bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards an inclusive (post)globalization? Women as agents of change
Authors: Ruspini Elisabetta
Published: January 2025

The paper delves into the complexities of globalization by considering the voices and agency of women. Globalization is rooted in local contexts, and women's unpaid and paid work plays a crucial role in producing the resources needed for global economic activities. Analyzing the impact of globalization on women and girls, along with their activism and resistance, can provide important insights for policy and institutional reforms aimed at mitigating its adverse effects. A viewpoint that takes into account women's needs and actions can help in answering not only the question, ‘How should we view globalization in a post-globalization era?’ but also in addressing another important question: as we advance towards post-globalization, is it possible to achieve inclusive, sustainable globalization?
Interleukin-6 related signaling pathways as the intersection between chronic diseases and sepsis
Authors: Yang Jie , Yang Lin , Wang Yanjiao , Huai Lu , Shi Bohan , Zhang Di , Xu Wei , Cui Di
Published: January 2025

Sepsis is associated with immune dysregulated and organ dysfunction due to severe infection. Clinicians aim to restore organ function, rather than prevent diseases that are prone to sepsis, resulting in high mortality and a heavy public health burden. Some chronic diseases can induce sepsis through inflammation cascade reaction and Cytokine Storm (CS). Interleukin (IL)-6, the core of CS, and its related signaling pathways have been considered as contributors to sepsis. Therefore, it is important to study the relationship between IL-6 and its related pathways in sepsis-related chronic diseases. This review generalized the mechanism of sepsis-related chronic diseases via IL-6 related pathways with the purpose to take rational management for these diseases. IL-6 related signaling pathways were sought in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and retrieved protein-protein interaction in the Search for Interaction Genes tool (STRING). In PubMed and Google Scholar, the studies were searched out, which correlating to IL-6 related pathways and associating with the pathological process of sepsis. Focused on the interactions of sepsis and IL-6 related pathways, some chronic diseases have been studied for association with sepsis, containing insulin resistance, Alcoholic liver disease (ALD), Alzheimer disease (AD), and atherosclerosis. This article summarized the inflammatory mechanisms of IL-6 cross-talked with other mediators of some chronic diseases in vitro, animal models, and human experiments, leading to the activation of pathways and accelerating the progression of sepsis. The clinicians should be highlight to this kind of diseases and more clinical trials are needed to provide more reliable theoretical basis for health policy formulation.
Flexible analysis of spatial transcriptomics data (FAST): a deconvolution approach
Authors: Zhang Meng , Parker Joel , An Lingling , Liu Yiwen , Sun Xiaoxiao
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Spatial transcriptomics is a state-of-art technique that allows researchers to study gene expression patterns in tissues over the spatial domain. As a result of technical limitations, the majority of spatial transcriptomics techniques provide bulk data for each sequencing spot. Consequently, in order to obtain high-resolution spatial transcriptomics data, performing deconvolution becomes essential. Most existing deconvolution methods rely on reference data (e.g., single-cell data), which may not be available in real applications. Current reference-free methods encounter limitations due to their dependence on distribution assumptions, reliance on marker genes, or the absence of leveraging histology and spatial information. Consequently, there is a critical need for the development of highly flexible, robust, and user-friendly reference-free deconvolution methods capable of unifying or leveraging case-specific information in the analysis of spatial transcriptomics data.

Results

We propose a novel reference-free method based on regularized non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), named Flexible Analysis of Spatial Transcriptomics (FAST), that can effectively incorporate gene expression data, spatial, and histology information into a unified deconvolution framework. Compared to existing methods, FAST imposes fewer distribution assumptions, utilizes the spatial structure information of tissues, and encourages interpretable factorization results. These features enable greater flexibility and accuracy, making FAST an effective tool for deciphering the complex cell-type composition of tissues and advancing our understanding of various biological processes and diseases. Extensive simulation studies have shown that FAST outperforms other existing reference-free methods. In real data applications, FAST is able to uncover the underlying tissue structures and identify the corresponding marker genes.
Assessment of XCI skewing and demonstration of XCI escape region based on single-cell RNA sequencing: comparison between female Grave’s disease and control
Authors: Baek In-Cheol , Sim Soo Yeun , Suh Byung-Kyu , Kim Tai-Gyu , Cho Won Kyoung
Published: January 2025

Background

The reactivation and loss of mosaicism hypothesis due to X chromosome inactivation (XCI) skewing and escape could influence gender differences in autoimmune diseases. XCI selectively inactivates one of the two X chromosomes in females.

Methods

To estimate XCI skewing and the occurrence of XCI escape, we conducted a normal female (NF) without a history of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and a patient with Grave’s disease (GD) based on a thyroid diagnosis. After single-cell RNA sequencing, heterozygous variants were converted and transformed. XCI skewing was calculated using the formula and the skewing degree was defined. NF/GD genes were compared using correction methods. Positions are heterozygous within a single cell as indicated by a unique barcode.

Results

XCI skewing showed 45.8%/48.9% relatively random, 29.4%/27.0% skewing, 24.6%/23.7% severe skewing, and 0.2%/0.4% extreme severe skewing. 24.8%/24.1% in NF/GD exhibited severe skewing or higher. A total of 13 genes were significantly associated with XCI skewing ratios in NF/GD cells. In total, 371/250 nucleotide positions with only one barcode (representing a unique cell) were identified for XCI escape. A total of 143/52 nucleotide positions spanned 20/6 genes, and 12/1 genes were identified as XCI escapes.

Conclusions

These results could aid in understanding the immunogenetics of gender differences in various autoimmune disease pathophysiologies.
The prevalence and 6-year incidence of myopic tessellation in a Chinese rural adult population: the Handan Eye Study
Authors: Lin Caixia , Wu Jian , Cao Kai , Wang Bingsong , Fang Yuxin , Kyoko Ohno-Matsui , Sun Yunyun , Hao Jie , Ma Lixia , Zhang Ye , Zhang Qing , Wang Ningli ,   the Handan Eye Study Group
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To describe the prevalence and the cumulative 6-year incidence of fundus tessellation in a rural Chinese adult population.

