Publications by Type: Journal Article

We give an overview of [1], in collaboration with G. Skandalis, where we construct the holonomy groupoid and the C*-algebras associated with any singular foliation (in the sense of Stefan and Sussmann).

A cross-sectional study was carried out in healthy company employees from Greece with the aim of assessing the prevalence of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) and identifying risk factors for this herpesviral infection. Serum samples obtained from 955 subjects were tested for antibodies to HHV-8 by the K8.1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations between HHV-8 serostatus and potential risk factors were examined using t-test, chi square test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. HHV-8 prevalence was 7.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.0%, 9.5%) and it increased with age from 6.5% among <30 years old to 13.8% among > or =50 years old subjects (P = 0.006). HHV-8 seropositivity was independently associated with endoscopic examination (odds ratio (OR): 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.70; P = 0.026), HBsAg positivity (OR: 5.16; 95% CI: 2.02, 13.20; P = 0.001) and age (OR > or =50 years old vs. <50 years old: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.52; P = 0.006). No statistically significant associations between HHV-8 positive status and gender, occupational status, surgery, transfusion, tattoos/body piercing, multiple sex partners, weakness/fatigue, HCV status were observed. HHV-8 is prevalent in Greece. The strong association between HBV infection and HHV-8 positive status supports the hypothesis of an association between these two viral infections. The association between HHV-8 seropositivity and endoscopic examination requires further investigation.

The phononic band structure of two binary colloidal crystals, at hypersonic frequencies, is studied by means of Brillouin light scattering and analyzed in conjunction with corresponding dispersion diagrams of the single colloidal crystals of the constituent particles. Besides the acoustic band of the average medium, the authors’ results show the existence of narrow bands originating from resonant multipole modes of the individual particles as well as Bragg-type modes due to the (short-range) periodicity. Strong interaction, leading to the occurrence of hybridization gaps, is observed between the acoustic band and the band of quadrupole modes of the particles that occupy the largest fractional volume of the mixed crystal; the effective radius is either that of the large (in the symmetric NaCl-type crystalline phase) or the small (in the asymmetric NaZn13 -type crystalline phase) particles. The possibility to reveal a universal behavior of the phononic band structure for different single and binary colloidal crystalline suspensions, by representing in the dispersion diagrams reduced quantities using an appropriate length scale, is discussed.

In June 2005, the work of the EU Integrated Project EuroPrevall was started. EuroPrevall is the largest research project on food allergy ever performed in Europe. Major aims of the project are to generate for the first time reliable data on the prevalence of food allergies across Europe and on the natural course of food allergy development in infants. Improvement of in vitro diagnosis of food allergies is another important aim of the project. The present review summarizes current knowledge about the clinical presentation of food allergy and critically reviews available diagnostic tools at the beginning of the project period. A major problem in diagnosis is a relatively poor 'clinical specificity', i. e. both positive skin tests and in vitro tests for specific IgE are frequent in sensitized subjects without food allergy symptoms. So far, no in vitro test reliably predicts clinical food allergy. EuroPrevall aims at improving the predictive value of such tests by proceeding from diagnosis based on allergen extracts to purified allergen molecules, taking into account the affinity of the IgE-allergen interaction, and evaluating the potential of biological in vitro tests such as histamine release tests or basophil activation tests including assays performed with permanently growing cell lines.

Objectives.: Cervical cancer is a disease of middle-aged and elderly but still there are young women diagnosed with advanced disease that is incurable with local treatment and is treated with platinum-based combination chemotherapy. It is unknown whether these young patients have a poorer outcome compared to older patients or whether elderly patients have inferior outcome than younger patients when treated with combination chemotherapy. Methods.: We compared the outcome between young (< 35), elderly (> 70) and middle-aged (35-70) women who were treated with platinum-based combination chemotherapy for advanced, recurrent or persistent disease. Results.: Two hundred and eighteen patients were included in our database. The baseline clinical and disease characteristics were not different between age groups but anemia and thrombocytosis were more frequent in younger patients. Median survival for all patients was 13.4 (95%CI 11-15.8) months while survival of patients < 35 years of age was 9 months (95% CI 5.8-12), of patients older than 70 was 10 months (95% CI 6.9-13) of patients 35 to 70 years of age was 14.5 months (95% CI 11-18) (p = 0.004). Multiple factors were significant for survival in univariate analysis but only weight loss, pain score and relapse inside an irradiated filed were significant predictors of outcome in multivariate analysis. Conclusions.: Very young (< 35) and elderly (> 70) patients have a worse prognosis after treatment with combination chemotherapy for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer. Nevertheless, this difference is not significant when adjusted for other prognostic factors. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize deficits in nonverbal recognition memory and functional brain changes associated with these deficits in Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: Using O-15 PET, we studied 11 patients with AD and 17 cognitively intact elders during the combined encoding and retrieval periods of a nonverbal recognition task. Both task conditions involved recognition of line drawings of abstract shapes. In both conditions, subjects were first presented a list of shapes as study items, and then a list as test items, containing items from the study list and foils. In the titrated demand condition, the shape study list size (SLS) was adjusted prior to imaging so that each subject performed at approximately 75% recognition accuracy; difficulty during PET scanning in this condition was approximately matched across subjects. A control task was used in which SLS = 1 shape. RESULTS: During performance of the titrated demand condition, SLS averaged 4.55 (+/-1.86) shapes for patients with AD and 7.53 (+/-4.81) for healthy elderly subjects (p = 0.031). However, both groups of subjects were closely matched on performance in the titrated demand condition during PET scanning with 72.17% (+/-7.98%) correct for patients with AD and 72.25% (+/-7.03%) for elders (p = 0.979). PET results demonstrated that patients with AD showed greater mean differences between the titrated demand condition and control in areas including the left fusiform and inferior frontal regions (Brodmann areas 19 and 45). CONCLUSIONS: Relative fusiform and inferior frontal differences may reflect the Alzheimer disease (AD) patients' compensatory engagement of alternate brain regions. The strategy used by patients with AD is likely to be a general mechanism of compensation, rather than task-specific.

OBJECTIVES: Health informatics is a well established and important multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary field that not only involves informatics but also medicine, nursing, engineering, biology and other-related subjects. The program has been organized on the basis of an inter-university approach with the participation of five Greek universities. The paper aims at providing a current description of the academic program and a preliminary evaluation of the implementation phase. METHODS: The paper presents a case study of a curriculum implementation from the phase of curriculum development to the phase of implementation and evaluation. Due to the interdisciplinary character of the course appropriate procedures were undertaken to ensure that mixed backgrounds can assimilate the broad spectrum of the teaching material taught. In the first stages of the implementation international students mainly from Europe attended the course. In addition, local graduates provided an extra dimension to the multi-layered difficulties and challenges of such a course implementation. RESULTS: The students registered in the course were from different backgrounds and disciplines. They were mainly from health sciences and engineering schools. The interdisciplinary arrangement of the course facilitated the proper exchange of thoughts, skills, and knowledge among and between students and teachers. CONCLUSIONS: The postgraduate course in health informatics at the University of Athens has now been running for more than fifteen consecutive years and is one of the first and longest standing courses in Europe. Continuous evaluation and adaptation is required to fit within the changing and evolving amazing field of biomedical and health informatics.

The in vitro utilization of biocompatible ferromagnetic nanoparticles (BFNs) in hemodialysis (HD), routinely used today for the treatment of end stage renal disease (ESRD), is introduced in this work. The proposed strategy is termed magnetically assisted hemodialysis (MAHD) and it aims to become a more efficient development of conventional HD. The method is based on the production of biocompatible ferromagnetic nanoparticles-targeted binding substances conjugates (BFNs-TBSs Cs) constructed of BFNs and specifically designed TBSs that should have high affinity and binding capacity for target toxic substances (TTSs) which must be removed from the ESRD patient subjected to HD. Antibodies or even specific proteins could serve as the TBS of the desired BFNs-TBSs Cs. The BFNs-TBSs Cs should be administered to the patient timely prior to the MAHD session so as to bind with the desired TTSs during their free circulation in the vascular network. Eventually, the complete BFNs-TBSs-TTSs structure can be selectively removed during the MAHD session by means of an external inhomogeneous magnetic field that is applied either at the dialyzer or at other collection point(s) along the blood circulation line of the dialysis machine. The advantages of MAHD over conventional HD regarding the patient's comfort and overall health status are discussed in detail among practical issues. To examine this proposition we employed Fe3O4 and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the BFN and the TBS constituents respectively, since they are both highly biocompatible. By means of x-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, circular dichroism spectropolarimetry, UV-vis spectrophotometry, SQUID magnetometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance we evaluated (i) the structural/morphological characteristics, (ii) the magnetic retraction efficiency, and most importantly (iii) the toxin binding affinity and capacity of both bare Fe3O4 BFNs and Fe3O4-BSA Cs by performing in vitro experiments on specific TTSs. Homocysteine and p-cresol were chosen as representative TTSs and were investigated in great detail. The results obtained prove the in vitro applicability of the proposed MAHD method.

BACKGROUND: In North America and Europe, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection has typically been dominated by subtype B transmission. More recently, however, non-B subtypes have been increasingly reported in Europe. METHODS: We analyzed 1158 HIV-1-infected individuals in Greece by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of protease and partial reverse-transcriptase regions. RESULTS: We found that the prevalence of non-B subtypes has increased over time and that this significant trend can be mainly attributed to subtype A, which eventually surpassed subtype B in prevalence in 2004 (42% and 33%, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that the year of HIV diagnosis was independently associated with subtype A infection (odds ratio for being infected with subtype A for a 10-year increase in the time period of diagnosis, 2.09 [95% confidence interval, 1.36-3.24]; P<.001). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subtype A epidemic in Greece is the result of a single founder event. The date of the most recent common ancestor of the subtype A in Greece was estimated to be 1977.9 (95% highest posterior density interval, 1973.7-1981.9). CONCLUSIONS: Subtype A circulates among the long-term residents of Greece. This is in contrast to the situation in most European countries, in which infection with non-B genetic forms is associated either with being an immigrant or heterosexual or with intravenous drug use.

(Chemical Equation Presented) The synthesis of the C5′ tert-butyl ketone of thymidine 1a and 2′-deoxyguanosine 2 is achieved by reaction of 5′-C-cyano derivatives with tert-butyl lithium followed by acid hydrolysis. The 5′R configuration is assigned by X-ray crystal structure determination of an opportunely protected derivative of 1a. The (5′S)-isomers of both nucleosides are not stable, and a complete decomposition occurs in the reaction medium. The photochemistry of 1a and 2 effectively produced the thymidin-5′-yl radical and the 2′-deoxyguanosin-5′-yl radical, respectively. In the thymidine system, the C5′ radical is fully quenched in the presence of a physiological concentration of thiols. In the 2′-deoxyguanosine system, the C5′ radical undergoes intramolecular attack onto the C8-N7 double bond of guanine leading ultimately to the 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyguanosine derivative. The cyclization of the 2′-deoxyguanosin-5′-yl radical occurs with a rate constant of ca. 1 × 106 s-1 and is highly stereoselective affording only the (5′S)-diastereomer. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

The synthesis of the C5' tert-butyl ketone of thymidine 1a and 2'-deoxyguanosine 2 is achieved by reaction of 5'-C-cyano derivatives with tert-butyl lithium followed by acid hydrolysis. The 5'R configuration is assigned by X-ray crystal structure determination of an opportunely protected derivative of 1a. The (5'S)-isomers of both nucleosides are not stable, and a complete decomposition occurs in the reaction medium. The photochemistry of 1a and 2 effectively produced the thymidin-5'-yl radical and the 2'-deoxyguanosin-5'-yl radical, respectively. In the thymidine system, the C5' radical is fully quenched in the presence of a physiological concentration of thiols. In the 2'-deoxyguanosine system, the C5' radical undergoes intramolecular attack onto the C8-N7 double bond of guanine leading ultimately to the 5',8-cyclo-2'-deoxyguanosine derivative. The cyclization of the 2'-deoxyguanosin-5'-yl radical occurs with a rate constant of ca. 1 x 10(6) s(-1) and is highly stereoselective affording only the (5'S)-diastereomer.

The purpose of this work is to assess, both experimentally and theoretically the status of air quality in a dentistry clinic of the Athens University Dentistry Faculty with respect to chemical pollutants and identify the indoor sources associated with dental activities. Total VOCs, CO2, PM10, PM2.5, NOx and SO2 were measured over a period of approximately three months in a selected dentistry clinic. High pollution levels during the operation hours regarding CO2, total VOCs and Particulate Matter were found, while in the non-working periods lower levels were recorded. On the contrary, NOx and SO2 remained at low levels for the whole experimental period. These conditions were associated with the number of occupants, the nature of the dental clinical procedures, the materials used and the ventilation schemes, which lead to high concentrations, far above the limits that are set by international organizations and concern human exposure. The indoor environmental conditions were investigated using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model PHOENICS for inert gases simulation. The results revealed diagonal temperature stratification and low air velocities leading to pollution stratification, accompanied by accumulation of inert gaseous species in certain areas of the room. Different schemes of natural ventilation were also applied in order to examine their effect on the indoor comfort conditions for the occupants, in terms of air renewal and double cross ventilation was found to be most effective. The relative contribution of the indoor sources, which are mainly associated with indoor activities, was assessed by application of the Multi Chamber Indoor Air Quality Model (MIAQ) to the experimental data. It was found that deposition onto indoor surfaces is an important removal mechanism while a great amount of particulate matter emitted in the Clinic burdened severely the indoor air quality. The natural ventilation of the room seemed to reduce the levels of the fine particles. The emission rates for the fine and coarse particulates were found to be almost equal, while the coarse particles were found susceptible to deposition onto indoor surfaces. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The vortex matter phase diagrams of aluminum doped Mg1-xAlxB2 crystals, deduced from local Hall ac-susceptibility (for H parallel to c axis) and bulk dc-magnetization measurements (for H parallel to c axis and ab plane) are reported. As in pristine and carbon doped MgB2, aluminum substituted crystals display the peak effect in the critical current. The peak effect is located very close to the H-c2(c)(T) line, while it disappears below a characteristic magnetic field H-* that depends on Al content. The absence of significant bulk pinning below the onset of the peak effect implies that the Bragg glass phase is present there. In some of the crystals the peak effect is not present as a sharp negative peak of the real part of the local ac susceptibility, but it appears as a negative double-peak feature. This observation may be related with the miscibility gap that occurs for 0.05 <= x <= 0.5. For low aluminum content the H-c2(c)(T) line lies slightly above the corresponding one of the pristine MgB2, but for higher aluminum content, T-c, H-c2(ab,c)(0), and anisotropy parameter gamma=H-c2(ab)(0)/H-c2(c)(0) take lower values when compared to pristine MgB2. Similarly with the pristine MgB2 crystals for the superconducting aluminum substituted crystals, the anisotropy parameter decreases monotonously as temperature increases as well. All the experimental observations could be qualitatively explained within the clean two-band approximation.

This study examined the effects of two resistive loads on fatigue during repeated sprints in children. Twelve 11.8 (0.2) year old boys performed a force-velocity test to determine the load (Fopt) corresponding to the optimal pedal rate. On two separate occasions, ten 6-s sprints interspersed with 24-s recovery intervals were performed on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer, against a load equal to Fopt or 50%Fopt. Although mean power output (MPO) was higher in the Fopt [397 (24) and 356 (19) W, P < 0.01], the decline in MPO over the 10 sprints was similar in Fopt [8.8 (1.9) %] and 50%Fopt [9.0 (2.4) %]. In contrast, peak power (PPO) was not different in sprint 1 between the two conditions [459 (24) and 460 (28) W], but was decreased only in 50%Fopt [11.4 (3.2) %, P < 0.01], while it was maintained in the Fopt despite the higher total work during each sprint. Fatigue within each sprint (percent drop from peak to end power output) was also higher in the 50%Fopt compared with the Fopt [32 (2.5) vs. 10 (1.6) %, P < 0.01]. Peak and mean pedal rate in Fopt condition were close to the optimum (Vopt), while a large part of the sprint time in 50%Fopt was spent far from Vopt. The present study shows that sprinting against Fopt reduces fatigue within and between repeated short sprints in children. It is suggested that fatigue during repeated sprints is modified when pedal rate is not close to Vopt, according to the parabolic power versus pedal rate relationship. © Springer-Verlag 2007.

This study examined the effects of two resistive loads on fatigue during repeated sprints in children. Twelve 11.8 (0.2) year old boys performed a force-velocity test to determine the load (Fopt) corresponding to the optimal pedal rate. On two separate occasions, ten 6-s sprints interspersed with 24-s recovery intervals were performed on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer, against a load equal to Fopt or 50%Fopt. Although mean power output (MPO) was higher in the Fopt [397 (24) and 356 (19) W, P < 0.01], the decline in MPO over the 10 sprints was similar in Fopt [8.8 (1.9) %] and 50%Fopt [9.0 (2.4) %]. In contrast, peak power (PPO) was not different in sprint 1 between the two conditions [459 (24) and 460 (28) W], but was decreased only in 50%Fopt [11.4 (3.2) %, P < 0.01], while it was maintained in the Fopt despite the higher total work during each sprint. Fatigue within each sprint (percent drop from peak to end power output) was also higher in the 50%Fopt compared with the Fopt [32 (2.5) vs. 10 (1.6) %, P < 0.01]. Peak and mean pedal rate in Fopt condition were close to the optimum (Vopt), while a large part of the sprint time in 50%Fopt was spent far from Vopt. The present study shows that sprinting against Fopt reduces fatigue within and between repeated short sprints in children. It is suggested that fatigue during repeated sprints is modified when pedal rate is not close to Vopt, according to the parabolic power versus pedal rate relationship. © Springer-Verlag 2007.

This study examined the effects of two resistive loads on fatigue during repeated sprints in children. Twelve 11.8 (0.2) year old boys performed a force-velocity test to determine the load (Fopt) corresponding to the optimal pedal rate. On two separate occasions, ten 6-s sprints interspersed with 24-s recovery intervals were performed on a friction-loaded cycle ergometer, against a load equal to Fopt or 50%Fopt. Although mean power output (MPO) was higher in the Fopt [397 (24) and 356 (19) W, P < 0.01], the decline in MPO over the 10 sprints was similar in Fopt [8.8 (1.9) %] and 50%Fopt [9.0 (2.4) %]. In contrast, peak power (PPO) was not different in sprint 1 between the two conditions [459 (24) and 460 (28) W], but was decreased only in 50%Fopt [11.4 (3.2) %, P < 0.01], while it was maintained in the Fopt despite the higher total work during each sprint. Fatigue within each sprint (percent drop from peak to end power output) was also higher in the 50%Fopt compared with the Fopt [32 (2.5) vs. 10 (1.6) %, P < 0.01]. Peak and mean pedal rate in Fopt condition were close to the optimum (Vopt), while a large part of the sprint time in 50%Fopt was spent far from Vopt. The present study shows that sprinting against Fopt reduces fatigue within and between repeated short sprints in children. It is suggested that fatigue during repeated sprints is modified when pedal rate is not close to Vopt, according to the parabolic power versus pedal rate relationship. © Springer-Verlag 2007.

We report a randomised prospective study comparing two implants, the Gamma trochanteric nail and the ACE trochanteric nail, in the treatment of intertrochanteric femoral fractures in the elderly. One hundred and twelve patients were randomised on admission into two treatment groups. Fifty-six patients were treated with Gamma nail implants, and 56 were treated with ACE trochanteric nail. The average age of these patients was 78 years. Twenty fractures were stable and 92 unstable. The mean follow-up time was 8 months (6 -12). Regular clinical and radiological review was done 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Operation time, fluoroscopy time, blood transfusion and complications were recorded. The mobility score was used to assess the pre-injury and postoperative mobility status. All the patients were treated within 36 h of their accident. There were no complications during surgery. All the patients were mobilised in the first 24 h postoperatively, regardless of the fracture type, and weight bearing was permitted as tolerated. Union of the fracture was achieved in all patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to the studied parameters. There was no mechanical failure of the implants despite the early patient mobilisation. Early operation and early mobilisation resulted in a good functional outcome in all patients. Both the trochanteric gamma nail and ACE trochanteric nail provide effective methods of treatment for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

Because of the aging of the population, dementia has become a major public health problem. There has been growing evidence for a possible association between lipids and dementia. A large body of literature has demonstrated multiple hypothesized biologic links between lipids and neurodegenerative or other biologic pathways connected to dementing processes. However, the epidemiologic associations have been conflicting: dyslipidemia at middle age, but not in later life, seems to be associated with higher dementia risk in some but not all studies. Results from the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study reported by Saczynski et al. (Am J Epidemiol 2007;165:985-92) suggest that lipoprotein constituents, such as apolipoprotein A-I, a major component of the high density lipoprotein, may be more informative in enlightening the association between lipids and dementia. In this commentary, the epidemiology and biology of apolipoprotein A-I in relation to dementia is reviewed.

This study investigated the hypothesis that isotonic muscle performance following mild muscle damage would be disproportionately affected when measured at different parts of the range of motion. Seven male volunteers performed 50 maximal isometric contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position. Maximal isotonic performance was measured before and for four days post-exercise at two parts of the range of motion of elbow flexion, including mainly the descending (L) or the ascending limb (S) of the angle-force curve. On day 1 post-exercise, muscle damage was evidenced by a decrease in peak isometric force (-20.3 ± 2.7%, p<0.01), a shift in optimum angle for force generation towards a greater elbow angle (by 0.12 ± 0.03 rad, p<0.05), and an increase in serum creatine kinase activity and muscle soreness (P<0.01). Isotonic performance indices were decreased only in the S condition (p<0.01). Shift in optimum angle and isotonic performance indices recovered on day 2. The disproportionate decrease in isotonic performance in the S condition may be explained by the shift of the optimum angle towards a longer muscle length, which would benefit force generation at elbow angles beyond the optimum angle but impair force at the more acute elbow angles. © 2007 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

This study investigated the hypothesis that isotonic muscle performance following mild muscle damage would be disproportionately affected when measured at different parts of the range of motion. Seven male volunteers performed 50 maximal isometric contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position. Maximal isotonic performance was measured before and for four days post-exercise at two parts of the range of motion of elbow flexion, including mainly the descending (L) or the ascending limb (S) of the angle-force curve. On day 1 post-exercise, muscle damage was evidenced by a decrease in peak isometric force (-20.3 ± 2.7%, p<0.01), a shift in optimum angle for force generation towards a greater elbow angle (by 0.12 ± 0.03 rad, p<0.05), and an increase in serum creatine kinase activity and muscle soreness (P<0.01). Isotonic performance indices were decreased only in the S condition (p<0.01). Shift in optimum angle and isotonic performance indices recovered on day 2. The disproportionate decrease in isotonic performance in the S condition may be explained by the shift of the optimum angle towards a longer muscle length, which would benefit force generation at elbow angles beyond the optimum angle but impair force at the more acute elbow angles. © 2007 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

This study investigated the hypothesis that isotonic muscle performance following mild muscle damage would be disproportionately affected when measured at different parts of the range of motion. Seven male volunteers performed 50 maximal isometric contractions with the elbow flexors at a lengthened position. Maximal isotonic performance was measured before and for four days post-exercise at two parts of the range of motion of elbow flexion, including mainly the descending (L) or the ascending limb (S) of the angle-force curve. On day 1 post-exercise, muscle damage was evidenced by a decrease in peak isometric force (-20.3 ± 2.7%, p<0.01), a shift in optimum angle for force generation towards a greater elbow angle (by 0.12 ± 0.03 rad, p<0.05), and an increase in serum creatine kinase activity and muscle soreness (P<0.01). Isotonic performance indices were decreased only in the S condition (p<0.01). Shift in optimum angle and isotonic performance indices recovered on day 2. The disproportionate decrease in isotonic performance in the S condition may be explained by the shift of the optimum angle towards a longer muscle length, which would benefit force generation at elbow angles beyond the optimum angle but impair force at the more acute elbow angles. © 2007 - IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved.

