Παρεμβατικό πρόγραμμα αγωγής και προαγωγής υγείας – διαχείρισης του στρες – εγκατάστασης υγιεινών συμπεριφορών δια της Πυθαγορείου Αυτογνωσίας σε μαθητές προσχολικής ηλικίας

Εισαγωγή: Στη σύγχρονη εποχή, και ενώ το στρες κι ο ανθυγιεινός τρόπος ζωής αυξάνονται ολοένα και περισσότερο, παρατηρείται η ραγδαία εμφάνιση ποικίλων μη μεταδιδόμενων νοσημάτων ως απόρροια αυτών. Λύση απέναντι σε αυτό το πρόβλημα μπορεί να αποτελέσει η πρόληψη μέσω παρεμβατικών προγραμμάτων στο σχολικό περιβάλλον, και ειδικότερα στις πρώτες σχολικές βαθμίδες εκπαίδευσης των παιδιών. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η διαχείριση των συναισθημάτων και η εκμάθηση μιας νέας ρουτίνας στην καθημερινότητα των παιδιών, είναι δυνατόν να αποτελέσουν την κινητήριο δύναμη για μια υγιή ενήλικη ζωή. Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η διερεύνηση επίδρασης του προγράμματος της Πυθαγορείου Αυτογνωσίας διάρκειας 9 εβδομάδων με στόχο την διαχείριση του στρες και την εγκαθίδρυση ενός υγιούς τρόπου ζωής. Πρόκειται για ένα καινοτόμο πρόγραμμα διαχείρισης του στρες το οποίο βασίζεται στη γνωσιακή αναδόμηση του ατόμου. Υλικό και μέθοδοι: Το δείγμα στο οποίο πραγματοποιήθηκε το συγκεκριμένο πρόγραμμα αποτέλεσαν μαθητές προσχολικής ηλικίας (3-6 ετών). Η παρούσα μελέτη σχεδιάστηκε με σκοπό να πραγματοποιηθεί σύγκριση των μετρήσεων του δείγματος πριν και μετά την παρέμβαση. Διεξήχθησαν μετρήσεις δύο φορές πριν από την παρέμβαση και μια φορά μετά από αυτήν. Σε κάθε μέτρηση χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 2 ερωτηματολόγια, η Κλίμακα Αντιλαμβανόμενου Στρες για παιδιά (Perceived Stress Scale for Children, PSS-C) και o Κατάλογος Ελέγχου Συμπεριφοράς στην Προσχολική Ηλικία (ΚΕΣΠΗ), καθώς και μια συσκευή PPG (photoplethysmograph). Επιπλέον, λήφθηκαν τα δημογραφικά δεδομένα του κάθε παιδιού (φύλο, ηλικία). Για τη στατιστική ανάλυση των δεδομένων του δείγματος, χρησιμοποιήθηκαν μέθοδοι επαγωγικής και περιγραφικής στατιστικής. Αποτελέσματα: Με τη λήξη του προγράμματος, μέσω της σύγκρισης των αρχικών μετρήσεων των συμμετεχόντων, παρατηρήθηκε πως δεν υπήρξε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά (p>0,05 για όλες τις συγκρίσεις). Στα αποτελέσματα των μετρήσεων πριν και μετά την παρέμβαση, φαίνεται ότι υπήρξε στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά σε όλες τις ποσοτικές μεταβλητές [Αντιλαμβανόμενο στρες PSS-C (p<0,0001), Κατάλογος ελέγχου συμπεριφοράς ΚΕΣΠΗ, (p<0,0001), PPG Stress Flow, Heart Rate mean (p<0,0001) και Low Frequency/Very Low Frequency (p=0,034)]. Συμπεράσματα: Το πρόγραμμα της Πυθαγορείου Αυτογνωσίας είχε ευεργετική επίδραση στη διαχείριση του στρες και στον τρόπο ζωής σε δείγμα μαθητών προσχολικής ηλικίας.Introduction: Nowadays, while stress and unhealthy lifestyles are increasing more and more, the rapid appearance of various non-communicable diseases is observed as a consequence of them. The solution to this problem can be the prevention through intervention programs in the school environment, and in particular in the first grades of children's education. More specifically, managing emotions and learning a new routine in children's everyday life can be the driving force for a healthy adult life. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the 9-week Pythagorean Self-Awareness program with the aim of managing stress and establishing a healthy lifestyle. It is an innovative stress management program based on the cognitive reconstruction of the individual. The sample in which the specific program was carried out was preschool students (3-6 years old). Materials and methods: In this study, the one group (double) pretest - posttest design was used, so the results of the measurements before and after the intervention were compared. Measurements were taken twice before the intervention and once after it. Two questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale for Children (PSS-C) and Checklist for screening behavioral problems in preschool children, as well as a PPG (Photoplethysmograph) device were used in each measurement. In addition, each child's demographic data (gender, age) were obtained. Inductive and descriptive statistics methods were used for the statistical analysis of the sample data. Results: At the end of the program, by comparing the initial measurements of the participants, it was observed that there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05 for all comparisons). In the comparison of pretest and posttest results, it appears that there was a statistically significant difference in all quantitative variables [Perceived Stress (p<0.0001), Checklist for screening behavioral problems in preschool children, (p<0.0001), PPG Stress Flow, Heart Rate mean (p<0.0001) and Low Frequency/Very Low Frequency (p=0,034)]. Conclusions: The Pythagorean Self-awareness program had a beneficial effect on stress management and lifestyle in the sample of preschool students

