritis at 23-30 years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty at a minimum follow-up of 23 years. METHODS: The authors evaluated a retrospective series of 10 patients (11 knees) who underwent trochleoplasty between 1993 and 2000. All patients were assessed at a minimum follow-up of 23 years by an independent clinician who noted any patellar redislocations and collected the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala scores and range of motion. Radiographic examination was performed to assess patellofemoral arthritis using the Iwano classification. RESULTS: A total of 11 knees, from five women and five men aged 25.6 ± 6.9 years (range, 15-47 years) underwent trochleoplasty during the inclusion period. All 11 knees underwent adjuvant procedures during trochleoplasty (100%): 10 had tibial tuberosity osteotomy (TTO) and vastus medialis plasty and 1 had only vastus medialis plasty (had prior TTO). At a follow-up of 24.4 ± 2.1 years (range, 23-30 years), two patients were lost to follow-up (18%). The Iwano classification was Grade 1 in three patients (33%), Grade 2 in four patients (44%) and Grade 4 in two patients (22%). The flexion range was 130 ± 8.7° and satisfaction was 9.2 ± 0.7, Kujala was 76.9 ± 8.5 and IKDC was 65.5 ± 13.8. CONCLUSION: At 23-30 years following sulcus-deepening trochleoplasty in this small series of 10 patients (11 knees), patients had satisfactory clinical scores, only 1 patient reported an episode of traumatic patellar dislocation, and two knees had patellofemoral arthritis of Iwano Grade >2 (22%). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Molecular Origins of Long-Term Changes in a Competitive Continuous Biosensor with Single-Molecule Resolution.

Biosensing by particle motion is a biosensing technology that relies on single-molecule interactions and enables the continuous monitoring of analytes from picomolar to micromolar concentration levels. However, during sensor operation, the signals are observed to change gradually. Here, we present a comprehensive methodology to elucidate the molecular origins of long-term changes in a particle motion sensor, focusing on a competitive sensor design under conditions without flow. Experiments were performed wherein only the particles or only the surfaces were aged in order to clarify how each individual component changes over time. Furthermore, distributions of particle motion patterns and switching activity were studied to reveal how particle populations change over timespans of several days. For a cortisol sensor with anticortisol antibodies on the particles and cortisol analogues on the sensing surface, the leading hypotheses for the long-term changes are (i) that the particles lose antibodies and develop nonspecific interactions and (ii) that analogue molecules dissociate from the sensing surface. The developed methodologies and the acquired insights pave a way for realizing sensors that can operate over long timespans.

Five-year follow-up of the OptiTrain trial on concurrent resistance and high-intensity interval training during chemotherapy for patients with breast cancer.

The protocol predefined aim of this study is to assess sustained effects of the OptiTrain trial on several health outcomes, 5 years after the baseline assessment. The OptiTrain study was a prospective, randomised controlled trial with 240 patients with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy that compared the effects of 16 weeks of two exercise programs, RT-HIIT and AT-HIIT, with usual care (UC). After a 5-year follow-up, eligible participants were evaluated for the primary outcome of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and secondary outcomes including quality of life, symptoms, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Statistical analysis was conducted using linear mixed models adjusted for baseline values. Tumour profile and menopausal status were additionally adjusted for CRF. Mean differences (MD), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standardized effect sizes (ES) were reported. At the 5-year follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in total CRF between the intervention groups and the UC group. RT-HIIT reported significantly reduced pain sensitivity at the gluteus MD = 79.00 (95% CI 10.17, 147.83, ES = 0.55) compared to UC. Clinically meaningful differences for an increase in cognitive CRF and cardiorespiratory fitness were observed for the AT-HIIT versus UC group, and for lower limb strength for the RT-HIIT versus UC group, albeit without statistical significance. Engaging in targeted exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer provides short-term benefits in reducing fatigue and maintaining physical function. However, our 5-year follow-up indicates that these effects are limited in the long term. This underscores the need to support breast cancer survivors maintain their PA levels throughout their survivorship journey.

