bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration of the Posterior Glenoid in Recurrent Posterior Shoulder Instability Using an Arthroscopically Placed Iliac Crest Bone Graft: A Computed Tomography–Based Analysis
Authors: Camenzind Roland S. , Gossing Louis , Martin Becerra Javier , Ernstbrunner Lukas , Serane-Fresnel Julien , Lafosse Laurent
Published: January 2021

Background:

Posterior shoulder instability is uncommon, and its treatment is a challenging problem. An arthroscopically assisted technique for posterior iliac crest bone grafting (ICBG) has shown promising short- and long-term clinical results. Changes as shown on imaging scans after posterior ICBG for posterior shoulder instability have not been investigated in the recent literature.

Purpose:

To evaluate changes on computed tomography (CT) after arthroscopically assisted posterior ICBG and to assess clinical outcomes.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients with preoperative CT scans and at least 2 postoperative CT scans with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included in the evaluation. Of 49 initial patients, 17 (follow-up rate, 35%) met the inclusion criteria and were available for follow-up. We measured the glenoid version angle and the glenohumeral and scapulohumeral indices on the preoperative CT scans and compared them with measurements on the postoperative CT scans. Postoperatively, graft surface, resorption, and defect coverage were measured and compared with those at early follow-up (within 16 months) and final follow-up (mean ± SD, 6.6 ± 2.8 years).

Results:

The mean preoperative glenoid version was –17° ± 13.5°, which was corrected to –9.9° ± 11.9° at final follow-up ( P < .001). The humeral head was able to be recentered and reached normal values as indicated by the glenohumeral index (51.8% ± 6%; P = .042) and scapulohumeral index (59.6% ± 10.2%; P < .001) at final follow-up. Graft surface area decreased over the follow-up period, from 24% ± 9% of the glenoid surface at early follow-up to 17% ± 10% at final follow-up ( P < .001). All clinical outcome scores had improved significantly. Progression of osteoarthritis was observed in 47% of the shoulders.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopically assisted posterior ICBG restored reliable parameters as shown on CT scans, especially glenoid version and the posterior subluxation indices. Graft resorption was common and could be observed in all shoulders. Patient-reported clinical outcome scores were improved. Osteoarthritis progression in almost 50% of patients is concerning for the long-term success of this procedure.
High-flow therapy: physiological effects and clinical applications
Authors: D'Cruz Rebecca F. , Hart Nicholas , Kaltsakas Georgios
Published: January 2021

Humidified high-flow therapy (HFT) is a noninvasive respiratory therapy, typically delivered through a nasal cannula interface, which delivers a stable fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) at flow rates of up to 60 L·min−1. It is well-tolerated, simple to set up and ideally applied at 37°C to permit optimal humidification of inspired gas. Flow rate andFIO2should be selected based on patients' inspiratory effort and severity of hypoxaemia. HFT yields beneficial physiological effects, including improved mucociliary clearance, enhanced dead space washout and optimisation of pulmonary mechanics. Robust evidence supports its application in the critical care setting (treatment of acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure and prevention of post-extubation respiratory failure) and emerging data supports HFT use during bronchoscopy, intubation and breaks from noninvasive ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure. There are limited data on HFT use in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure, as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation and in the palliative care setting, and further research is needed to validate the findings of small studies. The COVID-19 pandemic raises questions regarding HFT efficacy in COVID-19-related hypoxaemic respiratory failure and concerns regarding aerosolisation of respiratory droplets. Clinical trials are ongoing and healthcare professionals should implement strict precautions to mitigate the risk of nosocomial transmission.

Educational aims

Provide a practical guide to HFT setup and delivery.

Outline the physiological effects of HFT on the respiratory system.

Describe clinical applications of HFT in adult respiratory and critical care medicine and evaluate the supporting evidence.

Discuss application of HFT in COVID-19 and aerosolisation of respiratory droplets.
Research on the fate of polymeric nanoparticles in the process of the intestinal absorption based on model nanoparticles with various characteristics: size, surface charge and pro-hydrophobics
Authors: Guo Shiqi , Liang Yanzi , Liu Lanze , Yin Miaomiao , Wang Aiping , Sun Kaoxiang , Li Youxin , Shi Yanan
Published: January 2021

Background

The use of drug nanocarriers to encapsulate drugs for oral administration may become an important strategy in addressing the challenging oral absorption of some drugs. In this study—with the premise of controlling single variables—we prepared model nanoparticles with different particle sizes, surface charges, and surface hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity. The two key stages of intestinal nanoparticles (NPs) absorption—the intestinal mucus layer penetration stage and the trans-intestinal epithelial cell stage—were decoupled and analyzed. The intestinal absorption of each group of model NPs was then investigated.

Results

Differences in the behavioral trends of NPs in each stage of intestinal absorption were found to result from differences in particle properties. Small size, low-magnitude negative charge, and moderate hydrophilicity helped NPs pass through the small intestinal mucus layer more easily. Once through the mucus layer, an appropriate size, positive surface charge, and hydrophobic properties helped NPs complete the process of transintestinal epithelial cell transport.

