Chemical synthesis of modified D˗mannuronate building blocks: prospects for modified alginates

Alginate is an anionic polysaccharide comprised of β˗1,4˗linked D˗mannuronic acid (M) and L˗guluronic acid (G). The polymer is naturally harvested from seaweed and is widely exploited in various biotechnological and biomedical applications, due to the multitude of physicochemical characteristics it possesses, predominantly owed to the presence of charged C5˗carboxylic acid groups. Modification of the carboxylates would enable the development of alginate systems possessing novel physicochemical properties. Herein is presented for the first time the synthesis of C6˗hydroxamate and C6˗tetrazole D˗ManA building blocks. The optimised experimental protocols developed, delivered the building blocks in high yields and multi˗gram amounts. C6˗hydroxamate building blocks were evaluated for the chemical glycosylation of modified alginate oligosaccharides by employing an iterative approach, whereby the non˗reducing end was extended. Initial design of the strategy allowed access to the α˗ and β˗linked mixed˗system alginate disaccharides. The results derived from their evaluation emphasises the important contribution of both C6˗hydroxamate donor and acceptor reactivity. An additional objective presented was the chemical synthesis of C6˗bioisosteric D˗ManA 1˗phosphate building blocks

Testing optically stimulated luminescence dating on sand-sized quartz of deltaic deposits from the Sperchios delta plain, central Greece

This study reports on the first investigation into the potential of luminescence dating to establish a chronological framework for the depositional sequences of the Sperchios delta plain, central Greece. A series of three borehole cores (20 m deep) and two shallow cores (4 m deep), from across the delta plain, were extracted, and samples were collected for luminescence dating. The luminescence ages of sand-sized quartz grains were obtained from small aliquots of quartz, using the Single-Aliquot Regenerative-dose (SAR) protocol. The equivalent dose determination included a series of tests and the selection of the Minimum Age Model (MAM) as the most appropriate statistical model. This made it possible to confirm the applicability of quartz Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating to establish absolute chronology for deltaic sediments from the Sperchios delta plain.Testing age results of the five cores showed that the deltaic sediments were deposited during the Holocene. A relatively rapid deposition is implied for the top ∼14 m possibly as a result of the deceleration in the rate of the sea-level rise and the transition to terrestrial conditions, while on the deeper parts, the reduced sedimentation rate may indicate a lagoonal or coastal environment

Knowledge and attitudes of medical students about clinical aspects of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in newborns: A nationwide cross-sectional study in Greece

IntroductionCytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection worldwide causing severe morbidity in newborns, infants, and children. Despite the clinical importance of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, studies conducted so far indicate that there is limited awareness in the medical community in the field. The aim of this study was to assess Greek medical students’ knowledge on cCMV infection.MethodsWe performed a questionnaire-based nationwide cross-sectional study. A convenience sample of medical students from seven medical schools was enrolled.ResultsOf the 562 respondents, 54,8% considered themselves undereducated on cCMV infection. However, almost half of the participants could correctly recognize some basic principles of cCMV infection including ways of transmission, diagnosis and treatment, while there were aspects of cCMV infection with knowledge deficit. The year of study had a positive impact on the level of knowledge with students of higher years of study being of more sufficient education on the specific topic.ConclusionOverall, our study indicates a discrepancy between self-reported awareness and the level of knowledge among medical students in Greece. Further educational opportunities about cCMV should be offered, particularly in areas of the curriculum involving the care of women and children. Establishing medical students’ solid background on the disease burden and educating them about preventative strategies for at-risk populations, should be the main pillars of such efforts in order to promote confidence in managing these cases in their future professional careers

Evaluating the glucose raising effect of established loci via a genetic risk score.

Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with glucose levels. We tested the hypothesis here whether the cumulative effect of glucose raising SNPs, assessed via a score, is associated with glucose levels. A total of 1,434 participants of Greek descent from the THISEAS study and 1,160 participants form the GOMAP study were included in this analysis. We developed a genetic risk score (GRS), based on the known glucose-raising loci, in order to investigate the cumulative effect of known glucose loci on glucose levels. In the THISEAS study, the GRS score was significantly associated with increased glucose levels (mmol/L) (β ± SE: 0.024 ± 0.004, P = 8.27e-07). The effect of the genetic risk score was also significant in the GOMAP study (β ± SE: 0.011 ± 0.005, P = 0.031). In the meta-analysis of the two studies both scores were significantly associated with higher glucose levels GRS: β ± SE: 0.019 ± 0.003, P = 1.41e-09. Also, variants at the SLC30A8, PROX1, MTNR1B, ADRA2A, G6PC2, LPIN3 loci indicated nominal evidence for association with glucose levels (p < 0.05). We replicate associations of the established glucose raising variants in the Greek population and confirm directional consistency of effects (binomial sign test p = 6.96e-05). We also demonstrate that the cumulative effect of the established glucose loci yielded a significant association with increasing glucose levels

Programa intensivo ERASMUS: TOPCART. Documentación Geométrica del Patrimonio (memoria de actividades 2010-2011)

[EN] Data contained in this record come from the following accademic activity (from which it is possible to locate additional records related with the Monastery):● LDGP_inv_002: "Intensive Program ERASMUS: TOPCART. Geometric Documentation of the Heritage (administrative and academic documentation)", http://hdl.handle.net/10810/9906[ES] Los datos de este registro provienen de la una actividad académica que también aparece descrita en el repositorio y desde donde se puede acceder a otros trabajos relacionados con el Monasterio:● LDGP_inv_002: "Programa intensivo ERASMUS: TOPCART. Documentación Geométrica del Patrimonio (documentación administrativa y académica)", http://hdl.handle.net/10810/9906[EN] The main objective this project is looking for is the exchange of practical methodologies, in topics related with the measure and representation of heritage, between teachers and specially students from different countries. For the achievement of this aim we expect the participation of a group of about 30 students and 8 lecturers from Germany, Italy, Greece, Lithuania and Spain.Activities will be focused on the development of concrete projects in documentation of heritage, specifically in the San Prudencio Monastery (La Rioja, Spain). In this site, digital techniques for the acquisition of geometric information from GPS equipment, surveying total stations, laser scanner and photogrammetry systems, will be put into practice.Obtained data will be processed as follows: first of all, they will be documented by adding necessary metadata in order to ensure their use in the future, then, they will be treated to obtain cartographic representations and virtual models which can be distributed on the Internet.As results we expect: metric data of the monument, graphic models for difussion and collaboration partnertships.