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Papageorgiou M, Biver E, Mareschal J, Phillips N, Hemmer A, Biolley E, Schwab N, Manoogian E, Gonzalez Rodriguez E, Aeberli D, Hans D, Pot C, Naef F, Rodondi N, Panda S, Ferrari S, Collet TH. The Effects Of Time-Restricted Eating (Tre) And Weight Loss On Bone Metabolism And Health: An Exploratory Analysis In A 6-Month Randomised Controlled Trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
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Ioannides D, Antonakopoulos N, Chasapi V, Oikonomou C, Tampouratzi E, Lazaridou E, Rigopoulos D, Neofotistou O, Drosos A, Anastasiadis G, Rovithi E, Kalinou C, Papadavid E, Aronis P, Papageorgiou M, Protopapa A, Bassukas I, Lefaki I, Zafiriou E, Krasagakis K, Pokas E, Anagnostopoulos Z, Kekki A, Papakonstantis M. A real-world, non-interventional, prospective study of the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve adults with moderate plaque psoriasis treated in the routine care in Greece - The 'APRAISAL' study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:2055-2063. [PMID: 35451115 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-world data in patients with moderate psoriasis treated with apremilast is limited. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of apremilast in bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis in real-world clinical settings. METHODS This was a 52-week multicenter, observational, prospective study of adult outpatients with moderate psoriasis {[10%<body surface area<20% or 10<psoriasis area severity index (PASI)<20] and 10<dermatology quality of life index (DLQI)<20} initiated on apremilast ≤7 days before enrollment. Missing data were imputed using the last observation carried forward method. RESULTS A total of 287 eligible patients (median age: 54.2 years; median psoriasis duration: 9.8 years) were consecutively enrolled. At baseline, the median DLQI and PASI scores were 12.0 and 11.8, respectively. The 52-week DLQI ≤5 and PASI75 response rates were 68.3% and 61.0%. At 52 weeks, 70.8% and 72.7% of the patients shifted from moderate/severe/very severe to clear/minimal scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis involvement, respectively; the pruritus severity state improved in 67.2%. The 52-week Kaplan-Meier estimated drug continuation rate was 85.3%. The adverse drug reaction rate was 19.9%. CONCLUSIONS Apremilast is a safe and effective treatment for bio-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis and specific psoriasis manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ioannides
- 1st University Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hospital for Venereal & Skin Diseases of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - V Chasapi
- Dermatology and Venereology Department of N.H.S,"Andreas Sygros" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - C Oikonomou
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Patras, Greece
| | - E Tampouratzi
- Dermatology Unit, Regional General Hospital "Tzaneio,", Piraeus, Greece
| | - E Lazaridou
- 2nd University Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, "Papageorgiou" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Rigopoulos
- 1st Department of Dermatology & Venereology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Andreas Sygros" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - O Neofotistou
- Dermatology Department, "Konstantopoulio" District General Hospital of Nea Ionia, Greece
| | - A Drosos
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Greece
| | - G Anastasiadis
- Department of Dermatology, "Evaggelismos" General Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - E Rovithi
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, "Venizeleio- Pananeio" General Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
| | - C Kalinou
- Outpatient Department of Dermatology, "Agios Pavlos" General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Papadavid
- 2nd Department of Dermatology & Venereology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - P Aronis
- Clinical Dermatology, Hellenic Airforce 251 General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- State Department of Dermatology, Hospital for Venereal & Skin Diseases of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Protopapa
- Outpatient Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Sitia, Greece
| | - I Bassukas
- Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - I Lefaki
- Dermatology Unit, "EUROMEDICA" General Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Zafiriou
- University Clinic of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | - K Krasagakis
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Greece
| | - E Pokas
- Outpatient Department of Dermatology, "KAT" General Hospital of Attica, Athens, Greece
| | | | - A Kekki
- Genesis Pharma, Halandri, Greece
| | - M Papakonstantis
- Clinic of Dermatology, 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Greece
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Arkas M, Douloudi M, Nikoli E, Karountzou G, Kitsou I, Kavetsou E, Korres D, Vouyiouka S, Tsetsekou A, Giannakopoulos K, Papageorgiou M. Investigation of two bioinspired reaction mechanisms for the optimization of nano catalysts generated from hyperbranched polymer matrices. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2022.105238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ioannides D, Antonakopoulos N, Georgiou S, Chasapi V, Katsantonis I, Drosos A, Rigopoulos D, Antoniou C, Anastasiadis G, Bassukas I, Ioannidou D, Protopapa A, Neofotistou O, Krasagakis K, Aronis P, Papageorgiou M, Lazaridou E, Patsatsi A, Lefaki I, Roussaki-Schulze AV, Satra F, Anagnostopoulos Z, Papakonstantis M. Effectiveness and safety of apremilast in biologic-naïve patients with moderate psoriasis treated in routine clinical practice in Greece: the APRAISAL study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:1838-1848. [PMID: 34036627 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Apremilast is an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor indicated for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. OBJECTIVES To examine the effectiveness of apremilast on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and nail, scalp and palmoplantar involvement, when administered prior to biologics. METHODS This 52-week real-world study included biologic-naive adults with moderate psoriasis (psoriasis-involved body surface area 10% to <20%, or PASI 10 to <20 and DLQI 10 to <20). Apremilast was initiated ≤7 days before enrolment. Data from the first 100 eligible patients who completed 24 weeks (W24) of observation (or were prematurely withdrawn) are presented in this interim analysis using the last-observation-carried-forward imputation method. RESULTS Eligible patients (mean age: 49.9 years; 71.0% males; median disease duration: 8.0 years) were consecutively enrolled between April and October 2017, by 18 dermatology specialists practising in hospital outpatient settings in Greece. Baseline DLQI (median: 12.0) and PASI (median: 11.7) scores improved (P < 0.001) at all postbaseline timepoints (Weeks 6, 16 and 24; W24 median decreases: 9.0 and 9.4 points respectively). At W24, DLQI ≤5, DLQI 0 or 1, and PASI-75 response rates were 63.0%, 25.0% and 48.0% respectively. The Nail Psoriasis Severity Index score in patients with baseline nail involvement (n = 57) decreased at all postbaseline timepoints (P < 0.001; W24 median decrease: 20.0 points). At W24, 50.0% and 51.7% of patients with baseline scalp (n = 76) and palmoplantar (n = 29) involvement respectively achieved postbaseline Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 or 1 if baseline score was ≥3, or 0 if baseline score was 1 or 2. The adverse drug reaction rate was 21.0% (serious: 2.0%). CONCLUSIONS These interim results indicate that through 24 weeks, apremilast improved quality of life and reduced disease severity in biologic-naive patients with moderate plaque psoriasis, while demonstrating safety consistent with the known safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ioannides
