Publications

A series of experiments was carried out to investigate any structural or biochemical alterations on Arabidopsis thaliana (Col.) plants after a long term exposure to non ionizing radiation emitted from the base unit of a cordless DECT system. Exposed plants, compared to their control counterparts, seem to be affected concerning their biomass and leaf structure. Their leaves are thinner and possess fewer chloroplasts. SEM observations of the exposed leaves reveal that the only feature affected is the pubescence which almost disappears while TEM investigation revealed minor structural effects in the chloroplasts. The reduction in the number of chloroplasts as well as the decrease of stroma thylakoids and photosynthetic pigments are probably the main reasons for a weak photosynthetic potential and a consequent reduction of the biomass production. © 2016 Elsevier GmbH.

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) was experimentally cultivated with the use of digested, dried sewage sludge (130 t/ha) and water from a municipal Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in order to assess their potential to replace conventional fertilization (100 kg N/ha, 75 kg P2O5/ha and 75 kg Κ2O/ha) and irrigation. Tap water and treated wastewater were used for irrigation in quantities corresponding to 6500 m3/ha. Four different treatment combinations were applied as follows: (a) wastewater irrigation and conventional fertilization, (b) wastewater irrigation and sewage sludge fertilization, (c) tap water irrigation and sewage sludge fertilization, and (d) tap water irrigation and conventional fertilization. The dry plant biomass collected in the final harvest (140 days after plant emergence) from the four treatment plots was 12.3 t/ha, 12.6 t/ha, 12.4 t/ha and 12.8 t/ha respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (ANOVA, P = 0.05) and, therefore, it was concluded that the use of municipal wastes had similar effects on dry biomass production with that of conventional fertilization. An earlier harvest (125 days after plant emergence) gave 11.3% lower dry biomass on average in relation to the second harvest, and this difference was statistically significant (ANOVA, P = 0.05). Premature harvest may lead to significant biomass losses, so the plant must be collected during its technological maturity stage. There was not any statistically significant difference among the four treatments and between the two harvests in fiber dimensions and derived values (suitability indices for paper manufacture). On the other hand, cellulose and lignin content in the second harvest were significantly higher compared to the first one, whereas no significant differences were detected among the four treatments. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

Hydroxymethyl ketones are useful auxiliaries in organic synthesis and are also found in several medicinal agents. N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been used in the literature in order to introduce the hydroxymethyl group into aromatic aldehydes in good yields, but they are not that successful for aliphatic aldehydes. In the present work, the use of microwave irradiation has been efficiently incorporated into this organocatalytic synthesis of aromatic, but more importantly of aliphatic hydroxymethyl ketones that can be used as precursors for medicinally interesting compounds.

Resumen: En la novela Aluvión de fuego de Óscar Cerruto se tocan varios aspectos de la sociedad boliviana relacionados con la guerra del Chaco. Se realiza una crítica aguda del sistema político que fue la causa de una guerra absurda y de las injusticias que sufren las capas más desfavorecidas de la población boliviana. El entorno físico juega un papel importante, ya que, aparte de ser el casus belli de la guerra, define la vida y la mentalidad de los personajes, especialmente de los indígenas y los mineros. A través del recorrido del joven protagonista, un rico burgués, por el vasto territorio boliviano se revela una sociedad en crisis debida a la falta de comunicación que caracteriza la clase dominante y los indios. Cerruto cuestiona la situación política y social, mientras que expresa la necesidad de la formación de una conciencia nacional en el pueblo boliviano. Abstract: The Oscar Cerruto´s novel, Aluvión de fuego, presents various aspects of the Bolivian society related to the Chaco War; it condemns the political situation, which is responsible for the absurd war and the injustices the lower social classes suffered. The natural environment setting of the novel is of special importance, because it is the casus belli and defines the life and the whole mentality of the characters, especially of the Indians and miners. The young protagonist´s tour of the vast Bolivian territory, who is a rich bourgeois, shows a society in crisis because of the lack of communication between the ruling class and the Indians. Cerruto questions the political and social situation and expresses the need to form a national consciousness in the Bolivian people.

This paper presents a comparison between e-Learning and traditional learning methods of a University course on Health Informatics domain. A pilot research took place among University students who divided on two learning groups, the e-learners and the traditional learners. A comparison of the examinations' marks for the two groups of students was conducted in order to find differences on students' performance. The study results reveal that the students scored almost the same marks independently of the learning procedure. Based on that, it can be assumed that the e-learning courses have the same effectiveness as the in-classroom learning sessions.

We employ two tight-binding (TB) approaches to systematically study the electronic structure and hole or electron transfer in B-DNA monomer polymers and dimer polymers made up of N monomers (base pairs): (I) at the base-pair level, using the onsite energies of base pairs and the hopping integrals between successive base pairs, i.e., a wire model and (II) at the single-base level, using the onsite energies of the bases and the hopping integrals between neighboring bases, i.e., an extended ladder model since we also include diagonal hoppings. We solve a system of M (matrix dimension) coupled equations [(I) M=N, (II) M=2N] for the time-independent problem, and a system of M coupled first order differential equations for the time-dependent problem. We perform a comparative study of stationary and time-dependent aspects of the two TB variants, using realistic sets of parameters. The studied properties include HOMO and LUMO eigenspectra, occupation probabilities, density of states and HOMO-LUMO gaps as well as mean over time probabilities to find the carrier at each site [(I) base pair or (II) base], Fourier spectra, which reflect the frequency content of charge transfer, and pure mean transfer rates from a certain site to another. The two TB approaches give coherent, complementary aspects of electronic properties and charge transfer in B-DNA monomer polymers and dimer polymers.

This volume brings together a variety of approaches to the different ways in which the role of animals was understood in ancient Greco-Roman myth and religion, across a period of several centuries, from Preclassical Greece to Late Antique Rome. Animals in Greco-Roman antiquity were thought to be intermediaries between men and gods, and they played a pivotal role in sacrificial rituals and divination, the foundations of pagan religion. The studies in the first part of the volume examine the role of the animals in sacrifice and divination. The second part explores the similarities between animals, on the one hand, and men and gods, on the other. Indeed, in antiquity, the behaviour of several animals was perceived to mirror human behaviour, while the selection of the various animals as sacrificial victims to specific deities often was determined on account of some peculiar habit that echoed a special attribute of the particular deity. The last part of this volume is devoted to the study of animal metamorphosis, and to this end a number of myths that associate various animals with transformation are examined from a variety of perspectives.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies mark the beginning of a new era in the context of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. Numerous antibodies have been tested or are currently in development for patients with MM, in order to improve tolerability and quality of life. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews emerging antibodies for the treatment of MM i.e. elotuzumab, daratumumab, MOR03087, isatuximab, bevacizumab, cetuximab, siltuximab, tocilizumab, elsilimomab, azintrel, rituximab, tositumomab, milatuzumab, lucatumumab, dacetuzumab, figitumumab, dalotuzumab, AVE1642, tabalumab, pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, nivolumab. Expert opinion: Amongst these antibodies, elotuzumab which targets SLAMF-7 and daratumumab which targets CD38, have been recently approved by FDA for patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Both agents are well tolerated. Multiple clinical trials incorporating these monoclonal antibodies in MM treatment are currently ongoing. Of special interest are the anticipated results of phase III clinical trials with elotuzumab [NCT0189164; NCT01335399; NCT02495922] and daratumumab [NCT02252172; NCT02195479] in newly diagnosed MM patients. Moreover, of great interest are the awaited data on pembrolizumabin combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in refractory/relapsed MM patients [NCT02576977] and in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed MM patients. It seems that the incorporation of monoclonal antibodies will change the landscape of myeloma therapy in the near future. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies mark the beginning of a new era in the context of multiple myeloma (MM) treatment. Numerous antibodies have been tested or are currently in development for patients with MM, in order to improve tolerability and quality of life. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews emerging antibodies for the treatment of MM i.e. elotuzumab, daratumumab, MOR03087, isatuximab, bevacizumab, cetuximab, siltuximab, tocilizumab, elsilimomab, azintrel, rituximab, tositumomab, milatuzumab, lucatumumab, dacetuzumab, figitumumab, dalotuzumab, AVE1642, tabalumab, pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, nivolumab. Expert opinion: Amongst these antibodies, elotuzumab which targets SLAMF-7 and daratumumab which targets CD38, have been recently approved by FDA for patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Both agents are well tolerated. Multiple clinical trials incorporating these monoclonal antibodies in MM treatment are currently ongoing. Of special interest are the anticipated results of phase III clinical trials with elotuzumab [NCT0189164; NCT01335399; NCT02495922] and daratumumab [NCT02252172; NCT02195479] in newly diagnosed MM patients. Moreover, of great interest are the awaited data on pembrolizumabin combination with pomalidomide and dexamethasone in refractory/relapsed MM patients [NCT02576977] and in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed MM patients. It seems that the incorporation of monoclonal antibodies will change the landscape of myeloma therapy in the near future. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

This study provides new evidence on emerging stock market contagion during the Global Financial crisis (GFC) and the Euro zone Sovereign Debt Crisis (ESDC). Focusing on the three emerging Baltic markets and developed European markets, proxied by the EUROSTOXX50 stock index, we explore asymmetric dynamic conditional correlation dynamics across stable and crisis periods. Empirical evidence indicates a diverse contagion pattern for the Baltic region across the two crises. Latvia and Lithuania were contagious during the GFC, while they were insulated from the adverse effects of the ESDC. On the other hand, Estonia decoupled from the negative consequences during the global turmoil period, but recoupled during the ESDC. The results could be attributed to financial and macroeconomic characteristics of the Baltic countries before and after the turmoil periods and the introduction time of the Euro as a national currency.

Collective hybridized plasmon modes, which enable strong magnetooptical coupling and consequent enhanced Faraday effect in three-dimensional periodic assemblies of magnetic dielectric nanoparticles coated with a noble-metal shell, are studied by means of rigorous full electrodynamic calculations using an extension of the layer-multiple-scattering method, in conjunction with the effective-medium approximation. A thorough analysis of relevant photonic dispersion diagrams and transmission spectra provides a consistent explanation of the underlying physical mechanisms to a degree that goes beyond existing interpretation. It is shown that properly designed structures of such composite magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for engineering increased and broadband Faraday rotation.

From 1979 to 1989, ten million tons of phosphogypsum, a waste by-product of the Greek phosphate fertilizer industry, was disposed into an abandoned limestone quarry in Schistos former waste site, Piraeus (Greece). The quarry has been recently closed and remediated using geomembranes and thick soil cover with vegetation. A part of the deposited phosphogypsum has been exposed due to intense rainfall episodes leading to concerns about how could potentially released radioactivity affect the surrounding environment. This study seeks to assess the environmental impact of the phosphogypsum deposited in the Schistos quarry, using laboratory-based $\gamma$-ray spectrometry measurements and geographical information systems. Radioactivity concentrations were mapped onto spatial-data to yield a spatial-distribution of radioactivity in the area. The data indicate elevated 226Ra concentrations in a specific area on the steep south-eastern cliff of the remediated waste site that comprises uncovered phosphogypsum and is known to be affected by local weather conditions. 226Ra concentrations range from 162 to 629 Bq/kg, with an average activity being on the low side, compared to the global averages for phosphogypsum. Nevertheless, the low environmental risk may be minimized by remediating this area with geomembranes and thick soil cover with vegetation, a technique, which has worked successfully over the remainder of the remediated quarry.

{The main objective of this work is the assessment of the annual number of hospital admissions for respiratory disease (HARD) due to the exposure to inhalable particulate matter (PM10), within the greater Athens area (GAA), Greece. Towards this aim, the time series of the particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 mu m (PM10) recorded in six monitoring stations located in the GAA, for a 13-year period 2001-2013, is used. In this study AirQ2.2.3 software developed by the WHO, was used to evaluate adverse health effects by PM10 in the GAA during the examined period. The results show that, the mean annual HARD cases per 100,000 inhabitants ranged between 20 (suburban location) and 40 (city centre location). Approximately 70 % of the annual HARD cases are due to city centre residents. In all examined locations, a declining trend in the annual number of HARD cases is appeared. Moreover, a strong relation between the annual number of HARD cases and the annual number of days exceeding the European Union daily PM10 threshold value was found.}

In this paper a re-analysis of previous research concerning an uplifted tidal notch developed near the modern harbor of Poros (eastern Cephalonia Island, Ionian Sea, Greece) is undertaken. According to radiocarbon dating, this notch was active between the 4th–6th century AD and 1953 AD, i.e. for at least 1450 years. Recent measurements have shown that the inward depth of the notch profile at well preserved sites is 93 cm. This permits an estimate of the average rate of intertidal bioerosion to 0.64 mm/a for this time period.

The European Hematology Association (EHA) Roadmap for European Hematology Research highlights major achievements in diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and identifies the greatest unmet clinical and scientific needs in those areas to enable better funded, more focused European hematology research. Initiated by the EHA, around 300 experts contributed to the consensus document, which will help European policy makers, research funders, research organizations, researchers, and patient groups make better informed decisions on hematology research. It also aims to raise public awareness of the burden of blood disorders on European society, which purely in economic terms is estimated at ∈ European Hematology Association (EHA) Roadmap for European Hematology Research highlights major achievements in diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders and identifies the greatest unmet clinical and scientific needs in those areas to enable better fu treatments, sometimes in revolutionary ways. This progress highlights the potential of focused basic research programs such as this EHA Roadmap. The EHA Roadmap identifies nine ‘sections’ in hematology: normal hematopoiesis, malignant lymphoid and myeloid diseases, anemias and related diseases, platelet disorders, blood coagulation and hemostatic disorders, transfusion medicine, infections in hematology, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These sections span 60 smaller groups of diseases or disorders. The EHA Roadmap identifies priorities and needs across the field of hematology, including those to develop targeted therapies based on genomic profiling and chemical biology, to eradicate minimal residual malignant disease, and to develop cellular immunotherapies, combination treatments, gene therapies, hematopoietic stem cell treatments, and treatments that are better tolerated by elderly patients. © 2016 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

PURPOSE: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1; also known as CD274 or B7-H1) expression represents a mechanism of immune escape for cancer. Our purpose was to characterize tumor PD-L1 expression and associated T-cell infiltration in primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A well-annotated cohort of 260 operable primary laryngeal SCCs [formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens] was morphologically characterized for stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), on hematoxylin/eosin-stained whole sections and for PD-L1 mRNA expression by qRT-PCR in FFPE specimens. For PD-L1 protein expression, automated quantitative protein analysis (AQUA) was applied on tissue microarrays consisting of two cores from these tumors. In addition, PD-L1 mRNA expression in fresh-frozen tumors and normal adjacent tissue specimens was assessed in a second independent cohort of 89 patients with primary laryngeal SCC. RESULTS: PD-L1 mRNA levels were upregulated in tumors compared with surrounding normal tissue (P = 0.009). TILs density correlated with tumor PD-L1 AQUA levels (P = 0.021). Both high TILs density and high PD-L1 AQUA levels were significantly associated with superior disease-free survival (DFS; TILs: P = 0.009 and PD-L1: P = 0.044) and overall survival (OS; TILs: P = 0.015 and PD-L1: P = 0.059) of the patients and retained significance in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Increased TILs density and PD-L1 levels are associated with better outcome in laryngeal squamous cell cancer. Assessment of TILs and PD-L1 expression could be useful to predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

We used thiol-based antioxidant supplementation (n-acetylcysteine, NAC) to determine whether immune mobilisation following skeletal muscle microtrauma induced by exercise is redox-sensitive in healthy humans. According to a two-trial, double-blind, crossover, repeated measures design, 10 young men received either placebo or NAC (20mg/kg/day) immediately after a muscledamaging exercise protocol (300 eccentric contractions) and for eight consecutive days. Blood sampling and performance assessments were performed before exercise, after exercise, and daily throughout recovery. NAC reduced the decline of reduced glutathione in erythrocytes and the increase of plasma protein carbonyls, serum TAC and erythrocyte oxidized glutathione, and TBARS and catalase activity during recovery thereby altering postexercise redox status. The rise of muscle damage and inflammatory markers (muscle strength, creatine kinase activity, CRP, proinflammatory cytokines, and adhesion molecules) was less pronounced in NAC during the first phase of recovery. The rise of leukocyte and neutrophil count was decreased by NAC after exercise. Results on immune cell subpopulations obtained by flow cytometry indicated that NAC ingestion reduced the exerciseinduced rise of total macrophages, HLA+ macrophages, and 11B+ macrophages and abolished the exercise-induced upregulation of B lymphocytes. Natural killer cells declined only in PLA immediately after exercise. These results indicate that thiol-based antioxidant supplementation blunts immune cell mobilisation in response to exercise-induced inflammation suggesting that leukocyte mobilization may be under redox-dependent regulation. Copyright © 2016 Alexandra Sakelliou et al.

Maintenance and accurate propagation of the genetic material are key features for physiological development and wellbeing. The replication licensing machinery is crucial for replication precision as it ensures that replication takes place once per cell cycle. Thus, the expression status of the components comprising the replication licensing apparatus is tightly regulated to avoid re-replication; a form of replication stress that leads to genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer. In the present review we discuss the mechanistic basis of replication licensing deregulation, which leads to systemic effects, exemplified by its role in carcinogenesis and a variety of genetic syndromes. In addition, new insights demonstrate that above a particular threshold, the replication licensing factor Cdc6 acts as global transcriptional regulator, outlining new lines of exploration. The role of the putative replication licensing factor ChlR1/DDX11, mutated in the Warsaw Breakage Syndrome, in cancer is also considered. Finally, future perspectives focused on the potential therapeutic advantage by targeting replication licensing factors, and particularly Cdc6, are discussed.

