Minimally Invasive “IPG-Det Technique” with Autologous CGF and Human Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells towards Posterior Atrophic Maxilla Reconstruction - Case Report

Rehabilitation of maxilla in Implant Dentistry, especially in posterior edentulism is primarily treated with large and painful surgical approaches due to residual ridge atrophy and maxillary sinus pneumatization. Sinus Floor Elevation (SFE), especially in its “lateral version” is considered as the “gold-standard” for over four decades, despite the well documented post-operative morbidity and complications. As an alternative, the novel protocol named “IPG-DET Technique” minimally invasive and equally safe-efficient, promotes sinus membrane intentional perforation secured by healing and augmentative potential of autologous concentrated growth factors and CD34-Stem Cells Matrix. This study further investigates the efficiency and healing process of “IPG-DET Technique” amplified by Mesenchymal Stem Cells clinical use, derived from human Umbilical Cord Blood for posterior atrophic maxilla reconstruction. Preliminary results have shown safe and inductive bone regeneration within sinus cavity. All implants loaded, 4 months after implant placement, showed high primary stability until final fixed prosthetic rehabilitation

Thermogenic capacity of human white-fat: the actual picture

Presented at the 9th Greek Conference of Biochemistry and Physiology of Exercise, Thessaloniki, Greece, 18–20 October 2019Cold exposure and exercise may increase thermogenic capacity of white adipose tissue (WAT), which could subsequently enhance energy expenditure and body weight loss. We aimed to identify possible alterations in uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)—the main biomarker of thermogenic activation—in human WAT due to both cold exposure and exercise, as well as the link between environmental temperature and thermogenic capacity of human WAT. MATERIAL & METHOD: We conducted four human experimental studies and two systematic reviews and meta-analyses—PROSPERO registration CRD42019120116, CRD42019120213. RESULTS: UCP1 mRNA was higher in winter than in summer [t(30) = 2.232, p = 0.03] in human WAT and our meta-analysis showed a main effect of cold exposure on human UCP1 mRNA [standard mean difference (Std-md) = 1.81, confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–3.13, p = 0.007]. However, UCP1 mRNA/protein expressions displayed no associations with %fat mass or BMI (p > 0.05, Cohen’s f2 < 0.20). Both a 2-hour cooling and a non-cooling protocol preceding the positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) measurements revealed no association between environmental temperature and standardised uptake value (SUVmax) of human WAT, as well as no mean differences in SUVmax-WAT-activity between winter and summer. An 8-week exercise program had no effect on UCP1 of human WAT or on body composition. Our meta-analysis also revealed: (a) no effect of chronic exercise on human UCP1 mRNA, (b) a main effect of chronic exercise on UCP1 protein concentrations (Std-md = 0.59, CI = 0.03–1.16, p = 0.04) and UCP1 mRNA (Std-md = 1.76, CI = 0.48–3.04, p = 0.007) in WAT of normal diet animals, c) a main effect of chronic exercise on UCP1 mRNA (Std-md = 2.94, CI = 0.24–5.65, p = 0.03) and UCP1 protein concentrations (Std-md = 2.06, CI = 0.07–4.05, p = 0.04) of high-fat diet animals. CONCLUSIONS: Cold exposure represents a main stimulus for increased thermogenic capacity in human white adipocytes; however, this may have no impact on body weight loss. Chronic exercise may represent no major stimulus for UCP1 induced in human white adipocytes, while in animals it increases UCP1 gene independently of their diet. Therefore, evidence from animal studies regarding UCP1 gene activation in white adipocytes may not be applicable in humans. Finally, the identification of human WAT thermogenic capacity via PET/CT examination may be optimal with both a cooling and a non-cooling protocol.Published onlin

Understanding frost vulnerability in citrus crops: exploring the interplay of plant susceptibility and ice-nucleating bacteria

International audienceDespite being mainly cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions, periodic freezing events have historically posed threats to citriculture in more temperate areas, as witnessed in historical events in Florida (1985) and Greece (2004). Global warming has extended the potential growing area including frost exposed area. Citrus sp are not frost-tolerant but are still able to survive mild freezing events by maintaining intracellular water in a supercooled state. This ability could be mitigated by the abundance of ice nucleation agents, among which Ice Nucleation Active (INA) bacteria are a critical factor. Indeed, epiphytic bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas could catalyze ice nucleation above and within plant tissues, increasing the ice nucleation temperature by several degrees. This study aimed to unravel the intricate relationship between plant response to temperature and INA bacteria, shedding light on the multifaceted factors influencing citrus frost damages. Notably, this study explored the susceptibility of evergreen citrus trees to intrinsic ice formation, with a focus on the acclimation to temperature, leaf morphological traits and the abundance of INA bacteria. We determined the relation between temperature and the ability to acclimate and deacclimate, predicting the sensitivity to freezing events. Although a critical threshold of -6°C was identified. Moreover, the presence of nucleating agents above the leaves could alter the pattern of freezing. This research provides crucial insights into the factors affecting Citrus frost vulnerability and contributes to our understanding of how changing climatic conditions may affect citriculture

Evaluation of the Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices among Greek Non-Professional Athletes Visiting a Public Hospital during March 2022, towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Its Consequences on Sports Training and Sports Activity

Sports have been majorly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. After the lockdown period, vaccination and protocols were implemented to return to normality. We aimed to assess the attitudes and practices related to COVID-19 vaccination among athletes, and to record adverse effects of vaccination, if any. A questionnaire was distributed to 1012 male and female athletes, 15+ years old, within the region of Athens. Vaccination coverage with at least one dose was 93.5%, whereas 53.9% were fully vaccinated. More than half of the participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of the study. More than 90% of the participants, considered the vaccines as safe, effective and important for public health. Concern about potential side-effects was raised especially by women athletes (59.1% of women compared to 42.2% of men, p < 0.001). The main reasons for avoiding vaccination were fear of vaccine safety, concern about the short time period for vaccine development and testing and doubt of risk of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main reported side-effects were pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and headache. Approximately two thirds of the participants reported that vaccination did not affect their training, and none reported missing participation in scheduled athletic events. Participants reported high compliance to preventive measures by themselves and fellow athletes, but low satisfaction regarding the implementation of public protocols and the flow of information provided by the authorities. Athletes of older age and those less concerned about potential side-effects were more likely to get fully vaccinated. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the athletes in our study were vaccinated for COVID-19 despite any hesitation regarding effectiveness, safety, or potential side-effects from the vaccines