Personal Items Research Articles

What is associated with painful polyneuropathy? A cross-sectional analysis of symptoms and signs in patients with painful and painless polyneuropathy.

It is still unclear how and why some patients develop painful and others painless polyneuropathy. The aim of this study was to identify multiple factors associated with painful polyneuropathies (NeuP). A total of 1181 patients of the multicenter DOLORISK database with painful (probable or definite NeuP) or painless (unlikely NeuP) probable or confirmed neuropathy were investigated clinically, with questionnaires and quantitative sensory testing. Multivariate logistic regression including all variables (demographics, medical history, psychological symptoms, personality items, pain-related worrying, life-style factors, as well as results from clinical examination and quantitative sensory testing) and machine learning was used for the identification of predictors and final risk prediction of painful neuropathy. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that severity and idiopathic etiology of neuropathy, presence of chronic pain in family, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Fatigue and Depression T-Score, as well as Pain Catastrophizing Scale total score are the most important features associated with the presence of pain in neuropathy. Machine learning (random forest) identified the same variables. Multivariate logistic regression archived an accuracy above 78%, random forest of 76%; thus, almost 4 out of 5 subjects can be classified correctly. This multicenter analysis shows that pain-related worrying, emotional well-being, and clinical phenotype are factors associated with painful (vs painless) neuropathy. Results may help in the future to identify patients at risk of developing painful neuropathy and identify consequences of pain in longitudinal studies.

Assessing mental health literacy in Jordan: a factor analysis and Rasch analysis study.

Mental health literacy (MHL) research in Jordan is sparse and validated MHL measures are lacking. The present study validated a Jordanian version of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and examined Jordanian individuals' MHL. A Google Forms survey was designed, and the link was shared through various Jordanian social media platforms. Factor analysis and Rasch analysis were performed to validate the Jordanian version of the MHLS. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess variables associated with MHL. The Jordanian MHLS was administered to 974 participants (74.4% females; median age 27 years). The mean MHL score of the participants was 71.1% indicating average literacy levels. The factor analysis indicated that 27 items distributed across four factors had the best model fit. The Rasch analysis confirmed item separation reliability and person reliability. The regression showed a correlation between educational attainment, income, marital status and MHL level. These findings emphasize the role of educational attainment in MHL, pointing to the necessity of integrating mental health education into formal curricula to enhance MHL across all societal levels. Stigma and limited-service availability act as barriers to mental health service and access, which compound the challenge of improving MHL. Targeted educational interventions and policy reforms may help improve MHL, thereby contributing to improving mental health outcomes in Jordan and potentially other similar settings.

Exploring the Creative Personality: Using Machine Learning to Predict Fluency and Originality in Divergent Thinking

ABSTRACT In this study, 100 self-reported personality items from the Big Five Aspects Scale, responded to by a sample of 334 undergraduate participants, were used to predict quantity (ideational fluency) and quality (originality) of ideas on a divergent thinking (DT) task. The originality of DT responses was scored through a fine-tuned version of the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) 3.5 (i.e., Ocsai), and a least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) machine learning model selected the items that were meaningful predictors of each outcome. Results revealed that the personality profiles of highly fluent and highly original individuals were characterized by a tension between seemingly opposed personality attributes. Both ideational fluency and originality were predicted by a playfully open intellectualism that nonetheless avoided more typical work (i.e. was disorderly and unindustrious). Fluency was additionally predicted by a tension between enthusiasm for social interaction and depressive symptoms associated with withdrawal. Originality was predicted by a socially dominant assertiveness that was tempered by awareness and care for others’ feelings (e.g. compassion and politeness) as well as stability (i.e. non-volatility). Taken together, these results demonstrate that the creative personality is likely to be composed of aspects of multiple dimensions of typical personality models like the Big 5, and that the highly fluent and the highly original creative personality is different in important ways.