Methods

The Handan Eye Study was a population-based longitudinal study, with 6830 eligible subjects included in the baseline period, and 5394 subjects (follow-up rate: 85.3%) took part in the follow-up study. Participants had detailed eye examinations and physical examinations; a detailed questionnaire was also well administered. Fundus tessellation was defined as well-defined choroidal vessels that can be observed clearly around the fovea as well as around the arcade vessels.

Results

Among 6830 subjects who participated in the baseline study, the prevalence of fundus tessellation was 9.89% (95%CI: 9.22-10.58%). The prevalence of fundus tessellation increased with age; that of subjects aged younger than 50 years and those aged 50 years or older was 2.5% and 14.5%, respectively. Six years later, the cumulative 6-year incidence of fundus tessellation was 1.21% (95%CI: 1.03-1.40%). Similarly, the incidence of fundus tessellation also increased with age; that of participants aged younger than 50 years and those aged 50 years or older was 0.20% and 1.86%, respectively. The progression rate of fundus tessellation in those with fundus tessellation at baseline was 1.5% (95% CI: 0.82%, 2.38%). By multivariable analysis, subjects being older (OR: 1.079, P < 0.001) and havingβ-parapapillary atrophy at baseline (OR: 2.657, P = 0.002) were associated with a higher risk of incidence of fundus tessellation.

Conclusions

The prevalence and 6-year incidence of fundus tessellation were 9.89% and 1.21% in rural Chinese adults aged 30 + years, respectively. The progression rate in participants with fundus tessellation indicates the importance of regular follow-up for these patients.
Cross-referencing French hematology teams’ knowledge and perception of end-of-life situations: a national mixed-methods survey
Authors: Prod’homme Chloé , Bommier Côme , Fenwarth Laurène , Moreau Stephane , Polomeni Alice
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Haematology is a speciality frequently confronted with end-of-life situations, and teams will be concerned by the question of medical assistance in dying. The Ethics Commission of the French Society of Haematology has conducted a survey on the knowledge and perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding complex end-of-life situations.

Methods

A cross-sectionalonline survey of hematology professionals in France. The comprehensive online questionnaire addressed respondents’ experience of complex end-of-life situations in hematology, based on 7 clinical vignettes. The survey contained 55 questions, 6 of which were open-ended. They were asked to give their opinion on whether it should be legalized. Justifications were then requested and analyzed by theme.

Results

The survey was distributed to associations of hematology healthcare professionals (approximately 1,300 members). Overall, 182 healthcare professionals replied, including a third nurses and a third physicians. The average score for identifying complex situations was 7.1 out of 10 (IQR 5.7,8.6), with lesser knowledge of situations involving double effect, euthanasia and sedation for distress than of situations involving limiting or stopping treatment. Training in palliative care was the main driver of knowledge (p = 0.004), as well as being a physician (p < 0.001). We found that the opinions of healthcare professionals regarding the legalization of medical assistance in dying in France were diverse and well-founded.

Conclusion

Hematology healthcare professionals had lesser knowledge of situations involving double effect, euthanasia and sedation for distress. Knowledge of specific situations impacts professionals’ opinion on legalization of medical assistance in dying.
Effect of motivational interviewing to promote advance care planning among palliative care patients in ambulatory care setting: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chan Helen Yue-Lai , Leung Doris Yin-Ping , Lam Po-Tin , Ko Polly Po-Shan , Lam Raymond Wai-Man , Chan Kin-Shan
Published: January 2025

Background

Many patients have mixed feelings about end-of-life care, even when facing life-limiting conditions. Motivational interviewing might be useful for supporting patients in evoking reasons for advance care planning. This study aimed to examine the effects of an advance care planning program adopting motivational interviewing among palliative care patients.

Methods

A two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 2018 and December 2019 in the palliative care clinics of two hospitals. Adult patients who were newly referred to palliative care services, with a score of 60 or higher in the Palliative Performance Scale and mentally competent, were eligible for the study. While all participants received palliative care as usual care, those in the intervention group also received the advance care planning program through three home visits. The primary outcome was the readiness to discuss and document end-of-life care decisions, and the secondary outcomes included decisional conflict, perceived stress, and quality of life.

Results

A total of 204 participants (mean [SD] age, 74.9 [10.8]; 64.7% male; 80.4% cancer) were recruited. Generalized estimating equation analyses showed a significant improvement in readiness for advance care planning behaviors in the intervention group compared with the control group at 3 months post-allocation (group-by-time interaction, appointing proxy: β = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.25–1.35; p = .005; discussing with family: β = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.22–1.31; p = .006; discussing with medical doctors: β = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.30–1.42; p = .003; documenting: β = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.36–1.41; p < .001). The proportions of signing advance directives and placing a do-not-attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation order were significantly higher in the intervention group, with a relative risk of 3.43 (95% CI, 1.55–7.60) and 1.16 (95% CI, 1.04–1.28), respectively. The intervention group reported greater improvements in social support and value of life than the control group immediately after the intervention. Significant improvements in decisional conflicts and perceived stress were noted in both groups.

Conclusions

Motivational interviewing was effective in supporting patients to resolve ambivalence regarding end-of-life care, thereby increasing their readiness for discussing and documenting their care choices.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04162912 (Registered on 14/11//2019).
Known and novel parvoviruses identified in domestic pigeons
Authors: Łukaszuk Ewa , Dziewulska Daria , Khalifeh Anthony , Custer Joy M. , Kraberger Simona , Varsani Arvind , Stenzel Tomasz
Published: January 2025

Background

Parvoviridae is a family of single-stranded linear DNA viruses whose members infect both vertebrate and invertebrate species of animals, causing diseases of various systems and often associated with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, parvoviruses are known to induce illnesses causing diarrhea in various avian species as well; however, data on their occurrence and pathology in pigeons is scarce.