[ES] El objetivo principal que se persigue en este proyecto es el intercambio de metodológico práctico, en materias afines a la medida y la representación del patrimonio, entre profesores y fundamentalmente alumnos, de diferentes países. Para la consecución de este fin se espera la participación de un grupo de aproximadamente 25 alumnos y 8 profesores de (Alemania, Italia, Grecia, Lituania y España).Las actividades se centrarán en el desarrollo de proyectos concretos de documentación de elementos patrimoniales, en concreto el apartado práctico se desarrollará en el Monasterio de San Prudencio (La Rioja, España). En el se aplicarán técnicas digitales de registro de información geométrica, constituidas por receptores GPS, estaciones totales topográficas, escáneres láser y sistemas fotogramétricos.Los datos obtenidos serán tratados de la siguiente manera: en primer lugar serán documentados, mediante la adición de la metainformación necesaria para garantizar su utilidad a lo largo del tiempo, seguidamente serán procesados con el fin de obtener las representaciones cartográficas y modelos virtuales de representación que puedan ser difundidas por medio de Internet.Como resultados se pretenden: un conjunto de registros métricos del momento de la intervención, modelos gráficos de difusión y finalmente relaciones de colaboración interpersonal e interinstitucional.European Commission, DG Education and Culture (Erasmus 2009-1-ES1-ERAIP-0013, 2010-1-ES1-ERA10-0024); Organismo Autónomo Programas Educativos Europeos (OAPEE); Gobierno de La Rioja (Spain); Universidad de La Rioja; Clavijo City Council; Logroño City Council; Ilustre Colegio de Ingenieros Técnicos en Topografía (Delegación de La Rioja)[ES] Memoria de proyecto (PDF) [es el último fichero de la lista, el enlace directo es https://addi.ehu.es/bitstream/10810/7053/1053/ldgp_mem011-1_Clavijo_SanPrudencio.pdf] + 11 imágenes de la visita preliminar en abril de 2009, en formato JPEG + 19 nubes de puntos en formato txt (comprimido en ZIP junto a un fichero de metadatos y una imagen que sirve de croquis y que también se presenta suelta) + 27 fotografías tomadas desde un helicóptero radicontrolado en 2011 por el grupo H (JPEG) + 18 fotografías métricas del edificio en forma de -L- tomadas desde el Sur + 13 fotografías métricas del edificio en forma de -L- tomadas desde el Este + 95 fotografías métricas del interior del edificio en forma de -L- (JPEG) + 35 fotografías métricas tomadas desde el cerro que se encuentra al sur (JPEG) + 8 fotografías métricas que forman 4 pares estereoscópicos (2 del grupo B y 2 del grupo D) (JPEG) + 183 fotografías métricas que forman 91 tripletas (grupos B, C y D) (JPEG). [NOTA: este registro no está cerrado, se irán incorporando nuevos materiales de forma progresiva][EN] General report (PDF) [it is the last file of the list, the direct link is https://addi.ehu.es/bitstream/10810/7053/1053/ldgp_mem011-1_Clavijo_SanPrudencio.pdf] + 11 pictures taken during the preliminary visit in April 2009 (JPEG format) + 19 point clouds in plain text (compressed in a ZIP file together with a file with metadata and an image PNG as sketch, these image are also presented on their own) + 27 photographs taken from a remote-controlled helicopter for the group H in 2011(JPEG) + 18 metric pictures of the L-shaped building taken from the South (JPEG) + 13 metric pictures of the L-shaped building taken from the East (JPEG) + 95 metric pictures of the inside part of the L-shaped building (JPEG) + 35 metric photographs taken from the hill opposite in the Southern + 8 metric photographs in four stereopairs (2 from group B and 2 from group D) (JPEG) + 183 metric photographs arranged in 91 triplets from groups B, C and D (JPEG). [NOTE: this record is not closed, more data will be uploaded progressively