Study objective: To assess whether laparoscopy is a reliable technique for the investigation of women presenting with ascites and in whom the diagnosis remains obscure. Design: Prospective nonrandomized clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting: University Departments of a tertiary referral center. Patients: Women presenting in our institution with ascites in whom the diagnosis remained obscure after an extensive nonoperative diagnostic work-up. Intervention: Undiagnosed cases were submitted to laparoscopy, and selective biopsy specimens were taken for histologic study. Measurements and main results: Over a 3-year period, 73 patients were admitted to our institution with diffuse ascites. In 9 patients (12.3%), the diagnosis remained obscure, and these patients were further investigated with laparoscopy. Selective biopsy specimens obtained at laparoscopy clarified the specific cause of the ascites in all 9 patients. Peritoneal carcinomatosis was responsible in 5 patients (a metastatic gastrointestinal tumor in 1 patient, a malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum in 1 patient, and a serous papillary carcinoma of the peritoneum and of the ovary in 2 and 1 patients, respectively). Three patients were found with miliary peritoneal tuberculosis, and the last patient had an unusual peritoneal reaction to methylene blue after laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is a valuable means of assessing the peritoneal cavity in patients with unexplained ascites, where the primary cause remains unclear. The diagnosis can be accurately made with selective biopsy specimens, and appropriate treatment can be instituted without delay. © 2007 AAGL.

BACKGROUND: High rates of leisure activity have been associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prediagnosis leisure activity modifies the rate of cognitive decline in patients with AD. DESIGN: Inception cohort followed up longitudinally for a mean of 5.3 years (up to 13.9 years). SETTING: Urban community. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 283 patients with incident AD (mean age, 79 years; 56.2% Hispanic and 31.1% African American). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in a composite cognitive score from diagnosis on and during the entire study follow-up. RESULTS: In multivariate-adjusted generalized estimating equation models of postdiagnosis change (n = 133), each leisure activity was associated with an additional yearly decline of 0.005 of a z-score unit in cognitive score (P = .17). In models expanded to include cognitive change during study follow-up, including evaluations before and after diagnosis (n = 283), each activity was associated with an additional yearly decline of 0.005 of a z-score unit in cognitive score (P = .03). The association was strongest for intellectual activities. CONCLUSIONS: Greater participation in prediagnosis leisure activities, especially intellectual activities, was associated with faster cognitive decline, supporting the hypothesis that the disease course in AD may vary as a function of cognitive reserve.

Background: Lenalidomide is a structural analogue of thalidomide with similar but more potent biologic activity. This phase 3, placebo-controlled trial investigated the efficacy of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Methods: Of 351 patients who had received at least one previous antimyeloma therapy, 176 were randomly assigned to receive 25 mg of oral lenalidomide and 175 to receive placebo on days 1 to 21 of a 28-day cycle. In addition, all patients received 40 mg of oral dexamethasone on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12, and 17 to 20 for the first four cycles and subsequently, after the fourth cycle, only on days 1 to 4. Patients continued in the study until the occurrence of disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects. The primary end point was time to progression. Results: The time to progression was significantly longer in the patients who received lenalidomide plus dexamethasone (lenalidomide group) than in those who received placebo plus dexamethasone (placebo group) (median, 11.3 months vs. 4.7 months; P<0.001). A complete or partial response occurred in 106 patients in the lenalidomide group (60.2%) and in 42 patients in the placebo group (24.0%, P<0.001), with a complete response in 15.9% and 3.4% of patients, respectively (P<0.001). Overall survival was significantly improved in the lenalidomide group (hazard ratio for death, 0.66; P = 0.03). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events that occurred in more than 10% of patients in the lenalidomide group were neutropenia (29.5%, vs. 2.3% in the placebo group), thrombocytopenia (11.4% vs. 5.7%), and venous thromboembolism (11.4% vs. 4.6%). Conclusions: Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is more effective than high-dose dexamethasone alone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00424047.) Copyright © 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society.

In this study we report on the light-emission characteristics of Si nanocrystals formed at the initial stages of anodization of bulk crystalline Si in the transition regime using extremely short pulses of anodic current. A considerable enhancement and a red-shift of the photoluminescence (PL) peak of the as-grown films under prolonged laser illumination in atmosphere was observed. Ageing or thermal oxidation in atmosphere at 300 °C caused similar red-shift and significant enhancement of PL relative to the as-grown films. In all cases the enhancement and the red-shift of the PL coincided with the appearance of O2-Si-H2 and O2-Si-H(OH) stretching modes in the Fourier-Transform-Infra-Red (FTIR) absorption spectra. Oxidation in dry oxygen at 900 °C caused red-shift of PL without enhancement. Finally removal of the oxide caused blue shift of PL. All these observations are discussed in the context of the quantum confinement model. © 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Context: Classical novae are quite frequent in M 31. However, very few spectra of M 31 novae have been studied to date, especially during the early decline phase. Aims: Our aim is to study the photometric and spectral evolution of a M 31 nova event close to outburst. Methods: Here, we present photometric and spectroscopic observations of M31N 2005-09c, a classical nova in the disk of M 31, using the 1.3 m telescope of the Skinakas Observatory in Crete (Greece), starting on the 28th September, i.e. about 5 days after outburst, and ending on the 5th October 2005, i.e. about 12 days after outburst. We also have supplementary photometric observations from the La Sagra Observatory in Northern Andalucía, Spain, on September 29 and 30, October 3, 6 and 9 and November 1, 2005. The wavelength range covered by the spectra is from 3565 Å to 8365 Å. The spectra are of high S/N allowing the study of the evolution of the equivalent widths of the Balmer lines, as well as the identification of non-Balmer lines. Results: The nova displays a typical early decline spectrum that is characterized by many weak Fe II multiplet emissions. It is classified as a Pfe nova. From the nova light curve, we have also derived its speed class, t_2=14±2.5 days. As the nova evolved the Balmer lines became stronger and narrower. The early decline of the expansion velocity of the nova follows a power law in time with an exponent of ≃-0.2.

We present numerical simulations of axisymmetric, magnetically driven relativistic jets. Our special-relativistic, ideal-magnetohydrodynamics numerical scheme is specifically designed to optimize accuracy and resolution and to minimize numerical dissipation. In addition, we implement a grid-extension method that reduces the computation time by up to three orders of magnitude and makes it possible to follow the flow up to six decades in spatial scale. To eliminate the dissipative effects induced by a free boundary with an ambient medium we assume that the flow is confined by a rigid wall of a prescribed shape, which we take to be z ~ ra (in cylindrical coordinates, with a ranging from 1 to 3). We also prescribe, through the rotation profile at the inlet boundary, the injected poloidal current distribution: we explore cases where the return current flows either within the volume of the jet or on the outer boundary. The outflows are initially cold, sub-Alfvénic and Poynting flux-dominated, with a total-to-rest-mass energy flux ratio μ ~ 15. We find that in all cases they converge to a steady state characterized by a spatially extended acceleration region. The acceleration process is very efficient: on the outermost scale of the simulation as much as ~ 77 per cent of the Poynting flux has been converted into kinetic energy flux, and the terminal Lorentz factor approaches its maximum possible value (Γ∞ ~= μ). We also find a high collimation efficiency: all our simulated jets (including the limiting case of an unconfined flow) develop a cylindrical core. We argue that this could be the rule for current-carrying outflows that start with a low initial Lorentz factor (Γ0 ~ 1). Our conclusions on the high acceleration and collimation efficiencies are not sensitive to the particular shape of the confining boundary or to the details of the injected current distribution, and they are qualitatively consistent with the semi-analytic self-similar solutions derived by Vlahakis and Königl. We apply our results to the interpretation of relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei: we argue that they naturally account for the spatially extended accelerations inferred in these sources (Γ∞ >~ 10 attained on radial scales R >~ 1017cm) and are consistent with the transition to the matter-dominated regime occurring already at R >~ 1016cm.

We present numerical simulations of axisymmetric, magnetically driven relativistic jets. Our special-relativistic, ideal-magnetohydrodynamics numerical scheme is specifically designed to optimize accuracy and resolution and to minimize numerical dissipation. In addition, we implement a grid-extension method that reduces the computation time by up to three orders of magnitude and makes it possible to follow the flow up to six decades in spatial scale. To eliminate the dissipative effects induced by a free boundary with an ambient medium we assume that the flow is confined by a rigid wall of a prescribed shape, which we take to be z ~ ra (in cylindrical coordinates, with a ranging from 1 to 3). We also prescribe, through the rotation profile at the inlet boundary, the injected poloidal current distribution: we explore cases where the return current flows either within the volume of the jet or on the outer boundary. The outflows are initially cold, sub-Alfvénic and Poynting flux-dominated, with a total-to-rest-mass energy flux ratio μ ~ 15. We find that in all cases they converge to a steady state characterized by a spatially extended acceleration region. The acceleration process is very efficient: on the outermost scale of the simulation as much as ~ 77 per cent of the Poynting flux has been converted into kinetic energy flux, and the terminal Lorentz factor approaches its maximum possible value (Γ∞ ~= μ). We also find a high collimation efficiency: all our simulated jets (including the limiting case of an unconfined flow) develop a cylindrical core. We argue that this could be the rule for current-carrying outflows that start with a low initial Lorentz factor (Γ0 ~ 1). Our conclusions on the high acceleration and collimation efficiencies are not sensitive to the particular shape of the confining boundary or to the details of the injected current distribution, and they are qualitatively consistent with the semi-analytic self-similar solutions derived by Vlahakis and Königl. We apply our results to the interpretation of relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei: we argue that they naturally account for the spatially extended accelerations inferred in these sources (Γ∞ >~ 10 attained on radial scales R >~ 1017cm) and are consistent with the transition to the matter-dominated regime occurring already at R >~ 1016cm.

The magnetic and dielectric properties of the Ni2 FeV3 O11-6 compound synthesized using different annealing routes have been studied by means of static magnetization, electron paramagnetic resonance and dielectric spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has shown marked singularities due to the coexistence of many kinds of magnetic interactions. Dielectric measurements have shown a second order phase transition to the ferroelectric state at about 200K. Dielectric loss measurements have shown an intense peak at the same temperature with activation energy of about 0.42 eV. All investigated compounds of the M-Fe-V-O (M=Ni, Zn, Mg) system have displayed a slight anomaly of the EPR parameters at about 200K. This anomaly is interpreted as arising from the competition between different magnetic subsystems preventing the formation of a long-range magnetic order. © 2007 Advanced Study Center Co. Ltd.

The magnetic properties of the site ordered multicomponent vanadate Mg3 Fe4 (V O4) 6 are studied using dc magnetization and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. The static susceptibility shows antiferromagnetic interactions between Fe3+ spins with a Curie-Weiss temperature =-111 (1) K, while a transition to a spin-glass-like state is observed at T≈8.5 K, indicating appreciable spin frustration. EPR measurements corroborate the presence of antiferromagnetically coupled Fe3+ spins from high temperatures, while a distinct change in the temperature variation of the EPR parameters is observed at T<80 K, complying with the mean-field energy scale provided by the Curie-Weiss temperature of the system. The resulting magnetic inhomogeneity that persists despite the absence of cation disorder between magnetic and diamagnetic metal ions is attributed to the presence of small amounts of oxygen deficiency that modifies the connectivity and superexchange coupling between Fe3+ spins and leads to a disordered magnetic ground state. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.

We examine a quantum dot (QD) illuminated in the near field with subwavelength spatial resolution, while simultaneously it is subjected to a magnetic field of variable orientation and magnitude. The magnetic field orientation can conserve or destroy the zero-magnetic-field ("structural") symmetry. The asymmetry induced by the magnetic field -except for specific orientations along symmetry axes- can be uncovered in the near-field (NF) but not in the far-field (FF) spectra. We predict that NF magnetoabsorption experiments of realistic spatial resolution could reveal the QD symmetry. This exceptional symmetry-resolving power of the near-field optics, is lost in the far field.

In this study we investigated the magneto-transport properties of the ohmic contact between polycrystal-line NiMnSb thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition and n-type degenerate InSb (100) substrates. An unusual negative giant magnetoresistance (n-GMR) effect is found when the external magnetic field is parallel to the in-plane current direction. A similar effect is also observed when Ni films are deposited on InSb substrates. On the other hand, no n-GMR effect is displayed when the deposited film is nonmagnetic. Grazing-incidence X-ray reflectometry shows the formation of a low-density NiMnSb layer at the interface. The presence of such a layer coincides with the appearance of the n-GMR. We argue that the n-GMR effect is due to magnetic precipitates formed at the interface during the growth of the magnetic films. We propose that these precipitates align their magnetic moments in the direction of the external magnetic field and thus, the spin dependent scattering of the electrons is reduced. The effect of these precipitates on the magnetoresistance depends on the thermal processing of the system. © 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Studies of bortezomib, thalidomide, and lenalidomide have shown promising clinical activity in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). Bortezomib alone and in combination with other agents is associated with high response rates, consistently high rates of complete response, and a predictable and manageable profile of adverse events. Thalidomide-based regimens have also shown substantial clinical activity. The accumulating experience from ongoing trials of bortezomib/lenalidomide/dexamethasone combinations in patients who have relapsed/refractory or newly diagnosed MM will provide critical information that will determine the possible role of this combination as the basic backbone for combination regimens for management of advanced MM. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Viral infections of the respiratory tract are the most common precipitants of acute asthma exacerbations. Exacerbations are only poorly responsive to current asthma therapies and new approaches to therapy are needed. Viruses, most frequently human rhinoviruses (RV), infect the airway epithelium, generate local and systemic immune responses, as well as neural responses, inducing inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Using in vitro and in vivo experimental models the role of various proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory mediators, antiviral responses and molecular pathways that lead from infection to symptoms has been partly unravelled. In particular, mechanisms of susceptibility to viral infection have been identified and the bronchial epithelium appeared to be a key player. Nevertheless, additional understanding of the integration between the diverse elements of the antiviral response, especially in the context of allergic airway inflammation, as well as the interactions between viral infections and other stimuli that affect airway inflammation and responsiveness may lead to novel strategies in treating and/or preventing asthma exacerbations. This review presents the current knowledge and highlights areas in need of further research.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) is related to lower risk for Alzheimer disease (AD). Whether MeDi is associated with subsequent AD course and outcomes has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between MeDi and mortality in patients with AD. METHODS: A total of 192 community-based individuals in New York who were diagnosed with AD were prospectively followed every 1.5 years. Adherence to the MeDi (0- to 9-point scale with higher scores indicating higher adherence) was the main predictor of mortality in Cox models that were adjusted for period of recruitment, age, gender, ethnicity, education, APOE genotype, caloric intake, smoking, and body mass index. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients with AD (44%) died during the course of 4.4 (+/-3.6, 0.2 to 13.6) years of follow-up. In unadjusted models, higher adherence to MeDi was associated with lower mortality risk (for each additional MeDi point hazard ratio 0.79; 95% CI 0.69 to 0.91; p = 0.001). This result remained significant after controlling for all covariates (0.76; 0.65 to 0.89; p = 0.001). In adjusted models, as compared with AD patients at the lowest MeDi adherence tertile, those at the middle tertile had lower mortality risk (0.65; 0.38 to 1.09; 1.33 years' longer survival), whereas subjects at the highest tertile had an even lower risk (0.27; 0.10 to 0.69; 3.91 years' longer survival; p for trend = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) may affect not only risk for Alzheimer disease (AD) but also subsequent disease course: Higher adherence to the MeDi is associated with lower mortality in AD. The gradual reduction in mortality risk for higher MeDi adherence tertiles suggests a possible dose-response effect.

BACKGROUND: Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) has been related to lower Alzheimer's disease risk. Some dietary factors have been studied in patients with essential tremor (ET), but the MeDi's effect has not been investigated. METHODS: Adherence to the MeDi was calculated from a food frequency questionnaire administered in a case-control study of environmental epidemiology of ET in the New York Tri-State area. Logistic regression models were used to examine whether adherence to the MeDi predicted ET (vs. control) outcome. The models adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, education, caloric intake, body mass index, smoking, ethanol consumption, coffee intake and blood harmane concentrations. RESULTS: 148 ET cases adhered less to MeDi (0-9 scale with higher scores indicating higher adherence) than 250 controls (mean 4.3 +/- 1.7 vs. 4.7 +/- 1.7; p = 0.03). Higher adherence to MeDi was associated with lower odds for ET [0.78 (0.61-0.99); p = 0.042]. As compared to subjects at the lowest MeDi adherence tertile, those at the middle tertile had lower ET odds [0.41 (0.16-1.05)], while subjects at the highest tertile had an even lower ET odds [0.29 (0.10-0.82); p for trend 0.021]. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to controls, ET cases adhered less to MeDi. The gradual reduction in ET odds with higher MeDi adherence tertiles suggests a possible dose-response effect. The mechanisms that underlie this association merit further study.

Background and Objectives: As new therapeutic options for multiple myeloma (MM) emerge, identification of biological markers which could predict clinical response to standard treatment with high-dose melphalan (HDM) supported by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) becomes more important. Design and Methods: Melphalan-induced damage formation and repair of monoadducts and interstrand cross-links in the p53 gene were studied in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from 32 patients prior to therapy. The same studies were performed in the peripheral blood cells of these patients immediately after subsequent HDM administration. Clinical response and time to progression were correlated with molecular end-points obtained in vitro. Results: Values for all molecular end-points examined in vitro were highly correlated with the respective in vivo results within individual patients. All in vitro end-points indicative of increased DNA damage and slower repair capacity were predictive of a favorable response to HDM; the area under the curve of total adducts (AUC-TA) had the highest predictive ability. Using the cut-off value of 736 adducts/106 nucleotides x h for the AUC-TA, the positive predictive value for clinical response to HDM was 100%. Moreover, patients with an AUC-TA equal to or higher than this cut-off value had significantly longer times to progression than had patients with an AUC-TA lower than the cut-off value (hazard ratio 0.19; 95% confidence intervals 0.06 to 0.60). Interpretation and Conclusions: An in vitro assay to quantify melphalan-induced p53-specific damage formation/repair can be used to select those patients with MM who are more likely to benefit from HDM supported by ASCT. ©2007 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

The trend in silicon photonics, in the last few years has been to reduce waveguide size to obtain maximum gain in the real estate of devices as well as to increase the performance of active devices. Using different methods for the modulation, optical modulators in silicon have seen their bandwidth increased to reach multi GHz frequencies. In order to simplify fabrication, one requirement for a waveguide, as well as for a modulator, is to retain polarisation independence in any state of operation and to be as small as possible. In this paper we provide a way to obtain polarisation independence and improve the efficiency of an optical modulator using a V-shaped pn junction base on the natural etch angle of silicon, 54.7 deg. This modulator is compared to a flat junction depletion type modulator of the same size and doping concentration. © 2007 Optical Society of America.

Minichromosome maintenance proteins (MCM) have recently emerged as novel proliferation markers with prognostic implications in several tumour types. This is the first study investigating MCM-2 and MCM-5 immunohistochemical expression in a series of ovarian adenocarcinomas and low malignant potential (LMP) tumours aiming to determine possible associations with clinicopathological parameters, the conventional proliferation index Ki-67, cell cycle regulators (p53, p27Kip1, p21WAF1 and pRb) and patients' outcome. Immunohistochemistry was applied in a series of 43 cases of ovarian LMP tumours and 85 cases of adenocarcinomas. Survival analysis was restricted to adenocarcinomas. The median MCM-2 and MCM-5 labelling indices (LIs) were significantly higher in adenocarcinomas compared to LMP tumours (P<0.0001 for both associations). In adenocarcinomas, the levels of MCM-2 and MCM-5 increased significantly with advancing tumour stage (P=0.0052 and P=0.0180, respectively), whereas both MCM-2 and MCM-5 increased significantly with increasing tumour grade (P=0.0002 and P=0.0006, respectively) and the presence of bulky residual disease (P<0.0001 in both relationships). A strong positive correlation was established between MCM-2 or MCM-5 expression level and Ki-67 LI (P<0.0001) as well as p53 protein (P=0.0038 and P=0.0500, respectively). Moreover, MCM-2 LI was inversely correlated with p27Kip-1 LI (P=0.0068). Finally, both MCM-2 and MCM-5 were associated significantly with adverse patients' outcome in both univariate (≥20 vs >20%, P=0.0011 and ≥25 vs <25%, P=0.0100, respectively) and multivariate (P=0.0001 and 0.0090, respectively) analysis. An adequately powered independent group of 45 patients was used in order to validate our results in univariate survival analysis. In this group, MCM-2 and MCM-5 expression retained their prognostic significance (P<0.0001 in both relationships). In conclusion, MCM-2 and MCM-5 proteins appear to be promising as prognostic markers in patients with ovarian adenocarcinomas. © 2007 Cancer Research UK.

In the present study, an attempt is made to assess the atmospheric boundary-layer (ABL) depth over an urban area, as derived from different ABL schemes employed by the mesoscale model MM5. Furthermore, the relationship of the mixing height, as depicted by the measurements, to the calculated ABL depth or other features of the ABL structure, is also examined. In particular, the diurnal evolution of ABL depth is examined over the greater Athens area, employing four different ABL schemes plus a modified version, whereby urban features are considered. Measurements for two selected days, when convective conditions prevailed and a strong sea-breeze cell developed, were used for comparison. It was found that the calculated eddy viscosity profile seems to better indicate the mixing height in both cases, where either a deep convective boundary layer develops, or a more confined internal boundary layer is formed. For the urban scheme, the incorporation of both anthropogenic and storage heat release provides promising results for urban applications. © Springer Science+Business Media, B.V. 2007.

Drug absorption is a complex process dependent upon drug properties such as solubility and permeability, formulation factors, and physiological variables including regional permeability differences, pH, luminal and mucosal enzymes, and intestinal motility, among others. Despite this complexity, various qualitative and quantitative approaches have been proposed for the estimation of oral drug absorption. These approaches are reviewed in this article with particular emphasis on drug dissolution modelling, dynamic systems for oral absorption and absorption models based on structure. The regulatory aspects of oral drug absorption and in particular the biopharmaceutic classification of drugs are also discussed. Models for drug dissolution and release describe adequately the in vitro data, and models for oral drug absorption provide reasonable results. The development of in vitro-in vivo correlations based on the official compendia specifications are facilitated using commercial computer packages.

