Η κοινωνική σημασία του ατόμου στην Κρήτη κατά την Πρωτομινωική ΙΙΙ-Μεσομινωική Ι περίοδο

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία πραγματεύεται την κοινωνική σημασία του ατόμου κατά την ύστερη Προανακτορική περίοδο (ΠΜ ΙΙΙ-ΜΜ ΙΑ, ύστερη 3η-πρώιμη 2η χιλιετία π.Χ.) στην κεντρική και στην ανατολική Κρήτη με βάση τα διαθέσιμα ταφικά δεδομένα. Η αρχαιολογική έρευνα έχει σταθεί επίμονα στη μελέτη των σημαντικών αλλαγών που παρατηρούνται στο ταφικό πεδίο της συγκεκριμένης περιόδου, καθώς κατά το ίδιο διάστημα συντελέστηκαν οι διεργασίες που οδήγησαν στην ίδρυση των πρώτων ανακτόρων. Η αυξανόμενη σημασία του κοινωνικού κύρους και της ταυτότητας του προσώπου έχει θεωρηθεί συχνά παράγοντας αυτής της διαδικασίας. Ωστόσο, αυτές οι προσεγγίσεις δεν εμβαθύνουν στην κοινωνική συγκρότηση του ατόμου αλλά, αντίθετα, παραμένουν δεσμευμένες από τις αντιλήψεις του σύγχρονου δυτικού πολιτισμού. Η λεγομένη Θεωρία της Συναρμογής μπορεί να προσφέρει ένα θεωρητικό πλαίσιο προκειμένου να επαναπροσδιοριστεί το άτομο στην ύστερη προανακτορική Κρήτη. Η συναρμογή (assemblage στα αγγλικά, agencement στα γαλλικά) αποτελεί φιλοσοφικό όρο που αναλύθηκε από τον Manuel DeLanda με σκοπό να οριστεί το άτομο ως μια σχεσιακή ολότητα που σχετίζεται δυναμικά με το κοινωνικό πλαίσιο. Η εφαρμογή αυτού του ορισμού στα μινωικά ταφικά δεδομένα μεταφέρει τη συζήτηση από τα κοινωνικά σύνολα στις κοινωνικές σχέσεις, παρακάμπτοντας έτσι τα ερμηνευτικά διλήμματα σχετικά με τη συμβολή ατόμων ή κοινωνικών ομάδων στην ανάδυση των μινωικών ανακτόρων.This Master’s dissertation discusses the social importance of the individual during the late Prepalatial period (EM III-MM IA or late 3rd-early 2nd millennium BC), in central and eastern Crete, based on the available burial data. Archaeological research has persistently discussed the important changes that have been observed in the burial field of the period, because they coincide with the processes of the formation of the first palaces. The increased importance of personal status and identity have often been regarded as a factor in this process. However, such approaches do not entail a nuanced understanding of the social constitution of the individual but, instead, they remain bound to its modern western conceptualisations. The so-called Assemblage Theory may offer a theoretical basis towards a reconsideration of the individual in late Prepalatial Crete. Assemblage (agencement in French) is a philosophical term employed by Manuel DeLanda in order to define the individual as a relational entity that is dynamically related to its context. Such a definition fits the Minoan funerary record, shifts emphasis from social entities to social relations and overrides interpretative dilemmas, regarding the relative contribution of individuals and social groups to the emergence of the Minoan palaces

A Rare Case of a Direct Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Containing an Epiploic Appendage and a Literature Review

Inguinal hernias are a widespread condition, responsible for a large number of acute abdomen cases. Typically, indirect, rather than direct, hernias are the ones leading to complications, as a consequence of their narrower hernial defect. Our case concerns a rather rare incidence of a direct incarcerated hernia in a 71-year-old man who presented with acute pain in the left inguinal area. Upon clinical examination, an irreducible inguinal mass was palpated. Therefore, the existence of a complicated hernia was suspected. The patient underwent an emergency repair, during which it was established that the hernia was direct and incarcerated and that its sac contained an ischemic epiploic appendage. The hernia was successfully repaired with mesh, the patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged five days later. Despite the rarity of complicated direct inguinal hernias, they should always be included in the differential diagnosis of irreducible groin masses, because they can increase severe complications. Keywords: Direct inguinal hernia; Appendix epiploica

