bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-operative procalcitonin and C-reactive protein predict pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Ma Jie , Jiang Peiqiang , Ji Bai , Song Yanqing , Liu Yahui
Published: March 2021

Background

Clinically relevant pancreatic fistula (CRPF) is a serious complication following laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). This study aimed to determine if C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) serum levels could be used as early biomarkers to predict CRPF after LPD.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we collected peri-operative data of patients who underwent LPD between January 2019 and November 2019. We compared serum levels of white blood cells (WBC), CRP, and PCT on post-operative days (POD) 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 between the CRPF and non-CRPF groups and analyzed the predictive risk factors for CRPF.

Results

Among the 186 patients included in this study, 18 patients (9.7%) developed CRPF, including 15 and 3 patients with grade B and C fistulas, respectively. The mean WBC, CRP, and PCT levels were higher on most PODs in the CRPF group compared to the non-CRPF group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that CRP levels on POD 2, 5, and 7 can predict CRPF development after LPD, with the area under the curve (AUC) value reaching the highest level on POD 2 (AUC 0.794). PCT levels on POD 2, 3, 5, and 7 were highly predictive of CRPF after LPD. The highest AUC value was achieved on POD 3 [PCT > 2.10 ng/ml (AUC 0.951; sensitivity 88.2%, specificity 92.9%, P < 0.001)].

Conclusions

Both CRP and PCT levels can be used to predict CRPF development after LPD, with PCT having a higher predictive value.
Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin on fructose induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in male albino wistar rats
Authors: Mengesha Tewodros , Gnanasekaran Natesan , Mehare Tsegaye
Published: March 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in the Western world, and it’s likely to parallel the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other components of metabolic syndrome. However, optimal treatment for NAFLD has not been established yet. Therefore, this study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of silymarin on fructose-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats.

Methods

Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups; normal control group that consumed tap water, silymarin control group that consumed tap water and silymarin (400 mg/kg/day), fructose control group that consumed 20% fructose solution, treatment group that consumed 20% fructose solution and silymarin (200 mg/kg/day), and another treatment group that consumed 20% fructose solution and silymarin (400 mg/kg/day). Hepatic triglyceride, serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant level, morphological features, and histopathological changes were investigated. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey multiple comparison test. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05.

Results

This study showed that the fructose control group had a significantly high value in the stage of steatosis grade, hepatic triglyceride, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and hepatic malondialdehyde concentration as compared to the normal control. However, significantly low values of reduced glutathione and plasma total antioxidant capacity were found. The altered parameters due to fructose drastic effect were ameliorated by silymarin treatment.

Conclusions

The fructose control group developed dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and mild steatosis that are the characteristics features of NAFLD. However, silymarin-treated groups showed amelioration in oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and steatosis.
Treatment and management of Salmonella prostatitis in a heartworm‐positive intact male dog: a case report
Authors: Hertzer John N. , Fujishiro Madeline , Lawhon Sara D. , Creevy Kate E.
Published: March 2021

Background

Salmonellaspp. represent a significant zoonotic concern to pregnant owners as infection can cause septic abortions and post-partum illness. Enteric salmonellosis is well documented in canines however urinary salmonellosis is rarely described andSalmonellaprostatitis has never been described in dogs.

Case presentation

This case report describes the diagnosis and management of a five-year-old, intact male Labrador Retriever mix dog that was diagnosed withSalmonellaprostatitis among other comorbidities including heartworm infestation. Additionally, mitigation of zoonotic spread is emphasized as one of the owners was six months pregnant at the time of diagnosis.

Discussion

The pathogenesis ofSalmonellaprostatitis is unknown but explanations pertaining to enteric salmonellosis, such as the lifestyle and stress of living as a stray may have contributed and contamination from an enteric infection may have also been possible. Several recommendations were made to reduce the likelihood of zoonotic transmission including frequent hand washing, avoidance of the patient’s mouth, change in location of where the patient was fed, the use of an isolated area outside for urination and defecation, and the use of dilute bleach to clean areas soiled by the patient’s bodily fluids. Monitoring of the prostatic infection was facilitated with prostatic wash instead of urine culture. This decision was made as prostatic infections have been shown to intermittently shed bacteria into the urine, leading to possible false negative urine cultures and potential catastrophic zoonotic infection.
Circulating exosomal mRNA profiling identifies novel signatures for the detection of prostate cancer
Authors: Ji Jin , Chen Rui , Zhao Lin , Xu Yalong , Cao Zhi , Xu Huan , Chen Xi , Shi Xiaolei , Zhu Yasheng , Lyu Ji , Jiang Junfeng , Wang Yue , Zhou Tie , He Jingyi , Wei Xuedong , Wu Jason Boyang , Yang Bo , Wang Fubo
Published: March 2021

