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Zarokanellou V, Gryparis A, Papatheodorou P, Tatsis G, Tafiadis D, Papadopoulos A, Voniati L, Siafaka V. Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (SATA): Validation of the Greek Version in the General Population. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1582-1593. [PMID: 36626003 PMCID: PMC10981628 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05842-2] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the validity of the Greek version of the Societal Attitudes Towards Autism (SATA) scale in a Greek community sample (n = 633) and explored how the demographic variables of the sample modulate knowledge and attitudes regarding people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The principal component analysis confirmed the three-dimension model and explained 40.5% of the variance. All Cronbach's alpha values obtained were over 0.70. SATA's subscales were significantly and positively correlated, indicating good internal reliability. Participants presented moderate knowledge about ASD and mediocre positive attitudes towards people with ASD. Gender, age, and educational level significantly affected SATA total scores. Overall, this Greek version of SATA showed acceptable psychometric properties, indicating that can be a reliable scale for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Zarokanellou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Km National Road Ioannina-Athens, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Gryparis
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Km National Road Ioannina-Athens, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Papatheodorou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Km National Road Ioannina-Athens, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Giorgos Tatsis
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Km National Road Ioannina-Athens, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dionysios Tafiadis
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Km National Road Ioannina-Athens, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Louiza Voniati
- Department of Speech & Language Therapy, Faculty of Sciences, European University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vassiliki Siafaka
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 4th Km National Road Ioannina-Athens, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
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Lekatou AG, Emmanouilidou S, Dimitriadis K, Baikousi M, Karakassides MA, Agathopoulos S. Simulating porcelain firing effect on the structure, corrosion and mechanical properties of Co-Cr-Mo dental alloy fabricated by soft milling. Odontology 2024; 112:372-389. [PMID: 37642767 PMCID: PMC10925571 DOI: 10.1007/s10266-023-00849-2] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at evaluating the effect of simulating porcelain firing on the microstructure, corrosion behavior and mechanical properties of a Co-Cr-Mo alloy fabricated by Metal Soft Milling (MSM). Two groups of Co-28Cr-5Mo specimens (25 × 20 × 3 mm) were prepared by MSM: The as-sintered (AS) specimens and the post-fired (PF) specimens that were subjected to 5 simulating porcelain firing cycles without applying the ceramic mass onto their surface. Phase identification by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), microstructure examination by optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), corrosion testing by cyclic polarization and chronoamperometry in simulated body fluid (SBF), the latter test accompanied by Cr3+ and Cr6+ detection in the electrolyte through the 1.5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) method and UV/visible spectrophotometry, and mechanical testing by micro-/nano-indentation were conducted to evaluate the effect of the post-firing cycles on the properties of Co-Cr-Mo. The results were statistically analyzed by the t test (p < 0.05: statistically significant). All specimens had a mixed γ-fcc and ε-hcp cobalt-based microstructure with a dispersion of pores filled with SiO2 and a fine M23C6 intergranular presence. PF led to an increase in the ε-Co content and slight grain coarsening. Both AS and PF alloys showed high resistance to general and localized corrosion, whereas neither Cr6+ nor Cr3+ were detected during the passivity-breakdown stage. PF improved the mechanical properties of the AS-alloy, especially the indentation modulus and true hardness (statistically significant differences: p = 0.0009 and 0.006, respectively). MSM and MSM/simulating-porcelain firing have been proven trustworthy fabrication methods of Co-Cr-Mo substrates for metal-ceramic prostheses. Moreover, the post-firing cycles improve the mechanical behavior of Co-Cr-Mo, which is vital under the dynamically changing loads in the oral cavity, whereas they do not degrade the corrosion performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki G Lekatou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Materials Science and Computing, University Research Center of Ioannina (URCI), 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sevasti Emmanouilidou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dimitriadis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece.