A principal component meta-analysis on multiple anthropometric traits identifies novel loci for body shape

Large consortia have revealed hundreds of genetic loci associated with anthropometric traits, one trait at a time. We examined whether genetic variants affect body shape as a composite phenotype that is represented by a combination of anthropometric traits. We developed an approach that calculates averaged PCs (AvPCs) representing body shape derived from six anthropometric traits (body mass index, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio). The first four AvPCs explain >99% of the variability, are heritable, and associate with cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed genome-wide association analyses for each body shape composite phenotype across 65 studies and meta-analysed summary statistics. We identify six novel loci: LEMD2 and CD47 for AvPC1, RPS6KA5/C14orf159 and GANAB for AvPC3, and ARL15 and ANP32 for AvPC4. Our findings highlight the value of using multiple traits to define complex phenotypes for discovery, which are not captured by single-trait analyses, and may shed light onto new pathways

Robust estimation of bacterial cell count from optical density

Optical density (OD) is widely used to estimate the density of cells in liquid culture, but cannot be compared between instruments without a standardized calibration protocol and is challenging to relate to actual cell count. We address this with an interlaboratory study comparing three simple, low-cost, and highly accessible OD calibration protocols across 244 laboratories, applied to eight strains of constitutive GFP-expressing E. coli. Based on our results, we recommend calibrating OD to estimated cell count using serial dilution of silica microspheres, which produces highly precise calibration (95.5% of residuals &lt;1.2-fold), is easily assessed for quality control, also assesses instrument effective linear range, and can be combined with fluorescence calibration to obtain units of Molecules of Equivalent Fluorescein (MEFL) per cell, allowing direct comparison and data fusion with flow cytometry measurements: in our study, fluorescence per cell measurements showed only a 1.07-fold mean difference between plate reader and flow cytometry data

A principal component meta-analysis on multiple anthropometric traits identifies novel loci for body shape

Large consortia have revealed hundreds of genetic loci associated with anthropometric traits, one trait at a time. We examined whether genetic variants affect body shape as a composite phenotype that is represented by a combination of anthropometric traits. We developed an approach that calculates averaged PCs (AvPCs) representing body shape derived from six anthropometric traits (body mass index, height, weight, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio). The first four AvPCs explain >99% of the variability, are heritable, and associate with cardiometabolic outcomes. We performed genome-wide association analyses for each body shape composite phenotype across 65 studies and meta-analysed summary statistics. We identify six novel loci: LEMD2 and CD47 for AvPC1, RPS6KA5/C14orf159 and GANAB for AvPC3, and ARL15 and ANP32 for AvPC4. Our findings highlight the value of using multiple traits to define complex phenotypes for discovery, which are not captured by single-trait analyses, and may shed light onto new pathways.Peer reviewe

Synthesis and Isolation of Diastereomeric Anomeric Sulfoxides from a d-Mannuronate Thioglycoside Building Block

Methyl [S-phenyl 4-O-acetyl-2,3-di-O-benzyl-1-thio-&alpha;-d-mannopyranoside (R/S)S-oxide] uronate was synthesised from a thioglycoside mannosyl uronate donor in a 98% yield. By using one equivalent of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) as the sulphur oxidant, a smooth conversion to the diastereomeric sulfoxide products was achieved. The product was fully characterized by 1H, 13C and 2D NMR alongside MS analysis

