Kallirhoe Kalinderi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Kallirhoe Kalinderi

Hematology Reports

Methotrexate (MTX), a structurally related substance to folic acid, is an important chemotherapeu... more Methotrexate (MTX), a structurally related substance to folic acid, is an important chemotherapeutic agent used for decades in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other types of cancer as non-Hodgkin lymphomas and osteosarcomas. Despite the successful outcomes observed, the primary drawback is the variability in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between patients. The main adverse events related to its use are nephrotoxicity, mucositis, and myelosuppression, especially when used in high doses. The potential adverse reactions and toxicities associated with MTX are a cause for concern and may lead to dose reduction or treatment interruption. Genetic variants in MTX transport genes have been linked to toxicity. Pharmacogenetic studies conducted in the past focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding and 5′-regulatory regions of genes. Recent studies have demonstrated a significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the transport and m...

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, May 30, 2011

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Feb 6, 2018

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy, increasing ... more Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy, increasing the risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Urinary tract infections may present as asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute cystitis or pyelonephritis. Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen associated with both symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria. If asymptomatic bacteriuria is untreated, up to 30% of mothers develop acute pyelonephritis, with an increased risk of multiple maternal and neonatal complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight. Urinary tract infection is a common, but preventable cause of pregnancy complications, thus urinary tests, such as urine culture or new technologies such as high-throughput DNA sequence-based analyses, should be used in order to improve antenatal screening of pregnant women.

Epilepsy Research, Dec 1, 2014

ABSTRACT Purpose Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is considered to be the most ... more ABSTRACT Purpose Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is considered to be the most common childhood epileptic syndrome. Different mutations in genes that control the excitability of neurons have been described. Recent reports on the involvement of the BDNF and ELP4 genes in cell motility, migration, and adhesion raise the possibility that these genes are involved in pathogenesis of BECTS. Materials and methods we conducted a case-control association study on 60 patients with BECTS and 60 control participants to assess the influence of the BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms on BECTS. The polymorphisms were detected with a PCR-RFLP method. Moreover, we explored the possible association of these polymorphisms with clinical and electroencephalographic parameters of patients with BECTS. Results Our results show no difference in BDNF and ELP4 genotype frequencies between patients and controls. Haplotype analysis also revealed no statistical difference. Conclusion the role of BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms remains controversial.

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Feb 19, 2015

Purpose Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology.... more Purpose Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology. The production of a variety of factors probably implicated in diverse pathways may trigger endothelial dysfunction leading to PE pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the concentrations of leptin and interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), factors characterized by inflammatory, immunomodulatory and angiogenic activities, and to evaluate their possible interaction in women with normotensive pregnancy and PE. Methods The study was carried out on a total of 58 pregnant women, 29 women with PE and 29 controls. Serum leptin and IP-10 levels were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum leptin levels were significantly increased in women with PE compared to controls and this difference was stronger in women with severe PE (p \ 0.001). Although IP-10 serum concentrations were elevated in our preeclamptic women, this difference was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between leptin and IP-10. Conclusions The results of the present study support a significant role of leptin in PE; however, this association was independent from serum IP-10 levels, suggesting that there is no crucial interplay between these two proteins in PE.

Minerva obstetrics and gynecology, Jun 1, 2023

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, May 8, 2018

Benign hydatidiform mole, complete or partial, is the most common type of gestational trophoblast... more Benign hydatidiform mole, complete or partial, is the most common type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) characterised by excessive trophoblastic proliferation and abnormal embryonic development. Although most complete hydatidiform moles (CHMs) are diploid androgenetic, a few cases of CHMs are biparental, characterised by recurrence and familial clustering. In these rare cases, mutations in NLRP7 or KHDC3L genes, associated with maternal imprinting defects, have been implicated. Current data regarding future pregnancy options in hydatidiform moles are discussed and our opinion is presented based on an incidence that took place in our hospital with a woman with consecutive molar pregnancies. In recurrent hydatidiform moles, DNA testing should be performed and when NLRP7 or KHDC3L mutation are detected, oocyte donation should be proposed as an option to maximise woman's chances of having a normal pregnancy.

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Feb 12, 2016

The genetic background of Parkinson's disease: current progress and future prospects.

