Variability of sclerosis along the longitudinal hippocampal axis in epilepsy: A post mortem study

Detailed neuropathological studies of the extent of hippocampal sclerosis (HS) in epilepsy along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus are lacking. Neuroimaging studies of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy support that sclerosis is not always localised. The extent of HS is of relevance to surgical planning and poor outcomes may relate to residual HS in the posterior remnant. In 10 post mortems from patients with long histories of drug refractory epilepsy and 3 controls we systematically sampled the left and right hippocampus at seven coronal anatomical levels along the body to the tail. We quantified neuronal densities in CA1 and CA4 subfields at each level using Cresyl Violet (CV), calretinin (CR), calbindin (CB) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunohistochemistry. In the dentate gyrus we graded the extent of granule cell dispersion, patterns of CB expression, and synaptic reorganisation with CR and NPY at each level. We identified four patterns of HS based on patterns of pyramidal and interneuronal loss and dentate gyrus reorganisation between sides and levels as follows: (1) symmetrical HS with anterior–posterior (AP) gradient, (2) symmetrical HS without AP gradient, (3) asymmetrical HS with AP gradient and (4) asymmetrical cases without AP gradient. We confirmed in this series that HS can extend into the tail. The patterns of sclerosis (classical versus atypical or none) were consistent between all levels in less than a third of cases. In conclusion, this series highlights the variability of HS along the longitudinal axis. Further studies are required to identify factors that lead to focal versus diffuse HS

The Current State of ERP Systems in Banking Sector

Abstract—Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems integrate the organizations business functions allowing efficient information sharing across all business divisions. Through the information sharing is achieved not only better coordination but also faster and more efficient adjustment to the potential risks and business opportunities alike. This paper examines the particularities of ERP systems implementation and operation for the banking sector by considering a wide range of sources such as journal and conference papers, empirical studies and reports. Finally, through the thorough examination of the available literature, we draw conclusions about the effect by the implementation of ERP systems in the banking sector

Dravet syndrome as epileptic encephalopathy: Evidence from long-term course and neuropathology

Dravet syndrome is an epilepsy syndrome of infantile onset, frequently caused by SCN1A mutations or deletions. Its prevalence, long-term evolution in adults and neuropathology are not well known. We identified a series of 22 adult patients, including three adult post-mortem cases with Dravet syndrome. For all patients, we reviewed the clinical history, seizure types and frequency, antiepileptic drugs, cognitive, social and functional outcome and results of investigations. A systematic neuropathology study was performed, with post-mortem material from three adult cases with Dravet syndrome, in comparison with controls and a range of relevant paediatric tissue. Twenty-two adults with Dravet syndrome, 10 female, were included, median age 39 years (range 20–66). SCN1A structural variation was found in 60% of the adult Dravet patients tested, including one post-mortem case with DNA extracted from brain tissue. Novel mutations were described for 11 adult patients; one patient had three SCN1A mutations. Features of Dravet syndrome in adulthood include multiple seizure types despite polytherapy, and age-dependent evolution in seizure semiology and electroencephalographic pattern. Fever sensitivity persisted through adulthood in 11 cases. Neurological decline occurred in adulthood with cognitive and motor deterioration. Dysphagia may develop in or after the fourth decade of life, leading to significant morbidity, or death. The correct diagnosis at an older age made an impact at several levels. Treatment changes improved seizure control even after years of drug resistance in all three cases with sufficient follow-up after drug changes were instituted; better control led to significant improvement in cognitive performance and quality of life in adulthood in two cases. There was no histopathological hallmark feature of Dravet syndrome in this series. Strikingly, there was remarkable preservation of neurons and interneurons in the neocortex and hippocampi of Dravet adult post-mortem cases. Our study provides evidence that Dravet syndrome is at least in part an epileptic encephalopathy

Dravet syndrome as epileptic encephalopathy: evidence from long-term course and neuropathology

