Comparing the Effects of Various Exercise Regimens on Anxiety Levels in College Aged Students

Generalized anxiety disorder is described as excessive and inappropriate worrying that is persistent and not restricted to particular circumstances. Anxiety has recently surpassed depression as the number one mental health disorder on college campuses. Multiple studies have shown that exercise reduces anxiety symptoms and feelings of stress. Many students enroll in physical activity courses due to college requirements, or as a way to engage in regular physical activity. On our campus, yoga and pilates are two of the most popular physical activity courses and require two 50-minute sessions each week. The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in these courses has a significant impact in reducing anxiety in a traditional college population. We surveyed students enrolled in either a yoga or pilates class and compared their responses to a control group not enrolled in a physical activity course

Synthese neuer Pyridocarbazole mit zytotoxischer Aktivität

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Herstellungsversuch neuer azanaphthochinon-anellierter Indole mit zytotoxischer Aktivität. Um die biologische Aktivität zu erhöhen, sollten basische und alkylierende Seitenketten eingefügt, sowie mittels auxochromer Gruppen an Position 7 ein bathochromer Shift im UV/Vis-Spektrum erzielt werden. Dies sollte es dann möglich machen, mittels 2D-Elektronen-Spektroskopie das Interkalationsverhalten der Substanzen an der DNA zu beobachten. Um zu den gewünschten Pyridocarbazolen zu gelangen, wurde die Friedel-Crafts-Acylierung unter konventionellen und modifizierten Bedingungen angewendet, sowie nach deren Misslingen nach alternativen Synthesekonzepten gesucht. Alle Versuche blieben jedoch ergebnislos. Über einfache Additionsreaktionen von p-substituierten Anilinen an p-Benzochinon und anschließende Pd-katalysierte Zyklisierung, konnten am Ende planare tetrazyklische Chromophore hergestellt werden, von welchen ein gewisses zytotoxisches Potential erwartet werden kann, wobei die Absorptionsmaxima der Verbindungen unter dem für die 2D-Elektronen-Spektroskopie geforderten Bereich (500-600 nm) lagen.The present work shows several efforts of synthesis of new azanaphthoquinone fused indoles as anticancer compounds. For increase of biological activity basic and alkylating sidechains should be added, as well as auxochrome substituents in the 7-position to get a bathochrome shift in the UV-Vis experiment. Compounds with absorption maxima ideally between 500 and 600 nm should be made accessible to 2D-Electronic Spectroscopy to detect their mechanisms of intercalation. To obtain the requested pyridocarbazoles Friedel-Crafts acylation was attempted under conventional and modified reaction conditions and due to their failure alternative concepts of synthesis were sought. These attempts remained without result, as well. By simple addition reactions of p-substituted anilines to p-benzoquinone followed by Pd-catalysed cyclization reaction planar tetracyclic chromophores could be synthesized. Although their absorption maxima were below 500 nm, a certain amount of cytotoxic potential can be expected

Nutrition knowledge and competitiveness : interrelationships in high school wrestlers and their coaches