- 1st University Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hospital of Venereal & Skin Diseases of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - S Georgiou
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - V Chasapi
- Dermatology and Venereology Department of N.H.S, 'Andreas Sygros' Hospital Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - I Katsantonis
- Dermatology Unit, Piraeus Regional General Hospital 'Tzaneio', Piraeus, Greece
| | - A Drosos
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Xanthi, Xanthi, Greece
| | - D Rigopoulos
- 1st Department of Dermatology & Venereology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Andreas Sygros' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - C Antoniou
- 1st Department of Dermatology & Venereology, National Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Andreas Sygros' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - G Anastasiadis
- Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Athens 'Evangelismos', Athens, Greece
| | - I Bassukas
- Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - D Ioannidou
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, General Hospital of Heraklion 'Venizeleio- Pananeio', Heraklion, Greece
| | - A Protopapa
- Outpatient Department of Dermatology, General Hospital of Sitia, Sitia, Greece
| | - O Neofotistou
- Dermatology Department, Konstantopoulio District General Hospital of Nea Ionia, Athens, Greece
| | - K Krasagakis
- Department of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - P Aronis
- Clinical Dermatology, Hellenic Airforce 251 General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- State Department of Dermatology, Hospital of Venereal & Skin Diseases of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Lazaridou
- 2nd University Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital of Thessaloniki 'Papageorgiou', Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Patsatsi
- 2nd University Department of Dermatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital of Thessaloniki 'Papageorgiou', Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - I Lefaki
- Dermatology Unit, 'EUROMEDICA' General Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A V Roussaki-Schulze
- University Clinic of Dermatology, University General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - F Satra
- Genesis Pharma, Athens, Greece
| | | | - M Papakonstantis
- Clinic of Dermatology, 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Martin D, Papageorgiou M, Colgan H, Bandelow S, Greeves JP, Tang JCY, Fraser WD, Cooper SB, Sale C, Elliott-Sale KJ. The effects of short-term low energy availability, achieved through diet or exercise, on cognitive function in oral contraceptive users and eumenorrheic women. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:781-789. [PMID: 33400618 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2020-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To date, no research has explored the effects of low energy availability on cognitive performance using dietary and exercise regimens relevant to athletes. Twenty female participants (10 eumenorrheic, 10 oral contraceptive [OC] users) completed three 3-day conditions: 1) controlled-balanced energy availability without exercise (BAL; 45 kcal·kg lean body mass [LBM]-1·day-1); 2) diet-induced low energy availability without exercise (DIET; 15 kcal·kg LBM-1·day-1); and 3) exercise-induced low energy availability (EX; 15 kcal·kg LBM-1·day-1, including 30 kcal·kg LBM-1·day-1 treadmill running at 70% maximal oxygen uptake). A cognitive test battery was completed before and after each 3-day condition. Mental rotation test accuracy improved in the BAL condition, but there was a decline in accuracy in the EX condition (BAL, +2.5%; EX, -1.4%; P = 0.042, d = 0.85). DIET (+1.3%) was not different to BAL or EX (P > 0.05). All other measures of cognitive performance were not affected by condition (P > 0.05) and OC use did not affect cognitive responses (P > 0.05). Accuracy in the mental rotation test was impaired when low energy availability was induced through increased exercise energy expenditure. All other aspects of cognition were unaffected by 3 days of low energy availability through diet or exercise. OC use did not mediate the effect of low energy availability on cognition. Novelty: Cognitive function was not affected by 3 days of diet-induced low energy availability. Only spatial awareness was impaired during 3 days of exercise-induced low energy availability. Reproductive hormones affected spatial awareness independent of energy availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Martin
- School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom.,Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - M Papageorgiou
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Division of Bone Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - H Colgan
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - S Bandelow
- Basic Medical Sciences Faculty, St George's University, St George's, Grenada, West Indies
| | - J P Greeves
- Army Health and Performance Research, Andover, United Kingdom.,Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - J C Y Tang
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - W D Fraser
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - S B Cooper
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - C Sale
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - K J Elliott-Sale
- Musculoskeletal Physiology Research Group, Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Jones H, Papageorgiou M, Gordon A, Ehtesham, Javed Z, Wells L, Greetham S, Doyle B, Hayes N, Rigby A, Atkin S, Courts F, Sathyapalan T. Physiologically relevant screening of polyphenol-rich commercial preparations for bioactivity in vascular endothelial cells and application to healthy volunteers: A viable workflow and a cautionary tale. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 173:113754. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Papaioannou D, Koukoulakis PH, Papageorgiou M, Lambropoulou DA, Kalavrouziotis IK. Investigation of pharmaceutical and personal care product interactions of soil and beets (Beta vulgaris L.) under the effect of wastewater reuse. Chemosphere 2020; 238:124553. [PMID: 31442776 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although, several recent greenhouse studies are beginning to address the uptake of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) by a variety of crops, few studies have assessed the effects of exposure to complex, realistic wastewater effluents on uptake. Hence, in this study, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in order to study the interactions occurring exclusively between PPCPs in soil, and in the edible plant part of beets (Beta vulgaris) after exposure to treated wastewater effluent. According to the findings, the interactions between the pharmaceuticals caffeine (CFN) with bisoprolol (BSP), carbamezapine (CMZ), clarithromycin (CMC), metoprolol (MPL), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and trimethoprim (TMP) occurring in soil were almost 99% synergistic; it was noted variability in the interactive capacity of the pharmaceuticals; the concentrations of pharmaceuticals which measured did not affect unfavorably beet yield; interactions between the PPCPs via the PPCPs contribution in plant and soil affect the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the beets.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Papaioannou
- Hellenic Open University, School of Science and Technology, Aristotelous 18 26335, Patras, Greece
| | - P H Koukoulakis
- Hellenic Agricultural Research Organization DEMETRA, Soil Science Institute Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemistry, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - D A Lambropoulou
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemistry, Thessaloniki, 54124, Greece
| | - I K Kalavrouziotis
- Hellenic Open University, School of Science and Technology, Aristotelous 18 26335, Patras, Greece.