The landscape and characteristics of circulating exosomal messenger RNAs (emRNAs) are poorly understood, which hampered the accurate detection of circulating emRNAs. Through comparing RNA sequencing data of circulating exosomes with the corresponding data in tissues, we illustrated the different characteristics of emRNAs compared to tissue mRNAs. We then developed an improved strategy for emRNA detection based on the features of circulating emRNAs. Using the optimized detection strategy, we further validated prostate cancer (PCa) associated emRNAs discovered by emRNA-seq in a large cohort of patients and identified emRNA signatures for PCa screening and diagnosis using logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that the circulating emRNA-based screening signature yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.948 in distinguishing PCa patients from healthy controls. The circulating emRNA-based diagnostic signature also showed a great performance in predicting prostate biopsy results (AUC: 0.851). In conclusion, our study developed an optimized emRNA detection strategy and identified novel emRNA signatures for the detection of PCa.
Audit and feedback with or without training in-practice targeting antibiotic prescribing (TiPTAP): a study protocol of a cluster randomised trial in dental primary care
Authors: Goulao Beatriz , Scott Claire , Black Irene , Clarkson Jan , McArthur Lee , Ramsay Craig , Young Linda , Duncan Eilidh
Published: March 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat to global public health and patient safety. Overuse of antibiotics has aggravated this issue. Around 7% of all antibiotics in Scotland are prescribed by dentists. Audit and feedback has been shown to decrease these prescriptions, but there is evidence that dentists still prescribe unnecessarily. Our aim is to compare the effectiveness of a theory-informed in-practice training session (TiPTAP) in addition to individualised audit and feedback, with audit and feedback alone for reducing antibiotic prescribing by NHS dentists working in NHS primary care dental practices.

Methods

We will conduct a 2-arm parallel cluster randomised trial: out of 228 practices, 114 will be randomised to the theory-informed in-practice training session targeting antibiotic prescribing and individualised audit and feedback; 114 practices will be randomised to audit and feedback alone. The theory-informed session will include (a) an introductory session including several behaviour change techniques; (b) problem solving discussion, setting and recording action plans; (c) practice-level prescribing feedback discussion. The primary outcome is the number of antibiotic items per 100 NHS treatment claims over a 1-year period post-randomisation for each dentist. Secondary outcomes are the number of amoxicillin 3 g and broad spectrum antibiotics prescribed per 100 NHS treatment claims over a 1-year period; amoxicillin 3 g and broad spectrum antibiotics defined daily doses of antibiotics per 100 claims. Process measures include fidelity, knowledge, and confidence. Primary and secondary outcomes will be obtained using routine data.

Discussion

This study provides the opportunity to robustly assess the effect of adding an in-practice training co-intervention to audit and feedback. Its behaviour change theory-informed content will allow replication of the different components and can inform future training interventions.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN12345678. Registered 18 June 2020.
Targeting AKT with costunolide suppresses the growth of colorectal cancer cells and induces apoptosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang Hai , Park Song , Zhang Haibo , Park Sijun , Kwon Wookbong , Kim Enugyung , Zhang Xiujuan , Jang Soyoung , Yoon Duhak , Choi Seong-Kyoon , Yi Jun-koo , Kim Sung-hyun , Dong Zigang , Lee Mee-hyun , Ryoo Zaeyoung , Kim Myoung Ok
Published: March 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a clinically challenging malignant tumor worldwide. As a natural product and sesquiterpene lactone, Costunolide (CTD) has been reported to possess anticancer activities. However, the regulation mechanism and precise target of this substance remain undiscovered in CRC. In this study, we found that CTD inhibited CRC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by targeting AKT.

Methods

Effects of CTD on colon cancer cell growth in vitro were evaluated in cell proliferation assays, migration and invasion, propidium iodide, and annexin V-staining analyses. Targets of CTD were identified utilizing phosphoprotein-specific antibody array; Costunolide-sepharose conjugated bead pull-down analysis and knockdown techniques. We investigated the underlying mechanisms of CTD by ubiquitination, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot assays. Cell-derived tumour xenografts (CDX) in nude mice and immunohistochemistry were used to assess anti-tumour effects of CTD in vivo.

Results

CTD suppressed the proliferation, anchorage-independent colony growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of CRC cells including HCT-15, HCT-116 and DLD1. Besides, the CTD also triggered cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. The CTD activates and induces p53 stability by inhibiting MDM2 ubiquitination via the suppression of AKT’s phosphorylation in vitro. The CTD suppresses cell growth in a p53-independent fashion manner; p53 activation may contribute to the anticancer activity of CTD via target AKT. Finally, the CTD decreased the volume of CDX tumors without of the body weight loss and reduced the expression of AKT-MDM2-p53 signaling pathway in xenograft tumors.

Conclusions

Our project has uncovered the mechanism underlying the biological activity of CTD in colon cancer and confirmed the AKT is a directly target of CTD. All of which These results revealed that CTD might be a new AKT inhibitor in colon cancer treatment, and CTD is worthy of further exploration in preclinical and clinical trials.
Emergence and evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes and mutations in Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Yahara Koji , Ma Kevin C. , Mortimer Tatum D. , Shimuta Ken , Nakayama Shu-ichi , Hirabayashi Aki , Suzuki Masato , Jinnai Michio , Ohya Hitomi , Kuroki Toshiro , Watanabe Yuko , Yasuda Mitsuru , Deguchi Takashi , Eldholm Vegard , Harrison Odile B. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Grad Yonatan H. , Ohnishi Makoto
Published: March 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health concern. Strains from two internationally circulating sequence types, ST-7363 and ST-1901, have acquired resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, mainly due to mosaic penA alleles. These two STs were first detected in Japan; however, the timeline, mechanism, and process of emergence and spread of these mosaic penA alleles to other countries remain unknown.