We use Monte Carlo simulations in order to study diffusion controlled drug release from matrices consisting of random mixtures of high and low diffusivity areas (random mixing), and from matrices covered by a thin film of low diffusivity (ordered mixing). We compared our results with the Weibull model for drug release and found that it provides an adequate description of the release process in all cases of random mixing and most cases of ordered mixing. We have studied the dependence of the Weibull parameters on the diffusion coefficient and, in most cases, found a rather simple linear dependence. Moreover, our results indicate that a device covered by a thin film with diffusion coefficient three orders of magnitude lower that the coefficient of the rest of the device, will release drug at constant rate for most of the release process. This last result may have considerable practical applications. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION: Prediction of soft-tissue outline shape from skeletal remains is useful in forensics and archaeology. The inverse problem, the assessment of underlying skeletal relationships from the external appearance, is pertinent in orthodontics. The purposes of this study were to assess the correlation between craniofacial shape and shape of the soft-tissue profile outline and to determine the extent to which it might be possible to predict the latter from the former. METHODS: Lateral cephalograms from 170 consecutive orthodontic patients were used, and 17 skeletal, 2 dental, and 22 soft-tissue landmarks were digitized and processed by using Procrustes superimposition and principal component analysis. The principal components of the skeletal and soft-tissue shapes were entered into the correlation analysis. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between the skeletal and the soft-tissue components. The use of 7 anterior skeletal landmarks (not including the nasal bone) resulted in a predictive power (coefficient of determination) of 38% of the variability of soft-tissue shape. This increased to almost 50% by adding nasal and incisor points but showed only a slight further improvement by incorporating posterior skeletal landmarks. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior skeletal and dental landmarks can be used to predict soft-tissue profile shape with a 50% power in children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Soft-tissue facial outline has been studied by conventional cephalometric methods, and differences between the 2 sexes have been identified, mainly related to size and timing of growth. However, shape per se was not sufficiently evaluated, especially regarding variability, age-related changes, and sexual dimorphism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate shape variability and sexual dimorphism of the soft-tissue outline by using morphometric methods. METHODS: Pretreatment lateral cephalograms from 170 consecutive patients (82 male, 88 female) aged 7 to 17 years were used. Fifteen skeletal and 22 soft-tissue landmarks were digitized and processed with Procrustes superimposition and principal component analysis. The principal components (PCs) of the soft-tissue shape were analyzed in relation to age and sex. RESULTS: The first 8 PCs explained approximately 90% of the total shape variability. The first coefficient (PC1) related to lip, nose, and chin prominence and included 36% of total shape variability. It was significantly correlated to age, but with a low coefficient of determination (r2 = 13%). The second coefficient (PC2) related to facial convexity and explained 18% of shape variability. The next 2 coefficients were mainly related to lower lip shape. Statistically significant sexual dimorphism was detected, but the overall shape differences between the average profiles of boys and girls were minor and barely detectable visually. Shape dimorphism was present both before and after the age of 12 years. CONCLUSIONS: Shape variability related mainly to relative lip protrusion, convexity of the face, and lower lip shape. Shape differences between the sexes seemed to exist even before the pubertal growth spurt, but they were small. Age changes in shape appeared more significant.

Bone disease is one of the most debilitating manifestations of multiple myeloma. A complex interdependence exists between myeloma bone disease and tumor growth, creating a vicious circle of extensive bone destruction and myeloma progression. Proteasome inhibitors have recently been shown to promote bone formation in vitro and in vivo. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that proteasome inhibitors, including bortezomib, which is the first-in-class such agent, stimulate osteoblast differentiation while inhibiting osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Clinical studies are confirming these observations. Bortezomib counteracts the abnormal balance of osteoclast regulators (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin), leading to osteoclast inhibition and decreased bone destruction, as measured by a reduction in markers of bone resorption. In addition, bortezomib stimulates osteoblast function, possibly through the reduction of dickkopf-1, leading to increased bone formation, as indicated by the elevation in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. The effect of bortezomib on bone disease is thought to be direct and not only a consequence of the agent's antimyeloma properties, making it an attractive agent for further investigation, as it may combine potent antimyeloma activity with beneficial effects on bone. However, the clinical implication of these effects requires prospective studies with specific clinical end points. © 2007 by The American Society of Hematology.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have implicated neurogenesis in the hippocampus in animal models of depression, especially those related to controllability and learned helplessness. Here, we tested the hypothesis that uncontrollable but not controllable stress would reduce cell proliferation in the hippocampus of male and female rats and would relate to the expression of helplessness behavior. METHODS: To manipulate controllability, groups of male and female rats were trained in one session (acute stress) or over seven sessions (repeated stress) to escape a footshock, whereas yoked control subjects could not escape but were exposed to the same amount of stress. Cell proliferation was assessed with immunohistochemistry of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and immunofluorescence of BrdU and neuronal nuclei (NeuN). Separate groups were exposed to either controllable or uncontrollable stress, and their ability to learn to escape during training on a more difficult task was used as a behavioral measure of helplessness. RESULTS: Acute stress reduced cell proliferation in males but did not affect proliferation in the female hippocampus. When animals were given the opportunity to learn to control the stress over seven days, males produced more cells than the yoked males without control. Repeated training with controllable stress did not influence proliferation in females. Under all conditions, males were more likely than females to express helplessness behavior, even males that were not previously stressed. CONCLUSIONS: The modulation of neurogenesis by controllability was evident in males but not in females, as was the expression of helplessness behavior, despite the fact that men are less likely than women to experience depression.

Previous research has shown that some associative learning tasks prevent the death of new neurons in the adult hippocampus. However, it is unclear whether it is mere exposure to the training stimuli that rescues neurons or whether successful learning of the task is required for enhanced neuronal survival. If learning is the important variable, then animals that learn better given the same amount of training should retain more of the new cells after learning than animals that do not learn as well. Here, we examined the effects of training versus learning on cell survival in the adult hippocampus. Animals were injected with BrdU to label a population of cells and trained one week later on one of two trace conditioning tasks, one of which depends on the hippocampus and one that does not. Increases in cell number occurred only in animals that acquired the learned response, irrespective of the task. There were significant correlations between acquisition and cell number, as well as between asymptotic performance and cell number. These data support the idea that learning and not simply training increases the survival of the new cells in the hippocampus.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the activation level of certain protagonist muscles of the upper and lower body during the shot-put with the shot-put performance in skilled athletes. METHODS: Eight experienced right-handed shot-putters, performed the shot-put with the linear technique. They also performed a maximum (1RM) squat and a 1RM incline bench-press strength test. Electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the m. quadriceps vastus lateralis (VL), m. gastrocnemius internus, m. pectoralis major (PEC) and the m. triceps brachii (TRI) of the right side during all efforts. The level of EMG during the shot-put was normalized relatively to that measured during the respective maximum strength test. RESULTS: Shot-put performance was significantly correlated with 1RM squat (r=0.76, P<0.05) and 1RM bench-press (r=0.75, P<0.05) as well as with the average EMG from VL and PEC after taking the power position (r=0.91, P<0.01 and r=0.75, P<0.05, respectively). A close negative relationship was also found between shot-put performance and the time to reach peak activation of right TRI during the explosive strike of the throwing arm (r=-0.70, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that, besides the importance of absolute muscle strength, an important parameter for shot-put performance is the level of activation of the VL and the PEC during the delivery phase. Furthermore, these data suggest that the TRI should be activated fast in order to be an effective contributor to the shot-put performance.

Social capital is a key component in understanding the relationship between European sport governing bodies and civil society. A core concept in sociology, political science, organizational behaviour and business, social capital is relatively new in the context of European sport governance. In exploring the boundaries of both sport and social capital in theory and practice, one can see sport as a form of positive social capital that promotes social cohesion, trust, social ties, etc. However, it could also be perceived as «dark» socialcapital since the politics of sport do not always deliver the social benefits they proclaim due to the «exclusionary» vs. inclusive factors: commercialization, doping, institutionalized gender personification, the leaky pipeline and the glassceiling in SGBs and in competitive sports. Sport has not yet evolved into a form of social capital which can be nurtured and reproduced to raise social cohesion and eliminate social exclusions.KEY WORDS: sport as social capital, «dark» social capital insports, social capital production/reproduction, gender personificationin sports, leaky pipeline and glass ceiling.

Social capital is a key component in understanding the relationship between European sport governing bodies and civil society. A core concept in sociology, political science, organizational behaviour and business, social capital is relatively new in the context of European sport governance. In exploring the boundaries of both sport and social capital in theory and practice, one can see sport as a form of positive social capital that promotes social cohesion, trust, social ties, etc. However, it could also be perceived as ・・dark・・ social capital since the politics of sport do not always deliver the social benefits they proclaim due to the ・・exclusionary・・ vs. inclusive factors: commercialization, doping, institutionalized gender personification, the leaky pipeline and the glass ceiling in SGBs and in competitive sports. Sport has not yet evolved into a form of social capital which can be nurtured and reproduced to raise social cohesion and eliminate social exclusions.

We report the discovery of an optical nova in M31 on four consecutive dithered R filter CCD images (each with 100 sec exposure) obtained on 2007 July 25.92564, 25.92714, 25.92865, 25.93015 with corresponding R magnitudes of 18.1, 18.2, 18.1, 18.1 obtained at the 1.3m f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using an Andor DZ436-BV CCD Camera. The position obtained for the nova candidate is RA(2000) = 00 42 43.29 , Dec(2000) = +41 17 44.10 with an accuracy of 0.2".

We report the discovery of an optical nova candidate in M 31 on ten stacked R filter CCD images (each with 60 sec exposure) obtained on 2007 Aug 30.018 with an R magnitude of 17.8 obtained at the 60cm f/8 Ganymed telescope located at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using a ST10XME CCD Camera. The object is confirmed on CCD images with the same telescope using a broad H-alpha filter (4*120 s stacked, 17.7 mag) obtained on 2007 Aug 30.029.

We report the discovery of an optical nova candidate in the outer disk of M 31 on nine stacked R filter images (each with 60 sec exposure) and four stacked 12nm H-alpha filter images (each with 120 sec exposure) on 2007 Aug 24.081 and 24.093 with a magnitude of 18.7 in R and 18.1 in H-alpha, respectively. The images were obtained at the 60cm f/3 Ganymed telescope located at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using a STL11000M CCD Camera.

We report the discovery of an optical nova in M31 at RA(2000) = 00h 42m 59.49s , Dec(2000) = +41° 15' 06.5" with an accuracy of 0.2". The observations were obtained at the 1.3m Ritchey Chretien f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using an Andor DZ436-BV CCD Camera (with a Marconi 2k x 2k chip with 13.5µm sq. pixels). The observations were taken through a Johnson standard R filter (4*100 s stacked) and a broad H- alpha filter (3*300 s stacked).

We report the discovery of a optical nova in M31 on four consecutive dithered R filter CCD images obtained on (2007 July 19.00741, 19.00890, 19.01041, 19.01193, with corresponding R magnitudes of 18.8, 18.7, 18.8, 18.5) obtained at the 1.3m Ritchey Chretien f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using an Andor DZ436-BV CCD Camera (with a Marconi 2k x 2k chip with 13.5µm sq. pixels).

The Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green-function method for noncollinear magnetic structures was applied on Mn and Cr nanoclusters deposited on the Ni(111) surface. We consider various dimers, trimers, and tetramers. We obtain collinear and noncollinear magnetic solutions, brought about by the competition of antiferromagnetic interactions. It is found that the triangular geometry of the Ni(111) substrate, together with the intracluster antiferromagnetic interactions, is the main cause of the noncollinear states, which are secondarily affected by the cluster-substrate exchange interactions. The stabilization energy of the noncollinear, compared to the collinear, states is calculated to be typically of the order of 100 meV/atom, while multiple local-energy minima are found, corresponding to different noncollinear states, differing typically by 1-10 meV/atom. Open structures exhibit sizable total moments, while compact clusters tend to have very small total moments, resulting from the complex frustration mechanisms in these systems.

An investigation of the optical properties of Si-rich silicon nitride films prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) from dichlorosilane (SiH2Cl2, DCS) and ammonia (NH3) mixtures has been performed. From TEM analysis, it was found that the excess Si forms nanocrystals the size of which depends on the temperature. The real and the imaginary part of the refractive index of the films were calculated using spectroscopic ellipsometry by fitting the ellipsometric data in the range 1000-250 nm using the Tauc-Lorentz model. It was found that the optical constants of the films mainly depend on their chemical composition which can be controlled by the DCS/NH3 flow ratio. Annealing at temperatures up to 1100 °C for 4 h does not considerably affect the refractive index of the films. Depending on their stoichiometry and the annealing conditions applied after growth, some of the films emitted light in the visible at room temperature. This was attributed to the quantum confinement of carriers in the Si nanocrystals contained in the films. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We report the discovery of a possible nova in M31 on four consecutive dithered stacked R filter CCD images, obtained on 2007 September 02.09, with the 1.3m Ritchey Chretien f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using an Andor DZ436-BV CCD Camera (with a Marconi 2k x 2k chip with 13.5µm sq. pixels). The R magnitude of the object was 18.1. On 2007 September 03.09, the object was again detected with the same instrument setup, with an R magnitude of 18.2.

Standardized allergen extracts are needed for diagnosis and therapy purposes. For grapes, standardization is hampered by low protein and high tannin and pectin concentrations. The aim of the current study was to develop an optimized method for the extraction of grape proteins and possibly extend this to other fruits. Several existing or modified extraction methods were compared by means of protein concentration determination, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting and radioallergosorbent test (RAST). An optimized extraction protocol was obtained in which we combined a high concentration of plant tissue, a concentrated, enriched and neutral buffer able to remove sugars and keep proteins soluble and a bivalent buffer for pectin removal. Both the quantitative (protein concentration) and qualitative parameters (SDS-PAGE protein patterns and IgE reactivity) were compared to standard protocols and commercial extracts used as diagnostic tools in the clinical practice. This method proved to be the most efficient mainly compared to the standard Björksten protocol in extracting the low molecular weight proteins, including the major grape allergen (lipid transfer protein, Vit v 1). It proved to be an easy, low cost and reproducible method proposed to prepare grape extracts that could replace the commercially available ones, used for diagnosis and possibly extend the method to other fruits especially in extracting LTPs.

The aim of this study was the outcome of Fowler-Stephens (FS) operations in prepubertal Wistar rats. Thirty-two 30-day-old rats underwent laparoscopic FS procedures on the right testicles (8 of them formed the control group). Nine, 30, 70, and 90 days later we assessed the testes histologically and determined inhibin betaB serum concentrations; 1 day earlier, ultrasonography was also performed. Decreases in central testicular vascularity and heterogeneous parenchymal echogenicity were the initial sonographic evidence of testicular damage, which either regressed in time or extended toward the periphery. Early degenerative changes either remained mild and restricted in the germinative epithelium or became more severe, affecting additional structures. Decreases in the seminiferous tubule area, thickening of the tunica albuginea, and increases in the number of mast cells were changes that reached significance. Significant decreases in the amount of serum inhibin betaB were also found, and the decreases correlated significantly with both the thickening of the tunica albuginea and the increases in the number of mast cells but not with the decreases in the seminiferous tubule area. Division of the spermatic vessels caused severe testicular degeneration as evidenced by changes in ultrasonographic and histologic features combined with drops in the levels of serum inhibin betaB.

{Our study examined if dietary long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) have an impact on oxidative stress in preterm infants. Serum malonyldialdehyde (MDA), total peroxide concentrations, and total antioxidant capacity were determined at mean (standard deviation [SD]) 34.7 (10.9) days of life in 104 healthy preterm infants (gestational age, 32.6 [2.9] weeks; birthweight; 1605 [285] g) who were randomly assigned to be fed since birth either a formula containing LCPUFA (arachidonic and docosahexaenoic) (group A

 

The Messinian pre-evaporitic sedimentary succession of Gavdos Island (Metochia section) is a nearly uninterrupted succession of marine sediments, dominated by finely laminated diatomaceous marls, which are cyclically alternating with clayey diatomites and white diatomites. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the planktonic foraminiferal fauna allowed the recognition of nine bioevents, which have been astronomically dated for the Mediterranean. The base of the diatomitic succession in Gavdos Island is dated at 6.722Ma and the top at 6.015Ma. The studied section contains benthic foraminiferal genera characteristic of an outer shelf to slope environment. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of this microfauna revealed three benthic foraminiferal fossil assemblages and the occurrence of allochthonous species transported into the bathyal environment by current activity. The cyclical pattern of the benthic foraminifera assemblages indicates that the studied sediments have been affected by repeated episodes of basin restriction characterized by low diversity benthic foraminifera populations, and a limited planktonic foraminifer association typified by shallow, surface-dwelling forms. This restriction was partly due to Antarctic cooling, which produced palaeo-Mediterranean sea-level oscillations during the Early Messinian, as a prelude to closure of the Atlantic connections. The relative impact of climatic versus tectonic control on sedimentation patterns within this basin is discussed. Résumé Les sédiments marins du Messinien pré-évaporitique de l’île de Gavdos (coupe de Metochia) sont quasi continus et dominés par des marnes diatomitiques finement laminées alternant de façon cyclique avec des diatomites argileuses et des diatomites blanches. L’analyse qualitative et quantitative de la faune de foraminifères planctoniques a permis la mise en évidence de neuf événements biologiques qui ont été datés par l’astrochronologie à l’échelle de la Méditerranée. La base de la succession diatomitique de l’île de Gavdos date de 6,722Ma et son sommet de 6,015Ma. La coupe contient des genres de foraminifères benthiques caractéristiques d’un environnement allant de la plate-forme externe au talus. L’analyse qualitative et quantitative de cette microfaune révèle trois assemblages de foraminifères benthiques et la présence d’espèces allochtones apportées dans le domaine bathyal par l’activité des courants. Le caractère cyclique des assemblages de foraminifères benthiques indique que ces sédiments ont été affectés par des épisodes répétés de confinement du bassin caractérisés par la faible diversité des populations de foraminifères benthiques et une association restreinte de foraminifères planctoniques marquée par des formes affectionnant les habitats de surface dans des eaux de faible profondeur. Ce confinement était en partie dû au refroidissement antarctique qui entraîna des oscillations du niveau marin de la Méditerranée pendant le Messinien inférieur en prélude à la fermeture des corridors de connexion avec l’océan Atlantique. Les impacts relatifs des forçages du climat et de la tectonique sur les processus sédimentaires dans ce bassin sont discutés.

Cerebral white matter lesions (WML) are present in more than 50% of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene product is a detoxifying and pesticide metabolizing enzyme. Genetic variants of the PON1 gene have been found to influence the occurrence and progression of WML. We examined whether two PON1 polymorphisms (M55L and R192Q) are associated with ONFH and influence the occurrence of WML. We studied 104 patients with ONFH and 113 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. We used logistic regression models to examine associations and survival analyses (Cox proportional hazards models) to examine possible influence of alleles on age at onset of ONFH. We found no association of PON1 M55L alleles and genotypes with ONFH. The distribution of PON1 Q192R alleles (p = 0.001) and genotypes (QQ vs. QR/RR) (p = 0.004) were statistically different between controls and patients. Patients with QQ genotype had six times higher risk for WML at brain MRI (adjusted OR 5.95; 95% CI 1.30-27.03; p = 0.02). In Cox models, there was a significant association of allele Q with risk for ONFH indicating a possible dose effect (HR = 1.43; 95%CI = 1.04-1.97; p for trend = 0.03). We conclude that individuals with PON1 192QQ genotype may have increased risk for ONFH and WMLeOn.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered as an effective treatment of postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. COX-2 inhibitors are newer drugs having less adverse effects. Data supporting their efficacy postoperatively in comparison to older non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are scarce. Our study is a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy of lornoxicam vs. parecoxib for the management of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 76 patients, ASA I and II, scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patients were randomized to receive before induction parecoxib 40 mg i.v., lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. or placebo. Pain at rest and on movement was assessed using a visual analogue scale at 0, 6, 12 h postoperatively. Total meperidine consumption and adverse effects were also recorded. RESULTS: At 12 h, visual analogue scale scores at rest and on movement were significantly lower with parecoxib and lornoxicam compared with control ( P = 0.047). The percentage of patients needing meperidine and the average dose of meperidine administered was significantly lower with parecoxib and lornoxicam compared with control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.018). There was no difference between parecoxib and lornoxicam. One patient receiving lornoxicam vomited. CONCLUSIONS: Parecoxib 40 mg i.v. and lornoxicam 8 mg i.v. were equianalgesic and both were more efficacious than placebo for the management of pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Prosthetic heart valve dysfunction impacts on morbidity and quality of life. Although the diagnosis can be made by imaging studies, clinical symptoms commonly precede the diagnostic work-up. The ThromboCheck device analyzes the sound frequency spectra of valve motion, and alterations due to valve dysfunction are observed before overt clinical symptoms develop. The study aim was to determine if the ThromboCheck can be used to monitor the prosthetic valve function of patients at home. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2007, a total of 541 prosthetic heart valve recipients was prospectively enrolled into a double-blind, multi-center study. ThromboCheck devices were used to evaluate the sound frequency phenomena of valve motion. If the sound frequency spectra deviated from baseline, alarm signals were returned to the medical center via telephone, and these prompted evaluation by fluoroscopy and echocardiography. The clinical follow up included questionnaires at regular intervals. RESULTS: The cumulative observation period exceeded 748 patient-years, with a median follow up of 25.2 months per patient (range: 1 to 36 months). Almost all patients used the device at least two to three times per week to evaluate valve function, and the vast majority found it easy to operate. About 135,000 codes were returned to the study centers for further analysis; of these codes, 30 (0.0002%) were alarm signals. On 29 of the 30 occasions, prosthetic valve dysfunction was confirmed by fluoroscopy and echocardiography, yielding positive predictive values and specificities of 97% and 100%, respectively. There was no clinical event in the absence of a ThromboCheck alarm signal. Thrombolysis or increased warfarin-based anticoagulation quickly restored the initial sound frequency spectrum of the prosthetic valve in 16 patients. Another 13 patients were surgically revised; their prosthetic valves revealed significant thrombi upon replacement. By using the ThromboCheck device as part of a surveillance system, 79% of the patients felt safer with regards to prosthetic valve dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Analysis of sound frequency spectra by the ThromboCheck identified prosthetic heart valve dysfunction before clinical symptoms developed, and promoted early therapy. The restoration of valve function normalized the frequency spectra, which may be utilized to guide treatment. These results justify further efforts to introduce the analysis of sound phenomena into routine clinical care after prosthetic valve implantation.

Muscle differentiation requires the transition from motile myoblasts to sessile myotubes and the assembly of a highly regular contractile apparatus. This striking cytoskeletal remodelling is coordinated with a transformation of focal adhesion-like cell-matrix contacts into costameres. To assess mechanisms underlying this differentiation process, we searched for muscle specific-binding partners of paxillin. We identified an interaction of paxillin with the vinexin adaptor protein family member ponsin in nascent costameres during muscle differentiation, which is mediated by an interaction of the second src homology domain 3 (SH3) domain of ponsin with the proline-rich region of paxillin. To understand the molecular basis of this interaction, we determined the structure of this SH3 domain at 0.83 A resolution, as well as its complex with the paxillin binding peptide at 1.63 A resolution. Upon binding, the paxillin peptide adopts a polyproline-II helix conformation in the complex. Contrary to the charged SH3 binding interface, the peptide contains only non-polar residues and for the first time such an interaction was observed structurally in SH3 domains. Fluorescence titration confirmed the ponsin/paxillin interaction, characterising it further by a weak binding affinity. Transfection experiments revealed further characteristics of ponsin functions in muscle cells: All three SH3 domains in the C terminus of ponsin appeared to synergise in targeting the protein to force-transducing structures. The overexpression of ponsin resulted in altered muscle cell-matrix contact morphology, suggesting its involvement in the establishment of mature costameres. Further evidence for the role of ponsin in the maintenance of mature mechanotransduction sites in cardiomyocytes comes from the observation that ponsin expression was down-regulated in end-stage failing hearts, and that this effect was reverted upon mechanical unloading. These results provide new insights in how low affinity protein-protein interactions may contribute to a fine tuning of cytoskeletal remodelling processes during muscle differentiation and in adult cardiomyocytes.

