Publications by Year: 2010

By means of full electrodynamic and elastodynamic multiple-scattering calculations we study the optical and acoustic properties of three-dimensional lattices of metallic nanospheres implanted in a dielectric host. Our results show that such structures exhibit omnidirectional spectral gaps for both telecom infrared light and hypersound, with relatively low absorptive losses. This class of dual (phoxonic) band-gap materials is an essential step toward the hypersonic modulation of light and could lead to the development of efficient acousto-optical devices.

OBJECTIVE: In obese postmenopausal women we assessed leptin and adiponectin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), serum lipids and lipoxidative stress products: oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA), in relation to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). METHODS: Thirty-eight overweight/obese postmenopausal women were included in the study. Eighteen with normal glucose metabolism (NGT) and twenty with IGT, as it is diagnosed by OGTT. Serum leptin, adiponectin, hsCRP and MDA were measured at time 0 and 120 min of OGTT while total-cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, oxLDL and anti-oxLDL autoantibodies at time 0. Insulin resistance (HOMA)/sensitivity (QUICKI) indexes were estimated. RESULTS: In subjects with NGT, hsCRP was positively correlated with fasting leptin and HOMA, while in subjects with IGT negatively with QUICKI. In both groups, hsCRP was positively correlated with fasting insulin, body mass index and waist circumference. Fasting adiponectin was positively associated with HDL in both groups and negatively with triglycerides in subjects with NGT as well as with serum glucose levels at time 120 min of OGTT in subjects with IGT. No association was observed between oxLDL and adipokines. A significant positive association was found between oxLDL and HOMA in subjects with IGT. During OGTT there was a significant increase of leptin and MDA levels in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship exists between obesity, insulin and sub-clinical inflammation. Leptin and lipid peroxidation are linked to hyperglycaemic state while oxLDL might be considered as a predictor of insulin resistance. Adiponectin could exert its antiatherogenic effect through HDL independently of the presence of IGT.

The present study provides additional data on the distributional range of six alien foraminiferal species in living assemblages from Greek coastal areas (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean). Amphistegina lobifera LARSEN 1976, Sorites orbiculus (FORSK L 1775) and Coscinospira hemprichii EHRENBERG 1839 are well established in Greek coastal areas, whereas Triloculina fichteliana D'ORBIGNY 1839, Planogypsina acervalis (BRADY 1884) and Cymbaloporetta plana (CUSHMAN 1924), are recorded for the first time in this paper. The occurrence of these species in a number of sites in the Aegean Sea establishes their presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Although extensively studied for its pharmaceutical properties, Teucrium polium has yet to disclose its leaf structure and the chemical nature of the accumulated or secreted products. Therefore, light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy along with histochemical tests were employed to investigate the leaf of this perennial dwarf Mediterranean shrub. Structural characteristics include large cells with cutinized walls, creating cavities of obscured function in contact to a vessel element of the conductive tissue and different types of glandular hairs. A variety of secreted materials was identified by certain histochemical stains within the mesophyll cells and the glandular hairs. A dense indumentum of non-glandular hairs protects the secretory apparatus and the leaf surface from the stressful conditions of the Mediterranean climate.

Dietary shifts have played a major role in the evolution of many vertebrates. The idea that the evolution of herbivory is physiologically constrained in squamates is challenged by a number of observations that suggest that at least some lizards can overcome the putative physiological difficulties of herbivory on evolutionary and even ecological timescales. We compared a number of morphological and physiological traits purportedly associated with plant consumption between two island populations of the lacertid lizard Podarcis sicula. Previous studies revealed considerable differences in the amount of plant material consumed between those populations. We continued the investigation of this study system and explored the degree of divergence in morphology (dentition, gut morphology), digestive performance (gut passage time, digestive efficiency), and ecology (endosymbiont density). In addition, we also performed a preliminary analysis of the plasticity of some of these modifications. Our results confirm and expand earlier findings concerning divergence in the morphology of feeding structures between two island populations of P. sicula lizards. In addition to the differences in skull dimensions and the prevalence of cecal valves previously reported, these two recently diverged populations also differ in aspects of their dentition (teeth width) and the lengths of the stomach and small intestine. The plasticity experiment suggests that at least some of the changes associated with a dietary shift toward a higher proportion of plant material may be plastic. Our results also show that these morphological changes effectively translate into differences in digestive performance: the population with the longer digestive tract exhibits longer gut passage time and improved digestive efficiency. © 2010 by The University of Chicago.

Objective: Anorexia nervosa (AN) affects a large number of women, usually in their adolescence. One of the primary manifestations of the disease is menstrual irregularity, and the presence of a menstrual cycle is often used as a sign of recovery among patients. Women with AN are likely to seek medical advice from a gynecologist with regards to their period problems. The role of the gynecologist is therefore crucial in identifying and referring these patients promptly to specialised centers. Study design: A brief anonymous questionnaire was completed by 94 gynecologists practising in Athens. Results: Approximately half of the responders felt that the conditions were rarer than it really is, and 25{%} thought that the disease primarily affects women in their early twenties. Although 56{%} of gynecologists would not prescribe the combined oral contraceptive in women with AN in order to restore their periods, the remainder of gynecologists were in favour of prescribing hormone replacement with a view to reducing the risk of osteopenia. This is despite the fact that emerging evidence shows there is no benefit. Ten percent of gynecologists never weigh their patients during evaluation of amenorrhoea and 72{%} felt that their level of knowledge as far as anorexia nervosa is concerned is inadequate. Conclusion: More education is required among gynecologists on the subject of anorexia nervosa, in order to identify and refer patients in the early stages of the disease process. © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Pietsch, Henze, and Burwitz -- together with A. Liakos (Department of Physics, University of Athens), D. Hatzidimitriou (Department of Physics, University of Crete), and P. Niarchos (Department of Physics, University of Athens) -- add that confirmation of M31N 2010-06c at mag 18.0 was obtained with a stack of ten 60-s unfiltered CCD images obtained with a 40-cm Cassegrain telescope (+ f/5.1 focal reducer + 2184x1472-pixel ST-10XME CCD camera; pixel size 6.8 microns square) at the Athens University Observatory on June 27.028 UT; they provide position end figures 04s.48, 33".8.

W. Pietsch, M. Henze, and V. Burwitz, Max-Planck-Institut fuer Extraterrestrische Physik; A. Liakos, Department of Physics, University of Athens; D. Hatzidimitriou, Department of Physics, University of Crete; and P. Niarchos, Department of Physics, University of Athens, report the detection of an apparent nova in M31 using observations with the UltraViolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT) onboard the Swift satellite. The object was serendipitously detected in the UVW1 filter (range 181-321 nm; UVOT observation number 31255018 with 4333-s exposure) starting on June 24.02 UT with a magnitude of 19.5 +/- 0.2. The position for the nova candidate, designated M31N 2010-06d, is R.A. = 0h42m55s.56, Decl. = +41d19'25".5 (equinox 2000.0; uncertainty 1".0), which is 127" east and 197" north of the core of M31. The source is clearly detected in the individual images. In the UVW1 filter, Swift observation number 31255014, starting on June 12.04 (4161-s exposure), and in the U filter, Swift observation number 31255017, starting on June 21.29 (1330-s exposure), no object was detected at the position of M31N 2010-06d, with limiting magnitudes of 20.5 and 19.7 (3 sigma), respectively. (All magnitudes are on the UVOT photometric system of Poole et al. 2008, MNRAS 383, 627, and have not been corrected for extinction.) M31N 2010-06d was confirmed on a stacked unfiltered CCD image composed of ten 60-s frames obtained at a 40-cm Cassegrain telescope with a focal reducer (f/5.1) equipped with a 2184x1472-pixel ST-10XME CCD camera (pixel size 6.8 microns square) at the Athens University Observatory on July 1.082 UT, yielding magnitude 17.8 (obtained from a photometric solution using R magnitudes of the Local Group Survey M31 catalogue of Massey et al. 2006) and position end figures 55s.62, 25".7 (uncertainty 0".5), fully consistent with the position of the Swift source. M31N 2010-06d is visible in the UV filter already several days before the detection in the optical (similar to novae M31N 2009-08a and M31N 2010-01b). Public data from the Swift data archive was used. Kamil Hornoch, Ondrejov Observatory, reports the independent discovery of M31N 2010-06d by Marek Wolf and himself on co-added 1620-s and co-added 1350-s R-band CCD frames taken by Hornoch on June 30.003 UT and by Wolf on July 1.022, respectively, with the 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov. M31N 2010-06d is marginally visible on single images used for the co-added frames. Also, the new object is visible on pre-discovery co-added R-band frames taken with the same instrumentation during three previous nights, but is not present on numerous archive images taken at Ondrejov. M31N 2010-06d is located at R.A. = 0h42m55s.53, Decl. = +41o19'25".0 (equinox 2000.0), which is 126" east and 196" north of the center of M31. Available R-band magnitudes for M31N 2010-06d, measured by Hornoch: June 9.459 UT, [21.7 (P. Garnavich, C. Littlefield, N. Paul, and S. Bouzid, 1.83-m Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope); 18.152, [21.1 (P. Kubanek, J. Gorosabel, O. Lara-Gil, and M. Jelinek, 1.23-m telescope at Calar Alto); 27.034, 20.1 +/- 0.3 (K. Hornoch, 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov); 28.014, 19.7 +/- 0.2 (Hornoch and P. Hornochova, 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov); 28.040, 19.7 +/- 0.2 (Hornoch and Hornochova); 29.022, 19.2 +/- 0.2 (P. Zasche, 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov); 29.034, 19.0 +/- 0.2 (Zasche); 30.003, 18.6 +/- 0.15 (Hornoch); 30.022, 18.65 +/- 0.1 (Hornoch); July 1.022, 18.3 +/- 0.1 (M. Wolf, 0.65-m telescope at Ondrejov).

The high quality stellar spectra, recorded with the stellar spectrograph constructed at the Laboratory of Astronomy and Applied Optics of the University of Athens, allows the spectral classification of stars brighter than 9 mag, as well as the measurement of radial velocities of binary systems. The primary application of the spectrograph will be the study of eclipsing binaries, where the lack of spectroscopic observations limits the theoretical models. The spectrograph can be also used for observations of transient phenomena, such as novae, supernovae, comets and cataclysmic variable stars, but also for support observations of larger telescopes around the world.

Are Eccentric Strength Asymmetries Connected with Increased Risk for Muscle Injuries in the Thigh Muscles of Professional Soccer Players? Konstantinos Fousekis, Elias Τsepis, George Vagenas Introduction. The purpose of this prospective study was to statistically evaluate the relation between isokinetic strength asymmetries and risk of non-contact muscle strains in soccer. Methods. One hundred professional soccer players (age 23.4±4.8 years, height 178±6.7 cm, body mass 74.2±7.6 kg) were tested for isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength during the extension and flexion of the knee and ankle joint. Isokinetic testing was carried-out concentrically at 60o /sec. 180o/sec & 300o/sec and eccentrically at 60o/sec & 180o/sec for the knee joint. The ankle joint was tested at 60o/sec for both the concentric and eccentric mode of action. Each players? non-contact muscle strains resulting in missing at least one practise session or game were recorded during one competition season. Results. Analysis of the composite muscle strength asymmetries showed a significantly high relative risk of injury for players with eccentric strength asymmetries greater than 15% (RR=5.10; 95% CI: 1.29-20.17). Τhe majority of muscle strains involved 16% the hamstrings and 7% the quadriceps. The relative risk for strains in knee extensors strains was significantly increased in players with eccentric muscle asymmetries >15% (RR=1.93, 95% CI: 0.81- 4.56) and approximated statistical significance in the case of knee flexors strains (RR=1.82, 95% CI: 0.86-3.87). No significant relationship was found between concentric muscle strength asymmetries and muscle strains. Conclusions. Players with eccentric isokinetic strength asymmetries higher than 15% were more prone to injure their lower extremities. Preseason eccentric isokinetic assessment is required for the identification of soccer players being at high risk of thigh muscle strain and for the prevention of potential muscle strains via individualized exercise protocols.

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to study the technical and scale efficiency of a set of tax offices (Inland Revenue) in Greece during the period 2001‐2006. Design/methodology/approachThe methodology used to estimate efficiency scores and Greek tax office ranking was the data envelopment analysis. In addition window analysis was used to detect efficiency trends and stability over time. Tobit analysis was applied to explain whether non‐discretionary factors play a role in tax office's performance. FindingsThe results underline that “scale size” and the structure of regional economy where tax offices operate are important factors affecting their efficiency. Research limitations/implicationsDespite the limitations related to the data set, the empirical work suggests that future research may need to concentrate on the dynamic factors i.e. characteristics of the regional where the tax office is situated which could play a significant role in a tax office performance. Practical implicationsThe analysis provides information on tailor‐made political and administrative measures that can lead to improvements in the general infrastructure behind the tax office system in Greece. Originality/valueConsidering that the emerging results needed to be evaluated and considered with a sceptical eye, the present study simply highlights the importance of the information (without sensationalizing it) from the policymakers' perspective and in so doing perhaps provide an additional information resource on which they can base their decisions and policies. © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

INTRODUCTION: the FcgammaRIIa receptor is responsible for the clearance of large immune complexes and recently has been proved to be a C-reactive protein (CRP) receptor as well. A polymorphism in the corresponding FCG2RA gene resulting in an amino acid change (R131H) has been implicated, with conflicting results in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (e.g., atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease [CAD]). METHODS: we recently developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction and melting curve analysis method for the genotyping of the above polymorphism. We further looked at its validity with bioinformatics study and DNA sequencing. Then we genotyped 134 CAD patients and 45 angiographically normal controls and determined serum high-sensitivity CRP by nephelometry (Dade-Behring). Also, we used apparently healthy platelet donors (n = 206) as a larger control group. RESULTS: our method is accurate and devoid of problems with homologs and copy number variants. The need for reference materials is stressed. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the CAD patients and each of the two other control groups, with the percentage of RR genotype rising from 6.5% and 11% in the control groups to an average of 19% in all CAD patients (17%, 24%, and 18.5% in stable angina, unstable angina, and myocardial infarction, respectively). In a logistic regression model that included known risk factors for CAD including CRP, the RR genotype remained a significant predictor for CAD (odds ratio: 6.3 [1.1-36.3]). Also after linear regression analysis, CRP levels were reduced in the RR carriers (vs. HH + HR), controlling for age, sex, and disease (marginal p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: with our accurate genotyping method, the RR genotype was correlated with atherothrombotic CAD events. The inverse correlation found between CRP levels and genotype supports the in vitro data of RR cells binding CRP stronger than HH

INTRODUCTION: the FcγRIIa receptor is responsible for the clearance of large immune complexes and recently has been proved to be a C-reactive protein (CRP) receptor as well. A polymorphism in the corresponding FCG2RA gene resulting in an amino acid change (R131H) has been implicated, with conflicting results in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (e.g., atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease [CAD]). METHODS: we recently developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction and melting curve analysis method for the genotyping of the above polymorphism. We further looked at its validity with bioinformatics study and DNA sequencing. Then we genotyped 134 CAD patients and 45 angiographically normal controls and determined serum high-sensitivity CRP by nephelometry (Dade-Behring). Also, we used apparently healthy platelet donors (n = 206) as a larger control group. RESULTS: our method is accurate and devoid of problems with homologs and copy number variants. The need for reference materials is stressed. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the CAD patients and each of the two other control groups, with the percentage of RR genotype rising from 6.5% and 11% in the control groups to an average of 19% in all CAD patients (17%, 24%, and 18.5% in stable angina, unstable angina, and myocardial infarction, respectively). In a logistic regression model that included known risk factors for CAD including CRP, the RR genotype remained a significant predictor for CAD (odds ratio: 6.3 [1.1-36.3]). Also after linear regression analysis, CRP levels were reduced in the RR carriers (vs. HH + HR), controlling for age, sex, and disease (marginal p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: with our accurate genotyping method, the RR genotype was correlated with atherothrombotic CAD events. The inverse correlation found between CRP levels and genotype supports the in vitro data of RR cells binding CRP stronger than HH.

Studies have suggested that dental development substantially influences the variation of mandibular morphology and growth in primates. As a contribution to the methodology of such studies, we introduce a novel approach to quantifying the covariation between teeth and mandible. This was done showing fluctuations in the magnitude of this covariation within a sample of modern human mandibles at different postnatal ages. Dense CT- derived mandibular surface meshes of 73 females and 71 males, ranging in age from birth to adulthood, were processed by methods of geometric morphometrics. Each specimen's deciduous and permanent teeth were rated for mineralization stage. Form-space principal component analysis of the morphometric data was used to produce a single metric variable that best explains mandibular-form variation. This variable was then used to quantify the developing teeth, all together, through the use of the additive conjoint measurement method. This new metric variable corresponds to the dental prediction of the mandibular-form variation. Finally, we examine the covariation of the two over the full range of mineralization stages. We found a strikingly tight association between mandibular form and dental maturation up through the full emergence of the deciduous dentition (about age 2 years), followed by an equally striking decline in that association in later developmental stages, particularly for girls. The onset of the decline of the teeth-mandible relationship coincides with the onset time of the adult-like pattern of mastication and speech. The increasingly functional diversity may lead to more independence between dental development and mandibular growth than during the first two years.

The Aerosol Index (AI) observations derived from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on board the Dutch-Finnish Aura satellite are analyzed over Greece covering the period from September 2004 to August 2008. The AI data cover the whole Greek territory (34°-42°N, 20°-28°E) with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° The results show significant spatial and temporal variabilities of the seasonal and monthly-mean AI, with higher values at the southern parts and lower values over northern Greece. On the other hand, the AI values do not show significant differences between the western and eastern parts and, therefore, the longitude-averaged AI values can be utilized to reveal the strong south-to-north gradient. This gradient significantly changes from season to season being more intense in spring and summer, while it is minimized in winter. Another significant remark is the dominance of negative AI values over northern Greece in the summer months, indicating the presence of non-UV-absorbing aerosols, such as sulfate and sea-salt particles. The great geographical extent of the negative AI values in the summer months is indicative of long-range transport of such aerosols. In contrast, the high positive AI values over southern Greece, mainly in spring, clearly reveal the UV-absorbing nature of desert-dust particles affecting the area during Saharan dust events. The annual variation of spatial-averaged AI values shows a predominant spring maximum (0.424 ± 0.329, in April) due to dust particles, which dominate this average and a summer minimum due to the negative AI values observed over northern Greece. In the cold period of the year (November to February) the AI values are higher over northern Greece compared to those in south, while in the rest of the year the opposite is true. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

AIM: Leptin and adiponectin are two well-studied adipokines in relation to malignancies. In this study, we examined the association between leptin/adiponectin and risk of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), as well as the relationships between adipokines and several established prognostic factors of B-CLL. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with incident B-CLL and 95 hospital controls matched on age and gender were studied between 2001 and 2007, and blood samples were collected. Leptin, total and high molecular weight adiponectin, and prognostic markers of B-CLL were determined. RESULTS: Cases had a higher body mass index (BMI) than controls (p = 0.01) and lower levels of leptin (p < 0.01). Significantly more cases than controls presented a family history of lymphohematopoietic cancer (LHC) (p = 0.01). Higher serum leptin levels were associated with lower risk of B-CLL adjusting for age, gender, family history of LHC, BMI and serum adiponectin; the multivariate odds ratio comparing highest to lowest tertile was 0.05 (95% CI 0.01-0.29, p trend < 0.001); Adiponectin was not significantly different between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: Leptin was found to be inversely associated with risk of CLL but in contrast to prior studies of CLL and hematologic malignancies, this study found no significant association between CLL and adiponectin.

Information and computer security are gaining continuous attention in the context of modern organizations across all domains of human activities. Emphasizing on behavioral factors toward the applicability of security measures and practices is an area under research, aiming to look beyond the strict technical peculiarities and investigate human attitudes in regards to security consciousness and familiarity. The aim of this chapter is to shed light on those aspects in relation with healthcare, by empirically assessing the intention of undergraduate nursing students to apply security concepts and practices. A research theoretical framework is proposed based on an empirical synthesis of constructs adopted from well established theories as the Health Belief Model and the Protection Motivation Theory along with a variety of previous research works. The model is then empirically tested and validated against a sample of 149 undergraduate nursing students. Data analysis was performed using partial least squares. The research findings highlighted the significant effects of perceived benefits, general security orientation and selfefficacy to behavioral intention along with the positive effect of general controllability to self-efficacy of nursing students in applying security concepts and practices, whereas a series of other constructs did not prove to be significant. The study outcomes contribute to further observations related with behavioral security. Despite the fact that the current empirical study was conducted under a specific context and settings, implications are discussed, regarding the security readiness of nursing students prior their engagement to a real healthcare environment. © 2011, IGI Global.

(2010). Beijing 2008: Οι Ολυμπιακοί Αγώνες στη «Χώρα του Δράκου» και το γεωπολιτικό παιχνίδι στη «στέγη του κόσμου». Το Πεκίνο, η καρδιά της Κίνας, της πολυπληθέστερης χώρας του πλανήτη, υποδέχτηκε τους 29ους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες το 2008. Ποια είναι τα βασικά χαρακτηριστικά της ιδιαίτερης αυτής χώρας από απόψεως ιστορίας, φιλοσοφίας και πολιτικής; Μέσα από ποιες διεργασίες το κομμουνιστικό κόμμα διαδέχτηκε το αυτοκρατορικό σύστημα; Η χώρα του Κομφούκιου και του Μάο Τσε Τούνγκ συνιστά σήμερα ένα εξαιρετικά πολύπλοκο κράτος, όπου η τυραννία και η ελευθερία συνυπάρχουν, μαζί με την πρόοδο και την ελπίδα. Η χώρα του «κόκκινου καπιταλισμού» με αφορμή τους Ολυμπιακούς Αγώνες θα εκμεταλλευόταν την ευκαιρία να δείξει σε όλο τον πλανήτη πόσο μεγάλη και ισχυρή έχει γίνει. Ποιο είναι, όμως, σήμερα το γεωπολιτικό παιχνίδι στη «στέγη του κόσμου»; Ποιες οι αρχές του λαμαϊσμού (του θιβετιανής εκδοχής βουδισμού), όπως τις εκφράζει με τη στάση και τη φιλοσοφία του ο σημερινός 14ος Δαλάι Λάμα; Ο εξόριστος ηγέτης των Θιβετιανών και τιμημένος με το βραβείο Νόμπελ Ειρήνης, ο μοναχός που λατρεύεται ως θεός από τους βουδιστές του κόσμου, έχει επιδιώξει το συγκερασμό μεταξύ πολιτικής και πνευματικότητας, σήμερα τάσσεται υπέρ της παγκοσμιοποίησης και υποστηρίζει την αυτονομία του Θιβέτ. Κατά τη διάρκεια των Ολυμπιακών Αγώνων του Πεκίνου η πολιτική εξουσία δεν έμεινε μακράν των αγώνων, με αφορμή την ανελευθερία και την καταπάτηση των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων στην Κίνα. Στο μεταξύ, η κρίση στον Καύκασο τίναξε την οποιαδήποτε συζήτηση περί «ολυμπιακής εκεχειρίας» στον αέρα. Στη συνέχεια, πάντως, η όλη διοργάνωση υπήρξε ανάλογη ενός ανερχόμενου γίγαντα όπως είναι σήμερα η Κίνα. Με την αισθητική του σκηνοθέτη Ζανγκ Γιμού συναντήθηκε ο αρχαίος πολιτισμός της με τη σύγχρονη αισθητική, σαν ταινία μυστηρίου και φαντασμαγορίας.  Η Κίνα του 21ου αιώνα είναι αναμφισβήτητα μια από τις ηγέτιδες δυνάμεις του σύγχρονου κόσμου. Παρά την γιγαντιαία διοργάνωση, ωστόσο, σημειώθηκαν και ευτράπελα στην Made in China κινεζική τελειότητα. 