Purpose: To identify prognostic molecular profiles in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib, we performed immunohistochemical analysis for VEGF and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway components. Methods: The immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, p85α, p110γ, PTEN, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1 and p-p70S6K was studied in 79 patients with mRCC who received first-line treatment with sunitinib. Expression was correlated with clinicopathological features and survival. Results: VEGF was highly expressed (median H-Score 150), while positivity for the markers of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was: p85α 43/66 (65 %), p110γ41/60 (68 %), PTEN 32/64 (50 %), p-Akt57/63 (90 %), p-mTOR48/64 (75 %), p-4E-BP1 58/64 (90 %) and p-p70S6K 60/65 (92 %). No single immunohistochemical marker was found to have prognostic significance. Instead, the combination of increased p-mTOR and low VEGF expression was adversely correlated with overall survival (OS) (3.2 vs. 16.9 months, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and p-mTOR proteins may discriminate patients refractory to first-line sunitinib with poor prognosis. Prospective validation of our findings is needed. © 2016 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Purpose: To identify prognostic molecular profiles in patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib, we performed immunohistochemical analysis for VEGF and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway components. Methods: The immunohistochemical expression of VEGF, p85α, p110γ, PTEN, p-Akt, p-mTOR, p-4E-BP1 and p-p70S6K was studied in 79 patients with mRCC who received first-line treatment with sunitinib. Expression was correlated with clinicopathological features and survival. Results: VEGF was highly expressed (median H-Score 150), while positivity for the markers of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was: p85α 43/66 (65 %), p110γ41/60 (68 %), PTEN 32/64 (50 %), p-Akt57/63 (90 %), p-mTOR48/64 (75 %), p-4E-BP1 58/64 (90 %) and p-p70S6K 60/65 (92 %). No single immunohistochemical marker was found to have prognostic significance. Instead, the combination of increased p-mTOR and low VEGF expression was adversely correlated with overall survival (OS) (3.2 vs. 16.9 months, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry for VEGF and p-mTOR proteins may discriminate patients refractory to first-line sunitinib with poor prognosis. Prospective validation of our findings is needed. © 2016 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

Objective: To explore the correlation between the expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin in prostate cancer (PCa) and its clinicopathological data including tumor grade and clinical stage. Methods: The expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin was examined in 157 cases of PCa and adjacent normal prostatic tissue by immunohistochemical assay, and the correlation with clinicopathological features was analyzed. Results: Expressions of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin in PCa were lower than those in normal prostatic tissues (P<0.05). N-cadherin expression was higher in cancer prostatic tissue than in normal prostatic tissues (P<0.05). The reduced expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin was related to Gleason score, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and prostate-specific antigen level, but it was not associated with positive surgical margins and patient age. The increased expression of N-cadherin was related to Gleason score, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and prostate-specific antigen level, but not to age and positive surgical margins. The expression of E-cadherin was highly negatively correlated with that of N-cadherin and also positively correlated with that of α5-integrin and α7-integrin. Conclusion: The reduced expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin and abnormal expression of N-cadherin play an important role in the occurrence and development of PCa. The results indicate that these have potential values in the diagnosis and are predictable indices in the proliferation of PCa. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Objective: To explore the correlation between the expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin in prostate cancer (PCa) and its clinicopathological data including tumor grade and clinical stage. Methods: The expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, Ε-cadherin, and N-cadherin was examined in 157 cases of PCa and adjacent normal prostatic tissue by immunohistochemical assay, and the correlation with clinicopathological features was analyzed. Results: Expressions of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin in PCa were lower than those in normal prostatic tissues (P<0.05). N-cadherin expression was higher in cancer prostatic tissue than in normal prostatic tissues (P<0.05). The reduced expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin was related to Gleason score, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and prostate-specific antigen level, but it was not associated with positive surgical margins and patient age. The increased expression of N-cadherin was related to Gleason score, pathological stage, lymph node metastasis, and prostate-specific antigen level, but not to age and positive surgical margins. The expression of E-cadherin was highly negatively correlated with that of N-cadherin and also positively correlated with that of α5-integrin and α7-integrin. Conclusion: The reduced expression of α5-integrin, α7-integrin, and Ε-cadherin and abnormal expression of N-cadherin play an important role in the occurrence and development of PCa. The results indicate that these have potential values in the diagnosis and are predictable indices in the proliferation of PCa. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Silicoflagellate abundance, vertical distribution and morphology were studied during spring (March 2014) at three sampling stations locatedin the Northeast Aegean Sea adjacent to the Dardanelles Strait and characterized by a variable influx of cold, low-salinity Black Sea water.The silicoflagellate assemblage was dominated by Dictyocha stapedia and Stephanocha speculum with minor contribution of D. aculeata andOctactis pulchra. While specimens of D. stapedia were represented by the typical morphologies described in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea,populations of S. speculum displayed peculiar characters: they were large, predominantly 7-sided, with a small apical ring as well as apical ringspines, concave basal ring sides and non-rotated apical structure. Some of these features have been described for S. speculum at high latitudes, butthe combined characters make these specimens slightly different from the high latitude populations. Similar morphologies have been observed inthe western Black Sea, thus we can infer that the peculiar specimens detected in the Northeast Aegean are associated with the influx of Black Seawater masses.

The Fermi surfaces and Elliott-Yafet spin-mixing parameter (EYP) of several elemental metals are studied by ab initio calculations. We focus first on the anisotropy of the EYP as a function of the direction of the spin-quantization axis {[}B. Zimmermann et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 236603 (2012)]. We analyze in detail the origin of the gigantic anisotropy in 5d hcp metals as compared to 5d cubic metals by band structure calculations and discuss the stability of our results against an applied magnetic field. We further present calculations of light (4d and 3d) hcp crystals, where we find a huge increase of the EYP anisotropy, reaching colossal values as large as 6000% in hcp Ti. We attribute these findings to the reduced strength of spin-orbit coupling, which promotes the anisotropic spin-flip hot loops at the Fermi surface. In order to conduct these investigations, we developed an adapted tetrahedron-based method for the precise calculation of Fermi surfaces of complicated shape and accurate Fermi-surface integrals within the full-potential relativistic Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker Green function method.

There are limited data on fetuin-A, soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) and free leptin index (FLI) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The aim of this study was to compare circulating fetuin-A, sOB-R levels and FLI between 95 patients with CLL and 95 matched controls, as well as among different stages of CLL. Circulating fetuin-A was significantly lower in cases than controls (241.9 ± 99.2 vs. 288.8 ± 127.7 μg/mL; p = 0.005). Although circulating sOB-R levels were similar between groups, FLI was lower in cases than controls (0.45 ± 0.42 vs. 0.67 ± 0.57; p = 0.003). Furthermore, lower fetuin-A or FLI, but not sOB-R, were independently associated with CLL (p < 0.05), particularly among overweight/obese individuals. Fetuin-A, s-OB-R and FLI were similar between different stages of CLL severity, or between symptomatic and asymptomatic disease. In conclusion, circulating fetuin-A and FLI, but not sOB-R, were lower in patients with CLL than controls, a finding warranting further investigation.

A number of software applications for the practice of the singing voice have been introduced the last decades, but all of them are limited to equal tempered scales. In this work, we present the design and development of FONASKEIN, a novel modular interactive software application for the practice of singing voice in real time and with visual feedback for both equal and non-equal tempered scales. Details of the Graphical User Interface of FONASKEIN are given, along with its architecture. The evaluation results of FONASKEIN in a pilot experiment with eight participants and with four songs in various musical scales showed its positive effect in practice of the singing voice in all cases.

Saronikos Gulf, including the industrial zone of Elefsis Bay and the Port of Piraeus, is one of the most anthropogenically impacted coastal regions of Greece. Distinct assemblages of benthic foraminifers in sediment samples, collected from this gulf in February 2012, defined three zones that reflect abiotic parameters of the sediments (e.g., organic carbon, metal content). A low-diversity assemblage, dominated by stress-tolerantAmmonia tepida and Bulimina spp., was characteristic of samples from Elefsis Bay. Samples from the western and central part of Saronikos Gulf were the most variable with respect to both abiotic parameters and the foraminiferal assemblage, characterized by a mix of stress-tolerant and more sensitive taxa, especially Bolivina spp. andNonion fabum. Samples from the coast of Salamis and at the eastern sector of the gulf were characterized by a diverse assemblage that included Peneroplis pertusus, miliolids, and a variety of small, epiphytic rotaliid taxa. A new biotic index, the Foram Stress Index (FSI), is based on the relative percentages of two ecological groups of benthic foraminiferal species, grouped according to their tolerance/sensitivity to organic matter enrichment and weighted proportionately to obtain a formula to define five ecological-status classes. The FSI produced three rankings for these samples (Poor, Moderate and Good), that strongly correlate with the macroinvertebrate-classification tool known as the BENTIX Index. The FSI provides a new tool to assess sediment or substrata quality based upon the benthic foraminiferal assemblages, which are a significant component of living meiobenthic communities that are generally not considered in most biotic benthic indices.

Saronikos Gulf, including the industrial zone of Elefsis Bay and the Port of Piraeus, is one of the most anthropogenically impacted coastal regions of Greece. Distinct assemblages of benthic foraminifers in sediment samples, collected from this gulf in February 2012, defined three zones that reflect abiotic parameters of the sediments (e.g., organic carbon, metal content). A low-diversity assemblage, dominated by stress-tolerantAmmonia tepida and Bulimina spp., was characteristic of samples from Elefsis Bay. Samples from the western and central part of Saronikos Gulf were the most variable with respect to both abiotic parameters and the foraminiferal assemblage, characterized by a mix of stress-tolerant and more sensitive taxa, especially Bolivina spp. andNonion fabum. Samples from the coast of Salamis and at the eastern sector of the gulf were characterized by a diverse assemblage that included Peneroplis pertusus, miliolids, and a variety of small, epiphytic rotaliid taxa. A new biotic index, the Foram Stress Index (FSI), is based on the relative percentages of two ecological groups of benthic foraminiferal species, grouped according to their tolerance/sensitivity to organic matter enrichment and weighted proportionately to obtain a formula to define five ecological-status classes. The FSI produced three rankings for these samples (Poor, Moderate and Good), that strongly correlate with the macroinvertebrate-classification tool known as the BENTIX Index. The FSI provides a new tool to assess sediment or substrata quality based upon the benthic foraminiferal assemblages, which are a significant component of living meiobenthic communities that are generally not considered in most biotic benthic indices.

© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Background and aims: We aimed to assess the prognostic value of free androgen index (FAI) and its change over time in arterial stiffness progression, endothelial function and hypertension in postmenopausal women. Methods: Postmenopausal women (n = 180) without clinically overt cardiovascular disease or diabetes were consecutively recruited and followed for a median of 29 months. The main outcome measures were changes over time in endothelial function (FMD), reflected waves, localized and systemic (PWV) arterial stiffness and hypertension. Results: Increased baseline FAI was significantly associated with new onset hypertension (OR for each SD, 2.71, 95% CI 1.14-6.41, p = 0.024), deterioration of pulse wave velocity (PWV) (0.414 m/s per SD), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (-0.42% per SD), systolic (2.5 mmHg per SD) and pulse pressure progression (2.3 mmHg per SD, p < 0.05 for all). Baseline FAI remained an independent predictor of changes in PWV (p = 0.006), FMD (p = 0.02), peripheral pulse pressure (p = 0.028), transition to new onset hypertension (p = 0.001) and higher BP category (p = 0.012), after adjustment for age, changes in systolic blood pressure, traditional risk factors, vasoactive medication or total testosterone. Baseline FAI improved reclassification for the risk of transition into higher BP category (NRI = 47.5 ± 20.3%, p = 0.02) and abnormal PWV (NRI = 53.4 ± 23.2%, p = 0.021). Similarly, in a subgroup of patients with measured FAI at follow-up, its changes over time predicted changes in PWV, peripheral pulse pressure and hypertension status (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: In apparently healthy postmenopausal women, FAI could be a novel biomarker superior to total testosterone for accelerated vascular aging and hypertension status.

In this paper, we revisit the discovery of argon by Lord Rayleigh and William Ramsay. We argue that to understand historically how argon was detected, conceptualized, and accommodated into chemical knowledge we need to take into account the philosophical insight that scientific discovery is often an extended process. One of argon’s most intriguing properties was that it did not react with other elements. Reactivity, however, had been a constitutive property of elements. Thus, the discovery of argon could not have been accepted by chemists without a reconceptualization of ‘element’. Furthermore, there were difficulties with the accommodation of argon in the Periodic table, because argon appeared to undermine the conception of matter that underlay the Periodic table. The discovery of argon was complete only after those conceptual difficulties had been removed. This is why it has to be understood as an extended process, rather than as an event. Furthermore, we will suggest that some of the factors that complicated the discovery of argon were related to the legitimization of physical techniques of investigation in chemistry and the emergence of physical chemistry.

When citing:  Kamberidou, Irene (2016).  A Futurist and Hybrid Scientist, the result of a Multidisciplinary Education. Irene Kamberidou interviews Eleni Antoniadou, multidisciplinary scientist in Artificial Organ Technology and President of the European Health Parliament, 04/14/2016 - 12:25:  http://www.womenincomputing.eu/blog/470/futurist-and-hybrid-scientist-result-multidisciplinary-education-irene-kamberidou-ecwt    Interview for  1st European Celebration of Women in Computing (ECWC), Brussels, 25-26 April 2016! (womenincomputing.eu), organized by European European Centre for Women and Technology (ECWT): SPONSORS: http://womenincomputing.eu/sponsors Website: www.ecwt.eu

Context. At about 1000 days after the launch of Gaia we present the first Gaia data release, Gaia DR1, consisting of astrometry and photometry for over 1 billion sources brighter than magnitude 20.7. Aims: A summary of Gaia DR1 is presented along with illustrations of the scientific quality of the data, followed by a discussion of the limitations due to the preliminary nature of this release. Methods: The raw data collected by Gaia during the first 14 months of the mission have been processed by the Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) and turned into an astrometric and photometric catalogue. Results: Gaia DR1 consists of three components: a primary astrometric data set which contains the positions, parallaxes, and mean proper motions for about 2 million of the brightest stars in common with the Hipparcos and Tycho-2 catalogues - a realisation of the Tycho-Gaia Astrometric Solution (TGAS) - and a secondary astrometric data set containing the positions for an additional 1.1 billion sources. The second component is the photometric data set, consisting of mean G-band magnitudes for all sources. The G-band light curves and the characteristics of 3000 Cepheid and RR Lyrae stars, observed at high cadence around the south ecliptic pole, form the third component. For the primary astrometric data set the typical uncertainty is about 0.3 mas for the positions and parallaxes, and about 1 mas yr-1 for the proper motions. A systematic component of 0.3 mas should be added to the parallax uncertainties. For the subset of 94 000 Hipparcos stars in the primary data set, the proper motions are much more precise at about 0.06 mas yr-1. For the secondary astrometric data set, the typical uncertainty of the positions is 10 mas. The median uncertainties on the mean G-band magnitudes range from the mmag level to 0.03 mag over the magnitude range 5 to 20.7. Conclusions: Gaia DR1 is an important milestone ahead of the next Gaia data release, which will feature five-parameter astrometry for all sources. Extensive validation shows that Gaia DR1 represents a major advance in the mapping of the heavens and the availability of basic stellar data that underpin observational astrophysics. Nevertheless, the very preliminary nature of this first Gaia data release does lead to a number of important limitations to the data quality which should be carefully considered before drawing conclusions from the data.

Gaia is a cornerstone mission in the science programme of the EuropeanSpace Agency (ESA). The spacecraft construction was approved in 2006, following a study in which the original interferometric concept was changed to a direct-imaging approach. Both the spacecraft and the payload were built by European industry. The involvement of the scientific community focusses on data processing for which the international Gaia Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC) was selected in 2007. Gaia was launched on 19 December 2013 and arrived at its operating point, the second Lagrange point of the Sun-Earth-Moon system, a few weeks later. The commissioning of the spacecraft and payload was completed on 19 July 2014. The nominal five-year mission started with four weeks of special, ecliptic-pole scanning and subsequently transferred into full-sky scanning mode. We recall the scientific goals of Gaia and give a description of the as-built spacecraft that is currently (mid-2016) being operated to achieve these goals. We pay special attention to the payload module, the performance of which is closely related to the scientific performance of the mission. We provide a summary of the commissioning activities and findings, followed by a description of the routine operational mode. We summarise scientific performance estimates on the basis of in-orbit operations. Several intermediate Gaia data releases are planned and the data can be retrieved from the Gaia Archive, which is available through the Gaia home page. http://www.cosmos.esa.int/gaia

Multiciliated cells are terminally differentiated, post-mitotic cells that form hundreds of motile cilia on their apical surface. Defects in multiciliated cells lead to disease, including mucociliary clearance disorders that result from ciliated cell disfunction in airways. The pathway controlling multiciliogenesis, however, remains poorly characterized. We showed that GemC1, previously implicated in cell cycle control, is a central regulator of ciliogenesis. GemC1 is specifically expressed in ciliated epithelia. Ectopic expression of GemC1 is sufficient to induce early steps of multiciliogenesis in airway epithelial cells ex vivo, upregulating McIdas and FoxJ1, key transcriptional regulators of multiciliogenesis. GemC1 directly transactivates the McIdas and FoxJ1 upstream regulatory sequences, and its activity is enhanced by E2F5 and inhibited by Geminin. GemC1-knockout mice are born with airway epithelia devoid of multiciliated cells. Our results identify GemC1 as an essential regulator of ciliogenesis in the airway epithelium and a candidate gene for mucociliary disorders.

The littoral region of Alexandria, east of Silsileh (the eastern promontory of the Eastern Harbor) to Montazah promontory was investigated combining archaeological and geomorphological evidence in order to better understand the subsidence of the coastal zone. The coastal zone is rich in archaeological and geomorphological features able to provide insights into the evolution of the coastline and the relative sea level changes. Our study has revealed a continuous subsidence of the coastal zone, owed to various contributing processes, while further research is required to decipher the coastal evolution of this littoral.

Women are more likely to develop depression during childbearing years with up to 20% of women suffering from depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Increased prevalence of depression during the perinatal period has resulted in frequent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment; however the effects of such medications on the maternal brain remain limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of the SSRI medication, fluoxetine, on neurobiological differences in the maternal brain. To model aspects of maternal depression, gestational stress was used. Sprague-Dawley rat dams were exposed to either gestational stress and/or fluoxetine (5mg/kg/day) to form the following four groups: 1. Control+Vehicle, 2. Stress+Vehicle, 3. Control+Fluoxetine, and 4. Stress+Fluoxetine. At weaning maternal brains were collected. Main findings show that gestational stress alone increased synaptophysin and serotonin metabolism in the cingulate cortex2 region of the cortex while fluoxetine treatment after stress normalized these effects. In the hippocampus, fluoxetine treatment, regardless of gestational stress exposure, decreased both global measures of methylation in the dentate gyrus, as measured by Dnmt3a immunoreactivity, as well as serotonin metabolism. No further changes in synaptophysin, PSD-95, or Dnmt3a immunoreactivity were seen in the cortical or hippocampal areas investigated. These findings show that gestational stress and SSRI medication affect the neurobiology of the maternal brain in a region-specific manner. This work adds to a much needed area of research aimed at understanding neurobiological changes associated with maternal depression and the role of SSRI treatment in altering these changes in the female brain.

Women are more likely to develop depression during childbearing years with up to 20% of women suffering from depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Increased prevalence of depression during the perinatal period has resulted in frequent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant treatment; however the effects of such medications on the maternal brain remain limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of the SSRI medication, fluoxetine, on neurobiological differences in the maternal brain. To model aspects of maternal depression, gestational stress was used. Sprague-Dawley rat dams were exposed to either gestational stress and/or fluoxetine (5mg/kg/day) to form the following four groups: 1. Control+Vehicle, 2. Stress+Vehicle, 3. Control+Fluoxetine, and 4. Stress+Fluoxetine. At weaning maternal brains were collected. Main findings show that gestational stress alone increased synaptophysin and serotonin metabolism in the cingulate cortex2 region of the cortex while fluoxetine treatment after stress normalized these effects. In the hippocampus, fluoxetine treatment, regardless of gestational stress exposure, decreased both global measures of methylation in the dentate gyrus, as measured by Dnmt3a immunoreactivity, as well as serotonin metabolism. No further changes in synaptophysin, PSD-95, or Dnmt3a immunoreactivity were seen in the cortical or hippocampal areas investigated. These findings show that gestational stress and SSRI medication affect the neurobiology of the maternal brain in a region-specific manner. This work adds to a much needed area of research aimed at understanding neurobiological changes associated with maternal depression and the role of SSRI treatment in altering these changes in the female brain.

