Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)

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Open Access
Phagocytic ability of neutrophils and monocytes in neonates.
(2011-10-26) Φίλιας, Αθανάσιος; Θεοδώρου, Γεώργιος; Μουζοπούλου, Σοφία; Βαρβαρίγου, Αναστασία; Μανταγός, Στέφανος; Καρακάντζα, Μαρίνα; Filias, Athanasios; Theodorou, Georgios; Mouzopoulou, Sofia; Varvarigou, Anastasia; Mantagos, Stephanos; Karakantza, Marina
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
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Open Access
Allergic inflammation does not impact chemical-induced carcinogenesis in the lungs of mice
(2011-12-02) Doris, Konstantinos; Karabela, Sophia P; Kairi, Chrysoula; Simoes, Davina CM; Roussos, Charis; Zakynthinos, Spyros G; Kalomenidis, Ioannis; Blackwell, Timothy S; Stathopoulos, Georgios T; Doris, Κωνσταντίνος; Καράμπελα, Σοφία Π; Καΐρη, Χρυσούλα; Simoes, Davina CM; Ρούσσος, Χάρης; Ζακυνθινός, Σπύρος Γ; Καλομενίδης, Ιωάννης; Blackwell, Timothy S; Σταθόπουλος, Γεώργιος Τ
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Although the relationship between allergic inflammation and lung carcinogenesis is not clearly defined, several reports suggest an increased incidence of lung cancer in patients with asthma. We aimed at determining the functional impact of allergic inflammation on chemical carcinogenesis in the lungs of mice. Methods Balb/c mice received single-dose urethane (1 g/kg at day 0) and two-stage ovalbumin during tumor initiation (sensitization: days -14 and 0; challenge: daily at days 6-12), tumor progression (sensitization: days 70 and 84; challenge: daily at days 90-96), or chronically (sensitization: days -14 and 0; challenge: daily at days 6-12 and thrice weekly thereafter). In addition, interleukin (IL)-5 deficient and wild-type C57BL/6 mice received ten weekly urethane injections. All mice were sacrificed after four months. Primary end-points were number, size, and histology of lung tumors. Secondary end-points were inflammatory cells and mediators in the airspace compartment. Results Ovalbumin provoked acute allergic inflammation and chronic remodeling of murine airways, evident by airspace eosinophilia, IL-5 up-regulation, and airspace enlargement. Urethane resulted in formation of atypical alveolar hyperplasias, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas in mouse lungs. Ovalbumin-induced allergic inflammation during tumor initiation, progression, or continuously did not impact the number, size, or histologic distribution of urethane-induced pulmonary neoplastic lesions. In addition, genetic deficiency in IL-5 had no effect on urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis. Conclusions Allergic inflammation does not impact chemical-induced carcinogenesis of the airways. These findings suggest that not all types of airway inflammation influence lung carcinogenesis and cast doubt on the idea of a mechanistic link between asthma and lung cancer.
Open Access
Specific effects of bortezomib against experimental malignant pleural effusion: a preclinical study
(2011-12-02) Psallidas, Ioannis; Karabela, Sophia P; Moschos, Charalampos; Sherrill, Taylor P; Kollintza, Androniki; Magkouta, Sophia; Theodoropoulou, Panagiota; Roussos, Charis; Blackwell, Timothy S; Kalomenidis, Ioannis; Stathopoulos, Georgios T; Ψαλλίδας, Ιωάννης; Καράμπελα, Σοφία Π; Μόσχος, Χαράλαμπος; Sherrill, Taylor P; Κολλίντζα, Ανδρονίκη; Μαγκούτα, Σοφία; Θεοδωροπούλου, Παναγιώτα; Ρούσσος, Χάρης; Blackwell, Timothy S; Καλομενίδης, Ιωάννης; Σταθόπουλος, Γεώργιος Τ
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
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Open Access
Brucellosis presenting as piriformis myositis: a case report
(2011-12-02) Kraniotis, Pantelis; Marangos, Markos; Lekkou, Alexandra; Romanos, Odysseas; Solomou, Ekaterini; Κρανιώτης, Παντελής; Μαραγκός, Μάρκος; Λέκκου, Αλεξάνδρα; Ρωμανός, Οδυσσέας; Σολωμού, Αικατερίνη
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Myositis is a rare bacterial muscle infection. Involvement of the piriformis muscle has been rarely reported in the literature. In this report we describe a case of piriformis myositis due to Brucella melitensis, which to the best of our knowledge is the first such case presented in the literature.