Background This retrospective pooled analysis of two phase III trials (MM-009/MM-010) compared clinical outcomes of patients who achieved a complete response or very good partial response to treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone with the outcomes of those who only achieved a partial response. Design and Methods Patients (n=353) received lenalidomide (25 mg/day for 21 days of each 28-day cycle) plus dexamethasone (40 mg on days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20 for four cycles, and only on days 1-4 after the first four cycles). Time to response, duration of response, time-to-progression, overall survival, and adverse events were investigated for patients who had a complete or very good partial response and compared with those of patients who had a partial response. Results At the time of unblinding, 32% of patients had achieved a complete or very good partial response and 28% had a partial response. Half (50.5%) of the patients who had a partial response as their initial response achieved a complete or very good partial response with further treatment. The probability of achieving a complete or very good partial response with continued lenalidomide treatment decreased with delayed achievement of a partial response (by cycle 4 versus later); however, it remained clinically significant. With an extended follow-up of 48 months, the median response duration, time-to-progression, and overall survival were longer in patients with a complete or very good partial response than in those with a partial response (24.0 versus 8.3 months, P<0.001; 27.7 versus 12.0 months, P<0.001; not reached versus 44.2 months, P=0.021, respectively). The benefit of a complete or very good partial response was independent of when it was achieved. Conclusions Continuing treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone to achieve best response, in the absence of disease progression and toxicity, provided deeper remissions and greater clinical benefit over time for patients in this study. © 2010 Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Magnetic particles are currently applied to special biomedical and environmental applications owing to their unique magnetic, morphological and substance-carrying capabilities. Very recently we introduced Magnetically Assisted Hemodialysis (MAHD), an innovative therapeutic application of Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles (FNs) for the treatment of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). MAHD can be employed for the selective and efficient removal of toxins that, although of high biological importance, they cannot be handled by current Hemodialysis strategies. This work is focused on evaluating the biocompatibility of Fe3O4 FNs with cells of donated human blood, namely Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets (Pits). To that end, optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy were employed for the morphological examination of blood cells that were maturated under the presence of Fe3O4 FNs by means of mild incubation up to 120 min at T = 20 degrees C. As a conclusion we have not detected noticeable interference between RBCs, WBCs and Pits with FNs for the maturation conditions and the extreme FNs concentrations examined in this work.

The diffusion layer model of drug dissolution is used for the simulation of oral drug absorption as well as for the analysis of experimental data. The governing role of saturation solubility in the rate of dissolution makes this parameter predominant for biopharmaceutical classification purposes. The hypothesis models and criteria associated with the use of solubility and dissolution for the biopharmaceutical classification of compounds and marketed drugs are reviewed in this article. The complex hydrodynamics in the in vitro dissolution apparatuses as well as the motility in the gastrointestinal tract do not allow the application of the diffusion layer model in these systems, as this has been built and verified in the rotating disk device. The solubilizing capacity of gastrointestinal fluids media is higher than the aqueous saturation solubility usually reported and used for biopharmaceutical purposes. Emphasis is given on the reaction-limited model of dissolution which provides a useful alternative not based on diffusion principles. Model independent dissolution parameters are more useful for regulators as our knowledge for the dissolution mechanism(s) under in vivo conditions is limited.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between fat-free mass and shot put performance at the beginning of the winter preparation cycle and at the first peak of the season (12 wk later) in well-trained shot-putters using the rotational style. METHODS: Eight national-level shot put athletes followed their individual training programs for a period of 12 wk aiming at the national indoor championship. Shot put performance with the rotational style as well as from the power position was determined before and after this 12 wk period. Body composition was determined before and after the training period with dual x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Shot put from the power position was increased by 3% (P = .03) while shot put with the rotational style was increased by 6.5% (P < .01). Fat-free mass, body fat and bone mineral density were not altered after the training period. The correlation coefficient between fat-free mass and shot put performance from the power position was significant (r = .76 preseason vs r = .66, competition; P < .05). The correlation coefficient between fat-free mass and shot put performance with the rotational style was significant at the beginning of the training period (r = .70, P < .05) but it was decreased to moderate and nonsignificant levels at competition (r = .55, ns). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the increase of fat-free mass might not be the most essential element for competition when the rotational shot put style is involved.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B-Cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by lymphoplasmacytic bone marrow infiltration and immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy. It remains incurable, with a median survival of 5-10 years in symptomatic WM. Current first-line treatment options include alkylating agents, nucleoside analogues, and rituximab-based therapies. However, primary or secondary resistance invariably develops. Thus, new treatment options are needed. Preclinical studies have shown that the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib targets signaling pathways of relevance in WM. Bortezomib, alone and in combination with rituximab, has demonstrated notable activity in clinical studies in patients with WM, predominantly in phase II trials in the relapsed or refractory setting. In newly diagnosed patients, bortezomib plus rituximab and dexamethasone is highly active (complete response/near-complete response = 22%). Bortezomib-based therapies result in rapid responses, potentially making them suitable treatment options for patients with hyperviscosity-related symptoms who require a rapid reduction in IgM level. In addition, bortezomib appears unique in reducing rituximab-associated IgM flares. Bortezomib is generally well tolerated in WM. However, neurotoxicity is common and might be the cause of dose reduction or treatment discontinuation. Bortezomib has no adverse effect on stem cell harvesting and engraftment, making it a feasible treatment option in transplantation-eligible patients. These encouraging data have led to the inclusion of bortezomib as a salvage treatment option in the recently updated Fourth International Workshop on Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia treatment recommendations.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to confirm overall survival (OS) and other clinical benefits with bortezomib, melphalan, and prednisone (VMP) versus melphalan and prednisone (MP) in the phase III VISTA (Velcade as Initial Standard Therapy in Multiple Myeloma) trial after prolonged follow-up, and evaluate the impact of subsequent therapies. Patients and Methods: Previously untreated symptomatic patients with myeloma ineligible for high-dose therapy received up to nine 6-week cycles of VMP (n = 344) or MP (n = 338). Results: With a median follow-up of 36.7 months, there was a 35% reduced risk of death with VMP versus MP (hazard ratio, 0.653; P < .001); median OS was not reached with VMP versus 43 months with MP; 3-year OS rates were 68.5% versus 54.0%. Response rates to subsequent thalidomide-(41% v 53%) and lenalidomide-based therapies (59% v 52%) appeared similar after VMP or MP; response rates to subsequent bortezomib-based therapy were 47% versus 59%. Among patients treated with VMP (n = 178) and MP (n = 233), median survival from start of subsequent therapy was 30.2 and 21.9 months, respectively, and there was no difference in survival from salvage among patients who received subsequent bortezomib, thalidomide, or lenalidomide. Rates of adverse events were higher with VMP versus MP during cycles 1 to 4, but similar during cycles 5 to 9. With VMP, 79% of peripheral neuropathy events improved within a median of 1.9 months; 60% completely resolved within a median of 5.7 months. Conclusion: VMP significantly prolongs OS versus MP after lengthy follow-up and extensive subsequent antimyeloma therapy. First-line bortezomib use does not induce more resistant relapse. VMP used upfront appears more beneficial than first treating with conventional agents and saving bortezomib- and other novel agent-based treatment until relapse. © 2010 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of bortezomib with or without dexamethasone and to define prognostic factors for patients with primary systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis treated with bortezomib or both. Patients and Methods: Ninety-four patients from three centers were analyzed: 19% received the combination as first-line treatment, 81% had a median of two previous therapies, and 69% had refractory disease, while most patients had symptomatic heart involvement or elevated serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Results: A hematologic response was achieved in 71% within a median of 52 days, including 25% complete responses (CRs). Previously untreated patients had a 47% CR rate. Age 65 years or younger (P = .043) and twice weekly administration of bortezomib (P = .041) were associated with higher response rates. A cardiac response was documented in 29% of patients, in most as sustained improvement of functional class and less often as a decrease in wall thickness. Hematologic responses were associated with a cardiac response and NT-proBNP reduction. After a median follow-up of 12 months, 29% of patients had organ progression and 27% had hematologic progression. Median survival has not been reached and the 1-year survival rate is 76%. Baseline NT-proBNP was independently associated with survival (P = .001), while in a landmark analysis, survival was associated with NT-proBNP reduction of ≥ 30% (P = .006) and achievement of hematologic response (P = .001). Toxicity was manageable and mostly consisted of neuropathy, orthostasis, peripheral edema, and constipation or diarrhea. Conclusion: Bortezomib with or without dexamethasone is active in AL amyloidosis and induces rapid responses and high rates of hematologic and organ responses. Serial measurement of cardiac biomarkers is a powerful predictor of outcome. © 2010 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

In this paper we examined whether the recorded precipitation changes cause erosion in Naxos Island, Greece using precipitation indices derived from daily precipitation totals, during the period 1955-2007, in order to develop an erosion risk model. Although the mean annual precipitation appear to be low (∼360.0 mm), the erosion processes of the area are very intense, because of the intensive character of precipitation, the high slope relief, the differential lithology and the absence of important land cover The results of the analysis showed that the climatic changes in precipitation and the changes in land cover and land use are the main drivers for the erosion. This is why the 2nd (1971-1985) and 3rd (1986-2007) studied sub-periods may be called of high erosion risk, and especially the second one mainly because of the increased frequency of extreme precipitation events. © 2010 Author(s).

In this paper we examined whether the recorded precipitation changes cause erosion in Naxos Island, Greece using precipitation indices derived from daily precipitation totals, during the period 1955–2007, in order to develop an erosion risk model. Although the mean annual precipitation appear to be low (~360.0 mm), the erosion processes of the area are very intense, because of the intensive character of precipitation, the high slope relief, the differential lithology and the absence of important land cover The results of the analysis showed that the climatic changes in precipitation and the changes in land cover and land use are the main drivers for the erosion. This is why the 2nd (1971–1985) and 3rd (1986–2007) studied sub-periods may be called of high erosion risk, and especially the second one mainly because of the increased frequency of extreme precipitation events.

Extreme precipitation events have significant environmental consequences because they may cause considerable damages to urban as well as rural areas. The aim of this work is to construct a threshold model which will describe the exceedances over a threshold for the daily precipitation totals over Athens, Greece. The data used are daily precipitation totals recorded at the National Observatory of Athens, for a 115-year period (1891-2005). The generalized Pareto distribution is considered as the proper distribution for the study of the exceedances. The threshold of u=15.8 mm (10% upper limit) is used for the construction of the optimal return level function. © Author(s) 2010.

Background: Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) in pregnancy presenting with breast involvement is a rare clinical entity, and only 13 cases have been reported so far. Case Report: We describe the case of a 28-year-old postpartum woman who presented with markedly enlarged breasts caused by BL. She was treated with 8 cycles of the CALGB 10002 regimen, as well as with irradiation to both breasts. After achieving a complete objective response, the patient received consolidation with high dose BEAM followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. 20 months after the initial diagnosis, our patient remains alive and relapse-free. Data extracted from the published case reports include information regarding demographic details, type of treatment, sites of disease, and survival. The clinical outcome of the reviewed cases was very unfavorable. Conclusions: BL affecting breasts during pregnancy or lactation is a rare entity that requires a prompt diagnosis and an aggressive therapeutic approach. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

In core ADE3-23 collected in the Libyan Sea, the nannofossil species Coccolithus pelagicus, Coronosphaera spp., Helicosphaera spp., Syracosphaera spp., Calcidiscus spp., small Gephyrocapsa spp., and the planktonic foraminifers Globigerina bulloides, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, Globorotalia scitula, Turborotalita quinqueloba and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei prevail in sapropel S6 (midpoint at 172 ka B.P.), indicative of cold and highly productive surface conditions. Warm and highly stratified water-column conditions are recorded by the characteristic assemblage of Globigerinoides ruber, Globoturborotalita rubescens, Florisphaera profunda, Rhabdosphaera spp. during the sapropel S5 depositional interval (midpoint at 124 ka B.P.). Compared with S5, Globigerinita glutinata, Globorotalia inflata, Globigerinella siphonifera, Globorotalia truncatulinoides and the calcareous nannofossil Emiliania huxleyi characterise less stratified conditions within sapropel S1 (midpoint at 8.5 ka B.P.). Multivariate statistical analyses of calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifers in core ADE3-23 identify planktonic assemblages which typify sapropels S6, S5 and S1 in the Libyan Sea. A warmer interval is recognised in the middle part of the cold S6, and can beassociated with an influx of less saline waters and the occurrence of a faint, temporary deep chlorophyll maximum. Evidence for enhanced surface productivity and breakdown of stratification is observed in the middle–upper part of the warm S5, associated with climatic deterioration. Moreover, an increase in surface productivity in the upper S1 implies weak stratification. Our combined calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal data add to the evidence that climate variability was more pronounced than commonly considered to date for all the three studied Eastern Mediterranean sapropel depositional intervals. 

In core ADE3-23 collected in the Libyan Sea, the nannofossil species Coccolithus pelagicus, Coronosphaera spp., Helicosphaera spp., Syracosphaera spp., Calcidiscus spp., small Gephyrocapsa spp., and the planktonic foraminifers Globigerina bulloides, Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, Globorotalia scitula, Turborotalita quinqueloba and Neogloboquadrina dutertrei prevail in sapropel S6 (midpoint at 172 ka B.P.), indicative of cold and highly productive surface conditions. Warm and highly stratified water-column conditions are recorded by the characteristic assemblage of Globigerinoides ruber, Globoturborotalita rubescens, Florisphaera profunda, Rhabdosphaera spp. during the sapropel S5 depositional interval (midpoint at 124 ka B.P.). Compared with S5, Globigerinita glutinata, Globorotalia inflata, Globigerinella siphonifera, Globorotalia truncatulinoides and the calcareous nannofossil Emiliania huxleyi characterise less stratified conditions within sapropel S1 (midpoint at 8.5 ka B.P.). Multivariate statistical analyses of calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifers in core ADE3-23 identify planktonic assemblages which typify sapropels S6, S5 and S1 in the Libyan Sea. A warmer interval is recognised in the middle part of the cold S6, and can beassociated with an influx of less saline waters and the occurrence of a faint, temporary deep chlorophyll maximum. Evidence for enhanced surface productivity and breakdown of stratification is observed in the middle–upper part of the warm S5, associated with climatic deterioration. Moreover, an increase in surface productivity in the upper S1 implies weak stratification. Our combined calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal data add to the evidence that climate variability was more pronounced than commonly considered to date for all the three studied Eastern Mediterranean sapropel depositional intervals. 

We present the mathematical formulation and numerical results for the beam-wave interaction in a coaxial waveguide with rectangular slots filled with a lossy dielectric material. The formalism is based on a full-wave analysis and the linearized Vlasov equation. Numerical results are given for all kinds of modes in simplified gyrotron beam tunnels, and the effect of the losses to the parasitic oscillations is examined and discussed.

Caloric restriction and autophagy-inducing pharmacological agents can prolong lifespan in model organisms including mice, flies, and nematodes. In this study, we show that transgenic expression of Sirtuin-1 induces autophagy in human cells in vitro and in Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo. The knockdown or knockout of Sirtuin-1 prevented the induction of autophagy by resveratrol and by nutrient deprivation in human cells as well as by dietary restriction in C. elegans. Conversely, Sirtuin-1 was not required for the induction of autophagy by rapamycin or p53 inhibition, neither in human cells nor in C. elegans. The knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of Sirtuin-1 enhanced the vulnerability of human cells to metabolic stress, unless they were stimulated to undergo autophagy by treatment with rapamycin or p53 inhibition. Along similar lines, resveratrol and dietary restriction only prolonged the lifespan of autophagy-proficient nematodes, whereas these beneficial effects on longevity were abolished by the knockdown of the essential autophagic modulator Beclin-1. We conclude that autophagy is universally required for the lifespan-prolonging effects of caloric restriction and pharmacological Sirtuin-1 activators.

The effect of resistance exercise on blood lipids is not clear yet. The purpose of this study was to examine the cholesterol responses to a heavy resistance leg press exercise emphasizing on the eccentric movement 24 and 48 hours following exercise and to quantify the cardiorespiratory responses of the exercise bout in an attempt to clarify the exercise characteristics that may be responsible for the effects of heavy resistance exercise on blood lipids. Nine healthy, untrained male volunteers aged 27.2 ± 1.1 yrs (76.2 ± 2.5 kg, 1.79 ± 0.02 m) performed a session of heavy RE emphasizing on the eccentric movement consisting of eight sets of inclined leg presses at six repetition maximum with 3-min rest intervals. Venous blood samples were obtained at rest (control) and 24 and 48 hours following exercise. Average VO2 at rest was 4.0 ± 0.4 ml·min-1·kg-1, during exercise 19.6 ± 0.2 ml·min-1·kg-1 and during the 180 sec recovery period between sets 12.5 ± 0.2 ml·min-1·kg-1. RER values decreased with the progression of the exercise and were significantly lower during the last four sets compared with the first four sets of the exercise session. Resting heart rate was 67 ± 2 bpm, and maximum heart rate during exercise was 168 ± 1 bspm. Serum creatine kinase was significantly elevated on day 1 (1090 ± 272 U·L-1, p < 0.03) and peaked on day 2 (1230 ± 440 U·L-1 p < 0.01). Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and calculated LDL cholesterol concentration did not change significantly following with exercise. This protocol of heavy resistance exercise has no effect on TC or cholesterol sub-fraction concentration 24 and 48 hours following exercise which may be due to the low energy expenditure of the exercise and/or to the gender of the participants. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

The effect of resistance exercise on blood lipids is not clear yet. The purpose of this study was to examine the cholesterol responses to a heavy resistance leg press exercise emphasizing on the eccentric movement 24 and 48 hours following exercise and to quantify the cardiorespiratory responses of the exercise bout in an attempt to clarify the exercise characteristics that may be responsible for the effects of heavy resistance exercise on blood lipids. Nine healthy, untrained male volunteers aged 27.2 ± 1.1 yrs (76.2 ± 2.5 kg, 1.79 ± 0.02 m) performed a session of heavy RE emphasizing on the eccentric movement consisting of eight sets of inclined leg presses at six repetition maximum with 3-min rest intervals. Venous blood samples were obtained at rest (control) and 24 and 48 hours following exercise. Average VO2 at rest was 4.0 ± 0.4 ml·min-1·kg-1, during exercise 19.6 ± 0.2 ml·min-1·kg-1 and during the 180 sec recovery period between sets 12.5 ± 0.2 ml·min-1·kg-1. RER values decreased with the progression of the exercise and were significantly lower during the last four sets compared with the first four sets of the exercise session. Resting heart rate was 67 ± 2 bpm, and maximum heart rate during exercise was 168 ± 1 bspm. Serum creatine kinase was significantly elevated on day 1 (1090 ± 272 U·L-1, p < 0.03) and peaked on day 2 (1230 ± 440 U·L-1 p < 0.01). Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and calculated LDL cholesterol concentration did not change significantly following with exercise. This protocol of heavy resistance exercise has no effect on TC or cholesterol sub-fraction concentration 24 and 48 hours following exercise which may be due to the low energy expenditure of the exercise and/or to the gender of the participants. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

The effect of resistance exercise on blood lipids is not clear yet. The purpose of this study was to examine the cholesterol responses to a heavy resistance leg press exercise emphasizing on the eccentric movement 24 and 48 hours following exercise and to quantify the cardiorespiratory responses of the exercise bout in an attempt to clarify the exercise characteristics that may be responsible for the effects of heavy resistance exercise on blood lipids. Nine healthy, untrained male volunteers aged 27.2 ± 1.1 yrs (76.2 ± 2.5 kg, 1.79 ± 0.02 m) performed a session of heavy RE emphasizing on the eccentric movement consisting of eight sets of inclined leg presses at six repetition maximum with 3-min rest intervals. Venous blood samples were obtained at rest (control) and 24 and 48 hours following exercise. Average VO2 at rest was 4.0 ± 0.4 ml·min-1·kg-1, during exercise 19.6 ± 0.2 ml·min-1·kg-1 and during the 180 sec recovery period between sets 12.5 ± 0.2 ml·min-1·kg-1. RER values decreased with the progression of the exercise and were significantly lower during the last four sets compared with the first four sets of the exercise session. Resting heart rate was 67 ± 2 bpm, and maximum heart rate during exercise was 168 ± 1 bspm. Serum creatine kinase was significantly elevated on day 1 (1090 ± 272 U·L-1, p < 0.03) and peaked on day 2 (1230 ± 440 U·L-1 p < 0.01). Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and calculated LDL cholesterol concentration did not change significantly following with exercise. This protocol of heavy resistance exercise has no effect on TC or cholesterol sub-fraction concentration 24 and 48 hours following exercise which may be due to the low energy expenditure of the exercise and/or to the gender of the participants. © Journal of Sports Science and Medicine.

A case of abrupt and significant increase of surface ozone was examined, which is recorded during the night of October 9th, 2003, over the area of the Thriassion Plain - Greece, being accompanied by the occurrence of a wind outbreak during the same period. As this increase cannot be explained by the ordinary diurnal evolution of tropospheric ozone concentration, the possibility of downward stratospheric ozone transport was investigated. It was indeed found that the case is associated with tropopause folding and subsequent stratospheric air intrusion in the upper troposphere over Greece. With the aid of mesoscale modeling, being also supported by the hydraulic theory, it was found that the intense wind outbreak is associated with the development of disturbances in the lee side of the neighbouring mountain ranges. These disturbances contribute to the free troposphere - atmospheric boundary layer interaction, facilitating the transportation of stratospheric air close to the surface, thus resulting to the observed tropospheric ozone increase. © 2010 Gebrüder Borntraeger, Berlin, Stuttgart.