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the level of nutrition knowledge and degree of competitiveness in high school wrestlers and their coaches and to look at the differences between groups. Twelve schools participated in the study and a total of 180 wrestlers and 29 coaches (12 head and 17 assistant) completed the nutrition knowledge and Sports Orientation (competitiveness) questionnaires. The results indicate that nutrition knowledge increases significantly with increasing age or grade level in the athletes (p=.0001), but significant increases were not seen for each year. The mean score for nutrition knowledge was 53.9% for the athletes and 67% for the coaches, both very low scores overall when compared with previous research, indicating a strong need for improved nutrition education in both populations. The coaches' mean nutrition knowledge levels were found to increase significantly with increasing years of coaching (p=.0001), suggesting that some knowledge is gained through experience. Team nutrition scores varied significantly, with a range of 50 to 63%, suggesting that some schools may have higher quality nutrition education programs than others. Results of the nutrition knowledge scores also demonstrate that a significant similarity exists between the head coaches' nutrition score and the teams' mean score (p=.0001), suggesting the possibility that the head coaches can have a greater impact on their teams' level of nutrition information than can other possible sources. Competitiveness scores were very high for this population as compared to previous studies completed with high school students, with the mean scores being 58.5 out of a possible 65 points for the wrestlers, and 59.4 for the coaches. Average competitiveness scores previously seen in the high school athletic population are approximately 20% lower than the scores found in these wrestlers, with a mean of 47. Competitiveness was found to significantly increase with increasing years of participation in wrestling (p=.02), but no other significant interrelationships were found to exist with regard to competitiveness levels in this population. There are many factors that were unable to be researched in this study due to inconsistent weight records that were to be kept by each team. Not 1 of the 12 schools kept consistent nor complete weight records throughout the season, making much of the planned research impossible. In conclusion, there exists much speculation regarding the possible consequences of weight cutting during adolescence, especially when the perceived benefits of the practice are not scientifically based. Research has suggested that there are many changes that need to be considered within the sport of wrestling such as minimal weight standards along with strict enforcement of those standards. As demonstrated with the results of this study, nutrition knowledge is low in the wrestling population, wrestlers and coaches alike, and therefore, additional education regarding nutrition and unsafe weight loss practices in high-risk populations such as the high school wrestler is needed

The Cream of the Crop: Analysing FIFA World Cup 2014 and Germany’s Title Run

Analysis of game related statistics provides opportunities to analyse the characteristics and tactical patterns of the teams in order to improve the quality of the training and quality of the opponent’s observation. The main objective of this study was to analyse performance parameters and characterize the most successful teams on FIFA World Cup 2014, in order to describe the most relevant parameters that can improve the efficacy of the teams. In addition, we analysed the winner of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in more detail to see if and in which ways they stood out within this tournament. Analyses of variance among groups of teams were made in order to characterize the performance parameters and find differences that can explain the efficacy of the teams on competition. The results of this study could show that successful teams score more goals through open play and via set pieces. As main difference, it could be found that successful teams had more high-percentage goal scoring opportunities within the penalty area. As a general pattern, teams attacked mostly on the left side of the pitch and through the middle. The winner of the WC 2014 stood out with a high efficiency for creating high percentage goal scoring opportunities and in converting them. Germany also protruded with their free flowing and accurate passing to create their goal scoring chances. This separation in the passing statistics was quite outstanding as there was no overall difference between different success groups within the tournament

Growth differentiation factor-15 and prediction of cancer-associated thrombosis and mortality: a prospective cohort study

Background Patients with cancer are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial thromboembolic/thrombotic events (ATEs). Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) improves cardiovascular risk assessment, but its predictive utility in patients with cancer remains undefined. Objectives To investigate the association of GDF-15 with the risks of VTE, ATE, and mortality in patients with cancer and its predictive utility alongside established models. Methods The Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study (CATS)—a prospective, observational cohort study of patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent cancer—which was followed for 2 years, served as the study framework. Serum GDF-15 levels at study inclusion were measured, and any association with VTE, ATE, and death was determined using competing risk (VTE/ATE) or Cox regression (death) modeling. The added value of GDF-15 to established VTE risk prediction models was assessed using the Khorana and Vienna CATScore. Results Among 1531 included patients with cancer (median age, 62 years; 53% men), median GDF-15 levels were 1004 ng/L (IQR, 654-1750). Increasing levels of GDF-15 were associated with the increased risks of VTE, ATE, and all-cause death ([subdistribution] hazard ratio per doubling, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03-1.32], 1.30 [95% CI, 1.11-1.53], and 1.57 [95% CI, 1.46-1.69], respectively). After adjustment for clinically relevant covariates, the association only prevailed for all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.10-1.33) and GDF-15 did not improve the performance of the Khorana or Vienna CATScore. Conclusion GDF-15 is strongly associated with survival in patients with cancer, independent of the established risk factors. While an association with ATE and VTE was identified in univariable analysis, GDF-15 was not independently associated with these outcomes and failed to improve established VTE prediction models

Functional limitations 3 and 12 months after venous thromboembolism: a cohort study