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Djekic I, Udovicki B, Kljusurić J, Papageorgiou M, Jovanovic J, Giotsas C, Djugum J, Tomic N, Rajkovic A. Exposure assessment of adult consumers in Serbia, Greece and Croatia to deoxynivalenol and zearalenone through consumption of major wheat-based products. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2019. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2019.2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The main objective of this research was to perform an exposure assessment of mycotoxin intake through consumption of wheat-based products in Serbia, Croatia, and Greece by estimating deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) exposure from wheat. Food consumption survey of wheat-based products has been performed during 2017 in the three countries with at least 1000 interviewees per country. Values for the concentration of DON and ZEA were extracted from available research published in this decade. Finally, a Monte Carlo analysis of 100,000 simulations was performed to estimate the intake of DON and ZEA from consumption of wheat-based products. Results revealed that the estimated daily wheat-borne intake of DON of the adult population in Croatia was 0.121 μg/kg bw/day, followed by Greece with 0.181 μg/kg bw/day and Serbia with 0.262 μg/kg bw/day. This shows that 0.25% of Croatian, 1.19% of Greek and 3.96% of Serbian adult population is exposed to higher daily dietary intakes of DON than recommended. Estimated daily wheat-borne intake of ZEA was 0.017 μg/kg bw/day in Greece, 0.026 μg/kg bw/day in Croatia and 0.050 μg/kg bw/day in Serbia. Higher intake of ZEA is associated with 0.62% of the Greek population, followed by 0.95% Croatian and 2.25% of Serbian citizens. This type of research is helpful to assess accurately the risk by DON/ZEA intake associated with the consumption of wheat-based products by consumers in these three countries. Distributions of potential mycotoxin intakes were highly right-skewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Djekic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - B. Udovicki
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - J.G. Kljusurić
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva ul. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - M. Papageorgiou
- Food Technology Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, POB 141, Thessaloniki 574 00, Greece
| | - J. Jovanovic
- Food Technology Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, POB 141, Thessaloniki 574 00, Greece
| | - C. Giotsas
- Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Campus Coupure, A, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - J. Djugum
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva ul. 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ministry of Agriculture, Ulica grada Vukovara 78, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - N. Tomic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
| | - A. Rajkovic
- Department of Food Safety and Quality Management, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
- Food Technology Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, POB 141, Thessaloniki 574 00, Greece
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Papaioannou D, Koukoulakis PH, Lambropoulou D, Papageorgiou M, Kalavrouziotis IK. The dynamics of the pharmaceutical and personal care product interactive capacity under the effect of artificial enrichment of soil with heavy metals and of wastewater reuse. Sci Total Environ 2019; 662:537-546. [PMID: 30699374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A greenhouse experiment was conducted, using a randomized block design, including twelve heavy metal (Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb) mixture treatments, with each metal participating in the treatment with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mg/kg, respectively. Common beet (Beta vulgaris L.) was chosen as test plant. The plants were irrigated with treated municipal wastewater taken from the Wastewater Treatment Plant of the town of Amaliada, N.W., Peloponnese, Greece. The experiment aimed at studying the interactions between heavy metals and macro-microelements, and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). The basic scope was to shed some light on the potential environmental implications, of these interactions on the soil PPCPs for a more effective monitoring of these emerging contaminants in the plants and soil continuum. It was found that the PPCPs have a very high potential interactive capacity, having interacted with all the studied metals, and metalloids, as well as with plant macro elements (P, and K). The uptake of PPCPs by plants was statistically significantly related with their respective content in the soil. The general inference is that the interactive relations between heavy metals, macro-, microelements, and emerging contaminants, being mainly antagonistic, which contribute to the decrease the uptake of soil PPCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Papaioannou
- Hellenic Open University, School of Science and Technology, Aristotelous 18, 26335 Patras, Greece
| | - P H Koukoulakis
- Hellenic Agricultural Research Organization DEMETRA, Soil Science Institute Thermi, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Lambropoulou
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemistry, Panepistimioupolis, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemistry, Panepistimioupolis, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - I K Kalavrouziotis
- Hellenic Open University, School of Science and Technology, Aristotelous 18, 26335 Patras, Greece.
