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Epidemiological studies among performing artists have found elevated stress levels and health effects, but scarcely the full range of stressors has been reported. We review here the existing literature on job-related stressors of classical instrumental musicians (orchestra musicians). PubMed, Google Scholar and JSTOR databases were screened for relevant papers indexed up to August 2012. A total of 122 papers was initially identified which, after exclusion of duplicates and those not meeting eligibility criteria, yielded 67 articles for final analysis. We identified seven categories of stressors affecting musicians in their everyday working lives: public exposure, personal hazards, repertoire, competition, job context, injury/illness, and criticism, but with interrelated assigned factors. The proposed categories provide a framework for future comprehensive research on the impact and management of musician stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of homoleptic rare earth (RE) complexes bearing phosphino-aryloxide ligands ( 1-RE , 2-La ) has been prepared. The complexes have been characterised using multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and elemental analysis. Structural characterisation highlighted the different RE-P interactions as a result of differing Lewis acidity and ionic size across the series, hinting at the possibility of FLP-type activity. The potential reactivity of these complexes has been tested by reacting them with small molecules (H 2 , CO, CO 2 ). A series of side-products ( 3-RE ) has also been observed, isolated and characterised, featuring the incorporation of a phosphonium-aryloxide ligand., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: C HIV/AIDS infection is characterized by a very low number of T lymphocytes (CD4), which makes sufferers vulnerable to various infections, and so they seek continuous care in Special Infections Units., Objective: The purpose of the survey is to investigate the factors that contribute to the satisfaction derived from the health services provided to people living with the human immunodeficiency virus; and they are monitored at the Special Infections Unit of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli., Methods: All patients who came to the Special Infections Unit of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupoli during the period June - July 2021 were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire on satisfaction derived from the health services provided (E - PQ - SPCSS) and satisfaction derived from their work and quality of life (Occupational Stress Questionnaire, JCQ). The statistical package SPSS 19.0 was used for the statistical analysis of the data. With the help of the ANOVA statistical test, the differences between the variables were checked. P-Value in all audits was set at 0.05. Values showing equal to or less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: They were 85 patients who participated. Amongst them, they were mainly men (75.3%), the mean age was 35-50 years (50.6%), residents of Thrace (62.3%). 37.7% of the participants said they had some difficulty accessing SIU. Quality of life was positively correlated with education (p<0.001) where the higher reported level of education was, the higher satisfaction rates were. A positive correlation (p<0.001) was also observed amongst income rates where the higher incomes reported, the higher the satisfaction rates were. Lower incomes were significantly associated (p = 0.029) with mental disorders (anxiety, depression). Quality of life was positively associated with both satisfaction with medical as well as nursing care (p <0.008). The adequacy and clarity of the information the patients receive from SIU physicians during their visit shows a significant positive correlation (p<0.001). In addition, there is a significant correlation regarding the problems patients may have experienced in the last 6 months in terms of access to treatment (p<0.021)., Conclusion: Participants showed high satisfaction rates from the medical and nursing care provided at the SIU of the PGNA. The opportunity of expression given to users - patients through satisfaction studies promotes and creates a climate of trust between them and the decision-making teams of health units., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (© 2023 Petros Ouzounakis, Lambrini Kourkouta, Aikaterini Frantzana, Christos Iliadis, Areti Tsaloglidou, Konstantinos Koukourikos, Christos Sialakis, Evaggelos Alexopoulos.)

Exosomes have previously been isolated from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and their anti-apoptotic properties reported. However, to further facilitate the study of CHO cell derived exosomes and allow their comparison across studies, it is necessary to characterise and define such exosomes using at least three criteria that can act as a reference for the generation of CHO cell produced exosomes. Here we report on the isolation of exosomes from CHO cells, an industrially relevant and widely used cell host for biopharmaceutical protein production, during the exponential and stationary phase of growth during batch culture using a Total Exosome Isolation (TEI) method. The resulting vesicles were characterized and visualized using a diverse range of techniques including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential, Electron Microscopy and immunoblotting, and their protein and RNA content determined. We also generated the lipid fingerprint of isolated exosomes using MALDI-ToF mass spectroscopy. We confirmed the presence of nano sized extracellular vesicles from CHO cells and their subsequent characterization revealed details of their size, homogeneity, surface charge, protein and RNA content. The lipid content of exosomes was also found to differ between exosomes isolated on different days of batch culture. This analysis provides a profile and characterisation of CHO cell exosomes to aid future studies on exosomes from CHO cells and improving the manufacturing of exosomes for biotherapeutic application., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