Conclusions

To achieve high drug bioavailability, the basic properties of the delivery system must be suitable for overcoming the physiological barrier of the gastrointestinal tract.
Erythropoietin-derived peptide treatment reduced neurological deficit and neuropathological changes in a mouse model of tauopathy
Authors: Choi Yun-Beom , Dunn-Meynell Ambrose A. , Marchese Michelle , Blumberg Benjamin M. , Gaindh Deeya , Dowling Peter C. , Lu Wei
Published: January 2021

Background

Prominent activation of microglial immune/inflammatory processes is a characteristic feature of brains of patients with tauopathies including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggesting that neuroinflammation may be a critical factor in their pathogenesis. Strategies aimed at developing new therapeutics for tauopathies based on anti-inflammation or immunomodulation are likely to be promising avenues of research. We previously developed JM4—a 19’mer cyclic peptide derived from the first loop of human erythropoietin. This peptide possesses beneficial immune modulatory and tissue protective effects while lacking the undesirable side effects of full-length erythropoietin. In this preclinical study, we investigated the effect of chronic JM4 treatment on the PS19 mouse that carries the P301S mutant human tau gene, linked to a form of frontotemporal dementia. This transgenic mouse has been widely used as a model of tauopathies including AD and related dementias.

Methods

Daily subcutaneous treatment of female PS19 mice with JM4 was initiated before disease onset and continued on for the animals’ lifespan. The progression of neurological deficit and the lifespan of these mice were assessed. To evaluate the effect of JM4 treatment on cognition of these animals, the PS19 mice underwent Barnes maze test and elevated plus maze test. In addition, neuronal loss, phosphorylated tau aggregation, and microglial activation were assessed using immunohistochemistry of PS19 mouse brain sections.

Results

JM4 treatment of PS19 mice initiated before disease onset reduced neurological deficit, prolonged lifespan, and rescued memory impairment. The beneficial effects of JM4 were accompanied by reductions in neuronal loss, phosphorylated tau aggregation, and microglial activation in the PS19 mouse brain.

Limitations

Use of a single dose of JM4 and female mice only.

Conclusion

JM4 is a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of tauopathies including AD and related dementias.
Assessing the genetic impact of Enterococcus faecalis infection on gastric cell line MKN74
Authors: Turk Seyhan , Turk Can , Temirci Elif Sena , Malkan Umit Yavuz , Ucar Gulberk , Ozguven Sukru Volkan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Enterococcus faecalis(E. faecalis) is an important commensal microbiota member of the human gastrointestinal tract. It has been shown in many studies that infection rates withE. faecalisin gastric cancer significantly increase. It has been scientifically proven that some infections develop during the progression of cancer, but it is still unclear whether this infection factor is beneficial (reduction in metastasis) or harmful (increase in proliferation, invasion, stem cell-like phenotype) of the host. These opposed data can significantly contribute to the understanding of cancer progress when analyzed in detail.

Methods

The gene expression data were retrieved from Array Express (E-MEXP-3496). Variance,ttest and linear regression analysis, hierarchical clustering, network, and pathway analysis were performed.

Results

In this study, we identified altered genes involved inE. faecalisinfection in the gastric cell line MKN74 and the relevant pathways to understand whether the infection slows down cancer progression. Twelve genes corresponding 15 probe sets were downregulated following the live infection of gastric cancer cells withE. faecalis. We identified a network between these genes and pathways they belong to. Pathway analysis showed that these genes are mostly associated with cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusion

NDC80, NCAPG, CENPA, KIF23, BUB1B, BUB1, CASC5, KIF2C, CENPF, SPC25, SMC4, and KIF20A genes were found to be associated with gastric cancer pathogenesis. Almost all of these genes are effective in the proliferation of cancer cells, especially during the infection process. Therefore, it is hypothesized that downregulation of these genes may affect gastric cancer pathogenesis by reducing cell proliferation. And, it is predicted thatE. faecalisinfection may be an important factor for gastric cancer.
Ovarian mature cystic teratoma with malignant transformation: two case reports
Authors: Tehranian Afsaneh , Ghahghaei-Nezamabadi Akram , Seifollahi Akram , Kasraei Sara , Dehghani-Nejad Hamideh , Maleki-Hajiagha Arezoo
Published: January 2021

Background

Mature Cystic Teratoma (MCT) is a benign tumor that can lead to malignant transformation (MT) in 1–3% of cases. Management of MT is a big challenge for gynecologic oncologists due to the lack of specific diagnostic and treatment protocols.

Case presentation

We reported two Iranian cases of MT of MCT with two different stages and prognosis. Our both cases presented the same symptoms, including chronic abdominal pain and distention, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In case number 1, despite the large size of the tumor, the disease was at stage Ia and had a good prognosis; while, case number 2 was at stage IIIc of the disease with a poor prognosis.

Conclusion

The stage of the disease is the most important prognostic factor, and early diagnosis and treatment are very critical for better survival.
Herd dynamics, production and marketing constraints in the commercialization of cattle across Nguni Cattle Project beneficiaries in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Malusi N. , Falowo A. B. , Idamokoro E. M.
Published: January 2021