The gut hormone peptide YY 3-36 [PYY (3-36)] has been suggested to posses anorexigenic actions in animals and human adults. However, its circulating concentrations and function have not been studied in neonates. Serum concentrations of PYY (3-36) were determined by RIA (RIA) in 62 healthy preterm infants [mean(SD) gestational age, 32.0(2.1) weeks; postnatal age, 40.9(14.8 d)] and 15 healthy fullterm infants of comparable postnatal age and gender. The correlations between PYY (3-36) levels and anthropometric characteristics, food intake, growth rates and circulating concentrations of total PYY, ghrelin, leptin, insulin and adiponectin were examined. Mean (SD) PYY (3-36) concentrations were higher in preterm [543.7(157.6) ng/L) than full term infants [350.9(114.1) ng/L; p < 0.001) and accounted for 48% and 42% of total PYY basal plasma immunoreactivity in preterm and full term infants, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, PYY (3-36) concentrations correlated negatively with the infants’ BMI and positively with serum ghrelin concentrations, but not with caloric intake, weight gain or concentrations of any other hormone studied. In conclusion, PYY (3-36) represents almost half of total PYY immunoreactivity in neonates. It’s correlations with ghrelin and BMI suggest a role of this peptide in the regulation of energy homeostasis; however, its specific functions and physiologic significance in neonates remain to be elucidated.

We report an electron-spin-resonance (ESR) study of stoichiometric La1-x Cax Mn O3 for 0

Square planar neutral dimethyl and cationic allyl complexes of palladium with the electronically nonsymmetric diphenylphosphinomethyl- and pyridyl-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The products from the protonation of the dimethyl complexes with 1 equiv of acid at low temperatures are monomethyl cations, the exact nature of which is dependent on the type of ligand; in pyridine-carbene complexes the Pd-Me bond cleaved is trans to the carbene, while for the phosphino-carbene complexes it is trans to the phosphine. Density functional calculations suggest that protonation in these complexes occurs directly at the methyl ligands and that the site of protonation determines the selectivity of Pd-Me cleavage. For the pyridine-carbene complexes there is a clear preference for protonation trans to the carbene. For phosphino-carbene complexes, however, the site of protonation depends on the steric bulk of the N-heterocyclic carbene ligand. Protonation trans to carbene is favored with small substituents (H, Me), but the bulky 2,6-Pri2C6H3 susbstituent induces protonation trans to the phosphine, as is seen experimentally. © 2007 American Chemical Society.

Phospholamban (PLN) is a key regulator of Ca(2+) homeostasis and contractility in the heart. Its regulatory effects are mediated through its interaction with the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, (SERCA2a), resulting in alterations of its Ca(2+)-affinity. To identify additional proteins that may interact with PLN, we used the yeast-two-hybrid system to screen an adult human cardiac cDNA library. HS-1 associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) was identified as a PLN-binding partner. The minimal binding regions were mapped to amino acid residues 203-245 for HAX-1 and residues 16-22 for PLN. The interaction between the two proteins was confirmed using GST-HAX-1, bound to the glutathione-matrix, which specifically adsorbed native PLN from human or mouse cardiac homogenates, while in reciprocal binding studies, recombinant His-HAX-1 bound GST-PLN. Kinetic studies using surface plasmon resonance yielded a K(D) of approximately 1 muM as the binding affinity for the PLN/HAX-1 complex. Phosphorylation of PLN by cAMP-dependent protein kinase reduced binding to HAX-1, while increasing concentrations of Ca(2+) diminished the PLN/HAX-1 interaction in a dose-dependent manner. HAX-1 concentrated to mitochondria, but upon transient co-transfection of HEK 293 cells with PLN, HAX-1 redistributed and co-localized with PLN at the endoplasmic reticulum. Analysis of the anti-apoptotic function of HAX-1 revealed that the presence of PLN enhanced the HAX-1 protective effects from hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cell death. These findings suggest a possible link between the Ca(2+) handling by the sarcoplasmic reticulum and cell survival mediated by the PLN/HAX-1 interaction.

Two polyamine copper(II) compounds of spermine analogues: Cu[H2N(CH2)3NH (CH2)2NH(CH2)3NH2] (ClO4)2 (abbreviated as Spc323) and Cu[H2N(CH2)3NH (CH2)3NH(CH2)3NH2] (ClO4)2 (abbreviated as Spc333) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and photoacoustic spectroscopies have been used for studying CU2+ d-d transitions. The EPR spectra of copper(II) ions in both complexes have displayed a different crystal field symmetry: orthorhombic for Spc323 complex, and axial, with the hyperfine interaction, for Spc333 complex. In the visible region of electromagnetic radiation the photoacoustic absorptions from the d-d electron transitions with different energies and linewidths have been observed. Comparison of the obtained results is made with previous measurements on similar spermine compounds. © 2007 Advanced Study Center Co. Ltd.

A quantitative analysis of coccolithophores, planktonic foraminifera and pollen assemblages was carried out on core NS-14 (SE Aegean Sea), recovered in the Western Kos Basin. Eleven coccolithophore (ACE1-11) and ten planktonic foraminifera (APFE1-10) ecozones have been recognized during the last 14 000 yrs using calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera abundances. Additionally eight pollen assemblage zones (PAZ1-8) have been recognised. The established high resolution ecozonal scheme allows a detailed paleoecological reconstruction for the Holocene archive in the SE Aegean Sea, defining two warm and humid phases (9300-8600 yr cal BP and 7600-6400 yr cal BP) associated with the deposition of S1 and a third one between 5200-4200 yr cal BP. 

A quantitative analysis of coccolithophores, planktonic foraminifera and pollen assemblages was carried out on core NS-14 (SE Aegean Sea), recovered in the Western Kos Basin. Eleven coccolithophore (ACE1-11) and ten planktonic foraminifera (APFE1-10) ecozones have been recognized during the last 14 000 yrs using calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera abundances. Additionally eight pollen assemblage zones (PAZ1-8) have been recognised. The established high resolution ecozonal scheme allows a detailed paleoecological reconstruction for the Holocene archive in the SE Aegean Sea, defining two warm and humid phases (9300-8600 yr cal BP and 7600-6400 yr cal BP) associated with the deposition of S1 and a third one between 5200-4200 yr cal BP. 

The aim of our study is to describe the prevalence of the different HPV types in women with pre-neoplastic lesions of the cervix in Greece. Cervical scrapes from 841 women were obtained for both cytological evaluation and analysis for the presence of HPV DNA. PCR was performed on specimens from these 841 women. The Pap test results were normal or showed benign cellular changes in 45.8% of the women, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in 23.2%, low-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (LSIL) in 27.9% and high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion (HSIL) in 3.1%. HPV DNA was demonstrated in 23.6% of cytologically normal women. We detected HPV in 60% of the total samples. Of these, HPV-16 was the most common HPV DNA detected. Interestingly, HPV-58 was inversely correlated with positive cytological findings. A clear pattern of decreasing prevalence of HPV with age was also observed. Our results indicate that HPV infections, especially those with HPV-16, represent a significant public health concern in Greece

We report the discovery of a possible nova in M31 on four consecutive dithered R filter CCD images obtained on (2007 July 05.04813, 05.04966, 05.05122, 05.05278, with corresponding R magnitudes of 16.7, 16.6, 16.6, 16.6) obtained at the 1.3m Ritchey Chretien f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using the Roper CCD Camera (with a SITE 1k x 1k chip with 24µm sq. pixels). The position obtained for the nova candidate is RA(2000) = 00h 43m 04.05s, Dec(2000) = +41° 17' 08.3" with an accuracy of 0.1".

Purpose: Alkylating agents and the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab are among appropriate choices for the primary treatment of symptomatic patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), and they induce at least a partial response in 30% to 50% of patients. To improve these results, we designed a phase II study that included previously untreated symptomatic patients with WM who received a combination of dexamethasone, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide (DRC). Patients and Methods: Seventy-two patients were treated with dexamethasone 20 mg intravenously followed by rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1 and cyclophosphamide 100 mg/m2 orally bid on days 1 to 5 (total dose, 1,000 mg/m2). This regimen was repeated every 21 days for 6 months. Patients' median age was 69 years and many had features of advanced disease such as anemia (57%), hypoalbuminemia (40%), and elevated serum beta2-microglobulin (43%). Results: On an intent-to-treat basis, 83% of patients (95% CI, 73% to 91 %) achieved a response, including 7% complete, 67% partial, and 9% minor responses. The median time to response was 4.1 months. The 2-year progression-free survival rate for all patients was 67%; for patients who responded to DRC, it was 80%. The 2-year disease-specific survival rate was 90%. Treatment with DRC was well tolerated, with 9% of patients experiencing grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and approximately 20% of patients experiencing some form of toxicity related to rituximab. Conclusion: Our large, multicenter trial showed that the non-stem-cell toxic DRC regimen is an active, well-tolerated treatment for symptomatic patients with WM. © 2007 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

The optical response of finite slabs of polar materials, containing two- and three-dimensional periodic structures of air cavities, is studied by means of accurate numerical calculations using the layer-multiple-scattering method. Our results reveal the existence of strong resonant modes, originating from the excitation of flat-surface and cavity phonon-polaritons, which may be useful in terahertz applications.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The decreased synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) during ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) has been implicated as the major underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of acute ischaemic colitis (A.I.C.). The aim of this study was to investigate the prophylactic effect of L-arginine, a NO donor, on tissue injury during intestinal I/R, and compare its efficacy with that of exogenous vasodilators (molsidomine) and inert nitrogen-containing molecules (casein). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred forty four Wistar rats underwent occlusion of the superior mesentery artery for 30, 60 and 90 min for induction of intestinal ischaemia, followed by 90 min of reperfusion. The rats were randomly assigned to receive L-arginine, molsidomine, or casein hydrolysate. In all groups, apart of the histological study, we determined the levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), a reliable marker indicating the degree of the tissue damage after intestinal I/R. RESULTS: Serum MDA levels were significantly lower in the L-arginine group compared to the untreated animals or those that had received molsidomine or casein, after a period of ischaemia of 90 minutes (p < 0.0005), as well as after a period of ischaemia of 60 or 90 minutes followed by a 90 minutes reperfusion (p = 0.011, and p < 0.0005, respectively). In addition, lesser histopathological damage was noted after the use of L-arginine compared to that caused by the administration of molsidomine and casein. CONCLUSION: These findings support a prophylactic effect of L-arginine in experimentally induced intestinal ischaemia. In short, L-arginine attenuates the degree of tissue damage in intestinal ischaemia and promotes healing of intestinal mucosa.

There are limited data regarding the long term follow up after thalidomide based regimen and the outcome of patients when they progress and they receive further treatment. We reassessed our original series of 43 patients with previously treated multiple myeloma who had received a pulsed cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, dexamethasone (CTD) regimen. Among the 43 patients, 14 did not respond to pulsed CTD and 29 (67%) achieved at least a partial response. The median PFS for all patients was 10 months. After a median follow up of 24 months (range 1-62), the 3 year PFS is 14% and 3 patients remain off treatment and without progression for 55+, 55+ and 56+ months respectively. Moreover, 28% of patients who progressed after CTD achieved a partial response after subsequent treatment which included thalidomide, bortezomib or lenalidomide. The median PFS of these patients was 5 months and the 1 year PFS was 20%. Furthermore, 31% of patients who had responded to CTD and then progressed (CTD sensitive) responded to subsequent treatment. We conclude that some patients enjoy long responses after CTD and that several patients who progress after CTD may respond to treatment with a novel agent-based regimen.

We investigate how a supplier can use a quantity discount schedule to influence the stocking decisions of a downstream buyer that faces a single period of stochastic demand. In contrast to much of the work that has been done on single-period supply contracts, we assume that there are no interactions between the supplier and the buyer after demand information is revealed and that the buyer has better information about the distribution of demand than does the supplier. We characterize the structure of the optimal discount schedule for both all-unit and incremental discounts and show that the supplier can earn larger profits with an all-unit discount.

Radial velocity measurements and sine-curve fits to the orbital radial velocity variations are presented for 10 close binary systems: OO Aql, CC Com, V345 Gem, XY Leo, AM Leo, V1010 Oph, V2612 Oph, XX Sex, W UMa, and XY UMa. Most of these binaries have been observed spectroscopically before, but our data are of higher quality and consistency than in the previous studies. While most of the studied eclipsing pairs are contact binaries, V1010 Oph is probably a detached or semidetached double-lined binary, and XY UMa is a detached, chromospherically active system whose broadening functions clearly show well-defined and localized dark spots on the primary component. A particularly interesting case is XY Leo, which is a member of visually unresolved quadruple system composed of a contact binary and a detached, noneclipsing, active binary with an 0.805 day orbital period. V345 Gem and AM Leo are known members of visual binaries. We found faint visual companions at about 2"-3" from XX Sex and XY UMa. Based on data obtained at the David Dunlap Observatory, University of Toronto.

PURPOSE: To determine whether an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, such as donepezil, would improve memory or other cognitive/psychological functions in epilepsy patients with subjective memory complaints. METHODS: Twenty-three epilepsy patients with subjective memory difficulty were randomized to either 3 months of donepezil (10 mg/day) or 3 months of placebo treatment, and then crossed over to the other treatment arm. Patients and physicians were blinded to treatment phase throughout data acquisition. Assessment of memory and other cognitive functions, subjective memory, mood, and self-rated quality of life (QOL) and social functioning was performed at baseline and following completion of both treatment phases. Seizure frequency and severity as well as treatment emergent adverse effects were also monitored. RESULTS: Donepezil treatment was not associated with improvement in memory or other cognitive functions, mood, social functioning or QOL. Comparable increases in self-rated memory functioning relative to baseline were evident during donepezil and placebo phases. Donepezil treatment was not associated with increased seizure frequency or severity. Similar to group results, analysis of change within individual patients as a function of treatment phase also showed neither significant benefit nor detriment associated with donepezil. CONCLUSION: This study found no benefit on memory or other cognitive/psychological functions in a heterogeneous group of epilepsy patients with subjective memory difficulty. Further investigation would be required to determine whether individual patients, or those with particular epilepsy syndromes, might benefit from donepezil or other acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, or if a higher dosage might be effective.

IgE-mediated allergy to fish is a frequent cause of severe anaphylactic reactions. Parvalbumin, a small calcium-binding protein, is the major fish allergen. We have recently isolated a cDNA coding for carp parvalbumin, Cyp c 1, and expressed in Escherichia coli a recombinant Cyp c 1 molecule, which contained most IgE epitopes of saltwater and freshwater fish. In this study, we introduced mutations into the calcium-binding domains of carp parvalbumin by site-directed mutagenesis and produced in E. coli three parvalbumin mutants containing amino acid exchanges either in one (single mutants; Mut-CD and Mut-EF) or in both of the calcium-binding sites (double mutant; Mut-CD/EF). Circular dichroism analyses of the purified derivatives and the wild-type allergen showed that Mut-CD/EF exhibited the greatest reduction of overall protein fold. Dot blot assays and immunoblot inhibition experiments performed with sera from 21 fish-allergic patients showed that Mut-CD/EF had a 95% reduced IgE reactivity and represented the derivative with the least allergenic activity. The latter was confirmed by in vitro basophil histamine release assays and in vivo skin prick testing. The potential applicability for immunotherapy of Mut-CD/EF was demonstrated by the fact that mouse IgG Abs could be raised by immunization with the mutated molecule, which cross-reacted with parvalbumins from various fish species and inhibited the binding of fish-allergic patients' IgE to the wild-type allergen. Using the hypoallergenic carp parvalbumin mutant Mut-CD/EF, it may be possible to treat fish allergy by immunotherapy.

The scattering properties for both TE and TM modes of an abruptly ended two-layered slab waveguide with anisotropic core and isolated substrate are examined by an improved iteration technique, which is based on the integral equation method with accelerating parameters. The relative dielectric constants of the core for the three Cartesian directions are considered to be different, but cases with isotropic core are also considered. The electric field distribution on the terminal plane and the reflection coefficients of the dominant TE and TM guided modes, as well as the near-field distribution and the far-field radiation pattern, are computed, while numerical results are presented for several cases of the core anisotropy.

Renal failure (RF) is a common and severe complication of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence of RF in a contemporary series of newly diagnosed patients with MM, its association with specific clinical and laboratory features, and its impact on patients' outcome. Over the last decade, 756 newly diagnosed symptomatic patients with MM were included in our database. Renal failure, defined as a serum creatinine ≥mg/dl at the time of diagnosis, was seen in 21% of patients. Multiple parameters were associated with RF, but logistic regression analysis showed that RF was independently associated only with International Staging System and Bence Jones proteinuria. The presence of RF was associated with a trend for higher early death rate but with a similar response to primary therapy. The median survival of patients with RF was 19.5 months versus 40.4 months for patients without RF (p < 0.001). Several variables were associated with impaired survival by univariate analysis. When multivariate analysis was performed the independent variables were poor performance status, thrombocytopenia, advanced age, high LDH and elevated serum β2 microglobulin but not high creatinine. When corrected for stage, renal failure had no impact on survival.

Several epidemiological studies have confirmed the association between viral respiratory infections and wheezing episodes or exacerbations of asthma in childhood. In contrast, whether particular viral infections can be protective or able to initiate asthma is still debated; recent studies reported herein have added to our understanding in several different domains, including natural history, virology and mechanisms.|Animal studies support the possibility that severe infections with respiratory syncytial virus early in life may be able to diverge the immune response towards an allergic phenotype; however, in human studies, predisposition seems dominating. Human rhinoviruses are increasingly being shown to be equally important as respiratory syncytial virus even in infancy. Newly discovered respiratory viruses have also been associated with asthma exacerbations. The interferon pathway is currently scrutinized with respect to virus-induced inflammation; furthermore, indications that viral infections may be associated with remodeling phenotypes have been recently published.|Notwithstanding the progress in epidemiology and pathogenesis of virus-induced asthma, more effort is needed in assessing possible strategies for treatment. Current treatments seem to be relatively ineffective, but new pathways give a hopeful message for future therapies.

BACKGROUND: Forgetting a foreign body in the abdominal cavity is an unpleasant and avoidable situation. It usually occurs when the preventive protocols are not followed precisely. In such a case clinical consequences are unpredictable and relaparotomy may become necessary. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a temporary intestinal obstruction six months after a transabdominal hysterectomy. Diagnostic workup revealed a laparotomy-gauze left in the abdominal cavity at the previous operation. Exploration showed that the gauze was actually located in the intestinal lumen. The inflammatory reaction elicited by the foreign body eroded the intestinal wall and allowed its intraluminal migration. The gauze moved distally due to peristalsis until it became trapped in the ileocecal valve causing obstruction. When it finally passed through the valve the obstruction was relieved. Intraoperative maneuvers advanced the foreign body further forward until it was removed transanally. CONCLUSION: The formal processes - counting the gauzes continually and double crossing the counting - must be kept in every laparotomy to avoid the unpleasant experience of gauze remaining in the peritoneal cavity. In such an unfortunate case traditional open surgery provides a safe solution to the patient's problem.

The impact of high dose dexamethasone containing regimens with or without the novel agents thalidomide and bortezomib on the reversal of renal failure (RF) was evaluated in 41 consecutive newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated in a single institution. RF was reversed in 73% of all patients within a median of 1.9 months. In patients treated with dexamethasone and novel agents (thalidomide and/or bortezomib) the reversibility rate was 80% within a median of 0.8 months. Severe RF and significant Bence Jones proteinuria were associated with a lower probability of RF reversal. Patients who responded to treatment achieved RF reversal more often than in those who did not (85% versus 56%, p=0.046). In conclusion, RF is reversible in the majority of newly diagnosed MM patients treated with high-dose dexamethasone containing regimens. The addition of novel agents induces a more rapid RF reversal. ©2007 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Rare examples of (high spin) Co(ii) complexes with geometrically constrained tetrathioether ligands exhibit a very unusual structural isomerism, switching reversibly between tetrahedral monomers in solution and octahedral chain polymers in the solid; the crystal structures of one polymeric species and a tetrahedral monomer model compound are described. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.

The emergence of the field of spintronics has brought half-metallic ferromagnets to the centre of scientific research. A lot of interest was focused on newly created transition-metal pnictides (such as CrAs) and chalcogenides (such as CrTe) in the metastable zinc-blende lattice structure. These compounds were found to have the advantage of high Curie temperatures in addition to their structural similarity to semiconductors. Significant theoretical activity has been devoted to the study of the electronic and magnetic properties of these compounds in an effort to achieve a better control of their experimental behaviour in realistic applications. This paper is devoted to an overview of the studies of these compounds, with emphasis on theoretical results, covering their bulk properties (electronic structure, magnetism, stability of the zinc-blende phase, stability of ferromagnetism) as well as low-dimensional structures (surfaces, interfaces, nanodots and transition-metal delta-doped semiconductors) and phenomena that can possibly destroy the half-metallic property, like structural distortions or defects.

Context: In the H-R diagram, the intersection of the main sequence and the classical Cepheid instability strip corresponds to a domain where a rich variety of atmospheric phenomena are at play (including pulsation, radiative diffusion, convection). Main-sequence A-type stars are among the best candidates to study the complex interplay between these various phenomena. Aims: We have explored a sample of suspected A-type binaries in a systematic way, both spectroscopically and photometrically. The sample consists of main-sequence A-type stars for which the few existing radial velocity measurements may show variability, but for which other essential information is lacking. Due to their location in the H-R diagram, indications of pulsation and/or chemical peculiarities among these suspected binary (or multiple) systems may be found. Methods: High-resolution spectroscopy obtained with the ELODIE and MUSICOS spectrographs was used in combination with a few nights of differential CCD photometry in order to search for pulsation(s). In order to search as well for chemical peculiarities or for possible hidden component(s), we derived the atmospheric stellar parameters by fitting the observed spectra with LTE synthetic ones. Results: Of the 32 investigated targets, eight are spectroscopic binaries, one of which is a close binary also showing eclipses, and three have been identified as δ Scuti pulsators with rapid line-profile variations. Conclusions: Among the latter stars, HD 217860 reveals interesting multiperiodic photometric and spectroscopic variations, with up to eight frequencies common to two large photometric data sets. We suggest that at least one radial overtone mode is excited among the two most dominant frequencies, on the basis of the computation of the pulsation constants as well as of the predicted frequencies and the expected behaviour of the amplitude ratio and the phase difference in two passbands using adequate theoretical modelling. We furthermore found evidence for a strong modulation of the amplitude(s) and/or the (radial) frequency content of this intriguing δ Scuti star. This work is based on spectroscopic observations made at the Haute-Provence Observatory (OHP), the Observatoire du Pic du Midi (TBL) and the Bulgarian National Astronomical Observatory (NAO, Rozhen). Tables 1, 2, 4, 5 and Fig. 7 are only available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

BACKGROUND: Several investigators have described a seasonal variation in the diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma. Limited data exist on the seasonality of melanoma diagnosis in Southern European countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The seasonal pattern of diagnosis was analyzed in 404 Greek patients diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma (CM) between 1996 and 2004. A summer-to-winter ratio was determined overall and in relation to gender, age, anatomic site, histopathologic type, and tumor thickness. RESULTS: The summer-to-winter ratio was 1.53 for all patients (95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.15-2.02) with a ratio of 1.83 for women (95% CI: 1.20-2.78) and 1.28 for men (95% CI: 0.87-1.88). A seasonal pattern of melanoma diagnosis was observed for patients younger than 50 years of age (1.70, 95% CI: 1.05-2.74) and between 50 and 69 years (1.64, 95% CI: 1.05-2.56), for melanoma located on the upper or lower extremities (2.50, 95% CI: 1.12-5.56 and 2.23, 95% CI: 1.19-4.18, respectively), for superficial spreading and nodular melanomas (1.73, 95% CI: 1.12-2.69 and 1.52 95% CI: 0.96-2.41) and for melanomas with a tumor thickness of 1-2 mm (1.69, 95% CI: 0.91-3.12) and > 4 mm (2.13, 95% CI: 1.04-4.35). CONCLUSIONS: No major differences were seen in the seasonal distribution of CM diagnosis in a Mediterranean population compared to previously reported results. A better ascertainment of the skin during the summer and an increased awareness due to the melanoma screening campaigns are the more likely reasons for the seasonality of melanoma diagnosis in Greece.