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Servitzoglou NG, Stoulos S, Katsantonis D, Papageorgiou M, Siountas A. NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY STUDIES OF PHOSPHATE FERTILIZERS APPLIED ON GREEK FARM SOILS USED FOR WHEAT CULTIVATION. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2018; 181:190-198. [PMID: 29415159 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Naturally Occurring Radionuclide Materials (NORM) such as fertilizers, agricultural soils fertilized and wheat grain cultivated at those soils were studied regarding the radiation hazard to the public and workers. Activity of 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was measured hermitical sealing the marinelli beaker using the Stopaq FN 2100L material that prevent 222Rn escape from the baker. The phosphate fertilization of soil did not affect natural radioactivity in comparison with non-fertilized soils and also did not affect natural radioactivity of wheat grain cultivated since only 40K was measured. The high mean value of Dair 211 nGy h-1 for fertilizers compared to soils fertilized 53 nGy h-1 highlights the raising concern about radioprotection of workers occupied with tasks involving fertilizers. The maximum external dose rate 1.15 mSv y-1 calculated for truck drivers involved to transportation section is similar to annual external effective dose limit 1 mSv. Real concerns rise for workers in the fertilizers storage and supply department since the maximum dose rate estimated is 1.98 mSv y-1, while the mean value is 0.89 mSv y-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- N G Servitzoglou
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, AUTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Stoulos
- Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, School of Sciences, AUTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Katsantonis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization 'Demeter', Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- Food Technology Department, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Sindos, Greece
| | - A Siountas
- Medical Physics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, AUTH, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Souliotis K, Agapidaki E, Papageorgiou M, Voudouri N, Contiades X. Access to treatment for Hepatitis C among injection drug users: results from the cross-sectional HOPE IV study. Int J Equity Health 2017; 16:101. [PMID: 28615023 PMCID: PMC5471999 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that Greece is among the European countries with increased trend in HCV prevalence among injecting drug users (IDUs) from 2008 to 2014. Nonetheless, the access of IDUs to treatment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is very limited while the risk of co-infection and transmission remains high. In an effort to better understand the inhibitors to HCV treatment, the present study aimed to investigate the main barriers to access in a sample of IDUs. Methods The cross-sectional study was carried out between July and September 2015 using a 23-items questionnaire. Participants were recruited from urban primary services, mobile health vans, community health services, day-care centers as well as during street work, located in Athens, Greece. Inclusion criteria were age above 18 years, understanding and speaking Greek sufficiently, HCV diagnosis, intravenous drug use. Data collection was carried out by health professionals of Praksis, a non-governmental organization. For the comparisons of proportions chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used. Results The study sample consisted of 101 HCV patients, 68% male. More than 80% of study participants experienced barriers in accessing their doctor and medication during the past 12 months. The most common obstacles in accessing a doctor were “delay in making the appointment and “difficulties in going to the doctor due to health condition or lack of means of transport”. Access to physician or medication was not differed according to gender, but significant differences were found according to economic status and health insurance coverage. 56.1% of participants reported loss or treatment delay due to barriers to treatment. The majority of participants had deteriorated financial status, health status, access to health services and medication, higher financial burden for health services, worse mental health and lower adherence to medical instructions in 2015 compared to 2009. Conclusions The findings from the present study revealed that the vast majority of IDUs experience significant barriers in seeking HCV care in Greece, thus highlighting the need for immediate action in this particular area due to the high risk of co-infection and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Department of Social and Education Policy, University of Peloponnese, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Damaskinou & Kolokotroni Str, 20100, Corinth, Greece. .,Health Policy Institute, 36-38, Amaryssias Artemidos Str, 15124, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eirini Agapidaki
- Health Policy Institute, 36-38, Amaryssias Artemidos Str, 15124, Athens, Greece
| | - Manto Papageorgiou
- Department of Social and Education Policy, University of Peloponnese, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Damaskinou & Kolokotroni Str, 20100, Corinth, Greece
| | - Niki Voudouri
- Praksis, Independent Non-Governmental Organization, 57 Stournari Str, 10432, Athens, Greece
| | - Xenophon Contiades
- Department of Social and Education Policy, University of Peloponnese, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Damaskinou & Kolokotroni Str, 20100, Corinth, Greece.,Centre for European Constitutional Law, Athens, Greece
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12
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Souliotis K, Papageorgiou M, Politi A, Athanasiadis A. Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy in Greece: Toward a Different Path. Front Public Health 2016; 4:185. [PMID: 27630983 PMCID: PMC5005395 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2016.00185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Affordable, accessible, and innovation-promoting pharmaceutical care is essential to the operation of a sustainable health system. External reference pricing (ERP), a common pharmaceutical policy in Europe, suffers today from indigenous weaknesses that may cause market distortions and barriers to care, burdening mostly the weak economies, and hence, raising ethical and political worrying. Objectives and methods A non-randomized experiment was conducted, in order to examine the influence of flexible and adaptable to health systems’ affordability ERP structures. Outcomes were assessed by measuring deviations from Greek prices’ level ex ante, as well as effects on pharmaceutical markets affiliated to the European ERP system. Results and conclusion Pharmaceutical pricing models that fit prices to income and affordability are better in all aspects, as they produce fairer results, while resulting in low external costs for the European ERP network as a whole. Small sets of reference countries are preferred to large baskets, as they produce similar results, while presenting better qualities by increasing the flexibility of the reimbursement system and the transparency of the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Department of Social and Education Policy, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece; Centre for Health Services Research, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Manto Papageorgiou
- Department of Social and Education Policy, University of Peloponnese , Corinth , Greece
| | - Anastasia Politi
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business , Athens , Greece