Open Access
Baseline cerebral oximetry values in cardiac and vascular surgery patients: a prospective observational study
(2012-01-10) Baikoussis, Nikolaos G; Karanikolas, Menelaos; Siminelakis, Stavros; Matsagas, Miltiadis; Papadopoulos, Georgios; Μπαϊκούσσης, Νικόλαος; Καρανικόλας, Μενέλαος; Συμινελάκης, Σταύρος; Ματσάγκας, Μιλτιάδης; Παπαδόπουλος, Γεώργιος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
100 cardiac surgery patients and 57 carotid surgery patients enrolled. Compared to cardiac surgery, carotid endarterectomy patients were older (71.05 ± 8.69 vs. 65.72 ± 11.04, P < 0.001), with higher baseline INVOS (P < 0.007) and greater stroke frequency (P < 0.002). Diabetes and high cholesterol were more common in cardiac surgery patients. Right side INVOS values were strongly correlated with left-side values in carotid (r = 0.772, P < 0.0001) and cardiac surgery patients (r = 0.697, P < 0.0001). Diabetes and high cholesterol were associated with significantly (P < 0.001) lower INVOS and smoking was associated with higher INVOS values in carotid, but not in cardiac surgery patients. Age, sex, CVA history, Hypertension, CAD, Asthma, carotid stenosis side and surgery side were not related to INVOS. Multivariate analysis showed that diabetes is strongly associated with lower baseline INVOS values bilaterally (P < 0.001) and explained 36.4% of observed baseline INVOS variability in carotid (but not cardiac) surgery.
Open Access
The reported thoracic injuries in Homer's Iliad
(2012-01-10) Αποστολάκης, Ευστράτιος; Αποστολάκη, Γεωργία; Αποστολάκη, Μαίρη; Χόρτη, Μαρία; Apostolakis, Efstratios; Apostolaki, Georgia; Apostolaki, Mary; Chorti, Maria
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Homer's Iliad is considered to be a prominent and representative work of the tradition of the ancient Greek epic poetry. In this poem Homer presents the battles which took place during the last year of the 10-year lasting Trojan War between Achaeans and Trojans. We wanted to examine the chest wounds, especially those which are described in detail, according to their localization, severity and mortality. Finally, there are reported 54 consecutive thoracic injuries in the Iliad. The mostly used weapons were the spear (63%), the stones (7.4%), the arrow (5.5%) and the sword (5.5%). We divided the injuries according to their severity in mild (those which did not cause serious injury to the victim), medium (those which cause the victim to abandon the battlefield), and severe (those which cause death of the victim). According to this classification, the reported injuries were mild in 11.11%, medium in 18.52%, and severe in the last 70.37% of the reported cases. In other words, 89% of the injuries belong to the medium or severe category of thoracic injury. As far as the mortality of the injuries is concerned, 38 out of 54 thoracic injuries include death, which makes the mortality percentage reach 70.37%. Concerning the "allocation of the roles", the Achaean were in 68% perpetrators and the Trojans in only 32%. In terms of gravity, out of 38 mortal injuries 30 involve a Trojan (78.95%) and the remaining 8 an Achaean (21.05%). The excellent and detailed description of the injuries by Homer, as well as of the symptoms, may reveal a man with knowledge of anatomy and medicine who cared for the injured warriors in the battlefield.