A concept realizing giant spin Nernst effect in nonmagnetic metallic films is introduced. It is based on the idea of engineering an asymmetric energy dependence of the longitudinal and transverse electrical conductivities, as well as a pronounced energy dependence of the spin Hall angle in the vicinity of the Fermi level by the resonant impurity states at the Fermi level. We employ an analytical model and demonstrate the emergence of a giant spin Nernst effect in Ag(111) films using ab initio calculations combined with the Boltzmann approach for transport properties arising from skew scattering off impurities.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was discovered in the early 1980s when the virus had already established a pandemic. For at least three decades the epidemic in the Western World has been dominated by subtype B infections, as part of a sub-epidemic that traveled from Africa through Haiti to United States. However, the pattern of the subsequent spread still remains poorly understood. Here we analyze a large dataset of globally representative HIV-1 subtype B strains to map their spread around the world over the last 50years and describe significant spread patterns. We show that subtype B travelled from North America to Western Europe in different occasions, while Central/Eastern Europe remained isolated for the most part of the early epidemic. Looking with more detail in European countries we see that the United Kingdom, France and Switzerland exchanged viral isolates with non-European countries than with European ones. The observed pattern is likely to mirror geopolitical landmarks in the post-World War II era, namely the rise and the fall of the Iron Curtain and the European colonialism. In conclusion, HIV-1 spread through specific migration routes which are consistent with geopolitical factors that affected human activities during the last 50years, such as migration, tourism and trade. Our findings support the argument that epidemic control policies should be global and incorporate political and socioeconomic factors.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various renal diseases, however, there are limited data regarding their role in renal AL-amyloidosis. In the present study, we evaluated the glomerular expression of MMPs in renal-biopsy specimens containing AL-amyloid deposits. We also examined the association of MMPs with renal function at the time of diagnostic renal biopsy. Methods: We performed immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies against MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 in 19 kidney-biopsy specimens with AL-amyloidosis and 8 specimens from normal kidney tissue. We used clinical data of the patients at the time of kidney biopsy to evaluate the association between MMP expression and renal function. Results: We found increased MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression within the amyloid deposits and adjacent tissues in > 50% of the amyloid-positive biopsies, whereas MMP-1 and MMP-3 were negative in control samples. In contrast, we found no significant glomerular MMP-2 and TIMP-1 expression in amyloid-containing or normal kidneys. MMP-9 expression was found in the glomerular basement membrane equally in AL-amyloidosis and control specimens. The presence of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in the glomeruli of patients with AL-amyloidosis correlated with worse renal function at the time of kidney biopsy. Conclusion: The findings of this study show increased glomerular expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3 in patients with AL-amyloidosis which is associated with worse renal function at the time of the kidney biopsy. Our results suggest an important role for MMP-1 and MMP-3 in the pathogenesis of renal damage in AL-amyloidosis. © 2016 Dustri-Verlag Dr. K. Feistle.

The Voices of Six Inspirational Greek Women in Sport: What inspired them to take that leap; the Obstacles they faced; how they moved forward and Tips for Success.  Many inspirational and outstanding women have made a difference in the lives of girls and women in sport, physical education (PE) and physical activity in Greece, despite their invisibility in the mainstream media, the life stories of which would need volumes. They succeeded in making a difference while respecting and celebrating diversity with regard to gender, ethnicity, culture, disability, age and sexual orientation. Beginning with a brief discussion on the underrepresentation of women’s sports and the female athlete in the Greek media, this chapter shares the contributions of some inspiring and motivating Greek women in sport whose achievements have been excluded from the country’s mainstream media. It is through six in-depth interviews and follow-up meetings that we learn how these pioneers influenced the lives of sporting girls and women by daring to disregard social barriers and spread awareness. We conclude the chapter with tips from these successful, namely inspirational women, who all agree that success requires ethos and taking that leap.http://www.ngime.ufjf.br/wp-content/uploads/Europa_opt.pdf

The coinfection of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been associated with increased death rates. However, the relevant research has mostly relied on serologic HBV testing [HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)]. The aim of this work was to explore the relationship of HBV viraemia with overall mortality among HIV/HBV coinfected individuals. The analysis included 1,609 HIV seropositives of a previously described cohort (1984-2003) with limited exposure to tenofovir (12%) and a median follow-up of approximately 5 years. Those with persistent expression of HBsAg were further tested for HBV-DNA. The data were analyzed using Poisson regression models. Totally, 101 participants were chronic carriers of HBsAg (6.28%). Of these, 81 were tested for HBV-DNA. The median HBV-DNA levels were 3.81 log (base-10) International Units (IU)/ml. A third (31%) of those tested for HBV-DNA had received tenofovir. Before developing acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for all-cause mortality of coinfected patients with HBV viraemia above the median value versus the HIV monoinfected group was 3.44 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-11.27]. Multivariable regressions in the coinfected group only (n = 81) showed that one log-10 increase in HBV-DNA levels was associated with an elevated risk for death (IRR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.03-1.49). HBV-DNA levels predict overall mortality in the setting of HIV/HBV coinfection, especially during the period before developing AIDS, and could thus help prioritize needs and determine the frequency of medical monitoring.

BACKGROUND: Most of the HCV transmission the recent years in Greece was among IDUs. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of HCV genotypes and to investigate the patterns of HCV dispersal among IDUs in Athens using current state of the art molecular epidemiology methods. METHODS: HCV sequences were determined from 238 HIV-negative IDUs collected on the basis of the "ARISTOTLE" prevention program carried out in Athens between 2012 and 2013. Phylogenetic trees were inferred on HCV sequences isolated from IDUs in Athens for the most prevalent HCV clades (subtypes 1a and 3a). Phylogenetic analysis was performed by Neighbor-Joining and Bayesian methods using GTR+G as nucleotide substitution model. HCV dispersal patterns were estimated using as references, all globally available HCV sequences for subtypes 1a and 3a. RESULTS: The prevalence of HCV subtypes was: 3a (59.2%), 1a (21.9%), 4 (13.0%), 1b (5.4%) and 2 (0.5%). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that most sequences (63.5%) οf subtypes 1a and 3a fell within IDU-specific monophyletic groups. The proportion of sequences in monophyletic clades was similar for subtype 3a (62.9%) and 1a (65.3%). For the latter group, monophyletic clades were smaller in size. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that monophyletic clustering was marginally associated recent onset of injecting ([AOR]=1.44; 95% CI (0.97-2.13), p=0.068). CONCLUSIONS: The high proportions of HCV sequences within IDU-specific monophyletic clusters suggest that transmissions occurred locally among IDUs in Greece. The numerous clusters for both 1a and 3a provide evidence that both sub-epidemics were the result of multiple introductions among the IDUs. Higher regional clustering was probably associated with a more recent onset of drug use.

Objective:The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between classroom psychological climate and the physical and sedentary behaviour of primary school students after the implementation of an innovative education programme regarding nutrition and physical activity.Design:Randomised controlled trial.Setting:Study participants were 729 students, aged 8?10?years, in the third and fourth grade of 30 public primary schools in the Athens Metropolitan Area.Methods:Students were randomly assigned to three study groups: an Intensive Intervention Group (IIG) that underwent an intensive nutrition and physical activity education programme delivered by specialised personnel and teachers, an Intervention Group (IG) that underwent a less intensive programme delivered by their regular teacher and a Control Group (CG) that received no instruction. Classroom Psychological Climate (CPC) was measured in all groups, and the data regarding physical activity and sedentary lifestyle habits, such as the time spent viewing TV or video games (screen time), were recorded.Results:Friction declined and satisfaction increased significantly after the intervention in the IG compared with the CG. There was no significant difference in physical activity and screen time between the groups. Daily screen time was positively associated with increased friction, which is a measure of conflicts between students in the school environment.Conclusion:A school nutrition and physical activity education programme was shown to decrease friction by decreasing daily screen time and increasing outdoor activities. These findings also suggest that teachers alone may be more effective in delivering optional health education programmes than specialised personnel and instructors.

Across-sectional survey was designed to determine health professionals' awareness and usage of online evidence retrieval systems in clinical practice. A questionnaire was used to measure professionals' behavior and utilization of online evidences, as well as, reasons and barriers on information retrieval. 439 nurses and physicians from public and private hospitals in Greece formulate the study's sample. The two most common reasons that individuals are using online information systems were for writing scientific manuscripts or filling a knowledge gap. A positive correlation was found between participants with postgraduate studies and information system usage. The majority of them (90,6%) believe that online information systems improves patient care and 67,6% of them had their own experiences on this. More support is needed to nurses and physicians in order to use the online evidence and as a result to improve the provided care and practices.

Purpose To determine the effects of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in the Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Versus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma (ASPIRE) trial. Methods Patients with relapsed multiple myeloma were randomly assigned to receive KRd or Rd. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and myeloma-specific module were administered at baseline; day 1 of cycles 3, 6, 12, and 18; and after treatment. The Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHS/QoL) scale and seven subscales (fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, physical functioning, role functioning, disease symptoms, and adverse effects of treatment) were compared between groups using a mixed model for repeated measures. The percentages of responders with ≥ 5- or 15-point GHS/QoL improvement at each cycle were compared between groups. Results Baseline questionnaire compliance was excellent (94.1% of randomly assigned patients). KRd patients had higher GHS/QoL scores versus Rd patients over 18 treatment cycles (two-sided P<.001). The minimal important difference was met at cycle 12 (5.6 points) and approached at cycle 18 (4.8 points). There was no difference between groups for the other prespecified subscales from ASPIRE. A higher proportion of KRd patients met the GHS/QoL responder definition (≥ 5-point improvement) with statistical differences at cycle 12 (KRd v Rd patients, 25.5% v 17.4%, respectively) and 18 (KRd v Rd patients, 24.2% v 12.9%, respectively). Conclusion KRd improves GHS/QoL without negatively affecting patient-reported symptoms when compared with Rd. These data further support the benefit of KRd in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Purpose To determine the effects of carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (KRd) versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in the Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone Versus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Patients With Relapsed Multiple Myeloma (ASPIRE) trial. Methods Patients with relapsed multiple myeloma were randomly assigned to receive KRd or Rd. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and myeloma-specific module were administered at baseline; day 1 of cycles 3, 6, 12, and 18; and after treatment. The Global Health Status/Quality of Life (GHS/QoL) scale and seven subscales (fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, physical functioning, role functioning, disease symptoms, and adverse effects of treatment) were compared between groups using a mixed model for repeated measures. The percentages of responders with ≥ 5- or 15-point GHS/QoL improvement at each cycle were compared between groups. Results Baseline questionnaire compliance was excellent (94.1% of randomly assigned patients). KRd patients had higher GHS/QoL scores versus Rd patients over 18 treatment cycles (two-sided P<.001). The minimal important difference was met at cycle 12 (5.6 points) and approached at cycle 18 (4.8 points). There was no difference between groups for the other prespecified subscales from ASPIRE. A higher proportion of KRd patients met the GHS/QoL responder definition (≥ 5-point improvement) with statistical differences at cycle 12 (KRd v Rd patients, 25.5% v 17.4%, respectively) and 18 (KRd v Rd patients, 24.2% v 12.9%, respectively). Conclusion KRd improves GHS/QoL without negatively affecting patient-reported symptoms when compared with Rd. These data further support the benefit of KRd in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) is characterized by non-organized immunoglobulin-fragments along renal basement membranes with subsequent organ deterioration. Treatment is directed against the immunoglobulin-producing clone. We treated 18 MIDD patients with bortezomib-based regimens (12 received bortezomib-dexamethasone, 6 bortezomib-dexamethasone with cyclophosphamide). Eleven (61%) patients achieved a hematologic response, but only 6 (33.3%) reached to a complete (CR) or very good partial response (VGPR). Regarding renal outcomes 77.8 and 55.6% had ≥30 and ≥50% reduction of proteinuria, respectively, but 33.3% ended up in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Among patients with CR or VGPR, median eGFR improvement was 7.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 and none progressed to ESRD, but no significant renal recovery was observed in patients achieving a partial response or less, with 50% progressing to dialysis. Pretreatment eGFR seems to influence renal prognosis. Bortezomib-based treatment is considered an effective approach in MIDD and reaching to a deep hematologic response (≥VGPR) conditionally controls further renal declining. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) is characterized by non-organized immunoglobulin-fragments along renal basement membranes with subsequent organ deterioration. Treatment is directed against the immunoglobulin-producing clone. We treated 18 MIDD patients with bortezomib-based regimens (12 received bortezomib-dexamethasone, 6 bortezomib-dexamethasone with cyclophosphamide). Eleven (61%) patients achieved a hematologic response, but only 6 (33.3%) reached to a complete (CR) or very good partial response (VGPR). Regarding renal outcomes 77.8 and 55.6% had ≥30 and ≥50% reduction of proteinuria, respectively, but 33.3% ended up in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Among patients with CR or VGPR, median eGFR improvement was 7.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 and none progressed to ESRD, but no significant renal recovery was observed in patients achieving a partial response or less, with 50% progressing to dialysis. Pretreatment eGFR seems to influence renal prognosis. Bortezomib-based treatment is considered an effective approach in MIDD and reaching to a deep hematologic response (≥VGPR) conditionally controls further renal declining. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Dye solar cells (DSCs) have emerged as one of the most efficient third-generation photovoltaic (PV) technologies, whose commercialization is mainly hampered by the lack of sufficient long-term stability compared to conventional PV devices. In this work, it is demonstrated that solvent based DSCs using tetraglyme as a non-nitrile, high boiling point, organic solvent for the iodide/triiodide redox shuttle, can pass a harsh accelerated thermal ageing test of 3000 h light soaking followed by additional 2000 h thermal ageing at 85 °C. Electrochemical and spectroscopic analysis on thermal degradation effects revealed that a conduction band edge shift towards more negative potentials for tetraglyme-DSCs underlies the enhanced photopotential of aged cells, compensating for the thermally induced photocurrent reduction due to slight triiodide loss. The tetraglyme-based solar cells (in contrast to cells based on methoxypropionitrile-MPN) showed exceptional stability, compatible with the established IEC61646 protocol for thin film PVs, keeping ca. 90% of their initial performance under 1 sun illumination. Quite notably, the cells even increased their initial efficiency by 4% when illuminated under 0.1 sun. This is the first time in literature that such a stability record is accomplished for solvent based DSCs utilizing commercially available and cost-effective materials. © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This paper investigates the relationship between the volatility of Volume Synchronized Probability of Informed Trading (VPIN) and future short-term volatility of stock returns. We construct a transaction-signed version of VPIN (TR-VPIN) based on tick by tick data on securities traded in the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) during the Greek sovereign debt crisis. The results show a positive and statistically significant correlation between the volatility of TR-VPIN and future short-term volatility for securities that are exposed to asymmetric information during the period under examination. This evidence expands the existent literature which shows that the absolute order imbalance forecasts absolute returns, suggesting that TR-VPIN is a real-time informative indicator of the Probability of Informed Trading (PIN) in the high frequency domain. Further, the long-range dependence between the conditional volatilities of TR-VPIN and stock returns becomes more significant as we move towards securities which display stronger long memory. This is perfectly in line with the recent empirical evidence in microstructure literature that large past shocks of flow toxicity can lead to volatility through liquidity shortages.

Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein that is implicated in the biology of normal bone remodeling and in different cancer cell growth and metastasis. However, there is no information on the role of periostin in multiple myeloma (MM). Thus, we evaluated periostin in six myeloma cell lines in vitro; in the bone marrow plasma and serum of 105 newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM) patients and in the serum of 23 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), 33 smoldering MM (SMM) patients, 30 patients at the plateau phase post-first-line therapy, 30 patients at first relapse and 30 healthy controls. We found high levels of periostin in the supernatants of myeloma cell lines compared with ovarian cancer cell lines that were not influenced by the incubation with the stromal cell line HS5. In NDMM patients the bone marrow plasma periostin was almost fourfold higher compared with the serum levels of periostin and correlated with the presence of fractures and of diffuse magnetic resonance imaging pattern of marrow infiltration. Serum periostin was elevated in NDMM patients compared with healthy controls, MGUS and SMM patients and correlated with advanced disease stage, high lactate dehydrogenase, increased activin-A, increased bone resorption and reduced bone formation. Patients at first relapse had also elevated periostin compared with healthy controls, MGUS and SMM patients, while even patients at the plateau phase had elevated serum periostin compared with healthy controls. These results support an important role of periostin in the biology of myeloma and reveal periostin as a possible target for the development of antimyeloma drugs. © 2016 The Author(s).

Periostin is an extracellular matrix protein that is implicated in the biology of normal bone remodeling and in different cancer cell growth and metastasis. However, there is no information on the role of periostin in multiple myeloma (MM). Thus, we evaluated periostin in six myeloma cell lines in vitro; in the bone marrow plasma and serum of 105 newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM) patients and in the serum of 23 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), 33 smoldering MM (SMM) patients, 30 patients at the plateau phase post-first-line therapy, 30 patients at first relapse and 30 healthy controls. We found high levels of periostin in the supernatants of myeloma cell lines compared with ovarian cancer cell lines that were not influenced by the incubation with the stromal cell line HS5. In NDMM patients the bone marrow plasma periostin was almost fourfold higher compared with the serum levels of periostin and correlated with the presence of fractures and of diffuse magnetic resonance imaging pattern of marrow infiltration. Serum periostin was elevated in NDMM patients compared with healthy controls, MGUS and SMM patients and correlated with advanced disease stage, high lactate dehydrogenase, increased activin-A, increased bone resorption and reduced bone formation. Patients at first relapse had also elevated periostin compared with healthy controls, MGUS and SMM patients, while even patients at the plateau phase had elevated serum periostin compared with healthy controls. These results support an important role of periostin in the biology of myeloma and reveal periostin as a possible target for the development of antimyeloma drugs. © 2016 The Author(s).

Combined micropaleontological and geochemical analyses of the high-sedimentation gravity core M-4G provided new centennial-scale paleoceanographic data for sapropel S1 deposition in the NE Aegean Sea during the Holocene Climatic Optimum. Sapropel layer S1a (10.2–8.0 ka) was deposited in dysoxic to oxic bottom waters characterized by a high abundance of benthic foraminiferal species tolerating surface sediment and/or pore water oxygen depletion (e.g.,Chilostomella mediterranensis, Globobulimina affinis), and the presence of Uvigerina mediterranea, which thrives in oxic mesotrophic-eutrophic environments. Preservation of organic matter (OM) is inferred based on high organic carbon as well as loliolide and isololiolide contents, while the biomarker record and the abundances of eutrophic planktonic foraminifera document enhanced productivity. High inputs of terrigenous OM are attributed to north Aegean borderland riverine inputs. Both alkenone-based sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and δO18 G. bulloides records indicate cooling at 8.2 ka (S1a) and ~7.8 ka (S1 interruption). Sapropelic layer S1b (7.7–6.4 ka) is characterized by rather oxic conditions; abundances of foraminiferal species tolerant to oxygen depletion are very low compared with the U. mediterranea rise. Strongly fluctuating SSTs demonstrate repeated cooling and associated dense water formation, with a major event at 7.4 ka followed by cold spells at 7.0, 6.8, and 6.5 ka. The prominent rise of the carbon preference index within the S1b layer indicates the delivery of less degraded terrestrial OM. The increase of algal biomarkers, labile OM-feeding foraminifera and eutrophic planktonic species pinpoints an enhanced in situ marine productivity, promoted by more efficient vertical convection due to repeated cold events. The associated contributions of labile marine OM along with fresher terrestrial OM inputs after ~7.7 ka imply sources alternative/additional to the north Aegean riverine borderland sources for the influx of organic matter in the south Limnos Basin, plausibly related to the inflow of highly productive Marmara/Black Sea waters.

