Spontaneous development of macular ischemia in a case of racemose hemangioma

Dimitrios Panagiotidis, Dimitrios Karagiannis, Ioannis TsoumprisSecond Ophthalmology Department of Athens University, Attikon Hospital, Athens, GreecePurpose: To report a rare case of racemose hemangioma which developed spontaneous macular ischemia.Methods: A 32-year-old healthy Caucasian lady presented complaining of recent deterioration of vision in her left eye. At presentation, her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in her right eye and counting fingers in her left eye (LE). Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography were performed. The patient had regular follow-up appointments over a period of 8 years.Results: Fundus examination and fluorescein angiography revealed findings consistent with arteriovenous communications of the retina or racemose hemangioma, in the posterior pole of the LE with the presence of macular ischemia. Complete and systemic examination was unremarkable, excluding the possibility of Wyburn-Mason syndrome. Eight years after presentation, findings and BCVA in the LE have remained stable, with no extension of the retinal ischemia or development of neovascularization.Conclusion: Although extensive retinal ischemia has been reported to result in complications such as retinal or iris neovascularization, in our case the macular ischemia has not expanded further over a period of 8 years. However, due to this macular ischemia the patient unfortunately lost her central vision.Keywords: racemose hemangioma, macular ischemia, retinal ischemi

Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Properties of the Essential Oils of Satureja thymbra and Satureja parnassica and their Major Constituents

Aim: The biopotential of the essential oils of the Greek aromatic plants Satureja thymbra and Satureja parnassica were investigated, together with their major components carvacrol, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant and cancer cell cytotoxic properties were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and sulforhodamine B assays, respectively. The antiproliferative potential was studied against the MCF-7, A549, HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines. Results: S. thymbra oil possessed stronger antioxidant and antiproliferative capacity when tested on MCF-7 cells compared to S. parnassica oil. Thymol exhibited two-fold greater antioxidant potency than carvacrol, whereas γ-terpinene and p-cymene had no significant effect. Carvacrol was the most potent antiproliferative agent against A549 cells, while Hep3B cells were most sensitive to thymol. p-Cymene and γ-terpinene demonstrated negligible bioactivity. Conclusion: S. thymbra and S. parnassica essential oils exhibit significant but diverse antioxidant and antiproliferative activities, mainly attributed to their main components, carvacrol and thymol

Martian Superoxide and Peroxide O2 Release (OR) Assay: A New Technology for Terrestrial and Planetary Applications

This study presents an assay for the detection and quantification of soil metal superoxides and peroxides in regolith and soil. The O2 release (OR) assay is based on the enzymatic conversion of the hydrolysis products of metal oxides to O2, and their quantification by an O2 electrode based on the stoichiometry of the involved reactions: The intermediate product O2 from the hydrolysis of metal superoxides is converted by cytochrome c to O2, and also by superoxide dismutase (SOD) to 1/2 mol O2 and 1/2 mol H2O2, which is then converted by catalase (CAT) to 1/2 mol O2. The product H2O2 from the hydrolysis of metal peroxides and hydroperoxides is converted to 1/2 mol O2 by CAT. The assay-method was validated in a sealed sample chamber using a liquid-phase Clark-type O2 electrode with known concentrations of O2 and H2O2, and with commercial metal superoxide and peroxide mixed with Mars analogue Mojave and Atacama Desert soils. Carbonates and perchlorates, both present on Mars, do not interfere with the assay. The assay lower limit of detection, using luminescence quenching/optical sensing O2-electrodes, is 1 nmol O2 cm(exp. -3) or better. The activity of the assay enzymes SOD and cytochrome c was unaffected up to 6 Gy exposure by gamma-radiation, while CAT retained 100% and 40% of its activity at 3 and 6 Gy, respectively, demonstrating the suitability of these enzymes for planetary missions, e.g., in Mars or Europa

Marine-Derived Surface Active Agents: Health-Promoting Properties and Blue Biotechnology-Based Applications

Surface active agents are characterized for their capacity to adsorb to fluid and solid-water interfaces. They can be classified as surfactants and emulsifiers based on their molecular weight (MW) and properties. Over the years, the chemical surfactant industry has been rapidly increasing to meet consumer demands. Consequently, such a boost has led to the search for more sustainable and biodegradable alternatives, as chemical surfactants are non-biodegradable, thus causing an adverse effect on the environment. To these ends, many microbial and/or marine-derived molecules have been shown to possess various biological properties that could allow manufacturers to make additional health-promoting claims for their products. Our aim, in this review article, is to provide up to date information of critical health-promoting properties of these molecules and their use in blue-based biotechnology (i.e., biotechnology using aquatic organisms) with a focus on food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical/biomedical applications