Open Access
Pharmacologic prophylaxis for atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery: a systematic review
(2012-01-10) Κόνιαρη, Ιωάννα; Αποστολάκης, Ευστράτιος; Ρογκάκου, Χριστίνα; Μπαϊκούσης, Νικόλαος; Δουγένης, Δημήτριος; Koniari, Ioanna; Apostolakis, Efstratios; Rogkakou, Christina; Baikoussis, Nikolaos G; Dougenis, Dimitrios
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia occurring after cardiac surgery. Its incidence varies depending on type of surgery. Postoperative AF may cause hemodynamic deterioration, predispose to stroke and increase mortality. Effective treatment for prophylaxis of postoperative AF is vital as reduces hospitalization and overall morbidity. Beta - blockers, have been proved to prevent effectively atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery and should be routinely used if there are no contraindications. Sotalol may be more effective than standard b-blockers for the prevention of AF without causing an excess of side effects. Amiodarone is useful when beta-blocker therapy is not possible or as additional prophylaxis in high risk patients. Other agents such as magnesium, calcium channels blocker or non-antiarrhythmic drugs as glycose-insulin - potassium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, N-acetylcysteine and statins have been studied as alternative treatment for postoperative AF prophylaxis.
Open Access
Intravenous levosimendan-norepinephrine combination during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a hemodialysis patient with severe myocardial dysfunction
(2012-01-10) Papadopoulos, Georgios; Baikoussis, Nikolaos G; Tzimas, Petros; Siminelakis, Stavros N; Karanikolas, Menelaos; Παπαδόπουλος, Γεώργιος; Μπαϊκούσσης, Νικόλαος; Τζίμας, Πέτρος; Συμινελάκης, Σταύρος; Καρανικόλας, Μενέλαος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
This the case of a 63 year-old man with end-stage renal disease (on chronic hemodialysis), unstable angina and significantly impaired myocardial contractility with low left ventricular ejection fraction, who underwent off-pump one vessel coronary bypass surgery. Combined continuous levosimendan and norepinephrine infusion (at 0.07 μg/kg/min and 0.05 μg/kg/min respectively) started immediately after anesthesia induction and continued for 24 hours. The levosimendan/norepinephrine combination helped maintain an appropriate hemodynamic profile, thereby contributing to uneventful completion of surgery and postoperative hemodynamic stability. Although levosimendan is considered contraindicated in ESRD patients, this case report suggests that combined perioperative levosimendan/norepinephrine administration can be useful in carefully selected hemodialysis patients with impaired myocardial contractility and ongoing myocardial ischemia, who undergo off-pump myocardial revascularization surgery.
Open Access
An in vitro study, evaluating the effect of sunitinib and/or lapatinib on two glioma cell lines
(2013-12-03) Giannopoulou, Efstathia; Dimitropoulos, Konstantinos; Argyriou, Andreas; Koutras, Angelos; Dimitrakopoulos, Fotinos; Kalofonos, Haralabos; Γιαννοπούλου, Ευσταθία; Δημητρόπουλος, Κωνσταντίνος; Αργυρίου, Ανδρέας; Κούτρας, Άγγελος; Δημητρακόπουλος, Φωτεινός; Καλόφωνος, Χαράλαμπος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Aim: We sought to assess the effect of sunitinib and lapatinib applied either alone or in combination, on U87 and M059K glioma cells. Methods: Both cell lines were cultured as recommended by the manufacturer. Sunitinib and lapatinib were applied, either separately or in combination, in the cultured cells after cell attachment at doses of 10nM, 100nM, 1μM and 10 μM. To determine whether the agents affect the proliferation of glioma cells, the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 dimethyltetrazolium bromide assay was used. Apoptosis was detected using annexin V/propidium iodide detection assay, migration assay was performed in 24-well microchemotaxis chambers. The release of MMPs into the culture medium of U87 and M059K cells was measured by zymography. Results: Both agents, administered either alone or in combination, decreased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner 48 h after their application in both cell lines. The inhibition of their combination was statistically different than the inhibition of each agent alone. Apoptosis was increased and migration of U87 and M059K cells was inhibited either by each agent alone or their combination. MMPs levels remained unaffected by the application of both agents in U87 cells. However, MMP-9 and MMP-2 levels were decreased 48h after treatment of M059K cells with sunitinib either alone or in combination with lapatinib. Conclusion: Sunitinib and/or lapatinib appear to exhibit significant effects on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of glioma cells. When applied alone, sunitinib appears to be a more potent inhibitor than lapatinib.
