Advances in experimental medicine and biology最新文献

{"title":"State and Trait Anxiety in Patients with Neurological Diseases During COVID Pandemic.","authors":"Sekeroglou Eleni, Evangelos Dousis, Antonia Kalogianni, Vasiliki Tsoulou, Andriana Maggita, Fotios Kalafatakis, Georgia Toulia, Maria Polikandrioti","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_34","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_34","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Patients with neurological diseases frequently experience anxiety that may exacerbate during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social isolation and prevailing conditions in every society. The purpose of this research study was to explore state and trait anxiety among patients with neurological diseases during the period of COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Material and method: </strong>In the present study were enrolled 100 patients with neurological diseases who visited for regular re-evaluation the outpatient clinics of a private hospital in Attica. Data were collected by the method of interview using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale-STAI, which included patients' characteristics. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 100 participants, 62% were female, while 52% of the sample was over 60 years old. In terms of anxiety, 50% had scores less than 34.5 and 38 (median) on the scale of state and trait anxiety, respectively (range 20-80). These values indicate moderate to low levels of state and trait anxiety. Statistically significantly higher state and trait anxiety was experienced by patients who were less informed about their disease (p = 0.008 and p = 0.014, respectively) and those who wished to receive information about the pandemic via mass media (p = 0.027 and p = 0.035, respectively). Statistically significantly higher trait anxiety was reported by single patients (p = 0.037), and those experiencing intra-family conflicts (p = 0.008), while higher state anxiety was reported by patients who had mobility problems and other illnesses (p = 0.050 and p = 0.044, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health issue of global interest and a challenge to address anxiety.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"351-359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"State and Trait Anxiety Before and After Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).","authors":"Vasiliki Tsoulou, Fotios Kalafatakis, Andriana Maggita, Georgia Toulia, Antonia Kalogianni, Niki Pavlatou, Athanasia Tsami, Maria Polikandrioti","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_23","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_23","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Urolithiasis, as defined by the presence of one or more stones in the urinary tract, is a common disease, affecting up to 20% of the global population. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a minimal invasive intervention for the medical management of urolithiasis. Despite the short duration of this noninvasive procedure, patients may experience anxiety.Purpose of the study was to explore state and trait anxiety before and after ESWL as well as the associated factors.</p><p><strong>Methods and material: </strong>In the present cross-sectional study, 100 patients who underwent ESWL (60 men and 40 women) in a public hospital during the period 2023-2024 were enrolled. The data collection was carried out via interviews using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scale which included patients' characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 100 participants, the majority were men (60%), over 60 years of age (41%) and of secondary education level (47%). The mean value of the two scores was 50.9 for state and 56.1 for trait anxiety before ESWL which indicates moderate anxiety levels. After ESWL, no statistically significant change in state and trait anxiety scores was observed (p = 0.186 and p = 0.387, respectively). A statistically significant association was observed between state anxiety before ESWL and gender (p = 0.048), whether patients had other diseases (p = 0.042), and how well they were informed about ESWL (p = 0.043). Regarding trait anxiety, a statistically significant association was observed with gender (p = 0.018), their profession (p = 0.050), and how well they were informed about ESWL (p = 0.041). In terms of trends, a statistically significant interaction was observed between time and the profession of patients (p = 0.002) for the state anxiety and patients' family history of lithiasis (p = 0.002) for the trait anxiety.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Before ESWL, patients experience moderate anxiety (state, trait) with no statistically significant changes after. Reducing the anxiety of patients undergoing ESWL is beneficial.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"223-238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Molecular Genetic Study of an Alagille Syndrome Type 1 Case.","authors":"Eleni Koniari, Iphigenia Gintoni, George P Chrousos, Christos Yapijakis","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_31","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_31","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with several clinical manifestations including facial, hepatic, cardiovascular, skeletal, and renal complications. ALGS is a result of pathogenic variants in either JAG1 or NOTCH2 genes, which lead to the disruption of the Notch signaling pathway. Here, we present the case of a 17-year-old female patient, clinically and genetically diagnosed with ALGS1.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>The 17-year-old patient, with an ALGS-free family history, was clinically diagnosed with ALGS due to liver dysfunction, cholestasis, kidney cysts, distinct craniofacial features, and skeletal malformations. Following genetic counseling and parental informed consent, genomic DNA was extracted from a sample of peripheral blood. Subsequently, whole-exome sequencing analysis was conducted, and clinically significant findings were additionally confirmed through Sanger DNA sequencing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The genetic analysis revealed the presence of a likely pathogenic donor splice variant (c.2372+1G>C) in heterozygosity with the normal allele in the JAG1 gene at intronic position 1 of 493 (affecting splicing, MAF < 0.01), which was validated by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the detected donor splice variant may disrupt spliceosome recognition of the canonical splice site and lead to exon skipping.