The purpose of this study was to propose a growth-based structural superimposition method for assessment of cervical vertebral fusion and evaluate variations and abnormalities of the upper cervical vertebrae. Standardized lateral cephalograms of 156 patients (69 males and 87 females, age range 6-20 years), representing a skeletally heterogeneous orthodontic population, were used. Primary criterion for sample selection was the existence of at least two lateral cephalograms, one taken before orthodontic treatment, which depicted the first four cervical vertebrae. The abnormalities of the vertebrae were estimated by visual assessment and structural superimposition. Lateral cephalometric analysis was conducted in order to correlate vertebral anomalies to skeletal pattern. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables and interobserver agreement was evaluated using the kappa statistic. Four patients (2.6 per cent) were found to have secondary ossicles in close relationship to the first cervical vertebra, while in 7.4 per cent, the vertebral arteries of the atlas were surrounded by a complete ring-shaped osseous structure. Three cephalograms showed atlas posterior arch dehiscence. After visual examination, 14 patients were provisionally identified as presenting fusion between the second and third cervical vertebrae. However, growth-based superimposition of the radiographs disclosed that no patient showed actual fusion, even though the lateral cephalometric analysis revealed sufficient extreme skeletal patterns, which have been previously related to vertebral fusion. The findings of this study demonstrated a low percentage of atlas anomalies. It was not possible to correlate skeletal pattern to fusion of cervical vertebrae because no fusions were found. Subjective visual examination of a single cephalogram may result in false-positive findings of fusion and growth-based superimposition is recommended.

Respiratory infections have been implicated in the origin and exacerbation of asthma in a variety of ways; however, systemisation of this knowledge in a way helpful for disease management remains suboptimal. Several conceptual issues need to be taken into account: the fact that the effects of an infection may vary according to genetic background, the current immune status of the host, and parallel environmental stimuli, in addition to the particular infectious agent itself. Moreover, childhood is a very special period because of the continuous processes taking place, such as neural, immune and respiratory maturation. Epidemiological studies have convincingly demonstrated that the majority of asthma exacerbations, in both adults and children, follow viral upper respiratory tract infections. Asthma exacerbations are still often unresponsive to current asthma treatment, and new therapeutic approaches are required. This review presents current knowledge on the associations between infection and exacerbation of established asthma with respect to definitions, epidemiology, mechanisms and treatment.

The distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis serovars and Neisseria gonorrhoeae coinfection was studied in a group of 100 C. trachomatis-positive males with urethritis in Greece. The serovar distribution revealed that apart from the predominant worldwide types E and F, the relatively uncommon type G is also prevalent. Gonococcal coinfection was frequent (30%) and was associated with genovariant Ja (75%, P = 0.008).

A case of a neonate with congenital chylous ascites resulting from primary lymphatic dysplasia is described. The baby also presented with a sludge ball in the gallbladder that eventually progressed to gallstones. The association of chylous ascites with cholelithiasis in this neonate is discussed.

{BACKGROUND: Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (a-FABP) has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Preterm infants are at risk for the later development of insulin resistance, and, possibly, other components of metabolic syndrome. AIM: To determine circulating levels of a-FABP in preterm infants and examine possible associations of a-FABP with metabolic indices (serum lipids, glucose, and insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), levels of leptin and adiponectin, anthropometric parameters and weight gain. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: 55 healthy preterm (mean [SD] gestational age 32.8 [1.8] weeks) and 23 fullterm infants (reference group). OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum a-FABP, lipids, glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin levels at 31.9 [10.4] days of life. RESULTS: Serum a-FABP levels did not differ significantly between preterm and fullterm infants. A-FABP levels correlated positively with total-cholesterol [total-C] in both preterm and fullterm infants (beta=0.33; p=0.01 and beta=0.33; p=0.04, respectively). In addition to total-C, weight gain correlated independently with a-FABP levels in preterm infants (beta=0.36

Uterine agenesis is one of the differential diagnoses in adolescent girls with delayed menstruation. It may also be suspected earlier in childhood during investigations for other genitourinary conditions. However, accurate confirmation that the uterus is absent can be extremely difficult before puberty because of its small size. We describe ten girls referred to a specialist centre with a presumed diagnosis of an absent uterus which was later found to be incorrect. We conclude that imaging should be undertaken by clinicians with experience in management of this age group and in some girls it may be necessary to delay final diagnosis until after puberty. © 2009 RCOG BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

A deep XMM survey has identified hundreds of bright X-ray sources from the direction of Andromeda. These sources are mostly comprised of supernova remnants, X-ray Binaries and background Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). We have obtained 35 optical spectra of their candidate counterparts using the 3.5-meter telescope at the Apache Point Observatory. After calibrating and extracting the objects' spectra from the sky background, we've been able to classify 8 as background AGN with red shifts (1.15< z <2.11). Preliminary classifications of the 27 others include 9 stars in Andromeda and 1 supernova remnant in Andromeda. With these results we are beginning to constrain the background contamination in the XMM survey and to find good high-mass X-ray binary candidates in Andromeda. Furthermore, future high-resolution spectroscopy of the background AGN may allow detailed absorption studies of the Andromeda interstellar medium. Support for this work has been provided by NASA grant NNX06AF58G, through the XMM-Newton Guest Observer Facility.

Environmental pollution abatement and especially the growing demand for clean water pose one of the most severe challenges worldwide. Besides the scarcity of water resources, the presence of hazardous chemicals with serious adverse health effects, even at extremely low concentrations, impose serious considerations for the quality of drinking water. The rapid evolution of nanoscale science and technology has dramatically expanded the materials' application potential towards radically new or multifunctional properties rendering nanotechnology an indispensable component in shaping modern environmental science. The nanoscale-perspective maintaining the integrity of the environment is currently the stimulus for the development of innovative and cost-effective functional materials and sustainable processes for water treatment and purification. The CLEAN WATER (EU FP7 collaborative project) aims at the development of an innovative and efficient water detoxification technology exploiting solar energy and nano-engineered titania photocatalysts in combination with nanofiltration membranes. In this approach, nanostructured titania with high UV-visible response will be synthesized and stabilized on nanotubular membranes of controlled pore size and retention efficiency as well as on carbon nanotubes exploiting their high surface area to achieve photocatalytically active nanocomposite membranes. Comparative evaluation of the UV-visible and solar light efficiency of the modified titania photocatalysts for water detoxification will be intensively investigated on various target pollutants ranging from classical water contaminants such us phenols, pesticides and azo-dyes to the extremely hazardous cyanobacterial toxins and emerging endocrine disrupting compounds in order to evaluate/optimize the materials performance and validate their competence on water treatment. Particular efforts will be devoted to the analysis and quantification of degradation products as well as their toxicity. All these will be the crucial components for the fabrication of innovative continuous flow photocatalytic-disinfection-membrane reactors for the implementation of sustainable and cost effective water treatment technologies based on nano-engineered materials. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.

Background: Primary systemic light-chain (AL) amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of immunoglobulin light chain-derived amyloid fibrils in various tissues leading to multiorgan dysfunction. Patients and Methods: In order to define characteristics, treatment, and outcome of Greek patients with AL amyloidosis, we analyzed 112 unselected patients with AL from several hospitals. Results: The heart was involved in 59% of patients and kidneys in 71%. Patients were treated with several different treatment regimens; high-dose dexamethasone-based regimens were used as primary treatment in 43% and melphalan-based regimens in 37%, while 12% received up-front bortezomib with dexamethasone. A hematologic response to first-line therapy was documented in 50% (complete response, 14.5%), and organ responses were observed in 25% of patients, the latter being strongly associated with achievement of hematologic response. Median overall survival was 34.2 months and was independently affected by heart involvement, creatinine, age, involvement of ≥2 organs, and bone marrow plasmacytosis > 30%. In patients with cardiac involvement, advanced age and extended bone marrow plasmacytosis were associated with an even worse outcome, while for patients without heart involvement, only bone marrow plasmacytosis was independently associated with survival. Hematologic response was associated with improved survival in patients with heart involvement but mostly in patients with less bone marrow infiltration. Conclusion: In this first series of patients from Greece with AL amyloidosis, disease features and outcome appeared similar to those reported from tertiary centers. Heart involvement and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration comprise adverse prognostic factors but also indicate the heterogeneity of the disease and the need for individual treatment approaches.

Even though treatment of several types of solid tumors has improved in the past few years with the introduction of molecular targeted agents in the therapeutic armamentarium of the medical oncologist, response rates to these agents are generally modest. Increasing evidence is now revealing that genetic factors are affecting patients' response to these therapeutic agents as well as the frequency and intensity of toxic reactions. Importantly, pharmacogenetic analysis is now required for the administration of several molecular targeted agents in clinical practice. For the vast majority of these agents, however, data remain purely experimental. Herein, we provide an overview of the genetic changes (mutations and polymorphisms) that have been associated with response to treatment with anticancer molecular targeted agents. Special emphasis is given on molecules (monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors) that target critical mediators in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/ERBB2/NEU) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) pathways. The true clinical utility of these applications remains to be proven in future prospective, randomized clinical trials in large patient cohorts of all different ethnic backgrounds.

Although hollow nanostructures, such as nanotubes, represent a major portion of nanoscaled materials with a tremendously large application range, a detailed evaluation of their internal characteristics still remains elusive. Transmission electron microscopy is the most common analytical technique to examine the internal configuration of these structures, yet it can only provide evidence of a minimal portion of the overall material, thus, it cannot be accurately generalized. In the present paper, in addition to electron microscopy and other spot-size analysis methods (X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, etc.), a combination of techniques including adsorption, permeability, and relative permeability are employed in order to provide important insights into various crucial details of the overall internal surface and hollow-space characteristics of carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays and membranes. The CNT arrays are fabricated using anodized alumina as a template in a flow-through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor. This is the first systematic approach for investigating the internal configuration of template-based CNT arrays in detail. Key findings are made fiar the customized optimization of the resulting nanotube membranes for a variety of applications, including separations, nanofluidics and nanoreactors, biological capturing and purification, and controlled drug delivery and release. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinhelm.

Living coccolithophores were collected in February 2008, in surface waters from seven stations over the western Cretan Straits (South Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean). The coccolithophore distribution was quantitatively documented through Scanning Electron Microscopy in terms of density, diversity and community structure. In the study period, the most abundant species was Emiliania huxleyi, followed by Rhabdosphaera clavigera and Syracosphaera pulchra, while additional important component of the winter assemblages were Helicosphaera carteri, Algirosphaera robusta and Syracosphaera molischii. The studied coccolithophore communities indicate a close relationship between coccosphere densities and surface water circulation, with the surface temperature gradient affecting species composition. 

Phenotypic variation in CHARGE syndrome remains unexplained. A subcategory of CHARGE patients show overlapping phenotypic characteristics with DiGeorge syndrome (thymic hypo/aplasia, hypocalcemia, T-cell immunodeficiency). Very few have been tested or reported to carry a mutation of the CHD7 (chromodomain helicase DNA-binding domain) gene detected in two-thirds of CHARGE patients. In an attempt to explore the genetic background of a severe CHARGE/DiGeorge phenotype, we performed comparative genomic array hybridization in an infant carrier of a CHD7 mutation. The high-resolution comparative genomic array hybridization revealed interesting findings, including a deletion distal to the DiGeorge region and disruptions in other chromosomal regions of genes implicated in immunological and other functions possibly contributing to the patient’s severe phenotype and early death.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable disease characterized by the accumulation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Recently, an improved understanding of the biology of the disease has led to the development of targeted agents such as the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib and the immunomodulatory agents thalidomide and lenalidomide; however, MM remains incurable. The combination of bortezomib and an HDAC inhibitor synergistically induces MM cell apoptosis and may be of value in the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory MM. This review examines the potential of combined proteasome and HDAC inhibition in the treatment of relapsed/refractory MM. © 2010.

This study focused on Saharan dust (SD) events over Athens, Greece, based on measurements of the daily aerosol optical depth at 550 nm (AOD550) and the fine-mode fraction (FM) derived from Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations. Back-trajectories ending at Athens at altitudes of 500, 1000 and 4000 m were calculated by means of the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model. Several criteria were taken into account to identify the SD events. According to these criteria and the altitudes of the air masses, three dust transport mechanisms were identified: (1) vertical transport (VT), including the whole atmospheric column, (2) upper atmosphere transport (UAT), above the atmospheric boundary layer, and (3) boundary layer transport (BLT), only within the lower atmospheric levels. The Aerosol Index (AI) derived from Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) data was found to be adequate for characterization of the dust load over Athens, while higher values of the AI were found in cases where the dust was transported in the upper atmosphere. The predictions of the Dust Regional Atmospheric Model (DREAM) were consistent with the satellite observations and back trajectories, indicating the suitability of the model for monitoring dust transport over the Mediterranean. The analysis presents three case studies, one for each transport mechanism, where the aerosol field deduced from satellites and models is presented over the Eastern Mediterranean. In conclusion, this study shows that the combination of remote sensing measurements and back-trajectory calculations constitutes a powerful tool for the identification of SD events over Athens, while modelling can monitor the spread of the dust. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

The business session for Commission 37 was held on 11 August 2009 at the IAU General Assembly in Rio de Janeiro. The meeting was attended by about a dozen members of our Comission, including President Elmegreen, VP Carraro and several committee members. We introduced ourselves and then went through a powerpoint presentation first prepared by outgoing President Hatzidimitriou and revised by incoming President Elmegreen. The contents of the powerpoint presentation are given in this summary.

In part due to the increased demand for higher education, typical evaluation frameworks for universities often address the key issue of available resource utilisation. This study seeks to estimate the efficiency of 20 public universities in Greece through quantitative analysis (including performance indicators, data envelopment analysis (DEA) and econometric procedures). The findings show inefficiency in terms of human resources management while also identifying a clear opportunity to increase research activity and hence research income. In addition to the immediate findings, this paper more broadly discusses the methodology behind the evaluation process used in this investigation and its potential to more consistently and reliably evaluate the efficiency of resource management by public universities. This paper is set against, and hopes to contribute to, the broader debate on reforming the management and administration system of Greek universities. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Detailed quantitative analyses of coccolithophores performed on the shallow deposits of the southeastern Aegean region (core NS-14, 505 m depth), evidenced that the distribution of calcareous nannoplankton assemblages during the last 13 ka BP reflects paleoenvironmental changes which are directly related to parameters such as temperature, salinity, productivity and nutrient flux in the water column. Analysis enabled the separation of the assemblages in four groups. Group A consists of Emiliania huxleyi and the subtropical species Syracosphaera spp. and Rhabdosphaera clavigera, Group B is composed of Helicospaera spp. and Florisphaera profunda, typical species for high productivity conditions in the middle-lower photic zone, Group C consists of Gephyrocapsa oceanica and Braarudosphaera bigelowii, that characterise low salinity conditions and Group D includes Umbilicosphaera spp. and Calcidiscus spp. which are described as relatively eutrophic species. The Holocene assemblages differ distinctly from the living coccolithophore communities in the coastal ecosystems of the Aegean Sea, where only Group A coccolithophores are thriving in the seasonally controlled marine environment.

Batch effects are the systematic non-biological differences between batches (groups) of samples in microarray experiments due to various causes such as differences in sample preparation and hybridization protocols. Previous work focused mainly on the development of methods for effective batch effects removal. However, their impact on cross-batch prediction performance, which is one of the most important goals in microarray-based applications, has not been addressed. This paper uses a broad selection of data sets from the Microarray Quality Control Phase II (MAQC-II) effort, generated on three microarray platforms with different causes of batch effects to assess the efficacy of their removal. Two data sets from cross-tissue and cross-platform experiments are also included. Of the 120 cases studied using Support vector machines (SVM) and K nearest neighbors (KNN) as classifiers and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) as performance metric, we find that Ratio-G, Ratio-A, EJLR, mean-centering and standardization methods perform better or equivalent to no batch effect removal in 89, 85, 83, 79 and 75% of the cases, respectively, suggesting that the application of these methods is generally advisable and ratio-based methods are preferred.

Context. Significant progress has been made in the last years in the understanding of the jet formation mechanism through a combination of numerical simulations and analytical MHD models for outflows characterized by the symmetry of self-similarity. Analytical radially self-similar models successfully describe disk-winds, but need several improvements. In a previous article we introduced models of truncated jets from disks, i.e. evolved in time numerical simulations based on a radially self-similar MHD solution, but including the effects of a finite radius of the jet-emitting disk and thus the outflow. Aims: These models need now to be compared with available observational data. A direct comparison of the results of combined analytical theoretical models and numerical simulations with observations has not been performed as yet. This is our main goal. Methods: In order to compare our models with observed jet widths inferred from recent optical images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and ground-based adaptive optics (AO) observations, we use a new set of tools to create emission maps in different forbidden lines, from which we determine the jet width as the full-width half-maximum of the emission. Results: It is shown that the untruncated analytical disk outflow solution considered here cannot fit the small jet widths inferred by observations of several jets. Furthermore, various truncated disk-wind models are examined, whose extracted jet widths range from higher to lower values compared to the observations. Thus, we can fit the observed range of jet widths by tuning our models. Conclusions: We conclude that truncation is necessary to reproduce the observed jet widths and our simulations limit the possible range of truncation radii. We infer that the truncation radius, which is the radius on the disk mid-plane where the jet-emitting disk switches to a standard disk, must be between around 0.1 up to about 1 AU in the observed sample for the considered disk-wind solution. One disk-wind simulation with an inner truncation radius at about 0.11 AU also shows potential for reproducing the observations, but a parameter study is needed.

Using full-wave simulations we show how the incorporation of thin layers made of an active medium adjacently to the core layer of a negative-index slow-light waveguide can completely remove dissipative optical losses. © 2010 Optical Society of America.

We confirm a nova candidate in M 31 reported to us by K. Nishiyama and F. Kabashima and present a pre-discovery detection and upper limit that allows us to tightly constrain the time of outburst for this object. New observations show that the source is still increasing in brightness. The nova candidate was discovered by Nishiyama and Kabashima (Miyaki-Argenteus observatory, Japan) on 2010 September 30.566 UT, with no object visible at its position on September 28.606 UT (private communication).

The Spatial Harmonics Method has been used to study TE modes in a coaxial corrugated cavity. A numerical code has been developed to calculate eigenvalues, fields and ohmic losses on the walls. Numerical results are presented to clarify the influence of the higher-order spatial harmonics to these calculations.

We study the interaction of chirped electromagnetic pulses with intersubband transitions of a double semiconductor quantum well. We consider the ground and first excited subbands and give emphasis to controlled intersubband population transfer. The system dynamics is described by the nonlinear density matrix equations that include the effects of electron-electron interactions. These equations are solved numerically for various values of the electron sheet density for a realistic double GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well, and the efficiency of population transfer is discussed.

The aim of this study was to examine coping with loneliness during early, middle, and late childhood, which is a highly neglected research issue. Children's perceptions of coping with loneliness and coping with real loneliness experiences in the past were investigated. Interviews were conducted with 180 second, fourth, and sixth graders from Athens, Greece. Qualitative analyses of children's responses were done on the basis of a recent conceptualization of coping with stress in childhood and adolescence (Skinner & Zimmer-Gembeck, 2007), which was supported by the data. Statistically significant age and gender differences were found. Results are discussed from the viewpoint of the two literatures—coping and loneliness—that this study attempted to bring together, and suggestions for future research are made.

The treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has undergone significant developments in recent years. The availability of the novel agents thalidomide, bortezomib, and lenalidomide has expanded treatment options and has improved the outcome of patients with MM. Following the introduction of these agents in the relapsed/refractory setting, they are also undergoing investigation in the initial treatment of MM. A number of phase III trials have demonstrated the efficacy of novel agent combinations in the transplant and nontransplant settings, and based on these results standard induction regimens are being challenged and replaced. In the transplant setting, a number of newer induction regimens are now available that have been shown to be superior to the vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone regimen. Similarly, in the front-line treatment of patients not eligible for transplantation, regimens incorporating novel agents have been found to be superior to the traditional melphalan plus prednisone regimen. Importantly, some of the novel agents appear to be active in patients with high-risk disease, such as adverse cytogenetic features, and certain comorbidities, such as renal impairment. This review presents an overview of the most recent data with these novel agents and summarizes European treatment practices incorporating the novel agents. ©AlphaMed Press.

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin's nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma characterized by general lymphadenopathy, night sweats, fever, hepatosplenomegaly, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, and cutaneous involvement. We present a rare case of AITL cutaneous involvement mimicking toxic erythema recurring with AITL relapse and suggesting a precursor of disease progression.

The application of harmonic analysis to the annual variability of precipitation is the object of this study, so that the modes, which compose the annual variability, be elicited. For this purpose, monthly precipitation totals from 30 meteorological stations of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), for the period 1950-2000, were used. The initial target is to reduce the number of variables and to detect structure in the relationships between the variables. The most commonly used technique for this purpose is the application of Factor Analysis (FA) resulted in five main factors (sub-regions) with common precipitation characteristics, explaining 77% of the total variance. For each sub-region, a representative station is selected for the analyses, mainly, as the station within the sub-region with the highest factor loading. In the process, the Fourier Analysis is applied to the mean monthly precipitation, so that 2 harmonic components are derived, which explain more than 90% of the total variability of each station, and are due to different synoptic and thermodynamic processes associated with Greece's precipitation regime. Finally the calculation of the time of the maximum precipitation, for each harmonic component, gives the spatial distribution of the appearance of the maximum precipitation in the Greek region.

In this study, an updated and extended climatology of cyclonic tracks affecting the eastern Mediterranean region is presented, in order to better understand the Mediterranean climate and its changes. This climatology includes intermonthly variations, classification of tracks according to their origin domain, dynamic and kinematic characteristics, and trend analysis. The dataset used is the 1962-2001, 2.5° × 2.5°, 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40). The identification and tracking of the cyclones was performed with the aid of the Melbourne University algorithm. It was verified that considerable intermonthly variations of track density occur in the eastern Mediterranean, consistent with previous studies for the entire Mediterranean, while further interesting new features have been revealed. The classification of the tracks according to their origin domain reveals that the vast majority originate within the examined area itself, mainly in the Cyprus area and the southeastern Aegean Sea, while the tracks that originate elsewhere most frequently enter from the west. Deeper cyclones follow the southwest track originating from the area between Algeria and the Atlas Mountains. A greater size characterizes the westerly tracks (southwest, northwest, and west), while the northwest tracks propagate faster over the study area. A negative trend of the track frequency was found on an annual basis that can be mostly attributed to the winter months, being associated with variations in the baroclinicity. This negative trend is more prominent for the westerly and northeasterly tracks, as well as for those originating in the northern part of the examined area. © 2010 American Meteorological Society.

In this study, an updated and extended climatology of cyclonic tracks affecting the eastern Mediterranean region is presented, in order to better understand the Mediterranean climate and its changes. This climatology includes intermonthly variations, classification of tracks according to their origin domain, dynamic and kinematic characteristics, and trend analysis. The dataset used is the 1962–2001, 2.58 3 2.58, 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40). The identification and tracking of the cyclones was performed with the aid of the Melbourne University algorithm. It was verified that considerable intermonthly variations of track density occur in the eastern Mediterranean, consistent with previous studies for the entire Mediterranean, while further interesting new features have been revealed. The classification of the tracks according to their origin domain reveals that the vast majority originate within the examined area itself, mainly in the Cyprus area and the southeastern Aegean Sea, while the tracks that originate elsewhere most frequently enter from the west. Deeper cyclones follow the southwest track originating from the area between Algeria and the Atlas Mountains. A greater size characterizes the westerly tracks (southwest, northwest, and west), while the northwest tracks propagate faster over the study area. A negative trend of the track frequency was found on an annual basis that can be mostly attributed to the winter months, being associated with variations in the baroclinicity. This negative trend is more prominent for the westerly and northeasterly tracks, as well as for those originating in the northern part of the examined area.