Aristotle University Medical Journal, May 1, 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Approximately 1-2%... more Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Approximately 1-2% of the population over the age of 65 years suffers from PD, while this percentage arises to 3-5% at ages above 85 years 1. PD is characterized by motor symptomatology including tremor at rest, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability and freezing episodes. However, the clinical spectrum of PD is more extensive covering a wide range of non motor symptoms, including cognitive and behavioral symptoms, sleep disorders, autonomic symptoms, sensory symptoms and fatigue 1. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are the loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, causing dopamine depletion in the striatum, and the presence of Lewy bodies in the remaining neurons. PD occurs primarily in a sporadic form, although family studies in patients with PD have highlighted specific genes/loci associated with the disease, following an autosomal dominant or an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. So far, PD has been associated with 15 genetic loci, however only five genes are definitely considered to be associated with the Mendelian inheritance of the disease 2. One of the major genes associated with autosomal dominant PD is the Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2, also referred to as PARK8) gene the discovery of which was a milestone in the genetic history of PD. This review describes the main data on the LRRK2 gene and PD, with particular emphasis on the G2019S mutation, which is the most common LRRK2 mutation identified today. It also discusses the structural features of the LRRK2 protein, its function, the effects of LRRK2 mutations and the possible substrates of LRRK2 and the pathways in which it may participate. LrrK2 gene: g2019S mutatIon The LRRK2 gene is located on chromosome 12q12, spans 144 Kb and contains 51 exons. In 2004 the first mutations in the LRRK2 gene were described, being now the most common genetic cause of both the hereditary and the sporadic form of the disease 2. Although a large number of genetic changes is found throughout the whole gene, only in five LRRK2 mutations (R1441C, R1441G, Y1699C, G2019S and I2020T) the pathogenesis is fully established 3. Of particular interest is the LRRK2 6055G→A transition, resulting in a glycine-to-serine substitution at amino acid position 2019 (G2019S), which is currently the most common LRRK2 mutation and is associated with both the hereditary and the sporadic form of the disease.

Cardiovascular Research, Jun 27, 2014

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with evidence of genetic susceptibility. Th... more Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with evidence of genetic susceptibility. The rs2200733 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a noncoding region on chromosome 4q25 has been associated with AF. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine the distribution of the rs2200733 polymorphism in a Greek population with AF. Methods: All individuals included in our study, were genotyped for the presence of the rs2200733 using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLPs) method. Results: A total of 295 subjects of Greek origin, 167 AF patients and 128 controls were included in the study. Patients with AF were less often male, had a lower incidence of coronary artery disease, and had larger left atria diameter (LA) diameter compared to controls. The T/T genotype and the T allele were detected more frequently in patients with AF compared to controls (13.2% vs. 2.3%, p=0.001 and 29.6% vs. 17.9%; p=0.001). T/T genotype and LA diameter were the only independent predictors of AF (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.40-2.98; p=0.005 and OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.83-5.62; p,0.001, respectively). A trend of association was observed between the T/T genotype and lone AF (p=0.08). Conclusion: Our results suggest that SNP rs2200733 confers a significant risk of AF in a Greek population, providing further support to the previously reported association between AF and rs2200733 polymorphism on chromosome 4q25.

Reproductive Sciences, May 25, 2021

Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of frozen–thawed embryo replacement (FER) cy... more Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of frozen–thawed embryo replacement (FER) cycles. Along with the advances in embryo cryopreservation techniques, the optimization of endometrial receptivity has resulted in outcomes for FER that are similar to fresh embryo transfer. However, the question of whether the Freeze all strategy is for all is nowadays a hot topic. This review addresses this issue and describes current evidence based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies. To date, it is reasonable to perform FER in cases with a clear indication for the benefits of such strategy including impending ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A); however, this strategy does not fit for all. This review analyses the pros and cons of the freeze all strategy highlighting the need to follow a personalized plan in embryo transfer, avoiding a freeze all methodology for all patients in an unselected manner.