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Katsagoni C, Alexopoulou A, Deutsch M, Papadopoulos N, Papageorgiou M, loannidou P, Papagianni E, Fragopoulou E, Papatheodoridis G, Kontogianni M. SUN-P119: Improvement of Metabolic Syndrome after Intervention Based on Mediterranean Diet in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Randomised-Controlled Clinical Trial. Clin Nutr 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s0261-5614(16)30462-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Tragiannidis A, Vasileiou E, Papageorgiou M, Damianidou L, Hatzipantelis E, Gombakis N, Giannopoulos A. Bone involvement at diagnosis as a predictive factor in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hippokratia 2016; 20:227-230. [PMID: 29097890 PMCID: PMC5654441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone involvement represents a common symptom at diagnosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and its prognostic value is not entirely clarified. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone involvement at diagnosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as a predictive factor and to correlate its presence with other demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 97 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia diagnosed from January 2005 to December 2014. The mean age of patients was 5.7 years, and 83 (85.6 %) of them were diagnosed with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. RESULTS Among the 97 children, 46 (47.4 %) reported bone involvement at the time of diagnosis. Among children with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia 43/83 (51.8 %) reported bone involvement, while among children with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia only 3/14 (21.4 %) (p =0.04). Bone involvement was registered more frequently among males (30/59; 50.8 %) in comparison to females (16/38; 42.2 %) (p =0.414). The mean white blood cell count at diagnosis was lower among children with bone involvement (109,800/mm3 vs. 184,700/mm3) (p =0.092). The mean age of patients with bone involvement was four years, which differs significantly from those without bone involvement (p =0.029). Moreover, children with bone involvement at diagnosis were prednisone "good responders" (79.5 %) when compared with those without bone involvement (58.8 %) (p =0.046). Additionally, mean serum phosphate values were higher at diagnosis among children with bone involvement (5.3 mg/dl vs. 4.8 mg/dl, p =0.035). CONCLUSIONS The presence of bone involvement at diagnosis is related with immunophenotype of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia, lower mean age, lower mean white blood cell count and good prednisone response. According to presented data, we conclude that the presence of bone involvement at diagnosis represents a positive predictive factor for outcome/survival. Hippokratia 2016, 20(3): 227-230.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Tragiannidis
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Vasileiou
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - L Damianidou
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Hatzipantelis
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - N Gombakis
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Giannopoulos
- 2 Pediatric Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Souliotis K, Kani C, Papageorgiou M, Lionis D, Gourgoulianis K. Using Big Data to Assess Prescribing Patterns in Greece: The Case of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154960. [PMID: 27191724 PMCID: PMC4871446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the top leading causes of death and disability, and its management is focused on reducing risk factors, relieving symptoms, and preventing exacerbations. The study aim was to describe COPD prescribing patterns in Greece by using existing health administrative data for outpatients. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study based on prescriptions collected by the largest social insurance fund, during the first and last trimester of 2012. Selection criteria were the prescription of specific active substances and a COPD diagnosis. Extracted information included active substance, strength, pharmaceutical form and number of packages prescribed, diagnosis, time of dispensing, as well as insurees’ age, gender, percentage of co-payment and social security unique number. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results 174,357 patients received medicines for COPD during the study period. Patients were almost equally distributed between male and female, and age above 55 years was strongly correlated with COPD. Most patients received a long-acting beta agonist plus inhaled corticosteroid combination (LABA +ICS), followed by long-acting muscarinic agonist (LAMA). 63% patients belonging in the 35–54 age received LABA+ICS. LAMA was prescribed more frequently among males and was strongly correlated with COPD. Conclusion The study provides big data analysis of Greek COPD prescribing patterns. It highlights the need for appropriate COPD classification in primary care illustrating the role of electronic prescribing in ensuring appropriate prescribing. Moreover, it indicates possible gender differences in treatment response or disease severity, and the impact of statutory co-payments on prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece
- Centre for Health Services Research, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- * E-mail:
| | - Chara Kani
- Medicines Division, National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY), Athens, Greece
| | - Manto Papageorgiou
- Department of Social and Educational Policy, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Lionis
- Department of Social and Educational Policy, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece
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16
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Souliotis K, Kalemikerakis I, Saridi M, Papageorgiou M, Kalokerinou A. A cost and clinical effectiveness analysis among moist wound healing dressings versus traditional methods in home care patients with pressure ulcers. Wound Repair Regen 2016; 24:596-601. [DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese; Corinth Greece
| | | | - Maria Saridi
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese; Corinth Greece
| | - Manto Papageorgiou
- Department of Public Health Faculty of Nursing; University of Athens; Athens Greece
| | - Athena Kalokerinou
- Department of Public Health Faculty of Nursing; University of Athens; Athens Greece
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Souliotis K, Agapidaki E, Papageorgiou M. Healthcare access for cancer patients in the era of economic crisis. Results from the HOPE III study. Forum of Clinical Oncology 2016. [DOI: 10.1515/fco-2015-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Despite the documentation of addressing healthcare disparities in detection and treatment of cancer and health outcomes for cancer patients, the inequalities persist. Cancer patients of several vulnerable groups suffer disproportionally the effect of economic crisis on health and healthcare.
Patients & Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out between July and October 2014 in order to assess the cancer patients’ barriers to healthcare access. A total of 426 cancer patients, members of cancer patient organization participated in the study. Data were collected by using an online, self reported questionnaire evaluating three main areas: healthcare access (7 items), economic status and financial burden of the disease (17 items) and the alteration on several aspects related to the disease (8 items) from 2009 to 2014.
Results: Approximately 31% of cancer patients reported that they faced barriers to healthcare access for cancer treatment during the last 12 months. The main barriers included long waiting time for a medical appointment (51%) and inability to visit a private physician due to the incapability to pay the out of pocket cost (44%). One in four patient encountered obstacles in medication access which resulted to treatment delay (46%), worsened health status (96%) and increased out of pocket costs (39%).
Conclusions: Results suggest that there are vulnerable groups among cancer patients in Greece who suffer disproportionally more the impact of economic crisis on health and healthcare. Healthcare reforms and targeted interventions should be implemented in order to effectively address the inequities in access for cancer patients.