This paper examines the challenges restricting the commercialization of cattle across Nguni Cattle Project beneficiaries in South Africa. Data were collected from one hundred and twenty (120) Nguni cattle beneficiaries using a structured questionnaire across six district municipalities of the Eastern Cape Province. Results revealed that majority of Nguni cattle beneficiaries were males, were above 60 years old, and have received formal training in livestock farming. Most of the beneficiaries reared cattle with other livestock species, with 45% owned non-descript breeds, 33% Nguni and 22% other breeds such as Bonsmara and Brahman. About 79.2% of the beneficiaries practised continuous grazing while 52.5% give their cattle supplements, with most commonly (48%) using rivers as the source of water. Most beneficiaries (38.4%) reported diseases as main production constraints, followed by stock theft (27.5%) and feed shortages (22.5%). Furthermore, results showed that 80.8% of beneficiaries market one to 10 cattle per year, 64.8% adult cattle (2+ years old) and 35.2% weaners (8 months to 1 year). Most beneficiaries (78.7%) used private marketing channels to sell their animals, while 4.3% used abattoirs. Factors identified as the main market constraints included low cattle numbers (41.7%), inability to meet formal market standards (25%) and inadequate government support. There was a strong association between formal livestock training and cattle marketing attributes as well as production constraints. In conclusion, more emphasis should be given to improve cattle production and commercialization through provision of more cattle, livestock trainings and market services to communal farmers.
Evaluation on the Bond Capacity of the Fire-Protected FRP Bonded to Concrete Under High Temperature
Authors: Seo Soo-yeon , Lim Jong-wook , Jeong Su-hyun
Published: January 2021

To figure out the change in the reinforcing effect of FRP system used for the retrofit of RC beam when it is exposed to high temperature, it is required to evaluate not only the behavior of the entire beam, but also the bond performance at anchorage zone through a bond test according to the increase of external temperature. Moreover, the study to find various fire-protection methods is necessary to prevent the epoxy from reaching the critical temperature during an exposure to high temperature. In this manner, the fire-resistance performances of externally bonded (EB) FRP and near-surface-mounted (NSM) FRP to concrete block were evaluated by high-temperature exposure tests after performing a fire-protection on the surface in this paper. Board-type insulation with mortar was considered for the fire-protection of FRP system. After the fire-protection of the FRPs bonded to concrete blocks, an increasing exposure temperature was applied to the specimens with keeping a constant shear bond stress between concrete and the FRP. Based on the result, the temperature when the bond strength of the FRP disappears was evaluated. In addition, a finite element analysis was performed to find a proper method for predicting the temperature variation of the epoxy which is fire-protected with board-type insulation during the increase of external temperature. As a result of the test, despite the same fire-protection, NSM specimens were able to resist 1.54–2.08 times higher temperature than EB specimens. In the design of fire-protection of FRP system with the board-type insulation, it is necessary to consider the transfer from sides as well as the face with FRP. If there is no insulation of FP boards on the sides, the epoxy easily reaches its critical temperature by the heat penetrated to the sides, and increasing the thickness of the FP board alone for the face with FRP does not increase the fire-resistance capacity. As a result of the FE analysis, the temperature variation at epoxy can be predicted using the analytical approach with the proper thermal properties of FP mortar and board.
Strengthening of masonry rings with composite materials
Authors: Jasieńko Jerzy , Raszczuk Krzysztof , Frąckiewicz Piotr , Kleszcz Kajetan , Bednarz Łukasz
Published: January 2021

The paper presents the results of experimental testing of six masonry rings built to technical scale and strengthened with CFRP strips and sheets and also with an FRCM system with PBO, glass, basalt and carbon fibers. The rings were subjected to tensile loads induced by four hydraulic jacks. The assumption is that the masonry rings are a representative simplification of domes, especially their structural support. Both single layered domes and ribbed domes are exposed to tensile stress in up to one third of their height.

During the tests, the following information was collected: loads, displacements, strains of composites and failure modes. In some cases, an initial prestressing of reinforcements was carried out. Recommendations and limitations related to the use of the materials tested for reinforcing round, masonry structures under tensile stresses are discussed. The criterion for choosing the best solution was not only based on comparing the tensile strength of the reinforcement but also its stiffness. A strengthening efficiency index is proposed. The assessment of strengthening effectiveness was carried out, taking into account also heritage building conservation standards. Adopting the EF indicator as the criterion for assessing the effectiveness of reinforcement, it can be concluded that the application of the following methods should be considered in the structural maintenance of historical buildings: PBO mesh reinforcement in the PBO-FRCM system, carbon mesh reinforcement in the C-FRCM system and also basalt reinforcement in the B-FRCM system.
Biochar improves soil physical characteristics and strengthens root architecture in Muscadine grape (Vitis rotundifolia L.)
Authors: Chang Yuru , Rossi Lorenzo , Zotarelli Lincoln , Gao Bin , Shahid Muhammad Adnan , Sarkhosh Ali
Published: January 2021

Background

Biochar is widely assumed as an effective soil amendment. It improves soil structure and fertility, thereby enhancing crop growth and development. There is still a knowledge gap in research on the beneficial impact of biochar on root growth and root architecture in perennial woody plants. Therefore, in our 14-week greenhouse study, pinewood-based biochar was applied as soil amendment for muscadine grape cultivation to investigate its effects on soil physical properties and crop root growth. Muscadine grape cv. Alachua was grown on Ultisols soil mixed with five rates of biochar on weight basis. Soil mixture properties and root attributes were determined.

Results

The soil bulk density decreased 40% and the total porosity increased 50% by adding 20% biochar into pure sandy soil. The soil water-holding capacity (WHC) of 20% biochar amendment soil was 1.9 times as pure as sandy soil. In addition, the incorporation of biochar did not only ameliorate soil acidity at the beginning but also increased soil pH buffering capacity, providing suitable soil pH a few months after application. Moreover, biochar induced woody plant finer roots development and significantly promoted root length, number of root forks, and crossings, while decreasing root average diameter.

