Migration policies versus public health - the ethics of Covid-19 related movement restrictions for asylum seekers in reception centers in Greece in 2020.

Background: The emergency context of the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated the use of national and international public health measures of unprecedented scale to minimize mortality and morbidity, often in conflict with other principles and rights, such as the autonomy of individuals. Concerns have been voiced that for populations facing precarity, such as migrants, a disproportionate and unfair application of restrictive measures, deficient application of protective measures, and even enforcement of restrictive migration policies under the pretext of the pandemic has occurred.

Methods: Experts have proposed various principles as possible moral foundations of public health interventions.

Vaccine coverage in children, adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes and their close contacts in Crete.

Background: Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases. This study focuses on compliance of T1D patients to the recommended vaccination schedule, vaccination of their close contacts for influenza and on factors potentially contributing to vaccination program deviations.

Methods: The study population comprised children, adolescents and adults with T1D under follow-up at the Department of Pediatrics University Hospital and the Diabetic Center General Hospital, Heraklion, Crete-Greece.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Adults with Nephrotic Syndrome Due to Minimal Change Disease.

Purpose: Minimal change disease (MCD) is considered a relatively benign glomerulopathy, as it rarely progresses to end-stage kidney disease. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of adults with MCD and identify potential risk factors for relapse.

Patients & Methods: We retrospectively studied a cohort of adults with biopsy-proven MCD in terms of clinical features and treatment outcomes.

A diagnostic challenge in an unresponsive refugee child improving with neurosurgery-a case report.

An unresponsive paediatric patient may present a diagnostic challenge for health professionals, as rapid identification of the cause is needed to provide proper interventions. The following report details a challenging diagnosis of unresponsiveness in a refugee child. In the migratory context, observed unresponsiveness states are frequently attributed to psychologic factors, and overlapping psychiatric classifications (resignation syndrome, functional coma and catatonia) are common.

Direct labeling of a somatostatin receptor antagonist via peptide cyclization with Re, Tc and Re metal centers: Radiochemistry and in vitro evaluation.

Introduction: With the long-term goal of developing a diagnostic (Tc) and therapeutic (Re) agent pair for targeting somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), we developed novel metal-cyclized peptides through direct labeling of the potent SSTR2 antagonist Ac-4-NO-Phe-c(DCys-Tyr-DTrp-Lys-Thr-Cys)-DTyr-NH (1) with Re (in Re-1), Tc (in [Tc]Tc-1) and Re (in [Re]Re-1).

Methods: Re-1 was characterized by LC-ESI-MS and HR-ESI-MS and was tested for receptor affinity in SSTR-expressing cells (AR42J). Radiolabeling of the peptide was achieved via ligand exchange from Tc-labeled glucoheptonate or [Re]ReOCl(PPh), yielding [Tc]Tc-1 or [Re]Re-1, respectively.

Preclinical Evaluation of Novel Cu-Labeled Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor Bioconjugates for PET Imaging of Prostate Cancer.

We report herein the preclinical evaluation of new [Cu]Cu-gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-targeting tracers, employing the potent peptide antagonist Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-VaI-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH conjugated to NOTA (in ) or NODAGA (in ) chelators via a 6-aminohexanoic acid linker. The Cu-/ metalated peptides were synthesized by reacting / with CuCl and were characterized by LC-ESI-MS and HR-ESI-MS. Cu-/ exhibited high GRPR-binding affinities with IC values <3 nM, as measured in a competition assay using the GRPR-expressing human PC-3 prostate cancer cell line and [I]I-Tyr-BBN as the competing ligand.

Development and Preclinical Evaluation of Tc- and Re-Labeled NOTA and NODAGA Bioconjugates Demonstrating Matched Pair Targeting of GRPR-Expressing Tumors.

Purpose: The goal of this work was to develop hydrophilic gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-targeting complexes of the general formula fac-[M(CO)(L)] [M = Re, Tc, Re; L: NOTA for 1, NODAGA for 2] conjugated to a powerful GRPR peptide antagonist (Phe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH) via a 6-aminohexanoic acid linker.

Procedures: Metallated-peptides were prepared employing the [M(OH)(CO)] [M = Re, Tc, Re] precursors. Re-1/2 complexes were characterized with HR-MS.

Somatostatin receptor targeting with hydrophilic [Tc/Re]Tc/Re-tricarbonyl NODAGA and NOTA complexes.