We present our ground-based CCD observations of the close binary systems DD Mon and XY UMa in B, V, R and I bands. The light curves are analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney code (W-D) for the derivation of the geometric and photometric elements of the systems. We compare the methods of photometric and spectroscopic mass ratio determination in these binaries, as a function of all typical difficulties, which arise during the analysis of such systems (light curve asymmetries, third light etc). Finally, a new spot model is suggested for the eclipsing system XY UMa, which belongs to the RS CVn type of active binaries.

Regular performance of resistance exercise induces an increase in skeletal muscle mass, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not yet fully understood. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine acute changes in molecular signalling in response to resistance exercise involving different training volumes. Eight untrained male subjects carried out one, three and five sets of 6 repetition maximum (RM) in leg press exercise in a random order. Muscle biopsies were taken from the vastus lateralis both prior to and 30 min after each training session and the effect on protein signalling was studied. Phosphorylation of Akt was not altered significantly after any of the training protocols, whereas that of the mammalian target of rapamycin was enhanced to a similar extent by training at all three volumes. The phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase (p70(S6k)) was elevated threefold after 3 × 6 RM and sixfold after 5 × 6 RM, while the phosphorylation of S6 was increased 30- and 55-fold following the 3 × 6 RM and 5 × 6 RM exercises, respectively. Moreover, the level of the phosphorylated form of the gamma isoform of p38 MAPK was enhanced three to fourfold following each of the three protocols, whereas phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was unchanged 30 min following exercise. These findings indicate that when exercise is performed in a fasted state, the increase in phosphorylation of signalling molecules such as p70(S6k) and the S6 ribosomal protein in human muscle depends on the exercise volume.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a central role in antiviral immunity, detecting viruses via Toll-like receptors (TLR) and producing in response vast amounts of type I interferons (IFNs). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes chronic infection after vertical transmission. This study investigated whether an HBV-infected maternal environment might influence DC numbers and pDC function in uninfected infants. Blood was collected from inactive HBsAg carrier and control mothers and their infants at birth and 1 and 6 months of age. HBV DNA was measured in maternal and neonatal perinatal sera using real-time PCR. The circulating frequencies of myeloid DCs (mDCs) and pDCs were determined in the babies by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and cord blood pDCs were stimulated with resiquimod, and alpha interferon (IFN-alpha) production and the pDC phenotype were assessed. The effect of the common-cold virus, rhinovirus (RV), on resiquimod stimulation was also determined. HBV DNA was detected in 62.3% of the mothers and 41% of their infants. DC numbers and pDC functions were similar between subjects and controls and were not correlated with maternal or neonatal viremia. RV infection did not induce pDC maturation until the age of 6 months, and it reduced TLR7-dependent resiquimod-induced IFN-alpha production similarly in both groups. Although the DC system is immature at birth, DCs of uninfected neonates of HBV-positive mothers are competent to initiate and maintain T-cell responses. RV is a weak inducer of IFN-alpha production until the age of 6 months and inhibits IFN-alpha responses triggered by the TLR7 pathway.

In two cross-sectional studies we investigated whether soccer players' well-being (Study 1) and moral functioning (Studies 1 and 2) is related to performance-approach goals and to the autonomous and controlling reasons underlying their pursuit. In support of our hypotheses, we found in Study 1 that autonomous reasons were positively associated with vitality and positive affect, whereas controlling reasons were positively related to negative affect and mostly unrelated to indicators of morality. To investigate the lack of systematic association with moral outcomes, we explored in Study 2 whether performance-approach goals or their underlying reasons would yield an indirect relation to moral outcomes through their association with players' objectifying attitude-their tendency to depersonalize their opponents. Structural equation modeling showed that controlling reasons for performance-approach goals were positively associated with an objectifying attitude, which in turn was positively associated to unfair functioning. Results are discussed within the achievement goal perspective (Elliot, 2005) and self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000). © 2010 Human Kinetics, Inc.

BACKGROUND: Improved sensitivity of HBV-DNA tests is of critical importance for the management of HBV infection. Our aim was to develop and assess a new ultra sensitive in-house real-time PCR assay for HBV-DNA quantification (ultra sensitive RTQ-PCR). RESULTS: Previously used HBV-DNA standards were calibrated against the WHO 1st International Standard for HBV-DNA (OptiQuant(R) HBV-DNA Quantification Panel, Accrometrix Europe B.V.). The 95% and 50% HBV-DNA detection end-point of the assay were 22.2 and 8.4 IU/mL. According to the calibration results, 1 IU/mL equals 2.8 copies/mL. Importantly the clinical performance of the ultra sensitive real-time PCR was tested similar (67%) to the Procleix Ultrio discriminatory HBV test (dHBV) (70%) in low-titer samples from patients with occult Hepatitis B. Finally, in the comparison of ultra sensitive RTQ-PCR with the commercially available COBAS TaqMan HBV Test, the in-house assay identified 94.7% of the 94 specimens as positive versus 90.4% identified by TaqMan, while the quantitative results that were positive by both assay were strongly correlated (r = 0.979). CONCLUSIONS: We report a new ultra sensitive real time PCR molecular beacon based assay with remarkable analytical and clinical sensitivity, calibrated against the WHO 1st International standard.

OBJECTIVE: The phenotype associated with heterozygous HNF4A gene mutations has recently been extended to include diazoxide responsive neonatal hypoglycemia in addition to maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). To date, mutation screening has been limited to patients with a family history consistent with MODY. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of HNF4A mutations in a large cohort of patients with diazoxide responsive hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We sequenced the ABCC8, KCNJ11, GCK, GLUD1, and/or HNF4A genes in 220 patients with HH responsive to diazoxide. The order of genetic testing was dependent upon the clinical phenotype. RESULTS: A genetic diagnosis was possible for 59/220 (27%) patients. K(ATP) channel mutations were most common (15%) followed by GLUD1 mutations causing hyperinsulinism with hyperammonemia (5.9%), and HNF4A mutations (5%). Seven of the 11 probands with a heterozygous HNF4A mutation did not have a parent affected with diabetes, and four de novo mutations were confirmed. These patients were diagnosed with HI within the first week of life (median age 1 day), and they had increased birth weight (median +2.4 SDS). The duration of diazoxide treatment ranged from 3 months to ongoing at 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this large series, HNF4A mutations are the third most common cause of diazoxide responsive HH. We recommend that HNF4A sequencing is considered in all patients with diazoxide responsive HH diagnosed in the first week of life irrespective of a family history of diabetes, once K(ATP) channel mutations have been excluded.

PURPOSE: Colorectal carcinomas that arise proximal (right) or distal (left) to the splenic flexure exhibit different clinical and biological characteristics. Although various hypotheses have been proposed to explain these differences, their origin remains unclear. In this study we investigated the clinicopathologic differences between left and right colon tumors and comment on the possible explanatory theories behind them. METHODS: This study included a total of 388 retrospectively collected cases of colorectal cancer, surgically treated from 1999 to 2004. Differences of patients' demographic data and tumor micro- and macroscopic characteristics between left and right-sided tumors were investigated and analysed. RESULTS: Patients with right-sided colon cancer were significantly older (mean age 70 vs. 68 years; p<0.05) and had more lymph nodes examined than patients with left colon tumors (mean number of nodes 18.9 vs. 12.6; p<0.05). There was a lower proportion of T1 stage right-sided tumors (3.1 vs. 5%) and a higher proportion of stage T2-4 (96.9 vs. 95%) compared with left-sided tumors (p<0.001 for x2 test of all T stages). Furthermore, right-sided tumors had a higher mean width and depth (4.3 vs. 3.8 cm and 1.8 vs. 1.6 cm, respectively; p<0.05). Finally, there was a higher percentage of poorly differentiated right colon tumors (41.4 vs. 17.5%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Right-sided colon tumors affect older patients and are diagnosed at more advanced disease stages. The underlying mechanisms that provoke these differences remain unclear. Further studies are needed in order to better understand the true nature of these differences and their possible clinical implications.

In two cross-sectional studies, we investigated to what extent elementary (Study 1) and middle school (Study 2) students pursue similar, yet distinct, mastery-related and performance-related goals in physical education. We found that students were more likely to endorse outcome goals in conjunction with mastery-related goals and ability goals in conjunction with normative goals. Rasch modelling suggested that students tended to endorse mastery-approach goals than learning and outcome goals and that they tended to favour ability goals than performance-approach goals. Differential item functioning analyses showed that autonomously motivated students were more likely to endorse learning goals and mastery-approach goals and less likely to endorse outcome goals than less autonomously motivated students. They were also more likely to endorse ability goals and less likely to endorse normative goals than controlled motivated students. Results are discussed within the achievement goal framework and the self-determination theory.

Division VII provides a forum for astronomers studying the Milky Way Galaxy and its constituents. Several meetings directly relevant to his subject were held at the General Assembly in Rio: IAU Symp. 262 Stellar Populations, IAU Symp. 265 Chemical Abundances in the Universe, IAU Symp. 266 Star Clusters, Joint Discussion 5 Modeling the Milky Way in the Era of Gaia, and Special Session 5 The Galactic Plane. Division VII therefore did not organize a separate science session at Rio, but business meetings were held for both the Division and for Commissions 33 and 37.

In the UapA uric acid-xanthine permease of Aspergillus nidulans, subtle interactions between key residues of the putative substrate binding pocket, located in the TMS8-TMS9 loop (where TMS is transmembrane segment), and a specificity filter, implicating residues in TMS12 and the TMS1-TMS2 loop, are critical for function and specificity. By using a strain lacking all transporters involved in adenine uptake (DeltaazgA DeltafcyB DeltauapC) and carrying a mutation that partially inactivates the UapA specificity filter (F528S), we obtained 28 mutants capable of UapA-mediated growth on adenine. Seventy-two percent of mutants concern replacements of a single residue, R481, in the putative cytoplasmic loop TMS10-TMS11. Five missense mutations are located in TMS9, in TMS10 or in loops TMS1-TMS2 and TMS8-TMS9. Mutations in the latter loops concern residues previously shown to enlarge UapA specificity (Q113L) or to be part of a motif involved in substrate binding (F406Y). In all mutants, the ability of UapA to transport its physiological substrates remains intact, whereas the increased capacity for transport of adenine and other purines seems to be due to the elimination of elements that hinder the translocation of non-physiological substrates through UapA, rather than to an increase in relevant binding affinities. The additive effects of most novel mutations with F528S and allele-specific interactions of mutation R481G (TMS10-TMS11 loop) with Q113L (TMS1-TMS2 loop) or T526M (TMS12) establish specific interdomain synergy as a critical determinant for substrate selection. Our results strongly suggest that distinct domains at both sides of UapA act as selective dynamic gates controlling substrate access to their translocation pathway.

It is known that non-cachectic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) respond well to pulmonary rehabilitation, but whether cachectic COPD patients are capable of adaptive responses is both important and unknown. 10 cachectic and 19 non-cachectic COPD patients undertook high-intensity cycling training, at the same relative intensity, for 45 min x day(-1), 3 days x week(-1) for 10 weeks. Before and after rehabilitation vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were analysed morphologically and for the expression of muscle remodelling factors (insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, myogenic differentiation factor D (MyoD), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and myostatin) and key components of ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic systems (muscle ring finger protein (MURF)-1 and Atrogin-1). Rehabilitation improved peak work-rate and the 6-min walk distance similarly in non-cachectic (18+/-3% and 42+/-13 m, respectively) and cachectic (16+/-2% and 53+/-16 m, respectively) patients, but quality of life only improved in non-cachectic COPD. Mean muscle fibre cross-sectional area increased in both groups, but significantly less in cachectic (7+/-2%) than in non-cachectic (11+/-2%) patients. Both groups equally decreased the proportion of type IIb fibres and increased muscle capillary/fibre ratio. IGF-I mRNA expression increased in both groups, but IGF-I protein levels increased more in non-cachectic COPD. MyoD was upregulated, whereas myostatin was downregulated at the mRNA and protein level only in non-cachectic patients. Whilst rehabilitation had no effect on TNF-alpha expression, it decreased the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB in both groups by the same amount. Atrogin-1 and MURF-1 expression were increased in cachectic COPD, but it was decreased in non-cachectic patients. Cachectic COPD patients partially retain the capacity for peripheral muscle remodelling in response to rehabilitation and are able to increase exercise capacity as much as those without cachexia, even if they exhibit both quantitative and qualitative differences in the type of muscle fibre remodelling in response to exercise training.

We report on the effective optical response of single- and multilayer periodic structures of metallodielectric nanosandwiches on the basis of rigorous, full-electrodynamic calculations by the extended layer-multiple-scattering method. It is shown that the complex photonic band structure and the reflection coefficient of the infinite and semi-infinite crystal, respectively, provide reliable bulk effective parameters, which can be used as a reference in order to resolve ambiguities and problems in the determination of these parameters for finite slabs by the S-matrix retrieval procedure. Our results show that the structures under consideration exhibit strong artificial optical magnetism and thin films consisting of a few layers already behave like the bulk metamaterial.

We study the interaction of a chirped electromagnetic pulse with intersubband transitions of a double semiconductor quantum well. We specifically consider the interaction of the ground and first excited subbands with the electromagnetic field and use the nonlinear density matrix equations for the description of the system dynamics. These equations are solved numerically for various values of the electron sheet density for a realistic double GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well, and the efficiency of population transfer is discussed with emphasis given to the effects of the detuning of the central frequency of the electromagnetic field from resonance.

Background: Studies indicate that myeloperoxidase (MPO) is associated with disease progression and severity in heart failure (HF), while it may provide a mechanistic link between inflammation and adverse cardiac remodeling. The mechanisms that regulate MPO are unclear, while it is unknown whether specific treatments such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and xanthine oxidase inhibitors may modify MPO. Therefore in the present study we examined the effects of rosuvastatin and allopurinol on MPO levels in patients HF. Methods: Sixty clinically stable patients with systolic HF were randomized to receive rosuvastatin 10. mg/day, allopurinol 300. mg/day or placebo and followed up for 1 month. Plasma levels of MPO and serum levels of soluble CD40 ligand, interleukin-6, and oxidized LDL were determined using ELISA. All measurements were made before and after 1-month treatment. Results: Rosuvastatin significantly reduced plasma levels of MPO (p= 0.003), which remained unchanged in the other groups. Furthermore, the change of MPO levels in the rosuvastatin-treated group was significantly different compared with the other groups (p<0.05). Rosuvastatin administration also led to a significant decrease in oxidized LDL (p=0.009), while the other inflammatory markers remained unchanged in all groups. In the total population, a significant correlation was observed between the baseline levels of MPO and hsCRP (r=0.275, p=0.027), fibrinogen (r=0.278, p=0.025), and sCD40L (r=0.288, p=0.021). Conclusions: Short-term treatment with rosuvastatin regulates inflammatory process in patients with heart failure by significantly reducing plasma levels of MPO. This finding reveals a novel pleiotropic effect of statins in patients with heart failure, and provides further insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of MPO in heart failure. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

BACKGROUND: In patients with multiple myeloma, renal impairment (RI) at the time of diagnosis is associated with poor survival. To the authors' knowledge, the current retrospective analysis presented is the first to assess the impact of various degrees of renal dysfunction on safety and efficacy outcomes in a large cohort of patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma who received treatment with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone. METHODS: Three hundred fifty-three patients from 2 large phase 3 trials were randomized to receive lenalidomide (25 mg) plus dexamethasone (40 mg). For the purpose of this analysis, RI was defined according to the calculated creatinine clearance (CLCr) level as follows: mild or no RI (CLCr ≥ 60 mL/minute), moderate RI (CLCr from ≥ 30 mL/minute to <60 mL/minute), and severe RI (CLCr <30 mL/minute). RESULTS: The RI subgroups did not differ significantly in terms of the overall response rate (range, 50%-64%) or response quality (very good partial response or better, 27%-37%). In all RI subgroups, the time to progression and progression-free survival did not differ significantly compared with the mild or no RI group. Patients with RI experienced an increased incidence of thrombocytopenia, required more frequent lenalidomide dose reduction or interruption, and had shorter overall survival than patients with mild or no RI (P = .006). Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone led to improvement in renal function in the majority of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicated that, with careful monitoring of the CLCr level and adverse events as well as appropriate dose adjustments, lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is an effective and well tolerated treatment option for patients with multiple myeloma who have RI. © 2010 American Cancer Society.

Objective: Second-line treatment options in advanced urothelial cancer are limited. We investigated the efficacy of a methotrexate/vinblastine/doxorubicin/cisplatin (MVAC) combination after failure of gemcitabine/platinum chemotherapy. Patients and methods: Twenty-five patients with advanced urothelial cancer, who received second-line MVAC after first-line gemcitabine/cisplatin (n = 9) or gemcitabine/carboplatin (n = 16), were included in this retrospective analysis. Results: Twenty-two patients (88%) relapsed within 6 months after first-line treatment. Following MVAC, there were 5 (20%) objective responses. Median follow-up was 20.2 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.8 months (95% CI: 2.3-5.2), and median overall survival (OS) was 9 months (95% CI: 6.6-11.4). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0.1 versus 2 was associated with longer PFS (5 months versus 3.3 months, P = 0.049). Response or stabilization of disease during second-line chemotherapy predicted for a significantly longer PFS and OS (7.4 versus 3.5, P = 0.005; 15.5 versus 7, P = 0.046). Conclusions: Second-line MVAC chemotherapy may result in prolonged survival in some patients with refractory disease. Further research in this field is necessary. © 2010 Karadimou et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.

Most recommender systems usually have too many items to recommend to too many users using limited information. This problem is formally known as the sparsity of the ratings' matrix, because this is the structure that holds user preferences. This article outlines a collaborative recommender system, that tries to amend this situation. The system is built around the notion of k-separability combined with a constructive neural network algorithm.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess whether elderly patients (>65 years) with open tibial shaft fractures (OFs) have increased mortality rates than those with closed fractures (CFs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients admitted during 2003-2005 with open/closed diaphyseal (AO 42) fractures of the tibia were eligible to participate. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Pathological and peri-prosthetic fractures. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients (38 females) met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-six patients had sustained CF and 28 OF (Gustilo grade I (11), grade II (five), grade IIIa (two) and grade IIIb (10)). The OF group was statistically significantly different with higher injury severity score, secondary procedures and length of hospital stay (p<0.05). A higher rate of admission/length of stay to intensive care unit and complication rate was noted in the OF group. Mortality rate between the two groups was comparable (CF=2/26, OF=3/28). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with OFs of the tibial shaft have similar mortality rate to those with CFs.

We systematically examine all the tight-binding parameters pertinent to charge transfer along DNA. The pi molecular structure of the four DNA bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) is investigated by using the linear combination of atomic orbitals method with a recently introduced parametrization. The HOMO and LUMO wave functions and energies of DNA bases are discussed and then used for calculating the corresponding wave functions of the two B-DNA base-pairs (adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine). The obtained HOMO and LUMO energies of the bases are in good agreement with available experimental values. Our results are then used for estimating the complete set of charge transfer parameters between neighboring bases and also between successive base-pairs, considering all possible combinations between them, for both electrons and holes. The calculated microscopic quantities can be used in mesoscopic theoretical models of electron or hole transfer along the DNA double helix, as they provide the necessary parameters for a tight-binding phenomenological description based on the pi molecular overlap. We find that usually the hopping parameters for holes are higher in magnitude compared to the ones for electrons. Our findings are also compared with existing calculations from first principles.

Kamberidou, I. (2010). 'Eliminating the glass celing and the leaky pipeline: the ECWT and the EUD- European Directory of Women and ICT'. Presentation at the European Commission’s 'Women in ICT-Shadowing' conference, the Way Forward,  7-9 March 2010, Nicosia, Cyprus. European Commisson. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The purpose of this presentation is to promote the targets of the European Center for Women and Technology (ECWT), namely  to increase the number of girls and women in the knowledge based economy until the year 2015. To Accomplish this the ECWT  has developed the European Directory (EUD)  of Women and ICT (http:// www.ictwomendirectory.eu) an online directory, an ecospace – endorsed by the e-skills ILB as the meeting point for ICT women in Europe. The ultimate aim of these initiatives is to encourage young women to choose to study and work in the sector and to ensure their participation in the use, design and production of information and communication technologies and services.  This paper discusses the ECWT thematic-focus  areas—Education, Workforce, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. Additionally it presents a list of what the ECWT accomplished in 2009: increasing member organizations from 16 to 52; ECWT national point of Contacts (N-POCs) under start-up in 21 countries; discussions with HePIS- the Hellenic Professionals Informatics Society and members of CEPIS-to set up a National Point of Contact in Greece; trengthening collaboration with DG INFSO through signing of the Code of Best Practices of Women in ICT and DG Enterprise and Industry, opening a dialog with DG Research and DG Education, to name few.  

[...] Η παρούσα μελέτη του Miles gloriosus αποσκοπεί κατ' αρχάς να καταστήσει γνωστό στο ελληνικό κοινό ένα από τα δημοφιλέστερα έργα του Πλαύτου και της Ρωμαϊκής Κωμωδίας. Παράλληλα επιχειρεί να αναδείξει το αυθεντικό ταλέντο και την ευφυΐα του κορυφαίου Ρωμαίου κωμωδιογράφου, καθώς και την υψηλή ποιότητα του ιδιότυπου ρωμαϊκού θεάτρου. Η μετάφραση του κειμένου είναι η πρώτη που δημοσιεύεται στην ελληνική γλώσσα.Το πρώτο μέρος της μελέτης προσφέρει μια εκτενή εισαγωγή στο ρωμαϊκό θέατρο και τη Ρωμαϊκή Κωμωδία. Σημαντικό τμήμα είναι αφιερωμένο στη δομή, στη διάρθρωση της πλοκής, στα πρόσωπα, στους χαρακτήρες και στη θεατρική διάσταση του Miles gloriosus. Η εισαγωγή περιλαμβάνει επίσης και πιο εξειδικευμένες σύντομες ενότητες σχετικά με το μέτρο και τη χειρόγραφη παράδοση των κωμωδιών του Πλαύτου. Το δεύτερο τμήμα του βιβλίου ανήκει στο έργο καθαυτό. Πρωτότυπο κείμενο και μετάφραση παρατίθενται αντικριστά, ενώ το κείμενο της μετάφρασης έχει εμπλουτισθεί από μια σειρά πρόσθετων πληροφοριών εντός παρενθέσεων εν είδει "σκηνοθετικών οδηγιών".Το κείμενο ακολουθεί την έκδοση του Lindsay στη σειρά των στερεότυπων κειμένων της Οξφόρδης (Oxford Classical Texts) και συνοδεύεται από το κριτικό υπόμνημα του Lindsay. Προτάσεις διαφορετικών γραφών σε προβληματικά σημεία συζητούνται αναλυτικά στο ερμηνευτικό υπόμνημα, το οποίο καταλαμβάνει το τρίτο μέρος του τόμου.[...](από τον πρόλογο του βιβλίου)

Tumors metastatic to the heart (cardiac metastases) are infrequent and few systematic studies on this topic have been published. Urothelial carcinomas are among the rarest associated with heart metastases and all cases reported to date concern autopsy examinations. We present the first report of urothelial carcinoma metastatic to the endocardium diagnosed antemortem. Notably, the endocardiac infiltration was the only site of recurrence and occurred 6 years after original diagnosis of bladder carcinoma. Although rare enough, the possibility of heart metastases without any other signs of recurrence should be included in the differential diagnosis in cases of urothelial cancer with increasing fatigue and dyspnea. © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

We report on the occurrence of strong nonlinear acousto-optic interactions in a one-dimensional model phoxonic cavity that supports, simultaneously, photonic and phononic localized resonant modes, by means of rigorous electrodynamic and elastodynamic calculations. We show that these interactions can take place when photons and phonons of long lifetime are confined in the same region of space and lead to enhanced modulation of light by acoustic waves through multiphonon exchange mechanisms.