Open Access
The effects of anti-VEGFR and anti-EGFR agents on glioma cell migration through implication of growth factors with integrins
(2013-12-03) Dimitropoulos, Konstantinos; Giannopoulou, Efstathia; Argyriou, Andreas; Zolota, Vassiliki; Petsas, Theodore; Kalofonos, Haralabos; Δημητρόπουλος, Κωνσταντίνος; Γιαννοπούλου, Ευσταθία; Αργυρίου, Ανδρέας; Ζολώτα, Βασιλική; Πέτσας, Θεόδωρος; Καλόφωνος, Χαράλαμπος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the antitumor effect of an anti-VEGFR (sunitinib) and the anti-EGFR multitargeted agent (lapatinib), applied either alone or in combination on the migration capacity of two glioma cell lines. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate the effect of lapatinib in the formation of EGFR-integrin β1 complex, as well as the effect of sunitinib in the VEGFR-integrin β3 and PDGFR-integrin β3 complexes formation. Material and methods: U87 and M059K cells were cultured as recommended by ATCC. Migration assays were performed in boyden chambers, using uncoated polycarbonate membranes. Immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis were used for studying the complex formation of EGFR, PDGFR and VEGFR with integrins. The protein localization was evaluated using immunofluorescence assay. Results: We found that both agents administered either alone or in combination, reduced the ability of U87 and M059K cells to migrate 4 h after their application. The time course study of the effect of lapatinib on EGFR-integrin β1 complex revealed an inhibition in complex formation up to 30 min after the application of the agent. Likewise, sunitinib inhibited complex formation of VEGFR-integrin β3 complex within 2h after its application without affecting PDGFR-integrin β3 complex. The previously-described interruption of complexes formation was confirmed with an immunofluorescence assay. Conclusions: The preliminary results of our study are the first to support the implication of a dual anti-EGFR/HER-2 agent, lapatinib and a multi-targeted agent, sunitinib in glioma cells migration, through a mechanism implying interruption of growth factor receptor -integrin complexes formation.
Open Access
Investigating the international prices of wheat and rice
Rezitis, Anthony; Pachis, Dimitris; Ntinou, Anastasia; Ρεζίτης, Αντώνιος; Παχής, Δημήτρης; Ντίνου, Αναστασία
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
This paper investigates the international quarterly prices of wheat and rice from 1983(1) to 2012(4). The empirical analysis takes place with the structural time series methodology which decomposes the price series into their trend, cycle, seasonal and irregular components. The empirical results indicate that wheat prices present cyclical behavior while rice prices except for cyclicality are mainly governed by the irregular component. The results strain the importance of treating wheat and rice like two distinct commodities that require country specific and commodity specific policy measures. Finally, the impact of the shrinking Chinese grain stocks after 2002 is proposed as an important factor that resulted in the 2008 price spike.