- Division of Dental Technology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 122 43, Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Baikousi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Michael A Karakassides
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Simeon Agathopoulos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
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Siampani M, Lazanas AC, Spyrou K, Prodromidis MI. Eco-friendly spark-generated Co xO y nanoparticle-modified graphite screen-printed sensing surfaces for the determination of H 2O 2 in energy drinks. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:150. [PMID: 38386132 PMCID: PMC10884044 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06233-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The modification of graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) is reported using an eco-friendly and extremely fast method based on the direct cobalt pin electrode-to-SPE spark discharge at ambient conditions. This approach does not utilize any liquids or chemical templates, does not produce any waste, and allows the in-situ generation of CoxOy nanoparticles onto the electrode surface and the development of efficient electrocatalytic sensing surfaces for the determination of H2O2. Co-spark SPEs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), revealing the formation of surface confined CoxOy nanoparticles and the diverse oxidation states of cobalt species. Co-spark SPEs were also characterized with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Redox transitions of the surface confined electrocatalysts are demonstrated by electrochemical polarization studies, showing the formation of different oxides (CoxOy), varying the XPS results. Amperometric measurements at 0.3 V vs. Ag/AgCl revealed a linear relationship between the current response and the concentration of H2O2 over the range 1 - 102 μM, achieving a limit of detection (3σ/m) of 0.6 μM. The interference effect of various electroactive species was effectively addressed by employing dual measurements in the absence and presence of the enzyme catalase. The analytical utility of the method was evaluated in antioxidant rich real-world samples, such as energy drinks, demonstrating sufficient recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Siampani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Spyrou
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
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Bounas A, Komini C, Toli EA, Talioura A, Sotiropoulos K, Barboutis C. Expression patterns of heat-shock genes during stopover and the trade-off between refueling and stress response in a passerine migrant. J Comp Physiol B 2024; 194:1-6. [PMID: 38296861 PMCID: PMC10940366 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-023-01529-x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Migrating birds are often exposed to variable environments and face a multitude of stress exposures along their long-distance flights. During stopover refueling, migratory birds must balance the need to accumulate energy reserves to continue their migration with the need to respond to environmental and physiological stressors. We examined the gene expression patterns of different Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) in migrating birds during stopover at different body condition states (lean vs. fat), to provide some first insights on the role of HSPs in bird migration and explore the concept of a trade-off between refueling and stress response. Our results showed upregulation of HSP expression at release that could be associated with muscle growth and increased cholesterol and lipid synthesis needed for birds to fuel their upcoming migration. On the other hand, during capture, upregulation of HSP5 could be attributed to physiological recovery from the non-stop endurance flight when crossing the Sahara Desert-Mediterranean Sea ecological barrier. All birds significantly increased their fuel loads up to 48% of lean body mass and we provide evidence for muscle rebuilding during stopover as flight muscle mass increased by 10%, highlighting the fact that stopover sites can play a major role in the physiological recovery of migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Bounas
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Chrysoula Komini
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Elisavet-Aspasia Toli
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Artemis Talioura
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Sotiropoulos
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos Barboutis
- Department of Biological Applications and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Antikythira Bird Observatory, Hellenic Ornithological Society/BirdLife Greece, 52 Ag. Konstantinou Str., 10437, Athens, Greece
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Pliakopanou A, Antonopoulos I, Darzenta N, Serifi I, Simos YV, Katsenos AP, Bellos S, Alexiou GA, Kyritsis AP, Leonardos I, Vezyraki P, Peschos D, Tsamis KI. Glioblastoma research on zebrafish xenograft models: a systematic review. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:311-325. [PMID: 37400666 PMCID: PMC10810942 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03258-7] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) constitutes the most common primary brain tumor in adults. The challenges in GBM therapeutics have shed light on zebrafish used as a promising animal model for preclinical GBM xenograft studies without a standardized methodology. This systematic review aims to summarize the advances in zebrafish GBM xenografting, compare research protocols to pinpoint advantages and underlying limitations, and designate the predominant xenografting parameters. Based on the PRISMA checklist, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and ZFIN using the keywords "glioblastoma," "xenotransplantation," and "zebrafish" for papers published from 2005 to 2022, available in English. 46 articles meeting the review criteria were examined for the zebrafish strain, cancer cell line, cell labeling technique, injected cell number, time and site of injection, and maintenance temperature. Our review designated that AB wild-type zebrafish, Casper transparent mutants, transgenic Tg(fli1:EGFP), or crossbreeding of these predominate among the zebrafish strains. Orthotopic transplantation is more commonly employed. A number of 50-100 cells injected at 48 h post-fertilization in high density and low infusion volume is considered as an effective xenografting approach. U87 cells are used for GBM angiogenesis studies, U251 for GBM proliferation studies, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) to achieve clinical relevance. Gradual acclimatization to 32-33 °C can partly address the temperature differential between the zebrafish and the GBM cells. Zebrafish xenograft models constitute valuable tools for preclinical studies with clinical relevance regarding PDX. The GBM xenografting research requires modification based on the objective of each research team. Automation and further optimization of the protocol parameters could scale up the anticancer drug trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pliakopanou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ilias Antonopoulos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolia Darzenta
