Owner-Perception of the Effects of Two Long-Lasting Dog-Appeasing Pheromone Analog Devices on Situational Stress in Dogs

Devices that release a synthetic analog of the canine-appeasing pheromone can help to relax dogs during stressful situations, but they usually last for only one month. Two new devices with this analog were tested by owners of dogs showing signs of stress in a range of everyday situations: Zenidog™ collar, lasting three months, and Zenidog™ diffusing gel, lasting two months (Virbac, Carros, France). They were compared against reference products that last for one month. In the three-month study with collars, one group received Zenidog™ collar, one received the reference collar, and one group of dogs wore an antiparasitic collar alongside a Zenidog™ collar. In the two-month study with diffusers, groups received either the unpowered Zenidog™ gel diffuser or the reference electric diffuser. Owners regularly completed a questionnaire that assessed seventeen general behaviors and sources of fear and eleven specific signs of stress. Global scores for these two main scales were calculated, and the evolution of scores was compared between groups. Non-parametric tests with a Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis. An improvement of all global scores was observed in all groups (p < 0.001), including in puppies, and there was no difference between groups. Zenidog™ devices were as effective as the reference devices and lasted longer.

Universal Dental Adhesives: Cost-Effectiveness and Duration of Use

The purpose of this study was to conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of different brands of universal dental adhesives used for composite restorations. Four adhesive brands were included: Single-Bond Universal (SB), Tetric N-Bond Universal VivaPen (TN), OptiBond All-In-One (OB), and G-Premio Bond (GP). Adhesives were applied 5 times daily in a standardized class II cavity onto a plastic tooth. A precision-analysis scale was used to measure all of the following parameters before and after use: adhesive bottle, applicator, dosing plate, and plastic tooth. CEA was done by measuring the amount of material utilized/day, waste/day, efficacy, efficiency, average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s tests with Bonferroni correction at 0.05 significance level. CEA tested parameters were significantly different between groups (p < 0.001) except for ICER (p = 0.112). GP was the least effective (median = 0.062), and SB was the least efficient (median = 0.366). The highest and lowest ACER values were associated with TN (median cost ≈ USD 317) and SB (median cost ≈ USD 317), respectively. ICER analysis reported an incremental cost for extra material utilized per milliliter of ≈USD 208 for TN, USD 3.8 for GP, and USD −38 for OB, compared to SB. TN seems to be the most efficient and cost-effective dental adhesive.

An investigation comparing primary and secondary substance cravings between mental health and substance use disorder program inpatients

Background: Mental illness symptoms can trigger substance use cravings, which are strongly associated with relapse. Aim: Our study examines differences in substances craved among adults entering inpatient mental health (MH) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs in 2018. Method: Our sample includes 2,486 adults; 1,686 adults admitted to MH programs and 800 adults admitted to SUD programs. We conducted chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests to determine group differences, with a Bonferroni correction to adjust the alpha for multiple tests. Results: We found that patients programmed to SUD services more often reported alcohol (39.99 vs. 49.63%; x2 (1, N = 2,488) =20.56, p<0.001) and opioid (8. 00% vs. 35.88%; x2 (1, N = 2,488) =299.48, p < 0.001) cravings. Patients programmed to MH primary more often reported cannabis (16. 35% vs. 1.00%; x2 (1, N=2,488) =299.48, p<0.001), stimulants (10.25% vs. 6.13%; x2(1, N =2,488) = 11.36, p < 0.001), and “other substances” cravings (21.45% vs. 3.25; x2 (2, N = 2,488) =136.52, p <0.001). Both groups mostly did not report secondary cravings. Conclusions: Because cravings can negatively impact treatment success of patients with co-occurring disorders, cravings should be assessed upon admission to mental health or SUD inpatient treatment.

Development And Identification of 131 SNP Markers In Sthenoteuthis Pteropus (Steenstrup)

The orangeback flying squid, Sthenoteuthis pteropus, is a species of significant potential value that is widely distributed in the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic Ocean. There have been no reports of the population genetics and effective molecular markers for this species due to a lack of reliable information regarding its genetic structure and its many individual differences, as well as its complex and changeable life history. Therefore, the development of auxiliary molecular markers would contribute to the development, sustainable utilization, and protection of the species. In this study, 131 novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were developed by double digest restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (dd-RAD). The observed heterozygosity (Ho) and expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.00 to 0.80 and 0.18 to 0.50, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.18 to 0.50. None of the marker locations significantly deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p >0.05) after a Bonferroni correction. These polymorphic SNPs will be important in the further analysis of the population heredity of S. pteropus and its scientific management.