In this paper we investigate the use of an epoxy bonded ferrimagnetic compound, Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG), as a substrate of a patch antenna operating in Ku band. We investigate its influence on the antenna's polarization properties under the application of an external magnetic field. It is proved that the axial ratio and also the sense and the tilt of the antenna polarization ellipse are influenced by this substrate since they change in respect to the direction and the magnitude of an externally applied magnetic field. Also the presence of this material causes non reciprocal properties in the antenna operation, changing the antenna properties while in receiving or transmitting mode.

One hundred healthy postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive 17β-E2 1 mg/drospirenone 2 mg or 17β-E2 1 mg/norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg for 6 months, and circulating soluble Fas, soluble Fas ligand, and cytochrome c were measured at baseline and at 6 months in 87 women who completed the study. Although cytochrome c levels were undetectable, circulating soluble Fas/soluble Fas ligand ratio decreased in both groups, suggesting a decrease in ligand-mediated apoptosis. Copyright © 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc.

In 1997, the European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) set up a Register for European Specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Commission (EC4RC). During the last 12 years, more than 2200 specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine have joined the Register. In 2007, EC4 merged with the Forum of European Societies of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (FESCC) to form the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC). Two previous Guides to the Register have been published, one in 1997 and another in 2003. The third version of the Guide is presented in this article and is based on the experience gained and development of the profession since the last revision. Registration is valid for 5 years and the procedure and criteria for re-registration are presented as an Appendix at the end of the article. © 2010 by Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, New York.

Fish allergens represent one of the most common causes of adverse reactions to food worldwide. Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges (DBPCFC) are the gold standard for food allergy diagnosis. However, no standardised recipes are available for common food allergens such as fish, and a well trained dietitian is essential for creating and standardising them. The present study aimed to create and standardise recipes for use in DBPCFCs to fish.|Three recipes were prepared. Employing a standardised procedure, a total of 35 panelists evaluated the different matrices using an evaluation form. A paired comparison test was used to estimate total evaluation's outcome. Fish allergic patients were challenged with different fish species blinded with the selected matrix and evaluated the recipe using the same form.|From a base recipe and step-by-step modifications, a low fat recipe was selected among other recipes tested, which proved to be appropriate for fish blinding, in terms of taste, odour, appearance and blinding. Patients challenged with the final matrix found it acceptable, no matter which fish type was used.|In this pilot study, a recipe with satisfactory organoleptic characteristics was developed and validated for DBPCFC to fish.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the short-term (15-d) and long-term (12-month) effects of a school-based health and nutrition education intervention on diet, nutrition intake and BMI. DESIGN: The 12-week teacher-implemented intervention in combination with seminars organized for parents was aimed at improving children's diet and nutrition knowledge. The intervention took place between September 2007 and January 2008. The participants were randomized to two study groups, the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG), and were examined prior to the intervention on a variety of health knowledge, dietary, behavioural and anthropometric indices. The same measurements were collected 15 d and 1 year after the intervention. SETTING: All high schools in Vyronas, a densely populated district of Athens, Greece. SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 191 students aged 12-13 years. RESULTS: Twelve months after the intervention, the programme was effective in reducing various indices in the IG compared with baseline findings (BMI: 23.3 (sd 2.8) v. 24.0 (sd 3.1) kg/m2, P < 0.001; daily energy intake: 8112.4 (sd 1412.4) v. 8503.3 (sd 1419.3) kJ/d, P < 0.001; total fat intake: 31.3 (sd 4.4) v. 35.4 (sd 4.7) % of daily energy, P < 0.001). Except for BMI, decreases in the aforementioned indices were also observed 15 d after the intervention. In addition, students of the IG reduced their weekly consumption of red meat and non-home-made meals and increased their frequency of fruit and breakfast cereal consumption. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effects of this nutrition education intervention among adolescents may highlight the potential of such programmes in the prevention of obesity.

Purpsoe. Investigate the role of metabolites in bioequivalence (BE) assessment. Methods. Sets of ordinary differential equations are used to generate concentration - time data for both parent drug (P) and metabolite (M). The calculations include 24 subjects, two different formulations (Test, Reference), and a range of Test/Reference ratios for the fraction of dose absorbed and the rate of absorption. A summarized view of these results is made through the construction of three dimensional power curves. The criteria for the choice of the preferred analyte (P or M) are based on a sensitivity analysis of the bioequivalence measure (AUC, C-max). The latter depends on the relative ability of P and M to reflect better the changes of the pharmacokinetic parameters and variability. Results. The different sensitivity properties of P and M were reflected on the power curves. For AUC, the performance of metabolite is very similar to that of the parent drug for all scenarios and models examined. A more complex behaviour is evident for C-max. In most of these cases, metabolite data show higher permissiveness in the percentages of acceptance. This attribute is more evident when P exhibits high elimination rate and/or the formation of M occurs rapidly. When the Test and Reference products have similar absorption profiles, metabolite data are preferable for the determination of bioequivalence. Parent drug has the advantage for detecting better the differences in the absorption rate of two drugs. The latter is counterbalanced by the increased sensitivity of P data to the variability of the data. Conclusions. Both parent drug and metabolite share the same ability to declare BE when AUC is used as a bioequivalence measure. In case of C-max, metabolite data exhibit better performance when the T and R products are truly bioequivalent or the two formulations differ in their extent of absorption. For the pharmacokinetic scenarios studied, parent drug data were found to be more sensitive to detect differences in the rate of absorption. However, in such cases, their information is much influenced by the increased variability.

We present results of density-functional calculations on the magnetic properties of Cr, Mn, Fe and Co nanoclusters (1-9 atoms large) supported on Cu(001) and Cu(111). The inter-atomic exchange coupling is found to depend on competing mechanisms, namely ferromagnetic double exchange and antiferromagnetic kinetic exchange. Hybridization-induced broadening of the resonances is shown to be important for the coupling strength. The cluster shape is found to affect the coupling via a mechanism that comprises the different orientation of the atomic d-orbitals and the strength of nearest-neighbour hopping. Especially in Fe clusters, a correlation of binding energy and exchange coupling is also revealed. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

{Exhaled breath temperature (EBT) has been suggested as a non-invasive surrogate marker of airway inflammation in asthma. The aim of the study was to evaluate differences in EBT between periods of controlled disease and during exacerbations in children with virus-induced asthma.|Twenty-nine children (aged 6-14 years) with a history of intermittent, virus-induced asthma were included in this case-control study. Cases presented with a common cold and/or mild exacerbation of asthma, while controls were free of asthmatic or common cold symptoms during the previous 6 weeks. A baseline questionnaire was obtained. Atopy assessment, central temperature and a spirometric measurement were recorded. EBT was measured with a new device (Delmedica, Singapore). A nasal wash (for identification of common respiratory viruses) was obtained.|Twenty-four children (12 from each group) completed the study. Groups were homogeneous with respect to baseline characteristics. PCR revealed the presence of a virus in 3 out of 17 controls and 10 out of 12 cases (17.6 and 83.3%, respectively

Is there an Innovation Systems Governance in North Africa and in the Middle East?This article summarizes observations on the technological and innovation level of four Mediterranean countries (Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia). Although these concepts are still controversial, we try to examine the specific issue of the governance of innovation policies. This approach is most adapted to countries where the “national system of innovation” concept seems not to apply. Our findings show that even though a real political will has been raised on innovation by the governments, the difficulties remain on many key aspects: (1) State Maghreb-Machrek, N˚ 202, Hiver 2009-2010 policies have served mainly to increase public research and the recent efforts to define the contours of an innovation policy have had little if no impact on the economy; (2) we suggest this is due to the fact that State policies oriented to promote innovation are badly accepted by other economic actors (due to a “top-down” approach that prevails in all four countries); (3) innovation policies seem hesitant and discontinuous and the voluntarism is rather of circumstances (changes in Tunisia, in Morocco, in Jordan, in Egypt); (4) scientific research is real in these countries and is based on individuals’ efforts, and innovation is developing in enterprises that have little knowledge of policies that are supposed to be oriented to tem. We conclude that the “world of innovation” is growing, even when the State seems to play a predominant role it has little impact and a low efficiency.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in male populations in the Western world. The KLK15 gene, the newest member of the kallikrein family, is expressed in the prostate gland. The purpose of this study is the expression analysis and the clinical evaluation of the KLK15 mRNA spliced variants in prostate cancer (CaP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Total RNA was isolated from 104 CaP and BPH tissue specimens. After testing the quality of the RNA, cDNA was produced by reverse transcription, and PCR was performed for the amplification of the KLK15 mRNA transcripts. GAPDH and HPRT genes were used as endogenous controls Our data revealed that mRNA spliced variants of KLK15 were differentially expressed in prostate tissue specimens. Analysis of data showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the frequency of overexpression of KLK15 transcripts encoding for both the active isoform and for the isoform 3 in CaP compared to BPH samples. Furthermore, KLK15 transcripts were found to be highly expressed in more aggressive tumors (P = 0.017). These results suggest that KLK15 expression analysis could be employed as a valuable tool for the discrimination between BPH and CaP tissue specimens and as an unfavorable prognostic marker for prostate cancer.

By applying a homogenization method based on systematic full-electrodynamic complex-band-structure calculations, we deduce the effective permittivity tensor of a uniaxial photonic crystal consisting of consecutive hexagonal arrays of aligned metallic nanorods of finite length. The form of the obtained permittivity tensor over a relatively broad low-frequency region, where homogenization is applicable, suggests the occurrence of unconventional refractive behavior, namely, negative refraction and self-collimation. This behavior is corroborated by straightforward calculation of the relevant group velocities in the actual photonic crystal. Moreover, it is shown that, in the frequency region where negative refraction occurs, a finite slab of the crystal possesses eigenmodes that form flat bands outside the light cone, as many as the number of its constituent layers. These eigenmodes allow for transfer of the evanescent components of an incident wave field to the other side of the slab, thus enabling subwavelength imaging.

Interacting properties of colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) and polypyridyl ruthenium dyes employed as cosensitizers of mesoporous TiO2 electrodes as well as the effect of QDs coating and anchoring mode (direct and linker adsorption) have been investigated by photoluminesce (PL), Raman, and transient absorption (TAS) spectroscopies. Direct adsorption of QDs on TiO 2 leads to a more efficient PL quenching compared to that of QDs attached by means of a molecular linker (cysteine). This fact suggests higher electron injection for the former anchoring mode. Coating of ZnS on CdSe QDs sensitized TiO2 electrodes passivates the QDs surface states and partially releases quantum confinement effects, as is observed in colloidal core-shell nanoparticles. Subsequent cosensitization with a ruthenium molecular dye dramatically quenches the PL of the QDs/TiO2 electrodes, even in the presence of ZnS coating, indicating the presence of strong photoinduced charge transfer between the CdSe QDs and the dye molecules. This is firmly supported by TAS spectroscopy on the interfacial recombination kinetics that points to the fast hole transfer from the photoexcited QDs to the dye. The regenerating action of molecular dyes for QD sensitizers can have important implications in the development of efficient photovoltaic devices based on the synergistic action of dye-QD-TiO2 heterostructures. © 2010 American Chemical Society.

Comparison of the early development of the mandibular symphysis between primates and modern humans is of particular interest in human palaeontology. Using geometric morphometric methods, we explored and compared the ontogenetic shape changes of 14 chimpanzee mandibles (Pan troglodytes) against 66 human CT-scanned mandibles over the age range from fetal life to the complete emergence of the deciduous dentition in a visualization incorporating the deciduous tooth arrangement. The results reveal that the symphysis is anteriorly inclined in the youngest chimpanzee fetuses but develops an increasingly vertical orientation up until birth. At the same time, the anterior teeth reorient before a vertical emergence, and a symphyseal tuber appears on the labial side. When the deciduous canine emerges, the symphysis inclines anteriorly again, exhibiting the adult characteristic slope. These two phases are characterized by a repositioning of the simian shelf. Unlike chimpanzees, the human symphysis remains vertical throughout fetal development. However, the combination of morphological changes observed in chimpanzee fetuses is similar to that of modern humans after birth, as the mental region projects forward. By elongating the alveolar process, the inclination of the chimpanzee symphysis could be a key event for emergence of the deciduous canine, as space is lacking at the alveolar ridge in a vertical symphysis once the deciduous incisors and molars have emerged. The repositioning of the simian shelf suggests that the suprahyoid muscles have a significant influence on the anterior growth of the symphysis. The anteroposterior positioning of the basal symphysis in both species may be related to hyoid bone position during ontogeny.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between food combination and Alzheimer disease (AD) risk. Because foods are not consumed in isolation, dietary pattern (DP) analysis of food combination, taking into account the interactions among food components, may offer methodological advantages. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Northern Manhattan, New York, New York. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand one hundred forty-eight community-based elderly subjects (aged > or = 65 years) without dementia in New York provided dietary information and were prospectively evaluated with the same standardized neurological and neuropsychological measures approximately every 1.5 years. Using reduced rank regression, we calculated DPs based on their ability to explain variation in 7 potentially AD-related nutrients: saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, vitamin B(12), and folate. The associations of reduced rank regression-derived DPs with AD risk were then examined using a Cox proportional hazards model. Main Outcome Measure Incident AD risk. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-three subjects developed AD during a follow-up of 3.9 years. We identified a DP strongly associated with lower AD risk: compared with subjects in the lowest tertile of adherence to this pattern, the AD hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for subjects in the highest DP tertile was 0.62 (0.43-0.89) after multivariable adjustment (P for trend = .01). This DP was characterized by higher intakes of salad dressing, nuts, fish, tomatoes, poultry, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, and dark and green leafy vegetables and a lower intake of high-fat dairy products, red meat, organ meat, and butter. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous consideration of previous knowledge regarding potentially AD-related nutrients and multiple food groups can aid in identifying food combinations that are associated with AD risk.

Fractional calculus, the branch of calculus dealing with derivatives of non-integer order (e.g., the half-derivative) allows the formulation of fractional differential equations (FDEs), which have recently been applied to pharmacokinetics (PK) for one-compartment models. In this work we extend that theory to multi-compartmental models. Unlike systems defined by a single ordinary differential equation (ODE), considering fractional multi-compartmental models is not as simple as changing the order of the ordinary derivatives of the left-hand side of the ODEs to fractional orders. The latter may produce inconsistent systems which violate mass balance. We present a rationale for fractionalization of ODEs, which produces consistent systems and allows processes of different fractional orders in the same system. We also apply a method of solving such systems based on a numerical inverse Laplace transform algorithm, which we demonstrate that is consistent with analytical solutions when these are available. As examples of our approach, we consider two cases of a basic two-compartment PK model with a single IV dose and multiple oral dosing, where the transfer from the peripheral to the central compartment is of fractional order alpha < 1, accounting for anomalous kinetics and deep tissue trapping, while all other processes are of the usual order 1. Simulations with the studied systems are performed using the numerical inverse Laplace transform method. It is shown that the presence of a transfer rate of fractional order produces a non-exponential terminal phase, while multiple dose and constant infusion systems never reach steady state and drug accumulation carries on indefinitely. The IV fractional system is also fitted to PK data and parameter values are estimated. In conclusion, our approach allows the formulation of systems of FDEs, mixing different fractional orders, in a consistent manner and also provides a method for the numerical solution of these systems.

Patient Safety (PS) is a major concern that involves a wide range of roles in healthcare, including those who are directly and indirectly involved, and patients as well. In order to succeed into developing a safety culture among healthcare providers, carers and patients, there should be given great attention into building appropriate education and training tools, especially addressing those who plan patient safety activities. The framework described in this policy paper is based on the results of the European Network for Patient Safety (EUNetPaS) project and analyses the principles and elements of the guidance that should be provided to those who design and implement Patient Safety Education and training activities. The main principles that it should be based on and the core teaching objectives-expected outcomes are addressed. Once the main context and considerations are properly set, the guidance should define the general schema of the content that should be included in the Education and Training activities, as well as how these activities would be delivered. It is also important that the different roles of the recipients are clearly distinguished and linked to their role-specific methods, proper delivery platforms and success stories. Setting these principles into practice when planning and implementing interventions, primarily aims to enlighten and support those who are enrolled to design and implement Patient Safety education and training teaching activities. This is achieved by providing them with a framework to build upon, succeeding to build a collaborative, safety conscious and competent environment, in terms of PS. A guidelines web platform has been developed to support this process.

The objective of this study is to investigate the linkage of large-scale upper air circulation over the greater European area with intense precipitation events over Eastern Mediterranean and then to estimate potential changes in the atmospheric patterns in the future, under global warming conditions. For this purpose, results from the regional climate model HadRM3P and Global Circulation Model HadAM3P have been used for the present period 1960-1990 (control run) and the future period 2070-2100 based on the B2a IPCC emission scenario. For the identification of the precipitation extremes the Simple Daily Intensity Index (SDII) was employed. Our analysis has shown a notable relation of extreme events with the East Atlantic and Scandinavia teleconnection patterns, as well as the Eastern Mediterranean Pattern (EMP) during the wet period. In the future, similar patterns are found, with different magnitude and position, following the projected changes in atmospheric circulation over Europe.

We investigate on the basis of a full three-dimensional spatio-temporal Maxwell-Bloch approach the possibility of complete loss compensation in non-bianisotropic negative refractive index (NRI) metamaterials. We show that a judicious incorporation of optically pumped gain materials, such as laser dyes, into a double-fishnet metamaterial can enable gain in the regime where the real part n′ of the resulting effective refractive index (n = n′ + in″) is negative. It is demonstrated that a frequency band exists for realistic opto-geometric and material (gain/loss) parameters where n′ < 0 and simultaneously n″ < 0 hold, resulting in a figure-of-merit that diverges at two distinct frequency points. Having ensured on the microscopic, meta-molecular level that realistic levels of losses and even gain are accessible in the considered optical frequency regime we explore the possibility of compensating propagation losses in a negative refractive index slow-light metamaterial heterostructure. The heterostructure is composed of a negative refractive index core-layer bounded symmetrically by two thin active cladding layers providing evanescent gain to the propagating slow light pulses. It is shown that backward-propagating light - having anti-parallel phase and group velocities and experiencing a negative effective refractive index - can be amplified inside this slow-light waveguide structure. Our results provide a direct and unambiguous proof that full compensation of losses and attainment of gain are possible on the microscopic as well as the macroscopic level in the regime where the non-bianisotropic refractive index is negative - including, in particular, the regime where the guided light propagates slowly. © 2010 SPIE.

With the use of genome-wide cDNA microarrays, we investigated the transcriptome profile of the human osteosarcoma Sa OS and U-2 OS cell lines. In all, 1,098 chip entries were differentially regulated in the two cell lines; of these, 796 entries corresponded to characterized mRNAs. The identified genes are mostly expressed in epithelial tissues and localize on chromosomes 1, 10, and 20. Furthermore, signaling cascades for cell cycle, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis, the p53 pathway, cell communication, and focal adhesion were found to be differently regulated in the two cell lines. The transcriptome profiles reported here provide novel information about the considerable molecular differences between these two widely used human osteosarcoma cell lines. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A combined geophysical survey was conducted to investigate the possibility of detecting aquifer horizons characterized by secondary porosity development due to variations in textural structure. The SE part of Aegina Isl. (Perdika area) which is composed of volcanic rocks, namely of lower seated dacitic lavas overlain by pyroclastic rocks, was chosen for further investigation. Schlumberger soundings carried out along the long axis of the drainage system showed the existence of four geoelectrical layers instead of two which are the basic geological units of the whole area under investigation. This discrepancy is due to the presence of two distinct geological phenomena. The first, in the upper structure, results as a consequence of weathering and fracturing processes and is strongly dependent on lithologic phase changes of volcanic rocks. As a result a phreatic horizon could be developed in areas that are highly weathered and/or fractured. The deeper structure, on the other hand, is tectonically affected showing a great number of discontinuities filled mainly with water. The high transverse resistance value (T>5000 Ohm.m2 ), of the layer just above the deepest and conductive layer is attributed to dry dacitic lavas. The deepest conductive layer with intense deformation does not seem to be affected by sea water intrusion even at depths lower than sea level. The top surface of the conductive layer is not regularly spread over the area of investigation showing that the potentially developed aquifer within the fractures depends on the pre-existing topographic relief. The aim of the VLF survey was to detect any vertical or oblique conductive zones that could be associated with large scale tectonic features. Linear elements drawn from aerial photographs are strongly connected with anomaly zones outlined from VLF data. A model of the deep seated aquifer for the area under investigation to explain the recharging mechanism based on geophysical results as well as geologic and tectonic evidence is proposed.

During the last years the broader area of Koropi (Mesogheia-Greece), has faced rapidly increasing problems concerning irrigation and watering of the town, due to the brackish water in the water supply boreholes. Our main target is to determinate the subsurface geological structure of the study area, located NE of the Koropi city, where alterations of schists and carbonates, from three different post-alpine units, mainly appear and relate it with the groundwater flow paths. The dominant geological outcrops of the area are the Athenian Schist (Laurion-Attica Unit), the dolomitic marbles (Vari-Kirou Pira Unit) and the Lower Marble (Hymittos Unit). A geophysical research was carried out in the area mainly based on the geoelectrical methodology, including by executing fifteen Vertical Electrical Soundings and one Electrical Resistivity Tomography. The interpretation results of the geophysical data have been evaluated and combined with “in-situ” resistivity measurements and calibrated with cores coming from drilled boreholes revealing the area. Through this combining process important elements of the local geological subsurface structure have been determined, as the formation of the dolomitic marbles (massive or karstified) was found tilting southwards beneath the Athenian Schist. From a hydrogeological point of view, this alone adds a significant parameter to the subsurface geological structure which is highly related to the groundwater flow that is responsible for many problems and could be used for solving many others.