Multicompartmental Mesoporous Silica/Polymer Nanostructured Hybrids: Design Capabilities by Integrating Linear and Star-Shaped Block Copolymers

Poly(2-vinyl pyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (P2VP-b-PEO) linear diblock copolymer and polystyrene–poly(ethylene oxide) (PS10PEO10) heteroarm star copolymer were used as building elements to prepare organic–inorganic hybrids. By using the layer-by-layer (LbL) methodology, these elements were integrated on mesoporous silica through non-covalent interactions, namely, ionic and H-bonding. For the latter, tannic acid (TA) was used as an intermediate layer. The deposition of the various layers was monitored by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrophoretic measurements, and confocal microscopy. The final silica hybrid, bearing alternating P2VP-b-PEO and PS10PEO10 star layers was capable of carrying one hydrophilic and two hydrophobic chemical species in distinct compartments. These multicompartmental organic–inorganic hybrids could be used as nanostructured carriers for pH-responsive multiple drug delivery and potential theranostic applications

The Effect of Pythagorean Self-Awareness on Heart Rate Variability, Perceived Stress and Behavior of Preschool Children

Stress is associated with unhealthy habits and non-communicable diseases. It is also linked to communicable diseases due to its impact on immune function. These can be prevented through intervention programs in schools. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the simplified Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention on heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, perceived stress and behaviors of preschool children. The sample of the study consisted of 45 preschool students. A “one group (double) pretest—posttest design” was used, to allow for comparisons of the measurements before and after the intervention. Students were assessed via two questionnaires (“Perceived Stress Scale for Children” (PSS-C) and “Checklist for Screening Behavioral Problems in Preschool Children”) and a photoplethysmographic (PPG) device. The intervention lasted 9 weeks and included practicing of the Pythagorean Self-awareness techniques and the adoption of healthy behaviors. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two pretests (p > 0.05 for all comparisons) and statistically significant differences between the second pretest and posttest (“Perceived Stress Scale for Children”, (PSS-C) p p p p = 0.034). In conclusion, the Pythagorean Self-Awareness Intervention had a beneficial effect on the sample of preschool students examined, as the results showed an improvement in the perceived stress and the HRV parameters tested, and in engaging healthier behaviors, findings that indicate a relaxed psychologic state and a healthier lifestyle

Serum Procalcitonin Levels in Newly Diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma: Correlation with Other Inflammatory Biomarkers