Conclusions

Pinewood biochar significantly improved soil physical properties by moderating soil thermal properties, buffering soil pH, improving soil WHC, decreasing soil bulk density, and increasing soil porosity. In addition, biochar also strengthened the root architecture by improving root length, number of root forks, and crossings. Furthermore, roots from the amended treatment had longer root length with less average diameter than unamended roots, indicating that biochar may stimulate muscadine fine root development. The incorporation of biochar in soil enhanced woody plant root growth and development improved soil structure in sandy soils. It could potentially be a good strategy to tackle water loss, particularly in sandy soils.
Residential inequality and spatial patterns of infant mortality in Ethiopia: evidence from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite the remarkable decrease in infant mortality rate in most countries, the rate of decline is slow and it remains unacceptably high in Sub-Saharan Africa. The progress in infant mortality in Ethiopia is far below the rate needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal. Understanding the residential inequality and spatiotemporal clusters of infant mortality is essential to prioritize areas and guide public health interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the residential inequality and spatial patterns of infant mortality in Ethiopia.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was done based on the Ethiopian demographic and health surveys conducted in 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016. A total weighted sample of 46,317 live births was included for the final analysis. The residential inequality was assessed by calculating the risk difference in infant mortality rates between urban and rural live births and presented using a forest plot. For the spatial patterns of infant mortality, the SaTScan version 9.6 and ArcGIS version 10.6 statistical software were used to identify the spatial patterns of infant mortality.

Results

The study revealed that the infant mortality rate significantly declined from 96.9 per 1000 live births [95% CI 93.6, 104.2] in 2000 to 48.0 per 1000 live births [95% CI 44.2, 52.2] in 2016 with an annual rate of reduction of 3.2%. The infant mortality rate has substantial residential inequality over time, which is concentrated in the rural area. The spatial distribution of infant mortality was significantly clustered at the national level in survey periods (global Moran’s I, 0.04–0.081, p value < 0.05). In 2000, the most likely clusters were found in east Afar and at the border areas of south Amhara and north Oromia regions (LLR = 7.61, p value < 0.05); in 2005, at the border areas of Southern Nations Nationalities and People and in the entire Amhara region (LLR = 10.78, p value< 0.05); in 2011, at Southern Nations Nationalities and People and Gambella regions (LLR = 6.63, p value< 0.05); and in 2016, at east Oromia and northeast Somali regions (LLR = 8.38, p value < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this study, though infant mortality has shown remarkable reduction, infant mortality remains a major health care concern and had significant spatial variation across regions. Besides, the study found that infant mortality was highly concentrated in rural areas. Identifying the hotspot areas of infant mortality would help in designing effective interventions to reduce the incidence of infant mortality in these areas. Therefore, the findings highlighted that public health interventions should target rural areas and identified hotspot areas to reduce the incidence of infant mortality.
Detection of liver fibrosis stages in patients with hepatitis C virus infection by non-invasive tool
Authors: Serag Waleed Mohamed , Elsayed Basem Eysa
Published: January 2021

Background

S100A14 is a novel significant individual from S100 proteins family. Its significance is because of its part in tumorigenesis and metastasis process. Elevated level of S100A14 was associated with poor tumor differentiation. A relatively high dose of S100A14 was capable to induce cell injuries. It was discovered that S100A14 is seen at the extracellular medium. S100A14 induces the activation of apoptotic mediators and cell apoptosis. The aim of this study is to assess the clinical response of S100A14 in the detection the stages of liver fibrosis in patients of chronic HCV. ELISA was used to detect the levels of serum S100A14 in both different stages of fibrosis of the liver and control groups, and then, they were noticed together with the results of fibroscan. Other noninvasive markers of fibrosis were calculated such as APRI, AAR, and FIB-4 score.

Results

Protein expression level of S100A14 was positive correlated significantly with stages of fibrosis.

Conclusion

Measurement of serum level of S100A14 is a useful non-invasive marker for detection of the stages of liver fibrosis in patients of chronic HCV. Combinations of measuring S100A14 level to FIB-4 or S100A14 to APRI give a sensitive tool for diagnosing significant fibrosis.
Systematic Review of Intraoperative Anesthesia Handoffs and Handoff Tools
Authors: Abraham Joanna , Pfeifer Ethan , Doering Michelle , Avidan Michael S. , Kannampallil Thomas
Published: January 2021

Intraoperative handoffs between anesthesia clinicians are critical for care continuity. However, such handoffs pose a significant threat to patient safety. This systematic review synthesizes the empirical evidence on the (a) effect of intraoperative handoffs on outcomes and (b) effect of intraoperative handoff tools on outcomes. All studies on intraoperative handoffs and handoff tools published until September 2019, in any study setting and population, and with no prespecified criteria on the type of comparison and outcome were included. Data extracted from the included studies were aggregated to identify common patterns related to the type of surgery, clinician(s) involved, patient population, handoff tool, the tool design approach (where relevant), tool implementation strategies, and finally, all reported clinical and process outcomes. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. All included studies used adult patients. Eight studies were retrospective cohort studies that used administrative or electronic health record (EHR)–based databases to investigate the effects of intraoperative handoffs on morbidity and mortality. These studies included a total of 680,855 surgeries, with 139,426 of these surgeries having at least 1 handoff (20.47%). Seven of the studies found a positive association between intraoperative handoffs and considered outcomes. However, a pooled meta-analysis across these studies was not feasible across the retrospective studies due to differing surgical populations and varying definitions of the considered outcomes. Six studies used a nonrandomized prospective design to evaluate the effects of handoff tools on process-based outcomes such as clinician satisfaction, information transfer, handoff duration, and adherence. Five of the 6 handoff tools were checklist based. All prospective tool-based studies relied on small samples and reported a significant improvement on the considered process-based outcomes. The median quality score among retrospective (median [interquartile range {IQR}] = 9 [1]) was significantly higher than that of prospective (median [IQR] = 5 [1.5]) studies (U = 21, P = .0017). This systematic review provides a unique appraisal of the current state of intraoperative handoff research. To improve the quality and outcomes of handoffs, future efforts should focus on design and implementation of standardized handoff tools integrated within EHR systems, consider the use of similar metrics for evaluating handoff process and clinical outcomes, and improve the execution and reporting of studies using standard protocols and guidelines.
A modifier screen identifies regulators of cytoskeletal architecture as mediators of Shroom-dependent changes in tissue morphology
Authors: Hildebrand Jeffrey D. , Leventry Adam D. , Aideyman Omoregie P. , Majewski John C. , Haddad James A. , Bisi Dawn C. , Kaufmann Nancy
Published: January 2021