The geophysical and geological submarine features (pockmarks, gas chimneys, salt domes, etc.),identified by multi-beam echo sounders and sidescan sonars ,seismic surveys in the region South, South-west and South-east of Cyprus, as well as the corresponding international interest of investors, especially in the marine region of the Levantine Basin, lead to the conclusion that, from a geopolitical standpoint, Greece must be urged to accelerate the consolidation of its sovereign rights and understand anew and in practical terms, that “Cyprus is not far away, not at all actually”. With respect to Kastellorizo and the submarine area of its EEZ, we note that detailed geophysical and bathymetric surveys have confirmed the fact that the region of the submarine Anaximander Mountains presents active mud volcanoes that are linked to the presence of gas hydrates. Samples of gas hydrates were collected by means of indicative samplings in mud volcanoes thoroughly mapped in sub-seabed layers that do not exceed 1.5 m. These “ice-crystal” like features will probably have a significant socioeconomic impact in the near feature as an energy resource. New mud volcanoes were also discovered (“Athens” and “Thessaloniki”). Gas hydrates were found in samplings conducted in the “Thessaloniki” M.V. According to preliminary assessments, the total capacity of the mud volcanoes of the Anaximander mountains complex is estimated between 2.56-6.40 c. km. Geopolitics of Energy, Cyprus, Israel, Levantine, multi-beam echo sounders, side scan sonars, pockmarks, gas chimneys, salt domes, Exclusive Economic Zone/EEZ.

Background: Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) is a pathologic entity that can affect any pregnancy and develop long after the termination of the pregnancy. Its course can be complicated by metastases to distant sites such as the lung, brain, liver, kidney and vagina. The therapeutic approach of this condition includes both surgical intervention and chemotherapy. The prognosis depends on many prognostic factors that determine the stage of the disease.Case Report: We present a woman with GTN and retroperitoneal metastatic disease who came to our department and was diagnosed as having high risk metastatic GTN. Accordingly she received chemotherapy as primary treatment but unfortunately developed massive bleeding after the first course of chemotherapy, was operated in an attempt to control bleeding but finally succumbed.Conclusion: This case demonstrates that GTN, while usually curable, can be a deadly disease requiring improved diagnostic, treatment modalities and chemotherapeutic agents. The gynaecologist should be aware of all possible metastatic sites of GTN and the patient immediately referred to a specialist center for further assessment and treatment. © 2010 Thomakos et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

It seems we've come a long way since women‘s exclusion from the so-called male fields of the hard sciences. Women constitute over half the student population (52,9%) in the technological institutions in Greece and represent 58.7% of the total university student population. In the European Union (EU) 29.7 million women work in the science and technology (S&T) sectors, the highest percentage in Lithuania (72%) followed by Estonia (69.7%). On the other hand, the ―glass escalator (Hultin 2003, Williams 1992) is not yet gender inclusive since women today continue to be exceedingly under-represented in the workplace and especially in decision making positions: research, engineering, science and technology (S&T) and the academic hierarchies. An abundance of evidence indicates that men usually ride up the glass escalator as opposed to women who hit the glass ceiling and run into the ―sticky floor (Kimmel 2004). Gender diversity mainstreaming has given the impression that gender issues at work have been resolved, making subtle discrimination harder to spot. Current research indicates the need to focus on innovative approaches to getting gender back onto the agenda, namely to re-evaluate how we can move from ―gender fatigue (Kelan 2010, Merriman 2009) to gender energy. In examining international dialogue on the effects of the glass ceiling, the glass escalator and―gender fatigue, this paper discusses the 2009 ICT status report (European Commission 2010) which confirms that women’s interest in an academic career or in a career in the ICT sector is decreasing and presents an overview of the gender distribution in scientific research and in the academic hierarchies in Greece, where women still comprise a minority.   Keywords: gender pay gap, glass escalator, glass ceiling, sticky floor, tokenism, gender fatigue.    

It seems we've come a long way since women‘s exclusion from the so-called male fields of the hard sciences. Women constitute over half the student population (52,9%) in the technological institutions in Greece and represent 58.7% of the total university student population. In the European Union (EU) 29.7 million women work in the science and technology (S&T) sectors, the highest percentage in Lithuania (72%) followed by Estonia (69.7%). On the other hand, the ―glass escalator (Hultin 2003, Williams 1992) is not yet gender inclusive since women today continue to be exceedingly under-represented in the workplace and especially in decision making positions: research, engineering, science and technology (S&T) and the academic hierarchies. An abundance of evidence indicates that men usually ride up the glass escalator as opposed to women who hit the glass ceiling and run into the ―sticky floor (Kimmel 2004). Gender diversity mainstreaming has given the impression that gender issues at work have been resolved, making subtle discrimination harder to spot. Current research indicates the need to focus on innovative approaches to getting gender back onto the agenda, namely to re-evaluate how we can move from ―gender fatigue (Kelan 2010, Merriman 2009) to gender energy. In examining international dialogue on the effects of the glass ceiling, the glass escalator and―gender fatigue, this paper discusses the 2009 ICT status report (European Commission 2010) which confirms that women’s interest in an academic career or in a career in the ICT sector is decreasing and presents an overview of the gender distribution in scientific research and in the academic hierarchies in Greece, where women still comprise a minority. Keywords: gender pay gap, glass escalator, glass ceiling, sticky floor, tokenism, gender fatigue.

The topic of this article is the historical evolution of Greek foreign policy in the Middle East over the past thirty-five years. It essentially seeks to explain the broad framework of conditions and objectives within which Greek foreign policy has been made towards the Arab Middle East and Israel. It argues that the amount of involvement of Greek foreign policy in the area was relatively little. Though much has changed in Greece's approach towards the Middle East since the 1990s, there is also a significant continuity of attitude, in the sense that serious attention has not been paid to this part of the world.

We report the detection of seven recent nova candidates in M 31 on two sets of three 300 s dithered stacked CCD images obtained on 2010 Oct 4 with the 1.3m Ritchey Chretien f/7.5 telescope at Skinakas Observatory, Crete, Greece, using an Andor DZ436-BV CCD Camera (with a Marconi 2k x 2k chip with 13.5 microns sq. pixels) and a broad (75 Angstrom wide) H-alpha filter. Only novae M31N 2010-07a and M31N 2010-10a were also detected on four 100 s dithered stacked CCD images obtained on 2010 Oct 5 with the same telescope and camera using a R filter.

Hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) appear in a variety of liver diseases. Their occurrence in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains unclear, and triggering factors have to be elucidated. The presence of HPC in CHC was examined in relation to histological and virological parameters and patient age. Fifty liver biopsies of HCV-infected patients were examined. The presence of HPC was evaluated by immunohistochemical expression of keratin 7 (K7). Double immunostaining with K7 and cell proliferation marker Ki-67 was undertaken. Ductular reaction at the limiting plate, mean number of isolated progenitor cells (IPC) and isolated ductular structures (IDS) were quantified. The predominant distribution pattern of IPC and IDS and the presence of K7(+) hepatocytes were registered. Relationship between ductular reaction, IPC, IDS, presence of K7(+) hepatocytes, and patient age, hepatitis grade and stage, HCV RNA, and HCV genotype was examined. Prominent ductular reaction and increased numbers of IPC and IDS correlated significantly with older age and severe fibrosis/cirrhosis. The above HPC subtypes were not proliferating. Periportal/periseptal distribution pattern of IPC and IDS and presence of K7(+) hepatocytes were significantly more frequent in advanced hepatitis stages and in patients older than 40 years. Intraparenchymal distribution pattern correlated with younger age, lobular activity, and early fibrosis stage. K7(+) hepatocytes were encountered almost exclusively in the periportal pattern and in the presence of interface hepatitis and were more frequent among HCV genotype-1 patients. HPC activation in CHC is a common but diverse phenomenon closely related to patient age and hepatitis stage.

Vertically transmitted hepatitis B virus (HBV) usually causes chronic infection. While combined active-passive immunoprophylaxis in neonates of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg(+)) mothers at birth prevents vertical transmission, it is not yet clear whether neonates encounter the virus or its products in the absence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). This study was undertaken to investigate HBV antigen-specific T-cell responses in vaccinated neonates of HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(-) mothers. Blood was collected from 46 HBsAg(+) mothers and their neonates (subjects) as well as 24 age-matched controls. All neonates of HBsAg(+) mothers received appropriate immunoprophylaxis, and HBsAg and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) antibody titers were determined after completion of the vaccination course. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from infants at birth, 1 and 6 months of age were stimulated with recombinant HBsAg, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and mitogen, and interferon (IFN)-γ concentrations were determined by ELISA. HBsAg-induced production of IL-2, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10 was assessed using a cytometric bead array kit on cells from 6-month-old neonates post-vaccination. All neonates were HBsAg(-) and responded to vaccination. Increased IFN-γ production following HBcAg stimulation was seen in 30.4% of neonates born to HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(-) mothers. Subjects demonstrated significantly higher IL-2 production post-HBsAg stimulation, whereas IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10 cytokine responses were not significantly different. Almost one-third of uninfected neonates developed viral antigen-induced IFN-γ production, suggesting that they had been exposed to virions or viral derivatives. This encounter, however, did not impair their T-cell responses to vaccination.

Ship-borne sunphotometer measurements obtained in the Arabian Sea (AS) in the pre-monsoon season (18 April-10 May 2006) during a cruise campaign (ICARB) have been used to retrieve the Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD; τ) and the Ångström wavelength exponent (α). The continents surrounding the AS produce natural and anthropogenic aerosols that have distinctive influences on α and its spectral distribution. The α values were estimated by means of the least-squares method over the spectral bands 340-1020 nm and 340-870 nm. The spectral distribution of AOD in logarithmic co-ordinates could be fit using a 2nd order polynomial with higher accuracy in the wavelength band 340-1020 nm than in the 340-870 nm band. A polynomial fit analytically parameterizes the observed wavelength dependencies of AOD with least errors in spectral variation of α and yields accurate estimates of the coefficients (α1 and α2). The coarse-mode (positive curvature in the ln λ vs. ln λ) aerosols are mainly depicted in the Northern part of the AS closely associated with the nearby arid areas while fine-mode aerosols are mainly observed over the far and coastal AS regions. In the study period the mean AOD at 500 nm is 0.25±0.11 and the α340-1020 is 0.90±0.19. The α340-870 exhibits similar values (0.92±0.18), while significant differences revealed for the constant terms of the polynomial fit (α1 and α2) proportionally to the wavelength band used for their determination. Observed day-to-day variability in the aerosol load and optical properties are direct consequence of the local winds and air-mass trajectories along with the position of the ship. © Author(s) 2010.

Summary Serum levels of five angiogenic cytokines were evaluated in 82 patients with primary systemic amyloidosis (AL). Angiopoietin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and angiogenin were higher in AL patients than in controls (n = 35) and newly-diagnosed, symptomatic, myeloma patients (n = 35). Angiopoetin-1/Angiopoetin-2 ratio was lower in AL compared to controls but higher than in myeloma patients. Angiopoetin-2 correlated with cardiac dysfunction indices; however, none of the angiogenic growth factors was prognostically significant. The increased angiogenic cytokine levels observed in AL seem to represent either a toxic effect of amyloid fibrils or light chains, or a compensatory response to organ dysfunction. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was evaluated in the pre-treatment serum of 55 newly diagnosed patients with symptomatic myeloma. TIMP-1 was elevated in 47% of patients and correlated with lytic bone disease and increased bone resorption. Importantly, TIMP-1 correlated with ISS stage (p=0.005) and was an independent prognostic covariate for survival [HR: 1.003 (1-1.006), p=0.004] in these patients who were all treated with novel agents (bortezomib and/or IMiDs) during their disease course. Our study provides evidence that pre-treatment serum TIMP-1 is associated with advanced myeloma and suggests the further evaluation of this molecule to better determine its prognostic potential in MM. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

The Pissouri basin (Cyprus Island) corresponds to a small tectonically controlled depression elongated NNW-SSE and widening southward in the direction of the deep Mediterranean domain. In the centre of the basin, the section Pissouri South, about 100 m thick, consists of well-preserved cyclic marine sediments including laminated brownish layers alternating with grey homogeneous marls. Plankton biostratigraphy (calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera) revealed a remarkable number of biovents bracketing the Zanclean-Piacenzian boundary. In particular the Highest Occurrence (HO) of Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus suggests the presence of NN14/15-NN16 nannofossil biozone boundary, dated at 3.84 Ma. Additionally the defined planktonic foraminiferal MPL3-MPL4a and MPL4a-MPL4b zone boundaries point to ages between 3.81 and 3.57 Ma, in Pissouri North section. Zanclean/Piacenzian boundary (3.6 Ma) is placed at 75.8 m from the base of the section, considering Discoaster pentaradiatus top paracme (3.61 Ma) and Globorotalia crassaformis first influx (3.6 Ma) bioevents. The cyclically developed sapropelic layers around the Zanclean – Piacenzian boundary suggest a climate characterized by a period of warm temperate conditions and a highly stratified water column that occurred at times of precession minima.

The Pissouri basin (Cyprus Island) corresponds to a small tectonically controlled depression elongated NNW-SSE and widening southward in the direction of the deep Mediterranean domain. In the centre of the basin, the section Pissouri South, about 100 m thick, consists of well-preserved cyclic marine sediments including laminated brownish layers alternating with grey homogeneous marls. Plankton biostratigraphy (calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera) revealed a remarkable number of biovents bracketing the Zanclean-Piacenzian boundary. In particular the Highest Occurrence (HO) of Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus suggests the presence of NN14/15-NN16 nannofossil biozone boundary, dated at 3.84 Ma. Additionally the defined planktonic foraminiferal MPL3-MPL4a and MPL4a-MPL4b zone boundaries point to ages between 3.81 and 3.57 Ma, in Pissouri North section. Zanclean/Piacenzian boundary (3.6 Ma) is placed at 75.8 m from the base of the section, considering Discoaster pentaradiatus top paracme (3.61 Ma) and Globorotalia crassaformis first influx (3.6 Ma) bioevents. The cyclically developed sapropelic layers around the Zanclean – Piacenzian boundary suggest a climate characterized by a period of warm temperate conditions and a highly stratified water column that occurred at times of precession minima.

The Pissouri basin (Cyprus Island) corresponds to a small tectonically controlled depression elongated NNW-SSE and widening southward in the direction of the deep Mediterranean domain. In the centre of the basin, the section Pissouri South, about 100 m thick, consists of well-preserved cyclic marine sediments including laminated brownish layers alternating with grey homogeneous marls. Plankton biostratigraphy (calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminifera) revealed a remarkable number of biovents bracketing the Zanclean-Piacenzian boundary. In particular the Highest Occurrence (HO) of Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus suggests the presence of NN14/15-NN16 nannofossil biozone boundary, dated at 3.84 Ma. Additionally the defined planktonic foraminiferal MPL3-MPL4a and MPL4a-MPL4b zone boundaries point to ages between 3.81 and 3.57 Ma, in Pissouri North section. Zanclean/Piacenzian boundary (3.6 Ma) is placed at 75.8 m from the base of the section, considering Discoaster pentaradiatus top paracme (3.61 Ma) and Globorotalia crassaformis first influx (3.6 Ma) bioevents. The cyclically developed sapropelic layers around the Zanclean – Piacenzian boundary suggest a climate characterized by a period of warm temperate conditions and a highly stratified water column that occurred at times of precession minima.

Objectives: High serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is associated with features of advanced disease and inferior survival in multiple myeloma. It is however unclear whether LDH adds to the prognostic value of International Staging System (ISS) and whether it retains its prognostic significance in patients who are exposed to novel agent-based therapies. Patients/Methods: To address these issues we analyzed 996 consecutive symptomatic patients who were included in the database of the Greek Myeloma Study Group and received frontline treatment between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2008. Results: The median overall survival (OS) of all patients was 40 months with a clear improvement in those who started treatment after January 1, 2000 (49 vs. 31 months; P < 0.01). A multivariate model showed that LDH, ISS, performance status, age and platelet counts had an independent prognostic value for OS (P < 0.001 for all parameters). The median OS of patients with high (11% of patients) and normal LDH was 15 vs. 44 months (P < 0.001). High LDH was associated with inferior OS within all ISS groups: 22 vs. 76 months for high and normal LDH groups, respectively, in ISS-1 (P < 0.01); 11 vs. 40 months in ISS-2 (P < 0.001) and 17 vs. 27 months in ISS-3 (P < 0.01). The median OS of high and normal LDH groups among patients who received novel agents was 21 vs. 51 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Lactate dehydrogenase is a readily available and inexpensive variable, which has a major impact on the survival of myeloma patients even when they belong to a low or intermediate ISS subgroup and even when they receive novel agent-based therapies. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

This study describes the application of a novel chemistry method based on a modified sol-gel technique for the fabrication of nanostructured non-metal doped TiO2 photocatalytic films that can be activated under both visible and UV light. A self-assembling surfactant was employed as a pore-directing agent and a nitrogen-containing compound as doping precursor. Different surfactant ratios were explored to tailor-design the desired structural properties of TiO2 (i.e., high surface area, small crystal size) and enhanced the photocatalytic activity under visible light illumination. The films were characterized by XRD, ESEM, TEM, AFM, EPR, micro-Raman, XPS, UV-vis spectroscopy and N2 porosimetry. The photocatalytic evaluation of the films was tested for the degradation of microcystin-LR and the effects of NOM, pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen under visible light irradiation were investigated. The multifunctional behavior exhibited for the non-metal doped TiO2 films can lead to important photoinduced applications including environmental protection (water disinfection, self-cleaning surfaces) and sustainable solar energy conversion to electricity (dye-sensitized solar cells).

Lung carcinogenesis is considered to be the result of composite environmental, genetic and epigenetic changes. Despite the fact that many of the genetic alterations, including loss of heterozygocity in the 3p chromosome locus and point mutations in the tumor-suppressor genes TP53 and retinoblastoma (RB1), occur in nearly all histopathologic types of lung cancer, the frequency and the " timing" of their occurrence seems to differ between small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells, that are characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Although loss of cell-cycle control is the crucial molecular event in both types, the mechanism by which it provokes oncogenesis differs significantly between SCLC and NSCLC. Importantly, some of these molecular events, including DNA-damage response and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are valuable in predicting response to conventional chemotherapy or molecular-targeted agents as well as in the prognosis of patients that harbor these alterations. In the current review we report on the best characterized histopathologic and genetic changes in NSCLC and SCLC in relation to each histological subtype and we discuss their predictive and prognostic implications. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Lung carcinogenesis is considered to be the result of composite environmental, genetic and epigenetic changes. Despite the fact that many of the genetic alterations, including loss of heterozygocity in the 3p chromosome locus and point mutations in the tumor-suppressor genes TP53 and retinoblastoma (RB1), occur in nearly all histopathologic types of lung cancer, the frequency and the "timing" of their occurrence seems to differ between small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells, that are characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Although loss of cell-cycle control is the crucial molecular event in both types, the mechanism by which it provokes oncogenesis differs significantly between SCLC and NSCLC. Importantly, some of these molecular events, including DNA-damage response and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are valuable in predicting response to conventional chemotherapy or molecular-targeted agents as well as in the prognosis of patients that harbor these alterations. In the current review we report on the best characterized histopathologic and genetic changes in NSCLC and SCLC in relation to each histological subtype and we discuss their predictive and prognostic implications.

The current study investigated the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection on the rate of change of antiretroviral drugs after the initiation of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). The data on 1425 HIV-positive patients with recorded serology for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were retrospectively analysed. The estimated rate of treatment change was slightly higher in the HBsAg-positive group (0.57 per year) compared with the HBsAg-negative group (0.50 per year). Although this difference was insignificant in multivariable modelling, the confidence intervals of the estimates barely included unity. Antiretroviral drug family, calendar period, prior exposure to antiretrovirals and the diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome were independently associated with the number of drug alterations. A slight impact of co-infection on the frequency of treatment change after the beginning of HAART cannot be excluded. However, the paucity of studies on this issue necessitates the conduct of further research.

The study area, Mesokambos, is located at the SE coast of Samos Island situated at the east-central part of the Aegean Sea. Mesokambos is an alluvial valley situated on the outskirts of Pythagorion, a town built on top of the ancient town of Samos which is believed to be inhabitant since at least the Late Neolithic period (4th millennium BC). Archaeological evidences indicate that the present morphology is associated with recent coastal subsidence which comes in contrast with the uplift of the North West coastal area of Samos Island. For the purposes of this study detailed geomorphological mapping, paleontological, sedimentological and radiocarbon dating analyses of the Late Holocene coastal zone were conducted. The study of sea-land interactions during Upper Holocene, in relation to the eustatic sea level rise, as well as the geomorphologic observations and analyses on deposited sediments, aims to reveal the palaeogeographical evolution of the landscape. To obtain information about the Holocene stratigraphy under the recent alluvial cover, eight boreholes followed the detailed geomorphological mapping. The paleontological analysis took place and ten samples of plants, shells, peat and charred material were also collected from several layers of the sedimentary sequence and were dated using AMS radiocarbon techniques providing temporal control of the sediments. In this study the tracing of the diachronic palaeo-shoreline shift due to the sea level change and its effect to the palaeo-environment in the south-eastern part of Samos Island was attempted. Sea level changes along with local conditions have been studied and the palaeogeographical evolution of the last 6.500 has been verified.

his paper investigates identity representations through a narrative perspective. It examines the reproduction of social stereotypes through the creation of machinima films created by the students of the Department of French language at the University of Athens. According to Giddens΄s project of social and self identity and Ricoeur’s interpretation theories, the machinima films will be considered as an eloquent reflection of their creators’ representations. They claim that narrative is the dialectical process, between me and the other, through which the person is constantly led to a conscious identity adjustment. Based on this assumption, we investigate the mediating role of machinima, animated filmmaking within a real-time virtual 3-D environment, in the identity awareness of the subject. We study the representations produced by a group of students through the evaluation of the signifying practice of the creation of machinima films they have created during a Cyberculture course

Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women. Resistance to the disease occurs in more than 70 of the cases even after treated with chemotherapy agents such as paclitaxel- and platinum-based agents. The immune system is increasingly becoming a target for intense research in order to study the host's immune response against ovarian cancer. T cell populations, including NK T cells and Tregs, and cytokines have been associated with disease outcome, indicating their increasing clinical significance, having been associated with prognosis and as markers of disease progress, respectively. Harnessing the immune system capacity in order to induce antitumor response remains a major challenge. This paper examines the recent developments in our understanding of the mechanisms of development of the immune response in ovarian cancer as well as its prognostic significance and the existing experience in clinical studies. Copyright © 2010 Nikos G. Gavalas et al.