SOSIALISASI MENJAGA KEBERSIHAN DIRI (PERSONAL HYGIENE) PADA PANTI ASUHAN ANAK LIORA TERANG

For kids, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial because they often get sick due to not paying attention to it. Personal hygiene is the practice of preserving the health and sanitation of children for their physical and mental well-being. Personal hygiene knowledge must be acquired at an early age. The aim is that the child's knowledge about personal hygiene will become more mature, so that the child will get used to practicing personal hygiene. Apart from that, to increase knowledge about maintaining cleanliness in everyday life. In the process of internalizing personal hygiene behavior, there are several behaviors such as washing hands, bathing, shampooing (washing hair), brushing teeth, cutting nails, and cleaning ears. Presentations were utilized to conduct this activity, group discussions with orphanage children, and continued by providing education about the value of good personal hygiene and methods for practicing it in everyday life. This activity took place with a total of 21 participants. The personal hygiene material presented, includes: the benefits of maintaining personal hygiene, how to practice proper personal hygiene, including hand cleansing, tooth flossing, bathing, shampooing, cutting nails, changing clothes and not sharing personal items with other people. Apart from that, environmental hygiene material was also presented including: keeping the house clean, such as cleaning the floor of the house, not piling up dirty clothes and always changing bed linen regularly.

SOSIALISASI MENJAGA KEBERSIHAN DIRI (PERSONAL HYGIENE) PADA PANTI ASUHAN ANAK LIORA TERANG Socialization Of Maintaining Personal Hygiene For Panti Asuhan Anak Liora Terang

For kids, maintaining personal hygiene is crucial because they often get sick due to not paying attention to it. Personal hygiene is the practice of preserving the health and sanitation of children for their physical and mental well-being. Personal hygiene knowledge must be acquired at an early age. The aim is that the child's knowledge about personal hygiene will become more mature, so that the child will get used to practicing personal hygiene. Apart from that, to increase knowledge about maintaining cleanliness in everyday life. In the process of internalizing personal hygiene behavior, there are several behaviors such as washing hands, bathing, shampooing (washing hair), brushing teeth, cutting nails, and cleaning ears. Presentations were utilized to conduct this activity, group discussions with orphanage children, and continued by providing education about the value of good personal hygiene and methods for practicing it in everyday life. This activity took place with a total of 21 participants. The personal hygiene material presented, includes: the benefits of maintaining personal hygiene, how to practice proper personal hygiene, including hand cleansing, tooth flossing, bathing, shampooing, cutting nails, changing clothes and not sharing personal items with other people. Apart from that, environmental hygiene material was also presented including: keeping the house clean, such as cleaning the floor of the house, not piling up dirty clothes and always changing bed linen regularly.

Health and Environmental Impact of Xenobiotics in Water Quality Evaluation: A Review

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This review presents a comprehensive categorization and impact analysis of xenobiotics on humans, animals, and the environment, providing a novel synthesis of current knowledge in this field. It details the diverse sources of xenobiotics, such as microplastics and pesticides, and their pervasive presence in various environmental compartments, highlighting the significant issue of surface runoff contributing to pesticide residue in surface waters. Additionally, the review innovatively integrates a discussion on advanced detection and removal techniques, including cutting-edge chromatographic methods and bioremediation strategies, offering a holistic approach to understanding and managing xenobiotic pollutants. Full Abstract Xenobiotics are compounds or chemicals to which an organism is exposed, usually in large concentrations that are inessential to the regular pattern of metabolism of that organism. This review emphasised the categorization and impact of xenobiotics on people, animals, and the environment. It also gave a general overview of the process of discharging and detecting xenobiotics and their potential environmental fates. A chart of xenobiotic categories was also provided, including industrial products, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and radioactive waste. Microplastics and pesticides were discussed as xenobiotic chemicals commonly found in freshwater bodies; similarly, the impact of creating substances such as personal care products, medicinal chemicals, and insecticides through technology was discussed as the source of xenobiotics. Additionally, a thorough description of how pesticide pollution affects common environmental compartments such as soils, streambed sediment, groundwater, and surface water is provided since surface runoff accounts for more than 10% of pesticide residue in surface rivers. Effective techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry GC/MS, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) along with diverse chromatographic techniques were also discussed as techniques for the analysis of xenobiotics. These techniques are often paired with state-of-the-art detection techniques like high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Highlighted as well were techniques for the removal of xenobiotics using membrane processes, improved oxidation processes, engineered wetlands, photocatalytic degradation, biotransformation, bioremediation, photo-remediation, adsorption, and bioremediation to decrease the side effects.

Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible hydrogel from textile–garment waste for personal hygiene products

The objective of the present study is to synthesise cellulose-based hydrogel from cellulosic waste that is produced in the garment and textile industries. Carboxymethyl cellulose was synthesized via carboxymethylation subsequent to the separation of cellulose. The progress of reaction was monitored by measuring the degree of carboxymethyl cellulose substitution. Carboxymethyl cellulose was graft co-polymerized with acrylic acid and acrylamide in the presence of N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide to develop a superabsorbent hydrogel. The generated hydrogel was put through several mechanical and physical tests, as well as FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM investigations, to evaluate its real formation and characteristics. The prepared hydrogel demonstrated favorable swelling properties, as well as excellent adsorption of ions and dyestuffs. The maximum water absorption capability of the superabsorbent material obtained from textile and garment waste was 182 g/g. Furthermore, the prepared hydrogel exhibits exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, environmental friendliness, and non-toxicity. These qualities make it an exceptional material for use in personal care items and protective gear.

Big Five personality traits, BIS/BAS dimensions and meteoropathy: a mediation model

BackgroundThe main goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between Big Five personality traits and meteor-opathy and the role of the behavioural activation system (BAS) and the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) as mediators in this relationship.Participants and procedureThe sample consisted of 1,336 women and men gathered via the online recruitment platform from the general population. The participants’ ages ranged from 18 to 76 years (M = 29.52, SD = 11.67). The Polish version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory was used to assess Big Five personality traits. The BIS and BAS were diagnosed using the Polish version of the original BIS/BAS scales. Meteoropathy was assessed using the Polish adaptation of the METEO-Q questionnaire.ResultsMeteoropathy correlated negatively with emotional stability and positively with the BIS level and BAS Reward Responsive-ness. BIS negatively correlated with emotional stability. The correlations between meteoropathy and other personality vari-ables were nonsignificant. The analysis indicated a significant indirect relationship between emotional stability and meteor-opathy through BIS. We demonstrated the importance of neuroticism (low emotional stability) and the BIS dimension for the development of meteoropathy symptoms.ConclusionsNeuroticism and the BIS dimension were important for the development of meteoropathy symptoms. The results may be helpful in assessing the risk of developing meteoropathy in a healthy population.

Reduced resting-state functional connectivity between insula and inferior frontal gyrus and superior temporal gyrus in hoarding disorder.

Hoarding disorder (HD) is characterized by cognitive control impairments and abnormal brain activity in the insula and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during disposal of personal items or certain executive function tasks. However, whether there are any changes in resting-state functional connectivity of the insula and ACC remains unclear. A total of 55 subjects, including 24 patients with HD and 31 healthy controls (HCs), participated in the study. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data and examined group differences in functional connectivity from the insula and ACC in whole-brain voxels. In patients with HD, functional connectivity was significantly lower between the right insula and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and left superior temporal gyrus (STG) compared to HCs. There was no correlation between these connectivities and HD symptoms. Although the clinical implication is uncertain, our results suggest that patients with HD have resting-state functional alterations between the insula and IFG and STG, corresponding with the results of previous fMRI studies. These findings provide new insight into the neurobiological basis of HD.

Psychological aspects of the longest, solo, unsupported one-way polar ski expedition in Antarctica by a female adventurer

IntroductionAntarctic expeditions present exceptional physiological and mental challenges. Research data are lacking on psychological aspects of such endeavours. The aim of our study is to provide data on changes in...

THE RELATIONSHIP PATTERN BETWEEN PERSONALITY TRAITS AND LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY

As the interest in the shift from teacher–centred paradigm to student–centred learning pedagogies has increasingly grown in popularity nowadays, it should come as no surprise that scholars and academicians have given their attention to the concept of self–engagement in the learning process. In an attempt to explore the role of personality in self–engagement, this paper aims to assess the relationship pattern between individuals’ personality traits and their learning responsibility. A total of 358 students attending a university were recruited for the study. The Ten–Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) and The Learning Responsibility Scale were administered. The findings revealed that learning responsibility correlates positively with emotional stability, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. However, the associations between extraversion and openness with learning responsibility are negative and not significant. The findings have also demonstrated that although agreeableness does not display a significant predictive power, both emotional stability and conscientiousness have a significant influence on learning responsibility. Keywords: personality traits, learning responsibility, student–centred learning, individual differences, The Big Five

Students’ perspectives of providing sexual acts, materials, and services for financial compensation at a large, public, Midwestern university

Objective To understand university students’ experiences with sex trading for financial compensation at a large public, Midwestern university. Participants 34 university students (26.5% graduate, 70% white, 70% cisgender women, 38% heterosexual). Method We used a community-engaged, directed content analytic approach to analyze semi-structured, in-depth interviews with st udents who were familiar with sex trading. Results Students perceive sex trading to include (1) selling personal items or fluids for another’s sexual pleasure, (2) virtual sex trades, and (3) in-person sex trades. Students were motivated by financial needs and wants, work flexibility and conditions, curiosity and empowerment. Consequences were positive (e.g., supporting themselves, community) and negative (e.g., blackmail, detrimental health effects). While negative consequences had deleterious effects on students’ wellbeing, the benefits were viewed as critical. Conclusions Findings call for harm reduction approaches that span campus services, university and federal policies. Future research should explore students’ experiences in differing academic and regional contexts.