Evaluation of the Revised International Staging System in an independent cohort of unselected patients with multiple myeloma

The Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) was recently introduced in order to improve risk stratification over that provided by the widely used standard International Staging System. In addition to the parameters of the standard system, the R-ISS incorporates the presence of chromosomal abnormalities detected by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization [t(4;14), t(14;16) and del17p] and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase. The R-ISS was formulated on the basis of a large dataset of selected patients who had participated in clinical trials and has not been validated in an independent cohort of unselected patients. Thus, we evaluated the R-ISS in 475 consecutive, unselected patients, treated in a single center. Our patients were older and more often had severe renal dysfunction than those in the original publication on the R-ISS. As regards distribution by group, 18% had R-ISS-1, 64.5% R-ISS-2 and 18% R-ISS-3. According to R-ISS group, the 5-year survival rate was 77%, 53% and 19% for R-ISS-1, -2 and -3, respectively (P75 years. However, in patients with severe renal dysfunction the distinction between groups was less clear. In conclusion, our data in consecutive, unselected patients, with differences in the characteristics and treatment approaches compared to the original International Myeloma Working Group cohort, verified that R-ISS is a robust tool for risk stratification of newly diagnosed patients with symptomatic myeloma

Isothiocyanate-induced Cell Cycle Arrest in a Novel In Vitro Exposure Protocol of Human Malignant Melanoma (A375) Cells

Background/Aim: Several studies have documented the effects of isothiocyanates (ITCs) on cancer prevention by inducing oxidative stress, activating apoptosis, affecting cell cycle regulation, etc. Previously, we have shown that ITCs, administered at low concentrations by the means of double-bolus are capable of potentiating cytotoxicity in human malignant melanoma (A375) cells by inducing apoptosis. The aim of the present study was to further investigate the effect of the treatment of A375 cells with ITCs on cell cycle progression and the levels of various cell cycle regulators. Materials and Methods: Cell cycle analysis was performed by means of flow cytometry whereas western immunoblotting was used to determine the expression levels of these protein regulators. Results: Our data showed an increase in the number of cells in the G2/M phase accompanied by a decrease in the G0/G1 phase, while several cell-cycle regulators were shown to be differentially expressed upon exposure to ITCs. Conclusion: ITCs induced cell cycle arrest in A375 cells

Boiler pollution mechanisms: addressing the problem: extending time between maintenance

