Clinical utility of miR-143/miR-182 levels in prognosis and risk stratification specificity of BFM-treated childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Although childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by high remission rates, there are still patients who experience poor response to therapy or toxic effects due to intensive treatment. In the present study, we examined the expression profile of miR-143 and miR-182 in childhood ALL and evaluated their clinical significance for patients receiving Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) protocol. Bone marrow specimens from 125 childhood ALL patients upon diagnosis and the end-of-induction (EoI; day 33), as well as from 64 healthy control children undergone RNA extraction, polyadenylation, and reverse transcription.

Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase diurnal profiles and stress reactivity in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

There is growing evidence for dysregulation of the stress system in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The stress system includes neuroanatomical and functional components that function in concert to maintain homeostasis and its main effectors are the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic/adrenomedullary nervous system (SNS). As stress system activity demonstrates a distinct circadian variation, we aimed to describe simultaneously, diurnal rhythms of both the HPA axis and the SNS in children with ADHD and a comparison group.

Reliability and Validity of the Greek Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire.

Background: The Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for migraine-related disability. Such a tool is needed to quantify migraine-related disability in the Greek population.

Objective: This validation study aims to assess the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, item discriminant and convergent validity of the Greek translation of the MIDAS.

Incidence and survival of gliomatosis cerebri: a population-based cancer registration study.

Gliomatosis cerebri (GC) comprises a rare widespread infiltrating growth pattern of diffuse gliomas. We explored the incidence patterns and survival rates of GC in a population-based registration sample from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End, Results database (1973-2012). GC cases (n = 176) were identified based on their International Classification of Diseases in Oncology (ICD-O-3) morphology code (9381).

The clinical utility of PGD with HLA matching: a collaborative multi-centre ESHRE study.

Study Question: Has PGD-HLA been successful relative to diagnostic and clinical efficacy?

Summary Answer: The diagnostic efficacy of PGD-HLA protocols was found lower in this study in comparison to published PGD-HLA protocols and to that reported for general PGD by ESHRE (78.5 vs 94.1% and vs 92.

Ewing's sarcoma of the maxillofacial region in Greek children: Report of 6 cases and literature review.

Background: The rarity of Ewing's sarcoma (ES) in the maxillofacial region of children, coupled with the technical challenge of resection and associated functional and cosmetic impairment has resulted in deficient data regarding the optimal local control of the disease.

Objective: To describe our experience in the management of primary maxillofacial ES in children, focusing on the therapeutic modalities for local control of the disease.

Study Design: Single institution observational study.

Disordered eating attitudes and emotional/behavioral adjustment in Greek adolescents.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between disordered eating attitudes and emotional/behavioral adjustment in Greek adolescents as well as the moderating role of gender and body mass index (BMI) in this relationship.

Methods: Ninety adolescents, 11-18 years old, were assessed using anthropometric measurements; demographics, eating attitudes and level of emotional/behavioral adjustment were examined via self-reported questionnaires.

Results: Disordered eating attitudes were prevalent in 17.

Bioimpedance Measurements in Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Pilot Study.

Limited data are available on the body composition of adolescent women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to examine differences in body composition indices of metabolism, homeostasis and inflammation, between Greek adolescent females suffering from PCOS and age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-PCOS controls. Thirteen PCOS patients and nine non-PCOS controls, aged 13-24 years participated in this cross-sectional study.

Adolescent gambling in greater Athens area: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Problem gambling in adolescents has recently emerged as a pressing public health concern. In this context and in light of the pervasive financial crisis in Greece, the present study aimed to explore adolescents' gambling involvement in Athens region to estimate the prevalence of its problematic form and to identify its risk/protective factors.

Methods: A total of 2141 students were recruited from a representative sample of 51 schools located in greater Athens area.

Treatment of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst in a 7-Year-Old Boy Using a New Type of Radiofrequency Ablation Electrode.

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency ablation has been established as a treatment method for malignancies and some particular cystic lesions, especially in adults. Experience with radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hydatid cysts, especially in children, is limited. CASE REPORT Although echinococcosis is rare, especially in children, we describe a 7-year-old boy with lung and liver cystic echinococcosis.

miR-125b predicts childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia poor response to BFM chemotherapy treatment.

Background: Despite the favourable survival rates of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a significant number of patients present resistance to antileukaemic agents and dismal prognosis. In this study, we analysed miR-125b expression in childhood ALL and evaluated its clinical utility for patients treated with Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) protocol.

Methods: The study included 272 bone marrow specimens obtained on diagnosis and on BFM day 33 from 125 patients and 64 healthy children.

Bioimpedance analysis vs. DEXA as a screening tool for osteosarcopenia in lean, overweight and obese Caucasian postmenopausal females.

Background-objectives: We aimed at evaluating the efficiency of a newly developed, advanced Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA-ACC®) device as a screening tool for determining the degree of obesity and osteosarcopenia in postmenopausal women with normal or decreased bone density determined by Dual-Energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in a representative sample of Greek postmenopausal women.

Methods: This is a single-gate cross-sectional study of body composition measured by BIA-ACC® and DEXA. Postmenopausal females with BMI ranging from 18.