Open Access
Pattern dystrophies in patients treated with deferoxamine. Report of two cases and review of the literature
Georgakopoulos, Constantine; Tsapardoni, Foteini; Kostopoulou, Elli; Makri, Olga; Γεωργακόπουλος, Κωνσταντίνος; Τσαπαρδώνη, Φωτεινή; Κωστοπούλου, Έλλη; Μακρή, Όλγα
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Background: Deferoxamine (DFO) is one of the most commonly used chelation treatments for transfusional hemosiderosis. Pattern dystrophies constitute a distinct entity of retinal disorders that has been occasionally identified in association with deferoxamine. Case presentation: We report two cases of bilateral macular pattern dystrophy in transfusion dependent patients undergoing chronic chelation therapy with deferoxamine due to thalassemias. Our patients were evaluated with multimodal imaging and the results are presented. Both patients had normal cone and rod responses in the full-field electroretinogram and continued the prescribed chelation therapy, after hematology consult. The patients were followed up every 3 months for 2 and 4 years respectively for possible deterioration. Their best corrected visual acuity remained stable with no anatomic change on Optical Coherence Tomography findings. Conclusion: Multimodal imaging of our patients allowed a better evaluation and possibly earlier detection of the DFO- related changes. Screening and close follow up of patients under chronic chelating therapy is important in order to promptly diagnose and manage possible toxicity either with discontinuation of the offending agent or dose modification.
Open Access
Use of ROV for assessing marine litter on the seafloor of Saronikos Gulf (Greece) : a way to fill data gaps and deliver environmental education
Ioakeimidis, Christos; Fermeli, Georgia; Papathanassiou, Evaggelos; Papatheodorou, Giorgos; Streftaris, Nikos; Ιωακειμίδης, Χρήστος; Φερμέλη, Γεωργία; Παπαθανασίου, Ευάγγελος; Παπαθεοδώρου, Γιώργος; Στρεφτάρης, Νίκος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
A visual census of marine litter on the seafloor of the Saronikos Gulf (Greece) is presented in the current work. The abundance and qualitative composition of benthic marine litter were investigated in two selected locations of the Saronikos Gulf with a Remote Operated Vehicle, where other sampling strategies couldn’t be implemented. The assessment of marine litter was combined with environmental education within the PERSEUS (FP7) Research Project, in a novel 2-day research cruise where schoolchildren actively participated. Two transects of total length 2.36 km were carried out. A relevant marine litter protocol was developed where marine litter was categorized into six different categories according to their material type and where possible, the source of the items was identified. Plastics (55 %) and metals (36 %) had the biggest share among the recorded marine litter items. Marine litter proved to be an ideal theme in order to enhance the environmental awareness of schoolchildren.
Open Access
Correlation between the personal and social performance scale (PSP) and the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) in a Greek sample of patients with schizophrenia
Jelastopulu, Eleni; Giourou, Evangelia; Merekoulias, Giorgos; Mestousi, Angeliki; Moratis, Eleftherios; Alexopoulos, Evangelos C; Τζελαστοπούλου, Ελένη; Γιούρου, Ευαγγελία; Μερεκούλιας, Γιώργος; Μεστούση, Αγγελική; Μωράτης, Ελευθέριος; Αλεξόπουλος, Ευάγγελος Γ.
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Background: Psychosocial dysfunction is one of schizophrenia’s core features, often leading to a deprecation of independent living and significant failure to maintain a competent quality of life. Cognitive and occupational performance as well as psychosocial functioning is moreover recognized as determinants of treatment response. Therefore, the elaboration of measures regarding social performance besides scales that assess psychopathology is essential. The Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale has been found to be as much valid as reliable for assessing social functioning in the acute and stable stage of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation between the PSP and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) (convergent validity) in patients with schizophrenia during routine clinical practice. Methods: A longitudinal study with a six-month follow-up is presented. Correlation between the PSP scale and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was conducted in a Greek sample of 2010 patients with schizophrenia in outpatient setting in two successive visits. PANSS and PSP scales were used for the assessment of psychopathological symptoms and social and personal functioning. Results: The PSP subscales scores were well correlated with each other with Spearman correlation coefficients (r) ranging from 0.56 to 0.76 on both visits in three out of the four main areas, whereas in the category of “disturbing and aggressive behavior” the correlations were lower but still significant. Furthermore, total PSP score showed high association to PANSS total score in the first (r = −0.59) as well as in the second visit (r = −0.50). Regression analysis showed that one point decrease of PANSS’s total score is associated with a 0.42 points increase on the PSP scale. PSP and PANSS scales exhibited high convergent validity. Conclusions: The PSP could provide additional valuable information in the assessment of schizophrenia related social functioning and treatment response.