Methods

We studied the evolution of penA alleles by obtaining the complete genomes from three Japanese ST-1901 clinical isolates harboring mosaic penA allele 34 (penA-34) dating from 2005 and generating a phylogenetic representation of 1075 strains sampled from 35 countries. We also sequenced the genomes of 103 Japanese ST-7363 N. gonorrhoeae isolates from 1996 to 2005 and reconstructed a phylogeny including 88 previously sequenced genomes.

Results

Based on an estimate of the time-of-emergence of ST-1901 (harboring mosaic penA-34) and ST-7363 (harboring mosaic penA-10), and > 300 additional genome sequences of Japanese strains representing multiple STs isolated in 1996–2015, we suggest that penA-34 in ST-1901 was generated from penA-10 via recombination with another Neisseria species, followed by recombination with a gonococcal strain harboring wildtype penA-1. Following the acquisition of penA-10 in ST-7363, a dominant sub-lineage rapidly acquired fluoroquinolone resistance mutations at GyrA 95 and ParC 87-88, by independent mutations rather than horizontal gene transfer. Data in the literature suggest that the emergence of these resistance determinants may reflect selection from the standard treatment regimens in Japan at that time.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight how antibiotic use and recombination across and within Neisseria species intersect in driving the emergence and spread of drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Correction to: Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 promoter methylation and peripheral pain sensitivity in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Gombert Sara , Rhein Mathias , Winterpacht Andreas , Münster Tino , Hillemacher Thomas , Leffler Andreas , Frieling Helge
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Evaluation of hydrological and cryospheric angular momentum estimates based on GRACE, GRACE-FO and SLR data for their contributions to polar motion excitation
Authors: Śliwińska Justyna , Nastula Jolanta , Wińska Małgorzata
Published: March 2021

In geodesy, a key application of data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), GRACE Follow-On (GRACE-FO), and Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) is an interpretation of changes in polar motion excitation due to variations in the Earth’s surficial fluids, especially in the continental water, snow, and ice. Such impacts are usually examined by computing hydrological and cryospheric polar motion excitation (hydrological and cryospheric angular momentum, HAM/CAM). Three types of GRACE and GRACE-FO data can be used to determine HAM/CAM, namely degree-2 order-1 spherical harmonic coefficients of geopotential, gridded terrestrial water storage anomalies computed from spherical harmonic coefficients, and terrestrial water storage anomalies obtained from mascon solutions. This study compares HAM/CAM computed from these three kinds of gravimetric data. A comparison of GRACE-based excitation series with HAM/CAM obtained from SLR is also provided. A validation of different HAM/CAM estimates is conducted here using the so-called geodetic residual time series (GAO), which describes the hydrological and cryospheric signal in the observed polar motion excitation. Our analysis of GRACE mission data indicates that the use of mascon solutions provides higher consistency between HAM/CAM and GAO than the use of other datasets, especially in the seasonal spectral band. These conclusions are confirmed by the results obtained for data from first 2 years of GRACE-FO. Overall, after 2 years from the start of GRACE-FO, the high consistency between HAM/CAM and GAO that was achieved during the best GRACE period has not yet been repeated. However, it should be remembered that with the systematic appearance of subsequent GRACE-FO observations, this quality can be expected to increase. SLR data can be used for determination of HAM/CAM to fill the one-year-long data gap between the end of GRACE and the start of the GRACE-FO mission. In addition, SLR series could be particularly useful in determination of HAM/CAM in the non-seasonal spectral band. Despite its low seasonal amplitudes, SLR-based HAM/CAM provides high phase consistency with GAO for annual and semiannual oscillation.
Autonomous elastic microswimmer
Authors: Era Katsutomo , Koyano Yuki , Hosaka Yuto , Yasuda Kento , Kitahata Hiroyuki , Komura Shigeyuki
Published: March 2021

A model of an autonomous three-sphere microswimmer is proposed by implementing a coupling effect between the two natural lengths of an elastic microswimmer. Such a coupling mechanism is motivated by the previous models for synchronization phenomena in coupled oscillator systems. We numerically show that a microswimmer can acquire a nonzero steady state velocity and a finite phase difference between the oscillations in the natural lengths. These velocity and phase differences are almost independent of the initial phase difference. There is a finite range of the coupling parameter for which a microswimmer can have an autonomous directed motion. The stability of the phase difference is investigated both numerically and analytically in order to determine its bifurcation structure.
Molecular-shape- and size-independent power-law dependence of percolation thresholds on radius of gyration in ideal molecular systems
Authors: Norizoe Yuki , Kawakatsu Toshihiro , Morita Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Three-dimensional single-component ideal gas systems composed of model homogeneous rigid molecules in various molecular shapes and sizes are simulated by a molecular Monte Carlo simulation technique. We reveal that percolation thresholds of such single-component systems result in, when the molecular volume is fixed, power-law decreasing functions of the radius of gyration (gyradius) of the molecules. The systems with the same parameter set of the molecular volume and radius of gyration, but in different molecular shapes, show the identical value of the percolation threshold. Moreover, we also reveal that a dimensionless scale-free parameter, which is the ratio between the radius of gyration and the real cube root of the molecular volume, uniquely determines the percolation threshold.
The Role of Incretins on Insulin Function and Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Holst Jens Juul , Gasbjerg Lærke Smidt , Rosenkilde Mette Marie
Published: March 2021

