Μελέτη συνθετικών προσεγγίσεων προς το φυσικό προϊόν αβυσσομυκίνη C

Στην παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζονται νέες συνθετικές προσεγγίσεις προς τη σύνθεση του φυσικού προϊόντος αβυσσομυκίνη C το οποίο εμφανίζει δραστικότητα έναντι του ανθεκτικού στελέχους του βακτηρίου του σταφυλόκοκκου στη μεθυκιλίνη και του βακτηρίου της φυματίωσης. Πιο συγκεκριμένα στο κεφάλαιο 1, παρουσιάζεται μία σύντομη ιστορική αναδρομή της εξέλιξης των αντιβιοτικών και της σημασίας αυτών για το σύγχρονο άνθρωπο. Αναδεικνύεται το πρόβλημα της μικροβιακής αντοχής στις μέρες μας και παρουσιάζονται τα σοβαρά παθογόνα που έχουν αναπτύξει ανθεκτικότητα στα γνωστά αντιβιοτικά. Επιπροσθέτως, παρουσιάζεται η απομόνωση, ο χαρακτηρισμός και η βιολογική δράση της αβυσσομυκίνης C και καθίσταται σαφής η βοήθεια που μπορεί να προσφέρει ενάντια στην παγκόσμια απειλή των ανθεκτικών βακτηρίων. Τέλος, παρουσιάζεται περιληπτικά μία βιοσυνθετική μελέτη της βιοσύνθεσης της αβυσσομυκίνης C.Στο κεφάλαιο 2, παρουσιάζεται μία αναδρομή στις ολικές συνθέσεις της αβυσσομυκίνης C. Στο κεφάλαιο 3, περιγράφεται ο σκοπός της εργασίας και αναλύονται οι διαφορετικές προσεγγίσεις που αναπτύχθηκαν προς την διάνοιξη του ανυδρίτη 23 καθώς και προς τη σύνθεση της ένωσης 73. Στο κεφάλαιο 4, περιγράφονται οι συνθετικές πορείες των μορίων της παρούσης εργασίας καθώς και οι χαρακτηρισμοί τους. Εν κατακλείδι, παρατίθενται τα φάσματα NMR των ενώσεων της εργασίας.This thesis describes new synthetic approaches for the synthesis of the natural product abyssomicin C, which exhibits activity against the resistant strain of Staphylococcus bacteria in methicillin and tuberculosis bacterium. In particular Chapter 1 provides, a brief historical overview of the development of antibiotics and their importance for the modern man. Highlights the problem of antimicrobial resistance nowadays and present the serious pathogens that have developed resistance to known antibiotics. Additionally, it is described the isolation, characterization and biological activity of abyssomicin C and it is become lucid the assistance that can offer against the global threat of resistant bacteria. Finally, it is presented a brief study of the biosynthesis of abyssomicin C. Chapter 2 presents an overview of the total synthesis of abyssomicin C. Chapter 3 describes the purpose of the thesis and analyzes new approaches which developed for the opening of anhydride 23 and the synthesis of compound 73. In Chapter 4 the experimental procedures and the spectroscopic data of the molecules of the present work are described. Last but not least, 1H NMR spectra chromatograms of the compounds of this work are quoted

Protocol for a Randomized Phase II Trial for Mesh Optimization by Autologous Plasma Coating in Prolapse Repair: IDEAL Stage 3

Introduction: Mesh-related complications especially after vaginal implantation have raised awareness lately because of severe adverse reactions and legal aspects. About 20% of patients suffer from complications after mesh insertion in the anterior vaginal wall. Autologous plasma coating of meshes prior to implantation has shown potential to improve the biocompatibility of meshes in vivo and in vitro. This innovative approach has been developed according to the IDEAL recommendations for surgical innovations. The method has still to be assessed at stage 3 accordingly. Methods: A protocol is developed for a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled phase II trial for biocompatibility optimization of anterior vaginal meshes for prolapse repair by autologous plasma coating versus non-coated meshes. Results: The protocol aims at fulfilling the requirements for stage 3 (assessment) according to IDEAL. Eligible for inclusion are women with primary cystocele, requiring a surgical procedure, suitable for randomization, and willing to be randomized. Participants will be followed up by postal questionnaires (6 months post surgery and 12 months post randomization) and will also be reviewed in clinic 12 and 24 months post surgery. Primary endpoint is the assessment of mesh-related complications following the Clavien–Dindo classifications. QoL, sexual function assessment, efficacy, and validation of an already developed long-term register are considered secondary endpoints. To afford a calculated 10% reduction of postoperative complications through plasma-coated meshes vs. non-coated meshes at 1-year follow-up, a total 214 women in each arm will be necessary to achieve 80% power at a significance level of 5%. Conclusion: The protocol for this randomized clinical trial represents the conditions to assess the surgical innovation of plasma coating of meshes in order to improve the meshes’ biocompatibility at stage 3 according to the IDEAL recommendations. © 2017 Springer Healthcar