Open Access
Pure sensory chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy : rapid deterioration after steroid treatment
Chroni, Elisabeth; Veltsista, Dimitra; Gavanozi, Evangelia; Vlachou, Tavitha; Polychronopoulos, Panagiotis; Papathanasopoulos, Panagiotis; Χρόνη, Ελισσάβετ; Βελτσίστα, Δήμητρα; Γαβανόζη, Ευαγγελία; Βλάχου, Ταβίθα; Πολυχρονόπουλος, Παναγιώτης; Παπαθανασόπουλος, Παναγιώτης
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Background: Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) as a pure sensory variant is rarely encountered. Therefore the best treatment option is hard to define. Case presentations: We reported two middle-aged patients of Caucasian origin, one female and one male, who over a period of several months presented limbs and gait ataxia. Clinical and neurophysiological examination revealed only sensory abnormalities. A diagnosis of atypical CIDP was suggested, considering the elevated CSF protein level and the presence of anti-gangliosides antibodies. Ten and 15 days respectively after initiation of prednisolone treatment both patients experienced exacerbation of sensory symptoms and emerging of muscle weakness. Steroids were then substituted by rituximab in the first patient and intravenous immunoglobulin in the second patient resulting in gradual decrement of symptoms and signs. Two-year follow-up showed no further deterioration. Conclusion: Caution should be exercised when treating cases of pure sensory polyneuropathy with high dose steroids since an unfavorable outcome is possible.
Open Access
Higher intrinsic network excitability in ventral compared with the dorsal hippocampus is controlled less effectively by GABAB receptors
Papatheodoropoulos, Costas; Παπαθεοδωρόπουλος, Κώστας
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Background: Elucidating specializations of the intrinsic neuronal network between the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus is a recently emerging area of research that is expected to help us understand the mechanisms underlying large scale functional diversification along the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to characterize spontaneous network activity between the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus induced under conditions of partial or complete blockade of GABAergic inhibition (i.e. disinhibition). Results: Using field recordings from the CA3 and CA1 fields of hippocampal slices from adult rats I found that ventral compared with dorsal hippocampus slices displayed higher propensity for and higher frequency of occurrence of spontaneous field potentials (spfps) at every level of disinhibition. Also NMDA receptor-depended spfps (spfps-nmda) occurred with higher probability more frequently and were larger in the ventral compared with the dorsal hippocampus. Importantly, blockade of GABAB receptors produced a stronger effect in enhancing the probability of generation of spfps and spfps-nmda in the dorsal compared with the ventral hippocampal slices and increased spfps-nmda only in dorsal slices. Conclusion: These results demonstrate a higher intrinsic neuronal excitability of the ventral compared with the dorsal local circuitry with the considerable contribution of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, the GABAB receptors control the total and the NMDA receptor-dependent excitation much less effectively in the ventral part of the hippocampus. It is proposed that NMDA and GABAB receptors significantly contribute to differentiate local network dynamics between the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus with important implications in the information processing performed along the long hippocampal axis.