The incretin effect—the amplification of insulin secretion after oral vs intravenous administration of glucose as a mean to improve glucose tolerance—was suspected even before insulin was discovered, and today we know that the effect is due to the secretion of 2 insulinotropic peptides, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). But how important is it? Physiological experiments have shown that, because of the incretin effect, we can ingest increasing amounts of amounts of glucose (carbohydrates) without increasing postprandial glucose excursions, which otherwise might have severe consequences. The mechanism behind this is incretin-stimulated insulin secretion. The availability of antagonists for GLP-1 and most recently also for GIP has made it possible to directly estimate the individual contributions to postprandial insulin secretion of a) glucose itself: 26%; b) GIP: 45%; and c) GLP-1: 29%. Thus, in healthy individuals, GIP is the champion. When the action of both incretins is prevented, glucose tolerance is pathologically impaired. Thus, after 100 years of research, we now know that insulinotropic hormones from the gut are indispensable for normal glucose tolerance. The loss of the incretin effect in type 2 diabetes, therefore, contributes greatly to the impaired postprandial glucose control.
Archerfish coordinate fin maneuvers with their shots
Authors: Gerullis Peggy , Reinel Caroline P. , Schuster Stefan
Published: March 2021

Archerfish down a variety of aerial prey from a range of distances using water jets that they adjust to the size and distance of their prey. We describe here that characteristic rapid fin maneuvers, most notably of the pectoral and pelvic fins, are precisely coordinated with the release of the jet. We discovered these maneuvers in two fish, the jets of which had been characterized in detail, that had been trained to shoot from fixed positions at targets at different heights and that remained stable during their shots. Based on the findings in these individuals, we examined shooting-associated fin movement in 28 further archerfish of two species that could shoot from freely chosen positions at targets at different heights. Slightly before the onset of the water jet, at a time when the shooter remains stable, the pectoral fins of all shooters switched from asynchronous low-amplitude beating to a synchronized rapid forward flap. The onset and duration of the forward and subsequent backward flap were robust across all individuals and shooting angles but depended on target height. The pelvic fins were slowly adducted at the start of the jet and stopped moving after its release. All other fins also showed a characteristic sequence of activation, some starting ∼0.5 s before the shot. Our findings suggest that shooting-related fin maneuvers are needed to stabilize the shooter, and that these maneuvers are an important component in the precise and powerful far-distance shooting in archerfish.
Interest Rate Liberalization and Capital Misallocations
Authors: Liu Zheng , Wang Pengfei , Xu Zhiwei
Published: March 2021

We study the consequences of interest rate liberalization in a two-sector general equilibrium model of China. The model captures a key feature of China’s distorted financial system: state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have greater incentive to expand production and easier access to credit than private firms. In this second-best environment, interest rate liberalization can improve capital allocations within each sector but can also exacerbate misallocations across sectors. Under calibrated parameters, the liberalization policy can reduce aggregate productivity and welfare unless other policy reforms are also implemented to alleviate SOEs’ distorted incentives or improve private firms’ credit access. (JEL E43, E44, G32, L32, P24, P31, P34)
How Do Mortgage Refinances Affect Debt, Default, and Spending? Evidence from HARP
Authors: Abel Joshua , Fuster Andreas
Published: March 2021

We use quasi-random access to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) to identify the causal effect of refinancing into a lower-rate mortgage on borrower balance sheet outcomes. Refinancing substantially reduces borrower default rates on mortgages and other debt. Refinancing also causes borrowers to expand their use of debt instruments, such as auto loans, home equity lines, and other consumer debts that are proxies for spending. Borrowers that appear more constrained ex ante grow these debts more strongly after refinancing but also pay down credit card balances by more. These borrowers also have lower take-up of the refinancing opportunity. (JEL G51, G21, E52)
Monetary Policy and Inequality under Labor Market Frictions and Capital-Skill Complementarity
Authors: Dolado Juan J. , Motyovszki Gergő , Pappa Evi
Published: March 2021

We provide a new channel through which monetary policy has distributional consequences at business cycle frequencies. We show that an unexpected monetary easing increases labor income inequality between high-skilled and less-skilled workers. To rationalize these findings, we build a New Keynesian DSGE model with asymmetric search-and-matching (SAM) frictions and capital-skill complementarity (CSC) in production. We show that CSC on its own introduces a dynamic demand amplification mechanism: the increase in high-skilled employment after a monetary expansion makes complementary capital more productive, encouraging a further rise in investment demand and creating a multiplier effect. SAM asymmetries magnify this channel. (JEL E32, E52, E24, E12, E25, J63)
The Choice Channel of Financial Innovation
Authors: Iachan Felipe S. , Nenov Plamen T. , Simsek Alp
Published: March 2021