A significant proportion of the electrical power requirements of Greece are covered by lignite-fired power plants. Greek lignite is characterized by a high water and ash content and a low heating value. Slagging and fouling are common inside the power units and severely affect the performance of the power plants (reduced efficiency, steam leakage in the superheaters and water walls whereas the high temperature of the exhaust gases leads to the mal-functioning of the electrostatic filters). In addition excessive interior pollution cause the units to stop for cleaning resulting in a reduced production and increased maintenance costs.In this dissertation the results from a measurement campaign in a steam boiler affected by excessive deposits are presented and compared against the manufacturer’s operating data. A number of differences were found between the two sets of data and were attributed to the particulars of excessive amount of deposits in the boiler. In addition, the present study investigates the chemical composition and behavior of the slagging and fouling deposits that occur in units of the Kardia power plant as well as of a bottom ash and a fly ash sampled from the same unit. The steam path of the unit was simulated using the DNA software in order to model the effect of the contamination on the global performance parameters of the power plant and the results were compared against the experienced operational performance parameters. In addition, a number of practices are proposed and assessed for reducing the levels of boiler contamination and extending the time between successive maintenance stoppages.Η Ελλάδα κατέχει τη δεύτερη θέση από τις χώρες της Ε.Ε. και την έκτη από όλες τις χώρες στην παραγωγή λιγνίτη. Φυσικό είναι να παίξει σημαντικότατο ρόλο ο λιγνίτης στη παραγωγή ηλεκτρικής ενέργειας πέρα από τις άλλες χρήσεις. Αυτό άλλωστε φαίνεται και από το ότι μέχρι πριν λίγα χρόνια, πριν την είσοδο του φυσικού αερίου στην ηλεκτροπαραγωγή, η συμμετοχή του λιγνίτη ξεπερνούσε το 70%. Υπολογίζεται ότι υποκατέστησε μέχρι τώρα περισσότερες από 500 εκ. τόνους diesel με σημαντική οικονομία για τη χώρα μας.Η καύση του λιγνίτη λαμβάνει χώρα σε ατμοπαραγωγούς (λέβητες) μονάδων ισχύος 350MW. Λόγω όμως του μεγάλου εύρους των χαρακτηριστικών του λιγνίτη και της ηλικίας των μονάδων (τεχνολογία δεκαετίας ’70) δημιουργούνται σοβαρά προβλήματα επικαθήσεων (μαλακών και σκληρών) κατά τη καύση του. Αυτό έχει σαν αποτέλεσμα τη μείωση του βαθμού απόδοσης του ατμοπαραγωγού, διαρροές στους υπερθερμαντήρες και στα υδροτοιχώματα. Επιπλέον η υψηλή θερμοκρασία των καυσαερίων έχει σαν αποτέλεσμα τη μη καλή λειτουργία των ηλεκτροστατικών φίλτρων.Επίσης, επιβάλλεται η κράτηση των μονάδων για καθαρισμό με αποτέλεσμα μείωση παραγωγής και αυξημένο κόστος συντήρησης.Εκ των πραγμάτων προέκυψε η ανάγκη εξέτασης του θέματος με το οποίο άλλωστε έχουν ασχοληθεί και άλλοι μελετητές των επικαθήσεων (μαλακών και σκληρών) στου υπερθερμαντήρες και στα υδροτοιχώματα. Στο πρώτο μέρος της εργασίας γίνετε μια σύντομη περιγραφή των λιγνιτοφόρων κοιτασμάτων στην περιοχή της Δυτικής Μακεδονίας όπου υπάρχουν άλλωστε και τα περισσότερα. Επίσης παρουσιάζεται η συμμετοχή στην εγχώρια ηλεκτροπαραγωγή καθώς και η τάση που υπάρχει στο μέλλον, αν και η ενεργειακή πολιτική αλλάζει συχνά σύμφωνα με τα συμφέροντα των ισχυρών της γης.Στο δεύτερο μέρος γίνεται μια περιγραφή ενός ατμοπαραγωγού με τα επιμέρους στοιχεία και συνοπτική περιγραφή της θεωρίας των επικαθίσεων. Στο τρίτο μέρος πλέον καταγράφονται οι μετρήσεις που έγιναν σε έναν ατμοπαραγωγό αφού πρώτα μελετήθηκαν οι συνθήκες λειτουργίας. Στη συνέχεια, έγινε σύγκριση των αποτελεσμάτων των μετρήσεων με τα αρχικά στοιχεία λειτουργίας του κατασκευαστή και στοιχεία των δοκιμών παραλαβής. Προέκυψαν αποκλίσεις σε αρχικά στοιχεία και έγινε διαφοροποίηση των στοιχείων λειτουργίας τείνοντα προς εκείνα. Επειδή, οι μετρήσεις όπως ήταν φυσικό έγιναν σε συνθήκες λειτουργίας, οι βελτιώσεις ήταν περιορισμένης έκτασης και έγιναν προτάσεις να γίνουν βελτιώσεις κατά τη διάρκεια ετήσιας συντήρησης όταν η μονάδα θα σταματούσε.Στο τέταρτο μέρος έγινε προσομοίωση του ατμοπαραγωγού χρησιμοποιώντας τη μέθοδο DNA και κάνοντας παραδοχές υπολογίστηκε η ρύπανση στους υπερθερμαντήρες (Υ/Θ, Α/Θ) σε σχέση με τον συντελεστή επιμόλυνσης.Στο τελευταίο μέρος γίνονται προτάσεις και περιγράφεται εξοπλισμός τελευταίας τεχνολογίας για τον καθαρισμό από τις επικαθήσεις στους υπερθερμαντήρες και τα υδροτοιχώματα του ατμοπαραγωγού σε λειτουργία ώστε να επεκτείνεται ο χρόνος μεταξύ των κρατήσεων για καθαρισμό

Μελέτη των Οικονομικών Μεγεθών των ΟΤΑ Α΄ βαθμού και η απεικόνισή τους με την χρήση αριθμοδεικτών για την περίοδο 2011-2017