Foods

Origanum vulgare is recognized worldwide for its numerous applications, in the food industry and ... more Origanum vulgare is recognized worldwide for its numerous applications, in the food industry and beyond. However, the extraction of its essential oils generates a significant amount of waste. The aim of this research was to achieve the valorization of solid waste from oregano hydro-distillation, by (i) optimizing the ultrasound extraction of antioxidants, (ii) evaluating the effect of spray and freeze drying on the extract’s physicochemical properties, and (iii) characterizing the obtained powder by its antioxidant capacity. A central composite design of experiments was used to optimize the sample/solvent ratio, ethanol/water ratio, and extraction time. The extract was analyzed for its antioxidant potential by determining the percentage of DPPH inhibition, FRAP, and total phenolic content (TPC). The GAB model best fit the data for the moisture sorption isotherm of the resulting powder. The antioxidant activity of the powders was tested in a ground-beef food system. The TPC was maxim...

Aristotle University Medical Journal, 2012

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a newly identified neurotrophic factor. In this s... more Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a newly identified neurotrophic factor. In this study, we examined the CDNF rs11259365 polymorphism in 53 Greek patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and 52 control subjects, using a PCR-RFLP method. No association was found between this polymorphism and PD, in the Greek population.

JBRA Assisted Reproduction, 2020

Objective: In order to help make the dream of parenthood come true for oocyte acceptors, it is es... more Objective: In order to help make the dream of parenthood come true for oocyte acceptors, it is essential that the procedure is not dangerous or unpleasant for oocyte donors. The aim of this study was to identify differences in safety, efficacy and patient acceptability between a traditional stimulation antagonist protocol with recombinant-FSH (rFSH) with hCG-triggering, compared with an innovative antagonist protocol with corifollitropin alfa (Elonva ®) plus GnRH agonist triggering in oocyte donors. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at an in vitro fertilization center in Greece. The same eighty donors underwent two consecutive antagonist stimulation schemes. Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction (scored by a questionnaire) and delivery rate per donor. Secondary outcomes were mean number of cumulus-oocyte-complexes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate. Results: Donors reported better adherence and less discomfort with the corifollitropin alpha + GnRH agonist-triggering protocol (p<0.001). No significant differences were identified in the clinical pregnancy rate per donor (p=0.13), the delivery rates, the number of oocytes (p=0.35), the number of MII oocytes (p=0.50) and the number of transferred embryos, between the two protocols. However, the luteal phase duration was significantly shorter (p<0.001) in the corifollitropin alpha + GnRH agonist-triggering protocol. Moreover, three cases of moderate OHSS (3.75%) were identified after hCG triggering, whereas no case of OHSS occurred after GnRH agonist ovulation induction (p=0.25). Conclusion: The use of corifollitropin alpha combined with a GnRH agonist for triggering is a safe, effective and acceptable protocol for oocyte donors.

Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2020

Objective: Tumors in the periurethral area can be a rare clinical entity with many difficulties n... more Objective: Tumors in the periurethral area can be a rare clinical entity with many difficulties not only in the diagnosis, as well as in the treatment plan. Skene's gland adenocarcinoma accounts for less than 0.003% of all female urethral malignant neoplasms. Case report: This report describes an extremely rare case of woman with a poorly differentiated carcinoma arising from the periurethral glands. Conclusions: Reporting of such rare cases enhance the understanding of the biological behavior of such tumors and the best treatment plan as well. This case report highlights the need for multidisciplinary approach of such rare cases, the lack of experience for such cases and the fact that the optimal treatment plan is very critical for the best prognosis of these patients.

Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 2018

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 2016

The genetic background of Parkinson's disease: current progress and future prospects.

Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, Jan 19, 2015

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology. The pro... more Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology. The production of a variety of factors probably implicated in diverse pathways may trigger endothelial dysfunction leading to PE pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the concentrations of leptin and interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), factors characterized by inflammatory, immunomodulatory and angiogenic activities, and to evaluate their possible interaction in women with normotensive pregnancy and PE. The study was carried out on a total of 58 pregnant women, 29 women with PE and 29 controls. Serum leptin and IP-10 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum leptin levels were significantly increased in women with PE compared to controls and this difference was stronger in women with severe PE (p < 0.001). Although IP-10 serum concentrations were elevated in our preeclamptic women, this difference was not statistically s...