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iliana Serifi
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis Vasilios Simos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andreas Panagiotis Katsenos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stefanos Bellos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis Leonardos
- Zoology Laboratory, Department of Biological Application and Technology, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Patra Vezyraki
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Ioannis Tsamis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
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Sarantou S, Marinakis NM, Traeger-Synodinos J, Siomou E, Ntinopoulos A, Serbis A. Genetically confirmed coexistence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and Cherubism in a pediatric patient. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:216. [PMID: 38281202 PMCID: PMC10822793 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09214-0] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder typified by various combination of numerous Café-au-lait macules, cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas, freckling of inguinal or axillary region, optic glioma, Lisch nodules and osseous lesions. Cherubism is a rare genetic syndrome described by progressive swelling of the lower and/or upper jaw due to replacement of bone by fibrous connective tissue. Patients are reported in the literature with NF1 and cherubism-like phenotype due to the NF1 osseous lesions in the jaws. The purpose of this case report is the description of a young male genetically diagnosed with both NF1 and cherubism. METHODS AND RESULTS A 9 years and six month old patient with clinical findings of NF1 and cherubism in whom both diseases were genetically confirmed, is presented. The patient was evaluated by a pediatrician, a pediatric endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A laboratory and hormonal screening, a histological examination, a chest X-ray, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit and a digital panoramic radiography were performed. Genetic testing applying Whole Exome Sequencing was conducted. CONCLUSIONS A novel and an already reported pathogenic variants were detected in NF1 and SH3BP2 genes, respectively. This is the first described patient with coexistence of NF1 and cherubism. The contribution of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in gene variant identification as well as the importance of close collaboration between laboratory scientists and clinicians, is highlighted. Both are essential for optimizing the diagnostic approach of patients with a complex phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Sarantou
- Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos M Marinakis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, St. Sophia's Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterini Siomou
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarchos Av, Ioannina, 45100, Greece
| | - Argyrios Ntinopoulos
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarchos Av, Ioannina, 45100, Greece
| | - Anastasios Serbis
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, St. Niarchos Av, Ioannina, 45100, Greece.
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Stalikas C, Sakkas V. From a glimpse into the key aspects of calibration and correlation to their practical considerations in chemical analysis. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:81. [PMID: 38191690 PMCID: PMC10774644 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-06157-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
In this tutorial review, we provide a guiding reference on the good practice in building calibration and correlation experiments, and we explain how the results should be evaluated and interpreted. The review centers on calibration experiments where the relationship between response and concentration is expected to be linear, although certain of the described principles of good practice can be applied to non-linear systems, as well. Furthermore, it gives prominence to the meaning and correct interpretation of some of the statistical terms commonly associated with calibration and regression. To reach a mutual understanding in this significant field, we present, through a practical example, a step-by-step procedure, which deals with typical challenges related to linearity and outlier assessment, calculation of the associated error of the predicted concentration, and limits of detection. The utilization of regression lines to compare analytical methods is also elaborated. The results of regression and correlation data are acquired by implementing the Excel spreadsheet of Microsoft, being perhaps one of the most widely used user-friendly software in education and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vasilios Sakkas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
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Dimas A, Goussia A, Papoudou-Bai A, Politi A, Paschopoulos M, Navrozoglou I, Makrigiannakis A, Vrekoussis T. The expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone family peptides in premalignant and malignant vulvar lesions. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:260-268. [PMID: 37382757 PMCID: PMC10761541 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family peptides with inflammatory processes and oncogenesis, emphasizing in vulvar inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions, as well as to investigate the possibility of lesion cells immunoescaping, utilizing FAS/FAS-L complex. METHODS Immunohistochemical expression of CRH, urocortin (UCN), FasL and their receptors CRHR1, CRHR2 and Fas was studied in vulvar tissue sections obtained from patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of lichen, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). The patient cohort was selected from a tertiary teaching Hospital in Greece, between 2005 and 2015. For each of the disease categories, immunohistochemical staining was evaluated and the results were statistically compared. RESULTS A progressive increase of the cytoplasmic immunohistochemical expression of CRH and UCN, from precancerous lesions to VSCC was observed. A similar increase was detected for Fas and FasL expression. Nuclear localization of UCN was demonstrated in both premalignant and VSCC lesions, with staining being significantly intensified in carcinomas, particularly in the less differentiated tumor areas or in the areas at invasive tumor front. CONCLUSIONS Stress response system and CRH family peptides seem to have a role in inflammation maintenance and progression of vulvar premalignant lesions to malignancy. It seems that stress peptides may locally modulate the stroma through Fas/FasL upregulation, possibly contributing to vulvar cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Goussia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Pathology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Alexandra Papoudou-Bai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasia Politi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Andreas Syggros Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 16121, Athens, Greece