Determination of protein crystal structures is dependent on the growth of high-quality single crystals, a process that is not always successful. Optimum crystallization conditions must be systematically sought for, and microcrystalline powders are frequently obtained in failed attempts to grow the desired crystal. In materials science, structures of samples ranging from ceramics, pharmaceuticals, zeolites, etc., can nowadays be solved, almost routinely, from powdered samples, and there seems to be no fundamental reason, except the sheer size and complexity of the structures involved, why powder diffraction should not be employed to solve structures of small proteins. Indeed, recent work has shown that the high-quality powder diffraction data can be used in the study of protein crystal structures. We report the solution, model building, and refinement of a 67-residue protein domain crystal structure, with a cell volume of 64 879 A3, from powder diffraction. The second SH3 domain of ponsin, a protein of high biological significance due to its role in cellular processes, is determined and refined to resolution limits comparable to single-crystal techniques. Our results demonstrate the power and future applicability of the powder technique in structural biology.

Various species of the genus Phlomis have been reported to produce metabolites demonstrating significant pharmacological efficiency. In mature summer leaves of Phlomis fruticosa several secretory cells and structures were detected. A spectrum of compounds was localized histochemically within them. Calluses produced from leaf-cell cultures were histochemically investigated as well. Callus cells, although of low-differentiation, are synthetically active and produce various compounds. Many of them could be of pharmaceutical interest. © 2007 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Serious actualism is the principle that, for every entity x and every property φ, it could not have been that x did not exist but had φ. The principle was called ‘serious actualism’ by A. Plantinga, who argued for it. Accepting it has serious consequences about how it is philosophically preferable to develop first-order modal logic. In the paper I show why some alleged counterexamples to the principle should not convince us, and then I offer three arguments for serious actualism and for the corresponding principle about relations. According to the first, by accepting those doctrines we avoid a serious difficulty when we try to explain when two properties, or two relations, coincide in extension. The second argument relies on some tenets about sets. The third improves upon Plantinga’s reasoning in favour of serious actualism. I then draw some conclusions about when a linguistic expression ought to be regarded as a predicate from a logical and semantic point of view. Finally, I discuss certain principles about time and space that are analogous to serious actualism.

Angiogenesis represents an essential step of disease progression in several haematological malignancies. Microvessel density is increased in 30% of patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM), but there is very limited information regarding the role of angiogenic cytokines in this disease. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF-A, angiogenin, angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and -2, and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were evaluated in 56 WM patients at different disease phases (24 untreated, 20 relapsed/refractory and 12 patients at remission) and 11 patients with immunoglobulin M type monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (IgM-MGUS). All patients had increased levels of angiogenin, VEGF, VEGF-A, and bFGF compared with controls. The Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio was reduced in WM but not in IgM-MGUS patients. Angiogenin levels correlated with disease status: when compared with healthy subjects, patients with IgM-MGUS and untreated WM patients had increased angiogenin serum levels, which were higher in untreated WM patients than in MGUS. WM patients at remission had lower angiogenin serum levels compared with untreated patients, but these levels were increased again in active disease post-therapy. Angiogenin also correlated with albumin levels, while VEGF-A correlated with β2-microglobulin (β2M). Ang-1/Ang-2 ratio showed a strong, negative correlation with β2M, and positive correlation with albumin, haemoglobin and lymphadenopathy. Our results indicate a potential use of angiogenin levels for follow-up in WM and angiogenic molecules as targets for the development of novel anti-WM agents. © 2007 The Authors.

Grape allergy is considered rare; grape lipid transfer protein (LTP; Vit v 1), an endochitinase and a thaumatin-like protein (TLP) have been reported as grape allergens. A considerable number of patients have referred to our department for severe reactions to grapes, and several IgE binding proteins were detected.|The aim of this study was to identify and characterise the allergens involved in severe allergic reactions to grapes and describe the population in which they occur.|Patients with reported severe allergic reactions to grapes (n = 37) are described. Grape allergens were purified/fractionated by a combination of chromatographic techniques, identified by proteomic analysis and biochemically characterised. Immunoreactivity was assessed by blot (inhibitions) and RAST (inhibitions), and skin prick tests were performed with the isolated allergens.|All subjects were polyallergic, sensitised and reactive to several additional foods and pollen. All patients were sensitised to grape LTP. A 28-kDa expansin, a 37.5-kDa polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein, a 39-kDa beta-1,3-glucanase and a 60-kDa protein were identified as minor grape allergens. Endochitinase and TLP did not play a role. Inhibition experiments revealed the possible cross-reactive role of LTP for clinical sensitivities to other LTP-containing plant foods, but also the involvement of cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants of minor allergens in IgE cross-reactivity.|LTP is the major grape allergen, while additional minor allergens may contribute to clinical reactivity. Severe grape allergy presents in atopic patients who frequently react to other LTP-containing, plant-derived foods. The 'LTP syndrome' is the appropriate term to describe this condition.

Objectives: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T regulatory cells (Tregs) have been associated with prognosis in ovarian cancer, but their prognostic significance in ascites has not been studied. We performed a prospective study of T lymphocytes isolated from ascites from patients with ovarian carcinoma and we compared them with the respective populations in blood and tumors. Methods: Mononuclear cells from ascites (n = 71) and blood were isolated by Ficoll, while tumor lymphocytes (n = 20) were obtained upon mechanical dissociation. Phenotypic analysis was performed with flow cytometry. Ascites from 10 patients with cirrhosis was used as control. Results: Tregs containing CD4+CD25+ cells, NK-T containing CD3+CD56+ cells and CD69 and HLADR expression of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes were significantly increased in tumor ascites compared to blood and control ascites. A selective accumulation of these populations in the ascites of cancer patients, was suggested by the significantly higher ascites/blood (A/B) ratios in cancer patients but not controls. Cancer cell content in ascites was correlated with CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD69+, CD4+HLADR+ and CD8+CD69+ cells. There was no correlation of lymphocyte populations between ascites and samples from peritoneal metastases. Higher tumor grade was associated with increased A/B CD4+CD25+ ratio and reduced CD3+CD56+ cells, while platinum resistance was associated with reduced A/B CD3+CD56+ ratio. Conclusions: There are significant differences of CD3+CD56+ and CD25+CD4+ lymphocytes and increase in lymphocyte activation between blood, ascites and peritoneal metastases from patients with ovarian cancer. The selective accumulation of CD3+CD56+ population in ascites may be a predictive factor for platinum resistance. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In this study an attempt is made to investigate the impact of the urban heat island (UHI) effect on the energy consumption of a building using both, an accurate, extensively validated, transient simulation model and a neural network one. The energy consumption is calculated for a typical building during the summer period at 20 different sites of the Greater Athens area with the aid of the TRNSYS model. It was found that the UHI affects significantly the thermal behaviour of the building, implying much lower cooling load cost and energy cost in the suburban areas. A neural network model was then appropriately designed and tested for the estimation of the energy consumption, employing as an input, the UHI intensity. The results of both methods were tested and compared and it was found that there is a good agreement between the cooling rate values calculated by the TRNSYS programme and those derived by the neural model. Moreover, the employment of the neural model helped in quantifying the contribution of each input parameter in the calculation of the cooling rate, and it was demonstrated that the UHI effect is a predominant parameter, affecting considerably the energy consumption of a building in the Mediterranean region. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A statistical downscaling technique based on artificial neural network (ANN) was employed for the estimation of local changes on seasonal (winter, spring) precipitation and raindays for selected stations over Greece. Empirical transfer functions were derived between large-scale predictors from the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis and local rainfall parameters. Two sets of predictors were used: (1) the circulation-based 500 hPa and (2) its combination along with surface specific humidity and raw precipitation data (nonconventional predictor). The simulated time series were evaluated against observational data and the downscaling model was found efficient in generating winter and spring precipitation and raindays. The temporal evolution of the estimated variables was well captured, for both seasons. Generally, the use of the nonconventional predictors are attributed to the improvement of the simulated results. Subsequently, the present day and future changes on precipitation conditions were examined using large-scale data from the atmospheric general circulation model HadAM3P to the statistical model. The downscaled climate change signal for both precipitation and raindays, partly for winter and especially for spring, is similar to the signal from the HadAM3P direct ouput: a decrease of the parameters is predicted over the study area. However, the amplitude of the changes was different. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.

In the present paper the differential equation of the temporal development of a landform (mountain) with a time dependent diffusion coefficient is solved. It is shown that the shape and dimensions of the landform at time t are independent of the specific variation of the diffusion coefficient with time; they only depend on the mean value of the diffusion coefficient in the time interval where the erosion process takes place. Studying the behaviour of the solution of the differential equation in the wave number domain, it is concluded that Fourier analysis may help in estimating, in quantitative terms, the initial dimensions, the age or, alternatively, the value of the diffusion coefficient of the landform. The theoretical predictions are tested on a hill of the southern part of the Ural mountainous region, in order to show how the results of the mathematical analysis can be used in describing, in quantitative terms, the morphological development of landforms due to erosion processes.

The article responds to the emerging need for a general framework for ELF (English as a lingua franca) teacher education that would appropriately inform and sensitize ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) practi-tioners about ELF teaching matters. The teacher education model put forward is based on the transformative framework for adult education suggested by Mezirow and has five phases. The framework aims at bringing about the much-needed paradigm shift in postmodern ESOL pedagogy by transform-ing ESOL teachers' worldviews about English and English language pedagogy and empowering them in bringing about the necessary changes in their own teaching context.

Anelasticity of the Earth crucially affects the propagation of seismic waves especially, in the long period range. However, even though the elastic properties of the Aegean deep lithosphère and upper mantle have been thoroughly investigated, their quantitative anelastic properties that influence the long period wavefield are still largely unknown. This work is towards contributing to the better knowledge of the deep structure of the Aegean by introducing experimental anelastic parameters via the study of long period Rayleigh waves attenuation. For this scope, fundamental mode attenuation coefficients (γ%) have been obtained for different two-station great-circle paths across the Aegean. The data used were provided by a broadband array installed in the area for 6 months in 1997. More than 1100 seismograms were analyzed in the 10-100 s range to obtain 17 sets of path average γR(T) functions. The attenuation coefficients are in the range 2.5*10~3 — 0.15 x 10' km' and correlate sufficiently with both experimental measurements in active tectonic regions elsewhere and synthetics generated with the use of an attenuation reference model inferred from other sources. By applying a stochastic uncoupled causal inversion method an average joint Qß'1 and shear velocity model representative of the under study area was obtained. Furthermore, path average JR(T) functions were combined in a continuous regionalization tomographic scheme to obtain local yR(T) and tomograms were constructed in the range 10-60 s. The most prominent feature in the tomograms is a high attenuation region in the central and north Aegean. This region is located south of the North Anatolian Trough and correlates well with a low shear velocity zone inferred from surface wave phase velocities. Moreover, it is associated with observed intense extensional deformation rates, mantle olivine anisotropy, recent volcanism and high heat flow.

Anelasticity of the Earth crucially affects the propagation of seismic waves especially, in the long period range. However, even though the elastic properties of the Aegean deep lithosphère and upper mantle have been thoroughly investigated, their quantitative anelastic properties that influence the long period wavefield are still largely unknown. This work is towards contributing to the better knowledge of the deep structure of the Aegean by introducing experimental anelastic parameters via the study of long period Rayleigh waves attenuation. For this scope, fundamental mode attenuation coefficients (γ%) have been obtained for different two-station great-circle paths across the Aegean. The data used were provided by a broadband array installed in the area for 6 months in 1997. More than 1100 seismograms were analyzed in the 10-100 s range to obtain 17 sets of path average γR(T) functions. The attenuation coefficients are in the range 2.5*10~3 — 0.15 x 10' km' and correlate sufficiently with both experimental measurements in active tectonic regions elsewhere and synthetics generated with the use of an attenuation reference model inferred from other sources. By applying a stochastic uncoupled causal inversion method an average joint Qß'1 and shear velocity model representative of the under study area was obtained. Furthermore, path average JR(T) functions were combined in a continuous regionalization tomographic scheme to obtain local yR(T) and tomograms were constructed in the range 10-60 s. The most prominent feature in the tomograms is a high attenuation region in the central and north Aegean. This region is located south of the North Anatolian Trough and correlates well with a low shear velocity zone inferred from surface wave phase velocities. Moreover, it is associated with observed intense extensional deformation rates, mantle olivine anisotropy, recent volcanism and high heat flow.

We performed spectroscopy of four optical nova candidates in M31 using the Russian 6-m telescope and the SCORPIO spectrograph. The spectral range was 380-755 nm, and the spectral resolution was 1.34 nm. M31N 2007-07b (E. Ovcharov, et al., ATel#1139): The exposure was taken between 2007 July 19.925 and 19.957 UT about 10 days after the discovery. Balmer emission lines are dominant. The value of FWHM(Halpha) corrected for instrumental profile and EW(Halpha) are 1600 km/s and -71 nm, correspondingly.

Half-metallic Heusler alloys are amongst the most promising materials for future magneto-electronic applications. We review some recent results on the electronic properties of these compounds. The origin of the gap in these half-metallic alloys and its connection to the magnetic properties are well understood. Changing the lattice parameter slightly shifts the Fermi level. Spin-orbit coupling induces states within the gap but the alloys keep a very high degree of spin polarization at the Fermi level. Small degrees of doping and disorder as well as defects with low formation energy have little effect on the properties of the gap, while temperature effects can lead to a quick loss of half-metallicity. Finally, we discuss two special issues: the case of quaternary Heusler alloys and the half-metallic ferrimagnets.

Under an in-plane magnetic field, the density of states of quasi-two-dimensional carriers deviates from the occasionally stereotypic step-like form both quantitatively and qualitatively. Here we study how this affects the spin-subband populations and the spin-polarization as functions of the temperature, T, and the in-plane magnetic field, B, for narrow to wide dilute-magnetic-semiconductor quantum wells. We examine a wide range of material and structural parameters, focusing on the quantum well width, the magnitude of the spin-spin exchange interaction, and the sheet carrier concentration. Generally, increasing T, the carrier spin-splitting, Uoσ, decreases, augmenting the influence of the “minority”-spin carriers. Increasing B, Uoσ, increases and, accordingly, carriers populate “majority”-spin subbands while they abandon “minority”-spin subbands. Furthermore, in line with the density of states modification, all energetically higher subbands become gradually depopulated. We also indicate the ranges where the system is completely spin-polarized.

We report on the transport and magnetic properties of hybrid trilayers (TL's) and bilayers (BL's) that consist of low spin-polarized Ni80Fe20 exhibiting in-plane but no uniaxial anisotropy and low-T-c Nb. We reveal a magnetoresistance effect of magnitude identical to the ones that were reported in Pena [Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 57002 (2005)] for TL's consisting of highly spin-polarized La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 and high-T-c YBa2Cu3O7. The presented effect is pronounced when compared to the one reported in Rusanov [Phys. Rev. B 73, 060505(R) (2006)] for Ni80Fe20-Nb-Ni80Fe20 TL's of strong in-plane uniaxial anisotropy. In our TL's the magnetoresistance exhibits an increase of two orders of magnitude when the superconducting state is reached: from the conventional normal-state values Delta R/R(nor)x100%=0.6% it goes up to Delta R/R(nor)x100%=45% (Delta R/R(min)x100%=1000%) for temperatures below T-c(SC). In contrast, in the BL's the effect is only minor since from Delta R/R(nor)x100%=3% in the normal state increases only to Delta R/R(nor)x100%=8% (Delta R/R(min)x100%=70%) for temperatures below T-c(SC). Magnetization data of both the longitudinal and transverse magnetic components are presented. Most importantly, we present data not only for the normal state of Nb but also in its superconducting state. Strikingly, these data show that below its T-c(SC) the Nb interlayer under the influence of the outer Ni80Fe20 layers attains a magnetization component transverse to the external field. By comparing the transport and magnetization data we propose a candidate mechanism that could motivate the pronounced magnetoresistance effect observed in the TL's. Adequate magnetostatic coupling of the outer Ni80Fe20 layers is motivated by stray fields that emerge naturally in their whole surface due to the multidomain magnetic structure that they attain near coercivity. Consequently, the stray fields penetrate the Nb interlayer and suppress its superconducting properties by primarily (secondarily) exceeding its lower (upper) critical field. Atomic force microscopy is employed in order to examine the possibility that such magnetostatic coupling could be promoted by interface roughness. Referring to the BL's, although out-of-plane rotation of the magnetization of the single Ni80Fe20 layer is still observed, in these structures magnetostatic coupling does not occur due to the absence of a second Ni80Fe20 one so that the observed magnetoresistance peaks are only modest.

The Group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2 (GIVA cPLA2) is a key provider of substrates for the production of eicosanoids and platelet-activating factor. We explored the structure−activity relationship of 2-oxoamide-based compounds and GIVA cPLA2 inhibition. The most potent inhibitors are derived from δ- and γ-amino acid-based 2-oxoamides. The optimal side-chain moiety is a short nonpolar aliphatic chain. All of the newly developed 2-oxoamides as well as those previously described have now been tested with the human Group V secreted PLA2 (GV sPLA2) and the human Group VIA calcium-independent PLA2 (GVIA iPLA2). Only one 2-oxoamide compound had appreciable inhibition of GV sPLA2, and none of the potent GIVA cPLA2 inhibitors inhibited either GV sPLA2 or GVIA iPLA2. Two of these specific GIVA cPLA2 inhibitors were also found to have potent therapeutic effects in animal models of pain and inflammation at dosages well below the control nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The article examines the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of the Greek version of the Student-Teacher Relationship Scale (STRS; Pianta, 2001), as well as the quality of this relationship in preadolescents. A large body of relevant research has examined the relationship between students and teachers during the preschool and early childhood years. ln this study, 28 teachers completed the STRS and the adaptive functioning subscale of the Teacher's Report Form for their 502 students (fifth and sixth graders). The results showed that STRS exhibited adequate internal consistency and low standard error of measurement. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the three factors of the scale -conflict, closeness, and dependency- in the Greek sample of preadolescents. However, the student-teacher relationship presented a somewhat different picture compared to the U.S.A. samples of young students. For example, closeness and dependency were somewhat likely to co-exist in teachers' representations of relationships. Dependency shared little variance with the total relationship score and age and gender differences were observed. The expected findings emerged for the links with adaptive functioning. For example, conflict was the strongest (negative) correlate of adaptive functioning. The developmental implications of these data for the student-teacher relationship during preadolescence are discussed.

We present the basic notions of the "Supercritical Pile" model of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs). This model is motivated by the need for a process that provides the dissipation necessary in GRBs and presents a well defined scheme for converting the energy stored in the relativistic protons of the Relativistic Blast Waves (RBW) associated with GRB into radiation; at the same time it leads to spectra which exhibit a peak in the burst νFν distribution at an energy Ep ≃ 1 MeV in the observer's frame, in agreement with observation and largely independent of the Lorentz factor Γ of the associated relativistic outflow.

It is generally believed that superconductivity and magnetism are two antagonistic long-range phenomena. However, as was preliminarily highlighted in Stamopoulos et al (2007 Phys. Rev. B 75 014501), and extensively studied in this work, under specific circumstances these phenomena instead of being detrimental to each other may even become cooperative so that their synergy may promote the superconducting properties of a hybrid structure. Here, we have studied systematically the magnetic and transport behavior of such exchange biased hybrids that are comprised of ferromagnetic (FM) Ni80Fe20 and low-T-c superconducting (SC) Nb for the case where the magnetic field is applied parallel to the specimens. Two structures have been studied: FM-SC-FM trilayers (TLs) and FM-SC bilayers (BLs). Detailed magnetization data on the longitudinal and transverse magnetic components are presented for both the normal and superconducting states. These data are compared to systematic transport measurements including I-V characteristics. The comparison of the exchange biased BLs and TLs that are studied here with the plain ones studied in Stamopoulos et al (2007 Phys. Rev. B 75 184504) enable us to reveal an underlying parameter that may falsify the interpretation of the transport properties of relevant FM-SC-FM TLs and FM-SC BLs investigated in the recent literature: the underlying mechanism motivating the extreme magnetoresistance peaks in the TLs relates to the suppression of superconductivity mainly due to the magnetic coupling of the two FM layers as the out-of-plane rotation of their magnetizations takes place across the coercive field where stray fields emerge in their whole surface owing to the multidomain magnetic state that they acquire. The relative in-plane magnetization configuration of the outer FM layers exerts a secondary contribution on the SC interlayer. Since the exchange bias directly controls the in-plane magnetic order it also controls the out-of-plane rotation of the ferromagnets' magnetizations so that the magnetoresistance peaks may be tuned at will. All the contradictory experimental data reported in the recent literature are discussed fairly in the light of our results; based on a specific prerequisite we propose a phenomenological stray-field mechanism that efficiently explains the evolution of the magnetoresistance effect in TLs. Our experiments not only point out the need for a new theoretical treatment of FM-SC hybrids but also direct us toward the design of efficient supercurrent-switch elemental devices.

The aim of this study was to investigate children‘s perceptions (i.e. expectations) of the interventions that teachers should implement to deal with their loneliness. The role of significant others in children‘s attempts to cope with loneliness and the children‘s perceptions of that role have been neglected by researchers. A random sample of 180 second, fourth and sixth graders from Athens, the capital of Greece, were individually interviewed. Qualitative analysis using the ‘concept-indicator model‘ (Strauss, 1987) showed that school-age children have an adequate understanding of the loneliness alleviation strategies that teachers can and should use. The strategies may be distinguished into the two already known broad categories of coping, that is problem-focused or active coping strategies (i.e. manifestation of interest and care, intervention in the peer group, encouragement to approach peers and make friends, consultation for personal improvement, informing parents), and emotion-focused or avoidance coping strategies (i.e., emotion regulation, encouragement to engage in activities and inability to cope). Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the role of the teacher in alleviating loneliness, for school-based interventions with this purpose, as well as for their contribution in the existing knowledge about coping with loneliness strategies.

In an effort to investigate the deep geological structure in the broader area of central-western Attica, that suffered severe damage during the destructive Athens earthquake of September 7th, 1999, the Department of Geophysics-Geothermics of the Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment of Athens University, in collaboration with the Geodynamic Institute of National Observatory of Athens and the Department of Geological Sciences of Durham University, carried out a combined geophysical survey. For the first time in Attica, seismic and gravity geophysical methods were applied along profiles, in such an extensive scale. Within the framework of this investigation the following tasks were accomplished: a) Three (3) seismic lines of about 30 kilometres of total length, two (2) in the area of Thriassion plain and one (1) along the Parnitha-Krioneri-Drosia-Ekali-Dionysos axis (Attica plain) and b) 338 gravity measurements distributed along eight (8) gravity profiles, four (4) of which in Thriassion plain, three (3) in Petroupoli-Aharnes-Thrakomakedones region (Attica plain) and one (1) along Parnitha-Krioneri-Drosia-Ekali-Dionysos axis (Attica plain). Preliminary results of the geophysical investigation combined with existing geological and tectonic data are presented in this paper. Significant variation in the elevation of the alpine basement has been detected, expressed by manifestation of low and high subsurface areas which are well correlated with existing fault zones. In the area of Thriassion plain the thickness of post-alpine sediments is estimated of a few hundred meters (<500 meters) and huge thickness of several hundred meters (~800 meters) of post-alpine sediments were detected in Thrakemakedones and Krioneri areas. The relief of alpine basement is more intense in fault zones areas, such as Thriassion plain (WNW-ESE), Pathitha and Kifissos (NE-SW) as well as along the fault zone outline the Fili and Aharnes graben and is covered by postalpine formations.