Regulation of cell architecture is critical in the formation of tissues during animal development. The mechanisms that control cell shape must be both dynamic and stable in order to establish and maintain the correct cellular organization. Previous work has identified Shroom family proteins as essential regulators of cell morphology during vertebrate development. Shroom proteins regulate cell architecture by directing the subcellular distribution and activation of Rho-kinase, which results in the localized activation of non-muscle myosin II. Because the Shroom-Rock-myosin II module is conserved in most animal model systems, we have utilized Drosophila melanogaster to further investigate the pathways and components that are required for Shroom to define cell shape and tissue architecture. Using a phenotype-based heterozygous F1 genetic screen for modifiers of Shroom activity, we identified several cytoskeletal and signaling protein that may cooperate with Shroom. We show that two of these proteins, Enabled and Short stop, are required for ShroomA-induced changes in tissue morphology and are apically enriched in response to Shroom expression. While the recruitment of Ena is necessary, it is not sufficient to redefine cell morphology. Additionally, this requirement for Ena appears to be context dependent, as a variant of Shroom that is apically localized, binds to Rock, but lacks the Ena binding site, is still capable of inducing changes in tissue architecture. These data point to important cellular pathways that may regulate contractility or facilitate Shroom-mediated changes in cell and tissue morphology.
How hornbills handle heat: sex-specific thermoregulation in the southern yellow-billed hornbill
Authors: van Jaarsveld Barry , Bennett Nigel C. , Czenze Zenon J. , Kemp Ryno , van de Ven Tanja M. F. N. , Cunningham Susan J. , McKechnie Andrew E.
Published: January 2021

At a global scale, thermal physiology is correlated with climatic variables such as temperature and aridity. There is also evidence that thermoregulatory traits vary with fine-scale microclimate, but this has received less attention in endotherms. Here, we test the hypothesis that avian thermoregulation varies with microclimate and behavioural constraints in a non-passerine bird. Male and female southern yellow-billed hornbills (Tockus leucomelas) experience markedly different microclimates while breeding, with the female sealing herself into a tree cavity and moulting all her flight feathers during the breeding attempt, becoming entirely reliant on the male for provisioning. We examined interactions between resting metabolic rate (RMR), evaporative water loss (EWL) and core body temperature (Tb) at air temperatures (Ta) between 30°C and 52°C in male and female hornbills, and quantified evaporative cooling efficiencies and heat tolerance limits. At thermoneutral Ta, neither RMR, EWL nor Tb differed between sexes. At Ta >40°C, however, RMR and EWL of females were significantly lower than those of males, by ∼13% and ∼17%, respectively, despite similar relationships between Tb and Ta, maximum ratio of evaporative heat loss to metabolic heat production and heat tolerance limits (∼50°C). These sex-specific differences in hornbill thermoregulation support the hypothesis that avian thermal physiology can vary within species in response to fine-scale microclimatic factors. In addition, Q10 for RMR varied substantially, with Q10 ≤2 in some individuals, supporting recent arguments that active metabolic suppression may be an underappreciated aspect of endotherm thermoregulation in the heat.
Comparative cranial biomechanics in two lizard species: impact of variation in cranial design
Authors: Dutel Hugo , Gröning Flora , Sharp Alana C. , Watson Peter J. , Herrel Anthony , Ross Callum F. , Jones Marc E. H. , Evans Susan E. , Fagan Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Cranial morphology in lepidosaurs is highly disparate and characterised by the frequent loss or reduction of bony elements. In varanids and geckos, the loss of the postorbital bar is associated with changes in skull shape, but the mechanical principles underlying this variation remain poorly understood. Here, we sought to determine how the overall cranial architecture and the presence of the postorbital bar relate to the loading and deformation of the cranial bones during biting in lepidosaurs. Using computer-based simulation techniques, we compared cranial biomechanics in the varanid Varanus niloticus and the teiid Salvator merianae, two large, active foragers. The overall strain magnitude and distribution across the cranium were similar in the two species, despite lower strain gradients in V. niloticus. In S. merianae, the postorbital bar is important for resistance of the cranium to feeding loads. The postorbital ligament, which in varanids partially replaces the postorbital bar, does not affect bone strain. Our results suggest that the reduction of the postorbital bar impaired neither biting performance nor the structural resistance of the cranium to feeding loads in V. niloticus. Differences in bone strain between the two species might reflect demands imposed by feeding and non-feeding functions on cranial shape. Beyond variation in cranial bone strain related to species-specific morphological differences, our results reveal that similar mechanical behaviour is shared by lizards with distinct cranial shapes. Contrary to the situation in mammals, the morphology of the circumorbital region, calvaria and palate appears to be important for withstanding high feeding loads in these lizards.
Uninformed partisans? The redistributive preferences of young Greeks
Authors: Koutsiaras Nikos , Tsirbas Yannis
Published: January 2021