In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of different protocols on calcium hydroxide dressing removal

Objective: To compare in vitro irrigation systems’ efficacy in removing calcium hydroxide paste (Ca(OH)2) in single-root teeth. Methods: Sixty permanent teeth were prepared using ProTaper® rotatory instruments, up to F3. Specimens were split longitudinally into two halves, and two grooves located in the apical and coronal zones were created. Ca(OH)2 application into the grooves was assessed by radiographic and photographic methods. After the halves were reassembled in a silicone mold, teeth were randomly divided into experimental groups (n=15), testing Ca(OH)2 removal: 1 – CanalBrush™; 2 – E1 – Irrisonic tip; 3 – manual dynamic irrigation (MDI); 4 – XP-endo Finisher® (XP). A total volume of 10 mL of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite was used in each tooth. Finally, all groups were scored regarding the Ca(OH)2 remnants using the same methods as before. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U tests (with Bonferroni correction). A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: None of the techniques demonstrated 100% efficacy in both regions. CanalBrush™ was more effective in the apical region. Overall, E1 – Irrisonic tip and CanalBrush™ removed significantly more Ca(OH)2 than MDI and XP-endo Finisher® (p<0.05). Conclusion: Globally, E1 – Irrisonic tip and CanalBrush™ were more effective, although without statistically significant differences between them.

Pelatihan Self-Regulated Learning Singkat: Apa Mungkin Efektif?

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektifitas pelatihan self-regulated learning yang dilaksanakan dengan durasi yang singkat (90 menit). Penelitian quasi eksperimen ini menggunakan one-group pretest-posttest design dengan keterlibatan 9 siswa kelas VII SMP sebagai partisipan. Self-regulated learning siswa diukur pada tahap baseline (pretest), setelah intervensi (posttest), dan 3 bulan setelah intervensi (follow-up). Analisis data dengan ANOVA repeated measures satu arah menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara tiga waktu pengukuran SRL, F (2, 16) = 8.23, p = 0.003, ω² = 0.21. Skor SRL setelah pelatihan diberikan (M = 3.93, SD = 0.31) lebih tinggi dibandingkan sebelum pelatihan diberikan (M = 3.46, SD = 0.42). Pelatihan SRL yang singkat dapat meningkatkan self-regulated learning siswa dengan beberapa catatan yang perlu didiskusikan lebih lanjut. This study examined the effectiveness of self-regulated learning training which is carried out in short duration (90 minutes). This quasi-experimental study used one-group pretest-posttest design that inlvolve seventh grade middle school students as participants. Students’ self-regulated learning was measured at the baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test), and 3 months after the intervention (follow-up). Data analysis with one-way repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences between three SRL time measurement, F (2, 16) = 8.23, p = 0.003, ω² = 0.21. SRL score at post-test (M = 3.93, SD = 0.31) higher than at pre-test (M = 3.46, SD = 0.42). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction indicated that SRL increased following the intervention (posttest) with large effect size (d = -1.408, p = 0.009). SRL declined 3 months after posttest (d = 0.752, p = 0.162), yet insignificant. This brief SRL training can increase self-regulated learning with some points need to be discussed further.

Promoter Hypomethylation of miR-124 Gene Is Associated With Major Depressive Disorder

Based on our previous studies and other evidence, miR-124 is an important biomarker and therapeutic target for major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to clarify the role of miR-124 methylation in MDD and antidepressant effects from the perspective of epigenetics. MethylTarget™ was used to detect methylation levels of the three miR-124 precursor genes (MIR124-1, MIR124-2, and MIR124-3) in 33 pre- and post-treatment MDD patients and 33 healthy controls. A total of 11 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) islands in the three miR-124 precursor genes, including 222 CpG sites, were detected. All CpG islands were hypomethylated in MDD patients when compared to healthy controls and seven CpG regions were still identified with a statistically significant difference after Bonferroni correction. In addition, 137 of 222 CpG sites were found a statistical difference between MDD patients and controls, and 40 CpG sites were still statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. After performing the LASSO regression model, seven biomarkers with differential methylation among 40 CpG sites were identified. Mean methylation score was lower in MDD patients (z = −5.84, p = 5.16E-9). The AUC value reached 0.917 (95% CI: 0.854–0.981) to discriminate MDD and controls. No changes in methylation of the three miR-124 precursor genes were found in MDD patients following antidepressant treatment. The methylation of miR-124 could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for MDD.

Examination of the structural effectiveness of the jigsaw method on students

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of different methods by comparing the academic achievement levels of jigsaw groups in the subjects they are experts in and in those they are not experts in. The sample of the study, which was carried out with a pretest posttest experimental design without a control group, consisted of 24 middle school students, 15 boys and 9 girls. A 20-question “science, technology and society achievement test” was used as the data collection tool. The test included 5 questions about each of the 4 topics of expertise assigned to the groups. The achievement that had a reliability coefficient of 0.85 was applied in the jigsaw groups as the pretest and the posttest. Since the data did not show a normal distribution, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for the analyses. In the analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction was used to determine which groups had significant differences. The results showed that using the jigsaw II method increased the academic achievement of the students in all dimensions of the test. However, a significant difference was found between the success levels of the jigsaw groups in the dimensions of the test. This result showed that students are more successful in their assigned subjects than other subjects.