Dravet syndrome is an epilepsy syndrome of infantile onset, frequently caused by SCN1A mutations or deletions. Its prevalence, long-term evolution in adults and neuropathology are not well known. We identified a series of 22 adult patients, including three adult post-mortem cases with Dravet syndrome. For all patients, we reviewed the clinical history, seizure types and frequency, antiepileptic drugs, cognitive, social and functional outcome and results of investigations. A systematic neuropathology study was performed, with post-mortem material from three adult cases with Dravet syndrome, in comparison with controls and a range of relevant paediatric tissue. Twenty-two adults with Dravet syndrome, 10 female, were included, median age 39 years (range 20–66). SCN1A structural variation was found in 60% of the adult Dravet patients tested, including one post-mortem case with DNA extracted from brain tissue. Novel mutations were described for 11 adult patients; one patient had three SCN1A mutations. Features of Dravet syndrome in adulthood include multiple seizure types despite polytherapy, and age-dependent evolution in seizure semiology and electroencephalographic pattern. Fever sensitivity persisted through adulthood in 11 cases. Neurological decline occurred in adulthood with cognitive and motor deterioration. Dysphagia may develop in or after the fourth decade of life, leading to significant morbidity, or death. The correct diagnosis at an older age made an impact at several levels. Treatment changes improved seizure control even after years of drug resistance in all three cases with sufficient follow-up after drug changes were instituted; better control led to significant improvement in cognitive performance and quality of life in adulthood in two cases. There was no histopathological hallmark feature of Dravet syndrome in this series. Strikingly, there was remarkable preservation of neurons and interneurons in the neocortex and hippocampi of Dravet adult post-mortem cases. Our study provides evidence that Dravet syndrome is at least in part an epileptic encephalopathy

Comparative study of the pyramidal neuron of the CA1 field in the septal and temporal hippocampal part of hedgehog, sheep, horse swine, dog and human