| | - Minas Paschopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iordanis Navrozoglou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Science, University of Crete, 71500, Iraklio, Greece
| | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Science, University of Crete, 71500, Iraklio, Greece
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Christodoulou MV, Petkou E, Atzemoglou N, Gkorla E, Karamitrou A, Simos YV, Bellos S, Bekiari C, Kouklis P, Konitsiotis S, Vezyraki P, Peschos D, Tsamis KI. Cell replacement therapy with stem cells in multiple sclerosis, a systematic review. Hum Cell 2024; 37:9-53. [PMID: 37985645 PMCID: PMC10764451 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-01006-1] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination and axonal loss. It is induced by attack of autoreactive lymphocytes on the myelin sheath and endogenous remyelination failure, eventually leading to accumulation of neurological disability. Disease-modifying agents can successfully address inflammatory relapses, but have low efficacy in progressive forms of MS, and cannot stop the progressive neurodegenerative process. Thus, the stem cell replacement therapy approach, which aims to overcome CNS cell loss and remyelination failure, is considered a promising alternative treatment. Although the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of stem cell transplantation are not yet fully understood, neurotrophic support, immunomodulation, and cell replacement appear to play an important role, leading to a multifaceted fight against the pathology of the disease. The present systematic review is focusing on the efficacy of stem cells to migrate at the lesion sites of the CNS and develop functional oligodendrocytes remyelinating axons. While most studies confirm the improvement of neurological deficits after the administration of different stem cell types, many critical issues need to be clarified before they can be efficiently introduced into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Veatriki Christodoulou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ermioni Petkou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Natalia Atzemoglou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Gkorla
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Karamitrou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Yannis V Simos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stefanos Bellos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chryssa Bekiari
- Laboratory of Anatomy and Histology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panos Kouklis
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Patra Vezyraki
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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Karamitros G, Kontoes P, Wiedner M, Goulas S. The Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Surgery Residents Across the World: A Country-, Region-, and Income-level Analysis. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2023; 47:2889-2901. [PMID: 37253842 PMCID: PMC10228894 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03389-w] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has upended graduate medical education globally. We investigated the COVID-19 impact on learning inputs and expected learning outputs of plastic surgery residents across the world. METHODS We administered an online survey capturing training inputs before and during the pandemic and retrieved residents' expected learning outputs compared with residents who completed their training before COVID. The questionnaire reached residents across the world through the mobilization of national and international societies of plastic surgeons. RESULTS The analysis included 412 plastic surgery residents from 47 countries. The results revealed a 44% decline (ranging from - 79 to 10% across countries) and an 18% decline (ranging from - 76 to across 151% countries) in surgeries and seminars, respectively, per week. Moreover, 74% (ranging from 0 to 100% across countries) and 43% (ranging from 0 to 100% across countries) of residents expected a negative COVID-19 impact on their surgical skill and scientific knowledge, respectively. We found strong correlations only between corresponding input and output: surgeries scrubbed in with surgical skill (ρ = -0.511 with p < 0.001) and seminars attended with scientific knowledge (ρ = - 0.274 with p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Our ranking of countries based on their COVID-19 impacts provides benchmarks for national strategies of learning recovery. Remedial measures that target surgical skill may be more needed than those targeting scientific knowledge. Our finding of limited substitutability of inputs in training suggests that it may be challenging to make up for lost operating room time with more seminars. Our results support the need for flexible training models and competency-based advancement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Karamitros
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
- Medical School, University of Ioannina, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Paraskevas Kontoes
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Mount Royal, NJ, USA
| | - Maria Wiedner
- International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Mount Royal, NJ, USA
| | - Sofoklis Goulas
- Brookings Institution, Washington DC, USA
- World Bank, Washington DC, USA