The optical and electrochemical properties of quadruply bonded dimolybdenum paddlewheel complexes (Mo 2 PWCs) make them ideal candidates for incorporation into functional materials or devices, but one of the greatest bottlenecks for this is their poor stability toward atmospheric oxygen. By tuning the potential at which the Mo 2 core is oxidized, it was possible to increase the tolerance of Mo 2 PWCs to air. A series of homoleptic Mo 2 PWCs bearing fluorinated formamidinate ligands have been synthesized and their electrochemical properties studied. The oxidation potential of the complexes was tuned in a predictable fashion by controlling the positions of the fluorine substituents on the ligands, as guided by a Hammett relationship. Studies into the air stability of the resulting complexes by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy show an increased tolerance to atmospheric oxygen with increasingly electron-withdrawing ligands. The heteroleptic complex Mo 2 (D F ArF) 3 (OAc) [where D F ArF = 3,5-(difluorophenyl)formamidinate] shows remarkable tolerance to oxygen in the solid state and in chloroform solutions. Through the employment of easily accessible ligands, the stability of the Mo 2 core toward oxygen has been enhanced, thereby making Mo 2 PWCs with electron-withdrawing ligands more attractive candidates for the development of functional materials.

Narrow-band imaging (NBI), an on-demand, real-time endoscopic imaging technique, was developed to enhance visualization of the mucosal vascular network and surface texture. The present article provides a systematic review of studies that assessed the use of NBI in gynecological endoscopy. The following electronic databases were searched: PubMed (1950-2020), Google Scholar (2004-2020) and Cochrane Library (2010-2020). In the initial search, 3,836 entries were identified, of which 31 were finally included in the systematic review. Of the selected studies, 10 (32%) were case reports, 19 (61.2%) were prospective studies and 2 (6.4%) were randomized controlled trials with control groups. The selected studies reported on the use of NBI in hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and colposcopy. It was revealed that NBI utilization in hysteroscopy increased the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in detecting malignant and premalignant lesions. NBI improved the specificity and sensitivity in the detection of endometriotic lesions and cervical lesions. Conventional white light endoscopy in gynecology may be significantly improved by the use of NBI. Further studies with larger cohorts and improved design are required to achieve more reliable results. It is of special interest that utilization of this method requires apparatus which is expensive; concerns are the long training and experience of staff required and the long learning curve., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Peitsidis et al.)

Objective: The onset and development of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) remains unclear in an age - dependent manner. Despite treatment, persistent symptoms such as snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as cognitive impairment may be present. The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of residual symptoms of SDB in adolescence and early adulthood, the predisposing factors and its neurocognitive complications., Methods: In the present pilot study-cohort, a questionnaire was utilized to 154 people (average age: 17.9 ± 3), who as children (mean age: 5.3 ± 1.4) had AHI ≥2.5 episodes/h. They were divided into two groups based on AHI = 5 episodes/h. Depending on the results, they were invited to undergo a repeated polysomnography (PSG) and complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Statistical analysis was made with IBM SPSS software., Results: Out of the total, 35.7% claimed to still snore. AHI was negatively correlated to the severity of residual symptoms (Mann-Witney U test, p <0.005). According to repeated PSGs, 9/17 met the criteria for OSAS, while high BMI was associated with the severity of new AHI (chi squared test, p<0.005). Additionally, 7/16 scored below the MoCA baseline (<26/30). The characteristics of cognitive declines were mapped, with most prominent having been visuospatial, short - term memory and naming/language deficits., Discussion: A significant percentage of children with sleep breathing disorder present with residual symptoms during their transition to early adulthood, as well as undiagnosed neurocognitive complications. Clinicians suspicion for the underlying neurocognitive complications is required, even in young adults, while guidelines on monitoring pediatric OSAS patients after treatment should be addressed.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem, affecting 11% of the population in Greece. Pain can last upwards of 6 wk and impact functional ability and quality of life. Treating LBP often includes the use of alternative methods, such as relaxation techniques. We tested whether relaxation techniques could reduce stress and pain and improve quality of life. Patients engaged in methods such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, autogenic training, and guided imagery. The treatment group consisted of 31 randomized patients and the control group had 33. The treatment group followed an 8-wk relaxation program with weekly sessions and practiced techniques every day by listening to a compact disk at home (2×/d). The control group did not follow relaxation techniques. No statistically significant differences were present regarding the Perceived Stress Scale, body-mass index, and satisfaction with functional ability. However, statistically significant differences were found in the Brief Pain Inventory score and multidimensional locus of control. We also found decreases in all three cortisol measurements for the treatment group. Relaxation techniques provide positive results in pain reduction and cortisol decrease and must therefore be incorporated into rehabilitation protocols.