Results

In this study, we developed molecular biology methods to detect and quantify parvovirus genetic material in samples acquired from racing pigeons of different health status. Our intention was to determine a connection between the presence of the virus and the occurrence of clinical signs in sampled birds. The results of quantitative analysis indicate no direct association of parvoviruses with the manifestation of enteric disease in pigeons. High-throughput sequencing was performed on samples testing positive in quantitative PCR with TaqMan probe and in digital droplet PCR. It allowed us to assemble two coding-complete pigeon parvovirus genomes, one belonging to new species and referred to as pigeon parvovirus 2, and the second which is a member of species Aveparvovirus columbid1. Additionally, we analyze two coding-complete genomic sequences acquired from pigeon feces in USA, one representing species Aveparvovirus columbid1 and one being a member of Chaphamaparvovirus genus in Hamaparvovirinae subfamily.

Conclusions

This is the first report of parvovirus in pigeons outside Asia. The findings of our research emphasize the need to further explore the poorly understood biology and pathology of pigeon parvoviruses.
Assessing the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale v1.2
Authors: Biben Vitriana , Arisanti Farida , Fitriana Efi , Maklun Erika , Miguna Vindy Margaretha , Alviani Nabilla Fikria
Published: January 2025

Background

The assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is essential in clinical outcomes, focusing on the subjective perception of individuals regarding the physical, mental, and social aspects of health status. However, conducting a large-scale HRQoL assessment poses various challenges that necessitate the development of a non-burdensome instrument. One promising solution is adapting Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale v1.2 through translation, validation, and cross-cultural testing for non-English populations. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Indonesian version of PROMIS Global Health Scale for comprehensive HRQoL assessment.

Method

This cross sectional study involved a total of 343 participants, comprising patients, caregivers, and residents of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2 was subjected to translation and cultural adaptation using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) method. Content validity was tested by five experts using the Scale-Content Validity Index (S-CVI), and structural validity was evaluated through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were examined using Cronbach's Alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.

Result

The Indonesian version of PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2 showed strong validity and reliability. Content validity analysis produced a S-CVI/Universal Agreement of 0.90 with item analysis factor loading’s of > 0.3. Structural validity results were χ2/df (1.53), RMSEA (0.04), RMR (0.03), and CFI (0.99). The reliability results showed that Cronbach's Alpha for Global Physical Health (GPH) and Global Mental Health (GMH) was 0.61 and 0.77, respectively. Test–retest reliability assessment performed using intraclass correlation coefficients generated values of 0.72 for GPH (95% CI, [0.65,0.78])and 0.70 (95% CI [0.63,0.76]) for GMH.

Conclusion

The Indonesian version of PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2 showed sufficient content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, and reliability, which supported the application of this tool for HRQoL assessment in clinical and research settings.
Justification of Body Mass Index cutoffs for hip and knee joint arthroplasty among California orthopedic surgeons
Authors: Orr Sophie V. , Pereira Gavin C. , Christiansen Blaine A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Many orthopedic surgeons choose not to perform joint arthroplasty on patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or above, citing poorer outcomes and increased procedure risk. Identifying and addressing factors surgeons use to determine procedure BMI cutoffs are necessary to increase access to orthopaedic care for this growing patient population. This will help reduce healthcare disparities while also identifying clinical facilities, equipment, training, and procedures that require improvements to accommodate larger individuals.

Methods

Orthopaedic surgeons were surveyed to identify surgeon-specific BMI cutoffs for hip and knee arthroplasty. The survey was circulated within the California Orthopaedic Association (COA) report during March 2023. Questions aimed to identify BMI cutoffs and justifications such as infection risk, co-morbidities, inadequate equipment, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines. Data on decision making about BMI cutoffs and exceptions were also collected.

Results

75% of respondents use BMI cutoffs for hip and knee arthroplasty. 91% of respondents indicated they are either wholly or partially responsible for setting procedure BMI cutoffs. Mean hip and knee arthroplasty BMI cutoffs were 40.5 and 41, respectively. Four categories for BMI cutoff justifications were identified: (1) risk of complications; (2) surgery logistics; (3) concerns about facilities or resources; and (4) surgeon perception.

Conclusions

BMI-based justifications for denial of care define key addressable areas of improvement that can increase access to care for life-changing orthopaedic surgeries such as THA and TKA. Insight from the queried surgeons will help drive future research areas to address this need.
Comparative effectiveness of manual therapy, pharmacological treatment, exercise therapy, and education for neck pain (COMPETE study): protocol of a systematic review with network meta-analysis
Authors: de Oliveira-Souza Ana Izabela Sobral , Barbosa-Silva Jordana , Gross Douglas P. , da Costa Bruno R. , Ballenberger Nikolaus , Pereira Tiago V. , Dennett Liz , Armijo-Olivo Susan
Published: January 2025

Background and context of the study

Neck pain is a prevalent and globally burdensome problem. Clinical practice guidelines have recommended conservative treatments such as education, exercise therapy (ET), manual therapy (MT), and pharmacological therapy (i.e., medication) to manage all types of neck pain based on the chronicity of the disease (acute, subacute, and chronic pain). However, there is scarce evidence to determine which interventions constitute the most effective strategy for this condition.

Research question

What are the best conservative treatment options (i.e., ET, MT, education, and/or medication) to relieve pain and disability-related outcomes in patients with neck pain?

The overall purpose of the study

(1) To identify which type of conservative treatment (education, ET, MT, and/or medication) and their combinations have the greatest probability of being most effective for neck pain using a network meta-analysis (NMA) approach.

(2) To rank these conservative treatments in terms of safety (when possible) and effectiveness for managing neck pain.