{Aim. Intense and prolonged exercise greatly affects circulating cytokine levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible changes in tumour necrosis factor -a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Cortisol concentrations during and after prolonged exercise of constant and alternating intensity of the same duration and total work performed. Methods. Ten male subjects underwent two main cycling exercise trials lasting one hour each. On one occasion, exercise intensity was alternated between 46.5±1.9% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ) for 40 s and 120% of VO2max for 20 s, so that the mean intensity corresponded to 105% of the lactate threshold. On the other occasion, exercise intensity was constant at 105% of the lactate threshold. Levels of TNF-a, IL-6 after lipo polysaccharide (LPS) stimulation as well as Cortisol were measured at rest, 30 and 60 minutes of exercise and 1 hour after. Results. No significant differences were observed in TNF-a concentrations between the two exercise protocols (P= 0.75), but there was a significant time effect (P<0.01). TNF-a was increased in both groups from a resting value of 436.1±102.5 to 649.5±187.7 pg/mL (P<0.05) at the end of exercise and was subsequently decreased 1 hour post exercise to 305.9±78.8 pg/mL (P<0.01). No significant difference in IL-6 and Cortisol concentrations was observed between the two exercise protocols (P=0.13

{Aim. Intense and prolonged exercise greatly affects circulating cytokine levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible changes in tumour necrosis factor -a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Cortisol concentrations during and after prolonged exercise of constant and alternating intensity of the same duration and total work performed. Methods. Ten male subjects underwent two main cycling exercise trials lasting one hour each. On one occasion, exercise intensity was alternated between 46.5±1.9% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ) for 40 s and 120% of VO2max for 20 s, so that the mean intensity corresponded to 105% of the lactate threshold. On the other occasion, exercise intensity was constant at 105% of the lactate threshold. Levels of TNF-a, IL-6 after lipo polysaccharide (LPS) stimulation as well as Cortisol were measured at rest, 30 and 60 minutes of exercise and 1 hour after. Results. No significant differences were observed in TNF-a concentrations between the two exercise protocols (P= 0.75), but there was a significant time effect (P<0.01). TNF-a was increased in both groups from a resting value of 436.1±102.5 to 649.5±187.7 pg/mL (P<0.05) at the end of exercise and was subsequently decreased 1 hour post exercise to 305.9±78.8 pg/mL (P<0.01). No significant difference in IL-6 and Cortisol concentrations was observed between the two exercise protocols (P=0.13

Aim. Intense and prolonged exercise greatly affects circulating cytokine levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible changes in tumour necrosis factor -a (TNF-a), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and Cortisol concentrations during and after prolonged exercise of constant and alternating intensity of the same duration and total work performed. Methods. Ten male subjects underwent two main cycling exercise trials lasting one hour each. On one occasion, exercise intensity was alternated between 46.5±1.9% of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max ) for 40 s and 120% of VO2max for 20 s, so that the mean intensity corresponded to 105% of the lactate threshold. On the other occasion, exercise intensity was constant at 105% of the lactate threshold. Levels of TNF-a, IL-6 after lipo polysaccharide (LPS) stimulation as well as Cortisol were measured at rest, 30 and 60 minutes of exercise and 1 hour after. Results. No significant differences were observed in TNF-a concentrations between the two exercise protocols (P= 0.75), but there was a significant time effect (P<0.01). TNF-a was increased in both groups from a resting value of 436.1±102.5 to 649.5±187.7 pg/mL (P<0.05) at the end of exercise and was subsequently decreased 1 hour post exercise to 305.9±78.8 pg/mL (P<0.01). No significant difference in IL-6 and Cortisol concentrations was observed between the two exercise protocols (P=0.13, P=0.10 accordingly). Conclusions. In conclusion, prolonged constant and alternating intensity exercise of the same mean intensity and duration seemed to provoke similar changes in aspects of immune response in healthy subjects.

Aims: Loss of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) leads to activation of several kinases, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which promotes cell cycle progression. The aim was to study the expression of PTEN and phosphorylated (p)-mTOR in familial and sporadic invasive breast carcinomas and their relation to clinicopathological features, molecular indices (Wnt1) and patients' survival. Methods and results: PTEN and p-mTOR were detected immunohistochemically in 215 sections of invasive breast carcinomas (112 with a familial history of breast cancer). Image analysis was used and univariate and multivariate analyses employed for statistical evaluation of results. PTEN was detecte5d in the nucleus (73.5%) and p-mTOR in the cytoplasm (44.2%) of cancer cells. Loss of PTEN protein was more frequently detected in women with a familial history of breast cancer (72%) (P < 0.0001), while its expression was negatively correlated with Wnt1, in total (P = 0.049). p-mTOR showed a positive association with lymph node status (P = 0.010) and was found to have a negative impact on patients' overall survival (P = 0.016). Conclusions: Loss of PTEN protein expression appears to occur more frequently in women with a family history of breast cancer, whereas activation of mTOR protein seems to be related to a more aggressive phenotype. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Limited.

Systems biology has emerged as a major trend in biological research during the past decade. As living organisms are described in more and more detail, it aims at filling the gap between understanding basic molecular processes and complex biological systems in which new properties often emerge from the combination of these elementary processes. This approach culminates in the development of computer-based mathematical models of physiological and pathophysiological processes. We review the state of the art in dynamic modelling, with emphasis on two complementary approaches: the modelling of small systems that is mostly developed by academic teams and aims at understanding generic biological properties, and the modelling of large systems that is mostly implemented by industrial companies and aims at the generation of new therapeutic strategies. We also provide an example of such large-scale modelling applied to the identification of drug targets for neurodegeneration.

MICs to tigecycline and 12 antimicrobials were performed by microdilution method, against 2423 nonduplicate pathogens recently isolated in 17 Greek hospitals. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) criteria were used comparatively for interpretation of tigecycline MICs. Tigecycline exhibited potent in vitro activity against the majority of the isolates tested. (MIC(90) values of 0.5, 1, 2, 0.125, 1, 0.25, 0.125, and 1 mg/L were observed for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., Moraxella catarrhalis, Acinetobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp., and Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, respectively.) Tigecycline activity was the same, irrespective of the resistance profile to other antimicrobials (Gram-negative pathogens susceptible or resistant to imipenem, Enterococcus spp., S. aureus, or S. pneumoniae isolates, susceptible or resistant to vancomycin, methicillin or penicillin, respectively). Interpretation using EUCAST and FDA breakpoints differed among isolates of K. pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. having tigecycline MICs of 2 to 4 mg/L. In conclusion, tigecycline exhibited potent activity against pathogens recently isolated in a region that experiences high antimicrobial resistance rates. Indications that the available criteria might categorize differently tigecycline susceptibility status in K. pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp. isolates were also detected.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression and disease resistance are related to transmural degenerative processes and an inflammatory infiltration (INF). Diabetes is associated with low prevalence and growth rate of AAA. We sought to characterize INF in established AAA (INFAAA), in diabetic patients. From 89 male patients aged 52 to 83 years, aneurysm specimens obtained at open asymptomatic nonruptured AAA repair were graded for INF and immunostained using antibodies against T-lymphocytes (CD3) and macrophages (CD68). Diabetic patients had an odds ratio (OR) 3.8, 95% confidence interval ([CI] 1.14-12.96), P =.03, of experiencing above-median INFAAA. These associations were affected by serum glucose (SG) levels (OR 3.6, 95% CI [0.72-18.77]; P =.1). Macrophage subpopulations higher in diabetic patients (1.44 ± 0.78 versus 0.98 ± 0.76; P =.02) were correlated with SG (r =.21, P =.044). Abdominal aortic aneurysms in diabetic patients are associated with higher INF. Macrophage densities are correlated with SG. © The Author(s) 2010.

 Kamberidou, I. (2010). “Inspiring Women into Technology: the EUD Megacommunity”. Poster presentation in proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Interdisciplinarity in Education ICIE’10: New Higher Education Programs & Jointly 4th International Steering Committee Meeting, June 17_19, 2010, Tallinn, Estonia. [Also see article in: http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/cf/daa11/person.cfm?personid=21537ABSTRACT: In order to promote the targets of the European Center for Women and Technology (ECWT) and increase the number of girls and women in the knowledge based economy until the year 2020, the ECWT has developed the European Directory (EUD) of Women and ICT (http:// www.ictwomendirectory.eu), an online directory, an ecospace, a meeting point for ICT women in Europe. The EUD, created with the support of the European Commission DG Information Society and Media, was launched in Brussels in October 2009 by Commissioner Viviane Reding.[1] (Kamberidou 2010) Specifically, on the 8th of October 2009, Commissioner Reding welcomed 32 new signatories of the Code of Best Practices for Women and ICT and introduced this new tool –the online Directory for Women in ICT: http://www.ictwomendirectory.eu.  Specifically, this prentation showcases, or rather introduces a new ecospace, an online directory, a tool for getting more girls and women into the technology sector. It is the first regional directory for Women and ICT issues, a meeting point for ICT women in Europe and a megacommunity for  innovative collaboration in the Women and ICT and related sectors.   Keywords: new ecospace, megacommunity, collaboration platform, European level database, Web Community for Women in ICT.

The objective of this paper is to assess the future adaptability of e-Learning platforms within postgraduate modules. An ongoing empirical assessment was conducted amongst postgraduate students, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The current paper presents the outcomes from the second phase of a survey, involving fifty six participants. Data analysis was performed using a structural equation model, based on partial least squares. Results highlighted the very strong effect of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use to attitude towards using e-Learning platforms. Consequently, attitude towards use proved to be a very strong predictor of behavioral intention. Perceived usefulness, on the contrary, did not prove to have an effect to behavioral intention. Implications on the potential of using e-Learning platforms are discussed along with limitations and future directions of the study. © 2010 IMIA and SAHIA. All rights reserved.

The objective of this paper is to assess the future adaptability of e-Learning platforms within postgraduate modules. An ongoing empirical assessment was conducted amongst postgraduate students, based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The current paper presents the outcomes from the second phase of a survey, involving fifty six participants. Data analysis was performed using a structural equation model, based on partial least squares. Results highlighted the very strong effect of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use to attitude towards using e-Learning platforms. Consequently, attitude towards use proved to be a very strong predictor of behavioral intention. Perceived usefulness, on the contrary, did not prove to have an effect to behavioral intention. Implications on the potential of using e-Learning platforms are discussed along with limitations and future directions of the study.

Numerous studies have been published concerning the characteristics and the behaviour of the intramedullary devices in the treatment of the intertrochanteric hip fractures. However, there is still room for further exploration and exploitation concerning the implant behaviour with respect to the parts of the implant assembly (nail, lag screw and distal screw). Towards this direction, the present paper aimed at revealing the effect of the position of the distal screw on the mechanical behaviour of the fixation device. For this purpose, a simplified model was developed and analysed with the finite element method. In total, five different locations for the distal screw were examined. In all cases, the bone was fixed at its distal end while the external load was applied at the tip of the lag screw towards the hip and in the form of orthonormal force components applied individually. The results of the FE analyses were illustrated in appropriately formed plots revealing the sensitivity of the behaviour of the implant with respect to the location of the distal screw. The main conclusion derived from the present investigation was that moving the distal screw apically decreases the stresses on the distal screw but increases the stresses on the lag screw. In turn, this indicates the existence of a location for the distal screw that compromises these two effects in an optimum way.

BACKGROUND:Patterns of spatial variation in discrete phenotypic traits can be used to draw inferences about the adaptive significance of traits and evolutionary processes, especially when compared to patterns of neutral genetic variation. Population divergence in adaptive traits such as color morphs can be influenced by both local ecology and stochastic factors such as genetic drift or founder events. Here, we use quantitative color measurements of males and females of Skyros wall lizard, Podarcis gaigeae, to demonstrate that this species is polymorphic with respect to throat color, and the morphs form discrete phenotypic clusters with limited overlap between categories. We use divergence in throat color morph frequencies and compare that to neutral genetic variation to infer the evolutionary processes acting on islet- and mainland populations.RESULTS:Geographically close islet- and mainland populations of the Skyros wall lizard exhibit strong divergence in throat color morph frequencies. Population variation in throat color morph frequencies between islets was higher than that between mainland populations, and the effective population sizes on the islets were small (Ne:s < 100). Population divergence (FST) for throat color morph frequencies fell within the neutral FST-distribution estimated from microsatellite markers, and genetic drift could thus not be rejected as an explanation for the pattern. Moreover, for both comparisons among mainland-mainland population pairs and between mainland-islet population pairs, morph frequency divergence was significantly correlated with neutral divergence, further pointing to some role for genetic drift in divergence also at the phenotypic level of throat color morphs.CONCLUSIONS:Genetic drift could not be rejected as an explanation for the pattern of population divergence in morph frequencies. In spite of an expected stabilising selection, throat color frequencies diverged in the islet populations. These results suggest that there is an interaction between selection and genetic drift causing divergence even at a phenotypic level in these small, subdivided populations.

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist, die Rolle und die Wichtigkeit des Kindermordmythologems imRahmen des Medea-Mythos zu diskutieren. Dabei werden zwei der wichtigsten Bearbeitungen desMythos untersucht: Euripides’ Tragödie und Christa Wolfs Roman (1996). In einem ersten Schrittwird versucht, die Erfindung des Kindermordes von Seiten des Euripides von einem neuenBlickwinkel zu beleuchten. Im Gegensatz zur Annahme der überwiegenden Mehrheit der Forschergeht diese Studie davon aus, dass Euripides’ Medea nicht bloß ein bürgerliches Ehedrama, sonderneine politische und soziale Skizze des Mikrokosmos der Polis ist. In einer Art „Flaschenpost“ ist esdem großen Tragiker gelungen, die Bedürfnisse der Unterdrückten herauszustreichen und eine neuePerspektive für das weibliche Element zu eröffnen. Während jedoch in der männlichen Überlieferungvon Euripides bis von Trier das Unterdrückte als Grausamkeit ans Licht kommt, schlägt Wolf einanderes Modell von Weiblichkeit vor. Zu diesem Zweck braucht ihre Protagonistin den Kindermordnicht mehr. Der Mythos ist kein Kontext, sondern ein Rahmen. Demzufolge gehören alle Fassungenzum Mythos. In einer Zeit, die durch Gewalt und Angst gekennzeichnet ist, wirft Wolf Licht auf dieUrsprünge von Gewalt, indem sie beim Erzählen der Geschichte einer Gestalt, die sowohl Männern alsauch Frauen schlechthin Angst macht, andere Schwerpunkte setzt.

Aims: We announce the discovery of a quasar behind the disk of M 31, which was previously classified as a remarkable nova in our neighbour galaxy. It is shown here to be a quasar with a single strong flare where the UV flux has increased by a factor of 20. The present paper is primarily aimed at the remarkable outburst of J004457+4123 (Sharov 21), with the first part focussed on the optical spectroscopy and the improvement in the photometric database. Methods: We exploited the archives of photographic plates and CCD observations from 15 wide-field telescopes and performed targetted new observations. In the second part, we try to fit the flare by models of (1) gravitational microlensing due to a star in M 31 and (2) a tidal disruption event (TDE) of a star close to the supermassive black hole of the quasar. Results: Both the optical spectrum and the broad band spectral energy distribution of Sharov 21 are shown to be very similar to that of normal, radio-quiet type 1 quasars. We present photometric data covering more than a century and resulting in a long-term light curve that is densely sampled over the past five decades. The variability of the quasar is characterized by a ground state with typical fluctuation amplitudes of 0.2 mag around bar{B} 20.5, superimposed by a singular flare of 2 yr duration (observer frame) with the maximum at 1992.81. The total energy in the flare is at least three orders of magnitudes higher than the radiated energy of the most luminous supernovae, provided that it comes from an intrinsic process and the energy is radiated isotropically. The profile of the flare light curve is asymmetric showing in particular a sudden increase before the maximum, whereas the decreasing part can be roughly approximated by a t-5/3 power law. Both properties appear to support the standard TDE scenario where a 10 M_⊙ giant star was shredded in the tidal field of a 2...5×108 M_⊙ black hole. The short fallback time derived from the observed light curve requires an ultra-close encounter where the pericentre of the stellar orbit is deep within the tidal disruption radius. This simple model neglects, however, the influence of the massive accretion disk, as well as general-relativistic effects on the orbit of the tidal debris. Gravitational microlensing probably provides an alternative explanation, although the probability of such a high amplification event is very low.

Tissue kallikrein (KLK1) and the kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK2-15) genes encode for a subgroup of 15 homologous secreted serine proteases possessing numerous physiological roles, such as the regulation of blood pressure, hormone processing and tissue remodeling. The expression of KLKs is detected in a broad spectrum of human tissues where it has been found to be regulated mainly by steroids hormones. The aberrant expression of KLKs, presented in many human malignancies, highlights the significance of this gene family for early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of cancer patients, as it is strongly emphasized by the routine use of PSA (KLK3) for prostate cancer management. Here, we review the presently known data regarding the role of KLKs as cancer biomarkers, giving emphasis on novel information about the subject.

This review investigates the quality and content of published reports relating to labial surgery for well women. Electronic databases were searched for relevant articles between 1950 and April 2009. Forty articles were identified, 18 of which included patient data. The specification of the study design was unavailable in 15 of the 18 papers; the remaining three were retrospective reports. No prospective, randomised or controlled studies were found. All reports claimed high levels of patient satisfaction and contained anecdotes pertaining to success. Medically nonessential surgery to the labia minora is being promoted as an effective treatment for women's complaints, but no data on clinical effectiveness exist. © RCOG 2009 BJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Lippia citriodora H.B.K. is an aromatic plant indigenous to South America. It is cultivated and commercialised as an ornamental for its lemon-like scent emitted from its leaves and flowers. The present morphoanatomical and histochemical study revealed that leaves of L. citriodora possess one type of setae (non-glandular) and at least five types of glandular trichomes, with the latter differing anatomically and in the composition of their secondary metabolites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the same types of trichomes exist also on the calyces. Histochemical tests indicate that the glandular trichomes contain a combination of terpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenolics and alkaloids. However, within the vacuoles of the mesophyll cells, terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids and tannins are stored. The presence of lamellar cytoplasmic inclusions in the mesophyll cells, possibly precursors of tannins stored in the vacuoles, is reported for the first time. © 2010 CSIRO.

Lenalidomide is a novel immunomodulatory agent with a unique dual mechanism of action: its tumoricidal effect leads to direct tumor cell death, and its immunomodulatory effect keeps the tumor in remission. Phase III clinical trials have demonstrated that in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM), lenalidomide in combination with dexamethasone offers high clinical response rates and improved time to disease progression, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) compared with dexamethasone alone. In patients with newly diagnosed MM, the combination of lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone prolonged survival compared with lenalidomide and standard high-dose dexamethasone. The benefits of lenalidomide-based treatment regimens can be optimized by initiating treatment early in the disease course, either as a frontline treatment or at first relapse. Lenalidomide is generally well tolerated; the primary adverse events are myelosuppression and venous thromboembolic complications. These adverse events emerge early in the course of treatment and can be managed using standard interventions such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, dose reduction, and thromboprophylaxis. The combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone is effective and generally well tolerated in patients with renal impairment provided that creatinine clearance level and adverse events are carefully monitored and the starting dose of lenalidomide is adjusted appropriately. Early results from phase III trials indicate that in patients with newly diagnosed MM, continuous lenalidomide therapy is well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in PFS, offering a new treatment option for patients with MM - although no OS benefit has yet been seen in this setting. Lenalidomide-based treatment is effective across the spectrum of MM disease phases, allowing for the long-term management of myeloma. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.

Objectives: Lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LenDex) is an active regimen for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). However, there is limited data for the effect of LenDex on renal impairment (RI) and on renal reversibility. Patients & Methods: Fifty consecutive patients with relapsed/refractory MM received LenDex in 28-d cycles. Median lines of previous therapies were 2 (range: 1-6). Lenalidomide was administered on days 1-21 according to creatinine clearance (CrCl), while dexamethasone was given at a dose of 40 mg on days 1-4 and 15-18 for the first four cycles and only on days 1-4 thereafter. Results: Twelve patients (24%) had RI at baseline, defined as CrCl < 50 mL/min. Most patients were pretreated with either thalidomide or bortezomib and > 50% of them were refractory to both drugs. At least partial response was documented in 60.5% and 58% of patients with and without RI. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 9 and 16 months, respectively. RI was not associated with an inferior PFS or OS. There were no differences in the incidence of adverse events among patients with and without RI. Three of 12 patients with RI (25%) achieved complete renal response and two (16%) achieved minor renal response with LenDex. Conclusions: We conclude that LenDex is an active treatment even in heavily pretreated MM. With dosing of lenalidomide according to renal function, LenDex can be administered to patients with RI (who may not have other treatment options) without excessive toxicity. Furthermore, LenDex may improve the renal function in approximately 40% of patients with RI. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Le présent volume réunit des contributions qui étudient plusieurs formes du français (quoi que ce soit, n’importe qu-, un N quelconque). Elles sont considérées ici en tant qu’elles apparaissent, au moins à première vue, comme des items pouvant relever d’une nouvelle catégorie introduite dans le champ des études linguistiques à la suite de Z. Vendler (1967 : 80-81), la catégorie des termes de choix libre (free choice items). L’essentiel des items considérés étant des formes en que, et souvent analysées comme indéfinis, ce numéro de Langue française revient, mais avec une perspective spécifique, sur un domaine empirique déjà abordé sous d’autres angles dans deux numéros antérieurs de la revue : le numéro 139 (2003) qui était axé sur la grammaticalisation, et le numéro 158 (2008) sur les proformes indéfinies. Afin de mieux cerner les spécificités de ce numéro thématique, nous allons d’abord présenter la notion de terme de choix libre. Ensuite, nous rappellerons quelques éléments de la discussion qui reviennent régulièrement dans les analyses des termes de choix libre à travers les langues. Enfin, nous situerons les articles contenus dans ce numéro dans ce panorama de la recherche.

The life span of various model organisms can be extended by caloric restriction as well as by autophagy-inducing pharmacological agents. Life span-prolonging effects have also been observed in yeast cells, nematodes and flies upon the overexpression of the deacetylase Sirtuin-1. Intrigued by these observations and by the established link between caloric restriction and Sirtuin-1 activation, we decided to investigate the putative implication of Sirtuin-1 in the response of human cancer cells and Caenorhabditis elegans to multiple triggers of autophagy. Our data indicate that the activation of Sirtuin-1 (by the pharmacological agent resveratrol and/or genetic means) per se ignites autophagy, and that Sirtuin-1 is required for the autophagic response to nutrient deprivation, in both human and nematode cells, but not for autophagy triggered by downstream signals such as the inhibition of mTOR or p53. Since the life spanextending effects of Sirtuin-1 activators are lost in autophagy-deficient C. elegans, our results suggest that caloric restriction and resveratrol extend longevity, at least in experimental settings, by activating autophagy.