Research has shown that stress experiences begin in early stages of life. Stress management techniques have appeared to be beneficial for the development or enhancement of stress coping skills. The aim of this pilot randomised controlled trial was to assess the effect of a 12-week intervention, comprising training in diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscular relaxation, on elementary school students' stress levels. Outcomes on the quality of life and behavioural aspects of the students were also assessed. Standardised questionnaires were administered at baseline and after the 12-week intervention program. Fifty-two children aged 10 to 11 years were randomly assigned to intervention (n=24) and control groups (n=28). Children of the intervention group demonstrated lower levels of stress (in all three subscales of lack of well-being, distress, and lack of social support) and improved aspects of quality of life (physical, emotional, and school functioning). No significant differences were observed regarding the examined behavioural dimensions, in the intervention group. Larger randomised controlled trials with follow-up evaluations are needed to ascertain the positive outcomes of such programs on elementary school children., Competing Interests: Competing interests: KS none; FB none; DV none; IK none; EA none; LV none; GPC none; CD none

Quality characteristics of olive products significantly depend on cultivar (cv), among other factors. In this study, seven traditional, noncommercial Greek cultivars, along with the commercial Spanish Arbequina cv., were examined for the phenolic antioxidant dynamic of their leaves. Polar extracts (aqueous, methanol, and ethanol) were analyzed for Total Phenol (TP), Flavonoid (TFL), Hydroxycinnamic Acid Derivatives (THAD), Flavonol (TFLVN) contents, DPPH radical scavenging ability, and Ferric Reducing Capacity (FRAP). Selective characteristics of olive leaf methanol extracts for all cultivars were re-examined on a second sampling period. Olive leaf is considered a rich source of phenolic antioxidants total phenol content reaching 29.3 ± 1.3, 30.6 ± 0.4, and 27.0 ± 1.1 mg caffeic acid/g dry leaf for aqueous, methanol, and ethanol extracts, respectively) and all cultivars were considered of equal bioactive dynamic. TP data derived from Folin⁻Ciocalteu and another spectrophotometric assay employed presented a high correlation for all examined cases ( R ² = 71.5⁻86.9%). High correlation ( R ² = 0.92) was also found between TP and FRAP findings of aqueous extracts. Olive leaf is considered a promising source of phenolic antioxidants irrelevant to cultivar and therefore even cultivars less effective for oil or table olive production could be efficiently exploited for the bioactive dynamic of their leaves.

Aim: To investigate the disability due to musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities in heavy industry workers., Methods: The population under study consisted of 802 employees, both white- and blue-collar, working in a shipyard industry in Athens, Greece. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires and the recording of individual and job-related characteristics during the period 2006-2009. The questionnaires used were the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QD) Outcome Measure, the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey. The QD was divided into three parameters - movement restrictions in everyday activities, work and sports/music activities - and the SF-36 into two items, physical and emotional. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed by means of the SPSS v.22 for Windows Statistical Package., Results: The answers given by the participants for the QD did not reveal great discomfort regarding the execution of manual tasks, with the majority of the participants scoring under 5%, meaning no disability. After conducting multiple linear regression, age revealed a positive association with the parameter of restrictions in everyday activities (b = 0.64, P = 0.000). Basic education showed a statistically significant association regarding restrictions during leisure activities, with b = 2.140 ( P = 0.029) for compulsory education graduates. WAI's final score displayed negative charging in the regression analysis of all three parameters, with b = -0.142 ( P = 0.0), b = -0.099 ( P = 0.055) and b = -0.376 ( P = 0.001) respectively, while the physical and emotional components of SF-36 associated with movement restrictions only in daily activities and work. The participants' specialty made no statistically significant associations with any of the three parameters of the QD., Conclusion: Increased musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity are associated with older age, lower basic education and physical and mental/emotional health and reduced working ability., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflict of interest to report.