Το παρόν άρθρο αποσκοπεί στην εξήγηση των (υποκειμενικών) αναδιανεμητικών προτιμήσεων των νέων, μιας ομάδας της οποίας οι προτιμήσεις δεν έχουν τύχει μεγάλης προσοχής, παραδόξως. Διερευνώνται οι προτιμήσεις έναντι ευθέως αναδιανεμητικών πολιτικών και θεσμών της αγοράς εργασίας. Εφαρμόζεται μια ερευνητική στρατηγική δύο σταδίων, με σκοπό να εντοπιστεί η επίδραση της πληροφόρησης και των προσωπικών οικονομικών προοπτικών, της ιδεολογίας και των πολιτικών στάσεων, σε δείγμα 533 φοιτητών. Η πληροφόρηση, δηλαδή η άρση, εν προκειμένω, του διαφανούς πέπλου άγνοιας των φοιτητών, δεν επηρεάζει τις προτιμήσεις τους. Οι τελευταίες διαμορφώνονται μέσω δύο μηχανισμών: του ιδεολογικοπολιτικού και του πολιτικοοικονομικού. Ο δεύτερος επηρεάζει την ένταση και όχι το περιεχόμενο των προτιμήσεων
Diversity. A critical approach
Authors: Maloutas Thomas
Published: January 2021

Σε αυτό το κείμενο ο όρος «ετερότητα» εξετάζεται κάτω από τέσσερις διαφορετικές οπτικές γωνίες. Η πρώτη την τοποθετεί σε μια γενεαλογία επιστημονικών και πολιτικών εννοιολογικών εργαλείων τα οποία περιγράφουν και αποτιμούν τις κοινωνίες των σύγχρονων πόλεων και επισημαίνει ότι η χρησιμοποίηση της έννοιας «ετερότητα» σηματοδοτεί ένα ακόμη βήμα απομάκρυνσης από εξισωτικούς λόγους και πολιτικές. Η δεύτερη διερευνά τη σχέση μεταξύ ετερότητας και ανισότητας, εμπνευσμένη από τις επεξεργασίες του François Dubet (2010) όσον αφορά τη σχέση μεταξύ άνισων ταξικών θέσεων και άνισων ευκαιριών. Στο πλαίσιο της τρίτης οπτικής συζητείται η σχέση μεταξύ ετερότητας και χωρικής κινητικότητας, με επικέντρωση στην εμποδιζόμενη κινητικότητα της εργασίας, την οποία νομιμοποιεί κυρίως η ουσιοκρατική αντίληψη της ατομικής ετερότητας. Η τέταρτη και τελευταία οπτική γωνία αφορά σε ένα σχόλιο για τη σχέση ετερότητας και δημοκρατίας, το οποίο επικεντρώνεται στο ότι η αυξημένη χρήση του όρου «ετερότητα» στον πολιτικό λόγο συμβαδίζει όλο και περισσότερο με τον περιορισμό της δημοκρατίας όσον αφορά τις ουσιαστικές επιλογές, αλλά και τον περιορισμό εκείνων των πολιτικών δικαιωμάτων που κυρίως ενσαρκώνουν αυτή την ετερότητα. Συνολικά, το κείμενο τονίζει την αμφίσημη σχέση μεταξύ πολιτικών και λόγων που προωθούν την ετερότητα, από τη μια πλευρά, και προγραμμάτων για περιορισμό των κοινωνικών ανισοτήτων, από την άλλη, όταν τα δικαιώματα των ομάδων στις οποίες αναφέρεται η ετερότητα βασίζονται σε παγιωμένες ταυτότητες και σε ουσιοκρατικά αντιληπτές διαφορές.
Η φεμινιστική προβληματική της διαθεματικότητας
Authors: Zavos Alexandra
Published: January 2021

Στο άρθρο αυτό εξετάζεται η φεμινιστική προβληματική της διαθεματικότητας και επισημαίνονται ορισμένα ζητήματα που εγείρονται σε σχέση με τη γενεαλογία, τη χρήση και τη διάδοση του όρου στις σπουδές φύλου και σε συναφή γνωστικά πεδία. Μέσα από μια σύντομη επισκόπηση της σχετικής προβληματικής, εξετάζονται διαφορετικές εννοιολογήσεις της διαθεματικότητας, καθώς και κριτικές που τις συνοδεύουν. Στόχος του άρθρου είναι η ανάδειξη της πλαστικότητας της ορολογίας και της δυναμικής της ανάλογης μεθοδολογίας. Ειδικότερα, εξετάζεται η μαύρη φεμινιστική θεωρία, η φεμινιστική έρευνα της κοινωνικής διαστρωμάτωσης, όπως και η μετααποικιακή κριτική στην πολυπολιτισμικότητα, τρεις περιοχές που συγκροτούν διαφορετικά, συνομιλούντα, ωστόσο, επιστημικά και πολιτικά πεδία διαλόγου.
Κοινωνικές ανισότητες στην κατανομή του κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου χρηστών και μη χρηστών διαδικτύου
Authors: Linardis Apostolos , Fragoulis George
Published: January 2021