Methodology

Systematic review (SR) with NMA of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Studies should include adults (aged > 18) with neck pain who received any of the interventions of interest (education, ET, MT, and medication). The main outcome will be pain intensity. Searches will be conducted in Ovid Medline All®, Embase, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Scopus, and Cochrane Library Trials database. No language or publication date restrictions will be applied. The revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias (RoB) tool for RCTs (RoB-2) will be used to evaluate RoB, and the certainty of evidence will be evaluated by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE). NMAs will be conducted to rank interventions according to their effectiveness and safety (when possible), allowing a comprehensive analysis of all available evidence, with different nodes specified for all conservative interventions of interest, placebo, sham therapy, and non-intervention control.

Major findings/summary of interpretations/conclusions

This NMA will help clinicians and the scientific community choose the most effective strategy or combinations of strategies for treating neck pain. The information gathered in this project will inform decision-making and guide personalized care of individual patients in the future.
Experience in setting up non-robotic minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting in a non-routine off-pump coronary artery bypass center
Authors: Sugimura Yukiharu , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Bauer Sebastian Johannes , Schoettler Friederike Irmgard , Immohr Moritz Benjamin , Maliwa Michael André , Mehdiani Arash , Tewarie Lachmandath , Schaelte Gereon , Moza Ajay , Akhyari Payam
Published: January 2025

Background

The safety of minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) has been proven. Nevertheless, reports on clinical outcomes in MIDCAB and the learning curve of this challenging technique in a non-routine off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) center are still limited. Here, we introduce our clinical outcomes of non-robotic MIDCAB.

Methods

Between August 2022 and March 2024, 72 consecutive patients with a mean age of 67.4 ± 9.5 years underwent non-robotic MIDCAB (defined as off-pump bypass grafting of the left internal mammary artery to the left anterior descending artery through left-sided mini-thoracotomy). We analyzed operation time and incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Further, subgroup analyses included body mass index (BMI) with a cut-off of 30 kg/m2 [BMI ≧ 30: n = 18 (25.0%)] and body surface area (BSA) with a cut-off of 2.0 m2 [BSA ≧ 2.0: n = 34 (47.2%)].

Results

All patients survived, whereas MACCE occurred in 4 patients (5.6%). By correlation analyses, no learning curve for operation time was observed in all cases analysis (p = 0.79), but MACCE (n = 4, 5.6%) exclusively observed in the first 34 patients. Furthermore, BMI ≧ 30 or BSA ≧ 2.0 was not significantly related to longer operation time (p = 0.42 and p = 0.52, respectively) and MACCE (p = 0.26 and p = 0.35, respectively). In addition, body size had no effect on operation time according to multiple regression analysis (p = 0.36).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that implementing non-robotic MIDCAB can be safely accomplished at a center with no previous routine in OPCAB surgery, even for patients with bigger body sizes. MACCE occurs more frequently in the early stages when adopting this surgical technique.
Impact of social media on triggering nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: a comparative ambulatory assessment study
Authors: Goreis Andreas , Chang Dorothy , Klinger Diana , Zesch Heidi-Elisabeth , Pfeffer Bettina , Oehlke Sofia-Marie , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Claes Laurence , Plener Paul L. , Kothgassner Oswald D.
Published: January 2025

Background

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a prevalent and concerning behavior among adolescents, often triggered by negative interpersonal events. As social media is essential in the daily life of adolescents, gaining a better understanding of the impact of negative online events on NSSI urges and behaviors, distinct from that of real-life events, is warranted.

Methods

We recruited 25 adolescents with a history of NSSI and 25 healthy controls. Participants reported on their stress, affect, and NSSI urges four times daily over seven days using ambulatory assessment. We examined the immediate effects of negative events in real-life and on social media on these psychological outcomes.

Results

In adolescents who engage in NSSI, negative events on social media were positively associated with perceived stress, negative affect, and NSSI urges to a greater extent than real-life negative events. However, NSSI events during the sampling period were mostly triggered by real-life events. While the frequency of social media use was generally similar between groups, those with NSSI reported experiencing more negative events on social media.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the significant impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents who engage in NSSI, possibly exacerbating stress and negative affect more than real-life events. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing online interactions to mitigate NSSI behaviors and improve adolescent mental health.

Trial registration

This study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00025905, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00025905).
Production of HMF-derivatives from wine residues using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as whole-cell biocatalyst
Authors: Cunha Joana T. , Romaní Aloia , Domingues Lucília
Published: January 2025

Background

There is an urgent need to develop bioprocesses independent of fossil resources to address resource depletion and mitigate environmental harm. Transitioning to a bio-based economy requires prioritizing chemical production processes that utilize renewable resources, ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and its derivatives are promising building blocks, ranked among the top 12 bio-based molecules derived from biomass. This study investigates the potential of wine residues as substrates for HMF production and explores the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a robust industrial microbial cell factory, as a whole-cell biocatalyst for converting HMF into high-value compounds, offering an alternative to chemical synthesis.

Findings

Several S. cerevisiae strains were compared for their ability to convert HMF, demonstrating varying capacities for oxidation or reduction. For the first time, HMF derivatives with potential industrial applications were produced using an HMF-rich hydrolysate obtained from sustainable processing of wine-growing waste, such as grape pomace and must surplus. The selected yeast strain was engineered to express the oxidoreductase enzyme of HMF/Furfural from Cupriavidua basilensis strain HMF14, resulting in a 15-fold increase in the accumulation of oxidized derivatives such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the potential of leveraging wine residues and engineered S. cerevisiae strains to develop sustainable bioprocesses for producing valuable HMF derivatives, thereby contributing to the advancement of bio-based chemical production.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of duration of treatments with metformin and sulfonylureas, individually or in combination, on diabetic retinopathy among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients: a pooled cohort’s analysis
Authors: Bahardoust Mansour , Mehrabi Yadollah , Hadaegh Farzad , Khalili Davood , Delpisheh Ali
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin and sulfonylurea (SUs) medication time on Diabetic retinopathy (DR) among newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) using a pooled analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin and SUs’ medication time on DR among newly diagnosed T2DM using a pooled analysis.