Investigating Directional Invariance in an Item Response Tree Model for Extreme Response Style and Trait-Based Unfolding Responses.

Item response tree (IRTree) approaches have received increasing attention in the response style literature due to their capability to partial out response style latent traits from content-related latent traits by considering separate decisions for agreement and level of agreement. Additionally, it has shown that the functioning of the intensity of agreement decision may depend upon the agreement decision with an item, so that the item parameters and person parameters may differ by direction of agreement; when the parameters across direction are the same, this is called directional invariance. Furthermore, for non-cognitive psychological constructs, it has been argued that the response process may be best described as following an unfolding process. In this study, a family of IRTree models to handle unfolding responses with the agreement decision following the hyperbolic cosine model and the intensity of agreement decision following a graded response model is investigated. This model family also allows for investigation of item- and person-level directional invariance. A simulation study is conducted to evaluate parameter recovery; model parameters are estimated with a fully Bayesian approach using JAGS (Just Another Gibbs Sampler). The proposed modeling scheme is demonstrated with two data examples with multiple model comparisons allowing for varying levels of directional invariance and unfolding versus dominance processes. An approach to visualizing the final model item response functioning is also developed. The article closes with a short discussion about the results.

Hubungan antara Big Five Personality dengan Quarter Life Crisis pada Mahasiswa Tingkat Akhir di Universitas Negeri Padang

This study aims to see the relationship between big five personality and quarter life crisis in final year students at Padang State University. This research uses quantitative methods with a correlational research design. The sample collection technique in this study used cluster sampling technique. The number of respondents in this study was 116 final year students at Padang State University. The instrument in this study uses the scale of quarter life crisis crisis adopted from researcher Salsabilla (2023). And Goldberg's (1992) International Personality Item Pool-Big Five Factor Marker 50 (IPIP-BFM-50) scale, adapted to Indonesian by Akhtar & Azwar (2018). The results of the analysis used Product-Moment correlation analysis and found a significant negative relationship between the big five personality dimensions, namely extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and with quarter life crisis in final year students at Padang State University.

DEVELOPMENT OF A SOFTWARE SYSTEM FOR SEARCHING FOR LOST ITEMS

The article presents an approach to developing a software system to facilitate the efficient search for lost items. As part of the study, the authors designed an integrated system that includes server, web, and mobile versions, which provides broad opportunities for identifying and returning lost property. In large urban agglomerations, the loss of personal items becomes a common problem. Existing solutions are often limited to preventive measures and do not provide sufficient support after the item’s loss. The lack of an effective feedback and identification system complicates the lost property search process. The developed system uses modern technologies such as Django for the backend, JavaScript for the web interface, and Flutter for creating cross-platform mobile applications. This approach makes it possible to expand the list of system users to the maximum extent. Django, a capable web framework, facilitates reliable data management and integration with various interfaces. The study involved the development of a database to provide storage and processing of all the necessary information. Using REST API ensured efficient interaction between the system’s server, web, and mobile parts. This approach allows different system components to exchange data in a unified format. The system lets users register individuals and legal entities, which makes it possible to use it in a wide range of public spaces. It helps to effectively search for and return lost items on the street and in public places, including restaurants, theatres, and transport hubs where lost items often occur. The software system created in this study addresses the critical problem of losing personal items. Widespread use of this system across various sectors could dramatically improve managing lost and found operations, turning a typically disorganised and ineffective process into an efficient, technology-driven one. The system’s implementation has the potential to significantly reduce the time and resources spent on searching for lost property and increase the productivity of lost property offices. Keywords: software system, item search, location, lost property office.

Disparities uncovered: LGBTQ+ patients report on their cancer care journey.