The use of technology by seniors with neurocognitive disorders in long-term care: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: To map the current state of knowledge about the use of technology with seniors with neurocognitive disorders in long-term care to foster interactions, wellness, and stimulation. METHODS: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Plus); MEDLINE; PsycINFO; Embase and Web of Science were searched in eligible literature, with no limit of time, to describe the current use of technology by seniors with neurocognitive disorders in long-term care. All types of literature were considered except for theses, editorial, social media. This scoping review was built around the recommendations of Peters et al. (2020 version). Three researchers collaborated on the selection of articles and independently reviewed the papers, based on the eligibility criteria and review questions. RESULTS: The search yielded 3,605 studies, of which 39 were included. Most technology type reported was robotics. Included studies reports different positive effects on the use of such technology such as increase of engagement and positive. CONCLUSION: The study highlights different types and potential benefits of technology for long-term care residents with neurocognitive disorders, emphasizing the crucial need for additional research to refine interventions and their use.

Surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation in elderly patients undergoing high risk cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating outcomes of concurrent Cox-Maze procedures in elderly patients undergoing high-risk cardiac surgery. MEHODS: We retrospectively identified patients aged over 70 years with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) from 2011 to 2017 who had two or more other cardiac procedures. They were subdivided into two groups: 1. Cox-Maze IV AF ablation. 2. No-Surgical AF treatment. A propensity match score was used to generate a homogeneous cohort and to eliminate confounding variables. Heart rhythm was assessed from Holter reports or 12-lead ECG. Follow-up data was collected through telephone consultations and medical records. RESULTS: There were 239 patients. Median follow up was 61 months. 70 patients had Cox-Maze IV procedures (29.3%). Demographic, intra- and post-operative outcomes were similar between groups although duration of pre-operative AF was shorter in Cox-Maze group (p = 0.001). There was no significant 30-day mortality difference in propensity matched cohorts (n = 84. P = 0.078). Sinus rhythm at annual and latest follow-up was 84.9% and 80.0% respectively in Maze group - 160 patients (66.9%) were alive at long-term follow-up with good survival outcomes in Cox Maze group. There was a high proportion of patients in NYHA 1 status in Cox-Maze group. No differences observed in freedom from stroke (p = 0.80) or permanent pacemaker (p = 0.33) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical ablation is beneficial in elderly patients undergoing high-risk surgery - promoting excellent long-term freedom from AF and symptomatic / prognostic benefits, without added risk. Therefore, surgical risk should not be reason to deny benefits of concomitant AF-ablation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not required.

Effects of post-learning nap in the recognition memory for faces in habitual nappers.

This study investigated the effects of diurnal nap in the recognition memory for faces in habitual nappers. Thirty volunteers with habitual midday napping (assigned as the sleep group) and 28 non-nappers (assigned as the wake group) participated in this study. Participants were instructed to memorize faces, and subsequently to perform two recognition tasks before and after nap/wakefulness, i.e., an immediate recognition and a delayed recognition. There were three experimental conditions: same faces with the same view angle (S-S condition); same faces with a different view angle (22.5°) (S-D condition); and novel faces (NF condition). A mixed repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the sleep group exhibited significantly longer reaction times (RT) following their nap compared to those of the wake group; no significant between-group differences were observed in accuracy or sensitivity (d'). Furthermore, both groups were more conservative in the delayed recognition task compared to the immediate recognition task, but the sleep group was more conservative after their nap (vs pre-nap), reflected by the criterion (ß, Ohit/Ofalse alarm). Further stepwise regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between duration of stage N3 sleep and normalized RT difference before/after nap on the S-S condition. These findings suggest that an immediate nap following face learning is associated with memory reorganization during N3 sleep in habitual nappers, rendering the memories not readily accessible.

Practicality of multilayer round window reinforcement in the surgical management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome: a case report of long-term follow-up.

Several surgical techniques have been documented for approaching and repairing superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS). These techniques encompass the trans-middle cranial fossa, transmastoid, endoscopic approaches, and round window reinforcement (RWR). RWR entails the placement of connective tissue with or without cartilage and around the round window niche, restricting the round window's movement to minimize the 3rd window effect and restore the bony labyrinth closer to its normal state. We employed the multilayer RWR technique, resulting in significant postoperative improvement and long-lasting effects for 3.7 years in 2 cases. Here, we present the clinical findings, surgical procedures, and the effectiveness of multilayer RWR. This technique can be the initial choice for surgical treatments of SCDS due to its high effectiveness, longer-lasting effect, and minimal risk of surgical complications.

Outcomes of Robotic Transabdominal Retromuscular Repair: 3-Year Follow-up.