Thalidomide - either alone or in combination with dexamethasone or chemotherapy - has shown significant activity in relapsed/refractory disease. When used in the induction regimens in untreated patients, it significantly increases the response rates as well progression-free survival. Moreover, thalidomide as a maintenance therapy has become a very attractive option. However, the toxicity profile of the drug, mainly neurotoxicity and thrombotic events, mandate careful monitoring of patients treated with thalidomide, whether as the first line, in the relapsed setting, or as maintenance. In this chapter we will review the pharmacology, mechanisms of action, and toxicity of the drug, and will focus on available data from clinical experience and randomized trials of thalidomide in the different settings of multiple myeloma: refractory/relapsed disease, upfront treatment in patients who are eligible for high-dose therapy as well as those who are not, and finally the use of thalidomide as a maintenance treatment. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We develop a fully quantum-mechanical theory for the interaction of light and electron–hole excitations in semiconductor quantum dots. Our theoretical analysis results in an expression for the photoluminescence intensity of quantum dots in the linear regime. Taking into account the single-particle Hamiltonian, the free-photon Hamiltonian, the electron–hole interaction Hamiltonian, and the interaction of carriers with light, and applying the Heisenberg equation of motion to the photon number expectation values, to the carrier distribution functions and to the correlation term between the photon generation (destruction) and electron–hole pair, we obtain a set of luminescence equations. Under quasi-equilibrium conditions, these equations become a closed-set of equations. We solve them analytically, in the linear regime, and we find an approximate solution of the incoherent photoluminescence intensity. The validity of the theoretical analysis is tested by investigating the emission spectra in the high-temperature regime, interpreting the experimental findings for the emission spectra of a lens-shaped In0.5Ga0.5As self-assembled quantum dot. Our theoretical predictions for the interlevel spacing as well as for the dephasing time caused by electron–longitudinal optical phonon interactions are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Light usually propagates inside transparent materials in well known ways. However, recent research has examined the possibility of modifying the way the light travels by taking a normal transparent dielectric and inserting tiny metallic inclusions of various shapes and arrangements. As light passes through these structures, oscillating electric currents are set up that generate electromagnetic field moments; these can lead to dramatic effects on the light propagation, such as negative refraction. Possible applications include lenses that break traditional diffraction limits and 'invisibility cloaks' (refs 5, 6). Significantly less research has focused on the potential of such structures for slowing, trapping and releasing light signals. Here we demonstrate theoretically that an axially varying heterostructure with a metamaterial core of negative refractive index can be used to efficiently and coherently bring light to a complete standstill. In contrast to previous approaches for decelerating and storing light, the present scheme simultaneously allows for high in-coupling efficiencies and broadband, room-temperature operation. Surprisingly, our analysis reveals a critical point at which the effective thickness of the waveguide is reduced to zero, preventing the light wave from propagating further. At this point, the light ray is permanently trapped, its trajectory forming a double light-cone that we call an 'optical clepsydra'. Each frequency component of the wave packet is stopped at a different guide thickness, leading to the spatial separation of its spectrum and the formation of a 'trapped rainbow'. Our results bridge the gap between two important contemporary realms of science - metamaterials and slow light. Combined investigations may lead to applications in optical data processing and storage or the realization of quantum optical memories. ©2007 Nature Publishing Group.

Background and Objectives: High-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation is currently the treatment of choice for selected patients with AL amyloidosis; however, new treatments are needed for patients who are ineligible for or relapse after this procedure. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor with proven activity in multiple myeloma, and the addition of dexamethasone results in superior outcome. We evaluated the activity and feasibility of the combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone (BD) in patients with AL amyloidosis. Design and Methods: Consecutive patients with histologically proven, symptomatic AL amyloidosis were treated with BD. Results: Eighteen patients, including seven who had relapsed or progressed after previous therapies were treated with BD. Eleven (61%) patients had two or more organs involved; kidneys and heart were affected in 14 and 15 patients, respectively. The majority of patients had impaired performance status and high brain natriuretic peptide values; serum creatinine was elevated in six patients. Among evaluable patients, 94% had a hematologic response and 44% a hematologic complete response, including all five patients who had not responded to prior high dose dexamethasone-based treatment and one patient under dialysis. Five patients (28%) had a response in at least one affected organ. Hematologic responses were rapid (median 0.9 months) and median time to organ response was 4 months. Neurotoxicity, fatigue, peripheral edema, constipation and exacerbation of postural hypotension were manageable although necessitated dose adjustment or treatment discontinuation in 11 patients. Interpretation and Conclusions: The combination of BD is feasible in patients with AL amyloidosis. Patients achieve a rapid hematologic response and toxicity can be managed with close follow-up and appropriate dose adjustment. This treatment may be a valid option for patients with severe heart or kidney impairment. ©2007 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is defined by bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and by production of monoclonal IgM. Treatment is employed only to symptomatic patients. Alkylating agents (chlorambucil), nucleoside analogues and rituximab are reasonable choices for primary therapy. Combination therapy either with nucleoside analogues with alkylating agents and/or rituximab or rituximab with chemotherapy such as CHOP or cyclophosphamide are also reasonable frontline treatment options for WM patients. Several factors should be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate primary treatment. These factors include the age of the patient and possible co-morbidities, the presence of cytopenias and especially thrombocytopenia, the presence of symptoms and signs indicative of hyperviscosity, the need for rapid disease control due to severe symptoms, significant splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy, symptomatic peripheral neuropathy and whether the patient is candidate for autologous stem cell transplantation. For patients with refractory or relapsing disease, the use of an alternate first-line agent is reasonable. Outside the setting of a clinical trial, the administration of high-dose therapy should be reserved only for patients refractory to alkylating agents, purine nucleoside and rituximab. For patients who develop resistance to all three classes of agents, alemtuzumab, thalidomide with or without dexamethasone or bortezomib could be tried. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2007.

Proteins that are expressed by both malignant and healthy fetal tissues are recognized as oncofetal. These antigens are associated with cell proliferation and differentiation and are produced in high concentrations in pregnancy and malignancy. Their biological role in malignancy is the suppression of the host's immune system, while in pregnancy they affect the maternal immune response, generating maternal tolerance toward the embryo. This review describes the levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA), tissue polypeptide-specific antigen (TPS), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in maternal serum (MS), umbilical cord serum (UC), and amniotic fluid (AF) and outlines their roles in the assessment of pregnancy and malignancy. All antigens studied, except CA 15-3, are oncofetal. The presence of considerable concentrations of AFP, hCG, CEA, CA125, SCC, MCA, TPS, CA 19-9, and PSA in AF during pregnancy may be attributed to their involvement in biological functions associated with fetal development, differentiation, and maturation. MS CEA, CA 15-3, and CA 19-9, in contrast to all the others, are not influenced significantly by pregnancy and thus remain reliable tumor markers in monitoring malignancy in pregnant patients. Copyright © 2007 Informa Healthcare.

Objectives: Adjuvant carboplatin is used as adjuvant therapy in Stage I testicular seminoma. Although cure is the rule, relapses still occur, especially in high-risk populations. We report the results of a risk-adapted strategy by the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Methods: From 1996 to 2003, 64 patients with Stage I seminoma and one of two risk factors (maximal tumor diameter greater than 4 cm and/or age younger than 34 years) were prospectively included in a protocol of adjuvant chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of two 3-week courses of etoposide 120 mg/m2 and cisplatin 40 mg/m2 for three consecutive days with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Results: Of the 64 patients, 43 (67%) were younger than 34 years and 55 (86%) had a tumor diameter greater than 4 cm. Neutropenia and nausea and vomiting were the most frequent grade 3 or 4 toxicities (16.5% and 9.5%, respectively), apart from alopecia. After a median follow-up of 60 months (range 7 to 118), no disease relapses have occurred. A metachronous testicular carcinoma has been reported. One patient died of causes unrelated to his disease. Conclusions: The results of our study have shown that two cycles of etoposide and cisplatin is an effective and safe form of adjuvant therapy for Stage I testicular seminoma. Risk factors can be used to identify patients who could benefit from etoposide and cisplatin treatment. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aims:We study the acceleration and radiation of charged particles in the shock waves of supernova remnants using a recent version of the "box model". According to this, particles are accelerated in an energy-dependent region around the shock by the first order Fermi mechanism and lose energy through radiation. Methods: The particle distribution function is obtained from a spatially averaged kinetic equation that treats the energy losses self-consistently. There exists also a second population that consists of those particles that escape behind the shock where they also radiate. The energy distribution of this population is calculated in a similar manner. Results: The application of the model to the supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946, which was recently confirmed as a TeV source by HESS, shows that the X-ray emission can be attributed to electron synchrotron radiation while in γ-rays there are contributions from both electrons and protons, with protons playing the dominant role. Additionally, there are strong indications that particles diffuse in turbulence that has a Kolmogorov spectrum.

We developed a method for fabricating ultra-thin (18-80 nm) light emitting amorphous films with embedded silicon nanocrystals by anodization of bulk crystalline Si in the transition regime between porosification and electropolishing using short mono-pulses of anodization current. The size of the nanocrystals decreased with increasing current density and it was in the range of 3-7 nm with current densities in the range of 130-390 mA cm-2. At the highest current density used the film/substrate interface was very sharp, while at lower current densities the interface contained nanostructured silicon spikes protruding from the substrate into the amorphous film. The samples were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence. © IOP Publishing Ltd.

Background: We have previously demonstrated that vincristine, liposomal doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD-doxil) is equally effective with VAD-bolus yielding objective response rates of 61% as first-line treatment in multiple myeloma (MM). In a phase II study, the addition of thalidomide to VAD-doxil (TVAD-doxil) proved feasible and increased response rate to 74%. The aim of the present multicenter prospective randomized clinical trial was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of VAD-doxil and TVAD-doxil in previously untreated MM patients. Patients and methods: We enrolled 232 newly diagnosed MM patients aged <75 years, 115 randomized to VAD-doxil (arm A) and 117 to TVAD-doxil (arm B). Patients in arm A received vincristine 2 mg i.v. and liposomal doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 i.v., on day 1 and dexamethasone 40 mg p.o. daily on days 1-4, 9-12 and 17-20 for the first cycle and on days 1-4 for the next three cycles. Patients in arm B received additionally thalidomide 200 mg p.o. daily, at bedtime. Treatment was administered every 28 days. Results: On an intention-to-treat basis, at least partial response was observed, in 62.6% and in 81.2% of patients randomized to arms A and B, respectively (P = 0.003). Progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 years was 44.8% in arm A and 58.9% in arm B (P = 0.013). Overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 64.6% and 77%, in arms A and B, respectively (P = 0.037). Considering overall toxicity, constipation, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness/somnolence, skin rash and edema were significantly higher in arm B compared with arm A (P < 0.01), but grade 3-4 toxicities were low and similar in both arms. Conclusions: The addition of thalidomide to VAD-doxil increases response and PFS rates and probably OS in previously untreated myeloma patients. The superiority of efficacy counterbalances the higher overall toxicity of TVAD-doxil. © 2007 European Society for Medical Oncology.

Respiratory viral infections have been implicated in the origin of, protection from and exacerbation of allergy-related symptoms in a variety of ways. Viral infections are closely linked to infantile wheezing. Severe bronchiolitis in early infancy may predispose to chronic childhood asthma as well as allergic sensitization; alternatively it could represent a marker of susceptible individuals. In contrast, repeated mild infections in early life may have a protective role in the development of asthma or atopy by driving the immune system towards Th1 responses. However, evidence on this hypothesis is not consistent as far as respiratory viruses are concerned. Several factors, including the presence of an atopic environment, timing of exposure and severity of the infection, interactively contribute to the allergy-infection relationship. In the present report, recent data on the role of viral infections in the development and progression of allergy and asthma are reviewed.

This theoretical study presents an overview of the links between bullying / victimization and loneliness during childhood. Bullying and victimization are conceptually clarified and research evidence is briefly reviewed about bullying and victimization as risk factors for children's mental health. Next, this study focuses on the links between bullying / victimization and loneli­ness mainly in the school context. Complex paths leading from bullying / vic­timization to loneliness and vice versa, and developmental trajectories of this association emerged from the existing concurrent and longitudinal data. Finally, some research implications for prevention and intervention efforts aiming at reducing bullying in school are discussed.

Η απόφαση του ΣτΕ  2738/06 παραπέμπει στην Ολομέλεια του Δικαστηρίου το ζήτημα αν, στην περίπτωση της έκτακτης νοσηλείας το ΙΚΑ υποχρεούται να αποδώσει στον ασφαλισμένο το νοσήλιο που κατέβαλε με βάση το πραγματικό τιμολόγιο νοσηλείας ή αν η υποχρέωσή του περιορίζεται στην απόδοση του προβλεπόμενου από τον νόμο (κρατικού) τιμολογίου νοσηλείας. Το ΣτΕ δέχεται ότι προσκρούει στην αρχή της ισότητας η απόδοση της δαπάνης για επείγουσα νοσηλεία ασφαλισμένου στην ημεδαπή με βάση το κρατικό τιμολόγιο, ενώ για νοσηλεία ασφαλισμένου στην αλλοδαπή αποδίδεται η πραγματική δαπάνη.  Η απόφαση αυτή δεν θα κατέληγε στις παραπάνω –εσφαλμένες- κρίσεις, αν είχε διακρίνει τις ρυθμίσεις που αφορούν στις σχέσεις μεταξύ του ασφαλισμένου και του ασφαλιστικού του οργανισμού (έννομη σχέση δημοσίου δικαίου) από τις ρυθμίσεις που αφορούν στις σχέσεις του ασφαλισμένου με το ιδιωτικό νοσοκομείο στο οποίο εισήχθη εκτάκτως (συμβατική σχέση, η οποία ως προς τη χρέωση διέπεται από κανόνες αναγκαστικού δικαίου, όπως η υποχρέωση του ιδιωτικού μη συμβεβλημένου νοσοκομείου να δεχθεί το έκτακτο περιστατικό και να χρεώσει τη νοσηλεία του με βάση το κρατικό τιμολόγιο).  Το πρόβλημα στην υπόθεση επί της οποίας έχει εκδοθεί η παραπάνω απόφαση ανακύπτει, επειδή το ιδιωτικό νοσοκομείο παράνομα χρέωσε τον ασφαλισμένο και όχι επειδή η νομοθεσία του ασφαλιστικού οργανισμού δεν εξασφαλίζει την προστασία της υγείας του ασφαλισμένου. Τα τυχόν παράπονα του νοσοκομείου στην περίπτωση που το τιμολόγιο νοσηλείας δεν λαμβάνει υπόψη το κόστος παραγωγής ορθολογικά οργανωμένης επιχειρήσεως και το εύλογο ποσοστό κέρδους εξετάζονται στο πλαίσιο άλλης δίκης μεταξύ του νοσοκομείου και του Δημοσίου. Τέλος, τα δικαιώματα του ασφαλισμένου που στην περίπτωση της έκτακτης εισαγωγής του σε ιδιωτικό νοσοκομείο κατέβαλε (ως μη είχε υποχρέωση) το πραγματικό νοσήλιο κρίνονται σε δίκη μεταξύ του ασφαλισμένου και του ιδιωτικού νοσοκομείου με βάση τις διατάξεις περί αδικοπραξιών και σε κάθε περίπτωση περί αδικαιολογήτου πλουτισμού.De lege ferenda, προτείνεται ο ασφαλιστικός οργανισμός να αποδίδει στον ασφαλισμένο το πραγματικό νοσήλιο που τυχόν κατέβαλε στο ιδιωτικό νοσοκομείο και να υποκαθίσταται στα δικαιώματα του ασφαλισμένου έναντι του ιδιωτικού νοσοκομείου. 

The aim of this research study was to examine the associations between teacher and student academic and personal support, cooperation, and academic self-esteem during late childhood. Participants were 221 fifth- and sixth-grade children from Athens. They completed six subscales of the Classroom Life Measure (Johnson, Johnson, Buckman, & Richards, 1985). Results showed the expected positive links among all the above variables. Correlations varied as a function of the source and type of support. When low/high cooperation and low/high academic self-esteem groups were distinguished, the associations proved to be robust. Age differences were not found, but correlations were significantly higher for girls than for boys. Results are discussed in the framework of the existing literature on the links among these facets of classroom life, and some suggestions for educational practice are made.

In this study an attempt was made to provide conceptual, methodological, and developmental clarifications of social withdrawal in childhood. The existing research data on the various types of social withdrawal are reviewed, and several types of social withdrawal are defined. Related concepts, such as behavioral inhibition, shyness, and reticence, as well as the types of solitude (i.e., aloneness, loneliness, and constructive aloneness) are also defined. Social withdrawal is differentiated from sociometric neglect and sociometric rejection. Motivational issues (i.e., approach-avoidance) are discussed in order to achieve further definitional clarity. From a methodological viewpoint, the most frequently used techniques (observation and questionnaires for educators and peers) for the assessment of the various types of social withdrawal are reviewed, and some of their limitations are noted. Lastly, developmental clarifications are provided through a review of the extant research on the stability of different types of social withdrawal over time, their developmental trajectories, their correlates and consequences (e.g., their association with internalizing problems), possible mediator variables, and the role of gender and culture. Conclusions are drawn for the current status and for the future of research on social withdrawal in childhood.

Στη μελέτη αυτή εξετάζονται: Πρώτον, οι απόψεις της θεωρίας και της νομολογίας ως προς τη σχέση των ιδιωτικού δικαίου ασφαλιστικών οργανισμών με τους δημοσίου δικαίου και υποστηρίζεται ότι η έννοια του κοινωνικοασφαλιστικού οργανισμού προσδιορίζεται με βάση το λειτουργικό κριτήριο και όχι με βάση το οργανικό που ακολουθεί το ΣτΕ. Δεύτερον, το ΠΕ 240/2006 αντιπαρέρχεται κρίσιμα λογικά, μεθοδολογικά και νομικά ζητήματα και με άλμα λογικής καταλήγει στο συμπέρασμά του εκλαμβάνοντας το ζητούμενο ως αποδεδειγμένο.  

Με την σχολιαζόμενη απόφαση κρίνεται ότι η θεμελίωση συνταξιοδοτικού δικαιώματος με ευνοϊκότερα όρια ηλικίας και χρονικές προϋποθέσεις για τις γυναίκες ασφαλισμένες του Ταμείου Νομικών από αυτά που ισχύουν για τους άνδρες ασφαλισμένους συνιστά αδικαιολόγητη διάκριση με βάση το φύλο και αντίκειται στις διατάξεις 4 παρ. 2 και 116 του ισχύοντος Συντάγματος που κατοχυρώνουν την ισότητα των δικαιωμάτων και των υποχρεώσεων των ανδρών και των γυναικών. Η ανωτέρω απόφαση πάντως δεν στηρίζεται στην ευρωπαϊκή νομοθεσία για την ίση ασφαλιστική μεταχείριση των φύλων. Η απόφαση έχει ισχυρή μειοψηφία, σύμφωνα με την οποία η αδικαιολόγητη υπέρ των γυναικών άνιση μεταχείριση δεν είναι δυνατόν να επεκταθεί και στους άνδρες ασφαλισμένους και πρέπει απλώς να καταργηθεί. Το θέμα της επεκτάσεως της ευνοϊκότερης ρυθμίσεως στη μειονεκτούσα ομάδα έχει απασχολήσει από ετών το ΣτΕ. Η κρατούσα νομολογία δέχεται το επεκτατικό αποτέλεσμα για τρεις λόγους. Πρώτον, επειδή θεωρεί ότι η ισότητα των φύλων κατά το Σύνταγμα και κατά το ευρωπαϊκό κοινοτικό δίκαιο είναι δημιουργική, δηλαδή τα θιγόμενα πρόσωπα έχουν το δικαίωμα να αξιώνουν δικαστικώς την επέκταση των ευνοϊκότερων διατάξεων. Δεύτερον, επειδή πρόκειται για ουσιαστικές διαφορές και οι προσφεύγοντες επιδιώκουν την αναγνώριση και τη διάπλαση ιδίου δικαιώματος και όχι τη μη εφαρμογή του νόμου ως ανίσχυρου και τρίτον, επειδή έτσι συμβαδίζει με τη νομολογία του ΔΕΚ και του ΑΠ για θέματα ίσης μεταχειρίσεως των φύλων που δέχονται επίσης το επεκτατικό αποτέλεσμα. Εξάλλου, και ο νομοθέτης έχει δεχθεί το επεκτατικό αποτέλεσμα θεσπίζοντας το άρθρο 62 του Ν. 2676/1999 για τη σύνταξη του χήρου ή της χήρας σε περίπτωση θανάτου του/της συζύγου τους. Υποστηρίζω ότι η άποψη της μειοψηφίας δεν είναι ορθή και δεν αιτιολογείται επαρκώς σε σχέση με όσα κάνει δεκτά η από ετών κρατούσα για το θέμα νομολογία

Ἕνα ἀπὸ τὰ σημαντικώτερα ἰσραηλινὰ πανεπιστημιακὰ Ἰνστιτοῦτα Στρατηγικῶν Σπουδῶν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, τὸ Begin-Sadat Center of Strategic Studies/Bar Ilan University-Tel Aviv ἐφιλοξένησε σειρὰ ἐπιστημονικῶν ἡμερίδων μὲ ἐπιφανεῖς εἰσηγητὲς καὶ θέμα τὸ «πρόβλημα τοῦ Κοσσόβου». Τὸ ὑλικὸ ὅμως τὸ ὁποῖον ἐπέλεξε νὰ δημοσιεύσει καὶ νὰ ἀναρτήσει στὸ διαδίκτυον ἦταν αὐτὸ τῆς εἰσηγήσεως τῶν James Jatras, διευθυντοῦ τοῦ Ἀμερικανικοῦ Συμβουλίου γιὰ τὸ Κόσσοβο στὴν Οὐάσιγκτων, καὶ πρῴην διπλωμάτου καὶ ἀνωτέρου ἐρευνητοῦ τῆς US Senate Republican Policy Committee καὶ Serge Trifkovic, ὑπευθύνου συντάξεως γιὰ θέματα ἐξωτερικῶν ὑποθέσεων τῆς ἐπιθεωρήσεως Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture ποὺ ἐκδίδεται ἀπὸ τὸ The Rockford Institute καὶ συγγραφέως τοῦ προσφάτου «Defeating Jihad: How the War on Terror May Yet Be Won, in Spite of Ourselves». Οἱ δύο σημαντικοὶ ἀναλυτὲς ὑποστηρίζουν σχετικῶς μὲ τὴν ὑπόθεση ἀνεξαρτητοποιήσεως τοῦ Κοσσόβου ὅτι ἡ ἰσχυρὰ ἀμερικανικὴ ὑποστήριξις γιὰ τὴν ἀνεξαρτησία τοῦ Κοσσόβου εἶναι ἐπιζήμια γιὰ τὰ συμφέροντα τοῦ Ἰσραήλ. Στο παρόν κείμενο, εξετάζονται: Τὸ ‘‘Ἀνεξάρτητο’’ Κόσσοβο σε συνάρτηση με τὰ Ζητήματα Ἀσφαλείας τοῦ Κράτους τοῦ Ἰσραὴλ.