NGAL as an Early Predictive Marker of Diabetic Nephropathy in Children and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Aims: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is often associated with early microvascular complications. Previous studies demonstrated that increased systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial blood pressures (DAP) are linked to microvascular morbidity in T1D. The aim of the study was to investigate the predictive role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in unravelling early cardio-renal dysfunction in T1D.

Rare case of pulmonary histoplasmosis complicated with bronchocentric granulomatosis in a non endemic area.

Background: Pulmonary histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by histoplasma capsulatum, rarely diagnosed in non endemic areas and/or immunocompromised patients. Complication of pulmonary histoplasmosis with bronchocentric granulomatosis is extremely rare.

Case Report: A 48-year-old man with prolonged fever and nausea was admitted to our hospital.

The challenges that parents of children with epilepsy face: A qualitative study.

Objective: This qualitative study explored the challenges that Greek parents/caregivers of children with controlled epilepsy (CwE) face regarding the disorder.

Methods: Interviews were conducted based on open-ended questions guided by a review of the literature. A total of 91 parents/caregivers were recruited by neurologists at the neurology clinics of two Athens public hospitals.

ADCY5-related movement disorders: Frequency, disease course and phenotypic variability in a cohort of paediatric patients.

Introduction: ADCY5 mutations have been recently identified as an important cause of early-onset hyperkinetic movement disorders. The phenotypic spectrum associated with mutations in this gene is expanding. However, the ADCY5 mutational frequency in cohorts of paediatric patients with hyperkinetic movement disorders has not been evaluated.

Psychological vulnerability to stress in carriers of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Objective: Carriers of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) demonstrate increased secretion of cortisol precursors following ACTH stimulation, suggestive of impaired cortisol production and compensatory increases in hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion. Both cortisol and CRH have behavioral effects, and hypothalamic CRH hypersecretion has been associated with chronic states of anxiety and depression. We performed an endocrinologic and psychological evaluation in carriers of 21-OHD and matched control subjects.

Serum kisspeptin concentrations are negatively correlated with body mass index in adolescents with anorexia nervosa and amenorrhea.

Objective: To measure, for the first time, serum kisspeptin concentrations in adolescent females with anorexia nervosa (AN) and associated amenorrhea, and investigate potential correlations of kisspeptin with anthropometric, bone and hormonal data.

Design: Setting: University Adolescent Medicine Center.

Participants: Females aged 12-20 years with typical or atypical AN (based on DSM-5 diagnostic criteria) and controls.

Recovery of Abnormal ABR in Neonates and Infants at Risk of Hearing Loss.

The purpose of this retrospective study is to present the clinical experience of a single institution on the recovery of ABR thresholds in a large population of neonates and infants at risk of hearing loss. Potential prognostic factors associated with this phenomenon were also investigated. Out of 2248 high risk infants, 384 had abnormal ABR at initial hearing evaluation and 168 of them had absent ABR or a threshold ≥80 dBnHL.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the maxillofacial region in children and adolescents: Report of 9 cases and literature review.

Objective: To review clinical presentation, histology, treatment and survival for pediatric maxillofacial rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and evaluate the role of surgical treatment.

Study Design: Retrospective analysis of medical charts.

Methods: Files of patients, treated for primary maxillofacial RMS from 1997 to 2016, were examined for clinical presentation, staging, histology, treatment protocol and complications, recurrence and final outcome.

Body composition and lung function in children with cystic fibrosis and meconium ileus.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to explore whether history of meconium ileus (MI) at birth in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF) adversely affects body composition and lung function in later life. Data of children and adolescents with CF who underwent spirometry and DXA as part of their routine care were analyzed. Associations between MI (explanatory variable) and areal bone mineral density (total body less head-TBLH aBMD), lean tissue mass (LTM), and fat mass (FM) (outcomes) were assessed using general linear models.

Plasma Urotensin II levels in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a single-centre study.

Background: Increased plasma Urotensin II (UII) levels have been found in adults with renal diseases. Studies in children are scarce. The objective of the study is to estimate plasma UII levels in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3 to 5 and renal transplant recipients (RTR).

Higher education in Gerodontology in European Universities.

Background: The rapid aging of the European population and the subsequent increase in the oral care needs in older adults necessitates adequate training of dental professionals in Gerodontology (Geriatric Dentistry). This study was designed to investigate the current status of Gerodontology teaching amongst European dental schools at the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education levels.

Methods: An electronic questionnaire was developed by a panel of experts and emailed to the Deans or other contact persons of 216 dental schools across 39 European countries.

Mothers' parenting stress is associated with salivary cortisol profiles in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The aim of this study was to explore the relation between mothers' parenting stress and the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA), as expressed by daily salivary cortisol concentrations, in their children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Seventy-five children aged 6-11 years diagnosed with ADHD predominant hyperactive-impulsive/combined (ADHD-HI/C, N = 49) and inattentive symptoms (ADHD-I, N = 26) and 45 healthy peers and their mothers participated in the study. Μothers completed measures assessing their children's ADHD status, perceived parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index - Short Form, PSI-SF), mothers' symptoms of psychopathology, social support and socioeconomic status.