Το παρόν άρθρο ασχολείται με τη διερεύνηση δύο διαστάσεων του κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου, συγκεκριμένα την κοινωνική εμπιστοσύνη και τα άτυπα δίκτυα χρηστών και μη χρηστών διαδικτύου. Για τον σκοπό αυτό, αξιοποιούνται εμπειρικά δεδομένα από το τρίτο κύμα της έρευνας World Internet Project (WIP) που διεξήχθη το 2019. Από τα εμπειρικά δεδομένα προκύπτει ότι οι χρήστες διαδικτύου διαθέτουν μεγαλύτερο απόθεμα κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου από τους μη χρήστες, τόσο ως προς τις διαστάσεις που αφορούν την κοινωνική εμπιστοσύνη όσο και ως προς αυτές που αφορούν τα άτυπα δίκτυα. Αποδεικνύεται όμως ότι η χρήση διαδικτύου δεν συνδέεται άμεσα με τους περισσότερους ενδείκτες κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου. Η χρήση του διαδικτύου συσχετίζεται με κοινωνικο-οικονομικο-δημογραφικά χαρακτηριστικά, τα οποία διακρίνουν τους χρήστες διαδικτύου από τους μη χρήστες και τα οποία εντέλει είναι αυτά που διαφοροποιούν την κατανομή του κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου.
Τοπικές κοινωνίες, Θαλάσσιες Προστατευόμενες Περιοχές και καταδυτικός τουρισμός στις Κυκλάδες
Authors: Avrami Lydia , Demertzis Nikos , Armenakis Antonis
Published: January 2021

Η παρούσα μελέτη αποσκοπεί στην αποτύπωση και συγκριτική ανάλυση των αντιλήψεων και απόψεων των τοπικών φορέων και ομάδων συμφερόντων τριών νησιών των Κυκλάδων με διαφορετικό επίπεδο τουριστικής ανάπτυξης (Κύθνος, Μήλος, Σαντορίνη) σε ό,τι αφορά τις πρόσφατα οριοθετημένες Θαλάσσιες Προστατευόμενες Περιοχές (ΘΠΠ) και την ανάπτυξη του καταδυτικού τουρισμού. Επιπλέον, διερευνώνται οι κύριοι παράγοντες που εκτιμάται ότι θα συμβάλουν ή θα υπονομεύσουν σε τοπικό επίπεδο τη διακυβέρνηση, τη διαχείριση και εντέλει την αποτελεσματικότητα των ΘΠΠ στις παραπάνω περιοχές. Προς τον σκοπό αυτό, διεξήχθησαν ατομικές συνεντεύξεις με όλους τους τοπικούς φορείς που εμπλέκονται άμεσα ή έμμεσα στη διαχείριση των ΘΠΠ και την ανάπτυξη του καταδυτικού τουρισμού. Από την ανάλυση των πρωτογενών δεδομένων προκύπτει η ουσιαστική έλλειψη ενημέρωσης των τοπικών φορέων και ομάδων συμφερόντων όσον αφορά τις ΘΠΠ. Επιπλέον, παρατηρούνται αξιοσημείωτες διαφοροποιήσεις στις απόψεις τους, οι οποίες φαίνεται ότι συνδέονται σε μεγάλο βαθμό με το επίπεδο τουριστικής ανάπτυξης του κάθε νησιού, τη διάρθρωση της τοπικής οικονομίας και τη διεξαγωγή διαβουλεύσεων σε τοπικό επίπεδο κατά το παρελθόν όσον αφορά τη θεσμοθέτηση ΘΠΠ.
Η εμπειρική μελέτη της ξενοφοβίας στην Ελλάδα σήμερα: Κοινωνικο-δημογραφικοί και κοινωνιο-ψυχολογικοί προσδιοριστικοί παράγοντες
Authors: Ζήση Αναστασία , Χτουρής Σωτήρης , Σταλίδης Γιώργος , Ρόντος Κώστας
Published: January 2021

In this article, we present research evidence of a national survey on xenophobia (N = 1.838) and host-immigrant relations carried out in the contemporary society of Greece facing a deep and severe economic crisis. The theoretical and research design of the study draws on the integrated threat theory (Stephan & Stephan, 2000) and the right-wingauthoritarian theory (Altemeyer, 1981) that have been extensively used in the research area of social psychology of prejudice and inter-group discrimination. The Principal Correspondence Analysis shows thatthe overall negative attitude towards the immigrants and political xenophobia are related to sociodemographic characteristics such as low education level, low income and negative change someone’s economic position. The overall negative attitude towards the immigrants and political xenophobia are also related to socio-psychological processes such as perceived threats and strong ideological beliefs of socialconformity and conservatism. Our results support the existence of varieties of xenophobia.
Οι θεωρίες γύρω από τις διαφυλικές διαφορές στην ερωτική ζήλεια και η αξιοποίηση τους στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφοριστική Θεωρία και Πράξη
Authors: Ευθυμίου Κωνσταντίνος , Καπνογιάννη Σοφία
Published: January 2021