Financial innovation in recent decades has expanded portfolio choice. We investigate how greater choice affects investors’ savings and asset returns. We establish a choice channel by which greater portfolio choice increases investors’ savings—by enabling them to earn the aggregate risk premium or take speculative positions. In equilibrium, portfolio customization (access to risky assets beyond the market portfolio) reduces the risk-free rate. Participation (access to the market portfolio) reduces the risk premium but typically increases the risk-free rate. Empirically, stock market participants in the United States save more than nonparticipants and have increasingly dispersed portfolio returns, consistent with the choice channel. (JEL E21, G11, G12, G51)
Wellness Monitoring for Professional Ballet Dancers - A Pilot Study
Authors: Harrison Carly , Ruddock Scott , O'Halloran Paul , Mayes Susan , Cook Jill , Ruddock-Hudson Mandy
Published: March 2021

Self-report wellness measures are used extensively in elite sport as valid indicators of the adaptive responses to training and performance of an athlete. Wellness parameters such as quality and quantity of sleep, muscle soreness, fatigue, and stress are monitored in professional sport
via Athlete Management Systems (AMS) and self-report monitoring applications (App). However, the use of a monitoring App specifically for professional classical ballet dancers has not been tested. This study piloted a self-report App to measure wellness constructs in a professional ballet
company. Three male and two female dancers volunteered to take part in the mixed-method study, entering daily wellness data, frequency of work-related activities, and injury status into an App on their smart phones. Via a focus group interview session, perceptions of wellness and experiences
using the App were found to be favorable, with dancers reporting that the App enhanced awareness of their well-being. To further develop monitoring tools in professional ballet companies, it is recommended that the App be made specific to the wellness needs of dancers.
Do Single-Leg Balance Control and Lower Extremity Muscle Strength Correlate with Ankle Instability and Leg Injuries in Young Ballet Dancers?
Authors: Hung You-Jou , Boehm Jenna , Reynolds Morgan , Whitehead Kallee , Leland Kaylyn
Published: March 2021

Ankle injuries are common among young ballet dancers. These injuries may be attributed to ankle instability, insufficient lower extremity strength, and poor balance control. The purpose of this study was to explore whether these dancers exhibit functional ankle instability and if their
single-leg balance control and lower extremity muscle strength correlate with functional ankle instability and leg injuries. Twenty-one ballet dancers (aged 10 to 17 years) participated in the study. The Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) questionnaire was used to examine functional
ankle stability. Isometric muscle strength of the major lower extremity muscles was measured with a digital hand-held dynamometer. Single-leg balance was evaluated with the Y-Balance Test (YBT) and three Athletic Single-leg Stability Test (ASLST) protocols. Lower extremity injuries (self-reported)
within 6 months after testing were recorded for correlation analyses. Both dominant and non-dominant ankles of the subjects exhibited functional ankle instability (26.71 and 25.71, respectively). Raising the center of mass (passé and first arm position) during the ASLST did not significantly
affect balance performance (p = 0.104). However, removing extrinsic visual feedback significantly decreased single-leg balance (p < 0.001). In general, there was low correlation (r ≤ 0.49) between muscle strength, CAIT, YBT, and ASLST scores with lower extremity injuries. It is concluded
that for young ballet dancers lower extremity muscle strength and single-leg balance control may not be strong contributing factors to leg injuries. This study also suggests that functional ankle stability may not have a direct impact on single-leg balance, and ballet dancers rely heavily
on extrinsic visual feedback for single-leg balance control. Teachers might consider minimizing extrinsic feedback to challenge ballet dancers when implementing training protocols for single-leg balance control.
Injury Characteristics in Pre-Professional Modern Dancers - Prospective Study of Differences Due to Sex, Training Year, and External Causal Mechanisms
Authors: Bronner Shaw
Published: March 2021

As efforts to improve surveillance and decrease injury rates in pre-professional dancer's progress, it is important to identify injury patterns and contexts. The aim of this study was to examine sex, training-based injury characteristics, and external causal mechanisms of injury among
pre-professional modern dancers. Using a prospective cohort study design, 180 dancers (females = 140, males = 40, age 18.15 ± 0.68 years) were screened at freshman enrollment and followed for the 4 years of their college training. Injury, defined as medical attention injury (MAI) or
time-loss injury (TLI), was classified by diagnosis, tissue category, body region, and incident event (action and dance environment). Negative binomial log-linear analyses evaluated injury rates by sex and training year. Multinomial regression compared injury characteristics and incident events,
p < 0.05. Sex characteristics differed in height, mass, years of dance training, and previous injury (p ≤ 0.037). Total, traumatic, and overuse injuries per 1,000 hours decreased across training years for both injury definitions, p < 0.001, with no sex differences. In year 1, dancers
were more likely to sustain muscle, tendon, and bone injuries (p ≤ 0.008) and to injure leg, ankle, foot, and hip, thigh, and knee regions (p ≤ 0.001). Jumping and running was the most commonly cited action mechanism in MAI and TLI in both sexes. Females were more likely to report alignment
in MAI and TLI and jumping and running in TLI. Males were 1.4 times more likely to sustain muscle or tendon MAI (p = 0.006), while reporting partnering in MAI. Ballet class and rehearsals accounted for the majority of attributed dance environment mechanisms in MAI and TLI. Injury rates in
pre-professional modern dancers decreased with training. Understanding sex, training, and external causal mechanisms will allow teachers to tailor programs to reduce injuries during training.
Relationships Between Lateral Limb Bias, Turnout, and Lower Limb Injury in a Female Pre-Professional Ballet Dancer Population
Authors: McMahon Elise , Pope Rod , Freire Kate
Published: March 2021