Background: Our study addresses the gap in ventral hernia repair literature, regarding the long-term effectiveness of robotic transabdominal retrorectus umbilical prosthetic repair (r-TARUP) for primary and incisional ventral hernias. This study aimed to report the 3-year recurrence rates and overall patient outcomes including quality of life. Method: A retrospective review of prospective collected data analyzed 101 elective r-TARUP patients from August 2018 to January 2022. Data collected included demographics, hernia sizes, mesh types, postoperative outcomes and the European Hernia Society Quality of Life questionnaire (EuraHS-QoL) before and after surgery. Results: The average age of the group of patients was 53, having a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32 kg/m, with 54% incisional and 46% primary hernias, with mean length and width of 4.4 cm and 6.1 cm, utilizing synthetic 58% and bioabsorbable 42% mesh types. The majority were classified as Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) class I wounds. Postoperative complications included seroma (2%), hematoma (3%), which required surgical intervention, with no significant correlation to mesh type. A strong positive correlation was found between Transversus Abdominis Release (TAR) and increased length of hospital stay (correlation coefficient: 0.731, p < 0.001). Preoperative quality of life assessments demonstrated statistically significant improvements when compared to postoperative assessments at 3 years, with a mean (±SD) of 61.61 ± 5.29 vs. 13.84 ± 2.6 (p < 0.001). Mean follow up of 34.4 months with no hernia recurrence at 1 year and 3 recurrence at the 2-3 years follow up (3.2%). Conclusion: The r-TARUP technique has proven to be safe and effective for repairing primary and incisional ventral hernias, with a low recurrence rate during this follow up period with a noticeable improvement in quality of life (QoL).

Mechanisms of visual working memory processing task-irrelevant information retrieved from visual long-term memory.

Visual working memory (VWM) can selectively filter task-irrelevant information from incoming visual stimuli. However, whether a similar filtering process applies to task-irrelevant information retrieved from visual long-term memory (VLTM) remains elusive. We assume a "resource-limited retrieval mechanism" in VWM in charge of the retrieval of irrelevant VLTM information. To make a comprehensive understanding of this mechanism, we conducted three experiments using both a VLTM learning task and a VWM task combined with pupillometry. The presence of a significant pupil light response (PLR) served as empirical evidence that VLTM information can indeed make its way into VWM. Notably, task-relevant VLTM information induced a sustained PLR, contrasting with the transient PLR observed for task-irrelevant VLTM information. Importantly, the transience of the PLR occurred under conditions of low VWM load, but this effect was absent under conditions of high load. Collectively, these results show that task-irrelevant VLTM information can enter VWM and then fade away only under conditions of low VWM load. This dynamic underscores the resource-limited retrieval mechanism within VWM, exerting control over the entry of VLTM information.

Predictors of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With a Cryptogenic Stroke: Selecting Patients for Long-Term Rhythm Monitoring.

BACKGROUND: After a cryptogenic stroke, patients will often require prolonged cardiac monitoring; however, the subset of patients who would benefit from long-term rhythm monitoring is not clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: Using significant predictors of AF using age, sex, comorbidities, baseline 12-lead electrocardiogram, short term rhythm monitoring and echocardiogram data, we created a risk score and compared it to previously published risk scores. METHODS: Patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center between May 2017 and June 2022 with a primary diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke or TIA who underwent long-term rhythm monitoring with an implantable cardiac monitor were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Variables positively associated with a diagnosis of clinically significant atrial fibrillation include age (p < 0.001), race (p = 0.022), diabetes status (p = 0.026), and COPD status (p = 0.012), the presence of atrial runs (p = 0.003), the number of atrial runs per 24 hours (p < 0.001), the total number of atrial run beats per 24 hours (p < 0.001) and the number of beats in the longest atrial run (p < 0.001), LA enlargement (p = 0.007) and at least mild mitral regurgitation (p = 0.009). We created a risk stratification score for our population, termed the "ACL score." The ACL score demonstrated superiority to the CHA2DS2-VASc score and comparability to the C2HEST score for predicting device-detected AF. CONCLUSION: The ACL score enables clinicians to better predict which patients are more likely to be diagnosed with device-detected AF after a cryptogenic stroke.

Active maintenance in working memory reinforces bindings for future retrieval from episodic long-term memory.