Communist pre-election campaign Greece

The image is documenting a communist party pre-election campaign in Athens, Greece, in May 2012. My research addresses the question of why there is more contention and violence in Greece against the implemented austerity, compared to other debt-ridden European countries where similar measures were adopted? And why did the party system in Greece collapse and extreme right and left parties managed to break into parliamentary politics, while in Ireland, Portugal and Spain public discontent was expressed through already institutionalized parties? In order to understand how the economic crisis affects political and social change I am comparing the reaction to austerity in Greece and Ireland. My focus is on the interaction between political parties framing of the causes of the crisis in their attempt to legitimize the solutions they propose, and the way individuals use or refute those frames in their narration of their interests and identities

Night of rioting central Athens

This image shows a building on fire in central Athens, Greece, during a night of rioting against the parliamentary approval of new austerity measures. My research addresses the question of why there is more contention and violence in Greece against the implemented austerity, compared to other debt-ridden European countries where similar measures were adopted? Why did the party system in Greece collapse and far right and left parties managed to break into parliamentary politics, while in Ireland and Portugal public discontent was expressed through already institutionalized parties? In order to understand how the economic crisis affects political and social change I am comparing the reaction to austerity in Greece and Ireland. My focus is on the interaction between political parties’ framing of the causes of the crisis, and the way individuals use or refute those frames in their narration of their interests and identities

Advancements in SARS-CoV-2 Testing: Enhancing Accessibility through Machine Learning-Enhanced Biosensors

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of widespread testing for SARS-CoV-2, leading to the development of various new testing methods. However, traditional invasive sampling methods can be uncomfortable and even painful, creating barriers to testing accessibility. In this article, we explore how machine learning-enhanced biosensors can enable non-invasive sampling for SARS-CoV-2 testing, revolutionizing the way we detect and monitor the virus. By detecting and measuring specific biomarkers in body fluids or other samples, these biosensors can provide accurate and accessible testing options that do not require invasive procedures. We provide examples of how these biosensors can be used for non-invasive SARS-CoV-2 testing, such as saliva-based testing. We also discuss the potential impact of non-invasive testing on accessibility and accuracy of testing. Finally, we discuss potential limitations or biases associated with the machine learning algorithms used to improve the biosensors and explore future directions in the field of machine learning-enhanced biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 testing, considering their potential impact on global healthcare and disease control

A Portable Screening Device for SARS-CoV-2 with Smartphone Readout

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, great emphasis has been placed on the development of rapid virus detection devices, the principle of operation of many of which is the detection of the virus structural protein spike. Although several such devices have been developed, most are based on the visual observation of the result, without providing the possibility of its electrical processing. This paper presents a biosensor platform for the rapid detection of spike proteinboth in laboratory conditions and in swab samples from hospitalized patients. The platform consists of a microcontroller-based readout circuit, which measures the capacitance change generated in an interdigitated electrode transducer by the presence of the spike protein. The circuit efficiency is calibrated by its correlation with the capacitance measurement of an LCR meter. The test result is made available in less than 2 min through the microcontroller’s LCD screen, and at the same time, the collected data are sent wirelessly to a mobile application interface. In this way, the continuous and effective screening of SARS-CoV-2 patients is facilitated and enhanced, providing big data statistics of COVID-19 in terms of space and time

Coating of mesh grafts for prolapse and urinary incontinence repair with autologous plasma: exploration stage of a surgical innovation

PURPOSE: Optimized biocompatibility is a major requirement for alloplastic materials currently applied for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair. In the preliminary studies the mesh modification by coating with autologous plasma resulted in the increased adherence score in vitro and improved biocompatibility in an animal model. The first use of plasma coated meshes in human is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 04/2013 and 05/2014, 20 patients with the indication for SUI and POP repair were selected in a single institution. The applied meshes were modified by autologous plasma coating prior to implantation. A retrospective chart review for peri- and early postoperative complications was performed. Functional outcome and QoL were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The functional outcome and QoL improved significantly in all groups. Two reoperations (Grade IIIB) with the release of TVT-mesh in anesthesia due to the obstruction were needed. No other severe complications were registered. CONCLUSION: For the first time we applied a mesh modification in a human setting according to IDEAL criteria of surgical innovations. The procedure of mesh coating with autologous plasma is safe and a prospective randomized trial proving a positive effect of plasma coating on the biocompatibility and morbidity outcome with long-term registry is planned