In the present study we examined the morphometrical features of hippocampus in hedgehog, sheep, horse, swine, dog and man. More specifically we examined comparatively: (1) the cellular density of pyramidal neurons of CA1 field in the septal part and the temporal part of hippocampus, (2) the morphometrical features of pyramidal neurons in the septal part as well as in the temporal part of hippocampus and (3) the number of dendrites of pyramidal neurons of CA1 field in relation to the distance from the neuron soma in the septal part and the temporal part of hippocampus. The study of the cell population density of CA1 pyramidal neurons was performed on paraffin sections stained according to the Nissl histochemical method. Estimation of the cell population density was based on the unbiased Physical Disector method. The method of tissue impregnation with silver nitrate salts, Rapid Golgi, was used in order to reconstruct and study the morphometrical features of CA1 field pyramidal neurons as well as to quantify the dendritic intersections in the same neurons according to the Sholl method. The results of this study could be summarized as follows: (1) the cellular density of pyramidal neurons of CA1 field exhibits, generally, higher values in the septal part in relation to the temporal part of hippocampus in all phylogenetically advanced mammals we examined. On the contrary, in hedgehog the cellular density of pyramidal neurons of CA1 field exhibits higher value in the temporal part of hippocampus, (2) in all species of mammals which were examined, with the exception of swine, the dendritic tree of the CA1 pyramidal neurons is generally appeared more elaborate in the septal hippocampal part in relation to the temporal hippocampal part, (3) morphometric differences, found between the dendritic trees of basal and apical dendritic systems, are species related. These differences seem to be connected to phylogenetical differences, (4) dendrites of different dendritic orders exhibit differences in their number and length as well as the spine density, (5) changes of morphometrical features of dendrites along ascending dendritic orders fluctuate in a similar way in both basal and apical dendritic system and in all species studied. More specifically, the values of morphometrical features of dendrites of pyramidal neurons increase gradually from the first dendritic order to the third dendritic order. In fourth order dendrites, the values of dendritic morphometrical features appear stabilized or decreased and (6) the change of the number of dendritic intersections in relation to the distance from the neuron soma takes place in the same way in both hippocampal parts, in both dendritic systems, in all species of mammals which were examined. More specifically, the number of dendritic intersections decreases gradually in accordance with the distance from neuron soma. The results of this study indicate that: 1. Hippocampus represents a relatively stable structure of the CNS, which exhibits plasticity and adaptability during the species evolution, 2. The functional differentiation along the septo-temporal axis of hippocampus may be connected with the observed differentiation of cytoarchitectural structure and The different ability of basal and apical dendritic system in producing long-term potentiations may be related to the observed morphometric differences of these systems.Στην παρούσα εργασία μελετήθηκαν τα μορφομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά του ιπποκάμπου στον σκαντζόχοιρο, στο πρόβατο, στον ίππο, στον χοίρο, στον σκύλο και στον άνθρωπο. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, εξετάσθηκαν συγκριτικά: (1) η πυκνότητα του πληθυσμού των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1 στο διαφραγματικό και στο κροταφικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου, (2) τα μορφομετρικά χαρακτηριστικά των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1 στο διαφραγματικό και στο κροταφικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου και (3) ο αριθμός των δενδριτικών διακλαδώσεων των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1 σε συνάρτηση με την απόσταση από το σώμα των νευρώνων στο διαφραγματικό και στο κροταφικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου. Για τη μελέτη της πυκνότητας του πληθυσμού των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1 χρησιμοποιήθηκαν τομές παραφίνης χρωματισμένες με την ιστοχημική μέθοδο Nissl. Η μέτρηση της πυκνότητας του κυτταρικού πληθυσμού των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων στηρίχθηκε στην αμερόληπτη μέθοδο προσδιορισμού της πυκνότητας κυτταρικών πληθυσμών, Physical Disector. Τέλος, η μέθοδος εμποτισμού ιστών με άλατα νιτρικού αργύρου, Rapid Golgi, εφαρμόστηκε για την επανασύνθεση και τη μορφομετρική μελέτη των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1, αλλά και για τη μέτρηση των δενδριτικών διακλαδώσεων στους ίδιους νευρώνες με τη μέθοδο Sholl. Τα συμπεράσματα τα οποία προέκυψαν από αυτήν τη μελέτη συνοψίζονται ως εξής: (1) η πυκνότητα του πληθυσμού των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1 εμφανίζει, γενικά, υψηλότερες τιμές στο διαφραγματικό τμήμα συγκριτικά με το κροταφικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου σε όλα τα είδη ανώτερων θηλαστικών τα οποία εξετάσθηκαν, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του ανθρώπου. Αντίθετα, στον σκαντζόχοιρο, η πυκνότητα του πληθυσμού των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων του πεδίου CA1 εμφανίζει τη μεγαλύτερη τιμή της στο κροταφικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου, (2) σε όλα τα είδη θηλαστικών τα οποία εξετάσθηκαν, με εξαίρεση τον χοίρο, οι πυραμιδοειδείς νευρώνες του πεδίου CA1 εμφανίζουν γενικά περισσότερο αναπτυγμένο δίκτυο δενδριτικών αποφυάδων στο διαφραγματικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου σε σχέση με το κροταφικό τμήμα, (3) τα δίκτυα των δενδριτικών αποφυάδων του βασικού και του κορυφαίου δενδριτικού συστήματος εμφανίζουν μεταξύ τους μορφομετρικές διαφορές οι οποίες ποικίλλουν στα διάφορα είδη θηλαστικών και στον άνθρωπο. Οι διαφορές αυτές φαίνεται να συνδέονται με τη θέση, την οποία κατέχει κάθε είδος στην κλίμακα της φυλογενετικής εξέλιξης, (4) οι αποφυάδες διαφορετικών δενδριτικών τάξεων των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων εμφανίζουν μεταξύ τους διαφορές ως προς τα μορφομετρικά τους χαρακτηριστικά, (5) ο τρόπος με τον οποίο κλιμακώνονται οι μεταβολές των μορφομετρικών χαρακτηριστικών των αποφυάδων διαφορετικών δενδριτικών τάξεων, από τη μία δενδριτική τάξη στην επόμενη, είναι ανάλογος σε όλα τα είδη των θηλαστικών τα οποία εξετάσθηκαν. Ακόμη, οι μεταβολές αυτές εξελίσσονται με τον ίδιο τρόπο τόσο στο διαφραγματικό τμήμα και στο κροταφικό τμήμα του ιπποκάμπου, όσο και στο βασικό δενδριτικό σύστημα και στο κορυφαίο δενδριτικό σύστημα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, έως και την τρίτη δενδριτική τάξη διαπιστώθηκε προοδευτική αύξηση των μορφομετρικών χαρακτηριστικών των δενδριτικών αποφυάδων, ενώ στις δενδριτικές αποφυάδες τετάρτης τάξεως παρατηρήθηκε σταθεροποίηση ή μείωση και (6) η μεταβολή του αριθμού των δενδριτικών διακλαδώσεων σε σχέση με την απόσταση από το σώμα των πυραμιδοειδών νευρώνων γίνεται με ανάλογο τρόπο και στα δύο τμήματα του ιπποκάμπου, αλλά και στα δύο δενδριτικά συστήματα, σε όλα τα είδη θηλαστικών τα οποία εξετάσθηκαν. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, η αύξηση της απόστασης από το σώμα του πυραμιδοειδούς νευρώνα, ακολουθείται από σταδιακή μείωση του αριθμού των δενδριτικών διακλαδώσεων. Τα αποτελέσματα της εργασίας αυτής φανερώνουν ότι: 1. Ο ιππόκαμπος αποτελεί μία μάλλον σταθερή φυλογενετικά δομή του ΚΝΣ, η οποία ωστόσο εμφανίζει στοιχεία πλαστικότητας και προσαρμοστικότητας κατά την εξέλιξη των ειδών, 2. Η λειτουργική διαφοροποίηση κατά τον διαφραγματο-κροταφικό άξονα του ιπποκάμπου συνδέεται με αντίστοιχη διαφοροποίηση της κυτταροαρχιτεκτονικής δομής του πεδίου CA1 και 3. Η διαφορετική ικανότητα του βασικού και του κορυφαίου δενδριτικού συστήματος να επάγουν μακρόχρονες ενδυναμώσεις πιθανόν σχετίζεται με διαφορές των μορφομετρικών χαρακτηριστικών δενδριτικών συστημάτων