Combined micropaleontological and geochemical analyses of the high-sedimentation gravity core M-4G provided new centennial-scale paleoceanographic data for sapropel S1 deposition in the NE Aegean Sea during the Holocene Climatic Optimum. Sapropel layer S1a (10.2–8.0 ka) was deposited in dysoxic to oxic bottom waters characterized by a high abundance of benthic foraminiferal species tolerating surface sediment and/or pore water oxygen depletion (e.g.,Chilostomella mediterranensis, Globobulimina affinis), and the presence of Uvigerina mediterranea, which thrives in oxic mesotrophic-eutrophic environments. Preservation of organic matter (OM) is inferred based on high organic carbon as well as loliolide and isololiolide contents, while the biomarker record and the abundances of eutrophic planktonic foraminifera document enhanced productivity. High inputs of terrigenous OM are attributed to north Aegean borderland riverine inputs. Both alkenone-based sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and δO18 G. bulloides records indicate cooling at 8.2 ka (S1a) and ~7.8 ka (S1 interruption). Sapropelic layer S1b (7.7–6.4 ka) is characterized by rather oxic conditions; abundances of foraminiferal species tolerant to oxygen depletion are very low compared with the U. mediterranea rise. Strongly fluctuating SSTs demonstrate repeated cooling and associated dense water formation, with a major event at 7.4 ka followed by cold spells at 7.0, 6.8, and 6.5 ka. The prominent rise of the carbon preference index within the S1b layer indicates the delivery of less degraded terrestrial OM. The increase of algal biomarkers, labile OM-feeding foraminifera and eutrophic planktonic species pinpoints an enhanced in situ marine productivity, promoted by more efficient vertical convection due to repeated cold events. The associated contributions of labile marine OM along with fresher terrestrial OM inputs after ~7.7 ka imply sources alternative/additional to the north Aegean riverine borderland sources for the influx of organic matter in the south Limnos Basin, plausibly related to the inflow of highly productive Marmara/Black Sea waters.

PURPOSE: During the last three decades, the number of devices that emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) at the wireless communication spectrum has rapidly increased and possible effects on living organisms have become a major concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiofrequency EMR emitted by a widely used wireless communication device, namely the Digital Enhanced Communication Telephony (DECT) base, on the immune responses of the Aegean wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult male lizards were exposed 24 h/day for 8 weeks to 1880-1900 MHz DECT base radiation at average electric field intensity of 3.2 V/m. Immune reactivity was assessed using the phytohemagglutinin (PHA) skin swelling and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) tests. RESULTS: Our results revealed a noticeable suppression (approximately 45%) of inflammatory responses in EMR-exposed lizards compared to sham-exposed animals. T cell-mediated responses were marginally affected. CONCLUSION: Daily radiofrequency EMR exposure seems to affect, at least partially, the immunocompetence of the Aegean wall lizard.

Renal impairment is associated with poor prognosis in myeloma. This analysis of the pivotal phase 3 FIRST trial examined the impact of renally adapted dosing of lenalidomide and dexamethasone on outcomes of patients with different degrees of renal impairment. Transplant-ineligible patients not requiring dialysis were randomized 1:1:1 to receive continuous lenalidomide and dexamethasone until disease progression (n=535) or for 18 cycles (72 weeks; n=541), or melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide for 12 cycles (72 weeks; n=547). Follow-up is ongoing. Patients were grouped by baseline creatinine clearance into no (≥ 80 mL/min [n=389]), mild (≥ 50 to < 80 mL/min [n=715]), moderate (≥ 30 to < 50 mL/min [n=372]), and severe impairment (< 30 mL/min [n=147]) subgroups. Continuous lenalidomide and dexamethasone therapy reduced the risk of progression or death in no, mild, and moderate renal impairment subgroups vs. melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide therapy (HR = 0.67, 0.70, and 0.65, respectively). Overall survival benefits were observed with continuous lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment vs.melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide treatment in no or mild renal impairment subgroups. Renal function improved from baseline in 52.6% of lenalidomide and dexamethasone–treated patients. The safety profile of continuous lenalidomide and dexamethasone was consistent across renal subgroups, except for grade 3/4 anemia and rash, which increased with increasing severity of renal impairment. Continuous lenalidomide and dexamethasone treatment, with renally adapted lenalidomide dosing, was effective for most transplant-ineligible patients with myeloma and renal impairment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00689936); EudraCT (2007- 004823-39). Funding: Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome and the Celgene Corporation. © 2016 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

{The goal of this study is to quantify the impact of airborne coarse particles between 2.5 and 80 mu m (PM2.5-PM80) on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases, acquired from the two main hospitals in Heraklion, Crete Island. The atmospheric coarse particles were collected in Heraklion city from November 18, 2011 to May 31, 2013, using the Sigma-2 passive sampler technique. Further, the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), was utilized to identify the qualitative structure of PMs. On one hand, we applied Generalized Addictive Models (GAMS) in order to assess the impact of coarse particles on respiratory diseases. The findings of the analysis revealed that the highest estimates were 7.3 % (Cl: 1.00-1.01) and 7.1 % (Cl: 1.00-1.01) increases in weekly respiratory admissions associated with an increase of 10 mu g m(-3) with respect to coarse particles between 10 and 20 mu m, for men and women, respectively. On the other hand, using SEM technique, the PMs were identified by means of their chemical composition. It is worth noting the presence of Rutile (a mineral composed primarily by Titanium Dioxide), which was found in our samples with possible origin from Saharan desert, causing adverse respiratory problems.}

The ability of vertebrates to evolve different defence strategies in response to varying parasitism regimes remains poorly understood. Hosts may adopt two different strategies to defend themselves against parasites: tolerance (hosts alleviate the negative fitness consequences of parasite infection) and resistance (hosts strengthen their immune response as parasite burden increases). Both strategies are effective, but fitness has been reported to decline faster in less-tolerant individuals. Here, we assessed the number of splenocytes and the cell-mediated response (proxies for resistance) and body condition (a proxy for tolerance) in four populations of a Greek endemic lizard (Podarcis gaigeae), each exposed to different infection risks (defined as the cumulative effect of parasite burden and duration of exposure). We anticipated that populations with heavy parasite burden would enhance the efficacy of their immune response (resistance) compared to lizards deriving from parasite-poor habitats. We also predicted that populations with longer exposure to parasites would be adopted and be more tolerant. Each factor (duration of exposure and parasite burden) had a distinct effect on the immune response, and thus, our results were rather complicated. Lizards with heavy parasite burden and aperiodic exposure demonstrated resistance, whereas lizards with heavy parasite burden and chronic exposure were more tolerant. Populations with low parasite burden and minimal exposure were more resistant. Our results suggest that the development of some immunological strategies may be differentiated under different infection risks, even within the same species.

We show by first-principles calculations that the skew-scattering anomalous Hall and spin Hall angles of L1(0)-ordered FePt drastically depend on different types of disorder. A different sign of the anomalous Hall angle is obtained when slightly deviating from the stoichiometric ratio towards the Fe-rich side as compared to the Pt-rich side. For stoichiometric samples, short-range ordering of defects has a profound effect on the Hall angles and can change them by a factor of 2 as compared to the case of uncorrelated disorder. This might explain the vast range of anomalous Hall angles measured in experiments, which undergo different preparation procedures and thus might differ in their crystallographic quality.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the maxillary second molar (M2) and third molar (M3) inclination following orthodontic treatment of Class II subdivision malocclusion with unilateral maxillary first molar (M1) extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Panoramic radiographs of 21 Class II subdivision adolescents (eight boys, 13 girls; mean age, 12.8 years; standard deviation, 1.7 years) before treatment, after treatment with extraction of one maxillary first molar and Begg appliances and after at least 1.8 years in retention were retrospectively collected from a private practice. M2 and M3 inclination angles (M2/ITP, M2/IOP, M3/ITP, M3/IOP), constructed by intertuberosity (ITP) and interorbital planes (IOP), were calculated for the extracted and nonextracted segments. Random effects regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect on the molar angulation of extraction, time, and gender after adjusting for baseline measurements. RESULTS: Time and extraction status were significant predictors for M2 angulation. M2/ITP and M2/IOP decreased by 4.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.93, 1.16; P  =  .001) and 3.67 (95% CI: -6.76, -0.58; P  =  .020) in the extraction group compared to the nonextraction group after adjusting for time and gender. The adjusted analysis showed that extraction was the only predictor for M3 angulation that reached statistical significance. M3 mesial inclination increased by 7.38° (95% CI: -11.2, -3.54; P < .001) and 7.33° (95% CI: -11.48, -3.19; P  =  .001). CONCLUSIONS: M2 and M3 uprighting significantly improved in the extraction side after orthodontic treatment with unilateral maxillary M1 extraction. There was a significant increase in mesial tipping of maxillary second molar crowns over time.

The upregulation of PGE2 by mesangial cells has been observed under chronic inflammation condition. In the present work, renal mesangial cells were stimulated to trigger a huge increase of PGE2 synthesis and were treated in the absence or presence of known PLA2 inhibitors. A variety of synthetic inhibitors, mainly developed in our labs, which are known to selectively inhibit each of GIVA cPLA2, GVIA iPLA2, and GIIA/GV sPLA2, were used as tools in this study. Synthetic sPLA2 inhibitors, such as GK115 (an amide derivative based on the non-natural amino acid (R)-γ-norleucine) as well as GK126 and GK241 (2-oxoamides based on the natural (S)-α-amino acid leucine and valine, respectively) presented an interesting effect on the suppression of PGE2 formation.

This region of western Greece has been frequently activated during the last decade, providing a large amount of enhanced quality new seismic information that was recorded by the Hellenic Unified Seismological Network (HUSN). In this work, the results of earthquake relocation, stress inversion and seismic traveltime tomography are presented, towards investigating the geodynamics of the study area. Inversion of ~2300 focal mechanisms indicates obliquity by 30 ̊ between shearing and the maximum horizontal stress along the major strike-slip faults, consistent with clockwise crustal rotation. Within the lower crust, the stress field appears to be constrained by larger scale deformation. Seismic velocity anomalies have been resolved by regional body-wave traveltime tomography, applying an iterative tomographic inversion scheme using phase data from more than 5000 seismic events. Preliminary 3D tomographic models indicate the presence of gross structures related with the western Hellenic Trench, the Cephalonia Transform Fault (CTF), the Aitoloakarnania shear zone, the Corinth Gulf and the Messinia graben. Dipping towards the east and segmentation of CTF between Cephalonia and Lefkas is evidenced by the resolved anomalies while a predominant NE-SW oriented low velocity zone observed in central Peloponnesus, related with dextral strike-slip faulting, marks a 90° rotation of the extensional stress direction that is found to occur at both sides.

The number of public health applications for molecular epidemiology and social network analysis has increased rapidly since the improvement in computational capacities and the development of new sequencing techniques. Currently, molecular epidemiology methods are used in a variety of settings: from infectious disease surveillance systems to the description of disease transmission pathways. The latter are of great epidemiological importance as they let us describe how a virus spreads in a community, make predictions for the further epidemic developments, and plan preventive interventions. Social network methods are used to understand how infections spread through communities and what the risk factors for this are, as well as in improved contact tracing and message-dissemination interventions. Research is needed on how to combine molecular and social network data as both include essential, but not fully sufficient information on infection transmission pathways. The main differences between the two data sources are that, firstly, social network data include uninfected individuals unlike the molecular data sampled only from infected network members. Thus, social network data include more detailed picture of a network and can improve inferences made from molecular data. Secondly, network data refer to the current state and interactions within the social network, while molecular data refer to the time points when transmissions happened, which might have happened years before the sampling date. As of today, there have been attempts to combine and compare the data obtained from the two sources. Even though there is no consensus on whether and how social and genetic data complement each other, this research might significantly improve our understanding of how viruses spread through communities.

As early as the seventeenth century, women have been going from one corner of the world to the other recording their experiences and reasons for publishing. Exploring, working and residing in regions of the East considered ‘safe for dynamic men only’ (Smith 1887, Through Cyprus, Author of ‘Glimpses of Greek life and Scenery, etc’. London: Hurst and Blacket), western women interacted with the peoples of Ottoman society, enjoying their warm and generous hospitality. Their gender allowed them to study, learn and become experts in areas where men had no access: the Ottoman harems, women's daily life, social gatherings and celebrations. Western and eastern women discuss harem slavery, marriage, adultery, childbirth, abortion, divorce, religion and women's rights. In reconsulting primary sources and focusing on the writings of nineteenth-century British women in Asia Minor (Turkey), this article contributes additional evidence on women's alternative representations or less degrading gaze, while revealing a patriarchal system's domestic-social reality that was founded on the institution of slavery. In other words, it differs from other studies in spotlighting the accounts that are illustrative of the polyethnic synthesis of the Ottoman households, i.e. the discourse on the multiethnic harem slavery institution, which distinguished Ottoman society, so as to provide a bigger picture and inspire new discussions.

As early as the seventeenth century, women have been going from one corner of the world to the other recording their experiences and reasons for publishing. Exploring, working and residing in regions of the East considered ‘safe for dynamic men only’ (Smith 1887), western women interacted with the peoples of Ottoman society, enjoying their warm and generous hospitality. Their gender allowed them to study, learn and become experts in areas where men had no access: the Ottoman households (harems), women's daily life, social gatherings and celebrations. Western and eastern women discuss harem slavery, marriage, adultery, childbirth, abortion, divorce, religion and women's rights. In reconsulting primary sources and focusing on the writings of nineteenth-century British women in Asia Minor (Turkey), this article contributes additional evidence on women's alternative representations or less degrading gaze, while revealing a patriarchal system's domestic-social reality that was founded on the institution of slavery. In other words, it differs from other studies in spotlighting the accounts that are illustrative of the polyethnic synthesis of the Ottoman households, i.e. the discourse on the multiethnic harem slavery institution, which distinguished Ottoman society, so as to provide a bigger picture and inspire new discussions.

We report on the effect of interfacial energy on the glass temperature, Tg, of several amorphous polymers with various glass temperatures and polymer/substrate interactions confined within self-ordered nanoporous alumina (AAO). The polymers studied include poly(phenylmethylsiloxane) (PMPS), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), 1,4-polybutadiene (PB), oligostyrene (PS), and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The segmental dynamics and associated Tg’s are studied by means of dielectric spectroscopy. The interfacial energy for the polymer/substrate interface, γSL, is calculated with Young’s equation whereas the AAO membrane surface energy is obtained by measuring contact angles for several reference liquids. We find that interfacial energy plays a significant role in the segmental dynamics of polymers under confinement within AAO. There is a trend for a decreasing glass temperature relative to the bulk with increasing interfacial energy. PDMS exhibits the highest interfacial energy and the highest reduction in glass temperature within AAO. Other effects that may also contribute to changes in Tg are discussed.

Treatment of multiple myeloma has substantially changed over the past decade with the introduction of several classes of new effective drugs that have greatly improved the rates and depth of response. Response criteria in multiple myeloma were developed to use serum and urine assessment of monoclonal proteins and bone marrow assessment (which is relatively insensitive). Given the high rates of complete response seen in patients with multiple myeloma with new treatment approaches, new response categories need to be defined that can identify responses that are deeper than those conventionally defined as complete response. Recent attempts have focused on the identification of residual tumour cells in the bone marrow using flow cytometry or gene sequencing. Furthermore, sensitive imaging techniques can be used to detect the presence of residual disease outside of the bone marrow. Combining these new methods, the International Myeloma Working Group has defined new response categories of minimal residual disease negativity, with or without imaging-based absence of extramedullary disease, to allow uniform reporting within and outside clinical trials. In this Review, we clarify several aspects of disease response assessment, along with endpoints for clinical trials, and highlight future directions for disease response assessments. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Treatment of multiple myeloma has substantially changed over the past decade with the introduction of several classes of new effective drugs that have greatly improved the rates and depth of response. Response criteria in multiple myeloma were developed to use serum and urine assessment of monoclonal proteins and bone marrow assessment (which is relatively insensitive). Given the high rates of complete response seen in patients with multiple myeloma with new treatment approaches, new response categories need to be defined that can identify responses that are deeper than those conventionally defined as complete response. Recent attempts have focused on the identification of residual tumour cells in the bone marrow using flow cytometry or gene sequencing. Furthermore, sensitive imaging techniques can be used to detect the presence of residual disease outside of the bone marrow. Combining these new methods, the International Myeloma Working Group has defined new response categories of minimal residual disease negativity, with or without imaging-based absence of extramedullary disease, to allow uniform reporting within and outside clinical trials. In this Review, we clarify several aspects of disease response assessment, along with endpoints for clinical trials, and highlight future directions for disease response assessments. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Purpose The aim of the International Myeloma Working Group was to develop practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma-related renal impairment (RI). Methods Recommendations were based on published data through December 2015, and were developed using the system developed by the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group. Recommendations All patients with myeloma at diagnosis and at disease assessment should have serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and electrolytes measurements as well as free light chain, if available, and urine electrophoresis of a sample from a 24-hour urine collection (grade A). The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, preferably, or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula should be used for the evaluation of estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with stabilized serum creatinine (grade A). International Myeloma Working Group criteria for renal reversibility should be used (grade B). For themanagement of RI in patientswithmultiplemyeloma, high fluid intake is indicated along with antimyeloma therapy (grade B). The use of high-cutoff hemodialysis membranes in combination with antimyeloma therapy can be considered (grade B). Bortezomib-based regimens remain the cornerstone of the management of myeloma-related RI (grade A). High-dose dexamethasone should be administered at least for the first month of therapy (grade B). Thalidomide is effective in patients with myeloma with RI, and no dose modifications are needed (grade B). Lenalidomide is effective and safe, mainly in patients with mild to moderate RI (grade B); for patients with severe RI or on dialysis, lenalidomide should be given with closemonitoring for hematologic toxicity (grade B) with dose reduction as needed. High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (with melphalan 100 mg/m2 to 140 mg/m2) is feasible in patients with RI (grade C). Carfilzomib can be safely administered to patients with creatinine clearance . 15 mL/min, whereas ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone can be safely administered to patients with creatinine clearance . 30 mL/min (grade A). © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Purpose The aim of the International Myeloma Working Group was to develop practical recommendations for the diagnosis and management of multiple myeloma-related renal impairment (RI). Methods Recommendations were based on published data through December 2015, and were developed using the system developed by the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Working Group. Recommendations All patients with myeloma at diagnosis and at disease assessment should have serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and electrolytes measurements as well as free light chain, if available, and urine electrophoresis of a sample from a 24-hour urine collection (grade A). The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, preferably, or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula should be used for the evaluation of estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with stabilized serum creatinine (grade A). International Myeloma Working Group criteria for renal reversibility should be used (grade B). For themanagement of RI in patientswithmultiplemyeloma, high fluid intake is indicated along with antimyeloma therapy (grade B). The use of high-cutoff hemodialysis membranes in combination with antimyeloma therapy can be considered (grade B). Bortezomib-based regimens remain the cornerstone of the management of myeloma-related RI (grade A). High-dose dexamethasone should be administered at least for the first month of therapy (grade B). Thalidomide is effective in patients with myeloma with RI, and no dose modifications are needed (grade B). Lenalidomide is effective and safe, mainly in patients with mild to moderate RI (grade B); for patients with severe RI or on dialysis, lenalidomide should be given with closemonitoring for hematologic toxicity (grade B) with dose reduction as needed. High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (with melphalan 100 mg/m2 to 140 mg/m2) is feasible in patients with RI (grade C). Carfilzomib can be safely administered to patients with creatinine clearance . 15 mL/min, whereas ixazomib in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone can be safely administered to patients with creatinine clearance . 30 mL/min (grade A). © 2016 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

RESUMEN: Óscar Cerruto, en su novela Aluvión de fuego revela aspectos históricos y sociales de su país relacionados con la guerra de Chaco. Mediante un acercamiento histórico-cultural, se estudia el conflicto entre los representantes del poder y la población india y su impacto en la formación de la identidad boliviana. PALABRAS CLAVE: Indio, poder, mujer, historia, identidad.   ABSTRACT: Óscar Cerruto, in his novel Aluvión de fuego, presents historical and social aspects of his country related to the Chaco’s war. Through a historical and cultural approach, we analyze the conflict between the representatives of the powerful upper class and the Indians, as well as its impact on the formation of the Bolivian identity. KEYWORDS: Indian, power, woman, history, identity.