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on the clinical picture, personal/family history and genetic analyses, the patient was diagnosed with autosomal dominant ALGS type 1, caused by a de novo pathogenic mutation in the JAG1 gene. It is the first time this variant has been described in the relevant literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"317-323"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis, Visualisation and Identification of Brain MRI Images.","authors":"Natalia Stamopoulou","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_36","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_36","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Algorithms for the analysis and visualisation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain were created during the research, which is presented in this chapter. The initial image of a brain MRI, having been transformed to a bitmap file of 2^8 bits, enters the created algorithm, performing logical operations (AND, NOT, XOR). The output images enter a second algorithm, which uses fast Fourier transform and presents them in periodogram and autocorrelation diagrams. GNU Octave was used for the creation of the source code. The purpose of this study is, through the analysis of data and the creation of images and graphs, as well as the occurrence of correlations and topological similarities (fractals, chaos theory), to provide unique identifications of the initial brain MRI images. The distinct images that are included in this chapter constitute the visualised results of the algorithms/codes. Each image bears its quantification. For the needs of this chapter and due to the nature of the study, it was decided that all the results would be presented in the form of figures.The algorithms/codes that were created for the identification of the brain MRI images, along with quantifications, can be found in https://apothesis.eap.gr/archive/item/206488?lang=el.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"379-394"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brain Volume Correlations and Machine Learning Classification in Epilepsy Diagnosis.","authors":"Vassilia Costarides, Ioannis Kakkos, Vasileios E Katsigiannis, Ioannis Vezakis, Athanasios Anastasiou, Theodoros Fasilis, Vasileios Katsaros, Stergios S Gatzonis, George K Matsopoulos, Dimitris D Koutsouris","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_37","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_37","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with complex structural and functional changes in the brain. Although volumetric brain measurements can present an indication of ictal characteristics, the complex nature and variability of volumetric differences in the epileptic brain pose challenges for consistent interpretation and generalization. In this regard, his study investigates the relationship between brain region volumes and epilepsy diagnosis, utilizing MRI structural data from individuals with diagnosed epileptic conditions and healthy controls. As such specific brain regions were measured, and correlation analysis was conducted along with statistical Mann-Whitney U testing. These analyses revealed significant differences in brain volumes between healthy participants and those with epilepsy, particularly in regions implicated in seizure generation and propagation. Subsequently, machine learning classifiers were employed to differentiate individuals based on these brain metrics, alongside with demographic and clinical details, with the Support Vector Machines (SVM) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifiers demonstrating the highest classification accuracy. These findings underscore the potential of brain volume metrics as biomarkers for epilepsy and highlight the utility of machine learning models in navigating the complexities of epilepsy diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"395-403"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computational Exploration of Phospholipid Alterations in a Human Neuroblastoma Cell Model Exposed to Amyloid-Beta.","authors":"Maria-Christina P Papatheodorou, Marios G Krokidis, Themis P Exarchos","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_39","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_39","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lipidomics identifies and analyzes the composition of intact lipid molecules within biological systems. Techniques including mass spectrometry enhance lipid coverage; however, the loss of ion connectivity and the generation of large datasets complicate precise feature annotation. Given the complexity of lipidomic data, advanced computational methodologies are essential for precise analysis. Herein, we efficiently explored lipidome alterations in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells exposed to amyloid-beta, a peptide that appears to play a crucial role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. The derived datasets were analyzed using the R programming language, employing tools such as lipidr for lipid species identification and significance and ggplot2 for data visualization. Our results revealed significant changes in phospholipid levels under amyloid-beta exposure with emphasis on PE 16:0-18:1, PC 18:2-16:1, and PC 20:2-18:0, highlighting the complex and multifaceted interactions of lipid markers in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and providing deeper insights into their potential roles in disease progression.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"415-420"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation and Cultural Adaptation of the \"Stress in General Scale\" Among Greek Professionals Working with Refugees.","authors":"Eirini-Chrysovalandou Αndravizou, Styliani Geronikolou, Ioannis Koutelekos, George P Chrousos, Flora Bacopoulou","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_25","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-03398-7_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The \"Stress in General Scale\" (SiGS) is a measuring tool of work-related stress and a practical self-report scale in terms of time saving, and thus appropriate for demanding working environments. The aim of this study was the validation of the SiGS in a Greek professional population sample working with refugees. SiGS along with the Perceived Stress Scale, the Job Stress Measure and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were distributed to 200 professionals. The final sample consisted of 157 professionals (mean age ± SD 32.87 ± 7.61 years; 64.3% males, 35.7% females) working with refugees, under demanding