- Aletheia Research Institution, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Hoover Institution, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Kalogeropoulos D, Asproudis I, Stefaniotou M, Moschos MM, Kozobolis VP, Voulgari PV, Katsanos A, Gartzonika C, Kalogeropoulos C. The large Hellenic Study of Uveitis: epidemiology, etiologic factors and classification. Int Ophthalmol 2023; 43:3633-3650. [PMID: 37428299 PMCID: PMC10504180 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-023-02772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyse the demography, etiology, and classification of uveitis at a tertiary academic referral center. METHODS An observational study was conducted on the archives of uveitic patients at the Ocular Inflammation Service of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital of Ioannina (Greece) from 1991 to 2020. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of patients, including their demographics and the main etiologic factors of uveitis. RESULTS Out of 6191 cases with uveitis, 1925 were infectious, 4125 were non-infectious, and an overall of 141 masquerade syndromes were recorded. Among these cases, 5950 patients were adults, with a slight female predominance, while 241 were children (< 18 years old). Interestingly, 24.2% of cases (1500 patients) were associated with 4 specific microorganisms. Herpetic uveitis (HSV-1 and VZV/HZV) was the most common cause of infectious uveitis (14.87%), followed by toxoplasmosis (6.6%) and tuberculosis (2.74%). In 49.2% of non-infectious uveitis cases, no systematic correlation was found. The most frequent causes of non-infectious uveitis included sarcoidosis, white dot syndromes, ankylosing spondylitis, lens-induced uveitis, Adamantiades-Behçet disease, and idiopathic juvenile arthritis. Infectious uveitis was more common in the rural population, whereas non-infectious uveitis was more frequently recorded in the urban population CONCLUSIONS: Although our study was conducted on a predominantly white Caucasian population, it also reflects the effect of increasing immigration, improvements of diagnostic techniques, changes in referral patterns, and various actual changes in disease incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Asproudis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Stefaniotou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marilita M Moschos
- 1st Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Athens G. Gennimatas, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilios P Kozobolis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Paraskevi V Voulgari
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Andreas Katsanos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Constantina Gartzonika
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Chris Kalogeropoulos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, University Campus, 451 10, Ioannina, Greece
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to present the pharmacodynamic effectiveness as well as the clinical efficacy and safety of investigational antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interference RNAs (siRNAs) drugs that specifically target lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). The review will discuss whether the existing lipid-lowering therapies are adequate to treat high Lp(a) levels or whether it is necessary to use the emerging new therapeutic approaches which are based on the current RNA technologies. RECENT FINDINGS Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), independent of other conventional risk factors. High Lp(a) levels are also independently associated with an increased risk of aortic stenosis progression rate. Plasma Lp(a) levels are primarily genetically determined by variation in the LPA gene coding for apo(a). All secondary prevention trials have demonstrated that the existing hypolipidemic therapies are not adequate to reduce Lp(a) levels to such an extent that could lead to a substantial reduction of ASCVD risk. This has led to the development of new drugs that target the mRNA transcript of LPA and efficiently inhibit Lp(a) synthesis leading to potent Lp(a) reduction. These new drugs are the ASO pelacarsen and the siRNAs olpasiran and SLN360. Recent pharmacodynamic studies showed that all these drugs potently reduce Lp(a) up to 98%, in a dose-dependent manner. Ongoing clinical trials will determine the Lp(a)-lowering efficacy, tolerability, and safety of these drugs as well as their potential effectiveness in reducing the ASCVD risk attributed to high plasma Lp(a) levels. We are not ready today to significantly reduce plasma Lp(a). Emerging therapies potently decrease Lp(a) and ongoing clinical trials will determine their effectiveness in reducing ASCVD risk in subjects with high Lp(a) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros D Tselepis
- Atherothrombosis Research Centre/Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
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13
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Rallis D, Kapetaniou K, Machas P, Balomenou F, Giapros V, Saliakellis E. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of Doppler ultrasonography of the superior mesenteric artery in detecting neonates at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Pediatr Radiol 2023; 53:1989-2003. [PMID: 37310444 PMCID: PMC10497699 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05695-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The role of postnatal Doppler measurements of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in detecting neonates at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains uncertain; therefore, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the existing evidence regarding the usefulness of SMA Doppler measurements in detecting neonates at risk for NEC. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and we included studies which reported the following Doppler ultrasonography indices: peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, time average mean velocity, differential velocity, pulsatility index (PI) and resistive index. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Evidence suggested that, during the first postnatal day, neonates who developed NEC had a significantly higher peak systolic velocity (mean difference of 2.65 cm/s (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23, 4.06, overall effect Z=3.66, P<0.001)), higher PI (mean difference of 1.52 (95% CI 0.00, 3.04, Z=1.96, P=0.05)) and higher resistive index (mean difference of 1.09 (95% CI 0.59, 1.60, Z=4.24, P<0.001)), compared to neonates who did not develop NEC. However, our findings do not support a strong association between the Doppler ultrasound indices and development of NEC at the time of disease onset. This meta-analysis suggests that first postnatal day SMA Doppler parameters, namely peak systolic velocity, PI and resistive index, are higher in neonates who develop NEC. On the other hand, the aforementioned indices are of uncertain significance once the diagnosis of NEC has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Rallis
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece.