Introduction: The aim of this work was to develop diagnostic (Tc) and therapeutic (Re) agents for targeting somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). In this regard, we evaluated in vitro complexes of the general formula [M(CO)(L-sst-ANT)] (M = Tc, Re), where L denotes NODAGA or NOTA and sst-ANT denotes the potent SSTR2 antagonist 4-NO-Phe-c(DCys-Tyr-DTrp-Lys-Thr-Cys)-DTyr-NH. Moreover, we assessed the in vivo properties of the Tc-complexes in an animal SSTR-tumor model.

NOTA and NODAGA [Tc]Tc- and [Re]Re-Tricarbonyl Complexes: Radiochemistry and First Example of a [Tc]Tc-NODAGA Somatostatin Receptor-Targeting Bioconjugate.

With the long-term goal of developing theranostic agents for applications in nuclear medicine, in this work we evaluated the well-known NOTA and NODAGA chelators as bifunctional chelators (BFCs) for the [Tc/Re]Tc/Re-tricarbonyl core. In particular, we report model complexes of the general formula fac-[M(L)(CO)] (M = Re, Tc, Re) where L denotes NOTA-Pyr (1) or NODAGA-Pyr (2), which are derived from conjugation of NOTA/NODAGA with pyrrolidine (Pyr). Further, as proof-of-principle, we synthesized the peptide bioconjugate NODAGA-sst-ANT (3) and explored its complexation with the fac-[Re(CO)] and fac-[Tc][Tc(CO)] cores; sst-ANT denotes the somatostatin receptor (SSTR) antagonist 4-NO-Phe-c(DCys-Tyr-DTrp-Lys-Thr-Cys)-DTyr-NH.

Quantitative Measurement of L1 Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Methylation for the Prediction of Preinvasive and Invasive Cervical Disease.

Background: Methylation of the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA has been proposed as a novel biomarker. Here, we correlated the mean methylation level of 12 CpG sites within the L1 gene, to the histological grade of cervical precancer and cancer. We assessed whether HPV L1 gene methylation can predict the presence of high-grade disease at histology in women testing positive for HPV16 genotype.

Development and Pharmacological Evaluation of New Bone-Targeted (99m)Tc-Radiolabeled Bisphosphonates.

A novel bisphosphonate, 1-(3-aminopropylamino)ethane-1,1-diyldiphosphonic acid (3), was coupled to the tridentate chelators di-2-picolylamine, 2-picolylamine-N-acetic acid, iminodiacetic acid, 3-((2-aminoethyl)thio)-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoic acid, and 2-((2-carboxyethyl)thio)-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoic acid to form ligands 6, 9, 11, 15, and 19, respectively. Organometallic complexes of the general formula [Re/(99m)Tc(CO)3(κ(3)-L)] were synthesized, where L denotes ligand 6, 9, 11, 15, or 19. The rhenium complexes were prepared at the macroscopic level and characterized by spectroscopic methods.

Octadecylamine-Mediated Versatile Coating of CoFe2O4 NPs for the Sustained Release of Anti-Inflammatory Drug Naproxen and in Vivo Target Selectivity.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can play a distinct role in magnetic drug delivery via their distribution to the targeted area. The preparation of such MNPs is a challenging multiplex task that requires the optimization of size, magnetic, and surface properties for the achievement of desirable target selectivity, along with the sustained drug release as a prerequisite. In that context, CoFe2O4 MNPs with a small size of ∼7 nm and moderate saturation magnetization of ∼60 emu g(-1) were solvothermally synthesized in the presence of octadecylamine (ODA) with a view to investigate the functionalization route effect on the drug release.

Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of new biotinylated (99m) Tc/Re-tricarbonyl complexes.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of three new biotinylated fac-[(99m)Tc/Re(CO)3](+) complexes with the tridentate ligands L1, L2, and L3 are reported. L1-L3 contain the chelators 2-((5-aminopentyl)(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)acetic acid, 2-(2-aminoethylthio)-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)propanoic acid, and 2-amino-3-(1-carboxy-2-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethylthio)propanoic acid, respectively, which are conjugated to biotin's carboxylate via their amine group. The fac-[Re(CO)3(L1-L3)] complexes were synthesized and characterized by NMR and IR, where the (N,N,O) coordination for ReL1 and the (N,S,O) coordination for ReL2 and ReL3 were confirmed.

Abdominal tumor in a 14-year-old adolescent: imperforate hymen, resulting in hematocolpos-a case report and review of the literature.

Background. Abdominal masses in female adolescents are uncommon. A rare cause of this condition is hematocolpos due to imperforate hymen.