Methods

The data of 4,068 newly diagnosed DM individuals(mean age, 60.2 ± 0.85 years) from three prospective cohorts of Tehran Sugar and Lipid Study (TLGS), Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) with a mean age of 59.6 ± 08 years were pooled. The cumulative exposure to metformin, SUs, aspirin, statin, and anti-hypertensive medication was also determined using the same approach. The Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) for the outcomes while adjusting for confounding factors such as fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), age, statin, aspirin, and anti-hypertensive medications.

Results

During follow-up, DR occurred in 519 DM. Metformin alone, SUs alone, and the combination of both reduced the hazard of DR by 10%, 7%, and 11% for each year of use, respectively (p < 0.05). The protective effect of metformin and SUs, individually or in combination, on DR started approximately five years after the initial treatment and continued until approximately 15 years after the initial treatment and then reached a plato.

Conclusion

Long-term treatment with metformin and SUs, individually and in combination, was associated with a reduced risk of DR in people with newly diagnosed diabetes for up to a decade compared with no treatment. These findings highlight the protective role of metformin and sulfonylureas as inexpensive and readily available drugs to prevent DR in people with newly diagnosed diabetes.
Swine zoonotic viruses: transmission and novel diagnostic technology
Authors: Zhang Letian , Jiang Zhiwen , Qin Ying , Bi Yuhai , Su Shuo
Published: January 2025

Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic viruses pose enormous challenges to public health worldwide. As an important livestock animal, pigs play a vital role in the evolution and spread of many zoonotic viruses. Hence, with the development of globalization and large-scale intensive farming, close human-pig contact increases the threat of zoonotic virus transmission. In this review, to facilitate disease prevention and control efforts, we summarized the prevalence and transmission characteristics of zoonotic viruses associated with pigs, such as influenza virus, coronavirus, and pseudorabies virus. Additionally, we emphasized novel detection techniques including rapid diagnostic tests, biosensor-based detection technology, high-throughput sequencing, and systematic viral epitope scanning. These techniques are instrumental in enabling cost-effective and convenient rapid detection procedures for broader implementation across diverse regions for effective surveillance of viral epidemics. To enhance virus surveillance capabilities and improve strategies for disease prevention in pigs, the improvement of our understanding of viral transmission modes combined with advancements in diagnostic technology is necessary.
Hidden Heterogeneity: How the White Racial Category Masks Interethnic Health Inequality
Authors: Read Jen'nan G. , Fairfax Fatima G.
Published: January 2025

Inequality research has often used non-Hispanic Whites as the reference category in measuring U.S. racial and ethnic health disparities, with less attention paid to diversity among Whites. Immigration patterns over the last several decades have led to greater ethnic heterogeneity among Whites, which could be hidden by the aggregate category. Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (2000–2018), we disaggregate non-Hispanic Whites by nativity status (U.S.- and foreign-born) and foreign-born region of birth (Europe, Former Soviet Union, and the Middle East) to examine diversity in health among adults aged 30+ (n = 290,361). We find that foreign-born Whites do not have a consistent immigrant health advantage over U.S.-born Whites, and the presence of an advantage further varies by birth region. Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) are particularly disadvantaged, reporting worse self-rated health and higher rates of hypertension (high blood pressure) than U.S.-born and European-born Whites. Middle Eastern immigrants also fare worse than U.S.-born Whites but have health outcomes more similar to European immigrants than to immigrants from the FSU. These findings highlight considerable diversity in health among White subgroups that is masked by the aggregate White category. Future research must continue to monitor growing heterogeneity among Whites and consider more carefully their use as an aggregate category for gauging racial inequality.
Behavioral characterization of the mdx
5cv
, mdx52 and DMD-null mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Verhaeg M. A. T. , van der Pijl E. M. , van de Vijver D. , Tanganyika-de Winter C. L. , Stan T. L. , van Uffelen A. , Censoni L. , van Putten M.
Published: January 2025

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a severe neuromuscular disorder, caused by mutations in the DMD gene. Normally, the DMD gene gives rise to multiple dystrophin isoforms, of which multiple are expressed in the brain. The location of the mutation determines the number of dystrophin isoforms affected, and the absence thereof leads to behavioral and cognitive impairments. Even though behavioral studies have thoroughly investigated the effects of the loss of Dp427, and to a lesser extend of Dp140, in mice, direct comparisons between models lacking multiple dystrophin isoforms are sparse. Furthermore, a behavioral characterization of the DMD-null mouse, which lacks all dystrophin isoforms, has never been undertaken. Using a wide variety of behavioral tests, we directly compared impairments between mdx5cv, mdx52 and DMD-null mice. We confirmed the role of Dp427 in emotional reactivity. We did not find any added effects of loss of Dp140 on fear, but showed the involvement of Dp140 in spontaneous behavior, specifically in habituation and activity changes due to light/dark switches. Lastly, Dp71/Dp40 seems to play an important role in many behavioral domains, including anxiety and spontaneous behavior.
Editorial
Authors: Σουλιώτη Μάγδα
Published: January 2025

Editorial
Η Ιδιωτική Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση στην πόλη της Κατερίνης κατά την περίοδο 1951-1970. Το παράδειγμα των Ιδιωτικών Εκπαιδευτηρίων Παπαδημητρίου
Authors: Καλλέργης Στέργιος
Published: January 2025