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18
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Souliotis K, Alexopoulou E, Papageorgiou M, Politi A, Litsa P, Contiades X. Access to Care for Multiple Sclerosis in Times of Economic Crisis in Greece--the HOPE II Study. Int J Health Policy Manag 2015; 5:83-9. [PMID: 26927393 DOI: 10.15171/ijhpm.2015.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), treatment with biologic disease-modifying drugs (bDMDs) can reduce the impact of the condition on the lives of patients. In Greece, the regulatory change in the distribution system of bDMDs, limited their administration through the designated pharmacies of the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY) or the National Health System (ESY) hospitals, thus potentially impacting access to MS treatment. In this context, the aim of this paper was to assess the barriers to bDMDs, by recording MS patients' experiences. METHODS A survey research was conducted between January and February 2014 in Athens and 5 other major Greek cities with the methods of personal and telephone interview. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit socio-economic and medical information, information related to obstacles in accessing bDMDs and medical treatment, from MS patients that visited EOPYY pharmacies during the study period. RESULTS During the last year 69% of 179 participants reported that the distribution system of bDMDs has improved. Thirteen percent of participants encountered problems in accessing their medication, and 16.9% of participants in accessing their physician, with the obstacles being more pronounced for non-Athens residents. Frequent obstacles to bDMDs were the distance from EOPYY pharmacies and difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis from an EOPYY/ESY physician, while obstacles to medical care were delays in appointment booking and travel difficulties. CONCLUSION Even though the major weaknesses of the distribution system of bDMDs have improved, further amelioration of the system could be achieved through the home delivery of medicines to patients living in remote areas, and through the development of a national MS registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece.,Centre for Health Services Research, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena Alexopoulou
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece.,National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anastasia Politi
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Litsa
- Centre for Health Services Research, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Souliotis K, Papageorgiou M, Politi A, Frangos N, Tountas Y. Estimating the Fiscal Effects of Public Pharmaceutical Expenditure Reduction in Greece. Front Public Health 2015; 3:203. [PMID: 26380249 PMCID: PMC4553366 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2015.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to estimate the impact of pharmaceutical spending reduction on public revenue, based on data from the national health accounts as well as on reports of Greece’s organizations. The methodology of the analysis is structured in two basic parts. The first part presents the urgency for rapid cutbacks on public pharmaceutical costs due to the financial crisis and provides a conceptual framework for the contribution of the Greek pharmaceutical branch to the country’s economy. In the second part, we perform a quantitative analysis for the estimation of multiplier effects of public pharmaceutical expenditure reduction on main revenue sources, such as taxes and social contributions. We also fit projection models with multipliers as regressands for the evaluation of the efficiency of the particular fiscal measure in the short run. According to the results, nearly half of the gains from the measure’s application is offset by financially equivalent decreases in the government’s revenue, i.e., losses in tax revenues and social security contributions alone, not considering any other direct or indirect costs. The findings of multipliers’ high value and increasing short-term trend imply the measure’s inefficiency henceforward and signal the risk of vicious circles that will provoke the economy’s deprivation of useful resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese , Corinth , Greece
| | - Manto Papageorgiou
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Peloponnese , Corinth , Greece
| | - Anastasia Politi
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business , Athens , Greece
| | - Nikolaos Frangos
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business , Athens , Greece
| | - Yiannis Tountas
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens , Greece
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Nanaki SG, Kyzas GZ, Tzereme A, Papageorgiou M, Kostoglou M, Bikiaris DN, Lambropoulou DA. Synthesis and characterization of modified carrageenan microparticles for the removal of pharmaceuticals from aqueous solutions. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 127:256-65. [PMID: 25687096 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, carrageenan microparticles were synthesized using spray-drying method and used as biosorbents for the removal of pharmaceutical compounds. The cross-linking reaction of iota-carrageenan (iCAR) and kappa-carrageenan (kCAR) with glutaraldehyde (GLA) at different concentrations (2.5% or 5% (w/w), mass of GLA per mass of CAR) was studied (iCAR/GLA2.5, iCAR/GLA5, kCAR/GLA2.5, kCAR/GLA5). The physicochemical properties of the novel cross-linked polymers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Swelling studies were in accordance with the polymer properties, showing the lowest swelling degree (19%) by using the iCAR/GLA5 microparticles. The optimal kCAR/GLA5 microparticles were successfully employed for the removal of Metoprolol (MTPL) from aqueous samples. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbents was investigated using a batch adsorption procedure and the kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption process were further investigated. It was found that the adsorption isotherms agree well with the Langmuir-Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) was achieved in pH 6, whereas an increase of Qm was observed increasing the temperature (from 109 at 20°C to 178 mg/g at 40°C). Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process on iCAR/GLA5 microparticles followed pseudo-second-order rate mechanism. Finally, a new phenomenological model of the adsorption process was proposed in order to extract information on the relevant sub-processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula G Nanaki
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Z Kyzas
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece; Laboratory of General and Inorganic Chemical Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Areti Tzereme
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - M Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Margaritis Kostoglou
- Laboratory of General and Inorganic Chemical Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Bikiaris
- Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra A Lambropoulou
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Katsi VK, Vrachatis DA, Politi A, Papageorgiou M, Koumoulidis A, Vlasseros I, Vavuranakis M, Tousoulis D, Stefanadis C, Kallikazaros I, Souliotis K. Cardiac echo-lab productivity in times of economic austerity. Springerplus 2014; 3:703. [PMID: 25512890 PMCID: PMC4256161 DOI: 10.1186/2193-1801-3-703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study attempts to offer insight into the volume, cost, and productivity of the operation of a cardiac echocardiographic laboratory (echo-lab) in a major public hospital of Greece and thus to contribute, on a practical level, to the widening of knowledge in the strategic field of secondary and tertiary healthcare management. The conducted research includes the basic step of the deployment of a primary data registry in the echo-lab and unfolds in three levels, i.e. the variability measurement of the quantity and cost of medical services provided to different patient populations, the assessment of operating costs and the development of productivity indexes. The results show that the mean costs of provision do change among distinct patient populations. The most important, from a financial standpoint, population cluster appears to be the one corresponding to outpatients. Productivity indices presented in this analysis constitute an essential piece of information which the public healthcare system is currently largely lacking, and which, combined with the pricing and the diagnosis-related group coding system of hospitals, can be used to improve efficiency in the management of secondary and tertiary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki K Katsi
- Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, National Health System, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios A Vrachatis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Politi
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - Manto Papageorgiou
- Department of Social and Educational Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Vlasseros
- Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, National Health System, Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Stefanadis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kallikazaros
- Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, National Health System, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Souliotis
- Department of Social and Educational Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece ; Centre for Health Services Research, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Souliotis K, Papageorgiou M, Politi A, Ioakeimidis D, Sidiropoulos P. Barriers to accessing biologic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in Greece: the unseen impact of the fiscal crisis--the Health Outcomes Patient Environment (HOPE) study. Rheumatol Int 2013; 34:25-33. [PMID: 24057144 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-013-2866-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The latest regulatory change in the distribution system of biologic disease-modifying, antirheumatic drugs limited their sale only through the designated pharmacies of the National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY) or the National Health System (NHS) hospitals, adding to the complexity of access to effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Greece. The aim of this paper was to assess the barriers to access RA treatment, by recording patients', rheumatologists' and EOPYY pharmacists' experiences. One twenty-three patients, 12 rheumatologists and 27 pharmacists from Athens and other urban areas in Greece participated in the study. Three types of standardized questionnaires were used to elicit information from each group of respondents using the method of personal interview for patients and the method of postal survey for doctors and pharmacists. During the last year, 26% of patients encountered problems in accessing their rheumatologist and 49% of patients experienced difficulties in accessing their medication. Ninety-two percent of rheumatologists and 96% of pharmacists confirmed that patients experience difficulties in accessing RA medication. The most commonly reported reasons for reduced access to medical treatment were travel difficulties and long distance from doctor's clinic, as well as delays in booking an appointment. The most frequently reported barriers to access pharmaceutical treatment were difficulties in the prescription process, distance from EOPYY pharmacies and medicine shortages in NHS hospitals. The study showed that RA patients are facing increased barriers to access timely and effective treatment. Redesign of the current system of distribution ensuring the operation of additional points of sale is deemed necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Souliotis
- Department of Health Policy, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth, Greece,
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Souliotis K, Lionis C, Papadakaki M, Papageorgiou M, Tsiaousi I, Bersimis S. The economic burden of herpes zoster on patients visiting primary care settings in Greece – Results from a multicentre study in Crete. Eur Geriatr Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2013.07.386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Souliotis K, Mantzana V, Papageorgiou M. Transforming Public Servants' Health Care Organization in Greece through the Implementation of an Electronic Referral Project. Value Health Reg Issues 2013; 2:312-318. [PMID: 29702883 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Greek Public Servants' Health Care Organization aiming to organize, monitor, and enhance the health care services provided to 1,500,000 public servants decided to respond to the national alert of the economic crisis through the reduction of costs caused by diagnostic tests (€300,000,000 claims for 2008), to improve working conditions of contracted physicians and laboratories, and to enhance services provided to insured members. In September 2010, the Greek Public Servants' Health Care Organization initiated a pilot project that electronically records the prescription process of the diagnostic tests, which is Web-based, is open source, and was provided for free to the contracted physicians and diagnostic centers. METHODS In this article, we present some interesting findings resulting from the implementation of the pilot electronic referral project by examining a 9-month period. RESULTS Fifty-eight percent of the physicians had the necessary equipment for the operation of the system, more than 3600 physicians used it, 17,495 public servants had been served through the system, and 178,456 paraclinical examinations had been prescribed with a cost of €1,394,980. In addition, the analysis revealed that the implementation of an electronic referral system could provide significant benefits, such as a faster referral process, valid and coherent information, minimization of the risk of misinterpreting the electronic referral due to illegibility of handwriting, and improvement in quality of services. CONCLUSIONS The Greek electronic referral system was one of the first attempts toward creating the basis of a society of transparency and cost control. The lessons learnt from this article should not be ignored in the process of redesigning and improving the electronic referral system for Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasiliki Mantzana
- Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
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Szucs TD, Kressig RW, Papageorgiou M, Kempf W, Michel JP, Fendl A, Bresse X. Economic evaluation of a vaccine for the prevention of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in older adults in Switzerland. Hum Vaccin 2011; 7:749-56. [PMID: 21606685 DOI: 10.4161/hv.7.7.15573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A life-attenuated vaccine aimed at preventing herpes zoster (HZ) and its main complication, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), will soon be available in Europe. The study's objective was to assess the clinical and economic impact of a vaccination program for adults aged 70-79 years in Switzerland. RESULTS A vaccination strategy compared to a no-vaccination resulted in lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of 25,538 CHF (23,646 USD) per QALY gained, 6,625 CHF (6,134 USD) per HZ case avoided, and 15,487 CHF (14,340 USD) per PHN3 case avoided under the third-party payer perspective. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model was most sensitive to the discount rates, HZ epidemiological data and vaccine price used. METHODS A Markov model, simulating the natural history of HZ and PHN and the lifetime effects of vaccination, previously developed for the UK was adapted to the Swiss context. The model includes several health states including good health, HZ, PHN, and death. HZ and PHN states reflected pain severity. CONCLUSION The model predicts clinical and economic benefits of vaccination in the form of fewer HZ and PHN cases and reductions in healthcare resource use. ICERs were within the commonly accepted thresholds in Switzerland, indicating that a HZ vaccination program would be considered a cost-effective strategy in the Swiss setting.