Many theories assume that actively maintaining information in working memory (WM) predicts its retention in episodic long-term memory (LTM), as revealed by the beneficial effects of more WM time. In four experiments, we examined whether affording more time for intentional WM maintenance does indeed drive LTM. Sequences of four words were presented during trials of simple span (short time), slow span (long time), and complex span (long time with distraction; Experiments 1-2). Long time intervals entailed a pause of equivalent duration between the words that presented a blank screen (slow span) or an arithmetic problem to read aloud and solve (complex span). In Experiments 1-3, participants either serially recalled the words (intentional encoding) or completed a no-recall task (incidental encoding). In Experiment 4, all participants were instructed to intentionally encode the words, with the trials randomly ending in the serial-recall or no-recall task. To ensure similar processing of the words between encoding groups, participants silently decided whether each word was a living or nonliving thing via key press (i.e., an animacy judgment; Experiments 1 and 3-4) or read the words aloud and then pressed the space bar (Experiment 2). A surprise delayed memory test at the end of the experiment assessed LTM. Applying Bayesian cognitive models to disambiguate binding and item memory revealed consistent benefits of free time to binding memory that were specific to intentional encoding in WM. This suggests that time spent intentionally keeping information in WM is special for LTM because WM is a system that maintains bindings.

Educational results of the Japan Maternal Emergency Life-Saving (J-MELS) simulation training organized by Japan Council for the Implementation of the Maternal Emergency Life-Saving System (J-CIMELS): a 12-month longitudinal follow-up study in Japan.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term results of Japan Maternal Emergency Life-Saving (J-MELS) simulation training on obstetric healthcare providers, over a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS: A total of 273 trainees from 17 J-MELS Basic courses conducted between August 2021 and October 2023 were included. The trainees' responses to the pre- and post-tests, questionnaires, and self-reports on the usefulness of the J-MELS scenarios in actual clinical settings at 1, 6, and 12 months after the training were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also conducted to identify the factors influencing knowledge retention. RESULTS: We found an overall improvement in clinical knowledge acquisition after J-MELS training and a significant retention of this improvement at least until 12 months later. However, these scores gradually declined over. Trainees reported increased usefulness of J-MELS scenarios in actual clinical practice at 1, 6, and 12 months after training, particularly in managing obstetric emergencies such as atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Knowledge retention was influenced by several specific factors, such as years of clinical experience, affiliated institutions, qualifications, and especially pre-test scores. CONCLUSION: Our longitudinal follow-up study demonstrated, for the first time, the long-term results of J-MELS simulation training using post-tests and self-report data. Our findings provide valuable insight into the impact of J-MELS simulation training on maternal emergency care. By elucidating the factors influencing knowledge retention and practical utility, the findings offer actionable recommendations for optimizing training strategies and improving maternal outcomes in actual clinical practice.

Care-resistant Behavior Trajectories during Mouth Care among Nursing Home Residents with Dementia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study examined day-to-day variation in care-resistant behaviors (CRBs) exhibited by persons living with dementia during mouth health care and the potential influence of time-of-day on CRB trajectories. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A secondary analysis was conducted on a sample of 75 nursing home-dwelling persons living with dementia who exhibited CRBs during mouth care activities. Over 21 days, CRBs were measured using the revised Resistiveness to Care Scale (RTC-r) during morning and afternoon mouth care sessions. Group-based Trajectory Modeling was used to identify trajectory patterns and assess differences between morning and afternoon CRB patterns. RESULTS: Three trajectory patterns were identified: morning CRB trajectory patterns showed 50.6% of persons living with dementia had consistently low RTC-r scores, 37.5% of persons living with dementia exhibited fluctuating, moderate RTC-r scores, and 11.9% exhibited RTC-r scores that started high and then decreased over time. Similarly, CRB trajectory patterns during afternoon mouth care showed a consistently low RTC-r score for 54.5% and a fluctuating moderate RTC-r score for 38.6% of persons living with dementia. However, the third CRB trajectory group followed a high-increasing trajectory, with RTC-r scores starting high and continuing to increase for 6.9% of persons living with dementia. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: CRBs are dynamic and vary within days and over time; however, the time of the day is often not considered in interventions to manage CRBs. Thus, it is important to consider the timing of providing mouth care for persons living with dementia. Based on the characteristics of the trajectories, we suggest that morning mouth activities may be more efficient.

Assessing focal spot alignment in clinical linear accelerators: a comprehensive evaluation with triplet phantoms.