We study the linear and nonlinear optical response of intersubband transitions in a semiconductor quantum well. We describe the coupling of the quantum well structure with the electromagnetic field by using the nonlinear density matrix equations, in the two-subband approximation. We provide proper approximate analytical solutions to these equations that are used for the closed-form determination of the optical susceptibilities &#x3C7;(1)">χ(1), &#x3C7;(3)">χ(3), and &#x3C7;(5)">χ(5). We also explore the dependence of &#x3C7;(1)">χ(1), &#x3C7;(3)">χ(3), and &#x3C7;(5)">χ(5) on the electron sheet density for a specific double GaAs/AlGaAs quantum well.

BACKGROUND: Lobular breast cancer in men is an extremely infrequent occurrence due to the lack of lobules and acini in the male breast. Such a rare case is described here. CASE REPORT: A 74-year-old patient presented with a sizeable lesion in the right breast, which proved to be a lobular carcinoma. Genetic studies excluded Klinefelter's syndrome, though revealing an interesting genetic multiformity feature. This case represented a lobular carcinoma in a genotypically male patient under no exogenous or endogenous estrogenic influence. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing number of male lobular breast cancer cases should be explored more extensively with particular emphasis placed on causally related genetic and hormonal factors.

Mean diameter or longest diameter are the 2 most frequently used parameters for wheal response assessment after skin prick testing (SPT). We aimed to compare these 2 parameters taking as gold standard the surface of the wheal skin response.|Patients suspected of having an allergic reaction against inhalant allergens have been skin prick tested using the Pan-European GA(2)LEN SPT panel. Fifteen minutes later, macroscopically evident wheal and flare reactions were marked with a pen and transferred to paper with a transparent scotch tape. Each paper-transferred wheal was scanned with an ordinary scanner, and its surface-corresponding maximum perpendicular diameters and longest diameters were measured using a computer software application for image recognition, developed for this purpose. Correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) between surfaces and respective mean (rho(mean)) or longest (rho(longest)) diameters were calculated and subsequently compared.|1,554 SPTs were performed in 74 patients. In 264, a macroscopically evident wheal and flare response was observed. Both mean and longest diameters correlated significantly with the wheal surfaces. However, rho(longest) was statistically significantly larger than rho(mean) when the surface of the wheal was >17 mm(2) (rho(longest) > 0.860 vs. rho(mean) < 0.660; p < 0.05).Such a surface corresponds to a maximum diameter of approximately 7 mm and a mean diameter of approximately 6 mm. Thus, the larger the surface of the wheal, the more appropriate the usage of the longest diameter.|The longest wheal diameter alone seems to be a better surrogate marker of the wheal surface in comparison with the mean diameter. In addition, it is easier and faster to measure. Therefore, we propose this as the optimal methodology to evaluate SPTs.

This study examined in detail patterns of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine use and explored the relationship between patient characteristics and such use. Patients with probable Alzheimer disease AD (n=201) were recruited from the Predictors Study in 3 academic AD centers and followed from early disease stages for up to 6 years. Random effects logistic regressions were used to examine effects of patient characteristics on ChEIs/memantine use over time. Independent variables included measures of function, cognition, comorbidities, the presence of extrapyramidal signs, psychotic symptoms, age, sex, and patient's living situation at each interval. Control variables included assessment interval, year of study entry, and site. During a 6-year study period, rate of ChEIs use decreased (80.6% to 73.0%) whereas memantine use increased (2.0% to 45.9%). Random effects logistic regression analyses showed that ChEI use was associated with better function, no psychotic symptoms, and younger age. Memantine use was associated with better function, poorer cognition, living at home, later assessment interval, and later year of study entry. Results suggest that high rate of ChEI use and increasing memantine use over time are consistent with current practice guidelines of initiation of ChEIs in mild-to-moderate AD patients and initiation of memantine in moderate-to-severe patients.

Objective: The rarity of uterine sarcomas along with their pathological and molecular heterogeneities render their study particularly challenging. We evaluated a panel of somatic mutations principally centering on the tyrosine kinase gene family and their downstream signaling cascades in an attempt to identify potential candidate markers that may assist in diagnostic or therapeutic decisions in these tumors. Methods: We performed mutational analysis of 20 exons from 9 genes (EGFR, CDKN2A, MET, KIT, RAS, BRAF, PI3KCA, HER-2 and PDGFR-α) on biopsy material from 25 patients who underwent primary surgery for uterine sarcoma between October 1995 and October 2003. Due to the limited number of studies conducted we have also undertaken a literature review of somatic mutations in uterine sarcomas. Results: A total of 3 different somatic mutations were identified: one KRAS (codon G12D) in a carcinosarcoma and two exon 20 PI3KCA mutations (H1047R and H1047Y) both in carcinosarcomas. Mutational status of all mutations was confirmed using germline DNA extracted from peripheral blood. Consistent with the literature data, no other mutations regarding the rest of the genes of the panel were identified. Due to the low number of somatic mutations in our series, we did not perform further clinicopathological correlations. Conclusion: The absence of somatic mutations in the majority of genes that are considered critical in neoplastic transformation hampers the identification of potential therapeutic targets in patients with uterine sarcoma. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Under the influence of different external stimuli condensed matter reveals its magnificent properties. The electric field, the temperature, the concentration gradients and the light are the basic “forces” responsible for processes such as the electrical, the thermal, the diffusion transport or optical phenomena. The action of the magnetic field brings about the galvanomagnetic or the thermomagnetic effects. New alloy semiconductors and the development of artificial semiconductor heterostructures led to the confinement of carriers in two, one or zero dimensions, opening a new window in condensed matter research. The application of a perpendicular magnetic field upon two-dimensional carriers, led to the discovering of astonishing phenomena, namely, the integer or the fractional quantum Hall effects and inspired radical theoretical interpretations. The reduced symmetry of low dimensional structures enhances decisively the role of the magnetic field orientation, bringing to light novel and unexpected phenomena. In the present book the effect of the application of an in-plane magnetic field upon low dimensional carriers, giving rise to impressive novel phenomena, is presented and discussed. Specifically, whenever a quantum well is subjected to an in-plane or tilted magnetic field, the elegant concept of Landau levels must be modified, because the carriers move under the competing influence of the Lorentz force and the force due to the quantum well confining potential. Under these conditions, the equal-energy surfaces or equivalently, the density of states (DOS), are qualitatively and quantitatively modified. The DOS diverges significantly from the ideal step-like two-dimensional carrier form. The book discusses various physical properties which are affected by the DOS modification.

The magnetic and electronic properties of composites consisting of oxidized multiwall carbon nantubes (MWNTs) dispersed in elastomeric poly(ether-ester) segmented block copolymer have been studied by means of electron spin resonance (ESR) and dc magnetization measurements. A marked reduction in the MWNT diamagnetic response is identified, indicative of substantial hole doping related to the oxygen functional groups on the oxidized carbon nanotube's surface. Both ESR and the static magnetization reveal considerable enhancement of the spin susceptibility due to an excessive increase in the density of paramagnetic defects, which are sensitive to the dynamical polymer relaxation and thus to the MWNT-polymer interfacial coupling. © 2010 American Institute of Physics.

The molecular triad, which includes the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), its receptor RANK, and the endogenous soluble RANKL decoy receptor osteoprotegerin (OPG), has emerged as an important determinant of bone metabolism. We aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment with the biphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA) on biochemical markers of bone remodeling and to detect possible correlations of markerlevel changes with skeletal morbidity and clinical outcomes in patients with solid tumors and osseous metastases. The following serum markers were measured at the onset of skeletal metastases and after 6 months of treatment with ZA (4 mg intravenously monthly) in 70 patients with breast (n = 30), lung (n = 18), or prostate (n = 22) cancer: RANKL, OPG, C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP-5b), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), and osteopontin (OPN). Logistic regression models were applied to assess the correlation between marker-level changes and skeletal related events (SRE, primary endpoint), recurrence or progression, and death. Within a median follow-up of 32 months, 34 patients (48.6%) presented with at least 1 SRE and 48 patients (68.6%) relapsed. The RANKL/OPG ratio was upregulated in patients with breast and lung cancer, and it tended to decline after treatment with ZA, whereas prostate cancer patients presented with profound elevation of OPG only that persisted after treatment. CTX levels were significantly reduced after treatment in the whole study population (P = 0.003). None of the markers was able to predict skeletal morbidity or clinical outcomes independently of well-established prognostic clinical parameters. © 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The paper is an investigation into the concept of actuality from the standpoint of the philosophy of language. It is argued that expressions such as ‘actually’ and ‘in fact’ are not indexicals like ‘here’ and ‘now’; when e.g. ‘Snow is actually white’ is uttered in a world, what proposition is conveyed does not depend on the world. Nor are such expressions ambiguous. The paper makes a suggestion about the role that ‘actually’ and its cognates do play. It is also argued that the sentence ⌜Actually S⌝ expresses a necessary truth only if S itself expresses one. In order to capture the necessitation of the proposition expressed in ⌜Actually S⌝ , it is not sufficient to prefix the word ‘necessarily’.

This paper reports on a design experiment conducted to explore the construction of meanings by 17 year old students, emerging from their interpretations and uses of algebraic like formalism. The students worked collaboratively in groups of two or three, using MoPiX, a constructionist computational environment with which they could create concrete entities in the form of models by using equations and animate them to link the equations’ formalism to the produced visual representation. Our aim was to further study the ways in which the use of formalism in constructionist environments can create contexts for the emerging of mathematical meanings. Some illustrative examples of two groups of students’ work indicate the potential of the activities and tools for expressing and reflecting on the mathematical nature of the available formalism. We particularly focused on the students’ engagement in reification processes, i.e. making sense of structural aspects of equations, involved in conceptualising them as objects that underlie the behaviour of the respective models

BACKGROUND: A decline of medical students' interest in a general surgery career is occurring in the Western medical world. We sought data on the mentality of Greek students toward specialty selection, and we determined whether trends indicated a decline in interest for general surgery in Greece. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 3 groups of medical students: to pre-4th-year (group 1) surgical clerkship, post-4th-year (group 2) surgical clerkship, and post-6th-year internship students in surgery (group 3). The questions covered a wide spectrum of data including career choices, influential factors, and satisfaction rates on educational and training issues. RESULTS: From a total of 500 distributed questionnaires 363 were returned. Most students (63.1%) indicated preference toward nonsurgical (medical) specialties. Surgical specialties within the 3 groups gathered 19.5% (group 1), 26.5% (group 2) and 31.2% (group 3) preference rates. Among surgical specialties, general surgery was chosen by 29.4% in group 1, 10.0% in group 2, and 17.9% in group 3. The most common criterion for specialty selection was "quality of life" (68.6%) among group 1 students and "patient contact" for group 2 and group 3 students (77.3% and 65.3%, respectively). Among the 96 students who chose surgical specialties, the most common criterion for specialty selection was "scientific challenge" (100%) in group 1 and "patient contact" in groups 2 and 3 (62.5% and 69.2%, respectively). The 3 more frequently chosen factors that influenced the "picture" of surgery positively were attending live surgery cases in the operating room (37.6%), clinical experience (29.6%), and patient care (14.4%), followed by assisting in the operating room (8.8%). CONCLUSION: Our survey suggests a limited interest of Greek medical students for surgical specialties and general surgery in particular. As the medical curriculum is restructured, our data underscore the need for actions by surgical educators and medical school authorities so as to enhance the interest of medical students in general surgery in Greece.

We aimed to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MeDi) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk in a prospective study. Specifically, we analyzed reduced inflammation and improved metabolic profile as a potential medium through which the MeDi reduced the risk of AD. During a 4-year follow-up, 118 incident AD cases were identified among the 1219 non-demented elderly (age ≥ 65) subjects who provided dietary information and blood samples at baseline. We used high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as an index of systemic inflammation, and fasting insulin and adiponectin as indexes of metabolic profile. We investigated whether there was a change in the association between MeDi and incident AD risk when the biomarkers were introduced into multivariable adjusted COX models. Better adherence to MeDi was associated with lower level of hsCRP (p =0.003), but not fasting insulin or adiponectin. Better adherence to MeDi was significantly associated with lower risk for AD: compared to those in the lowest tertile of MeDi, subjects in the highest tertile had a 34% less risk of developing AD (p-for-trend =0.04). Introduction of the hsCRP, fasting insulin, adiponectin, or combinations of them into the COX model did not change the magnitude of the association between MeDi and incident AD. Ultimately, the favorable association between better adherence to MeDi and lower risk of AD did not seem to be mediated by hsCRP, fasting insulin, or adiponectin. Other aspects of inflammatory and metabolic pathways not captured by these biomarkers, or non-inflammatory or non-metabolic pathways, may be relevant to the MeDi-AD association.

Epithelial cancer of the ovary is the most lethal malignancy of all gynaecological cancers. Various clinical and pathological features of ovarian cancer are used as predictors of clinical outcome. The use of molecular markers in common clinical practice seems promising for the diagnosis and prognostication. The aim of this review article is to describe current theories regarding the pathogenesis and molecular evolution of epithelial ovarian cancer. With respect to the molecules involved, this article focuses on whether they are associated with poor prognosis or not. This evaluation is performed in light of the progress made and the potential usefulness in treatment decisions without overlooking existing controversies that should be further studied. It is tempting to anticipate the gradual integration of molecular profiling in clinical practice.

On February 25, 2009, a panel of international experts on plasma cell dyscrasia and skeletal disease met to discuss monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). This non-malignant B-cell disorder is the most common plasma cell dyscrasia and is associated with an increased risk of developing serious B-cell disorders. Individuals with MGUS also have an increased risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia associated with an increased likelihood of developing fractures especially in the vertebral column, peripheral neuropathy and thromboembolic events. The goal of the meeting was to develop a consensus statement regarding the appropriate tests to screen, evaluate and follow-up patients with MGUS. The panel also addressed the identification and treatment of MGUS-related skeletal problems, thromboembolic events and neurological complications. The following consensus statement outlines the conclusions and marks the first time that a consensus statement for the screening and treatment of MGUS has been clearly stated. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) was identified in 3.2% of 21 463 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, 50 years of age or older. The risk of progression to multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, AL amyloidosis or a lymphoproliferative disorder is approximately 1% per year. Low-risk MGUS is characterized by having an M protein < 15 g/l, IgG type and a normal free light chain (FLC) ratio. Patients should be followed with serum protein electrophoresis at six months and, if stable, can be followed every 2-3 years or when symptoms suggestive of a plasma cell malignancy arise. Patients with intermediate and high-risk MGUS should be followed in 6 months and then annually for life. The risk of smoldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma (SMM) progressing to multiple myeloma or a related disorder is 10% per year for the first 5 years, 3% per year for the next 5 years and 1-2% per year for the next 10 years. Testing should be done 2-3 months after the initial recognition of SMM. If the results are stable, the patient should be followed every 4-6 months for 1 year and, if stable, every 6-12 months. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous and clear cell histology have been associated with adverse prognosis in ovarian carcinomas. The authors compared the outcome of these subtypes with that of serous tumors in patients who were treated with combination paclitaxel/platinum at their center. METHODS: Four hundred twenty patients with histologically confirmed, serous (n = 367), mucinous (n = 24), or clear cell (n = 29) ovarian carcinomas, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III or IV disease, and who were treated with paclitaxel/platinum after cytoreductive surgery were included in this analysis. RESULTS: The median overall survival for each histological subtype was 47.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.7-57.7 months) for serous, 15.4 months (95% CI, 4.2-26.6 months) for mucinous, and 36.6 months (95% CI, 22.7-50.5 months) for clear cell carcinomas. Cox regression analysis showed that mucinous histology was an independent predictor of poor prognosis compared with serous tumors (hazard ratio, 0.360; 95% CI, 0.215-0.603; P = .001). In contrast, such a difference between clear cell and serous carcinomas was not found (P = .337). Median survival of patients with mucinous tumors and residual disease >2 cm was poor, averaging 7.1 months (95% CI, 4.6-9.6 months). CONCLUSIONS: Mucinous but not clear cell histology is associated with significantly worse prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer treated with combination platinum/paclitaxel. Different therapeutic strategies should be studied in this entity. © 2010 American Cancer Society.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, with an incidence of 6/100 000 in Europe. Interactions between myeloma cells and the microenvironment are essential for MM cell survival. Better knowledge of disease biology has led to the introduction of novel agents for the management of myeloma patients. Patients with asymptomatic MM may remain stable for a long time without any therapy, and treatment is needed only in symptomatic disease. Patients who are eligible for high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) are usually treated with bortezomib- or immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)-based regimens as induction therapy pre-ASCT. In elderly patients, the combination of melphalan and prednisone with either thalidomide (MPT) or bortezomib (MPV) is considered as the standard of care in this setting. Novel agent-based therapies are used for the management of relapsed/refractory disease. However, previous therapies, age, comorbidities and drug safety have to be taken into consideration before deciding the appropriate therapy for patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. Patients with renal impairment or with extended bone disease may be treated with bortezomib-based regimens, while patients with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy may be treated with lenalidomide-based combinations. Maintenance therapy with thalidomide can be administered post-ASCT; however, caution is needed due to thalidomide toxicity. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved.

The photometric and spectroscopic observational campaign organized for the 2008/9 eclipse of EE Cep revealed features, which indicate that the eclipsing disk in the EE Cep system has a multi-ring structure. We suggest that the gaps in the disk can be related to the possible planet formation.

Aim of the present study was to describe the muscle fibre type composition and body composition of well-trained hammer throwers. Six experienced hammer throwers underwent the following measurements: one repetition maximum in squat, snatch, and clean, standing broad jump, backward overhead shot throw and the hammer throw. Dual x-ray absorptiometry was used for body composition analysis. Fibre type composition and cross sectional area was determined in muscle biopsy samples of the right vastus lateralis. Eight physical education students served as a control group. One repetition maximum in squat, snatch and clean for the hammer throwers was 245 ± 21, 132 ± 13 and 165 ± 12kg, respectively. Lean body mass was higher in hammer throwers (85.9 ± 3. 9kg vs. 62.7 ± 5.1kg (p < 0.01). The percentage area of type II muscle fibres was 66.1 ± 4% in hammer throwers and 51 ± 8% in the control group (p < 0.05). Hammer throwers had significantly larger type IIA fibres (7703 ± 1171 vs. 5676 ± 1270μm(2), p < 0.01). Hammer throwing performance correlated significantly with lean body mass (r = 0.81, p < 0.05). These data indicate that hammer throwers have larger lean body mass and larger muscular areas occupied by type II fibres, compared with relatively untrained subjects. Moreover, it seems that the enlarged muscle mass of the hammer throwers contributes significantly to the hammer throwing performance. Key pointsWell-trained hammer throwers had increased lean body mass, higher type IIA muscle fibres cross sectional areas, as well as higher bone mineral density, compared to controls.Increased lean body mass was closely related with hammer throwing performance.The relative high percentage of type IIX muscle fibres in vastus lateralis in hammer throwers warrants further investigation.

OBJECTIVES: 5382insC frameshift mutation along with 5331G>A (G1738R) missense mutation, both found in exon 20 of the BRCA1 gene, are relatively frequent among the Greek breast and ovarian cancer population (46%). Our goal was to develop a novel, reliable and rapid genotyping/scanning method for mutation detection of the exon 20 of the BRCA1 gene, using high-resolution melting curve analysis. DESIGN AND METHODS: The developed methodology was based on real-time PCR and high-resolution melting curve analysis in the presence of LCGreen I dye. Two amplicons on the exon 20 of BRCA1 gene were designed (157 bp and 100 bp), one flanking the exon's boundaries, and one embracing the 5382insC mutation. Our methodology was first optimized and validated by using genomic DNA samples with the 5382insC and 5331G>A (G1738R) mutations and wild-type. In total, the developed methodology was applied on 90 peripheral blood and 127 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast tissue samples. RESULTS: Sensitivity studies with gDNA isolated from peripheral blood showed that mutated DNA could be reliably detected in the presence of wild-type DNA at 5% and 0.5% ratio with the larger and the smaller amplicon, respectively. By using the developed methodology we successfully identified 5382insC, 5331G>A and 5370C>T (R1751X) mutations, in genomic DNA isolated from peripheral blood samples and 5382insC mutation in two breast tumors, as verified by DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of real-time PCR and high-resolution melting curve analysis provides a cost-efficient, simple and rapid approach to successfully scan exon 20 of BRCA1 gene for these clinically important and frequent mutations

In the gospel of Mark (6:14-29) the death of John the Baptist is reported in the most detailed fashion, compared to its synoptic parallels. In fact, this is the only extended story in the second gospel that interrupts the gospel’s linear narrative flow by referring to a past event. On the basis of stylistic, structural and narratological observations the present study attempts to illuminate the narrative function and the christological significance of this story by examining the relationship of Mk 6:14-16 to 8:27-29 and 9:9-13, as well as the relationship of 6:17-29 to the Marcan passion narrative. The study concludes that from a narrative, as well as a christological perspective, the second evangelist presents the death of John the Baptist as decisively pointing towards Jesus’ passion.

Metamaterials exhibiting negative electromagnetic parameters can enable a multitude of exciting applications, but currently their performance is limited by the occurrence of losses-particularly radiation losses, which dominate over their dissipative counterparts even in the optical regime. Here, a metamaterial configuration is conceived that judiciously generalizes the traditional electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) scheme-by which radiation losses can be restrained-in such a way that EIT can be observed and exploited in negative-magnetic metamaterials. Analytic theory and three-dimensional simulations unveil the required route: introduction of poor-conductor meta-atoms next to the good-conductor meta-atoms of a magnetic metamaterial. This setup results in a frequency band where the metamaterial remains negative-magnetic, while its loss-performance dramatically improves owing to suppression of radiation damping. Furthermore, we show that placing the two meta-atoms on orthogonal planes gives rise to a passive anisotropic metamaterial exhibiting permeabilities with negative real parts (Re {μ} <0) and active imaginary parts (Im {μ} >0 for an e+iωt time dependence) along its principal crystallographic axes. © 2010 The American Physical Society.

Eccentric exercise has been extensively used as a model to study muscle damage-induced neuromuscular impairment, adopting mainly a bilateral matching task between the reference (unexercised) arm and the indicator (exercised) arm. However, little attention has been given to the muscle proprioceptive function when the exercised arm acts as its own reference. This study investigated muscle proprioception and motor control, with the arm acting both as reference and indicator, following eccentric exercise and compared them with those observed after isometric exercise. Fourteen young male volunteers were equally divided into two groups and performed an eccentric or isometric exercise protocol with the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm on an isokinetic dynamometer. Both exercise protocols induced significant changes in indicators of muscle damage, that is, muscle soreness, range of motion and maximal isometric force post-exercise (p < 0.050.001), and neuromuscular function was similarly affected following both protocols. Perception of force was impaired over the 4-day post-exercise period (p < 0.001), with the applied force being systematically overestimated. Perception of joint position was significantly disturbed (i.e., target angle was underestimated) only at one elbow angle on day 4 post-exercise (p < 0.05). The misjudgements and disturbed motor output observed when the exercised arm acted as its own reference concur with the view that they could be a result of a mismatch between the central motor command and an impaired motor control after muscle damage. © 2010 Informa Healthcare Ltd.