Background and Objectives: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of sepsis. Inflammatory markers are elevated in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and yet ongoing infection rarely coexists at diagnosis. PCT levels might be helpful in differentiating bacterial from disease-related inflammation. Materials and Methods: We evaluated serum PCT levels and other inflammation markers in newly diagnosed HL patients. Values < 0.50 ng/mL were considered normal (0.10–0.50 ng/mL: detectable, <0.10 ng/mL: undetectable), while values ≥ 0.50 ng/L were considered elevated. Results: Among 137 patients, 55 had B symptoms (40%), 77/130 (59%) had elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and 116 (85%) had elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (median 38.1 mg/L (range; 2.97–328)). PCT levels were normal in most patients (undetectable 94/137 (68.5%) and detectable 41/137(30%)) with median value < 0.10 ng/mL (range; <0.10–15.90). Elevated PCT was recorded in only two patients (1.5%). Patients with PCT < 0.10 ng/mL had significantly lower median CRP (25.75; range (2.97–203.0)) compared to patients with PCT ≥ 0.1 ng/mL (median CRP 92.50 mg/L; range (3.34–328.0)). Almost all patients (40/41, 97.6%) with detectable PCT had elevated CRP. Conclusions: This is the first study showing that the inflammation characterizing HL is not associated with PCT elevations, although CRP levels are elevated in 85% of the patients. Normal PCT levels may rule out the possibility of occult infection, thus preventing extensive evaluation, which may delay treatment initiation

Prognostic implication of the absolute lymphocyte to absolute monocyte count ratio in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine or equivalent regimens.

Low absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) to absolute monocyte count (AMC) ratio (ALC/AMC) is an independent prognostic factor in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), but different cutoffs (1.1, 1.5, and 2.9) have been applied. We aimed to validate the prognostic significance of ALC/AMC in 537 homogenously treated (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine or equivalents ± radiotherapy) classical HL patients at various cutoffs. The median ALC/AMC was 2.24 (0.44-20.50). The median AMC was 0.653 × 10(9)/L (0.050-2.070). Lower ALC/AMC was associated with established markers of adverse prognosis. In total, 477 (89%), 418 (78%), and 189 (35%) patients had an ALC/AMC ratio of ≥1.1, ≥1.5, and ≥2.9; respectively; 20% had monocytosis (≥0.9 × 10(9)/L). Ten-year time to progression (TTP) was 77% versus 55% for patients with ALC/AMC ≥1.1 and <1.1 (p = .0002), 76% versus 68% for ALC/AMC ≥1.5 and <1.5 (p = .049), 77% versus 73% for ALC/AMC ≥2.9 and <2.9 (p = .35), and 79% versus 70% for ALC/AMC ≥2.24 and <2.24 (p = .08), respectively. In stages ΙΑ/ΙΙΑ and in patients ≥60 years old, ALC/AMC had no significant effect on TTP. In advanced stages, ALC/AMC was significant only at the cutoff of 1.1 (10-year TTP 67% vs. 48%; p = .016). In younger, advanced-stage patients, the differences were more pronounced. In multivariate analysis of TTP, ALC/AMC < 1.1 (p = .007) and stage IV (p < .001) were independent prognostic factors; ALC/AMC was independent of International Prognostic Score in another model. ALC/AMC was more predictive of overall survival than TTP. At the cutoff of 1.1, ALC/AMC had independent prognostic value in multivariate analysis. However, the prognostically inferior group comprised only 11% of patients. Further research is needed prior to the widespread use of this promising marker

Serum ferritin levels in previously untreated classical Hodgkin lymphoma: correlations and prognostic significance

Serum ferritin (SF) is frequently elevated in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). We report on its prognostic significance in an unselected series of 529 cHL patients treated with state-of-the-art therapy. Higher baseline levels correlated with markers of advanced/aggressive disease. SF levels were significantly higher in male and older patients, those with high body mass index and mixed cellularity histology. The strongest correlation was recorded between SF and complement reactive protein (CRP) levels. Gender-specific SF cutoffs which provided the best discrimination in terms of freedom from progression (FFP) were identified. In multivariate analysis elevated SF levels, advanced stage and high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were independent prognostic factors of inferior FFP. SF also appears to retain independent prognostic significance for progression-free survival (PFS) but not for overall survival (OS). In conclusion, SF levels in cHL reflect disease activity and are associated with adverse patient outcomes