Adrenoceptor-stimulated inflammatory response in stress-induced serum amyloid A synthesis

Rationale Stressful life events are suggested to contribute to the development of various pathologies, such as cardiovascular disorders, whose etiopathogenesis is highly associated with elevated levels of serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins. SAA synthesis inthe liver isregulated bya complex network ofcytokines actingindependently orinconcert withvarious hormones/stimulants including the stress-activated sympathetic nervous system. Objective This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms that regulate the stress-induced hepatic synthesis of SAA, with particular focus on adrenoceptors (AR), major components of the sympathoadrenal response to stress. Methods and results We demonstrated that repeated stress elevates IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα serum levels in mice, accompanied by increased synthesis and secretion of hepatic SAA1/2 and SAA3, an effect that was blocked by AR antagonists. Moreover, stimulation ofα1- andβ1/2-ARsmimics thestress effectonSAA1/2 regulation, whereas α2-AR stimulation exhibitsa relatively weakimpactonSAA.InsupportoftheessentialcytokinecontributionintheAR-agonistinducedSAAproductionisthefactthat theanti-inflammatorydrug,sodiumsalicylate,preventedtheAR-stimulatedhepaticSAA1/2synthesisbyreducingIL-1βlevels, whereasIL-1βinhibitionwithAnakinramimicsthissodiumsalicylatepreventiveeffect,thusindicatingacrucial rolefor IL-1β. Interestingly, the AR-driven SAA3 synthesis was elevated by sodium salicylate in a TNFα-dependent way, supporting diverse and complex regulatory roles of cytokines in SAA production. In contrast to α1/α2-AR, the β1/2-AR-mediated SAA1/2 and SAA3 upregulation cannot be reversed by fenofibrate, a hypolipidemic drug with anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusion Taken together, these findings strongly support a critical role of the AR-stimulated inflammatory response in the hepatic SAA production under stressful conditions, highlighting distinct AR type-specific mechanisms that regulate the hepatic synthesis of SAA1/2 and SAA3.This research was supported by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund-ERDF) and the Greek national funds through the Operational Program "THESSALY-MAINLAND GREECE AND EPIRUS-2007-2013" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF 2007-2013, Grant 346985/80753) and the National Cancer Institute Intramural Research Program.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An interactive 3-D application for pain management: Results from a pilot study in spinal cord injury rehabilitation

This is the post-print version of the Article. The official published version can be accessed from the link below - Copyright @ 2012 ElevierResearch on pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) has revealed that patients not only experience several types of pain that could prove to be challenging to address, but also that each individual can interpret such pain in different subjective ways. In this paper we introduce a 3-D system for facilitating the efficient management of pain, and thus, supporting clinicians in overcoming the aforementioned challenges. This system was evaluated by a cohort of 15 SCI patients in a pilot study that took place between July and October 2010. Participants reported their experiences of using the 3-D system in an adapted version of the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire. Statistically significant results were obtained with regards to the usability and efficiency of the 3-D system, with the majority of the patients finding it particularly useful to report their pain. Our findings suggest that the 3-D system can be an efficient tool in the efforts to better manage the pain experience of SCI patients

The effect of biologic agents currently used for rheumatoid arthritis on the central nervous system of healthy rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the development of behavioral and memory disorders on healthy adult rats, after chronic, systematic administration of methotrexate and the biologic agents, Tocilizumab (anti-IL6) and Infliximab (anti-TNFa), that are used for Rheumatoid Arthritis. 35 adult male Wistar rats, 12 weeks old, were used in this study. The rats were divided into 5 groups (n=7): a control group (CTRL), which was submitted to tests without receiving any drug, a placebo group (PLC) which received normal saline (i.p.), a methotrexate group (MTX) receiving 0.25mg/kg of the drug (i.p.), an infliximab group (INFL) receiving 6mg/kg of the drug (i.p.), and a tocilizumab group (TCZ) receiving 8mg/kg of the drug (i.p.). The drug infusion was performed weekly. After 30 days of drug administration, behavioral tests were performed to assess the rats’ stress levels and memory. The performed behavioral tests were (1) the Elevated-plus maze test, (2) the Elevated-zero maze test and (3) the Olfactory social memory test. The results were analyzed using Oneway-ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests through SPSS 25.0. The MTX group spent significantly less time in the open arms of the mazes, compared to the CTRL group (P<0.001) and the PLC group (p=0.05), and needed less time during the second encounter compared to the first, when assessed in the olfactory social memory test (p=0.002). The TCZ and INFL groups spent more time in the open areas of both mazes compared to PLC and MTX groups (p=0.033). Based on the results of this study, the administration of biologic agents improves stress levels and shows a potentially anxiolytic effect, without significantly affecting memory