Η παρούσα εργασία εξετάζει την ανάπτυξη και τον ρόλο της Ιδιωτικής Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης στην πόλη της Κατερίνης κατά την περίοδο 1951-1970, με έμφαση στο παράδειγμα των Ιδιωτικών Εκπαιδευτηρίων Παπαδημητρίου. Το έτος 1950 είναι ιδιαίτερα σημαντικό για την Εκπαίδευση στην Πιερία, καθώς ένα χρόνο πριν μέσω του αναγκαστικού νόμου 960/1949 συγκροτήθηκε ο Νομός Πιερίας, ο οποίος ως τότε άνηκε εκπαιδευτικά, διοικητικά και εκκλησιαστικά στο Νομό Θεσσαλονίκης. Μέσα από την ανάλυση ιστορικών πηγών και αρχείων από τα Γενικά Αρχεία του Κράτους του Νομού Πιερίας αλλά και της τοπικής Διεύθυνσης Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης, η εργασία επιχειρεί να αναδείξει πώς τα συγκεκριμένα εκπαιδευτήρια ανταποκρίθηκαν στις ανάγκες της τοπικής κοινωνίας και πώς συνέβαλαν στη διαμόρφωση της εκπαιδευτικής πραγματικότητας της εποχής. Εξετάζονται ζητήματα όπως ο αριθμός των μαθητών που φοιτούσαν στην Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση των Εκπαιδευτηρίων Παπαδημητρίου, ο αριθμός των εκπαιδευτικών που δίδασκαν καθώς και οι ειδικότητες, οι περιοχές προέλευσης των μαθητών, τόσο εντός Πιερίας όσο και εκτός ορισμένες φορές και ζητήματα που σχετίζονται με τις επιδόσεις των μαθητών της τελευταίας τάξης του εξατάξιου Γυμνασίου. Τέλος, η εργασία προσφέρει μια συνολική εικόνα του ρόλου των ιδιωτικών σχολείων στην εκπαιδευτική και κοινωνική ζωή της Κατερίνης κατά την εν λόγω περίοδο, ενώ γίνεται αναφορά και στη δημογραφική κατάσταση του Νομού τις δύο αυτές δεκαετίες κατά τις οποίες λειτουργεί το Ιδιωτικό Γυμνάσιο.
«Τα σοβαρά σκάνδαλα του Βόλου: Αθεΐα, αναρχία, μαλλιαρισμός»: Το Πρότυπο Παρθεναγωγείο Βόλου μέσα από τα δημοσιεύματα της Εστίας
Authors: Κανταράκη Σοφία
Published: January 2025

Η ίδρυση του Ανώτερου Δημοτικού Παρθεναγωγείου Βόλου στις 8 Σεπτεμβρίου 1908 αποτέλεσε σημαίνοντα σταθμό στα εκπαιδευτικά πράγματα, όχι μόνο για το ρηξικέλευθο, μεταρρυθμιστικό και αρκετά πρωτοπόρο για την εποχή του πρόγραμμα, αλλά κυρίως διότι κατάφερε να συνταράξει συνειδησιακά και ιδεολογικά το κατεστημένο στον χώρο της γυναικείας εκπαίδευσης. Σύμφωνα με τον Χ. Χαρίτο «η λειτουργία του Βολιώτικου Παρθεναγωγείου συντέλεσε στην επανατοποθέτηση του προβλήματος της γυναικείας εκπαίδευσης στη χώρα μας και […] στο να δοκιμαστούν προγράμματα και μέθοδοι διδασκαλίας που επιδίωκαν τη μεταρρύθμιση της δευτεροβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης θηλέων στην Ελλάδα» ( Χαρίτος, 1989, 14).Αναμφίβολα αυτή η μεταρρύθμιση δεν θα έβρισκε τη δέουσα απήχηση. Η κοινωνία αλλά και η εκπαιδευτική κοινότητα ήταν ανώριμη και φυσικά απροετοίμαστη για τόσο ριζικές αλλαγές. Τοπικές αλλά και μεγάλες αθηναϊκές εφημερίδες αποτύπωσαν την κατάσταση περιγράφοντάς την με μελανά χρώματα. Το ερευνητικό μας ενδιαφέρον προσέλκυσε η εφημερίδα Εστία, η οποία διαφοροποιείται χρονικά από τις υπόλοιπες αθηναϊκές και αναδεικνύει εκ νέου το ζήτημα των γεγονότων του Παρθεναγωγείου, τον Σεπτέμβριο του 1911, δημοσιεύοντας ενδιαφέρουσες προσεγγίσεις γύρω από τα τεκταινόμενα. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό η παρούσα μελέτη φέρνει στο φως και αναλύει τα δημοσιεύματα της Εστίας από 19 έως και 27 Σεπτεμβρίου 1911.
Μία φιλοσοφική εξήγηση της Αριστείας του Πατρόκλου
Authors: Μακρυπούλιας Βασίλειος
Published: January 2025

Ο Όμηρος ως Ποιητής μεταφέρει στην Ανθρώπινη κοινωνία πλήθος ιδεών και αξιών, κεκαλυμμένων υπό τον μανδύα των σκέψεων και πράξεων των Ηρώων και των Θεών. Υπό αυτή την άποψη ο Ποιητής προσφέρει στους προσωκρατικούς και σωκρατικούς φιλοσόφους μία σπουδαία παρακαταθήκη πνευματικών και ηθικών συλλήψεων χρησίμων για την περαιτέρω ανάπτυξη και εξέλιξη του καθαρού Λόγου. Ο Πάτροκλος εγκαινιάζει το μεγάλο φιλοσοφικό πρόβλημα του Φαίνεσθαι και του Είναι, επίσης ο Απόλλωνας προσφέρει τη Γνώση η οποία αποκαλύπτει κάθε Αλήθεια πίσω από το ζεύγος του Φαίνεσθαι και του Είναι. Ο Πάτροκλος ήξερε τα όριά του άρα ο Όμηρος θέτει ποιητικώ τω λόγω το μεγάλο πρόβλημα της ατομικής έλλογης ευθύνης του κάθε ανθρώπου ενώπιον της Αληθείας.
Το Ποίημα “Το Γράμμα” του Γιάννη Βαρβέρη” Μέσα από τη Νέα Κριτική: Μια Εκ του Σύνεγγυς Ανάγνωση
Authors: Μπαλιάμη Όλγα , Μπαλιάμης Παναγιώτης , Σταματοπούλου Μαρία
Published: January 2025