Σκοπός της παρούσης διπλωματικής εργασίας, είναι η μελέτη των Οικονομικών Μεγεθών των ΟΤΑ Α΄ βαθμού με την χρήση αριθμοδεικτών και η διεξαγωγή συμπερασμάτων που αφορούν τις οικονομικές επιδόσεις και εξελίξεις τους. Η μελέτη αφορά στην χρονική περίοδο 2011 - 2017, η οποία παρουσιάζει ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον λόγω των αλλαγών που επέφερε στην τοπική αυτοδιοίκηση η εφαρμογή του μεταρρυθμιστικού προγράμματος «Καλλικράτης», σε συνδυασμό με την βαθιά επιρροή που επιφέρει στα δημοσιονομικά δεδομένα, αλλά και γενικότερα στην επικράτεια, η οικονομική κρίση που πλήττει την Ελλάδα από τα τέλη του 2009. Η επιλογή των αριθμοδεικτών, έγινε με βάση τους κύριους στόχους της διοίκησης για την περίοδο της έρευνας, οι οποίοι θα μπορούσαν να αποτυπωθούν σε τρεις βασικούς άξονες: την εξοικονόμηση και αποδοτικότερη αξιοποίηση οικονομικών και άλλων πόρων, την δημοσιονομική εξυγίανσή τους, καθώς και την ενίσχυση της οικονομικής και διοικητικής αυτοτέλειας και ανεξαρτησίας τους. Η έρευνα αφορά το σύνολο των ΟΤΑ Α΄ βαθμού, αλλά και τις έξι κατηγορίες Δήμων που ορίζει ο «Κλεισθένης Ι», το διάδοχο πρόγραμμα μεταρρύθμισης της τοπικής αυτοδιοίκησης, με έναρξη εφαρμογής του την 1η Ιανουαρίου 2020. Σκοπός της εφαρμογής των αριθμοδεικτών στις νέες κατηγορίες, να διατηρήσει μεσοπρόθεσμα την αξία της η έρευνα της εργασίας. Τα οικονομικά μεγέθη των Δήμων που αναλύονται και αξιολογούνται, προέρχονται από τη βάση δεδομένων που τηρείται στο Τμήμα Παρακολούθησης – Επεξεργασίας Οικονομικών Στοιχείων Τοπικής Αυτοδιοίκησης του Υπουργείου Εσωτερικών.The purpose of this diploma thesis, is to conduct an empirical analysis on the Greek municipalities economics, and their depiction through the use of financial ratios. The study focuses on the time period of 2011-2017, which is particularly interesting due to the reforms imposed by the implementation of the "Kallikratis" program in local self-government. The interest also arises due to the deep influence that the 2009 Greek financial/debt crisis had to the state’s finances and to the whole economy, for the period from 2009 till today. The choice of indicators was based on the main objectives of the state administration for the period in question, which could be mapped on three main axes: conserving and more efficient use of economic and other resources, their fiscal consolidation, as well as the reinforcement of financial and administrative independence and self-efficiency. The whole of the Greek municipalities are included in our research, but we also focus on the six categories of Municipalities defined by the forthcoming program of local government reform “Cleisthenes I”, with effect from 1st January 2020, as provided by Law. The purpose of applying the financial ratios, is to reinforce the study’s relevancy in the medium term. The financial figures of the Municipalities, which are analyzed and evaluated in this essay, originate from the database maintained in the Department of Financial Data Processing and Analysis, of the Greek Ministry of Interior

Mesenchymal stem cells in preclinical cancer cytotherapy: a systematic review

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) comprise a heterogeneous population of rapidly proliferating cells that can be isolated from adult (e.g., bone marrow, adipose tissue) as well as fetal (e.g., umbilical cord) tissues (termed bone marrow (BM)-, adipose tissue (AT)-, and umbilical cord (UC)-MSC, respectively) and are capable of differentiation into a wide range of non-hematopoietic cell types. An additional, unique attribute of MSC is their ability to home to tumor sites and to interact with the local supportive microenvironment which rapidly conceptualized into MSC-based experimental cancer cytotherapy at the turn of the century. Towards this purpose, both naïve (unmodified) and genetically modified MSC (GM-MSC; used as delivery vehicles for the controlled expression and release of antitumorigenic molecules) have been employed using well-established in vitro and in vivo cancer models, albeit with variable success. The first approach is hampered by contradictory findings regarding the effects of naïve MSC of different origins on tumor growth and metastasis, largely attributed to inherent biological heterogeneity of MSC as well as experimental discrepancies. In the second case, although the anti-cancer effect of GM-MSC is markedly improved over that of naïve cells, it is yet apparent that some protocols are more efficient against some types of cancer than others. Regardless, in order to maximize therapeutic consistency and efficacy, a deeper understanding of the complex interaction between MSC and the tumor microenvironment is required, as well as examination of the role of key experimental parameters in shaping the final cytotherapy outcome. This systematic review represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first thorough evaluation of the impact of experimental anti-cancer therapies based on MSC of human origin (with special focus on human BM-/AT-/UC-MSC). Importantly, we dissect the commonalities and differences as well as address the shortcomings of work accumulated over the last two decades and discuss how this information can serve as a guide map for optimal experimental design implementation ultimately aiding the effective transition into clinical trials