Καινοτόμοι πολυαντικειμενικοί εξελικτικοί αλγόριθμοι με εφαρμογή στην επίλυση του με περιορισμούς προβλήματος βελτιστοποίησης χαρτοφυλακίου

Multiobjective optimization (MO) is the problem of simultaneously optimizing two or more conflicting objectives subject to certain constraints. Many real-world problems involve simultaneous optimization of several often conflicting objectives. The portfolio optimization problem belongs to this category of problems. According to Markowitz’s Mean - Variance model (MV) an investor attempts to maximize portfolio expected return for a given amount of portfolio risk or minimize portfolio risk for a given level of expected return. The portfolio optimization problem involves two conflicting objectives (i.e. expected return and portfolio risk) and thus belongs to the family of multiobjective problems. With the assistance of scalarization techniques a multiple objective problem can be converted into a single objective problem. However, the drawbacks to these conventional approaches lead to the development of alternative techniques that yield a set of Pareto optimal solutions rather than only a single solution. The problem becomes much more complicated when we incorporate to the portfolio model some real world constraints. These additional constraints made the portfolio optimization problem difficult to be solved with exact methods. In the last decade several metaheuristic optimization techniques have been developed to address the challenges imposed by complex multiobjective optimization problems. Due to the intrinsic multiobjective nature of the portfolio optimization problem, multiobjective approaches, particularly multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) are suitable in handling the difficulties imposed by this type of problems. Especially in the presence of multiple constraints the portfolio optimization problem becomes very complicate and efficient solution needs to be found.Furthermore, the existing multiobjective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) techniques cannot be used directly to solve the constrained portfolio optimization problem as a number of configuration issues related to the application of MOEAs for solving the constrained portfolio optimization problem must be addressed. The successful implementation of the constrained portfolio optimization problem by the MOEAs requires the development of novel algorithmic and technical approaches. In particular new multiobjective evolutionary approaches are needed to efficiently solve the constrained portfolio optimization problem. In this thesis we address these issues by examining a number of configuration issues related to the application of MOEAs for solving the constrained portfolio optimization problem. Furthermore we introduce a new multiobjective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) that incorporates a novel representation scheme and specially designed genetic operators for the solution of the constrained portfolio optimization problem. These issues have been addressed in this thesis and a set of efficient solutions is found for each of the examined test problems. In this thesis we develop a methodological framework for conducting a comprehensive literature study based on the papers published in MOEAs for the Portfolio Management over a long time span across various disciplines. This framework is being used to gain an understanding of the current state of the MOEAs for the Portfolio Management research field. Based on the literature study, we identify potential areas of concern in regard to MOEAs for the Portfolio Management. Based on the examination of the state-of-the art we present the best practices from a technical and algorithmic point of view for dealing with the complexities of the constrained portfolio optimization problem. We introduce new genetic operators to enhance algorithms’ performance. We propose a novel representation scheme for the solution of the constrained portfolio optimization problem. Finally, we introduce a novel MOEA for the solution of the constrained portfolio optimization problem. The experimental results applied to the constrained portfolio optimization problem, indicate that the proposed approach generates solutions that lie on the true efficient frontier (TEF) for all of the examined cases for a fraction of time required by exact approaches

The cultural wealth of the Province of Olympia from Prehistoric to Modern times and its management to achieve the sustainable development of the region.

Cultural heritage and natural resources are increasingly important of the identity of each region and for its development. Despite its natural and cultural treasures, the Province of Olympia (Southern Ilia) has been experiencing a severe economic and social crisis for quite a few years. Although extensive archaeological research has been carried out, it is the first time that a diachronic and holistic investigation of the natural and cultural capital of the Province of Olympia is demonstrated. At the same time, a management plan is developed focusing on planning three cultural routes, which intends to stimulate the interesting of the local community for the monuments, promote alternative forms of tourism and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.Η πολιτιστική κληρονομιά και οι φυσικοί πόροι αναγνωρίζονται ως κύρια στοιχεία της συγκρότησης της ταυτότητας κάθε περιοχής και ως συγκριτικά πλεονεκτήματα για την ανάπτυξή της. Η Επαρχία Ολυμπίας (Νότια Ηλεία), μολονότι διαθέτει ένα πλούσιο πολιτιστικό και φυσικό απόθεμα, έχει απολέσει την κοινωνική και οικονομική της δυναμική. Με το παρόν πόνημα, επιχειρείται για πρώτη φορά μια προσπάθεια διαχρονικής και ολιστικής προσέγγισης του μνημειακού και του φυσικού της πλούτου και παράλληλα προτείνεται ένα σχέδιο διαχείρισης με άξονα τη χάραξη τριών πολιτιστικών διαδρομών που αποσκοπεί στην ενθάρρυνση της τοπικής κοινωνίας για την ενεργή συμμετοχή της, στην ενδυνάμωση της κοινωνικής συνοχής, στη βιώσιμη ανάπτυξή της και στην προώθηση εναλλακτικών μορφών τουρισμού

Application of Customer Relationship Management Systems in Business: Challenges and Opportunities

Customer relationship management (CRM) systems in business are a reality of the contemporary business world for the last decade or so. Still, there are grey areas regarding the successful implementation and operation of CRM systems in business. This paper, through the systematic study of the CRM implementation paradigm, attempts to identify the most important challenges and opportunities that the CRM systems face in a rapidly changing business world