Open Access
Experience and limited lighting may affect sleepiness of tunnel workers
Lykouras, Dimosthenis; Patouchas, Dimitrios; Sampsonas, Fotis; Faliagka, Evanthia; Spiropoulos, Kostas; Karkoulias, Kiriakos; Lakoumentas, John; Tranou, Magdalini-Konstantina; Tsakalidis, Athanasios; Λυκούρας, Δημοσθένης; Πατούχας, Δημήτριος; Σαμψώνας, Φώτης; Φαλιάγκα, Ευανθία; Σπυρόπουλος, Κώστας; Καρκούλιας, Κυριάκος; Λακουμέντας, Γιάννης; Τρανού, Μαγδαληνή Κωνσταντίνα; Τσακαλίδης, Αθανάσιος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Working on shifts, especially on a night shift, influences the endogenous sleep regulation system leading to diminished sleep time and increased somnolence. We attempted to evaluate the impact of shifts on sleepiness and correlate the sleepiness score to the experience in a shift schedule. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study consists of 42 male and 2 female workers involved in a tunnel construction. They underwent spirometry, pulse oximetry and were asked to complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that workers of lower Epworth had a mean age of 43.6 years, compared to the mean age of 36.4 years of workers with higher Epworth. Furthermore, workers of lower Epworth were characterized by a mean number of shift years equal to 14.8, while those of higher Epworth possessed a mean number of shift years equal to 8. The shift schedule did not reveal any statistically significant correlation. Conclusions: Workers employed for a longer time had diminished sleepiness. However, there is no relationship between night shifts and sleepiness, possibly because of exposure to artificial lighting in the construction site.
Open Access
Airway trauma : a review on epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, diagnosis and treatment
Prokakis, Christos; Dedeilias, Panagiotis; Filos, Kriton; Koletsis, Efstratios; Fligou, Foteini; Dougenis, Dimitrios; Προκάκης, Χρήστος; Δεδεήλιας, Παναγιώτης; Φίλος, Κρίτων; Κολέτσης, Ευστράτιος; Φλίγκου, Φωτεινή; Δουγενής, Δημήτρης
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Airway injuries are life threatening conditions. A very little number of patients suffering air injuries are transferred live at the hospital. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion based on the presence of non-specific for these injuries symptoms and signs and a thorough knowledge of the mechanisms of injury. Bronchoscopy and chest computed tomography with MPR and 3D reconstruction of the airway represent the procedures of choice for the definitive diagnosis. Endotracheal intubation under bronchoscopic guidance is the key point to gain airway control and appropriate ventilation. Primary repair with direct suture or resection and an end to end anastomosis is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from tracheobronchial injuries (TBI). The surgical approach to the injured airway depends on its location. Selected patients, mainly with iatrogenic injuries, can be treated conservatively as long as the injury is small (<2 cm), a secure and patent airway and adequate ventilation are achieved, and there are no signs of sepsis. Patients with delayed presentation airway injuries should be referred for surgical treatment. Intraoperative evaluation of the viability of the lung parenchyma beyond the site of stenosis/obstruction is mandatory to avoid unnecessary lung resection.
Open Access
NRAS destines tumor cells to the lungs
Γιάννου, Αναστάσιος; Μαραζιώτη, Αντωνία; Κανελλάκης, Νικόλαος; Γιοπάνου, Ιωάννα; Λίλης, Ιωάννης; Ζαζάρα, Δήμητρα; Νταλιάρδα, Γιαννούλα; Κατή, Δανάη; Αρμένης, Βασίλειος; Γιωτοπουλου, Γεωργία; Κροντηρά, Ανθή; Λιανου, Μαρίνα; Αγαλιώτη, Θεοδώρα; Βρέκα, Μαλαματή; Παπαγεωργοπούλου, Μαρία; Φούζας, Σωτήριος; Καρδαμάκης, Δημήτριος; Ψαλλίδας, Ιωάννης; Σταθόπουλος, Γεώργιος; Σπέλλα, Μάγδα; Giannou, Anastasios; Marazioti, Antonia; Kanellakis, Nikolaos; Giopanou, Ioanna; Lilis, Ioannis; Zazara, Dimitra; Ntaliarda, Giannoula; Kati, Danai; Armenis, Vasileios; Giotopoulou, Georgia; Krontira, Anthi; Lianou, Marina; Agalioti, Theodora; Vreka, Malamati; Papageorgopoulou, Maria; Fouzas, Sotirios; Kardamakis, Dimitrios; Psallidas, Ioannis; Spella, Magda; Stathopoulos, Georgios