PURPOSE: Stable fixation of distal humerus fracture fragments is necessary for adequate healing and maintenance of reduction. The purpose of this study was to measure the reliability and accuracy of interpretation of postoperative radiographs to predict which implants will loosen or break after operative treatment of bicolumnar distal humerus fractures. We also addressed agreement among surgeons regarding which fracture fixation will loosen or break and the influence of years in independent practice, location of practice, and so forth. METHODS: A total of 232 orthopedic residents and surgeons from around the world evaluated 24 anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of distal humerus fractures on a Web-based platform to predict which implants would loosen or break. Agreement among observers was measured using the multi-rater kappa measure. RESULTS: The sensitivity of prediction of failure of fixation of distal humerus fracture on radiographs was 63%, specificity was 53%, positive predictive value was 36%, the negative predictive value was 78%, and accuracy was 56%. There was fair interobserver agreement (κ = 0.27) regarding predictions of failure of fixation of distal humerus fracture on radiographs. Interobserver variability did not change when assessed for the various subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: When experienced and skilled surgeons perform fixation of type C distal humerus fracture, the immediate postoperative radiograph is not predictive of fixation failure. Reoperation based on the probability of failure might not be advisable. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic III.

Eukaryotic cells heavily depend on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generated by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) within mitochondria. ATP is the major energy currency molecule, which fuels cell to carry out numerous processes, including growth, differentiation, transportation and cell death among others (Khakh and Burnstock, 2009). Therefore, ATP levels can serve as a metabolic gauge for cellular homeostasis and survival (Artal-Sanz and Tavernarakis, 2009; Gomes et al., 2011; Palikaras et al., 2015). In this protocol, we describe a method for the determination of intracellular ATP levels using a bioluminescence approach in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Conduction of electrical signals along the surface of muscle fibers is acknowledged as an essential neuromuscular component which is linked with muscle force production. However, it remains unclear whether muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) is also linked with explosive performance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between vastus lateralis MFCV and countermovement jumping performance, the rate of force development and maximum isometric force. Fifteen moderately-trained young females performed countermovement jumps as well as an isometric leg press test in order to determine the rate of force development and maximum isometric force. Vastus lateralis MFCV was measured with intramuscular microelectrodes at rest on a different occasion. Maximum MFCV was significantly correlated with maximum isometric force (r = 0.66, p < 0.01), nevertheless even closer with the leg press rate of force development at 100 ms, 150 ms, 200 ms, and 250 ms (r = 0.85, r = 0.89, r = 0.91, r = 0.92, respectively, p < 0.01). Similarly, mean MFCV and type II MFCV were better correlated with the rate of force development than with maximum isometric leg press force. Lower, but significant correlations were found between mean MFCV and countermovement jump power (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). These data suggest that muscle fiber conduction velocity is better linked with the rate of force development than with isometric force, perhaps because conduction velocity is higher in the larger and fastest muscle fibers which are recognized to contribute to explosive actions.

The Magellanic Clouds harbour a large sample of Be/X-ray binariesat a moderate and well known distance with low Galactic foregroundabsorption. However, the transient nature of Be/X-ray binaries complicatesobservations in X-rays. Serendipitous detections of bright outburstsprovide rare chances for further investigation. We propose three triggeredXMM-Newton observations of new or unexplored systems to continue thebuild up of a large statistical sample of these sources.

Evolution Teaching (ET) among In-Service teachers in Greece was examined in an attempt to evaluate their Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Evolution teaching is a problematic issue. For this purpose, we constructed a questionnaire that was distributed to the target population and to which 181 teachers responded. We used quantitative method to determine factors that may characterize the ET milieu and which of the factors of PCK apply or not to ET. Our research finds that Biology teachers although strive to teach evolution, face specific difficulties due to lack of PCK. The research results may be useful when organizing and implementing professional development programs of teachers on ET.

Fires of 2007 have consumed large areas of Black pine and Greek fir forests in Peloponnese, Euboea and Attica. Most studies that followed, focused on the natural regeneration potential or the need for reforestation. The current research aims at examining the role of geomorphology and lithology that govern the soil properties upon the post-fire vegetation recovery at the landscape level. A case study from Taygetos Mt, a large part of which was burned in 2007, is presented. Based on the interpretation of a high spatial and spectral resolution satellite image (WorldView-3, 4/2015), several GIS thematic layers have been created showing unburned and regenerated patches over various lithological types. A network of sites was selected for field sampling representing various combinations of the above. Data on vegetation cover and recovery of the main tree species were collected. Results prove the interrelationship between regeneration and species traits as well as the existence of unburned patches near the burned ones. Recovery seems to be controlled by the geology of the plots as it was found weaker in plots overlying carbonate, permeable, not easily erodible formations as compared to that observed over clastic, impermeable, erodible formations of schists, even for the same species. In conclusion, post-fire vegetation recovery at the landscape level seems to be a complex process controlled not only from species biology but also from the landscape features and its fire history.

This paper investigates the contagion effects of the global financial crisis (GFC) and Eurozone sovereign debt crisis (ESDC) on Islamic equity and bond markets. Using a sample of Islamic stock indices from various developed and emerging markets and the global Islamic stock and bond (sukuk) indices, we explore asymmetric conditional correlation dynamics across stable and crisis periods and across the two crises. The results fail to provide strong contagion evidence between conventional and Islamic equity and bond indices, supporting the decoupling hypothesis of the Islamic securities. Our findings imply that Islamic equities and bonds may provide a cushion against risk and instability, particularly in periods of turmoil. The small number of contagion cases mostly relates to the ESDC and developed Islamic stock indices. The findings also show that the Islamic emerging stock indices in the BRICS provide the most effective international portfolio diversification benefits compared to the Islamic developed indices.

INTRODUCTION: Tissue kallikrein and the kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) constitute a family of 15 homologous secreted serine proteases with trypsin- or chymotrypsin-like activities, which participate in a broad spectrum of physiological procedures. Deregulated expression and/or activation of the majority of the family members have been reported in several human diseases, thereby making KLKs ideal targets for therapeutic intervention. AREAS COVERED: In the present review, we summarize the role of KLKs in normal human physiology and pathology, focusing on prostate cancer and skin diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the recent advances in the development of KLK-based therapies. A great number of diverse engineered KLKs inhibitors with improved potency, selectivity and immunogenicity have been synthesized by redesigning examples that are endogenous and naturally occurring. Moreover, encouraging results have been documented using KLKs-based vaccines and immunotherapies, as well as KLKs-mediated activation of pro-drugs. Finally, KLKs-targeting aptamers and KLKs-based imaging tools represent novel approaches towards the exploitation of KLKs' therapeutic value. EXPERT OPINION: The central/critical roles of KLK family in several human pathologies highlight KLKs as attractive molecular targets for developing novel therapeutics.

El objeto del presente trabajo es examinar si el nivel lingüístico en lengua extranjera afecta la disponibilidad léxica de aprendientes griegos de español. Para ello, se han analizado diferentes aspectos cuantitativos y cualitativos de la disponibilidad léxica de dos grupos de aprendientes griegos que tienen un nivel lingüístico diferente (B1 y C1) en español siguiendo las pautas metodológicas en las que se basan los estudios de disponibilidad léxica. Se ha recogido léxico de tres campos semánticos  (comida y bebida, la casa, profesiones y oficios) y los datos se han analizado con el objetivo de encontrar el número de palabras producidas, el promedio de las palabras producidas por participante, el número de vocablos (palabras diferentes), el promedio de los vocablos producidos por participante, el índice de cohesión y las palabras más comunes de cada campo semántico. Los resultados del estudio han indicado que el nivel lingüístico en lengua extranjera afecta la disponibilidad léxica de los dos grupos de aprendientes griegos de español en todos los campos semánticos analizados. La explicación se basa en el desarrollo y la organización del lexicón mental en lengua extranjera.

El tema que examina el presente artículo es la necesidad de enseñanza de las estrategias compensatorias en la clase delenguas extranjeras. Se trata de un tema polémico, que ha suscitado un debate entre los investigadores. En un intento de daruna visión global del tema, se presentan algunos de los argumentos de las dos posturas opuestas y se mencionan algunasconsideraciones que se deben tener en cuenta antes de decidir si su enseñanza se debería incluir en el currículo deaprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras.

Les difficultés de compréhension et d'appropriation qu'éprouvent les étudiants, face à un domaine cognitif parfois trop théorique, sont à l'origine de cette étude de cas. Notre but est d'explorer le rôle que peut jouer la traduction dans l'appréhension et l'approfondissement des contenus d'un cours disciplinaire de cursus universitaire de premier cycle. Pour ce faire, nous décrirons la réalisation d'un travail de traduction collaborative présentée sous forme de situation-problème selon les principes de l'apprentissage par problèmes

Langer's axillary arch is usually asymptomatic and difficult to detect preoperatively. When present, it is important for surgeons operating in the axillary region, to identify correctly the relevant anatomy. Simple surgical division is curative and necessary in order to achieve exposure of the axillary contents, lymphatic dissection, and neurovascular preservation.

Recent progress in the design and realization of optical antennas enclosing fluorescent materials has demonstrated large spontaneous-emission enhancements and, simultaneously, high radiation efficiencies. We discuss here that an important objective of such work is to increase spontaneous-emission rates to such a degree that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can possess modulation speeds exceeding those of typical semiconductor lasers, which are usually in the range ∼20-50 GHz. We outline the underlying physics that enable large spontaneous-emission enhancements in metallic nanostructures, and we then discuss recent theoretical and experimentally promising results, where enhancements larger than a factor of ∼300 have been reported, with radiation efficiencies exceeding 50%. We provide key comparative advantages of these structures in comparison to conventional dielectric microcavity designs, namely the fact that the enhancement of spontaneous emission can be relatively nonresonant (i.e., broadband) and that the antenna nanostructures can be spectrally and structurally compatible for integration with a wide class of emitters, including organic dyes, diamond nanocrystals and colloidal quantum dots. Finally, we point out that physical insight into the underlying effects can be gained by analyzing these metallic nanostructures in their equivalent-circuit (or nano-antenna) model, showing that all main effects (including the Purcell factor) can adequately be described in that approach. ©2016 Optical Society of America.

Fossil shorelines produced by recent co-seismic movements were identified through a submarine survey along the coasts of Ithaca and Fiscardo (Greece). In both areas a tidal notch-slightly submerged below present Mean Sea Level (MSL) was observed at various sites. This “modern” notch is known to have been submerged by the global sea-level rise during the 19th and 20th centuries. The depth after tide and air-pressure correction of the vertex of the “modern” notch (that owes its submergence to the current rapid sea level rise) was measured between -20 and -30±5cm at Fiscardo and between -36 and -45±6cm at Ithaca. This “modern” notch at the same depth on east and west sides of the Ionian Thrust suggests that both areas were not affected by the co-seismic vertical movements that occurred in 1953 (in the wider area). On the other hand, a greater depth in Ithaca could be an effect of co-seismic subsidence. Over the long term, the tectonic behavior of Ithaca differs from Fiscardo. At Ithaca no evidence of emergence was found and Holocene vertical movements have been only of subsidence: submerged fossil tidal notches were distinguished below MSL at about -40 (modern), -60, -75, -95, -106, -126, -150 and -220±6cm. On the East coast of Fiscardo peninsula impacts of ancient earthquakes have left some marks of emergence at about +18 and +44±5cm, and of submergence at about -25 (modern), -45, -60, -75, -82, -100 and -230cm, with even some evidence of past uplift and subsidence at the same sites.

Heavily "armed" with trichomes, the hypostomatic leaf of Ficus carica L. is investigated with light and scanning electron microscopy. Histochemical tests were also applied to trace the secondary matabolites produced in the leaf of this well known, Mediterranean tree with the delicious fruits. Numerous idioblasts with crystals, laticifers and sized lythocysts appear within the compact mesophyll. Protective trichomes are located on both surfaces while capitate secretive hairs and stomata appear only abaxially. Stomata, concerning their magnitude, can be assembled in three size-groups in which the arrangement of their parastomatal cells differs as well. Histochemical reactions proved positive only for alkaloids within the laticifers and phenolic compounds, especially for the condensed tannins accumulated within the vacuole of the epidermal cells of this simply constructed leaf with unique features among the Mediterranean herbs. Comparison of GC-MS and LC-HRMS spectra of different extracts of the nerves and, separately, the rest of the leaf, revealed that coumarines such as umbeliferone, psoralen, bergapten and xanthotoxol are probably biosynthetically produced within the nerve area where the highly differentiated, main secretive apparatus of the leaf (laticifers) resides. That is why, these metabolites, are absent from the extracts of the undifferentiated cells derived from in vitro cultures. © 2015 Elsevier GmbH.

Osyris alba is a dioecious shrub used in traditional medicine for its bioactive secondary metabolites. It is used for its antiparasitic, antimicrobial and anti-bleeding properties. In the present study the leaf tissue arrangement, histochemsitry and callus formation of Osyris alba L. were investigated. Leaves (fresh and fixed) were observed by light, polarized oight and electron microscopy. Fresh stem was also observed by light microscopy. The sub-cellular localization of secondary metabolites was detected. Furthermore, in vitro production of its secondary metabolite, by using cell cultures, was also preformed. The compact leaves are amphistomatic, with a single layer of epidermal cells and contain idioblasts cells with crystals. They react positively to histochemical reagents for the major groups of secondary metabolites. In the preliminary histochemical screening, in vitro cultured cells also gave positive results. In conclusion, the medicinal nature of the plant is attributed to its phytochemical profile. Plant cell culture technologies can be used for the production of its bioactive molecules. © 2016, International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. All rights reserved.

Abstract: To compare the outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who were treated with lenalidomide combined with high versus low dose of dexamethasone. One hundred forty consecutive relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients who received lenalidomide with dexamethasone, in two consecutive time periods, were divided into two groups: group RD (70 consecutive patients in the first period) who received lenalidomide with intermediate doses of dexamethasone and group Rd (70 consecutive patients in the more recent period) who received lenalidomide with low-dose dexamethasone. 62% and 73% of patients who received RD and Rd (p = 0.148) achieved at least a partial response, accordingly. The median OS was 20 and 41 months for the RD and the Rd group, accordingly. In the multivariate analysis, Rd was associated with improved PFS. More patients treated with RD developed grade 3&4 neutropenia and fatigue. It seems that Rd is at least as effective as RD. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Abstract: To compare the outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who were treated with lenalidomide combined with high versus low dose of dexamethasone. One hundred forty consecutive relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients who received lenalidomide with dexamethasone, in two consecutive time periods, were divided into two groups: group RD (70 consecutive patients in the first period) who received lenalidomide with intermediate doses of dexamethasone and group Rd (70 consecutive patients in the more recent period) who received lenalidomide with low-dose dexamethasone. 62% and 73% of patients who received RD and Rd (p = 0.148) achieved at least a partial response, accordingly. The median OS was 20 and 41 months for the RD and the Rd group, accordingly. In the multivariate analysis, Rd was associated with improved PFS. More patients treated with RD developed grade 3&4 neutropenia and fatigue. It seems that Rd is at least as effective as RD. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Benthic foraminiferal composition assemblages and their temporal changes, ecological indices and foraminiferal densities are used to compare three coastal environments with different physicogeographical features in the Aegean Sea (coastal environment of Avdira–Vistonikos Gulf and Kitros–Thermaikos Gulf and open lagoonal environment of Vravron–South Evoikos Gulf). Three main foraminiferal assemblages have been recognized: a) “Assemblage A”; high degree of similarity between living and dead foraminiferal species, dominated byAmmonia beccarii, Elphidium spp. and relatively abundant and diverse miliolids, b) “Assemblage B1”; intermediate degree of similarity between live and dead assemblages, characterized by highly-abundant and well-diversified foraminiferal assemblages including the algal symbiont bearing Peneroplis pertusus together withAmmonia tepida and several small epiphytic rotaliids and miliolids, and c) “Assemblage B2”; absence of living individuals, strongly dominated by the opportunistic species A. tepida. Our results suggest a good comparison between living and dead assemblages from different coastal environments in the Aegean Sea, however the prevailing environmental conditions (vegetation cover, hydrodynamics, fresh water influx) have a strong impact on the taphonomic processes.

Transition-metal-oxide hybrids composed of high surface-to-volume ratio Ta2O5 matrices and a molecular analogue of transition metal oxides, tungsten polyoxometalates ([PW12O40]3-), are introduced herein as a charge storage medium in molecular nonvolatile capacitive memory cells. The polyoxometalate molecules are electrostatically self-assembled on a low-dimensional Ta2O5 matrix, functionalized with an aminosilane molecule with primary amines as the anchoring moiety. The charge trapping sites are located onto the metal framework of the electron-accepting molecular entities as well as on the molecule/oxide interfaces which can immobilize negatively charged mobile oxygen vacancies. The memory characteristics of this novel nanocomposite were tested using no blocking oxide for extraction of structure-specific characteristics. The film was formed on top of the 3.1 nm-thick SiO2/n-Si(001) substrates and has been found to serve as both SiO2/Si interface states' reducer (i.e., quality enhancer) and electron storage medium. The device with the polyoxometalates sandwiched between two Ta2O5 films results in enhanced internal scattering of carriers. Thanks to this, it exhibits a significantly larger memory window than the one containing the plain hybrid and comparable retention time, resulting in a memory window of 4.0 V for the write state and a retention time around 104 s without blocking medium. Differential distance of molecular trapping centers from the cell's gate and electronic coupling to the space charge region of the underlying Si substrate were identified as critical parameters for enhanced electron trapping for the first time in such devices. Implementing a numerical electrostatic model incorporating structural and electronic characteristics of the molecular nodes derived from scanning probe and spectroscopic characterization, we are able to interpret the hybrid's electrical response and gain some insight into the electrostatics of the trapping medium. © 2016 American Chemical Society.