Dancers are known to have specific limb preferences when they dance and commonly experience lower limb injury, especially early in their training. The primary aim of this study was to determine and examine the relationships between lateral limb bias, perceived turnout profile, and lower
limb injury history in female pre-professional ballet dancers using current definitions of lateral bias, leg dominance, and the concept of "working" and "supporting" legs in dance. A cross-sectional survey design with retrospective recall of 12-month injury history was employed. An online
questionnaire was distributed to female dancers between the ages of 16 and 21 years who were training in classical ballet at the pre-professional level in Australia. The questionnaire gathered information regarding laterality, perceived turnout asymmetry, and self-reported 12-month injury
profile. Descriptive and correlation analyses were employed to describe dancer profiles and determine relationships between the three variables. Thirty-two dancers participated. The majority of participants (67%) had right-side dominance and most indicated the right leg as their preferred
supporting leg (86.7%) and working leg (60%). A total of 17 participants (53.1%) reported at least one injury in the preceding 12-month period and the side injured was significantly correlated with leg dominance (rS = 0.595, p = 0.012), with the majority of injuries also affecting
the preferred supporting and working leg. Dancer perceptions regarding turnout range were correlated with their perceptions of leg dominance (rS = 0.556, p = 0.001), but no statistically significant associations were found between perceptions of turnout range and injury side. In
pre-professional dancers, the dominant and the preferred supporting or working leg tend to be the same leg, and the results suggest that the dominant and preferred supporting and working leg of dancers are at greatest risk of injury.
Εκτίμηση της συσχέτισης των αρρυθμιών με τις δομικές και λειτουργικές αλλαγές του αριστερού κόλπου και της αριστερής κοιλίας σε ασθενείς με ομόζυγη β-θαλασσαιμία
Authors: Βλάχου Μαρία
Published: March 2021

Οι ασθενείς με ομόζυγη β-θαλασσαιμία εμφανίζουν καρδιακές αρρυθμίες με έναν πολυπαραγοντικό μηχανισμό. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελέτησε τη συσχέτιση των αρρυθμιών με τις δομικές και λειτουργικές αλλαγές του αριστερού κόλπου και της αριστερής κοιλίας, εκτμώμενες υπερηχοκαρδιογραφικά, σε ασθενείς με ομόζυγη β-θαλασσαιμία. Δημογραφικά, εργαστηριακά, υπερηχοκαρδιογραφικά δεδομένα, δεδομένα από την 24ωρη καταγραφή με Holter ρυθμού, τιμές T2* από τη μαγνητική τομογραφία καρδιάς καταγράφηκαν σε ασθενείς με ομόζυγη β-θαλασσαιμία, προοπτικά. Οι ασθενείς κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν σε 2 ομάδες, με βάση τον αριθμό των πρώιμων κολπικών συστολών (ΠΚΣ), στην 24ωρη καταγραφή με Holter ρυθμού. Συνολικά, 50 ασθενείς με ομόζυγη β-θαλασσαιμία, με μέση ηλικία 37.6±9.1 έτη, 50% άνδρες, διακρίθηκαν σε 2 ομάδες: ΠΚΣ>24/ημέρα, και ΠΚΣ≤24/ημέρα. Οι ασθενείς με ΠΚΣ>24/ημέρα μεταγγιζόταν για μεγαλύτερο χρονικό διάστημα (39.0±8.6 έτη έναντι 32.0±8.9 έτη, p < 0.007), συγκριτικά με τους ασθενείς με ΠΚΣ≤24/ημέρα. Η μεγαλύτερη ηλικία (λόγος αναλογιών: 1.121, 95% διάστημα εμπιστοσύνης: 1.032–1.217, p=0.007), η μεγαλύτερη διάρκεια μεταγγίσεων αίματος (λόγος αναλογιών: 1.101, 95% διάστημα εμπιστοσύνης: 1.019–1.188, p=0.014), η μεγαλύτερη διάμετρος της αριστερής κοιλίας (λόγος αναλογιών: 4.522, 95% διάστημα εμπιστοσύνης: 1.009–20.280, p=0.049), οι μικρότερες τιμές μέγιστου συστολικού strain του αριστερού κόλπου (λόγος αναλογιών: 0.869, 95% διάστημα εμπιστοσύνης: 0.783–0.964, p=0.008), οι μεγαλύτερες τιμές E/E’ (λόγος αναλογιών: 1.407, 95% διάστημα εμπιστοσύνης: 1.028–1.926, p = 0.033) και η υψηλότερη συστολική πίεση της δεξιάς κοιλίας (λόγος αναλογιών: 1.147, 95% διάστημα εμπιστοσύνης: 1.039–1.266, p = 0.006) συσχετίστηκαν με ΠΚΣ>24/ημέρα, στην μονοπαραγοντική ανάλυση. Το μέγιστο συστολικό strain του αριστερού κόλπου συσχετίστηκε σημαντικά με ΠΚΣ>24/ημέρα, ύστερα από διόρθωση για τη διάρκεια των μεταγγίσεων ή των T2* τιμών από τη μαγνητική τομογραφία καρδιάς. Το πολυπαραγοντικό μοντέλο το οποίο περιελάμβανε τη διάρκεια των μεταγγίσεων αίματος και το μέγιστο συστολικό strain του αριστερού κόλπου συσχετίστηκε πιο στενά με ΠΚΣ>24.ημέρα. Η ανάλυση με καμπύλη ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) αναγνώρισε συστολικό strain του αριστερού κόλπου την τιμή 31.5% (ευαισθησία 83%, ειδικότητα 68%) για την πρόβλεψη ΠΚΣ>24/ημέρα. Σε ασθενείς με ομόζυγη β-θαλασσαιμία, το μέγιστο συστολικό strain του αριστερού κόλπου συσχετίστηκε με κολπικές αρρυθμίες, ανεξαρτήτως της διάρκειας των μεταγγίσεων και της T2* τιμής από τη μαγνητική τομογραφία καρδιάς.
Εμπειρίες ανατροφής, βιωματική αποφυγή και κατάθλιψη
Authors: Ζηκοπούλου Όλγα , Νομικού Μαρίλια , Σίμου Μερόπη , Σίμος Γρηγόρης
Published: March 2021