Associations of TFEB Gene Polymorphisms With Cognitive Function in Rural Chinese Population

Background: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between transcription factor EB (TFEB) gene polymorphisms, including their haplotypes, and the cognitive functions of a selected population in Gongcheng County, Guangxi.Methods: A case-control study approach was used. The case group comprised 339 individuals with cognitive impairment, as assessed by their Mini-Mental State Examination scores; the control population also comprised 339 individuals who were matched by sex and age (± 5 years) in a 1:1 ratio. TFEB gene polymorphisms were genotyped in 678 participants (190 men and 488 women, aged 30–91 years) by using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform.Results: Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that in the dominant model, the risk of developing cognitive impairment was 1.547 times higher in cases with the TFEB rs14063A allele (AG + AA) than in those with the GG genotype (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.547, Bonferroni correction confidence interval = 1.021–2.345). Meanwhile, the presence of the TFEB rs1062966T allele (CT + TT) was associated with a lower risk of cognitive impairment in comparison with the presence of the CC genotype (adjusted OR = 0.636, Bonferroni correction confidence interval = 0.405–0.998). In the co-dominant model, the risk of developing cognitive impairment was 1.553 times higher in carriers of the TFEB rs14063AG genotype than in carriers of the GG genotype (adjusted OR = 1.553, Bonferroni correction confidence interval = 1.007–2.397). After the Bonferroni correction and adjustment for confounding factors, the association of TFEB rs1062966 with cognitive function persisted in the analyses stratified by education level. Ethnically stratified analysis showed a significant association between TFEB rs1062966 and cognitive function in the Yao population. The multilocus linkage disequilibrium analysis indicated that the identified single nucleotide polymorphisms were not inherited independently. The haplotype analysis suggested that the rs14063A–rs1062966C–rs2278068C–rs1015149T haplotype of the TFEB gene increased the risk of cognitive impairment (P &lt; 0.05) and that the rs14063G–rs1062966T–rs2278068C–rs1015149C haplotype was associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion:TFEB rs1062966 polymorphisms and their rs14063A–rs1062966C–rs2278068C–rs1015149T and rs14063G–rs1062966T–rs2278068C–rs1015149C haplotypes are genetic factors that may affect cognitive function among the rural Chinese population.

Urolithiasis complicated by chronic obstructive pyelonephritis in patients with concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular system

Purpose of the study. To study the features of chronic obstructive pyelonephritis in patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis and concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular system.Materials and methods. The study included a total of 618 patients suffering from recurrent nephrolithiasis complicated by ChOP. The 3 groups were formed: the first (I) of them included 42 patients with ChOP and uncomplicated coronary heart disease (CHD); the second (II)- 38 patients with CHD complicated by chronic heart failure (CHF); III (control) group consisted of 24 respondents with recurrent urolithiasis.Results. The sample was dominated by men (78 %). In total, there were 474 (76.7 %) patients with intact cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) suffered from 144 (23.3 %) patients, 38 (26.4 %) of whom had CHF of varying severity. Exacerbations of ChOP in patients of group I developed 1.5 times more often (once in 2.8-3 years) than in patients from the control group (on average after 18 months versus 28), and in group II almost annually (1 time in 13 months). In the entire cohort (n = 618), pyelonephritis was transformed into purulent-destructive in 19 (3.1 %) cases; with concomitant CVD, this complication developed in 7 (4.9 % of 144) cases, the remaining 12 (2.5 % of 474) respondents did not suffer from CVD. In group II, the purulent-destructive form occurred in 4 (10.5 %) patients; their share in the general group of patients with CVD was 2.8 % (the differences were significant - p < 0.05). Of the 19 patients with purulent-destructive pyelonephritis on the background of nephrolithiasis, more than a third (7 people - 36.8 %) had concomitant CHD, and of the 7 patients with this terrible complication that developed on the background of concomitant CHD, more than half (4 people - 57.1 %) had CHF of varying severity. The chemical composition of the urine samples was determined using a NICOLET iS10 spectral analyzer (Thermo scientific, USA). The stages of CHF were determined in accordance with the Strazhesco-Vasilenko classification [N. D. Strazhesco, V. H. Vasilenko, 1935]. Statistical data processing was carried out using the SPSS program 19. Absolute and relative indicators were calculated, as well as the exact Fisher criterion, taking into account the Bonferroni correction; the differences were considered reliable at p < 0.05.Conclusion. in patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis and concomitant CVD (especially with complicated CHF), exacerbations of obstructive pyelonephritis develop more often, the inflammatory process often turns into a purulent-destructive form.