Romantic jealousy is a commonly experienced complex of feelings, which in its pathological expression leads to personal misery, problematic relations and problems for the partner of the person experiencing it. Research in romantic jealousy has began since the ‘40s, when Alfred Kinsey noted that men tend to be more preoccupied withthe sexual aspect of a partner’s sexual infidelity, whereas women tend to worry most about lost attention, sentimental investment and love from their partner. More recently researchers have attempted to explainthe sexual difference in jealousy as an innate module, through the evolution theory and have attracted the attention of the scientific community, as well as much criticism. Supporters of sociocognitive theories attempt to place jealousy as an innate module in their theory. Cognitive behavioural therapies have started including jealousy as such a module in their case conceptualization of pathological jealousy.
Μελέτη της παραγωγής κλιτικών αντωνυμιών σε μονόγλωσσα και δίγλωσσα παιδιά με Ειδική Γλωσσική Διαταραχή
Authors: Τσιμπλή Ιάνθη - Μαρία , Περιστέρη Ελένη , Ανδρέου Μαρία
Published: January 2021

In this study, we tested the predictions of two opposing perspectives on the nature of the deficit in Specific Language Impairment (SLI): the language delay approach, and the view that the language development of SLI children is qualitatively different from typically developing children populations. Data consisted of the elicited production of pronominal object clitics from monolingual and bilingual SLI children with various language pairs (Greek always being the children’s second language); younger, typically developing, bilingual language peers, and monolingual Greek-speaking comparison groups. We analyzed the children’s accurate responses and error-types in clitic production. Both SLI groups had more difficulty with clitics in comparison to typically-developing, chronological age-matched peers, while SLI children performed similarly with their younger, unaffected monolingual and bilingual peers. We argue that these findings provide support to the language delay approach and present challenges to the role of bilingualism in SLI.
Η μέθοδος της Φωτογλώσσας στο χώρο της θεραπείας
Authors: Μητσοπούλου - Σόντα Λίλα , Ναυρίδης Κλήμης
Published: January 2021

In this article we present a particular method of group psychoanalytic psychotherapy, which is included in methods using mediating objects as the Photolanguage© method. We propose clinical sequences from the case of Sophie who participates in a Photolanguage© group in order to illustrate in a better way the method but the specific processes whichtake place too. Sophie, whose metaphorical thought is failing, has the possibility to access consciousness and subjectivity with the double aid of the group and of the mediating object. The figurability of the affect can be treated by the group which proposes a space where the internal groups of Sophie can be diffracted, permitting her to find the words and restore the thread of her personal history. The photograph, as an object, creates a playing area where the subject is able to create the link between her internal and external images, and between sensations and words.
Η πολιτειότητα ως ρητορικό εφόδιο κατά της μετανάστευ- σης στο λόγο για την απόδοση ιθαγένειας στους μετανάστες: Η περίπτωση της εφημερίδας Α1
Authors: Σαπουντζής Αντώνης
Published: January 2021

Often in the social and political sciences a distinction is used between ethnic and civic nationalism, in order to exemplify different types of national belonging. Within social psychology, where this distinction has also been used, it is often argued that people who view their national belonging according to ethnic criteria demonstrate high levels of prejudice against immigrants. This paper drawing from the “turn to language” within social psychology, examines articles from the A1 newspaper, which supports the LAOS party, that refer to the 3838/2010 law that grants Greek citizenship to some immigrants according to certain standards. It has been found that citizenship was used as an argument in order to exclude the immigrants from the Greek citizenship, while the journalists seemed to employ notions of both ethnic and civic nationalism so as to construct the identity of the Greeks and the immigrants as well.
Η γραπτή έκφραση ως διαδικασία: Από τη λειτουργική εκτίμηση στη δόμηση της γνώσης
Authors: Ξανθή Στέλλα
Published: January 2021

An alternative assessment of writing skills was applied to 60 students (38 with learning disabilities and 22 with average/high performance), ranging in age from 9 to 12 years. The aim was to provide a functional, curriculum based assessment of linguistic/metalinguistic, cognitive/metacognitive and writing skills. The assessment was developed on the basis of prior research on the difficulties experienced by students with writing. A teaching intervention was planned and executed in order to develop the writing skills of the students with learning disabilities using three educational software tools: Ideokataskeves, Logomatheia, and Micorworlds Pro. The results showedthat the students with learning disabilities exhibited poor performance in all writing skills assessed. The teaching intervention produced better performance of the learning disabilities students in the posttests,indicating that a learning environment which encourages active participation in writing processes can facilitate the development of writing and critical thinking skills in this population.
Ακούσια εισαγωγή σε ψυχιατρική μονάδα: Από το πνεύμα του νόμου στην καθημερινότητα της εφαρμογής του
Authors: Γρηγοριάδου Ειρήνη , Αμπατζή Ευαγγελία , Γεωργάκα Ευγενία
Published: January 2021

The present study investigates the divergence between the law 2071/92 regarding involuntary commitment of persons with mental disorders to a psychiatric ward and its practical implementation, through information drawn from psychiatrists, attorneys and police officers, who are directly involved in the process, as well as from involuntarily committedpersons. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with four participants from each professional group, and four persons with experience of involuntary commitment. The material wassystematically analysed and organised in categories according to the principles of Grounded Theory. The analysis reveals an adequate picture of the process of involuntary commitment, the aspects of the law thatare implemented and correspondingly those which are not implemented, the difficulties in the implementation of the law, as well as broader issues concerning involuntary commitment. Amongst the central issues highlighted in this study are the distinctiveness of the participants’ roles and the lack of collaboration between them, the importance of dangerousness, which coalesces all the professional participants and overshadows the aim of care, and finally the lack of a prescribed framework for the implementation of the law, which results in significant differences in its implementation depending on the personal stance and knowledge of each professional involved.