We calculate the lowest ionisation and excitation energies in a variety of biologically important molecules, i.e. π-conjugated systems like DNA and RNA bases and isomers plus related heterocyclic molecules. For approximately half of these molecules, there are no experimental and theoretical/numerical data in the literature, as far as we know. These electronic transitions are mainly but not exclusively of π and π–π* character, respectively. We perform symmetry-constrained density functional theory (DFT) geometry optimisation at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory. At the DFT-obtained ground-state geometries, we calculate vertical ionisation energies with ionisation potential coupled cluster with singles and doubles (IP-EOMCCSD) and vertical excitation energies with the completely renormalised equation of motion coupled cluster with singles, doubles, and non-iterative triples (CR-EOMCCSD(T)) method. We also investigate whether a simple semi-empirical Hückel-type model approach with novel parametrisation could provide reasonable estimates of the lowest π ionisation and π–π* excitation energies. Our coupled cluster (CC) results are in very good agreement with experimental data, while the Hückel-type model predictions generally follow the trends with some deviation. Finally, we investigate the effect of basis set in IP-EOMCCSD energies and we compare our CR-EOMCCSD(T) results with time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) ones.

Introduction: About 20–40% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) will present with some degree of renal impairment (RI) and about 25% of patients will experience RI at later disease stages. Patients with MM and RI have poorer overall survival and are at higher risk of early death. Areas covered: The mechanisms of acute renal damage in MM are covered and the issues around diagnosis and renal evaluation response are discussed. The importance of optimal supportive care is stressed and the role and effectiveness of different anti-myeloma agents covered including the role of high cut-off hemodialysis, autologous stem cell transplantation and kidney transplant. Expert commentary: Outcomes of patients with RI and rates of renal recovery have improved with the use of novel anti-myeloma agents. Bortezomib-dexamethasone backbone regimes (±third agent) are the current first choice in newly diagnosed patients. In relapsed/refractory disease additional treatment options include newer novel agents. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Introduction: About 20–40% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) will present with some degree of renal impairment (RI) and about 25% of patients will experience RI at later disease stages. Patients with MM and RI have poorer overall survival and are at higher risk of early death. Areas covered: The mechanisms of acute renal damage in MM are covered and the issues around diagnosis and renal evaluation response are discussed. The importance of optimal supportive care is stressed and the role and effectiveness of different anti-myeloma agents covered including the role of high cut-off hemodialysis, autologous stem cell transplantation and kidney transplant. Expert commentary: Outcomes of patients with RI and rates of renal recovery have improved with the use of novel anti-myeloma agents. Bortezomib-dexamethasone backbone regimes (±third agent) are the current first choice in newly diagnosed patients. In relapsed/refractory disease additional treatment options include newer novel agents. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Ependymal cells are multiciliated cells located in the wall of the lateral ventricles of the adult mammalian brain and are key components of the subependymal zone niche, where adult neural stem cells reside. Through the movement of their motile cilia, ependymal cells control the cerebrospinal fluid flow within the ventricular system from which they receive secreted molecules and morphogens controlling self-renewal and differentiation decisions of adult neural stem cells. Multiciliated ependymal cells become fully differentiated at postnatal stages however they are specified during mid to late embryogenesis from a population of radial glial cells. Here we discuss recent findings suggesting that 2 novel molecules, Mcidas and GemC1/Lynkeas are key players on radial glial specification to ependymal cells. Both proteins were initially described as cell cycle regulators revealing sequence similarity to Geminin. They are expressed in radial glial cells committed to the ependymal cell lineage during embryogenesis, while overexpression and knock down experiments showed that are sufficient and necessary for ependymal cell generation. We propose that Mcidas and GemC1/Lynkeas are key components of the molecular cascade that promotes radial glial cells fate commitment toward multiciliated ependymal cell lineage operating upstream of c-Myb and FoxJ1.

The rate of oxygen consumption is a vital marker indicating cellular function during lifetime under normal or metabolically challenged conditions. It is used broadly to study mitochondrial function (Artal-Sanz and Tavernarakis, 2009; Palikaras et al., 2015; Ryu et al., 2016) or investigate factors mediating the switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis (Chen et al., 2015; Vander Heiden et al., 2009). In this protocol, we describe a method for the determination of oxygen consumption rates in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

We developed an extension of the layer-multiple-scattering method to photonic crystals comprising homogeneous layers of magneto-optical materials. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on a specific architecture of a magnetic garnet thin film coated with a square array of silver nanodisks, supported by a silica substrate. It is shown that enhanced Faraday rotation, driven by hybrid particle plasmon-film quasi-guided collective modes, can be achieved within selected regions of frequency, which can be tuned by properly choosing the geometric and material parameters involved. The results are analyzed in conjunction with numerical simulations by the finite-element method and a consistent interpretation of the underlying physics is provided. Our extended layer-multiple-scattering computational methodology provides a versatile framework for fast and accurate full electrodynamic calculations of magneto-optical structures, enabling physical insight.

The structural-microstructural characteristics and interfacial charge transfer are key issues to the development of efficient mixed phase TiO2 photocatalysts. In this work, the interplay of lattice deformation and microstrains as well as the identification of charge trapping sites and electron transfer were investigated for a series of nanostructured titania photocatalysts by X-ray powder diffraction analysis, Raman and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. These mixed phase nanomaterials were selected as model sol-gel TiO2 systems based on their exceptional photocatalytic performance over a wide range of hazardous water pollutants (including degradation/mineralization of phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and imazalil) under UV light. Lattice contraction with respect to the bulk anatase together with anisotropic microstrains was identified for the smallest (11 nm) anatase nanoparticles. Both effects gradually relaxed with the increase of calcination temperature and the concomitant particle growth, with microstrains scaling linearly with the relative change of the c-axis lattice constant and the broadening of the main anatase Raman mode. The growth of anatase nanoparticles at 1023 K with minimal lattice deformation and microstrains resulted in the optimal photocatalytic efficiency, outperforming the benchmark Aeroxide® P25 catalyst. This mixed phase catalyst comprised also larger, though more strained, rutile nanocrystals than P25, and presented an additional deeper electron trapping lattice site according to light-induced EPR measurements. More importantly, electron transfer from rutile to anatase lattice traps was identified by EPR under visible light in the mixed phase photocatalyst. The improved crystal quality of the anatase nanocrystals combined with the enhanced charge separation in anatase/rutile interfaces is concluded crucial to the design of competent solar photocatalytic nanomaterials. © 2016.

Mitophagy is a conserved, mitochondria-specific autophagic clearance process. We recently discovered an intricate regulatory network that balances mitophagy with mitochondrial biogenesis. Proper coordination of these opposing processes is important for stress resistance and longevity. Nodal regulatory factors that contribute to mitochondrial homeostasis have also been linked to carcinogenesis, highlighting mitophagy as a potential target for therapeutic interventions against cancer.

Within this study we introducea framework for assessing spatial fire risk and exposure to three important habitat types in Cephalonia island, Greece.Existing maps were used for plot allocation in orderto measure several fuel parameters in representative natural fuel complexes for site-specific fuel models development, as well as for collecting training and validation points for satellite data classification. The spatial extent of the fuel types and the canopy cover were delineated using a Landsat 8 OLI image acquired on 23-7-2015and the Support Vector Machines-(SVMs) machine learning algorithm. Subsequently, The Minimum Travel Time (MTT) algorithm, as it is embedded in FlamMap spatial fire simulation software, was applied in order to assess critical fire behavior parameters and exposure of Cephalonia's habitats under three different meteorological and fuel moisture scenarios. The outputs of this study may be used as an application of quantitative and probabilistic risk assessment for habitats conservation planning, prioritization and management of high value natural and cultural resources.

Sgr A* is an ideal target to study low-luminosity accreting systems. It has been recently proposed that properties of the accretion flow around Sgr A* can be probed through its interactions with the stellar wind of nearby massive stars belonging to the S-cluster. When a star intercepts the accretion disc, the ram and thermal pressures of the disc terminate the stellar wind leading to the formation of a bow shock structure. Here, a semi-analytical model is constructed which describes the geometry of the termination shock formed in the wind. With the employment of numerical hydrodynamic simulations, this model is both verified and extended to a region prone to Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. Because the characteristic wind and stellar velocities are in ∼108 cm s-1 range, the shocked wind may produce detectable X-rays via thermal bremsstrahlung emission. The application of this model to the pericentre passage of S2, the brightest member of the S-cluster, shows that the shocked wind produces roughly a month long X-ray flare with a peak luminosity of L ≈ 4 × 1033 erg s-1 for a stellar mass-loss rate, disc number density, and thermal pressure strength of dot{M}_w= 10^{-7} M_{⊙} yr^{-1}, nd = 105 cm-3, and α = 0.1, respectively. This peak luminosity is comparable to the quiescent X-ray emission detected from Sgr A* and is within the detection capabilities of current X-ray observatories. Its detection could constrain the density and thickness of the disc at a distance of ∼3000 gravitational radii from the supermassive black hole.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is characterised by vast genetic diversity. Globally circulating HIV-1 viruses are classified into distinct phylogenetic strains (subtypes, sub-subtypes) and several recombinant forms. Here we describe the characteristics and evolution of European HIV-1 epidemic over time through a review of published literature and updated queries of existing HIV-1 sequence databases. HIV-1 in Western and Central Europe was introduced in the early-1980s in the form of subtype B, which is still the predominant clade. However, in Eastern Europe (Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries and Russia) the predominant strain, introduced into Ukraine in the mid-1990s, is subtype A (A) with transmission mostly occurring in People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). In recent years, the epidemic is evolving towards a complex tapestry with an increase in the prevalence of non-B subtypes and recombinants in Western and Central Europe. Non-B epidemics are mainly associated with immigrants, heterosexuals and females but more recently, non-B clades have also spread amongst groups where non-B strains were previously absent - non-immigrant European populations and amongst men having sex with men (MSM). In some countries, non-B clades have spread amongst the native population, for example subtype G in Portugal and subtype A in Greece, Albania and Cyprus. Romania provides a unique case where sub-subtype F1 has predominated throughout the epidemic. In contrast, HIV-1 epidemic in FSU countries remains more homogeneous with Aclade predominating in all countries. The differences between the evolution of the Western epidemic and the Eastern epidemic may be attributable to differences in transmission risk behaviours, lifestyle and the patterns of human mobility. The study of HIV-1 epidemic diversity provides a useful tool by which we can understand the history of the pandemic in addition to allowing us to monitor the spread and growth of the epidemic over time.

OBJECTIVES: The European epidemiology of MRSA is changing with the emergence of community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) and livestock-associated MRSA (LA-MRSA). In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of MRSA during 2 years in 13 ICUs in France, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Luxemburg, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. METHODS: Surveillance cultures for MRSA from nose and wounds were obtained on admission and twice weekly from all patients admitted to an ICU for ≥3 days. The first MRSA isolate per patient was genotyped in a central laboratory by MLST, spa typing, agr typing and SCCmec (sub)typing. Risk factors for patients with an unknown history of MRSA colonization were identified. RESULTS: Overall, 14 390 ICU patients were screened, of whom 8519 stayed in an ICU for ≥3 days. Overall MRSA admission prevalence was 3.9% and ranged from 1.0% to 7.0% for individual ICUs. Overall MRSA acquisition rate was 2.5/1000 patient days at risk and ranged from 0.2 to 8/1000 patient days at risk per ICU. In total, 557 putative MRSA isolates were submitted to the central laboratory for typing, of which 511 (92%) were confirmed as MRSA. Each country had a distinct epidemiology, with ST8-IVc (UK-EMRSA-2/-6, USA500) being most prevalent, especially in France and Spain, and detected in ICUs in five of eight countries. Seventeen (3%) and three (<1%) isolates were categorized as CA-MRSA and LA-MRSA, respectively. Risk factors for MRSA carriage on ICU admission were age >70 years and hospitalization within 1 year prior to ICU admission. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular epidemiology of MRSA in 13 European ICUs in eight countries was homogeneous within, but heterogeneous between, countries. CA-MRSA and LA-MRSA genotypes and Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing isolates were detected sporadically.

Molecular spontaneous emission and fluorescence depend strongly on the emitter local environment. Plasmonic nanoparticles provide excellent templates for tailoring fluorophore emission, as they exhibit potential for both fluorescence enhancement and quenching, depending on emitter positioning in the nanoparticle vicinity. Here we explore the influence of hitherto disregarded nonclassical effects on the description of emitter–plasmon hybrids, focusing on the roles of the metal nonlocal response and especially size-dependent plasmon damping. Through extensive modelling of metallic nanospheres and nanoshells coupled to dipole emitters, we show that within a purely classical description a remarkable fluorescence enhancement can be achieved. However, once departing from the local-response approximation, and particularly by implementing the recent generalised nonlocal optical response theory, which provides a more complete physical description combining electron convection and diffusion, we show that not only are fluorescence rates dramatically reduced compared to the predictions of the local description and the common hydrodynamic Drude model, but the optimum emitter–nanoparticle distance is also strongly affected. In this respect, experimental measurements of fluorescence, the theoretical description of which requires a precise concurrent evaluation of far- and near-field properties of the system, constitute a novel, more sensitive probe for assessing the validity of state-of-the-art nonclassical theories.

AIM: A morphometric analysis of the odontoid process of the A2 vertebra, in the Greek population, was conducted using CT scan. We aimed to determine the feasibility to use one or two screws when treating fractures of this anatomic element. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifteen patients (57 men) of a mean age of 48 years (16-95 years) underwent a cervical spine CT scan examination. The anterior-posterior and transverse diameters of the odontoid process were measured from the base, at 1-mm interval upward on axial CT images. The length from the tip of the odontoid process to the anterior-inferior angle of the body of the axis was calculated. Data concerning the height and weight of the examined patients were collected. RESULTS: The mean transverse and anterior-posterior distances were found to be 11.46 and 10.45 mm, respectively, for the upper end of the odontoid process. At the neck level of the odontoid process, the equivalent mean values were 11.12 and 8.73 mm, respectively, while at the base, these distances were found to be 13.84 and 12.3 mm, respectively. The mean distance from the tip of the odontoid to its base was 17.25 and 17.28 mm, respectively, while the mean distance from the tip of the dens to the anterior-inferior corner of the axis' body was 39.2 mm. Men showed greater values than women. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was shown that in the Greek population there is enough room for one 4.5-mm or one 3.5-mm cannulated screw to be used. The application of two 3.5-mm screws is feasible in 58.6 % of the male and 26.3 % of the female population. This confirms that the knowledge of the true dimensions of the odontoid process is of paramount importance before the proper management of fractured dens using the anterior screw technique.

This study attempts to analyse the narrative function and the theological significance of Jesus’ mother for the overall theology of the fourth gospel, mainly based on the exegetical method of narrative criticism.In the first part, the problem of the anonymity of Jesus’ mother in juxtapposition with the anonymity of the beloved disciple is dealt with. The second part consists of a detailed exegetical approach to the narrative of Jesus’ first sign in Cana within the Johannine narrative context as a whole. On this basis, in the third part a response to further relevant questions about the significance of Jesus’ mother according to the overall fourth gospel’s witness is attempted. The article is concluded with a summary of exegetical and theological positions, including a hypothesis about a possible Johannine background of the current Orthodox understanding of Theotokos.

Biophysical restoration or rehabilitation measures of land have demonstrated to be effective in many scientific projects and small-scale environmental experiments. However circumstances such as poverty, weak policies, or inefficient scientific knowledge transmission can hinder the effective upscaling of land restoration and the long term maintenance of proven sustainable use of soil and water. This may be especially worrisome in lands with harsh environmental conditions. This review covers recent efforts in landscape restoration and rehabilitation with a functional perspective aiming to simultaneously achieve ecosystem sustainability, economic efficiency, and social wellbeing. Water management and rehabilitation of ecosystem services in croplands, rangelands, forests, and coastlands are reviewed. The joint analysis of such diverse ecosystems provides a wide perspective to determine: (i) multifaceted impacts on biophysical and socio-economic factors; and (ii) elements influencing effective upscaling of sustainable land management practices. One conclusion can be highlighted: voluntary adoption is based on different pillars, i.e. external material and economic support, and spread of success information at the local scale to demonstrate the multidimensional benefits of sustainable land management. For the successful upscaling of land management, more attention must be paid to the social system from the first involvement stage, up to the long term maintenance.

We report the discovery of the new multi-periodic variable star GSC 0476-1362. Analysis of the observed light curves shows a complex variability pattern, as a result of a multi-periodic behaviour.

We report on the results of a ∼40-d multi-wavelength monitoring of the Be X-ray binary system IGR J05007-7047 (LXP 38.55). During that period the system was monitored in the X-rays using the Swift telescope and in the optical with multiple instruments. When the X-ray luminosity exceeded 1036 erg s-1 we triggered an XMM-Newton ToO observation. Timing analysis of the photon events collected during the XMM-Newton observation reveals coherent X-ray pulsations with a period of 38.551(3) s (1σ), making it the 17th known high-mass X-ray binary pulsar in the LMC. During the outburst, the X-ray spectrum is fitted best with a model composed of an absorbed power law (Γ = 0.63) plus a high-temperature blackbody (kT ∼2 keV) component. By analysing ∼12 yr of available OGLE optical data we derived a 30.776(5) d optical period, confirming the previously reported X-ray period of the system as its orbital period. During our X-ray monitoring the system showed limited optical variability while its IR flux varied in phase with the X-ray luminosity, which implies the presence of a disc-like component adding cooler light to the spectral energy distribution of the system.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV), fiber type composition, and power performance in participants with different training background. METHODS: Thirty-eight young males with different training background participated: sedentary (n = 10), endurance runners (n = 9), power trained (n = 10), and strength trained (n = 9). They performed maximal countermovement jumps (CMJ) and maximal isometric leg press for the measurement of the rate of force development (RFD). Resting vastus lateralis MFCV was measured with intramuscular microelectrodes on a different occasion, whereas muscle fiber type and cross-sectional area (CSA) of vastus lateralis were evaluated through muscle biopsies 1wk later. RESULTS: MFCV, CMJ power, RFD, and % CSA of type II and type IIx fibers were higher for the power-trained group (P < 0.001). No difference was found between sedentary participants and endurance runners in these variables, but both of these groups performed worse than strength/power participants. Close correlations were found between MFCV and fiber CSA as well as the % CSA of all fiber types as well as with RFD and CMJ power (r = 0.712-0.943, P < 0.005). Partial correlations revealed that the % CSA of IIx fibers dictates a large part of the correlation between MFCV and RFD, power performance. Significant models for the prediction of the % CSA of type IIa and type II as well as the CSA of all muscle fibers based upon MFCV, RFD, and CMJ were revealed (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: MFCV is closely associated with muscle fiber % CSA. RFD and jumping power are associated with the propagation of the action potentials along the muscle fibers. This link is regulated by the size and the distribution of type II, and especially type IIx muscle fibers.