Time course changes in hand grip strength performance and hand position sense in climbing

The aim of the present study was to determine the time course changes in hand grip strength performance and hand position sense in novice climbers after one bout of two minutes continuing climbing on an artificial vertical wall. In addition, the rate of perceived fatigue of the participant felt right after the trial was recorded. Sixty five novice climbers aged 20 to 22 years (age 20.50± 0.65 years), were randomly assigned into two training groups with different tests protocols, the Grip strength test group (n=23), versus Joint position sense test group (n=14), and two control groups (n=14 each). The training protocol included one bout of two minutes continuing climbing on an artificial wall for both training groups whereas the control groups did not receive any kind of training during the study. Subjects were pre and post-tested for the selected variables. Statistical analysis showed that the grip strength was significantly decreased only for the training group F(6,216) = 30.460, p < .0005, partial η2 = .489. Similarly, the rate of perceived exertion changed significant F(2,563, 41,001) = 24.397, p < .0005, partial η2 = 0.604, with the training group to be more tired than the control after two minutes continuing climbing. Also, the wrist position sense of training group significantly deteriorated at post-test with F(3,78)=2,977, p<.05, partial η2 = .103. In conclusion, the performance of novice climbers is affected by hand grip strength performance and joint position sense of the hand. In addition it was required almost ten minutes of rest for partial recovery. These variables can be addressed through training design giving attention to those physical abilities

Utility of the anterior reach y-balance test as an injury risk screening tool in elite male youth soccer players

Objectives: Examine growth and maturation trends in dynamic balance using the anterior reach Y-Balance test, and its utility as an injury risk screening tool. Design: Cross sectional and prospective cohort. Setting: Elite male youth soccer players. Participants: 346 players grouped as pre, circa or post peak height velocity (PHV). Main outcome measures: Pre-season anterior reach absolute and relative Y-Balance test scores and seasonal prospective lower extremity injury monitoring. Results: Absolute reach distances were greatest post-PHV (p 4 cm in any group. Conclusions: Anterior reach scores increased injury risk, but associations were small and inconsistent. The Y-Balance should be used with caution as a screening tool in this cohort

Recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match

© 2015 The Authors. Published by PLOS. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link on the publisher’s website: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0128072We examined the temporal changes of isokinetic strength performance of knee flexor (KF) and extensor (KE) strength after a football match. Players were randomly assigned to a control (N = 14, participated only in measurements and practices) or an experimental group (N = 20, participated also in a football match). Participants trained daily during the two days after the match. Match and training overload was monitored with GPS devices. Venous blood was sampled and muscle damage was assessed pre-match, post-match and at 12h, 36h and 60h post-match. Isometric strength as well as eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (dominant and non-dominant) were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at baseline and at 12h, 36h and 60h after the match. Functional (KFecc/KEcon) and conventional (KFcon/KEcon) ratios were then calculated. Only eccentric peak torque of knee flexors declined at 60h after the match in the control group. In the experimental group: a) isometric strength of knee extensors and knee flexors declined (P<0.05) at 12h (both limbs) and 36h (dominant limb only), b) eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee extensors and flexors declined (P<0.05) in both limbs for 36h at 60°/s and for 60h at 180°/s with eccentric peak torque of knee flexors demonstrating a greater (P<0.05) reduction than concentric peak torque, c) strength deterioration was greater (P<0.05) at 180°/s and in dominant limb, d) the functional ratio was more sensitive to match-induced fatigue demonstrating a more prolonged decline. Discriminant and regression analysis revealed that strength deterioration and recovery may be related to the amount of eccentric actions performed during the match and athletes' football-specific conditioning. Our data suggest that recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match demonstrate strength, limb and velocity specificity and may depend on match physical overload and players' physical conditioning level.Published versio