working conditions in the islands, the countryside and the capital of Athens. Specifically, the study sample was recruited from the following: National Center for Social Solidarity, International Organization for Migration, Asylum Service on the island of Rhodes, Reception and Identification Center, the island of Kos, SOS Children's Villages, Smile of the Child, Metadrasis, Praxis, NGOs \"The Home Project,\" Zeuxis Iliachtida and Arsis. Two components were extracted that explained 30.2% and 22.6% of the variance, respectively. These factors were assessed as (i) pressure (items Demanding, Pressured, Hectic, Calm, Relaxed, Many things stressful, Pushed), and (ii) threat (items Irritating, Under control, Nerve-wracking, Hassled, Comfortable, More stressful than I'd like, Smooth running, Overwhelming). The Cronbach's alpha of the SiGS was 0.85 and 0.75 for Pressure and Threat factors, respectively. Cronbach's alpha reliability obtained acceptable levels for both subscales. We conclude that the \"Stress in General Scale\" can be used as a reliable, validated general measure of work stress in the Greek population.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1487 ","pages":"245-251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145581744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Interplay of Lipids and Peptides in Membrane Merger.","authors":"Manbit Subhadarsi Panda, Smruti Mishra, Hirak Chakraborty","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-22637-2_2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-22637-2_2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Membrane fusion is an important process for the survival of eukaryotes. Moreover, enveloped viruses enter the host cell utilizing membrane fusion. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the mechanistic details of this intrinsic and crucial process. In this chapter, we will discuss several aspects of membrane fusion, including intermediate states and their energetics. We will further discuss the role of lipids in the stabilization of intermediate structures that lead to fusion pore opening. We will elaborate on the different existing models of membrane merger or fusion, with a major focus on the importance of lipid-peptide interplay for the completion of the process.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1509 ","pages":"11-49"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147986112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polyploidy and Senescence of Cancer Cells: Impact of Cell Fusion.","authors":"Soham Bhattacharyya, Debopriya Choudhury, Brahmachari Vedeshachaitanya, Pushkar Malakar","doi":"10.1007/978-3-032-22637-2_10","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-032-22637-2_10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This chapter explores both the normal physiological roles of cell fusion and its pathological implications in cancer. We focus on the emerging concept of fusion-induced polyploidy and senescence as a \"double-edged sword\"-a process that can suppress malignancy through growth arrest yet also promote tumor progression when polyploid cells escape senescence and acquire stem-like properties. In addition, we examine the interconnection between polyploidy and senescence, highlighting their similarities, differences, and dynamic interplay.Special attention is given to the molecular signaling pathways governing these processes, with particular emphasis on the central role of mTOR and the regulatory functions of long noncoding ribonucleic acids (lncRNAs). We also discuss how these insights inform potential therapeutic strategies, including the use of senolytic agents, the modulation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and inhibitors targeting mTOR or mitotic regulators. Finally, we outline key unanswered questions in the field, emphasizing the need for reliable biomarkers to identify fusion-derived hybrids and for a deeper mechanistic understanding of cell fusion-derived polyploidy and senescence.A more comprehensive grasp of these mechanisms may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches aimed at limiting tumor plasticity, overcoming therapy resistance, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"1509 ","pages":"255-299"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147986157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reproductive Sciences to the Rescue of Wild Animal Species.","authors":"Pierre Comizzoli, Janine Brown, William V Holt","doi":"10.1007/978-3-031-87707-0_1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/978-3-031-87707-0_1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite alarming statistics on rapid biodiversity loss, concerted conservation efforts continue to offer opportunities to reverse this trend. Reproductive sciences play a crucial role in addressing threats to wildlife species from anthropogenic activities, including habitat destruction and other environmental changes. While conservation biology encompasses diverse areas, from ecology to biotechnology, reproductive experts often find themselves at the intersection of multiple disciplines. They collaborate with conservation partners, centralizing critical information to develop effective strategies for preserving and restoring animal species to their natural habitats. Persistent efforts to enhance our understanding of reproductive biology in understudied and underreported species, ranging from pollinators to fish to rare mammals, have resulted in a growing body of literature demonstrating the remarkable diversity of reproductive strategies across animal taxa. While classical research approaches remain essential, the integration of advanced tools such as high-throughput sequencing of DNA, RNA, proteins, and microbiomes has accelerated progress in this field. Significantly, a more precise understanding of wildlife reproduction facilitates the implementation of evidence-based conservation actions to sustain small populations and potentially assist their reproduction. In recent years, the integration of ethical considerations into research on wildlife reproduction and subsequent conservation actions has been carefully deliberated. Incorporating ethical frameworks, in conjunction with consultation, engagement, and participation of local communities, is crucial and expected to lead to more impactful decisions and successful implementation of conservation technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7270,"journal":{"name":"Advances in experimental medicine and biology","volume":"16 ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146257081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}