Exercise and health education in school

The relationship between exercise and health promotion is very often discussed, but how this can be achieved, particularly in the school environment, is not at all clear. The purpose of the present dissertation was the design, the implementation and the evaluation of a program about smoking prevention and exercise promotion for secondary school students. This program can be implemented during the physical education course. In the 1st study the opinions of physical education teachers were investigated about the students’ smoking behavior. The results showed that physical education teachers believe smoking as a serious students’ problem and they consider themselves as able to implement these programs during physical education lesson. The 2nd study focuses on a self-efficacy scale against smoking. The questionnaire was completed by 536 11th grade students. The results showed that there are three main factors (habit, friends, negative feelings) that contribute to the initiation and the adoption of this unhealthy behavior. The 3rd survey concerned the implementation and the evaluation of a comprehensive smoking prevention program. Particular emphasis on this version of the program was given to kinetic games taking place in each section with messages against smoking and in favour of exercise. 205 students participated and they were divided into three groups. The 1st experimental group was implemented the new smoking prevention program during physical education lessons. The 2nd experimental group was implemented the old program “I don’t smoke, I exercise” into the class as a subject of health education. The control group was participated in the typical physical education lesson. The results showed that the participants in the 1st and the 2nd experimental groups improved their knowledge about harmful consequences of smoking in comparison with the control group and they further strengthened their attitude towards a non-smoking behavior. The results showed that the participants in the first experimental and in the control group improved their knowledge about the physical benefits of exercise and they increased their physical activity in comparison with the participants of the 2nd experimental group. Τhe students of the first experimental group compared to the participants of the second experimental group reported a higher level of pleasure-interest from their participation in prevention programs. Six months later, the students of the first experimental group maintained their knowledge and their attitudes against smoking. It also confirmed the students’ preference for the new prevention program.In general, the present dissertation suggests that the proposed program is useful and effective tool for physical education teachers.Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής ήταν η σχεδίαση, η εφαρμογή και η αξιολόγηση ενός προγράμματος πρόληψης του καπνίσματος και προαγωγής της άσκησης για μαθητές γυμνασίου, που θα μπορεί να εφαρμόζεται στη διάρκεια του μαθήματος της Φυσικής Αγωγής (ΦΑ). Αρχικά διερευνήθηκαν οι απόψεις των εκπαιδευτικών ΦΑ σχετικά με τη συνήθεια του καπνίσματος στους μαθητές-τριες. Διαπιστώθηκε ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί θεωρούν σοβαρό πρόβλημα το κάπνισμα, το μάθημά τους κατάλληλο για ευαισθητοποίηση σε θέματα αγωγής υγείας και ότι θα μπορούσαν οι ίδιοι να υλοποιούν τέτοιου είδους προγράμματα. Στη συνέχεια μελετήθηκε η επίδραση της αυτοαποτελεσματικότητας των μαθητών για αποχή από το κάπνισμα. Σχετικό ερωτηματολόγιο, που προσαρμόστηκε στην ελληνική γλώσσα, συμπληρώθηκε από 536 μαθητές –τριες λυκείου και έδειξε ότι οι κύριοι παράγοντες που συμβάλλουν στην υιοθέτηση της ανθυγιεινής αυτής συμπεριφοράς είναι: η συνήθεια, οι φίλοι και τα αρνητικά συναισθήματα. Μετά σχεδιάστηκε, εφαρμόστηκε και αξιολογήθηκε το νέο πρόγραμμα πρόληψης του καπνίσματος. Έμφαση στην έκδοση αυτού του προγράμματος δόθηκε στην αυτοαποτελεσματικότητα των μαθητών και σε κινητικά παιγνίδια ευαισθητοποίησης με μηνύματα κατά του καπνίσματος και υπέρ της άσκησης. Συμμετείχαν συνολικά 205 μαθητές-τριες της Β’ γυμνασίου οι οποίοι χωρίστηκαν σε τρεις ομάδες. Η 1η πειραματική εφάρμοζε το νέο πρόγραμμα πρόληψης στη διάρκεια του μαθήματος της ΦΑ, η 2η πειραματική εφάρμοζε το υπάρχον πρόγραμμα «Δεν καπνίζω, γυμνάζομαι» του Εργαστηρίου Ψυχολογίας της Άσκησης και Ποιότητας Ζωής μέσα στην αίθουσα του σχολείου ως μάθημα Αγωγής Υγείας και η ομάδα ελέγχου παρακολουθούσε το τυπικό μάθημα της ΦΑ. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι συμμετέχοντες στην 1η και τη 2η πειραματική ομάδα βελτίωσαν τις γνώσεις τους σχετικά με τις επιπτώσεις του καπνίσματος και ισχυροποίησαν τη στάση τους εναντίον του καπνίσματος. Οι μαθητές –τριες που συμμετείχαν στην 1η πειραματική και στην ομάδα ελέγχου αύξησαν τη συμμετοχή τους στη φυσική δραστηριότητα. Οι μαθητές-τριες που συμμετείχαν στην 1η πειραματική ομάδα θεώρησαν το πρόγραμμα ευχάριστο και διασκεδαστικό και διατήρησαν τις γνώσεις τους, τη στάση τους και τη συμπεριφορά κατά του καπνίσματος και έξι μήνες μετά το τέλος της παρέμβασης. Επίσης επιβεβαιώθηκε η προτίμηση των μαθητών-τριών για το πρόγραμμα με τα παιχνίδια ευαισθητοποίησης. Συνολικά η παρούσα μελέτη υποστηρίζει ότι το προτεινόμενο πρόγραμμα πρόληψης είναι ένα εύχρηστο και αποτελεσματικό εργαλείο στα χέρια των εκπαιδευτικών ΦΑ