Early treatment, soon after infection, reduces HIV transmissions and benefits patients. The Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) evaluated a network intervention to detect individuals recently infected (in the past 6 months). TRIP was conducted in Greece (2013-2015) and focused on drug injector networks. Based on HIV status, testing history, and the results of an assay to detect recent infections, TRIP classified drug injector "Seeds" into groups: Recent Seeds (RS), and Control Seeds with Long-term HIV infection (LCS). The network members of RS and LCS were traced for two steps. The analysis included 23 RS, 171 network members of the RS, 19 LCS, and 65 network members of the LCS. The per-seed number of recents detected in the network of RS was 5 times the number in the network of LCS (Ratio RS vs. LCS: 5.23; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.54-27.61). The proportion of recents among HIV positives in the network of RS (27%) was approximately 3 times (Ratio RS vs. LCS: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.04-10.43) that in the network of LCS (8%). Strategic network tracing that starts with recently infected persons could support public health efforts to find and treat people early in their HIV infection.

Early treatment, soon after infection, reduces HIV transmissions and benefits patients. The Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) evaluated a network intervention to detect individuals recently infected (in the past 6 months). TRIP was conducted in Greece (2013-2015) and focused on drug injector networks. Based on HIV status, testing history, and the results of an assay to detect recent infections, TRIP classified drug injector "Seeds" into groups: Recent Seeds (RS), and Control Seeds with Long-term HIV infection (LCS). The network members of RS and LCS were traced for two steps. The analysis included 23 RS, 171 network members of the RS, 19 LCS, and 65 network members of the LCS. The per-seed number of recents detected in the network of RS was 5 times the number in the network of LCS (Ratio RS vs. LCS: 5.23; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.54-27.61). The proportion of recents among HIV positives in the network of RS (27%) was approximately 3 times (Ratio RS vs. LCS: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.04-10.43) that in the network of LCS (8%). Strategic network tracing that starts with recently infected persons could support public health efforts to find and treat people early in their HIV infection.

Background Renal impairment is a common complication of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of 2 newly discovered biomarkers of renal injury, cystatin C (CysC), a protein reflecting glomerular filtration rate, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a protein reflecting tubular injuries. Patients and Methods We studied 64 patients with newly diagnosed myeloma: 16 with asymptomatic (smoldering) MM and 48 with symptomatic myeloma; 8 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS); and 20 healthy control subjects. Along with common blood and urine chemistry determinations, measurements of CysC, NGAL, β2-microglobulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin 6 were performed. Results We found that only patients with symptomatic MM had increased levels of CysC compared to controls (P <.01); that serum NGAL levels were elevated in all patients compared to controls P <.001; that NGAL strongly correlated with both estimation of glomerular filtration rate (EGFR) (CysC) and EGFR (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease [MDRD] formula) (r = 0.616, P <.0001; and r = -0.371, P <.01, respectively); that CysC showed strong correlation with EGFR (r = -0.782, P <.001) and with the International Scoring System (ISS) (more pronounced in patients with ISS-3); and that receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that NGAL values of > 50.5 μg/L have a 80.8% sensitivity and 86.4% specificity for EGFR < 60 mL/min (area under the curve = 0.764). Conclusion These findings suggest that both NGAL and CysC are very sensitive markers that reflect renal impairment in newly diagnosed patients with MM. The high levels of NGAL in asymptomatic patients and in MGUS patients support the hypothesis of the presence of renal damage in these patients early in the course of their disease and may reveal NGAL to be an early marker that predicts the presence of renal impairment in MM. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Here we report the first set of new and recurrent X-ray transients found in two XMM-Newton 100-ks pointings of the M31 northern disk on Jan 1 and 21 (see ATel #8825).

Here we report the second set of new and recurrent X-ray transients found in two XMM-Newton 100-ks pointings of the M31 northern disk on Jan 1 and 21 (see ATels #8825, #8826).

OJ287 has been monitored in the optical wavelength with small telescopes since the beginning of September, 2015. In November and December, an unprecedented outburst in the optical band was noticed (ATels: 8382, 8395, 8401, 8411, 8438), with OJ287 reaching 12.9 mag in the R filter.

The commingling of human remains often hinders forensic/physical anthropologists during the identification process, as there are limited methods to accurately sort these remains. This study investigates a new method for pair-matching, a common individualization technique, which uses digital three-dimensional models of bone: mesh-to-mesh value comparison (MVC). The MVC method digitally compares the entire three-dimensional geometry of two bones at once to produce a single value to indicate their similarity. Two different versions of this method, one manual and the other automated, were created and then tested for how well they accurately pair-matched humeri. Each version was assessed using sensitivity and specificity. The manual mesh-to-mesh value comparison method was 100 % sensitive and 100 % specific. The automated mesh-to-mesh value comparison method was 95 % sensitive and 60 % specific. Our results indicate that the mesh-to-mesh value comparison method overall is a powerful new tool for accurately pair-matching commingled skeletal elements, although the automated version still needs improvement.

This work describes the outcome of two field surveys in Lefkada Island, after the 17.11.2015 earthquake of Mw6.4 at its southwestern peninsula. Geo-environmental effects were observed throughout the western flanks of the mountain massif, parallel to the activated fault. Structural damage was mainly observed in the epicentral area where macroseismic intensity was assessed as VIII, based on registered damage and assumed vulnerability per building typology. Both modern and traditional buildings exhibited notable seismic performance. The distribution of the damage per building category present in the affected area is presented, based on site surveys and post-seismic usability characterization by the local Earthquake Rehabilitation Organization. The survey highlights the frequent presence of the so-called “pontelo” dual system at both ground floor and two-story stone masonry buildings at the western mountain villages. This structural type, unique within the Greek territory, revealed significant seismic performance and the need of engineering restoration measures is underlined.

This work deals with the effects of the 17.11.2015 earthquake with Mw6.4 occurred onshore at the SW part of Lefkada Island. The earthquake produced a large co-seismic horizontal displacement u=40 cm towards a SSW direction (N210), recorded at a near-field, permanent GPS station of NOA (PONT). Extensive geo-environmental and limited structural impacts were caused. Seismic effects have been extensively investigated during several in-situ surveys conducted by our research group and a thorough damage databank was constructed. Comparisonwith damage due to the previous strong event with Mw=6.2 occurred on 14.8.2003, showed that the effects of the current quake were significantly lower.Geo-environmental effects were observed throughout the western flanks of the mountain massif of the mainland, related with slope failures, rock falls, rock mass slides, leading thus to significant damage of several vital infrastructures. The building stock of the island comprising both modern and traditional buildings exhibited notable seismic performance during this earthquake. Structural damage was concentrated in the epicentral area where macroseismic intensity was assessed VIII, based on registered damage and vulnerability. The analysis of 3D strong ground motion recordings at two permanent accelerometric stations on the island and of the GNSS 1 Hz three-component data at PONT indicate directional dynamic effects, parallel with the T- principal axis of the event’s stress field and the regional slope dip that may likely have triggered extensive landslides. Moreover, the ground motion pattern indicates a rupture complexity involving two discrete sources. Besides the exceptional behavior of the buildings across the island, the spectral content of the strong ground motion has been found to be discrete from the elastic response of the low-rise traditional constructions, thus favoring amenablestructural damage distribution.The damage databank compiled in this work has been employed into a holistic building-by-building GIS scheme applying a vector base-map of the buildings footprints in the epicentral area available by the analysis of optical satellite imagery, undertaken within the framework of the RASOR project (http://www.rasor-project.eu). Thereafter, the poly-thematic outcome of the present study may be considered a valuable tool for the scientific community toward studying the seismic risk of Lefkada.

{The COnsortium for Small-scale MOdeling (COSMO) was formed in October 1998, and its general goal is to develop, improve and maintain a non-hydrostatic limited-area atmospheric model, while the Hellenic National Meteorological Service joined the consortium in 1999. The COSMO model has been designed both for operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) as well as various scientific applications on the meso-beta and meso-c scale. Two tornado case studies were selected to investigate the ability of COSMO model to depict the characteristics of severe convective weather, which favored the development of the associated storms. The first tornado occurred, close to Ag. Ilias village, 8 km northwestern from Aitoliko city over western Greece on February 7, 2013, while the second tornado developed close to Palio Katramio village, 8 km southern from Xanthi city over northern Greece on November 25, 2015. Although both tornadoes had a short lifetime, they caused significant impacts. The COSMO. GR atmospheric model was initialized with analysis boundary conditions obtained from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The resulting numerical products with spatial resolution of 0.020 degrees (similar to 2 km) over the geographical domain of Greece depicted very well the severe convective conditions close to tornadoes formation.}

{Towards the evaluation of the thermodynamic characteristics of a high impact tornadic event in Skala Lakonia, southern Peloponnese, in September 21, 2015, Weather Research and Forecasting (AR-WRF) mesoscale model was used. For the particular model setup used in this study, different configurations were pre-tested based on different spatial resolution and parameterization schemes. The current study downscales ECMWF reanalysis initial and boundary conditions to 300 m spatial resolution to assess the convective available potential energy (CAPE), the reflectivity perceived by radar (dBZ) and the energy helicity index (EHI). The validation was conducted using in situ and remote sensing observations of the surrounding area. The results illustrate deep convective activity with CAPE values indicating a strong instability in the region of interest. Furthermore, the model seems to capture well the southwesterly-northeasterly front propagation of the convective initiation of the storm, as well as the troughs that affected the south part of Peloponnese, assessing the pre-frontal nature of the particular tornadic event. Finally, the EHI values demonstrate the tornadic activity in the region of Skala Lakonia, as the model appears to simulate accurately the low pressure system along the east coast of the Lakonia Gulf.}

{A hurricane-like cyclone with an `eye', eyewall convection and strong winds affected central Mediterranean basin on 7-8 November 2014. The maximum observed sustained wind speed was 22 m/s (tropical storm strength) at Lampedusa. Significant damages were reported from this island and the coastal regions of eastern Sicily. Thus, it is essential to study medicanes and calibrate the numerical weather prediction models in order to simulate them adequately. Operational ECMWF analyses are used together with the non-hydrostatic Weather Research and Forecasting numerical model with the Advanced Research dynamic solver (WRF-ARW ver 3.7.1). The aims of this study are to simulate the system and investigate the sensitivity of the model on the microphysical scheme, the number of vertical levels and the global input dataset. The main characteristics of the medicane are represented in good agreement with observations and analyses, but, no single setup is able to provide the best reproduction of all its features.}

Abstract Measurements of nuclear magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole moments are considered quite important for the understanding of nuclear structure both near and far from the valley of stability. The recent advent of radioactive beams has resulted in a plethora of new, continuously flowing, experimental data on nuclear structure – including nuclear moments – which hinders the information management. A new, dedicated, public and user friendly online database (http://magneticmoments.info) has been created comprising experimental data of nuclear electromagnetic moments. The present database supersedes existing printed compilations, including also non-evaluated series of data and relevant meta-data, while putting strong emphasis on bimonthly updates. The scope, features and extensions of the database are reported.

Online bibliographic databases constitute the access to information supporting evidence-based practice. The purpose of the present survey is to evaluate the awareness, the use and the impact that online evidences have in clinical practice. An online survey was conducted using a 25 item questionnaire which was completed by 263 healthcare practitioners (nurses and doctors). Chi-square analysis and t-tests were used and comparisons between both groups were made. Multiple logistic regression to predict databases use was employed. Ninety-three percent (n = 206) of participants had heard about the online bibliographic databases; 5.7% of participant sample have heard about online databases but they do not use them. 18.3% was the total sample of non-users (n = 48). The main reason of using was filling a knowledge gap (50.7%), and the main reasons of not using were both that they use another information source and they don't need them to do their job. Both nurses and doctors believe that the use of online databases improves patient care it is a part of their legitimate clinical role. They need more training to improve their searching skills, enhancing them in everyday clinical place.

The competitive nature of ferromagnetism and superconductivity in Ferromagnet/Superconductor (FM/SC) hybrids has attracted much interest in the last decades. In particular, the superconducting magnetoresistance (SMR) observed in FM/SC/FM trilayers (TLs) is related to the manipulation of the transport properties of the SC interlayer by the magnetic domain structure of the FM outer layers with out-of-plane anisotropy. In our recent work [Sci. Rep. 5, 13420 (2015)], a phenomenological model was proposed that describes successfully the scaling of the SMR magnitude with the relevant macroscopic parameters and microscopic length scales of the SC and FM structural units. Based on this model, here we investigate the contribution of the parameters that affect indirectly the SMR magnitude and do not appear in the original model. To this end, the parameters of both the SC interlayer (i.e., the thickness, dSC, the mean free path, l, the coherence length, xi(0), etc.) and the FM outer layers (i.e., the thickness, d(FM)) are examined. The theoretical simulations presented here and experimental data unveil the indirect contribution of these parameters on the magnitude of the SMR and confirm the predictive power of the original phenomenological model. Accordingly, this model can be employed as a generic formula to combine successfully all involved parameters in every kind of FM/SC/FM TLs, ultimately optimizing the magnitude of the SMR. (C) 2016 AIP Publishing LLC.

The ferroelectric compound family Pb(ZrxTi1-x,)O-3 (PZT) is one of the most investigated and widely used piezoelectric materials. Optimization of the piezoelectric coefficients is observed for x similar to 0.52 (Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3) and is further promoted by the increase of grain size (OS). However, in some cases the piezoelectric properties of Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3 deteriorate upon processing due to the decrease of density, p, that is mostly ascribed to the appearance of byproduct phases. In the present study we discuss the influence of the processing conditions on the piezoelectric properties for polycrystalline Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O-3, specifically focusing on the sintering temperature, 1100 degrees C Tsin <= 1250 degrees C. To this end, we use atomic force microscopy (AFM), Archimedes' method, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and a newly introduced local technique, based on a conventional optical microscope, which is further developed here to accommodate non-clamped specimens. The data obtained via this technique in the regime of relatively high electric fields evidence that the absolute piezoelectric coefficients, 141(i = x, y) show a non -monotonic behavior with an unexpectedly high maximum value broken vertical bar d broken vertical bar similar to 1100 pm V 1 at 7 = 1180 degrees C. These features are accompanied by a progressive increase of coercivity, reaching maximum value Ecj 4.5-5.0 kV cm I (i = x, y) at Tsin = 1250 degrees C. 'lb explain these findings, the Idzil coefficients are compared with the microstructure and compositional information, coming from AFM, Archimedes' method and XRD data. We conclude that the significantly high 141 values observed for samples prepared at Tsin = 1180 degrees C are motivated by the increase of mean GS, < GS >, while for Tsin > 1180 degrees C the decrease of density, p, ascribed to the appearance of byproduct phases, dominates and deteriorates Id2 I. These experimental results on broken vertical bar d broken vertical bar(T-sin) are reliably reproduced by a phenomenological model with reasonable assumptions for < GS > (7) 1 and rho(T(si)n). The unexpectedly high piezoelectric coefficients, broken vertical bar d(zi)broken vertical bar similar to 1100 pm V-1, reported here for the first time, are provocative and call for utilization of the introduced approach in the investigation of the respective properties of other compounds.