1516 Background : In the U.S, LGBTQ+ people face higher cancer rates and worse outcomes than the general population. Few studies have described the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and their caregivers during treatment. As part of an implementation science initiative aimed at improving care for LGBTQ+ patients, we conducted a large survey (n=817) to understand treatment experiences of this population. Here we report our findings which provide insight into how stigma and incorrect assumptions may contribute to medical mistrust and worse experiences. Methods: In 2023, 817 diverse LGBTQ+ cancer patients from academic and community-based settings, as well as patient advocacy groups, completed web-based surveys evaluating their care experiences during cancer treatment. Participants included patients with gastric (n=165), breast (n=238), ovarian (n=218), prostate (n=56), and colorectal cancers (n=140), including 83 gender non-conforming patients. Results: Most LGBTQ+ patients (80%) reported not receiving appropriate preventative cancer screening, with top barriers including provider did not mention cancer screening tests (40%) and did not have a healthcare provider (28%). Additionally, only 24% felt at least moderately comfortable disclosing their LGBTQ+ status. Inclusive measures that helped patients feel most comfortable included care teams sharing/displaying their own pronouns (39%), making public statements of support (43%), or wearing personal items indicating acceptance (39%). Of those who did disclose their identity, only 50% of gender-expansive patients reported consistently being referred to by the correct names and pronouns. Importantly, patients reported that only 34% of their partners/caregivers felt welcome at appointments, and only 4% felt respected by the care team. Few patients reported receiving key supportive care services, including counseling/support groups (23%), quality-of-life related care, such as sexual function counseling (23%), and LGBTQ-specific resources/education (19%). Furthermore, less than half of LGBTQ+ patients discussed with HCPs how cancer treatment affects fertility (41%), fertility preferences (26%), or fertility preservation (14%), even though only 22% of patients reported not being eligible for fertility services. Interestingly, many of these gaps in care differed based on cancer type. For example, prostate, colorectal, and gastric patients were more likely to report not feeling safe disclosing their LGBTQ+ status (80%, 69%, and 54% respectively), while breast cancer patients were more likely to report having discussed fertility prior to starting treatment (64%). Conclusions: This study offers insights into experiences of LGBTQ+ patients and confirms disparities in care are real and pervasive. Ongoing education and inclusion efforts can help create a safe and welcoming environment, enabling equitable care and improved outcomes.

Graphene-based photocatalytic membrane application for the remediation of organic dye pollutants: A review

The inadequate elimination of emerging organic contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care items, presents a substantial risk to water security in treating wastewater and its subsequent discharge into the receiving water bodies or recharging groundwater. A practical solution can be found by combining hybrid photocatalytic oxidation with membrane separation technologies. The review examines the crucial process of strengthening photocatalytic membranes by including graphene and its derivatives. Further, it highlights the graphene's ability to improve anti-fouling properties with increased efficiency of pollutant degradation. An in-depth analysis of the synthesis method and its impact on graphene-based photocatalytic membranes' morphology and photocatalytic characteristics is conducted. In addition to discussing membrane alteration, the review delves into the different elements and complexities involved in optimising filtration performance. Adding a comparison with carbon-based support membranes enhances the overall understating of graphene's importance in the membrane matrix. Economic and life cycle aspects have also been elaborated to gauge the practical viability of these neoteric photoactive membranes. The present article also pinpoints the existing lacuna and lays forward potential solutions that can assist in broader acceptance of these membrane for contaminant remediation. Though the development of graphene-based photocatalytic membranes is still in an embryonic phase, the review advocates it as a sustainable successor to conventional membrane-based treatment in the future.

Contamination, morphological and chemical characterization, and hazard risk analyses of microplastics in drinking water sourced from groundwater in a developing nation

Groundwater (GW) plays a crucial role as the primary source of potable water in numerous developing nations. However, the increasing presence of microplastics (MPs) represents a concealed danger, threatening activities that guarantee safe drinking water in these countries. Despite this, there is limited awareness about the widespread existence of MPs in these regions of the world. In this study, we investigated the contamination levels, distribution, morphological characteristics, chemical composition, and associated public health risk of MPs in groundwater samples from six coastal districts of Bangladesh using stereomicroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MPs were prevalent at all sampling stations, with average concentrations of 24.63 ± 16.13 items/L and a range of 4–75 items/L. The majority of MPs (97.6%) were fibers, indicating a likely origin from fabric disintegration during drying, washing, discarded fishing nets, personal care items, and municipal waste. Smaller-sized MPs (<0.5 mm), transparent and violet-colored, were predominantly observed. Additionally, FTIR confirmed the presence of plastic polymers, including low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PETE). Despite the high visibility observed or focus given for PETE, PE was found to be abundant. These are thought to have come from runoff from agricultural fields, seeping from landfills where plastic trash is disposed of, synthetic fabrics, and inappropriate plastic product disposal. Estimated dietary intake was recorded as 1.85 particles/person/day (i.e., 675 particles/year), suggesting the possible health risk to consumers. Hazard analyses based on the polymeric risk score revealed diverse risks associated with polymer levels, with PETE indicating a medium risk and other polymers, e.g., HDPE, LDPE, and EVA at 39%, 31%, and 17%, respectively, showing a minor risk to human health from drinking water from the studied sources. This is the first study from the regions, and the findings will be valuable for identifying sources, implementing control measures, shaping policies, and safeguarding public health against plastic pollution.