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Lallas A, Tzellos TG, Papageorgiou M, Mandekou-Lefaki I. Sweet's syndrome associated with upper respiratory tract streptococcal infection: "wait-and-see" strategy or anecdotal use of corticosteroids? Hippokratia 2011; 15:283. [PMID: 22435036 PMCID: PMC3306045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A Lallas
- State Hospital for Skin and Venereal Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Baltadakis I, Karakasis D, Manaka A, Panitsas F, Poulopoulou Z, Delistrati V, Bika E, Garofalaki M, Papageorgiou M, Vasileiou S, Gigantes S, Apostolidis J, Harhalakis N, Nikiforakis E. Double Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation Achieves Universal Engraftment But Is Associated With Considerable Transplant-Related Mortality. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2009.12.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Annemans L, Bresse X, Gobbo C, Papageorgiou M. Health economic evaluation of a vaccine for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults in Belgium. J Med Econ 2010; 13:537-51. [PMID: 20707768 DOI: 10.3111/13696998.2010.502854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the cost-effectiveness of vaccination against herpes zoster (HZ) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in individuals aged 60 years and older in Belgium. METHODS A Markov model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of vaccination with that of a policy of no vaccination. The model estimated the lifetime incidence and consequences of HZ and PHN using inputs derived from Belgian data, literature sources, and expert opinion. Cost-effectiveness was measured by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. RESULTS Vaccination in individuals aged 60 years and older resulted in ICERs of €6,799 (third party payer perspective), €7,168 (healthcare perspective), and €7,137 (societal perspective). The number needed to vaccinate to prevent one case was 12 for HZ, and 35 or 36 for PHN depending on the definition used. Univariate sensitivity analyses produced ICERs of €4,959-19,052/QALY; duration of vaccine efficacy had the greatest impact on cost-effectiveness. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed at least a 94% probability of ICERs remaining below the unofficial €30,000 threshold. DISCUSSION Key strengths of the model are the combination of efficacy data from a pivotal clinical trial with country-specific epidemiological data and complete sensitivity analysis performed. Main limitations are the use of non country-specific PHN proportion and non Belgian disease-specific utilities. Results are comparable with those recently published. CONCLUSIONS HZ vaccination in individuals aged 60 years and older would represent a cost-effective strategy in Belgium.
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Abstract
Prostate cancers frequently metastasize to the skeleton, and it has been hypothesized that this environment selectively supports the growth of these tumours. Specifically there is strong evidence that interactions between tumour cells and BMSCs (bone marrow stromal cells) play a major role in supporting prostate cancer growth and survival in bone. Here, we examine factors shown to be secreted by BMSCs, such as IGFs (insulin-like growth factors) and IL-6 (interleukin 6), shown to promote prostate cancer cell proliferation and to potentially replace the requirement for androgens. In addition we discuss another factor produced by BMSCs, osteoprotegerin, which may promote tumour cell survival by suppressing the biological activity of the pro-apoptotic ligand TRAIL (tumour-necrosis-factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand).
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Cross
- Academic Urology Unit, University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK.
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Kotsialos A, Papamichail I, Margonis I, Papageorgiou M. HIERARCHICAL NONLINEAR MODEL-PREDICTIVE RAMP METERING CONTROL FOR FREEWAY NETWORKS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.3182/20060829-3-nl-2908.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Papageorgiou M, Lakhdara N, Lazaridou A, Biliaderis C, Izydorczyk M. Water extractable (1→3,1→4)-β-d-glucans from barley and oats: An intervarietal study on their structural features and rheological behaviour. J Cereal Sci 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcs.2005.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Papageorgiou M, Fokialakis N, Mitaku S, Skaltsounis AL, Tillequin F, Sévenet T. Two new alkaloids from the bark of Sarcomelicope megistophylla. J Nat Prod 2000; 63:385-386. [PMID: 10757725 DOI: 10.1021/np9904096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Two new alkaloids, megistophylline I (1) and megistophylline II (2), were isolated from the bark of Sarcomelicope megistophylla. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of MS and NMR data.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Athens Panepistimiopolis Zografou, GR-15771 Athens, Greece
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Pascualvaca DM, Fantie BD, Papageorgiou M, Mirsky AF. Attentional capacities in children with autism: is there a general deficit in shifting focus? J Autism Dev Disord 1998; 28:467-78. [PMID: 9932233 DOI: 10.1023/a:1026091809650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-three children with autism and two control groups completed an attention battery comprising three versions of the continuous performance test (CPT), a digit cancellation task, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and two novel, computerized tests of shifting attention (i.e., the Same-Different Computerized Task and the Computerized Matching Task). Children with autism could focus on a particular stimulus and sustain this focus as indicated by their performance on the digit cancellation task and the CPT. Their performance on the WCST suggested problems in some aspects of shifting attention (i.e., disengaging attention). The autism group performed as well as controls on the Same-Different Computerized Task, however, that required successive comparisons between stimuli. This implies that they could, in fact, shift their attention continuously. In addition, they did not differ from controls on the Computerized Matching Task, an analog of the WCST, suggesting that they do not have a general deficit in shifting attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Pascualvaca
- Section on Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1366, USA
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Katsarou-Katsari A, Armenaka M, Katsenis K, Papageorgiou M, Katsambas A, Bareltzides A. Contact allergens in patients with leg ulcers. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1998. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.1998.tb00946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Katsarou-Katsari A, Armenaka M, Katsenis K, Papageorgiou M, Katsambas A, Bareltzides A. Contact allergens in patients with leg ulcers. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1998; 11:9-12. [PMID: 9731959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contact dermatitis can complicate the treatment of leg ulcers and is an acquired phenomenon resulting from the use of topical medications. OBJECTIVE To show the incidence of contact dermatitis reactions to topical medications applied to leg ulcers and to evidence changing trends in such reactions through comparison of two case series about 20 years apart. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We studied two groups of patients with leg ulcers that were patch tested with contact allergens in 1973-1974 and in 1994-1995. RESULTS One or more positive patch tests was present in 75% and 40% of the patients, respectively. A decrease in the incidence of positive reactions to neomycin, local anesthetics and parabens mix was seen in 1994-1995. The most important contact allergens in 1994-1995 were fragrance mix, colophony and the excipients wool alcohols and amerchol. Other relevant sensitizers were formaldehyde, neomycin and gentamycin. CONCLUSION The changing trends in contact allergens over the last 20 years may be explained by changes in the components of topical agents used for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Katsarou-Katsari
- Centre of Occupational Skin Diseases, Department of Dermatology, University of Athens, A. Sygros Hospital, Greece
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Papageorgiou M, Kokkou SC, Rentzeperis PJ, Tsoleridis C. Structure of the mesoionic compound N-[1-methyl-3-(p-tolyl)-4-(1,2,3-triazolio)]acetamidate (MMTAT), C12H14N4O. Acta Crystallogr C 1983. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108270183009348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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