A number of studies has shown that experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility are associated with emotional difficulties, such as anxiety or depression, and more generally with psychological discomfort. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived child-rearing experiences, experiential avoidance and depression in young adults. The sample consisted of 307 participants, women and men, with a mean age of 22,4 years. Greek versions of the Parenting Scale, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-ΙΙ, and the DASS-21-Depression scale were utilised to evaluate child-rearing experiences, the degree of experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility, and symptoms of depression, respectively. All three parameters were significantly intercorrelated, with the strongest relationship observed between experiential avoidance and depression. Partial correlation between child-rearing experiences, and symptoms of depression demonstrated that, after controlling experiential avoidance, there were low but statistically significant correlations between the first two variables. The stepwise regression analysis showed that symptoms of depression were predicted by experiential avoidance and secondarily by the overreactivity subscale of the parenting questionnaire. Data are discussed comparatively with recent relevant evidence. Clinical implications of the findings are indicated, along with directions of future developmental research.
Ακαδημαϊκά συναισθήματα και κίνητρα για την ανάγνωση: προκαταρκτικά ευρήματα για την ανάπτυξη και τις μεταξύ τους σχέσεις στην παιδική ηλικία και την προεφηβεία
Authors: Δημητροπούλου Παναγιώτα , Φιλιππάτου Διαμάντω , Χρυσοχόου Ελισάβετ , Ρούσσος Πέτρος , Ράλλη Ασημίνα Μ. , Διακογιώργη Κλεοπάτρα , Οικονόμου Αθηνά , Γρίβα Ανθή
Published: March 2021

In recent years, there is an increased interest in exploring psycho-emotional dimensions of learning. Scholars emphasize the important roles of emotion and motivation, in parallel to cognitive functions, in facilitating performance and achievement at school. Within this framework, the present study aimed at offering preliminary findings regarding reading-related academic emotions and motivation in the middle childhood and pre-adolescence years; relevant evidence in the Greek context remains scarce. The sample consisted of students attending the 3rd (Ν = 85) and 5th (Ν = 76) grades of elementary school. Participants completed (a) the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire – Elementary School, (b) the Achievement Emotions – Questionnaire for Pre-adolescence, (c) the Motivation for Reading Questionnaire as well as (d) the Self-Regulation Questionnaire – Reading Motivation. The analyses revealed a decrease of motivation for pre-adolescents regarding reading in academic or recreational contexts. As far as academic emotions are concerned, the positive emotion of enjoyment for reading also decreased as a function of age. Furthermore, positive emotions were positively related with internal motives in contrast to negative emotions, which also correlated positively yet with external motives. The discussion section highlights the need for continuing this line of research, which could eventually inform the development of age-appropriate interventions in schools, aiming to boost autonomous motivation and positive affect connected with learning.
Ντροπαλή ιδιοσυγκρασία στην παιδική ηλικία: διερεύνηση του ρόλου της μητρικής νοο-προσήλωσης
Authors: Μισαηλίδη Πλουσία , Ορφανίδου Σοφία
Published: March 2021