OJ287 goes through large optical flares twice each 12 years. The times of these flares have been predicted successfully now 5 times using a black hole binary model. In this model a secondary black hole goes around a primary black hole, impacting the accretion disk of the latter twice per orbital period, creating a thermal flare. Together with 6 flares from the historical data base, the set of flare timings determines uniquely the 7 parameters of the model: the two masses, the primary spin, the major axis, eccentricity and the phase of the orbit, plus a time delay parameter that gives the extent of time between accretion disk impacts and the related optical flares. Based on observations by the OJ287-15/16 Collaboration, OJ287 went into the phase of rapid flux rise on November 25, on the centenary of Einstein’s General Relativity, and peaked on December 5. At that time OJ287 was the brightest in over 30 years in optical wavelengths. The flare was of low polarization, and did not extend beyond the optical/UV region of the spectrum. On top of the main flare there were a number of small flares; their excess brightness correlates well with the simultaneous X-ray data. With these properties the main flare qualifies as the marker of the orbit of the secondary going around the primary black hole. Since the orbit solution is strongly over-determined, its parameters are known very accurately, at better than one percent level for the masses and the spin. The next flare is predicted to peak on July 28, 2019.Detailed monitoring of this event should allow us to test, for the first time, the celebrated black hole no-hair theorem for a massive black hole at the 10% level. The present data is consistent with the theorem only at a 30% level. The main difficulty in observing OJ287 from Earth at our predicted epoch is its closeness to the sun. Therefore, it is desirable to monitor OJ287 from a space-based telescope not in the vicinity of Earth. Unfortunately, this unique opportunity for testing the above celebrated theorem of General Relativity using OJ287 will not be available again until after several orbital cycles.The full list of participants in the OJ287-15/16 Collaboration is found in ApJL 819, L37, 2016.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinations can be used in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) not undergoing cystectomy. Nevertheless, unfitness for cystectomy is frequently associated with unfitness for other therapeutic modalities. We report the outcome of patients with MIBC who did not undergo cystectomy and did not receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Selection criteria for the study were nonmetastatic MIBC, no cystectomy, no cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy should have been used aside from TURBT. Forty-nine patients (median age 79), managed between April 2001 and January 2012, were included in this analysis. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5, while 76% were unfit for cisplatin. Treatment included radiotherapy (n = 7), carboplatin-based chemotherapy (n = 25), carboplatin-based chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (n = 10), and radiochemotherapy (n = 7). Five-year event-free rate was 26% (standard error [SE] = 7) for overall survival, 23% (SE = 7) for progression-free survival, and 30 (SE = 8) for cancer-specific survival (CSS). Patients who were treated with combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy had significantly longer CSS compared to those treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy only (5-year CSS rate: 16% [SE 8] vs. 63% [SE 15], P = 0.053). Unfit-for-cystectomy patients frequently receive suboptimal nonsurgical treatment. Their outcome was poor. Combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy produced better outcomes and should be prospectively evaluated. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinations can be used in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) not undergoing cystectomy. Nevertheless, unfitness for cystectomy is frequently associated with unfitness for other therapeutic modalities. We report the outcome of patients with MIBC who did not undergo cystectomy and did not receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Selection criteria for the study were nonmetastatic MIBC, no cystectomy, no cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy should have been used aside from TURBT. Forty-nine patients (median age 79), managed between April 2001 and January 2012, were included in this analysis. Median Charlson Comorbidity Index was 5, while 76% were unfit for cisplatin. Treatment included radiotherapy (n = 7), carboplatin-based chemotherapy (n = 25), carboplatin-based chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (n = 10), and radiochemotherapy (n = 7). Five-year event-free rate was 26% (standard error [SE] = 7) for overall survival, 23% (SE = 7) for progression-free survival, and 30 (SE = 8) for cancer-specific survival (CSS). Patients who were treated with combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy had significantly longer CSS compared to those treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy only (5-year CSS rate: 16% [SE 8] vs. 63% [SE 15], P = 0.053). Unfit-for-cystectomy patients frequently receive suboptimal nonsurgical treatment. Their outcome was poor. Combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy produced better outcomes and should be prospectively evaluated. © 2016 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Background Panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone significantly increased median progression-free survival compared with placebo plus bortezomib and dexamethasone in the phase 3 PANORAMA 1 trial. Here, we present the final overall survival analysis for this trial. Methods PANORAMA 1 is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial of patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma with one to three previous treatments. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive panobinostat (20 mg orally) or placebo, with bortezomib (1·3 mg/m2 intravenously) and dexamethasone (20 mg orally), over two distinct treatment phases. In treatment phase 1 (eight 3-week cycles), patients received: panobinostat or placebo on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12; bortezomib on days 1, 4, 8, and 11; and dexamethasone on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12. During treatment phase 2 (four 6-week cycles with a 2 weeks on, 1 week off schedule), panobinostat or placebo was given three times a week, bortezomib was administered once a week, and dexamethasone was given on the days of and following bortezomib administration. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival; overall survival was a key secondary endpoint. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01023308. Findings Between Jan 21, 2010, and Feb 29, 2012, 768 patients were enrolled into the study and randomly assigned to receive either panobinostat (n=387) or placebo (n=381), plus bortezomib and dexamethasone. At data cutoff (June 29, 2015), 415 patients had died. Median overall survival was 40·3 months (95% CI 35·0–44·8) in those who received panobinostat, bortezomib, and dexamethasone versus 35·8 months (29·0–40·6) in those who received placebo, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (hazard ratio [HR] 0·94, 95% CI 0·78–1·14; p=0·54). Of patients who had received at least two previous regimens including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug, median overall survival was 25·5 months (95% CI 19·6–34·3) in 73 patients who received panobinostat, bortezomib, and dexamethasone versus 19·5 months (14·1–32·5) in 74 who received placebo (HR 1·01, 95% CI 0·68–1·50). Interpretation The overall survival benefit with panobinostat over placebo with bortezomib and dexamethasone was modest. However, optimisation of the regimen could potentially prolong treatment duration and improve patients' outcomes, although further trials will be required to confirm this. Funding Novartis Pharmaceuticals. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Background Panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone significantly increased median progression-free survival compared with placebo plus bortezomib and dexamethasone in the phase 3 PANORAMA 1 trial. Here, we present the final overall survival analysis for this trial. Methods PANORAMA 1 is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase 3 trial of patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma with one to three previous treatments. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive panobinostat (20 mg orally) or placebo, with bortezomib (1·3 mg/m2 intravenously) and dexamethasone (20 mg orally), over two distinct treatment phases. In treatment phase 1 (eight 3-week cycles), patients received: panobinostat or placebo on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 12; bortezomib on days 1, 4, 8, and 11; and dexamethasone on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12. During treatment phase 2 (four 6-week cycles with a 2 weeks on, 1 week off schedule), panobinostat or placebo was given three times a week, bortezomib was administered once a week, and dexamethasone was given on the days of and following bortezomib administration. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival; overall survival was a key secondary endpoint. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01023308. Findings Between Jan 21, 2010, and Feb 29, 2012, 768 patients were enrolled into the study and randomly assigned to receive either panobinostat (n=387) or placebo (n=381), plus bortezomib and dexamethasone. At data cutoff (June 29, 2015), 415 patients had died. Median overall survival was 40·3 months (95% CI 35·0–44·8) in those who received panobinostat, bortezomib, and dexamethasone versus 35·8 months (29·0–40·6) in those who received placebo, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (hazard ratio [HR] 0·94, 95% CI 0·78–1·14; p=0·54). Of patients who had received at least two previous regimens including bortezomib and an immunomodulatory drug, median overall survival was 25·5 months (95% CI 19·6–34·3) in 73 patients who received panobinostat, bortezomib, and dexamethasone versus 19·5 months (14·1–32·5) in 74 who received placebo (HR 1·01, 95% CI 0·68–1·50). Interpretation The overall survival benefit with panobinostat over placebo with bortezomib and dexamethasone was modest. However, optimisation of the regimen could potentially prolong treatment duration and improve patients' outcomes, although further trials will be required to confirm this. Funding Novartis Pharmaceuticals. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

HIV strains continuously evolve, tend to recombine, and new circulating variants are being discovered. Novel strains complicate efforts to develop a vaccine against HIV and may exhibit higher transmission efficiency and virulence, and elevated resistance to antiretroviral agents. The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) set an ambitious goal to end HIV as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive strategies that include epidemiological input as the first step of the process. In this context, molecular epidemiology becomes invaluable as it captures trends in HIV evolution rates that shape epidemiological pictures across several geographical areas. This review briefly summarizes the molecular epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Europe and Asia. Following high transmission rates of subtype G and CRF14_BG among PWID in Portugal and Spain, two European countries, Greece and Romania, experienced recent HIV outbreaks in PWID that consisted of multiple transmission clusters including subtypes B, A, F1, and recombinants CRF14_BG and CRF35_AD. The latter was first identified in Afghanistan. Russia, Ukraine, and other Former Soviet Union (FSU) states are still facing the devastating effects of epidemics in PWID produced by A(also known as IDU-A), B(known as IDU-B), and CRF03_AB. In Asia, CRF01_AE and subtype B (Western B and Thai B) travelled from PWID in Thailand to neighboring countries. Recombination hotspots in South China, Northern Myanmar, and Malaysia have been generating several intersubtype and inter-CRF recombinants (e.g. CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, CRF33_01B etc.), increasing the complexity of HIV molecular patterns.

Micro-Abstract Acute oxaliplatin neurotoxicity and chronic sensory cumulative neuropathy were investigated in a long-term study of 31 consecutive patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Our results improve the knowledge of acute neurotoxicity and support the finding of the persistence of the sensory nerve deficits for years after the cessation of oxaliplatin therapy. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Micro-Abstract Acute oxaliplatin neurotoxicity and chronic sensory cumulative neuropathy were investigated in a long-term study of 31 consecutive patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Our results improve the knowledge of acute neurotoxicity and support the finding of the persistence of the sensory nerve deficits for years after the cessation of oxaliplatin therapy. © 2016 Elsevier Inc.

Ποιες είναι οι απαρχές των εκπαιδευτικών συστημάτων; Ποιες αρχές καθόρισαν τις «πειθαρχίες» και τη «γραμματική του σχολείου»; Πως διαγράφονται οι σχέσεις «εξουσίας-γνώσης» στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης; Ποιες ιδέες επηρέασαν και διαμόρφωσαν τον παιδαγωγικό «λόγο» και τις εκπαιδευτικές «πρακτικές»; Ποιος είναι ο ρόλος της εκπαίδευσης στις σύγχρονες «οικονομίες και κοινωνίες της γνώσης»; Πώς καθορίζεται το σύγχρονο πλαίσιο των «ικανοτήτων» των μαθητών και των «προσόντων» των εκπαιδευτικών; Ποιοι είναι οι σύγχρονοι «λόγοι» και οι «πρακτικές» που χαρακτηρίζουν το σχολείο ως «οργανισμό και ως κοινότητα μάθησης»; Τα παραπάνω είναι μερικά από τα βασικά ερωτήματα που διατρέχουν τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου. Σκοπός των συγγραφέων είναι να αναλύσουν τη μετάβαση από την αρχαιολογία της εκπαίδευσης στη γενεαλογία του εκπαιδευτικού θεσμού. Στο βιβλίο παρουσιάζονται αναλυτικά θεωρήσεις και πολιτικές που επηρέασαν τη διαμόρφωση του παιδαγωγικού «λόγου» και των εκπαιδευτικών πρακτικών κατά τη διάρκεια του 19ου και του 20ου αιώνα. Έμφαση δίδεται στην ανάλυση των σχέσεων «εξουσίας-γνώσης» στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης, και στις σχέσεις μεταξύ του εκπαιδευτικού «λόγου» και των κοινωνικών πρακτικών. Εξετάζονται οι επιδράσεις της «παγκοσμιοποίησης» και της «κοινωνίας της γνώσης» στον εκπαιδευτικό θεσμό. Αναλύονται οι σύγχρονες «πολιτικές της γνώσης» που συνδέονται με νέες θεωρίες και διαδικασίες μάθησης, με τη μετάβαση από το γνωσιοκεντρικό στο «ικανοκεντρικό» μοντέλο μάθησης, με τον μεταβαλλόμενο ρόλο και τις αλλαγές στα προσόντα των εκπαιδευτικών, με τον μετασχηματισμό του σχολείου σε «οργανισμό και σε κοινότητα μάθησης», με τη μετάβαση από τις «πειθαρχικές κοινωνίες» στις «κοινωνίες ελέγχου» και την προοπτική μιας ολοκληρωτικά παιδαγωγούμενης κοινωνίας. πάνω είναι μερικά από τα βασικά ερωτήματα που διατρέχουν τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου. Σκοπός των συγγραφέων είναι να αναλύσουν τη μετάβαση από την αρχαιολογία της εκπαίδευσης στη γενεαλογία του εκπαιδευτικού θεσμού. Στο βιβλίο παρουσιάζονται αναλυτικά θεωρήσεις και πολιτικές που επηρέασαν τη διαμόρφωση του παιδαγωγικού ≪λόγου≫ και των εκπαιδευτικών πρακτικών κατά τη διάρκεια του 19ου και του 20ου αιώνα. Έμφαση δίδεται στην ανάλυση των σχέσεων ≪εξουσίας-γνώσης≫ στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης, και στις σχέσεις μεταξύ του εκπαιδευτικού ≪λόγου≫ και των κοινωνικών πρακτικών. Εξετάζονται οι επιδράσεις της ≪παγκοσμιοποίησης≫ και της ≪κοινωνίας της γνώσης≫ στον εκπαιδευτικό θεσμό. Αναλύονται οι σύγχρονες ≪πολιτικές της γνώσης≫ που συνδέονται με νέες θεωρίες και διαδικασίες μάθησης, με τη μετάβαση από το γνωσιοκεντρικό στο ≪ικανοκεντρικό≫ μοντέλο μάθησης, με τον μεταβαλλόμενο ρόλο και τις αλλαγές στα προσόντα των εκπαιδευτικών, με τον μετασχηματισμό του σχολείου σε ≪οργανισμό και σε κοινότητα μάθησης≫, με τη μετάβαση από τις ≪πειθαρχικές κοινωνίες≫ στις ≪κοινωνίες ελέγχου≫ και την προοπτική μιας ολοκληρωτικά παιδαγωγούμενης κοινωνίας. - See more at: http://www.grigorisbooks.gr/product/1718/%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%B4%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%89%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CE%B5%CE%BA%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7#sthash.1NcC0VDg.dpuf Ποιες είναι οι απαρχές των εκπαιδευτικών συστημάτων; Ποιες αρχές καθόρισαν τις ≪πειθαρχίες≫ και τη ≪γραμματική του σχολείου≫; Πως διαγράφονται οι σχέσεις ≪εξουσίας-γνώσης≫ στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης; Ποιες ιδέες επηρέασαν και διαμόρφωσαν τον παιδαγωγικό ≪λόγο≫ και τις εκπαιδευτικές ≪πρακτικές≫; Ποιος είναι ο ρόλος της εκπαίδευσης στις σύγχρονες ≪οικονομίες και κοινωνίες της γνώσης≫; Πώς καθορίζεται το σύγχρονο πλαίσιο των ≪ικανοτήτων≫ των μαθητών και των ≪προσόντων≫ των εκπαιδευτικών; Ποιοι είναι οι σύγχρονοι ≪λόγοι≫ και οι ≪πρακτικές≫ που χαρακτηρίζουν το σχολείο ως ≪οργανισμό και ως κοινότητα μάθησης≫;  Τα παραπάνω είναι μερικά από τα βασικά ερωτήματα που διατρέχουν τα κεφάλαια του παρόντος βιβλίου. Σκοπός των συγγραφέων είναι να αναλύσουν τη μετάβαση από την αρχαιολογία της εκπαίδευσης στη γενεαλογία του εκπαιδευτικού θεσμού. Στο βιβλίο παρουσιάζονται αναλυτικά θεωρήσεις και πολιτικές που επηρέασαν τη διαμόρφωση του παιδαγωγικού ≪λόγου≫ και των εκπαιδευτικών πρακτικών κατά τη διάρκεια του 19ου και του 20ου αιώνα. Έμφαση δίδεται στην ανάλυση των σχέσεων ≪εξουσίας-γνώσης≫ στο χώρο της εκπαίδευσης, και στις σχέσεις μεταξύ του εκπαιδευτικού ≪λόγου≫ και των κοινωνικών πρακτικών. Εξετάζονται οι επιδράσεις της ≪παγκοσμιοποίησης≫ και της ≪κοινωνίας της γνώσης≫ στον εκπαιδευτικό θεσμό. Αναλύονται οι σύγχρονες ≪πολιτικές της γνώσης≫ που συνδέονται με νέες θεωρίες και διαδικασίες μάθησης, με τη μετάβαση από το γνωσιοκεντρικό στο ≪ικανοκεντρικό≫ μοντέλο μάθησης, με τον μεταβαλλόμενο ρόλο και τις αλλαγές στα προσόντα των εκπαιδευτικών, με τον μετασχηματισμό του σχολείου σε ≪οργανισμό και σε κοινότητα μάθησης≫, με τη μετάβαση από τις ≪πειθαρχικές κοινωνίες≫ στις ≪κοινωνίες ελέγχου≫ και την προοπτική μιας ολοκληρωτικά παιδαγωγούμενης κοινωνίας. - See more at: http://www.grigorisbooks.gr/product/1718/%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%B9%CE%B4%CE%B1%CE%B3%CF%89%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BA%CE%AE-%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B9-%CE%B5%CE%BA%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7#sthash.1NcC0VDg.dpuf

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Risk scores for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in Asians offer poor-moderate predictability in Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This nine center cohort study aimed to develop and validate an accurate HCC risk score in Caucasian CHB patients treated with the current oral antivirals, entecavir/tenofovir. METHODS: We included 1815 adult Caucasians with CHB and no HCC at baseline who received entecavir/tenofovir for 12 months. Using data from eight centers (derivation dataset, n=1325), a HCC risk score was developed based on multivariable Cox models and points system for simplification. Harrell's c-index was used as discrimination, bootstrap for internal validation and the data from the 9(th) and largest center (validation dataset, n=490) for external validation. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative HCC incidence rates were 5.7% and 8.4% in the derivation and validation dataset, respectively. In the derivation dataset, age, gender, platelets and cirrhosis were independently associated with HCC. The PAGE-B score was developed based on age, gender and platelets (c-index=0.82, 0.81 after bootstrap validation). The addition of cirrhosis did not substantially improve the discrimination (c-index=0.84). The predictability of PAGE-B score was similar (c-index=0.82) in the validation dataset. Patients with PAGE-B 9, 10-17, 18 had 5-year cumulative HCC incidence rates of 0%, 3%, 17% in the derivation and 0%, 4%, 16% in the validation dataset. CONCLUSION: PAGE-B, which is based only on baseline patients' age, gender and platelets, represents a simple and reliable score for prediction of the 5-year HCC risk in Caucasian CHB patients under entecavir/tenofovir.

Panobinostat is a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor that affects the growth and survival of multiple myeloma (MM) cells through alteration of epigenetic mechanisms and protein metabolism. Panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (PAN-BTZ-Dex) led to a significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (Pbo-BTZ-Dex) in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractoryMMin the phase 3PANORAMA1 trial. This subgroup analysis evaluated outcomes in patients in the PANORAMA 1 trial based on prior treatment: A prior immunomodulatory drug (IMiD; n 5 485), prior bortezomib plus an IMiD (n 5 193), and ≥2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an IMiD (n5147). Median PFS with PAN-BTZ-Dex vs Pbo-BTZ-Dex across subgroups was as follows: prior IMiD (12.3 vs 7.4 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.68), prior bortezomib plus IMiD (10.6 vs 5.8 months; HR, 0.52;95%CI, 0.36-0.76),and ≥2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an IMiD (12.5 vs 4.7 months; HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.72). Common grade 3/4 adverse events and laboratory abnormalities in patients who received PAN-BTZ-Dex across the prior treatment groups included thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, diarrhea, and asthenia/ fatigue. Incidence of on-treatment deaths among patients who received prior bortezomib and an IMiD (regardless of number of prior regimens) was similar between treatment arms. This analysis demonstrated a clear PFS benefit of 7.8 months with PAN-BTZ-Dex among patients who received ‡2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an IMiD, a population with limited treatment options and poorer prognosis. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01023308. © 2016 by The American Society of Hematology.

Panobinostat is a potent pan-deacetylase inhibitor that affects the growth and survival of multiple myeloma (MM) cells through alteration of epigenetic mechanisms and protein metabolism. Panobinostat plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (PAN-BTZ-Dex) led to a significant increase in progression-free survival (PFS) vs placebo plus bortezomib and dexamethasone (Pbo-BTZ-Dex) in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractoryMMin the phase 3PANORAMA1 trial. This subgroup analysis evaluated outcomes in patients in the PANORAMA 1 trial based on prior treatment: A prior immunomodulatory drug (IMiD; n 5 485), prior bortezomib plus an IMiD (n 5 193), and ≥2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an IMiD (n5147). Median PFS with PAN-BTZ-Dex vs Pbo-BTZ-Dex across subgroups was as follows: prior IMiD (12.3 vs 7.4 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.68), prior bortezomib plus IMiD (10.6 vs 5.8 months; HR, 0.52;95%CI, 0.36-0.76),and ≥2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an IMiD (12.5 vs 4.7 months; HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.72). Common grade 3/4 adverse events and laboratory abnormalities in patients who received PAN-BTZ-Dex across the prior treatment groups included thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, diarrhea, and asthenia/ fatigue. Incidence of on-treatment deaths among patients who received prior bortezomib and an IMiD (regardless of number of prior regimens) was similar between treatment arms. This analysis demonstrated a clear PFS benefit of 7.8 months with PAN-BTZ-Dex among patients who received ‡2 prior regimens including bortezomib and an IMiD, a population with limited treatment options and poorer prognosis. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01023308. © 2016 by The American Society of Hematology.

All orthopaedic fluoroscopic procedures performed using C-arm guidance were monitored for 1 y. The type of procedure, fluoroscopy time (T), kerma-area product (KAP) values and number of radiographs (F) were recorded. The two most often performed techniques were as follows: intramedullary nailing (IMN) of intertrochanteric/peritrochanteric (IP) fractures (101 cases, 49.3 %) and antergrade IMN of femur or tibia shaft (TS) fractures (28 cases, 13.7 %). For the remaining procedures, none accounted for >5 %, categorised as 'various' (76 cases, 37 %). Large variations in T, KAP and F were observed. For IMN of IP fractures, antergrade IMN of femur and TS fractures and for various procedures, respectively, median values were T--2.1, 2.2 and 0.6 min, KAP--6.3, 6.3 and 0.6 Gy cm(-2) and F--21, 2.2 and 6.7. The patient doses during fluoroscopically guided procedures are relatively low compared with other interventional procedures.