Hematology Reports

Methotrexate (MTX), a structurally related substance to folic acid, is an important chemotherapeu... more Methotrexate (MTX), a structurally related substance to folic acid, is an important chemotherapeutic agent used for decades in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and other types of cancer as non-Hodgkin lymphomas and osteosarcomas. Despite the successful outcomes observed, the primary drawback is the variability in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics between patients. The main adverse events related to its use are nephrotoxicity, mucositis, and myelosuppression, especially when used in high doses. The potential adverse reactions and toxicities associated with MTX are a cause for concern and may lead to dose reduction or treatment interruption. Genetic variants in MTX transport genes have been linked to toxicity. Pharmacogenetic studies conducted in the past focused on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding and 5′-regulatory regions of genes. Recent studies have demonstrated a significant role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the transport and m...

Parkinsonism & Related Disorders

American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, May 30, 2011

Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Feb 6, 2018

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy, increasing ... more Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy, increasing the risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Urinary tract infections may present as asymptomatic bacteriuria, acute cystitis or pyelonephritis. Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen associated with both symptomatic and asymptomatic bacteriuria. If asymptomatic bacteriuria is untreated, up to 30% of mothers develop acute pyelonephritis, with an increased risk of multiple maternal and neonatal complications, such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight. Urinary tract infection is a common, but preventable cause of pregnancy complications, thus urinary tests, such as urine culture or new technologies such as high-throughput DNA sequence-based analyses, should be used in order to improve antenatal screening of pregnant women.

Epilepsy Research, Dec 1, 2014

ABSTRACT Purpose Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is considered to be the most ... more ABSTRACT Purpose Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is considered to be the most common childhood epileptic syndrome. Different mutations in genes that control the excitability of neurons have been described. Recent reports on the involvement of the BDNF and ELP4 genes in cell motility, migration, and adhesion raise the possibility that these genes are involved in pathogenesis of BECTS. Materials and methods we conducted a case-control association study on 60 patients with BECTS and 60 control participants to assess the influence of the BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms on BECTS. The polymorphisms were detected with a PCR-RFLP method. Moreover, we explored the possible association of these polymorphisms with clinical and electroencephalographic parameters of patients with BECTS. Results Our results show no difference in BDNF and ELP4 genotype frequencies between patients and controls. Haplotype analysis also revealed no statistical difference. Conclusion the role of BDNF and ELP4 polymorphisms remains controversial.

Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Feb 19, 2015

Purpose Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology.... more Purpose Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology. The production of a variety of factors probably implicated in diverse pathways may trigger endothelial dysfunction leading to PE pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the concentrations of leptin and interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), factors characterized by inflammatory, immunomodulatory and angiogenic activities, and to evaluate their possible interaction in women with normotensive pregnancy and PE. Methods The study was carried out on a total of 58 pregnant women, 29 women with PE and 29 controls. Serum leptin and IP-10 levels were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Results Serum leptin levels were significantly increased in women with PE compared to controls and this difference was stronger in women with severe PE (p \ 0.001). Although IP-10 serum concentrations were elevated in our preeclamptic women, this difference was not statistically significant. No correlation was found between leptin and IP-10. Conclusions The results of the present study support a significant role of leptin in PE; however, this association was independent from serum IP-10 levels, suggesting that there is no crucial interplay between these two proteins in PE.

Minerva obstetrics and gynecology, Jun 1, 2023

Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, May 8, 2018

Benign hydatidiform mole, complete or partial, is the most common type of gestational trophoblast... more Benign hydatidiform mole, complete or partial, is the most common type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) characterised by excessive trophoblastic proliferation and abnormal embryonic development. Although most complete hydatidiform moles (CHMs) are diploid androgenetic, a few cases of CHMs are biparental, characterised by recurrence and familial clustering. In these rare cases, mutations in NLRP7 or KHDC3L genes, associated with maternal imprinting defects, have been implicated. Current data regarding future pregnancy options in hydatidiform moles are discussed and our opinion is presented based on an incidence that took place in our hospital with a woman with consecutive molar pregnancies. In recurrent hydatidiform moles, DNA testing should be performed and when NLRP7 or KHDC3L mutation are detected, oocyte donation should be proposed as an option to maximise woman's chances of having a normal pregnancy.

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Feb 12, 2016

The genetic background of Parkinson's disease: current progress and future prospects.