Onset of antiplatelet action with high (100 mg) versus standard (60 mg) loading dose of prasugrel in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: pharmacodynamic study.

Background: In patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, a suboptimal degree of platelet inhibition for the first 2 hours after the standard 60 mg loading dose of prasugrel has been described.

Methods And Results: In a prospective, 3-center, nonrandomized, controlled study, 2 sequential groups of P2Y12 inhibitor-naive consecutive patients were loaded with either 100 mg (n=47) or 60 mg (n=35) of prasugrel. Platelet reactivity was assessed by VerifyNow at hours 0, 0.

Concurrent multiscale imaging with magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography.

We develop a novel platform based on a tele-operated robot to perform high-resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging under continuous large field-of-view magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. Intra-operative MRI (iMRI) is a promising guidance tool for high-precision surgery, but it may not have sufficient resolution or contrast to visualize certain small targets. To address these limitations, we develop an MRI-compatible OCT needle probe, which is capable of providing microscale tissue architecture in conjunction with macroscale MRI tissue morphology in real time.

Intrinsic platelet reactivity and thrombus burden in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Introduction: In patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) increased platelet reactivity has been described to affect the primary percutanuous coronary intervention (PPCI) outcome. We aimed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of intrinsic platelet reactivity for intracoronary thrombus burden in P2Y12 inhibitor- naïve STEMI patients.

Patients And Methods: In a prospective, observational, cohort study we enrolled 94 consecutive STEMI patients undergoing PPCI, subjected to platelet reactivity assessment prior to any P2Y12 blockade, with visible angiographic thrombus in the infarct related artery (stratified as Grade A, B and C).

Randomized assessment of ticagrelor versus prasugrel antiplatelet effects in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Ticagrelor and prasugrel provide stronger platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel. Direct pharmacodynamic comparison between them has not yet been reported in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Methods And Results: In a prospective, single-center, single-blind study, 55 out of 117 (47%) screened consecutive ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were randomized to either ticagrelor 180 mg loading followed by 90 mg bid, or prasugrel 60 mg loading followed by 10 mg od for 5 days.

Ticagrelor versus prasugrel in acute coronary syndrome patients with high on-clopidogrel platelet reactivity following percutaneous coronary intervention: a pharmacodynamic study.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the antiplatelet action of ticagrelor with prasugrel in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) while on clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background: Newer P2Y12 inhibitors like prasugrel and ticagrelor provide stronger platelet inhibition compared with clopidogrel. Both agents are efficacious in patients with HTPR while on clopidogrel, but direct comparison between them has not yet been reported.

Magnetic resonance imaging reveals that galantamine prevents structural brain damage induced by an acute exposure of guinea pigs to soman.

Galantamine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, has recently emerged as a potential medical countermeasure against the toxicity of organophosphorus (OP) compounds, including the nerve agent soman. Here, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to characterize the neurotoxic effects of soman and the ability of galantamine to prevent these effects in guinea pigs, the best non-primate model to predict the effectiveness of antidotes against OP toxicity in humans. The brains of treated and untreated guinea pigs were imaged using a clinical 3.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of two N-terminal fragments of the DNA-cleavage domain of topoisomerase IV from Staphylococcus aureus.

DNA topoisomerase IV removes undesirable topological features from DNA molecules in order to help maintain chromosome stability. Two constructs of 56 and 59 kDa spanning the DNA-cleavage domain of the A subunit of topoisomerase IV from Staphylococcus aureus (termed GrlA56 and GrlA59) have been crystallized. Crystals were grown at 291 K using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion technique with PEG 3350 as a precipitant.

The hyaluronate lyase of Staphylococcus aureus - a virulence factor?

The hyaluronate lyase (HL) gene of Staphylococcus aureus 8325-4 (hysA) was inactivated in vitro with the insertion of the erythromycin determinant, ermC, from plasmid pE194. The hysA : : ermC mutation was introduced into S. aureus via a temperature-sensitive shuttle vector, where it underwent homologous recombination with the wild-type (w.

Twelve-year follow-up of an autogenous mandibular canine transplant.

Transplantation is the transfer of tissue or an organ from 1 site to another in the same person or between different persons. A transplantation in which donor and recipient are the same individual has been termed autogenous transplantation, autoplastic transplantation, or autotransplantation. The purpose of this report was to describe a patient undergoing autotransplantation of an impacted mandibular canine to its normal position in the mandible and the 12-year follow-up.