| | | | - Pavlos Machas
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Balomenou
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasileios Giapros
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Ioannina, School of Medicine, Stavrou Niarchou Avenue, 45500, Ioannina, Greece
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14
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Stamkos S, Patsourakos S, Vourlidas A, Daglis IA. How Magnetic Erosion Affects the Drag-Based Kinematics of Fast Coronal Mass Ejections. Sol Phys 2023; 298:88. [PMID: 37457788 PMCID: PMC10344841 DOI: 10.1007/s11207-023-02178-7] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In order to advance our understanding of the dynamic interactions between coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the magnetized solar wind, we investigate the impact of magnetic erosion on the well-known aerodynamic drag force acting on CMEs traveling faster than the ambient solar wind. In particular, we start by generating empirical relationships for the basic physical parameters of CMEs that conserve their mass and magnetic flux. Furthermore, we examine the impact of the virtual mass on the equation of motion by studying a variable-mass system. We next implement magnetic reconnection into CME propagation, which erodes part of the CME magnetic flux and outer-shell mass, on the drag acting on CMEs, and we determine its impact on their time and speed of arrival at 1 AU. Depending on the strength of the magnetic erosion, the leading edge of the magnetic structure can reach near-Earth space up to ≈ three hours later, compared to the non-eroded case. Therefore, magnetic erosion may have a significant impact on the propagation of fast CMEs and on predictions of their arrivals at 1 AU. Finally, the modeling indicates that eroded CMEs may experience a significant mass decrease. Since such a decrease is not observed in the corona, the initiation distance of erosion may lie beyond the field-of-view of coronagraphs (i.e. 30 R ⊙ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotiris Stamkos
- Department of Physics, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Angelos Vourlidas
- Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, MD USA
| | - Ioannis A. Daglis
- Department of Physics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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15
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Sfairopoulos D, Liu T, Zhang N, Tse G, Bazoukis G, Letsas K, Goudis C, Milionis H, Vrettos A, Korantzopoulos P. Association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and incident atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Heart Fail Rev 2023; 28:925-936. [PMID: 36282460 PMCID: PMC10289933 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10281-3] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We investigated the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on the incidence of AF and/or AFL in HFrEF patients. PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched until March 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that enrolled patients with HFrEF. A total of six RCTs with 9467 patients were included (N = 4731 in the SGLT2i arms; N = 4736 in the placebo arms). Compared to placebo, SGLT2i treatment was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF [relative risk (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval CI 0.44-0.86; P = 0.005] and AF/AFL (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.87; P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis showed that empagliflozin use resulted in a significant reduction in the risk of AF (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.34-0.89; P = 0.01) and AF/AFL (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.32-0.77; P = 0.002). By contrast, dapagliflozin use was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.43-1.11; P = 0.12) or AF/AFL (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.53-1.27; P = 0.38). Additionally, a "shorter" duration (< 1.5 years) of treatment with SGLT2i remained associated with a reduction in the risk of AF (< 1.5 years; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.91; P = 0.02) and AF/AFL (< 1.5 years; RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.80; P = 0.003). In conclusion, SGLT2i therapy was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of AF and AF/AFL in patients with HFrEF. These results reinforce the value of using SGLT2i in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Gary Tse
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Kent and Medway Medical School, Kent, UK
| | - George Bazoukis
- Department of Cardiology, Larnaca General Hospital, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Letsas
- Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Goudis
- Department of Cardiology, Serres General Hospital, 45110, Serres, Greece
| | - Haralampos Milionis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Apostolos Vrettos
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK
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16