Aristotle University Medical Journal, May 1, 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Approximately 1-2%... more Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Approximately 1-2% of the population over the age of 65 years suffers from PD, while this percentage arises to 3-5% at ages above 85 years 1. PD is characterized by motor symptomatology including tremor at rest, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability and freezing episodes. However, the clinical spectrum of PD is more extensive covering a wide range of non motor symptoms, including cognitive and behavioral symptoms, sleep disorders, autonomic symptoms, sensory symptoms and fatigue 1. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are the loss of the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, causing dopamine depletion in the striatum, and the presence of Lewy bodies in the remaining neurons. PD occurs primarily in a sporadic form, although family studies in patients with PD have highlighted specific genes/loci associated with the disease, following an autosomal dominant or an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. So far, PD has been associated with 15 genetic loci, however only five genes are definitely considered to be associated with the Mendelian inheritance of the disease 2. One of the major genes associated with autosomal dominant PD is the Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2, also referred to as PARK8) gene the discovery of which was a milestone in the genetic history of PD. This review describes the main data on the LRRK2 gene and PD, with particular emphasis on the G2019S mutation, which is the most common LRRK2 mutation identified today. It also discusses the structural features of the LRRK2 protein, its function, the effects of LRRK2 mutations and the possible substrates of LRRK2 and the pathways in which it may participate. LrrK2 gene: g2019S mutatIon The LRRK2 gene is located on chromosome 12q12, spans 144 Kb and contains 51 exons. In 2004 the first mutations in the LRRK2 gene were described, being now the most common genetic cause of both the hereditary and the sporadic form of the disease 2. Although a large number of genetic changes is found throughout the whole gene, only in five LRRK2 mutations (R1441C, R1441G, Y1699C, G2019S and I2020T) the pathogenesis is fully established 3. Of particular interest is the LRRK2 6055G→A transition, resulting in a glycine-to-serine substitution at amino acid position 2019 (G2019S), which is currently the most common LRRK2 mutation and is associated with both the hereditary and the sporadic form of the disease.

Cardiovascular Research, Jun 27, 2014

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with evidence of genetic susceptibility. Th... more Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia with evidence of genetic susceptibility. The rs2200733 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a noncoding region on chromosome 4q25 has been associated with AF. The purpose of this case-control study was to determine the distribution of the rs2200733 polymorphism in a Greek population with AF. Methods: All individuals included in our study, were genotyped for the presence of the rs2200733 using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLPs) method. Results: A total of 295 subjects of Greek origin, 167 AF patients and 128 controls were included in the study. Patients with AF were less often male, had a lower incidence of coronary artery disease, and had larger left atria diameter (LA) diameter compared to controls. The T/T genotype and the T allele were detected more frequently in patients with AF compared to controls (13.2% vs. 2.3%, p=0.001 and 29.6% vs. 17.9%; p=0.001). T/T genotype and LA diameter were the only independent predictors of AF (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.40-2.98; p=0.005 and OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.83-5.62; p,0.001, respectively). A trend of association was observed between the T/T genotype and lone AF (p=0.08). Conclusion: Our results suggest that SNP rs2200733 confers a significant risk of AF in a Greek population, providing further support to the previously reported association between AF and rs2200733 polymorphism on chromosome 4q25.

Reproductive Sciences, May 25, 2021

Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of frozen–thawed embryo replacement (FER) cy... more Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of frozen–thawed embryo replacement (FER) cycles. Along with the advances in embryo cryopreservation techniques, the optimization of endometrial receptivity has resulted in outcomes for FER that are similar to fresh embryo transfer. However, the question of whether the Freeze all strategy is for all is nowadays a hot topic. This review addresses this issue and describes current evidence based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies. To date, it is reasonable to perform FER in cases with a clear indication for the benefits of such strategy including impending ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A); however, this strategy does not fit for all. This review analyses the pros and cons of the freeze all strategy highlighting the need to follow a personalized plan in embryo transfer, avoiding a freeze all methodology for all patients in an unselected manner.