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with various long-term complications. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the association of clinical characteristics at VTE diagnosis with functional limitations 3 and 12 months afterward. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of VTE patients, excluding patients with cancer, pregnancy, and postpartum period. Functional limitations were assessed with the post-VTE functional status (PVFS) scale (range, 0-4) within 21 days of diagnosis, after 3 and 12 months (prospectively), and 1 month before diagnosis (retrospectively). Twelve-month follow-up was only performed in patients on anticoagulation. We fitted 2 proportional odds logistic regression models for the 3- and 12-month follow-ups and computed odds ratios (ORs) with 95% bootstrap percentile confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 307 patients (42% female, median age 55.6 years) with a median (IQR) PVFS scale grade of 2 (2-3) at study inclusion and 0 (0-0) before diagnosis. After 3 months, PVFS scale grade in 269 patients was 1 (0-2). Female sex (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.26-4.14), body mass index (OR per 1 kg/m$^{2}$ increase, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.10), functional limitations at baseline, and older age were associated with functional limitations. After 12 months, PVFS scale grade in 124 patients was 1 (0-2). Female sex (OR, 4.47; 95% CI, 2.11-16.00), history of cardiovascular/pulmonary disease (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.01-6.89), and functional limitations at baseline were associated with functional limitations. CONCLUSION: Functional limitations in VTE patients improved 3 and 12 months after diagnosis but did not return to pre-VTE values. We identified clinical characteristics that could help identify patients at risk of persisting functional limitations after VTE

Development of a novel Italian speech-in-noise test using a roving-level adaptive method: adult population-based normative data

Negli ultimi anni, il crescente sviluppo di dispositivi acustici ha condotto a unanalisi critica dei metodi standard che sono stati impiegati per valutare la funzione uditiva. Gli esami audiologici tradizionali, basati sulla soglia audiometrica tonale e sulle liste di parole mono/ bisillabiche nel silenzio, si sono nel tempo dimostrati inadeguati perché troppo distanti dalla realtà. Un test audiometrico vocale nel rumore, che utilizza un metodo roving-level adattivo, adopera segnali target e segnali competitivi modificabili con lo scopo di riprodurre le condizioni di eloquio della vita quotidiana, quindi esplorare un più ampio range uditivo. A oggi, solamente pochi test roving-level adattivi sono disponibili in letteratura. Gli autori hanno condotto un test roving-level adattivo in adulti italiani sani, al fine di ottenere nuovi dati normativi in una lingua di origine latina

Site of cochlear stimulation and its effect on electrically evoked compound action potentials using the MED-EL standard electrode array

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The standard electrode array for the MED-EL MAESTRO cochlear implant system is 31 mm in length which allows an insertion angle of approximately 720°. When fully inserted, this long electrode array is capable of stimulating the most apical region of the cochlea. No investigation has explored Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potential (ECAP) recordings in this region with a large number of subjects using a commercially available cochlear implant system. The aim of this study is to determine if certain properties of ECAP recordings vary, depending on the stimulation site in the cochlea.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Recordings of auditory nerve responses were conducted in 67 subjects to demonstrate the feasibility of ECAP recordings using the Auditory Nerve Response Telemetry (ART™) feature of the MED-EL MAESTRO system software. These recordings were then analyzed based on the site of cochlear stimulation defined as basal, middle and apical to determine if the amplitude, threshold and slope of the amplitude growth function and the refractory time differs depending on the region of stimulation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Findings show significant differences in the ECAP recordings depending on the stimulation site. Comparing the apical with the basal region, on average higher amplitudes, lower thresholds and steeper slopes of the amplitude growth function have been observed. The refractory time shows an overall dependence on cochlear region; however post-hoc tests showed no significant effect between individual regions.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Obtaining ECAP recordings is also possible in the most apical region of the cochlea. However, differences can be observed depending on the region of the cochlea stimulated. Specifically, significant higher ECAP amplitude, lower thresholds and steeper amplitude growth function slopes have been observed in the apical region. These differences could be explained by the location of the stimulating electrode with respect to the neural tissue in the cochlea, a higher density, or an increased neural survival rate of neural tissue in the apex.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>The Clinical Investigation has the Competent Authority registration number DE/CA126/AP4/3332/18/05.</p