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
The lungs are frequently affected by cancer metastasis. Although NRAS mutations have been associated with metastatic potential, their exact role in lung homing is incompletely understood. We cross-examined the genotype of various tumor cells with their ability for automatic pulmonary dissemination, modulated NRAS expression using RNA interference and NRAS overexpression, identified NRAS signaling partners by microarray, and validated them using Cxcr1- and Cxcr2-deficient mice. Mouse models of spontaneous lung metastasis revealed that mutant or overexpressed NRAS promotes lung colonization by regulating interleukin-8-related chemokine expression, thereby initiating interactions between tumor cells, the pulmonary vasculature, and myeloid cells. Our results support a model where NRAS-mutant, chemokine-expressing circulating tumor cells target the CXCR1-expressing lung vasculature and recruit CXCR2-expressing myeloid cells to initiate metastasis. We further describe a clinically relevant approach to prevent NRAS-driven pulmonary metastasis by inhibiting chemokine signaling. In conclusion, NRAS promotes the colonization of the lungs by various tumor types in mouse models. IL-8-related chemokines, NRAS signaling partners in this process, may constitute an important therapeutic target against pulmonary involvement by cancers of other organs.
Open Access
Mutant KRAS promotes malignant pleural effusion formation
Agalioti, Theodora; Giannou, Anastasios; Krontira, Anthi; Kanellakis, Nikolaos; Kati, Danai; Vreka, Malamati; Pepe, Mario; Spella, Magda; Lilis, Ioannis; Zazara, Dimitra; Nikolouli, Eirini; Spiropoulou, Nikolitsa; Papadakis, Andreas; Papadia, Konstantina; Voulgaridis, Apostolos; Stamou, Panagiota; Meiners, Silke; Eickelberg, Oliver; Snyder, Linda; Antimisiaris, Sophia; Kardamakis, Dimitrios; Psallidas, Ioannis; Marazioti, Antonia; Stathopoulos, Georgios; Αγαλιώτη, Θεοδώρα; Γιάννου, Αναστάσιος; Κροντηρά, Ανθή; Κανελλάκης, Νικόλαος; Κατή, Δανάη; Βρεκά, Μαλαματή; Σπέλλα, Μάγδα; Λιλής, Ιωάννης; Ζαζάρα, Δήμητρα; Νικολούλη, Ειρήνη; Σπυροπούλου, Νικολίτσα; Παπαδάκης, Ανδρέας; Παπαδιά, Κωνσταντίνα; Βουλγαρίδης, Απόστολος; Χαροκόπος, Βαγγέλης; Στάμου, Παναγιώτα; Αντιμησιάρη, Σοφία; Καρδαμάκης, Δημήτριος; Ψαλλίδας, Ιωάννης; Μαραζιώτη, Αντωνία; Σταθόπουλος, Γεώργιος
Τμήμα Ιατρικής (Δημοσ. Π.Π. σε περιοδικά)
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is the lethal consequence of various human cancers metastatic to the pleural cavity. However, the mechanisms responsible for the development of MPE are still obscure. Here we show that mutant KRAS is important for MPE induction in mice. Pleural disseminated, mutant KRAS bearing tumour cells upregulate and systemically release chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) into the bloodstream to mobilize myeloid cells from the host bone marrow to the pleural space via the spleen. These cells promote MPE formation, as indicated by splenectomy and splenocyte restoration experiments. In addition, KRAS mutations are frequently detected in human MPE and cell lines isolated thereof, but are often lost during automated analyses, as indicated by manual versus automated examination of Sanger sequencing traces. Finally, the novel KRAS inhibitor deltarasin and a monoclonal antibody directed against CCL2 are equally effective against an experimental mouse model of MPE, a result that holds promise for future efficient therapies against the human condition.