A fundamental parameter to evaluate the beam delivery precision and stability on a clinical linear accelerator (linac) is the focal spot position (FSP) measured relative to the collimator axis of the radiation head. The aims of this work were to evaluate comprehensive data on FSP acquired on linacs in clinical use and to establish the ability of alternative phantoms to detect effects on patient plan delivery related to FSP. FSP measurements were conducted using a rigid phantom holding two ball-bearings at two different distances from the radiation source. Images of these ball-bearings were acquired using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) integrated with each linac. Machine QA was assessed using a radiation head-mounted PTW STARCHECK phantom. Patient plan QA was investigated using the SNC ArcCHECK phantom positioned on the treatment couch, irradiated with VMAT plans across a complete 360° gantry rotation and three X-ray energies. This study covered eight Elekta linacs, including those with 6 MV, 18 MV, and 6 MV flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams. The largest range in the FSP was found for 6 MV FFF. The FSP of one linac, retrofitted with 6 MV FFF, displayed substantial differences in FSP compared to 6 MV FFF beams on other linacs, which all had FSP ranges less than 0.50 mm and 0.25 mm in the lateral and longitudinal directions, respectively. The PTW STARCHECK phantom proved effective in characterising the FSP, while the SNC ArcCHECK measurements could not discern FSP-related features. Minor variations in FSP may be attributed to adjustments in linac parameters, component replacements necessary for beam delivery, and the wear and tear of various linac components, including the magnetron and gun filament. Consideration should be given to the ability of any particular phantom to detect a subsequent impact on the accuracy of patient plan delivery.

How Feminist Heterosexual Men Navigate Their Sexual Desire While Following Feminist Principles.

Feminist considerations have influenced how women and men view sex, affecting not only women's perspectives but also men's feelings about sexual desire with regard to gender equity. This might be especially the case among men who self-identify as feminist. However, how men should manage their sexual desire or communicate about it within relationships with women is not always clear in this evolving social climate. Thus, the current study aimed to explore the successes and/or struggles feminist heterosexual men experience while navigating their desires alongside feminist considerations. To explore this, we recruited feminist-identified heterosexual men in long-term relationships. We asked participants (N = 30) a series of questions regarding their sexual desire, considering the context of their long-term relationships and evolving gender norms, during a one-on-one interview via Zoom. Using thematic analysis, we identified 11 themes from the interview data. We found that, though the feminist men in this study were all aware of negative societal perceptions of heterosexual men's sexual desire, most men in this study did not feel conflicts between their feminist principles and their own sexual desires. This is because they reported already following feminist principles; those who felt ambivalent navigated this by communicating with their partners. Findings demonstrate the usefulness and positive impact men report feminism having on them, their sexuality, and their long-term relationships, by allowing them to better engage with their sexuality and partners.

Reduced benefit from long-term item frequency contributes to short-term memory deficits in dyslexia.

Dyslexia, a specific difficulty in acquiring proficient reading, is also characterized by reduced short-term memory (STM) capacity. Extensive research indicates that individuals with developmental dyslexia (IDDs) benefit less from exposure, and this hampers their long-term knowledge accumulation. It is well established that long-term knowledge has a great effect on performance in STM tasks, and thus IDDs' reduced benefit of exposure could potentially reduce their relative performance in such tasks, especially when frequent items, such as digit-words, are used. In this study we used a standard, widely used, STM assessment: the Digit Span subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. The task was conducted twice: in native language and in second language. As exposure to native language is greater than exposure to second language, we predicted that IDDs' performance in the task administered in native language will reveal a larger group difference as compared to second language, due to IDDs' reduced benefit of item frequency. The prediction was confirmed, in line with the hypothesis that reduced STM in dyslexia to a large extent reflects reduced benefits from long-term item frequency and not a reduced STM per se.

Supportive periodontal care with or without subgingival instrumentation: Microbiological results of a 2-year randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the subgingival microbiota of patients receiving supportive periodontal care (SPC) with and without subgingival instrumentation, over 2 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial that included 62 participants (50.97 ± 9.26 years old; 40 females) who completed non-surgical periodontal therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral prophylaxis with oral hygiene instructions alone (test) or in combination with subgingival instrumentation (control) during SPC. Pooled subgingival biofilm samples were obtained from four sites per patient at SPC baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for absolute quantification of Eubacteria and the target bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations, taking into consideration the clustering of observations within individuals. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the experimental groups regarding the mean counts of Eubacteria and target bacteria, as well as the periodontal parameters at the sampled sites. Although significant variability in bacterial counts was present during SPC, all counts after 2 years were not statistically different from those at baseline. Bacterial counts were associated with the presence of plaque, bleeding on probing, mean probing depth ≥3 mm, and follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: SPC with or without subgingival instrumentation can result in comparable subgingival microbiological outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01598155 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01598155?intr=supragingival%20control&rank=4#study-record-dates).