Serum levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) and bone remodelling markers were evaluated in 38 patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) and correlated with clinical and laboratory variables. MIP-1α was elevated in WM; untreated patients had higher MIP-1α levels than patients in remission or with active disease after treatment. MIP-1α correlated with increased bone resorption, β2- microglobulin and splenomegaly. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand serum levels were elevated in WM patients; the subsequent increased bone resorption was balanced by a comparable elevation of osteoprotegerin production and bone formation. These findings may explain the absence of lytic lesions in WM patients and suggest a potential role of MIP-1α in WM. © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The purpose of this study was to examine the usefulness and the validity of spiral computerized tomography (CT) in assessing acute segmental intestinal ischemia. We present the spiral CT imaging findings in surgically proven cases of intestinal ischemia. 46 patients were admitted to our facility over a five-year period with suspicion of acute enteric ischemia. 34 were first examined with spiral CT and underwent surgery. In 24 of the 34 patients (sensitivity 70.6%), at least one imaging finding specific for segmental intestinal ischemia was recognised (true positive examinations). Spiral-CT examination demonstrated non-specific or normal findings in 7 out of 34 patients with proven intestinal ischemia (20.6% false negative studies). In conclusion, spiral CT can be used in the investigation of patients with suspected acute intestinal ischemia to confirm or suggest the diagnosis or exclude other potential diagnoses.

Purpose.: Ovarian clear-cell carcinomas (OCCC) are known to be possibly resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy and to have a poorer prognosis with respect to other subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). This study was undertaken to compare response and survival to platinum-based chemotherapy between patients with advanced stage III and IV OCCC and serous EOC (sEOC). Patients and methods.: A retrospective analysis was performed in patients with advanced stage of OCCC treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in the context of several study protocols of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG) between 1/2/1987 and 31/10/2003. The outcome was compared to that of patients with sEOC treated according to the same protocols during the same study period. Results.: One hundred and five patients (35 stage III and IV OCCC, 70 stage III and IV sEOC) treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were analyzed. The overall response rate for OCCC was 45% (complete response 25%) (95% CI, 23.1% to 68.5%) and 81% (complete response 46%) (95% CI, 67.4% to 91.1%) for sEOC. The overall response rate was significantly higher for sEOC (P = 0.008). In the subgroup of stage III patients, the rate of complete responders was higher among sEOC patients (P = 0.023). After a median follow-up of 61.1 months, median survival and time to tumor progression were not significantly different between the two groups (25.1 months [95% CI 11.7 to 38.5 months] versus 49.1 months [95% CI 36.5 to 61.6 months], P = 0.141, 12.0 months [95% CI 6.5 to 17.3 months] versus 18.0 months [95% CI 14.7 to 21.6 months], P = 0.384, respectively). Conclusion.: Patients with OCCC have significantly lower response to platinum-based first-line chemotherapy compared to patients with sEOC. This low response to platinum-based chemotherapy was not translated in significantly shorter survival. The current study outcomes are provocative and suggest that a new strategy for chemotherapy in OCCC should be adopted, possibly one that focuses on new agents without cross-resistance to platinum agents. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In this study, we investigate the aerosol optical properties, namely aerosol extinction optical thickness (AOT), Angström parameter and size distribution over the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, using spectral measurements from the recently established FORTH (Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas) AERONET station in Crete, for the two-year period 2003-2004. The location of the FORTH-AERONET station offers a unique opportunity to monitor aerosols from different sources. Maximum values of AOT are found primarily in spring, which together with small values of the Angström parameter indicate dust transported from African deserts, whereas the minimum values of AOT occur in winter. In autumn, large AOT values observed at near-infrared wavelengths arise also from dust transport. In summer, large AOT values at ultraviolet (340 nm) and visible wavelengths (500 nm), together with large values of the Angström parameter, are associated with transport of fine aerosols of urban/industrial and biomass burning origin. The Angström parameter values vary on a daily basis within the range 0.05-2.20, and on a monthly basis within the range 0.68-1.9. This behaviour, together with broad frequency distributions and back-trajectory analyses, indicates a great variety of aerosol types over the study region including dust, urban-industrial and biomass-burning pollution, and maritime, as well as mixed aerosol types. Large temporal variability is observed in AOT, Angström parameter, aerosol content and size. The fine and coarse aerosol modes persist throughout the year, with the coarse mode dominant except in summer. The highest values of AOT are related primarily to southeasterly winds, associated with coarse aerosols, and to a less extent to northwesterly winds associated with fine aerosols. The results of this study show that the FORTH AERONET station in Crete is well suited for studying the transport and mixing of different types of aerosols from a variety of sources, especially those associated with major dust events from the Sahara.

The aim of the study is to develop modified, branched versions of the Noyes-Whitney and the Weibull equations, including explicitly the solubility/dose parameter, for the analysis of dissolution data, which reach the plateau either at infinite or finite time. The modified Weibull function is applied to the analysis of experimental and literature dissolution data. To demonstrate the usefulness of the mathematical models, two model drugs are used: one highly soluble, metoprolol, and one relatively insoluble, ibuprofen. The models were fitted successfully to the data performing better compared with their classic versions. The advantages of the use of the models presented are several. They fit better to a large range of datasets, especially for fast dissolution curves that reach complete dissolution at a finite time. Also, the modified Weibull presented can be derived from differential equations, and it has a physical meaning as opposed to the purely empirical character of the original Weibull equation. The exponent of the Weibull equation can be attributed to the heterogeneity of the process and can be explained by fractal kinetics concepts. Also, the solubility/dose ratio is present explicitly as a parameter and allows to obtain estimates of the solubility even when the dissolution data do not reach the solubility level. The use of the developed branched equations gives better fittings and specific physical meaning to the dissolution parameters. Also, the findings underline the fact that even in the simplest, first-order case, the speed of the dissolution process depends on the dose, a fact of great importance in biopharmaceutic classification for regulatory purposes.

The cause of the polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is currently unknown, but increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appear to play a pathogenetic role. Osteosclerotic bone lesions are a characteristic finding in POEMS, but there are no data about the specific role of various molecules that control bone remodeling in patients with POEMS. Serum levels of angiogenic cytokines (VEGF, angiogenin, angiopoietin-2, and basic fibroblast growth factor) along with a series of bone remodeling indices (C-telopeptide of type I collagen, bone-alkaline phosphatase [bALP], osteocalcin [OC], soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand [RANKL], osteoprotegerin [OPG], and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α) were measured in 2 patients with POEMS before and after high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation and in age- and sex-matched controls. Increased VEGF levels before HDT were reduced significantly after treatment, although levels of the other angiogenetic factors did not differ from that of controls and were less influenced by HDT. Serum RANKL levels were increased before HDT, whereas OPG levels were within the levels of healthy controls, resulting in an abnormal soluble RANKL to OPG ratio. Levels of bone resorption markers (C-telopeptide of type I collagen) were very low or undetectable before HDT, although bALP and OC levels were similar to that of controls. After HDT, soluble RANKL levels decreased, OPG remained rather stable, bone resorption markers increased to levels of normal individuals, bALP levels were rather unchanged, and OC levels increased. Decreasing VEGF levels parallel clinical improvement, and the restoration of normal bone metabolism follows HDT.

The aim of this study was to establish an anthropometric profile of young fencers separated into four different age groups and to examine the degree of upper and lower limb asymmetry. Selected anthropometric characteristics were measured in 152 fencers (84 males and 68 females) during the Greek fencing championships. Fencers were divided into 4 age categories (boys/girls, cadets, junior and senior) according to the International Fencing Federation rules. The larger differences in anthropometric characteristics of both males and females were observed between the very young group (10-13yrs) and the older groups, while for most parameters, there were no differences between the two older groups (18-20yrs and >20yrs). There was no significant difference between the 10-13yrs groups of males and females in almost all anthropometric characteristics. Somatotype ratings were relatively stable across age groups. The mean somatotype of male fencers was 3.1-2.6-3.2. The female fencers were mainly situated in the ectomorph -endomorph region, and had a mean somatotype of 3.8-1.8-3.3. Arm CSA was higher in males compared to females in all age groups, except for the 10-13yrs group. However, leg CSA was not different between genders in all age groups. Significant CSA asymmetries were observed between the dominant and the non-dominant sides in the arm and leg in both genders. Arm asymmetries were evident from an early age, while leg asymmetries were not observed in the younger group. The lack of significant differences between males and females for the 10-13yrs groups in most of the anthropometric characteristics, should be taken into account in talent selection. ©2006 Teviot Scientific Publications.

The aim of this study was to establish an anthropometric profile of young fencers separated into four different age groups and to examine the degree of upper and lower limb asymmetry. Selected anthropometric characteristics were measured in 152 fencers (84 males and 68 females) during the Greek fencing championships. Fencers were divided into 4 age categories (boys/girls, cadets, junior and senior) according to the International Fencing Federation rules. The larger differences in anthropometric characteristics of both males and females were observed between the very young group (10-13yrs) and the older groups, while for most parameters, there were no differences between the two older groups (18-20yrs and >20yrs). There was no significant difference between the 10-13yrs groups of males and females in almost all anthropometric characteristics. Somatotype ratings were relatively stable across age groups. The mean somatotype of male fencers was 3.1-2.6-3.2. The female fencers were mainly situated in the ectomorph -endomorph region, and had a mean somatotype of 3.8-1.8-3.3. Arm CSA was higher in males compared to females in all age groups, except for the 10-13yrs group. However, leg CSA was not different between genders in all age groups. Significant CSA asymmetries were observed between the dominant and the non-dominant sides in the arm and leg in both genders. Arm asymmetries were evident from an early age, while leg asymmetries were not observed in the younger group. The lack of significant differences between males and females for the 10-13yrs groups in most of the anthropometric characteristics, should be taken into account in talent selection. ©2006 Teviot Scientific Publications.

The aim of this study was to establish an anthropometric profile of young fencers separated into four different age groups and to examine the degree of upper and lower limb asymmetry. Selected anthropometric characteristics were measured in 152 fencers (84 males and 68 females) during the Greek fencing championships. Fencers were divided into 4 age categories (boys/girls, cadets, junior and senior) according to the International Fencing Federation rules. The larger differences in anthropometric characteristics of both males and females were observed between the very young group (10-13yrs) and the older groups, while for most parameters, there were no differences between the two older groups (18-20yrs and >20yrs). There was no significant difference between the 10-13yrs groups of males and females in almost all anthropometric characteristics. Somatotype ratings were relatively stable across age groups. The mean somatotype of male fencers was 3.1-2.6-3.2. The female fencers were mainly situated in the ectomorph -endomorph region, and had a mean somatotype of 3.8-1.8-3.3. Arm CSA was higher in males compared to females in all age groups, except for the 10-13yrs group. However, leg CSA was not different between genders in all age groups. Significant CSA asymmetries were observed between the dominant and the non-dominant sides in the arm and leg in both genders. Arm asymmetries were evident from an early age, while leg asymmetries were not observed in the younger group. The lack of significant differences between males and females for the 10-13yrs groups in most of the anthropometric characteristics, should be taken into account in talent selection. ©2006 Teviot Scientific Publications.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing has been proposed as an additional treatment to medical therapy to improve heart failure patients with left ventricular asynchrony. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of CRT treatment on proinflammatory cytokines in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Twenty patients, with a mean age 64 +/- 2 years, with severe chronic heart failure NYHA class II-IV (mean ejection fraction 25 +/- 2%), were included in the study. Patients were treated with CRT pacing, after failure of optimal therapy. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 3 months after pacing therapy, and after a subsequent 3-month period of no pacing for the assessment of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and its receptors (sTNFR-I, sTNFR-II), IL-6, adhesion molecules sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, and the apoptotic indices sFas and sFas-Ligand. RESULTS: Levels of TNF-alpha, sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II were reduced at the end of 3 months of CRT therapy and further reduced at the end of the no pacing period (P < 0.05, compared to baseline). Levels of IL-6 also declined after 3 months of CRT pacing (from 8.9 +/- 2.5 pg/mL to 4.7 +/- 1.3 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and this was maintained during the no pacing period (3.9 +/- 1.1 pg/mL P < 0.05 compared to baseline). The adhesion molecule sICAM-1 levels also reduced (from 265 +/- 17 ng/mL to 235 +/- 12, P < 0.05) after 3 months of CRT pacing and remained unchanged at the end of the no pacing period (219 +/- 12 ng/mL, P < 0.05 compared to baseline values). CONCLUSION: Major proinflammatory cytokines and the adhesion molecule sICAM-1 are reduced with CRT therapy and this effect is maintained for at least 3 months after discontinuation of pacing

Dallas, G., Patsantaras, N., Kamberidou, I., & Gougou, B. (2006). Artistic Gymnastics in Greece: Impact and Effects on Athletes Social Development and Later Professional-Occupational Establishment. Stiinta Sportului, Revista Teoretico-Metodica. Anul XV, Nr. 54/2006, 15, 3–29. Revista editata de: Consiliul Stintei Sprtului din Romania. Institutul National de Cercetare pentru Sport, Bucuresti, Romania. Abstract in  K.9 in Apella  Also see article online REVIISTA  http://sportscience.ro/ Sport Science Journal STIINTA SPORTULUI 2006 (Revista 2006/54-1) pp. 1-10.  K.9.1 in Apella   and hardcopy K.9.1.1.  in Apella

The alpha-synuclein Rep1 polymorphism was studied in patients and controls in an ethnic Greek population. There was an association of allele 2 with risk of Parkinson's disease (PD; adjusted odd ratio = 3.25; 95% CI = 1.80-5.87). Survival analyses (Cox proportional hazards models) were employed to explore the influence of genotypes on age at onset of PD. Age at onset of carriers of at least one Rep1 allele 2 was earlier (3.6 years) compared to noncarriers (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.58-3.10). Kaplan-Meier analysis also supported a dosage effect of Rep1 allele 2 on age at onset. For Rep1 allele 1, there was neither association with risk of PD nor influence on age at onset. This is the first study showing an influence of Rep1 polymorphism on age at onset of PD.

Background: The deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) protein, the product of DCC tumor suppressor gene, is frequently altered in cancer. Preclinical data demonstrate that DCC regulates β-catenin levels. Here, we sought to determine the association of DCC with β-catenin protein levels, clinicopathological parameters and patient outcome in ovarian cancer using a method of in situ compartmentalized protein analysis. Methods: A tissue array composed of 150 advanced-stage ovarian cancers, treated with surgical debulking and platinum-paclitaxel (Taxol) combination chemotherapy, was constructed. For evaluation of protein expression, we used an immunofluorescence-based method of automated in situ quantitative measurement of protein analysis (AQUA). Results: One hundred and twelve patients (74%) had sufficient tissue for AQUA. The median follow-up time for the entire cohort was 33 months. Patients with low nuclear DCC expression had a 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of 0% compared with 33% of those with high DCC expression (P = 0.0067). In multivariate analysis, low nuclear DCC expression level retained its prognostic significance for PFS. Between DCC and β-catenin, a significant relationship was found, where tumors with low DCC had low β-catenin and vice versa (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Low nuclear DCC levels predict for poor patient outcome inepithelial ovarian cancer. DCC may exert its antitumor function, in part, through regulation of β-catenin levels. © 2006 Oxford University Press.

Five oxalyl derivatives of $\beta$-d-glucopyranosylamine were synthesized as potential inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase (GP). The compounds 1-4 were competitive inhibitors of rabbit muscle GPb (with respect to $\alpha$-d-glucose-1-phosphate) with Ki values of 0.2-1.4 mM, while compound 5 was not effective up to a concentration of 10 mM. In order to elucidate the structural basis of their inhibition, we analysed the structures of compounds 1-4 in complex with GPb at 1.93-1.96 {\AA} resolution. The complex structures reveal that the inhibitors can be accommodated at the catalytic site at approximately the same position as $\alpha$-d-glucose and stabilize the T-state conformation of the 280s loop by making several favourable contacts to Asp283 and Asn284 of this loop. Comparison with the lead compound N-acetyl-$\beta$-d-glucopyranosylamine (6) shows that the hydrogen bonding interaction of the amide nitrogen with the main-chain carbonyl oxygen of His377 is not present in these complexes. The differences observed in the Ki values of the four analogues can be interpreted in terms of subtle conformational changes of protein residues and shifts of water molecules in the vicinity of the catalytic site, variations in van der Waals interactions, conformational entropy and desolvation effects. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Five oxalyl derivatives of beta-D-glucopyranosylamine were synthesized as potential inhibitors of glycogen phosphorylase (GP). The compounds 1-4 were competitive inhibitors of rabbit muscle GPb (with respect to alpha-D-glucose-l-phosphate) with K-i values of 0.2-1.4 mM, while compound 5 was not effective up to a concentration of 10 mM. In order to elucidate the structural basis of their inhibition, we analysed the structures of compounds 1-4 in complex with GPb at 1.93-1.96 angstrom resolution. The complex structures reveal that the inhibitors can be accommodated at the catalytic site at approximately the same position as alpha-D-glucose and stabilize the T-state conformation of the 280s loop by making several favourable contacts to Asp283 and Asn284 of this loop. Comparison with the lead compound N-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosylamine (6) shows that the hydrogen bonding interaction of the amide nitrogen with the main-chain carbonyl oxygen of His377 is not present in these complexes. The differences observed in the Ki values of the four analogues can be interpreted in terms of subtle conformational changes of protein residues and shifts of water molecules in the vicinity of the catalytic site, variations in van der Waals interactions, conformational entropy and desolvation effects. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aims.Extensive photometry of RR Lyr was obtained over a 421-day interval in 2003-2004, covering more than 10 Blazhko cycles in a multisite campaign. The length and density of this data set allow for a detailed analysis. Methods: .We used Fourier techniques to study RR Lyr's behavior over the pulsation and the Blazhko cycle. We propose a two-frequency model for decomposing the frequency spectrum. Results: .The light variations were fitted with the main radial frequency, its harmonics up to 11th order, and the detected triplet frequencies. No significant quintuplet components were found in the frequency spectrum. Given the total time span of the measurements, we can now unambiguously conclude that the Blazhko period has become notably shorter than the previously known value of 40.8 days, whereas the main pulsation period remained roughly the same. Changes in the modulation period have been reported for other well-studied Blazhko variables. They challenge the explanations for the Blazhko effect which link the modulation period directly to the rotation period. The new photometry reveals an interval in the pulsation cycle of RR Lyr during which the star's intensity barely changes over the Blazhko cycle. This interval occurs during the infalling motion and between the supposed phases of the early and the main shock. The data also permit a more detailed study of the light curve shape at different phases in the Blazhko period through Fourier parameters.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Blunt trauma to the extrahepatic biliary tract is a rare and challenging injury The purpose of this paper is to review our experience of these injuries, with special reference to their clinical presentation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective multicenter study of the records of a trauma-admitting in three hospitals, seven patients with blunt extrahepatic biliary tract trauma were identified, one with combined gallbladder and common bile duct injuries and six with a ruptured gallbladder. RESULTS: Except for the patient with the common bile duct injury developing peritoneal signs during observation and being operated 24 hours post-admission, all other patients underwent early laparotomy for shock, peritonitis or positive diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) caused by associated injuries. The common bile duct injury was treated with suture repair over a T tube and the gallbladder injuries with cholecystectomy, except for two cases in which a cholecystostomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with blunt trauma, especially to the right upper quadrant, a high index of suspicion and liberal use of diagnostic studies to exclude an isolated extrahepatic biliary tract injury is recommended.

The effect of bortezomib on bone remodelling was evaluated in 34 relapsed myeloma patients. At baseline, patients had increased serum concentrations of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL), sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio, C-telopeptide of type-I collagen (CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform-5b (TRACP-5b); bone-alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were reduced. Serum DKK-1 correlated with CTX and severe bone disease. Bortezomib administration significantly reduced serum DKK-1, sRANKL, CTX, and TRACP-5b after four cycles, and dramatically increased bone-alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, irrespective of treatment response. This is the first study showing that bortezomib reduces DKK-1 and RANKL serum levels, leading to the normalisation of bone remodelling in relapsed myeloma. © 2006 The Authors.

Brain metastases in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) have an estimated incidence of 0.3-1.9% and are isolated in up to 50% of these patients. The risk factors and the prognostic significance of isolated central nervous system (CNS) relapse in patients with EOC who received primary treatment with platinum and paclitaxel have not been identified. We conducted a retrospective study in patients with EOC who relapsed with isolated brain metastases and report our experience. Two hundred sixty-seven patients with stages III and IV EOC, in clinical complete remission after first-line treatment with platinum and paclitaxel, were included in our analysis. After a median follow-up of 65 months, 150 patients had relapsed. Eight patients (5%) had isolated brain metastases. Patient and disease characteristics did not differ among patients who relapsed with isolated brain metastases and those with relapse outside the CNS. Median time to first disease relapse, overall survival, and survival after relapse did not differ significantly between patients with brain metastases and those with relapse outside the CNS. Two patients have died 6 and 12 months after the diagnosis of brain metastases, and 5 patients are alive 4-35 months after the diagnosis of isolated brain metastases. Three patients remain free of disease 4-18 months after treatment with radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy for their CNS metastatic disease. Patients with isolated brain metastases have comparable survival to patients with relapse outside the CNS, and long-term remission can be achieved in some cases, provided that systemic chemotherapy is added to local treatment. © 2006, Copyright the Authors.

We propose a different type of plasmonic waveguide which consists of identical dielectric nanocavities, periodically arranged along a line, in a metallic material. The dispersion relations for the different guiding modes are obtained by means of exact mutliple scattering calculations and also by a simple tight-binding model which allows a straightforward analysis of the underlying physics. This type of waveguide combines strong lateral localization and no radiative losses with efficient transmission of light through sharp bends. We show how one can overcome absorptive losses by introducing optical gain media into the cavities and, also, how one can design such waveguides for single-mode operation over a given frequency range by using nonspherical cavities.

Dissolution research started to develop about 100 years ago as a field of physical chemistry and since then important progress has been made. However, explicit interest in drug related dissolution has grown only since the realisation that dissolution is an important factor of drug bioavailability in the 1950s. This review attempts to account the most important developments in the field, from a historical point of view. It is structured in a chronological order, from the theoretical foundations of dissolution, developed in the first half of the 20th century, and the development of a relationship between dissolution and bioavailability in the 1950s, going to the more recent developments in the framework of the Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS). Research on relevant fields of pharmaceutical technology, like sustained release formulations, where drug dissolution plays an important role, is reviewed. The review concludes with the modem trends on drug dissolution research and their regulatory implications. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AIM: To evaluate whether the cellular proliferation rate in the large bowel epithelial cells is characterized by circadian rhythm. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2004, twenty patients who were diagnosed as suffering from primary, resectable, non-metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lower rectum, infiltrating the sphincter mechanism, underwent abdominoperineal resection, total mesorectal excision and permanent left iliac colostomy. In formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens obtained from the colostomy mucosa every six hours (00:00, 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 24:00), we studied the expression of G(1) phase cyclins (D(1) and E) as well as the expression of the G(1) phase cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors p16 and p21 as indicators of cell cycle progression in colonic epithelial cells using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: The expression of both cyclins showed a similar circadian fashion obtaining their lowest and highest values at 00:00 and 18:00, respectively (P<0.001). A circadian rhythm in the expression of CDK inhibitor proteins p16 and p21 was also observed, with the lowest levels obtained at 12:00 and 18:00 (P<0.001), respectively. When the complexes cyclins D(1) -p21 and E-p21 were examined, the expression of the cyclins was adversely correlated to the p21 expression throughout the day. When the complexes the cyclins D(1) -p16 and E-p16 were examined, high levels of p16 expression were correlated to low levels of cyclin expression at 00:00, 06:00 and 24:00. Meanwhile, the highest expression levels of both cyclins were correlated to high levels of p16 expression at 18:00. CONCLUSION: Colonic epithelial cells seem to enter the G(1) phase of the cell cycle during afternoon (between 12:00 and 18:00) with the highest rates obtained at 18:00. From a clinical point of view, the present results suggest that G(1) -phase specific anticancer therapies in afternoon might maximize their anti-tumor effect while minimizing toxicity.