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Zika G, Fousekis FS, Exarchakos G, Baltayiannis G. Detection of Helicobacter Pylori in Nasal Polyps: An Epidemiological Study. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 75:1084-1089. [PMID: 37206703 PMCID: PMC10188891 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-03585-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many studies have described the detection of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the nasal polyps; however, although gastroesophageal reflux has been associated with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps development, the role of HP remains unclear. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of HP detection in nasal polyps and its association with gastric HP infection and gastroesophageal reflux dsease (GERD). The prospective study involved 36 patients with nasal polyps, who underwent to endoscopic surgery removal of nasal polyps. Before surgical procedure all patients were tested for gastric HP infection by 13 C-urea breath test, while tissue samples from nasal polyps were tested for HP detection, using rapid urease test (CLO test) and histological examination with Giemsa stain. All patients were asked about GERD-related symptoms. HP in nasal polyps was detected in 9 out of 36 patients (25%) using histological examination with Giemsa stain, while the detection rate of HP was 30.5% (11/36) using CLO test. Furthermore, 28 out of 36 patients (77.7%) had gastric HP infection. All patients with HP colonization in nasal polyps had gastric HP infection and all patients with HP in nasal polyps reported symptoms related to GERD. HP was detected in approximately one out of three patients in nasal polyps, while all patients with HP detection in nasal polyps had concurrently gastric HP infection and reported GERD-related symptoms, suggesting a gastro-nasal route of HP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giolanta Zika
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Fotios S. Fousekis
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios Exarchakos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Baltayiannis
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital of Ioannina, University of Ioannina, PO Box 1186, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Lapatinas A, Katsaiti MS. EU MECI: A Network-Structured Indicator for a Union of Equality. Soc Indic Res 2023; 166:465-483. [PMID: 36785863 PMCID: PMC9909635 DOI: 10.1007/s11205-023-03079-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
How are the Member States performing in their challenge toward a fairer and more equal Europe? Based on the data measured by the EU Multidimensional Inequality Monitoring Framework (EU MIMF), we introduce the Multidimensional Equality Complexity Index, EU MECI, derived by structuring the EU MIMF data as a bipartite network of countries and indicators. EU MECI is defined upon the economic complexity methodology, exploiting the network's centrality metrics to calculate aggregate scores of the capacity of Member States to 'build a Union of equality'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Lapatinas
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
- Department of Economics, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Marina-Selini Katsaiti
- Department of Regional and Economic Development, Agricultural University of Athens, Amfissa, Greece
- Department of Innovation in Government and Society, College of Business and Economics, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
- Hellenic Open University, Patras, Greece
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18
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Tsoulos IG, Stylios C, Charalampous V. COVID-19 Predictive Models Based on Grammatical Evolution. SN Comput Sci 2023; 4:191. [PMID: 36748097 PMCID: PMC9894520 DOI: 10.1007/s42979-022-01632-w] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A feature construction method that incorporates a grammatical guided procedure is presented here to predict the monthly mortality rate of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three distinct use cases were obtained from publicly available data and three corresponding datasets were created for that purpose. The proposed method is based on constructing artificial features from the original ones. After the artificial features are generated, the original data set is modified based on these features and a machine learning model, such as an artificial neural network, is applied to the modified data. From the comparative experiments done, it was clear that feature construction has an advantage over other machine learning methods for predicting pandemic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis G. Tsoulos
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
| | - Chrysostomos Stylios
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
- Industrial Systems Institute, Athena Research Center, Patras Science Park Building, Platani, Patras, Greece
| | - Vlasis Charalampous
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
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Mantzoukas S, Daskalaki E, Kitsiou F, Papantzikos V, Servis D, Bitivanos S, Patakioutas G, Eliopoulos PA. Dual Action of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales; Cordycipitaceae) Endophytic Stains as Biocontrol Agents against Sucking Pests and Plant Growth Biostimulants on Melon and Strawberry Field Plants. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2306. [PMID: 36422376 PMCID: PMC9692842 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112306] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) can colonize plant tissues and serve crops not only as biopesticides but also as biostimulants that promote plant growth and trigger defense mechanisms. In this context, field trials were conducted evaluating two commercial strains of the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), GHA (Botanigard) and PPRI 5339 (Velifer® ES) and a wild strain (AP0101) isolated from Achaia, Greece. The three strains were investigated in the field for their endophytic effects on melon Cucumis melo (Cucurbitales: Cucurbitaceae) and strawberry Fragaria sp. (Rosales: Rosaceae) plants and in particular for their ability to colonize plant tissues, control infestations of sucking insects Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Frankliniella occidentalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and improve plant growth parameters (plant height, number of flowers and fruits). All experimental fungal strains successfully colonized both plants. A significant decrease in the aphid and thrip populations was observed in the treated plants compared to the untreated control. As for plant growth, the number of flowers and fruits was significantly increased in plants treated with B. bassiana strains AP0101 and PPRI 5339. Our results clearly indicate that fungal endophytes can efficiently act as dual action agents demonstrating both insecticidal and growth-promoting effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spiridon Mantzoukas