Why am I grinding and clenching? Exploration of personality traits, coping strategies, oral parafunctional behaviors, and severe sleep bruxism in a polysomnographic study.

Causal relationships between psychopathological symptoms, personality traits, coping mechanisms, and sleep bruxism (SB) were studied in the past, giving inconsistent results mostly based on self-assessment evaluations. This polysomnography-based cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationships between severe SB, personality traits (according to the Big Five model), and coping strategies with objective polysomnographic verification. The study included 66 participants divided into severe SB (SSB) (n=32) and no or mild SB (n=34) groups based on video-polysomnography performed in the sleep laboratory. Questionnaire assessment included the use of the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Mini-COPE, International Personality Item Pool Big Five Markers 20-Item version, and Oral Behavior Checklist. Participants with SSB presented with fewer self-reported anxiety (p=0.008) and depressive (p=0.01) symptoms than the non- or mild-SB groups. The SSB group scored significantly higher in Big Five personal traits such as extraversion (p=0.007), emotional stability (p=0.013), and intellect (p=0.004), while regarding coping strategies, the SSB group was less likely to use negative strategies: self-distraction (p=0.036), denial (p=0.006), venting (p=0.03), behavioral disengagement (p=0.046), and self-blame (p=0.003), and turning to religion (p=0.041). The intensity of oral parafunctional behaviors was comparable in both groups (p=0.054). Emotional stability was a moderate protective factor (p=0.004), and the self-blame strategy was a strong risk factor (p<0.001) for increased oral parafunctional behavior intensity. Phasic activity negatively correlated with anxiety symptom severity (p=0.005), whereas tonic (p=0.122) and mixed (p=0.053) phenotypes did not. SB intensity was a protective factor against anxiety symptoms (p=0.016). In terms of psychopathology, severe sleep bruxers tend to present less severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, while some of their personality traits (extraversion, emotional stability, and intellect) were more strongly pronounced. SSB is possibly related to the lesser use of the "maladaptive" coping strategies and there were no specific coping strategies preferred by SSB participants, compared to the other group. These observations require further studies, as it should be determined whether SB (especially phasic activity) might be a form of a somatization/functional disorder. Further research should focus on the psychogenic background of oral parafunctional behaviors, which occur more often in less emotionally stable personalities and in people using self-blame coping strategies.

Performance of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index in a Sample of Black and White Persons Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers.

This study examined the performance of the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) in a sample of Black and White caregivers of persons living with dementia. Data on 153 dyads enrolled in the Care Ecosystem dementia care management program were analyzed, including sociodemographic variables, dementia severity, and caregiver burden and wellbeing. Factor structure, item-response patterns, and concurrent validity were assessed across racial groups. Differences between Black and White caregivers included gender, dyad relation, and socioeconomic disadvantage. Factor structure and item loadings varied by racial cohort, with parameters supporting a 3-factor model. For Black caregivers, finances and work, emotional and physical strain, and family and personal adjustment items loaded together on individual factors. For White caregivers physical and emotional strain items loaded on separate factors, although personal and family adjustment items loaded with work and financial strain items. Item-level analysis revealed differences between groups, with Black caregivers endorsing physical strain to a greater degree (p = .003). Total MCSI scores were positively correlated with concurrent measures like the PHQ-9 (White: r = 0.67, Black: r = 0.54) and the GAD-2 (White: r = 0.47, Black: r = 0.4), and negatively correlated with self-efficacy ratings (White: r = -0.54, Black: r = -0.55), with a p < .001 for all validity analysis. The MCSI displayed acceptable statistical performance for Black and White caregivers of persons living with dementia and displayed a factor structure sensitive to cultural variations of the construct. Researchers results highlight the inherent complexity and the relevance of selecting inclusive measures to appropriately serve diverse populations.