We examined changes in extreme temperature over the Greek area in relation to the geopotential thickness field (1000 to 500 hPa). Daily maximum and minimum temperature series from 20 Greek stations evenly distributed over Greece were used for the period 1958-2000. The atmospheric circulation over the Greek area was classified with the aid of a calendar of daily circulation types based on the geopotential thickness field of 1000 to 500 hPa for the same period using daily NCEP and HadAM3P datasets. There was a general increase in frequency of anticyclonic circulation types and a decrease in frequency of cyclonic types. In addition, there was an overall interannual increase (decrease) in maximum (minimum) extreme temperatures over the Greek area, with spatial and seasonal variations. The investigation of the temperature anomalies corresponding to each circulation type, along with the trends of the former, revealed that the increase in frequency of the anticyclonic types, which form positive anomalies, and their positive trends in the majority of the stations, can explain the upward trend of maximum temperature in summer. In contrast, the trend of decreasing minimum temperatures in the central and SW Greek area cannot only be interpreted by changes in frequency of circulation types. A statistical downscaling model for simulating temperature changes over Greece (both for NCEP and HadAM3P datasets) was developed following a circulation-type approach. This demonstrated high correspondence with the observed extreme temperature values in all seasons, with only slightly lower year-to-year variability. © Inter-Research 2006.

Most estimates of the cost of informal caregiving in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain cross-sectional. Longitudinal estimates of informal caregiving hours and costs are less frequent and are from assessments covering only short periods of time. The objectives of this study were to estimate long-term trajectories of the use and cost of informal caregiving for patients with AD and the effects of patient characteristics on the use and cost of informal caregiving. The sample is drawn from the Predictors Study, a large, multicenter cohort of patients with probable AD, prospectively followed annually for up to 7 years in three university-based AD centers in the United States (n=170). Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the effects of patient characteristics on use and cost of informal caregiving. Patients' clinical characteristics included cognitive status (Mini-Mental State Examination), functional capacity (Blessed Dementia Rating Scale (BDRS)), comorbidities, psychotic symptoms, behavioral problems, depressive symptoms, and extrapyramidal signs. Results show that rates of informal care use and caregiving hours (and costs) increased substantially over time but were related differently to patients' characteristics. Use of informal care was significantly associated with worse cognition, worse function, and higher comorbidities. Conditional on receiving informal care, informal caregiving hours (and costs) were mainly associated with worse function. Each additional point on the BDRS increased informal caregiving costs 5.4%. Average annual informal cost was estimated at $25,381 per patient, increasing from $20,589 at baseline to $43,030 in Year 4.

BACKGROUND: Few studies on cost of caring for patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) have simultaneously considered multiple dimensions of disease costs and detailed clinical characteristics. OBJECTIVE: To estimate empirically the incremental effects of patients' clinical characteristics on disease costs. METHODS: Data are derived from the baseline visit of 180 patients in the Predictors Study, a large, multicenter cohort of patients with probable AD followed from early stages of the disease. All patients initially lived at home, in retirement homes, or in assisted living facilities. Costs of direct medical care included hospitalizations, outpatient treatment and procedures, assistive devices, and medications. Costs of direct nonmedical care included home health aides, respite care, and adult day care. Indirect costs were measured by caregiving time. Patients' clinical characteristics included cognitive status, functional capacity, psychotic symptoms, behavioral problems, depressive symptoms, extrapyramidal signs, comorbidities, and duration of illness. RESULTS: A 1-point increase in the Blessed Dementia Rating Scale score was associated with a $1,411 increase in direct medical costs and a $2,718 increase in unpaid caregiving costs. Direct medical costs also were $3,777 higher among subjects with depressive symptoms than among those who were not depressed. CONCLUSIONS: Medical care costs and unpaid caregiving costs relate differently to patients' clinical characteristics. Poorer functional status is associated with higher medical care costs and unpaid caregiving costs. Interventions may be particularly useful if targeted in the areas of basic and instrumental activities of daily living.

The adverse prognostic role of cytogenetic abnormalities has recently been established in plasma cell dyscrasias. Modern techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization and comparative genomic hybridization have revealed a higher incidence of cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) compared to conventional cytogenetics. Hypodiploidy and chromosome 13 abnormalities are found in more than 50% of myeloma patients, representing well known factors with adverse prognosis. Rearrangements involving the switch regions of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene at 14q32 with various partner genes represent the most common structural abnormalities, having an incidence of 70% in MM. Structural abnormalities of chromosomes 17 and 8 involving the p53 and c-myc genes are considered to be less frequent events, but carry a poor prognosis. New therapeutic approaches such as non-myeloablative allotransplantation and modern therapeutic agents (thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib) and their combinations give promise for an improved therapeutic management of patients with MM. The detection of t(4;14), t(14;16), deletion of chromosome 13 on metaphase analysis, or deletion of p53 by FISH will define high-risk prognostic groups that are not generally controlled with high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and should therefore be treated with more investigational therapies. Alternatively, eligible patients who do not have these poor risk factors are more likely to benefit from a high-dose, melphalan-based, regimen followed by ASCT. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.

The present study aimed to determine the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, CA 50 and alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP) levels between patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) at diagnosis and controls to clarify their potential clinical significance. A case-control investigation was conducted over a three year period, covering 95 MDS cases and 95 age- and gender-matched controls. Mean serum CEA levels were significantly higher (P = 0.0002) in MDS patients at diagnosis than in hospital controls. Adjusting for age, gender, tobacco consumption, serum CA 19-9, CA 50 and alpha-FP levels, there is statistically significant evidence that serum CEA values are associated with increased risk of MDS (odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.56 - 3.49). Six patients with MDS developed malignancies 4-9 months after the diagnosis of myelodysplasia. Serum CEA could be used as marker together with other important diagnostic tools for evaluating an underlying or developing malignancy in patients suffering from MDS.

BACKGROUND. The toxicity of platinum-based combinations represents a common problem for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. The authors previously reported encouraging efficacy for the combination of carboplatin and gemcitabine in patients considered to be unfit for cisplatin-based treatment. The objective of the current multicenter Phase II study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin as first-line treatment in unselected patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. METHODS. Patients with previously untreated, bidimensionally measurable, inoperable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma were treated with carboplatin, area under the concentration curve of 5 (Day 1) and gemcitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m2 (Days 1 and 8), every 21 days for a total of 6 cycles. RESULTS. Sixty patients (49 men and 11 women, with a median age of 69 yrs) were enrolled in the current study. Intent-to-treat analysis demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) of 38.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 26-51.8%) (11.7% complete responses and 26.7% partial responses). The median time to disease progression was 7.6 months (95% CI, 4.5-10.7 mos) and the median overall survival was 16.3 months (95% CI, 12-20.6 mos). The median survival was comparable to that reported for the combination of methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (M-VAC) according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center prognostic model for patients with similar baseline prognostic features. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity (according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 2.0]) included anemia (18%), thrombocytopenia (23%), and neutropenia (52%), with 7 episodes of febrile neutropenia (11%) reported. Nonhematologic toxicity was rare. One toxic death occurred during the study. CONCLUSIONS. The combination of gemcitabine and carboplatin appears to have considerable activity as the first-line treatment of unselected patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma with manageable toxicity, and deserves further evaluation in this setting. © 2005 American Cancer Society.

We present a systematic study of the polarization of the transport current from a variety of NiMnSb and Co2 MnSi thin films and bulk material using point contact Andreev reflection spectroscopy. The simple analysis suggests that the free surface polarization of NiMnSb is within error 10% lower than that of Co2 MnSi. In either material the measured polarization is rather insensitive to key physical and material properties. We use a two channel model to rule out the influence that stray magnetic field from the ferromagnet might have on the measurements presented. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.

The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae, with a total size of 24,673 bp, was one of the smallest known mtDNAs of Pezizomycotina. It contained the 14 typical genes coding for proteins related to oxidative phosphorylation, the two rRNA genes, a single intron that harbored an intronic ORF coding for a putative ribosomal protein (rps) within the large rRNA gene (rnl), and a set of 24 tRNA genes which recognized codons for all amino acids, except proline and valine. Gene order comparison with all known mtDNAs of Sordariomycetes illustrated a highly conserved genome organization for all the protein- and rRNA-coding genes, as well as three clusters of tRNA genes. By considering all mitochondrial essential protein-coding genes as one unit a phylogenetic study of these small genomes strongly supported the common evolutionary course of Sordariomycetes (100% bootstrap support) and highlighted the advantages of analyzing small genomes (mtDNA) over single genes. In addition, comparative analysis of three intergenic regions demonstrated sequence variability that can be exploited for intra- and inter-specific identification of Metarhizium.

The complete sequence (27,184 bp) of the mitochondrial (mt) genome of the phytopathogenic fungus Verticillium dahliae has been determined. It contains 14 protein-coding genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, two rRNA genes and a set of 25 tRNA genes. A single intron, that harbors an intronic ORF coding for a putative ribosomal protein (rps), is located within the large rRNA gene (rnl). Gene order comparisons of V. dahliae mtDNA and complete mt genomes of Pezizomycotina revealed four units of synteny for Sordariomycetes, namely rnl-trn ((11-12))-nad2-nad3, nad4L-nad5-cob-cox1, nad1-nad4-atp8-atp6 and rns-trn ((1-5))-cox3-trn ((1-5))-nad6-trn ((2-5)). These four units, in different combinations, merged to single continuous unit in the orders of Hypocreales and Sordariales. V. dahliae (Phyllachorales) and all members of the genus showed a unique feature which is the translocation of the nad1-nad4-atp8-atp6-rns-cox3-nad6 region in between genes nad3 and atp9 of the Hypocreales mtDNA gene order. Analysis of mt intergenic sequences of Verticillium species permitted the design of a species-specific primer allowing the discrimination of V. longisporum against V. dahliae and V. albo-atrum. By considering the protein-coding gene sequences as one unit, a phylogenetic comparison with representatives of Ascomycota complete mtDNA was performed.

Two periods of transboundary transport of volcanic aerosols and debris following recent eruptions of Mount Etna, Italy, were examined using ground-based and satellite spectrophotometric measurements together with Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) and aerosol filter observations in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece. Independent columnar SO2 measurements from ground and space identified peaks at Greek sites after the volcanic eruptions. LiDAR measurements of the aerosol extinction at Thessaloniki and Athens performed in July 2001 have shown the height of the volcanic plume to be about 3.5 km asl and the optical thickness of the dust layer to be of the order of 3 Γ—10-3 at 532 nm. Strong ozone depletion observed at the volcano plume level by using ozonesonde ascents may be attributed to the in-plume processes that generate reactive halogens, which in turn destroy ozone. The chemical and elemental composition of aerosol samples, taken at the Earth's surface, was analysed and confirmed the volcanic origin of the dust.

Background: Synchronous presentation of more than one germ cell tumours of different histology in the same patient is considered to be very rare. In these cases of multiple germ cell tumours, strong theoretical and clinical data suggest an underlying common pathogenetic mechanism concerning genetic instability or abnormalities during the pluripotent embryonic differentiation and maturation of the germ cell. Case presentation: A 25 year-old young man presented with an enlarging, slightly painful left cervical mass. Despite the initial disorientation of the diagnosis to a possible thyroid disorder, the patient underwent complete surgical resection of the mass revealing mediastinal choriocarcinoma. Subsequent ultrasound of the scrotum indicated the presence of a small lobular node in the upper pole of the left testicle and the patient underwent radical left inguinal orchiectomy disclosing a typical seminoma. Based on these results, the patient received 4 cycles of Bleomycin, Etoposide and Platinum chemotherapy experiencing only mild toxicity and resulting in complete ongoing clinical and biochemical remission. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of concurrent germ cell tumours in the same patient remains an area of controversy. Although the genetic instability of the pluripotent germ cell offers an adequate explanation, the possibility of metastasis from the primary, less differentiated tumour to a distant location as a more mature subtype cannot be excluded. Possible development of a metastatic site of different histology and thus biological behaviour (e.g choriocarcinoma) should be anticipated. Furthermore, urologists, pathologists and medical oncologists should be meticulous in the original pathological diagnosis in these patients, since there is a significant frequency of germ cell tumours with mixed or overlapping histological elements with diverse potential of evolution and differentiation. © 2006 Mountzios et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Due to a result by Mackenzie, extensions of transitive Lie groupoids are equivalent to certain Lie groupoids which admit an action of a Lie group. This paper is a treatment of the equivariant connection theory and holonomy of such groupoids, and shows that such connections give rise to the transition data necessary for the classification of their respective Lie algebroids.

AIMS: To study the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on coronary and peripheral arterial circulation and to assess whether their changes are related to the improvement in patients' functional capacity and prognostically important biochemical markers. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were studied (New York Heart Association classes III and IV, left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, QRS>120 ms, mean age 66 +/- 2.1 years). Coronary blood flow (CBF), forearm blood flow (FBF), and their reserve were measured by transoesophageal echocardiography (in cm/s) and venous occlusion plethysmography (in mL/100 mL/min) at baseline and following 3 months of CRT. N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (Nt-pro-BNP) and serum adhesion molecules, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were also assessed. CRT induced a non-significant increase in resting CBF (baseline vs. CRT: 52.1 +/- 5.5 vs. 58.2 +/- 3.6, P: NS), whereas hyperaemic CBF was increased by CRT (baseline vs. CRT: 67.8 +/- 6.8 vs. 79.8 +/- 6.2, P < 0.05). Significant increases were observed in resting FBF (baseline vs. CRT: 1.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.6 +/- 0.2, P < 0.05) and hyperaemic FBF (baseline vs. CRT: 2.1 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.3, P < 0.05). The per cent difference in hyperaemic FBF was related to the per cent change in Nt-pro-BNP (r = -0.71, P < 0.05) and the per cent improvement in exercise duration (r = 0.80, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CRT induces favourable changes in coronary and peripheral arterial function. Changes in peripheral blood flow are related to patients' improvement and may be prognostically significant

The need of institutional investors to evaluate the Corporate Governance (CG) practices of listed companies resulted in many attempts to construct the CG rating methodologies. This paper, in response to this situation, attempts to quantify the compliance of large capitalization Greek companies with international best practices. The methodology consists of a questionnaire reflecting the Greek CG code, which basically replicates the OECD principles. Other wellregarded CG codes are also taken into account. Then, a rating system based on CG indicators is constructed and applied for the years 2001 and 2003. The total rating results for the years 2001 and 2003 demonstrate a relatively satisfactory improvement. The highest compliance is in the category of shareholder rights, while weak compliance appears in the last category, which incorporates commitment to CG, CSR and the relations with shareholders. The exercise, using practically all agreed principles of the OECD, could demonstrate a reasonable degree of compliance of the average company rated. Its limitation in that respect is that it could not satisfy investigations on convergence. The indicators used are highly pertinent to measure compliance but not convergence, which is not within the initial targets and needs a longer time series analysis. The methodology is applied in a small open economy and may have significant implications in other similar capital markets. Methodologically, the merit of the exercise lies in its approach toward the creation of "collectively subjective" weightings, and is valuable to institutional investors, policymakers, regulators and academics. The upgrading of the Greeek capital market to a mature market status and the global competition for capital has boosted the CG debate in Greece. In addition, the recent corporate failures and financial scams around the world have increased awareness that proper CG is fundamental to the efficient operation of capital markets. The need of institutional investors to evaluate the CG practices of the listed companies resulted in many attempts to construct CG rating methodologies. This paper presents an attempt to quantify the compliance of large capitalization Greek companies with international best practices. Firstly, the literature on CG ratings is reviewed. Secondly, a brief history of the CG in Greece is presented. Then, the structure of our CG rating methodology and the results are described. Finally, the findings and proceedings with some critical points are summarized.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in renal transplant recipients infected shortly before or after renal transplantation. METHODS: Seventeen renal transplant recipients with no detectable antibodies to HCV before renal transplantation either seroconverted after transplantation or developed cholestatic syndrome without seroconversion, but with HCV RNA positivity. They were followed up for a mean of 7.2 +/- 4.2 (SD) years after renal transplantation and underwent consecutive liver biopsies. RESULTS: Biochemical abnormalities initially were observed a median of 5.7 months (25th, 75th percentiles, 2.4, 13.9) after transplantation. Initial liver biopsies showed acute hepatitis in 5 patients and chronic hepatitis in 9 patients, whereas 3 patients had histological findings of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis. During a median follow-up of 2.0 years (25th, 75th percentiles, 1.3, 4.6), the condition of 5 patients, initially with diagnoses of acute hepatitis, deteriorated rapidly, with a median fibrosis progression rate of 0.77 (25th, 75th percentiles, 0.56, 0.86) per year. Six patients with chronic hepatitis progressed with a median fibrosis progression rate of 0.35 (25th, 75th percentiles, 0.15, 0.69) per year in a median of 3.1 years (25th, 75th percentiles, 2.4, 3.5), whereas the other 3 patients with chronic hepatitis with elevated cholestatic liver enzyme levels developed early fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (1 patient) or vanishing bile duct syndrome (2 patients). Genotype 1 was found in 7 of 9 patients with fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis or vanishing bile duct syndrome (78%; P = 0.049). Six of 17 patients died a median of 6.1 years (25th, 75th percentiles, 1.5, 7.1) posttransplantation; 4 of these 6 patients died of hepatic failure. CONCLUSION: HCV infection acquired shortly before or after renal transplantation frequently is associated with an adverse clinical outcome, characterized by rapid progression of fibrosis, development of cholestatic syndrome, and high mortality rate. Acute hepatitis occurring under maximal immunosuppression is of great prognostic significance, determining a specific high-risk group.

Different observational techniques are compared in order to investigate possible correlations in seismic activity. The study site is the island of Kefallin_gnia (Greece), where measurements available included (1) DInSAR, DGPS, and DEM data, (2) soil exhalation measured by monitoring Radon (Rn) well content, and (3) acoustic emissions (AE) at high and low frequency (point-like records with high temporal resolution). AE records provide: (1) relative time variation of the applied stress intensity and (2) the state of fatigue of stressed rock volumes, the AE source. Our results indicate that the large spatial scale (poor time resolution) may be considered quite satisfactory, whereas fractal analysis of the AE time series displayed some discrepancies when compared to analogous investigations in the Italian Peninsula. Therefore, some refinement is needed in order to reach more precise interpretations of the relevant information available with this kind of data. However, both sets of observations appear in agreement with each other, although more exhaustive investigations would require a suitable array of point-like AE and Rn (or other) measuring sites, as well as longer data series. The latter are particulary helpful for detailed interpretations of the different occurrences within tectonically complex settings where crustal stress crises are marked by various types of geological phenomena. © The Geological Society of London 2006.

Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of death from gynecological cancer. Although most patients will experience remission of their disease, following cytoreductive surgery and platinum (± paclitaxel) chemotherapy, relapse will occur in about 80% of cases with FIGO stages III and IV disease. Treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer represents a challenge. Cure is rare but long-term survival can be achieved in a significant proportion of patients. Treatment-free interval after first-line platinum-based chemotherapy determines sensitivity to platinum rechallenge. Nevertheless, other factors, such as symptoms, tumor bulk, ECOG PS and patients' preferences can also aid decision making in this setting. The recent ICON4/AGO and GCIC studies showed that combination of carboplatin with paclitaxel or gemcitabine are superior to carboplatin monotherapy in patients with platinum-sensitive disease, but at the expense of additional toxicity. Platinum refractory disease is associated with poor prognosis and monotherapy with a non-platinum agent, such as liposomal doxombicin, topotecan or a taxane is recommended. Biological agents targeting various components on cancer cells, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), growth factors and stromal elements, are under investigation as adjuncts to chemotherapy. In addition, selected patients may benefit from surgery at recurrence, but they represent the minority of patients with relapsed ovarian cancer. © 2006 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

In this paper, an attempt is made to assess and evaluate the skill of the Hadley Center atmospheric General Circulation Model (HadAM3P) in generating successfully the frequency and intensity of severe cyclones (<1000 hPa) in the Mediterranean region. The cyclonic occurrence is studied in three regions of enhanced cyclonic activity: Gulf of Genoa, Southern Italy and Cyprus. It was found that the HadAM3P predicts a future decrease of the frequency of the severe cyclones at the SLP level, but the future cyclones will be more intense (deeper), especially at the 500 hPa level.

Καμπερίδου, Ειρήνη (2006). Η Χορευτική «Μανία» των Ποντίων της Σινώπης το 1870, και η Επιβαλλόμενη Μουσικο-Χορευτική Εκπαίδευση των Εξισλαμισμένων Σκλάβων. ΜΑΚΕΔΝΩΝ, Περιοδική Επιστημονική Έκδοση της Παιδαγωγικής Σχολής Φλώρινας του Π.Δ.Μ.  Τεύχος 15ο, Καλοκαίρι 2006: 305-316.  [K.9.3. στο Apella]  *** Kamberidou, Irene (2006). The Dance "Mania" of the Pontian [Black Sea] Greeks of Sinope in 1870 and Music and Dance Education of female harem inmates, in MAKEDNON, a s (cientific publication of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, issue 15, 2006: 305-316.  [ K.9.3. in Apella]

Objective: The geographic morphology of Greece has created inequalities in the provision of obstetric and gynaecology (O&G) services resulting in patients from rural areas having to travel to city hospitals to receive treatment. This study focuses on using quantitative analysis to evaluate the efficiency impact of introducing telemedicine services for O&G services in Greece. Setting: 32 O&G units located in rural and urban areas in Greece. Methods: Data envelopment analysis was used to evaluate the efficiency impact of introducing telemedicine services into the thirty-two O&G units Results: DEA indicated that substantial improvements in efficiency and cost savings could be achieved by introducing telemedicine for O&G services. It was estimated that efficiency could be improved by an overall reduction of approximately 6.5% in the number of beds, 10.6% in the number of obstetricians and gynaecologists, and 6.4% in overall expenditure. The improvements in efficiency were greatest in the peripheral regions where DEA suggested that beds could be reduced by 12.1% and the number of obstetricians and gynaecologists by 26.5%. Expenditure was predicted to increase in the peripheral regions due to the increased number of patients treated in them, but this increase was more than offset by a reduction in expenditure in city hospitals since these same patients no longer travelled to them for treatment. This produced estimated overall cost savings of more than 13 million Euros. DEA also enabled identification of the changes that needed to be made to individual units and the magnitude of these changes. This information is essential to policy and decision makers. Conclusion: The introduction of telemedicine to O&G services will produce significant patient, financial and healthcare benefits. These benefits include prevention of unnecessary travel by female patients, better geographical distribution of obstetric and gynaecology cases, increased provision of services and more efficient use of resources in rural areas. DEA enables identification of the changes that need to be made to individual units. © The Journal on Information Technology in Healthcare.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a broad developmental disease characterized by anemia, bone marrow (BM) erythroblastopenia, and an increased incidence of malignancy. Mutations in ribosomal protein gene S19 (RPS19) are found in approximately 25% of DBA patients; however, the role of RPS19 in the pathogenesis of DBA remains unknown. Using global gene expression analysis, we compared highly purified multipotential, erythroid, and myeloid BM progenitors from RPS19 mutated and control individuals. We found several ribosomal protein genes downregulated in all DBA progenitors. Apoptosis genes, such as TNFRSF10B and FAS, transcriptional control genes, including the erythropoietic transcription factor MYB (encoding c-myb), and translational genes were greatly dysregulated, mostly in diseased erythroid cells. Cancer-related genes, including RAS family oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, were significantly dysregulated in all diseased progenitors. In addition, our results provide evidence that RPS19 mutations lead to codownregulation of multiple ribosomal protein genes, as well as downregulation of genes involved in translation in DBA cells. In conclusion, the altered expression of cancer-related genes suggests a molecular basis for malignancy in DBA. Downregulation of c-myb expression, which causes complete failure of fetal liver erythropoiesis in knockout mice, suggests a link between RPS19 mutations and reduced erythropoiesis in DBA.