- Department of Agriculture, Arta Campus, University of Ioannina, 45100 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eufrosini Daskalaki
- Department of Agriculture, Arta Campus, University of Ioannina, 45100 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Foteini Kitsiou
- Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papantzikos
- Department of Agriculture, Arta Campus, University of Ioannina, 45100 Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | - George Patakioutas
- Department of Agriculture, Arta Campus, University of Ioannina, 45100 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Plant Health Management, Department of Agrotechnology, University of Thessaly, Geopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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Meintani DG, Chatzimitakos TG, Kasouni AI, Stalikas CD. Untargeted metabolomics of human keratinocytes reveals the impact of exposure to 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6-dichloro-3-hydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone as emerging disinfection by-products. Metabolomics 2022; 18:89. [PMID: 36342571 PMCID: PMC9640400 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01935-2] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ) and its derivative 2,6-dichloro-3-hydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ-OH) are disinfection by-products (DBPs) and emerging pollutants in the environment. They are considered to be of particular importance as they have a high potential of toxicity and they are likely to be carcinogenic. OBJECTIVES In this study, human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) were exposed to the DCBQ and its derivative DCBQ-OH, at concentrations equivalent to their IC20 and IC50, and a study of the metabolic phenotype of cells was performed. METHODS The perturbations induced in cellular metabolites and their relative content were screened and evaluated through a metabolomic study, using 1H-NMR and MS spectroscopy. RESULTS Changes in the metabolic pathways of HaCaT at concentrations corresponding to IC20 and IC50 of DCBQ-OH involved the activation of cell membrane α-linolenic acid, biotin, and glutathione and deactivation of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis at IC50. The changes in metabolic pathways at IC20 and IC50 of DCBQ were associated with the activation of inositol phosphate, pertaining to the transfer of messages from the receptors of the membrane to the interior as well as with riboflavin. Deactivation of biotin metabolism was recorded, among others. The cells exposed to DCBQ exhibited a concentration-dependent decrease in saccharide concentrations. The concentration of steroids increased when cells were exposed to IC20 and decreased at IC50. Although both chemical factors stressed the cells, DCBQ led to the activation of transporting messages through phosphorylated derivatives of inositol. CONCLUSION Our findings provided insights into the impact of the two DBPs on human keratinocytes. Both chemical factors induced energy production perturbations, oxidative stress, and membrane damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra G Meintani
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodoros G Chatzimitakos
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Athanasia I Kasouni
- Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Constantine D Stalikas
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece.
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Leontopoulou S, Chletsos M. Intergenerational Social Mobility and Youth Well-Being in the Context of the Greek Socio-Economic Crisis. Soc Indic Res 2022; 165:333-353. [PMID: 36312795 PMCID: PMC9589641 DOI: 10.1007/s11205-022-03016-2] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational social mobility and its associations with youth well-being has scarcely been examined in Greece. This study examines educational and income mobility across generations, its relations with emerging adults' well-being, and the impact of interpersonal and contextual factors on this relationship, such as parental school involvement and the recent severe socio-economic crisis in Greece. 468 female and male University students and graduates completed a questionnaire battery, using two different modes: pen-and-pencil and online. The questionnaire assessed demographics, including information about educational levels for youths, parents and grandparents of both genders, and income (for the former two), flourishing and quality of life, as well as parental involvement, and the impact of the crisis on youths. The results revealed upward educational mobility across three generations. Intergenerational mobility was significantly, and positively associated with youth well-being. Parental involvement mediated the relation between social mobility and flourishing, while the impact of the socio-economic crisis mediated the relationship among mobility, flourishing, and quality of life in emerging adulthood. The implications of these findings on educational, mental health and other types of interventions are discussed. Lastly, the two modes of questionnaire assessment were found to be equivalent, a finding that can facilitate research in other trying times, such as health pandemics.
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