Foods

Origanum vulgare is recognized worldwide for its numerous applications, in the food industry and ... more Origanum vulgare is recognized worldwide for its numerous applications, in the food industry and beyond. However, the extraction of its essential oils generates a significant amount of waste. The aim of this research was to achieve the valorization of solid waste from oregano hydro-distillation, by (i) optimizing the ultrasound extraction of antioxidants, (ii) evaluating the effect of spray and freeze drying on the extract’s physicochemical properties, and (iii) characterizing the obtained powder by its antioxidant capacity. A central composite design of experiments was used to optimize the sample/solvent ratio, ethanol/water ratio, and extraction time. The extract was analyzed for its antioxidant potential by determining the percentage of DPPH inhibition, FRAP, and total phenolic content (TPC). The GAB model best fit the data for the moisture sorption isotherm of the resulting powder. The antioxidant activity of the powders was tested in a ground-beef food system. The TPC was maxim...

Aristotle University Medical Journal, 2012

Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a newly identified neurotrophic factor. In this s... more Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is a newly identified neurotrophic factor. In this study, we examined the CDNF rs11259365 polymorphism in 53 Greek patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and 52 control subjects, using a PCR-RFLP method. No association was found between this polymorphism and PD, in the Greek population.

JBRA Assisted Reproduction, 2020

Objective: In order to help make the dream of parenthood come true for oocyte acceptors, it is es... more Objective: In order to help make the dream of parenthood come true for oocyte acceptors, it is essential that the procedure is not dangerous or unpleasant for oocyte donors. The aim of this study was to identify differences in safety, efficacy and patient acceptability between a traditional stimulation antagonist protocol with recombinant-FSH (rFSH) with hCG-triggering, compared with an innovative antagonist protocol with corifollitropin alfa (Elonva ®) plus GnRH agonist triggering in oocyte donors. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at an in vitro fertilization center in Greece. The same eighty donors underwent two consecutive antagonist stimulation schemes. Primary outcomes were patient satisfaction (scored by a questionnaire) and delivery rate per donor. Secondary outcomes were mean number of cumulus-oocyte-complexes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate. Results: Donors reported better adherence and less discomfort with the corifollitropin alpha + GnRH agonist-triggering protocol (p<0.001). No significant differences were identified in the clinical pregnancy rate per donor (p=0.13), the delivery rates, the number of oocytes (p=0.35), the number of MII oocytes (p=0.50) and the number of transferred embryos, between the two protocols. However, the luteal phase duration was significantly shorter (p<0.001) in the corifollitropin alpha + GnRH agonist-triggering protocol. Moreover, three cases of moderate OHSS (3.75%) were identified after hCG triggering, whereas no case of OHSS occurred after GnRH agonist ovulation induction (p=0.25). Conclusion: The use of corifollitropin alpha combined with a GnRH agonist for triggering is a safe, effective and acceptable protocol for oocyte donors.

Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2020

Objective: Tumors in the periurethral area can be a rare clinical entity with many difficulties n... more Objective: Tumors in the periurethral area can be a rare clinical entity with many difficulties not only in the diagnosis, as well as in the treatment plan. Skene's gland adenocarcinoma accounts for less than 0.003% of all female urethral malignant neoplasms. Case report: This report describes an extremely rare case of woman with a poorly differentiated carcinoma arising from the periurethral glands. Conclusions: Reporting of such rare cases enhance the understanding of the biological behavior of such tumors and the best treatment plan as well. This case report highlights the need for multidisciplinary approach of such rare cases, the lack of experience for such cases and the fact that the optimal treatment plan is very critical for the best prognosis of these patients.

Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 2018

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, 2016

The genetic background of Parkinson's disease: current progress and future prospects.

Archives of gynecology and obstetrics, Jan 19, 2015

Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology. The pro... more Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy-specific syndrome with a complex, yet elusive, etiology. The production of a variety of factors probably implicated in diverse pathways may trigger endothelial dysfunction leading to PE pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the concentrations of leptin and interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), factors characterized by inflammatory, immunomodulatory and angiogenic activities, and to evaluate their possible interaction in women with normotensive pregnancy and PE. The study was carried out on a total of 58 pregnant women, 29 women with PE and 29 controls. Serum leptin and IP-10 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum leptin levels were significantly increased in women with PE compared to controls and this difference was stronger in women with severe PE (p < 0.001). Although IP-10 serum concentrations were elevated in our preeclamptic women, this difference was not statistically s...