Relations between children’s temperamental shyness and mothers’ propensity to think and describe their children as individuals with minds (mind-mindedness) were examined. A between groups design was used to assess whether mothers of a group of 5- to 8-year-old shy children (n = 60) and mothers of a comparison group with non-shy children (n = 60) differed in the frequency and types of references they made to their children’s mental states. Mothers were asked to provide written descriptions of their children (Meins & Fernyhough, 2010, 2015). Descriptions were coded for references to three types of mental states: volitional (e.g. “want”, “need”, “try”), cognitive (e.g. “think”, “believe”) and emotional (e.g. “happy”, “sad”, “shy”). Shyness was assessed through separate parent and teacher reports of children’s temperament. As predicted, differences were found in the overall number of references to mental states, but also in the types of mental states to which mothers of shy and non-shy children referred. Temperamental shyness was associated with more frequent maternal references to children’s mental states and specifically to emotions. Findings are discussed in relation to the need to extend our understanding on the potential associations between child characteristics, such as temperament, and maternal mind-mindedness.
Η διερεύνηση του αυτοπροσδιορισμού μαθητών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης με προφίλ ενδεικτικό για μαθησιακές δυσκολίες και ήπια νοητική ανεπάρκεια
Authors: Βουγιούκας Κωνσταντίνος , Τσικούρας Κωνσταντίνος
Published: March 2021

Self-determination consists of skills, knowledge and attitudes that enable a person to perform self-regulating, autonomous and goal-oriented behaviors. The level of students’ self-determination depends not only on students’ intrinsic abilities but also on the environmental opportunities they are offered. The aim of this study was to investigate whether students with indicative profile of learning disabilities (LD) and mild intellectual disabilities (MID) in contrast to their typical developing (TD) classmates show differences in the level of their self-determination according to their own answers and their teachers’ answers. The study participants were 31 students with indicative profile for LD, 28 students with indicative profile for MID and 31 TD students (control group), according to the Greek standardized version of DTLA-4. The ARC’s Self-Determination Scale and the AIR Self-Determination Scale were used as data collection tools, which investigate students’ abilities and opportunities for the development 0f the basic components of self-determination (autonomy, self-regulation, psychological empowerment. self-realization). Main findings of the study were the following: (a) Students with indicative profile for LD and students with indicative profile for MID reported that they are less self-determined in both scales compared to their TD classmates; (b) Teachers and students had different views on the abilities and opportunities for the development of their self-determination; (c) Significant associations between AIR and ARC scales emerged. Considering the different views of teachers and students with indicative profile for LD and MID on the level of their self-determination may enable the design and implementation of appropriate educational activities and interventions.
Tätigkeitsbericht für das Jahr 2018
Authors: Lassau Guido
Published: March 2021

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 2018.
Conflict Analysis for MINLP
Authors: Berthold Timo , Witzig Jakob
Published: March 2021

The generalization of mixed integer program (MIP) techniques to deal with nonlinear, potentially nonconvex, constraints has been a fruitful direction of research for computational mixed integer nonlinear programs (MINLPs) in the last decade. In this paper, we follow that path in order to extend another essential subroutine of modern MIP solvers toward the case of nonlinear optimization: the analysis of infeasible subproblems for learning additional valid constraints. To this end, we derive two different strategies, geared toward two different solution approaches. These are using local dual proofs of infeasibility for LP-based branch-and-bound and the creation of nonlinear dual proofs for NLP-based branch-and-bound, respectively. We discuss implementation details of both approaches and present an extensive computational study, showing that both techniques can significantly enhance performance when solving MINLPs to global optimality.

Summary of Contribution: This original article concerns the advancement of exact general-purpose algorithms for solving one of the largest and most prominent problem classes in optimization, mixed integer nonlinear programs (MINLPs). It demonstrates how methods for conflict analysis that learn from infeasible subproblems can be transferred to nonlinear optimization. Further, it develops theory for how nonlinear dual infeasibility proofs can be derived from a nonlinear relaxation. This paper features a thoroughly computational study regarding the impact of conflict analysis techniques on the overall performance of a state-of-the-art MINLP solver when solving MINLPs to global optimality.
AVIAÇÃO COMERCIAL REGIONAL NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO: PERSPECTIVAS ANTE AO REGIC 2018
Authors: Fernandes Ulisses Da Silva , Barros Gabriel Teixeira
Published: March 2021

O estado do Rio de Janeiro, apesar de possuir pequena área territorial em relação às demais unidades federativas brasileiras, apresenta dificuldades de integração socioespacial, mobilidade deficitária e uma forte polarização socioeconômica na Região Metropolitana de sua capital. Entre uma série de fatores que influenciaram esse quadro, historicamente, há desde a evolução de sua divisão político-administrativa, à escolha pela política de mobilidade rodoviarista e até a sua topografia peculiar. A presença ou ausência de rotas aeroviárias no estado, bem sendo hoje o principal fluxo de transporte do mundo globalizado, são tanto causa como consequência do desenvolvimento socioespacial desigual e combinado. Além disso, o estudo analítico da aviação comercial regional se torna, neste momento, tanto um campo de diagnóstico quanto de ação para políticas públicas, especificamente para o nosso estado. Neste artigo, realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória sobre o quadro de desenvolvimento da aviação comercial regional no estado do Rio de Janeiro e utilizamos, para isso, um levantamento bibliográfico, consulta a fontes documentais como leis federais e estaduais, notícias de jornais e revistas especializadas, além de dados oriundos das pesquisas Arranjos Populacionais e Concentrações Urbanas do Brasil e Regiões de Influência das Cidades (REGIC) do IBGE.