Το άρθρο εξετάζει το ποίημα «Το Γράμμα» του Γιάννη Βαρβέρη μέσα από τη θεωρία της Νέας Κριτικής και της εκ του Σύνεγγυς Ανάγνωσης. Επικεντρώνεται στην ανάλυση των λογοτεχνικών τεχνικών, όπως η χρήση συμβόλων, εικόνων και μεταφορών, που αναδεικνύουν τη συναισθηματική και συμβολική πολυπλοκότητα του ποιήματος. Η προσέγγιση αυτή αποκαλύπτει την αυτονομία του κειμένου και υπογραμμίζει πώς οι λέξεις και η δομή δημιουργούν βαθύτερα νοήματα, χωρίς αναφορά στο βιογραφικό ή ιστορικό πλαίσιο του ποιητή. Το άρθρο καταλήγει στο συμπέρασμα ότι η Νέα Κριτική προσφέρει ένα χρήσιμο εργαλείο για την ερμηνεία της ποιητικής γλώσσας και της ανθρώπινης εμπειρίας που εκφράζεται μέσα από το έργο.
"Οι Σούπερ Ήρωες της Καλοσύνης!" Δυνάμεις αγάπης vs. σχολικός εκφοβισμός – ποιος θα κερδίσει;-Ένα πρόγραμμα πρόληψης κατά της ενδοσχολικής βίας και του εκφοβισμού
Authors: Μάλαμα Βασιλική , Σωτηρίου Βαρβάρα
Published: January 2025

Η παρούσα εισήγηση αφορά την εφαρμογή ενός προγράμματος πρόληψης κατά της ενδοσχολικής βίας και του εκφοβισμού που υλοποιείται το σχολικό έτος 2024-2025 στο 8ο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Καλαμάτας και βασικό στόχο έχει την εκπαίδευση της σχολικής κοινότητας στην ενσυναίσθηση, την εκμάθηση κοινωνικών δεξιοτήτων, την υποστήριξη των μαθητών και των οικογενειών που παρουσιάζουν ανάγκη και την εκμάθηση επίλυσης συγκρούσεων. Τα ποσοστά του σχολικού εκφοβισμού στην Ελλάδα παραμένουν υψηλά, με τους μαθητές να εμπλέκονται σε όλους τους ρόλους του εκφοβισμού. Αυτά τα ποσοστά ποικίλλουν ανάλογα με την περιοχή και την ηλικιακή ομάδα (Yannopoulos, C., & Leriou, E.,2023). Ωστόσο, όταν το φαινόμενο του σχολικού εκφοβισμού μελετάται, αυτό γίνεται διαμέσου της μεθόδου της αυτοαναφοράς. Ένας από τους πιο σημαντικούς στόχους του προγράμματος είναι οι μαθητές να ενημερωθούν γύρω από το τι είναι σχολικός εκφοβισμός, να μπορούν να τον αναγνωρίζουν, να μπορούν να εκφράζονται σε σχέση με αυτόν και να επιλέγουν από μια σειρά στρατηγικών εκείνες που τους ταιριάζουν καλύτερα για την επίλυση των συγκρούσεων.
Μαθαίνω να ζω με τους/τις άλλους/ες
Authors: Μαρκοπούλου Αικατερίνη , Μαρκοπούλου Μερόπη
Published: January 2025

Η σύνδεση της γενικής εκπαίδευσης με την ειδική ακολουθεί μεθοδολογικές προσεγγίσεις, οι οποίες βασίζονται στις αρχές της κοινωνικής δικαιοσύνης, της ένταξης και της ισότητας. Σκοπός τους είναι η υλοποίηση και η εφαρμογή κατάλληλων διαφοροποιήσεων, που μπορούν να γεφυρώσουν ανισότητες και να δώσουν προτεραιότητα στην ανάδειξη των χαρακτηριστικών της πολυπολιτισμικής κοινωνίας στην οποία ζούμε. Στη συγκεκριμένη εκπαιδευτική παραδοχή βασίζεται το παρόν άρθρο, που στοχεύει να παρουσιάσει αναλυτικά το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα με τίτλο: «Μαθαίνω να ζω με τους/τις άλλους/ες» που απευθύνεται σε μαθητές/τριες προσχολικής και πρωτοσχολικής ηλικίας. Οι επιμέρους στόχοι του εκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος βασίζονται στις στρατηγικές της εκπαίδευσης για την αναπηρία, οι οποίες λαμβάνουν αυτήν την έννοια και τις ειδικές εκπαιδευτικές ανάγκες ως ένα στοιχείο δαφορετικότητας, που πρέπει να χαρτογραφείται κατά τον εκπαιδευτικό σχεδιασμό, χωρίς να δίνεται υπερβολική έμφαση στις διαφορές και χωρίς η διαφορετικότητα να περιορίζεται σε επιφανειακές εκφάνσεις, αλλά σε ουσιαστικές δράσεις.
Ψυχοπολιτική, λόγος και πολιτικό τραύμα
Authors: Κοντοπούλου Κωνσταντίνα
Published: January 2025

ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ Το φαινόμενο της σύγχρονης τρομοκρατίας διερευνήθηκε εκτενώς κατά τον 21ο αιώνα, ιδίως με αφορμή τα γεγονότα της 11ης Σεπτεμβρίου. Η παρούσα διατριβή προτείνει μια νέα θεωρητική αντιμετώπιση του πολιτικού και ιστορικού τραύματος, που είτε προκαλείται από το φαινόμενο της τρομοκρατίας είτε το προκαλεί. Για να το πετύχει αυτό, ανιχνεύει μέσα από τη διεπιστημονική προσέγγιση της επιστήμης της ψυχολογίας, της πολιτικής και κοινωνικής θεωρίας, του αφηγηματικού και θεατρικού λόγου στοιχεία τραύματος, μετατρέποντας τον λόγο σε ένα συμπληρωματικό διαγνωστικό και θεραπευτικό εργαλείο, με την προσδοκία προληπτικού χαρακτήρα, μιας διεθνούς προσέγγισης της ψυχοκοινωνικής υγείας και του πολιτικού της ρόλου. Επινοεί, λοιπόν, τη μεταϋπαρξιακή θεωρία ως μετεξέλιξη του υπαρξισμού και της υπαρξιακής θεραπείας. Εμβαθύνοντας σε ψυχολογικές παραμέτρους που προκαλούνται από ιστορικές συνθήκες και πολιτικά συμβάντα, καλεί σε μια πιο ενσυναισθητική προσέγγιση των πολιτικών τραυμάτων με στόχο έναν συνδυαστικό τρόπο σκέψης περί “πολιτικής θεραπείας”, εστιασμένο στην προτεραιότητα της ανθρώπινης ζωής και ποιότητάς της, τονίζοντας τον ρόλο της πολιτικής θεωρίας στην προστασία της προσωπικής και κοινοτικής ψυχικής υγείας, ιδίως σε σχέση με φαινόμενα βίας ή αδικίας. Συνδυάζοντας τόσο την ανάλυση λόγου, μια ποιοτική μέθοδο που χρησιμοποιείται ευρέως στην ψυχολογία και στην πολιτική επιστήμη, όσο και στοιχεία της υπαρξιακής θεωρίας και της εξέλιξής της, που διατηρούν την οντολογική τους σταθερά χωρίς να αποσυνδέονται από την κοινωνικοπολιτική θεωρία, στην παρούσα διατριβή, αυτό που ονομάζεται “μεταϋπαρξισμός” κρίνεται ως στοιχειώδες θεωρητικό θεμέλιο για την αντιμετώπιση μετατραυματικών επιπτώσεων, που προέρχονται από ενέργειες πολιτικής βίας ή πολιτικής αδικίας κατά ατόμων και ομάδων. Η ανάδειξη του ρόλου της ατομικής και συλλογικής ψυχολογίας τραύματος συνιστά πρωταρχικό μέλημα για μια παγκόσμια αντιμετώπιση της τρομοκρατικής βίας και της βίας του πολέμου. Η διατριβή εισάγει μια πρόταση μιας αναδυόμενης πολιτικής θεωρίας, που θα μπορούσε να συμβάλει στη χάραξη παγκόσμιων πολιτικών μέσα από την κατανόηση πιθανών αιτιών και αφορμών της σύγχρονης τρομοκρατίας. Εστιάζοντας στην προτεραιότητα της ανθρώπινης ζωής, εισάγει το ερώτημα “Ποιος ήταν ο τρομοκράτης πριν γίνει τρομοκράτης;” Διευκολύνει έτσι την πρόσβαση στην κατανόηση διεθνών τρομοκρατικών φαινομένων.
Ανάπτυξη στοχευμένων νανοσωματιδίων συζυγιακών πολυμερών με εφαρμογή στη βιοαπεικόνιση
Authors: Σχίζα Ανδριάνα
Published: January 2025

Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής μελετήθηκε η ανάπτυξη π-συζυγιακών πολυμερών με στόχο την εφαρμογή τους στη βιοαπεικόνιση. Το ερευνητικό ενδιαφέρον επικεντρώθηκε στον σχεδιασμό, τη σύνθεση, την απομόνωση, τον χαρακτηρισμό π-συζυγιακών πολυμερών, καθώς και στον σχηματισμό των αντίστοιχων νανοσωματιδίων. Αρχικά συντέθηκαν διαφορετικές οικογένειες εναλλασσόμενων πολυμερών, οι οποίες διέφεραν ως προς τις δομικές τους μονάδες. Συγκεκριμένα συντέθηκαν υδρόφοβα πολυμερή με επαναλαμβανόμενες δομικές μονάδες βενζο[1,2,3]τριαζολιο-θειφαίνιο, κινοξαλινη-θειοφαίνιo, ινδακενοδιθειοφαινιο-[1,2,5]θειαδιαζολο[3,4-g]κινοξαλίνη, καθώς και αμφίφιλα πολυμερή με δομικές μονάδες όπως θειοφαινιο-βενζοθειαδιαζόλιο, θειοφαινιο-βενζοσεληνοδιαζόλιο και θειοφαινιο-[1,2,5]θειαδιαζολο[3,4-g]κινοξαλινη-θειοφαινιο-διθειοφαίνιο.Τα συντιθέμενα μονομερή χαρακτηρίστηκαν μέσω φασματοσκοπίας πυρηνικού μαγνητικού συντονισμού για τους πυρήνες του πρωτονίου, του άνθρακα και του φθορίου και φασματοσκοπία μάζας υψηλής ανάλυσης. Επιπλέον, τα π-συζυγιακά πολυμερή χαρακτηρίστηκαν με διάφορες τεχνικές όπως φασματοσκοπία πυρηνικού μαγνητικού συντονισμού για τους πυρήνες πρωτονίου, άνθρακα και φθορίου, ηλεκτρονική μικροσκοπία, φασματοσκοπία απορρόφησης και εκπομπής. Έπειτα, τα πολυμερή χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την παραγωγή των αντίστοιχων νανοσωματιδίων, με τη χρήση των μεθόδων νανοκαταβύθισης ή εγκλωβισμού. Ο χαρακτηρισμός των νανοσωματιδίων πραγματοποιήθηκε μέσω δυναμικής σκέδασης φωτός, φασματοσκοπίας απορρόφησης και εκπομπής. Τα νανοσωματίδια που προέκυψαν αποτέλεσαν αντικείμενο μελέτης των ιδιοτήτων τους, όπου εξετάστηκε η ικανότητα τους να παράγουν φθορισμό ή φωτοακουστικό σήμα. Το τελικό στάδιο της έρευνας επικεντρώνεται στην εφαρμογή των νανοσωματιδίων ως απεικονιστικών παραγόντων. Μέσω πειραμάτων τοξικότητας σε κυτταρικές σειρές, επιβεβαιώθηκε η χαμηλή τοξικότητα των νανοσωματιδίων. Τα ενθαρρυντικά αποτελέσματα τόσο στην παραγωγή φθορισμού ή φωτοακουστικού σήματος, όσο και τα χαμηλά επίπεδα τοξικότητας, επιβεβαιώνουν την προοπτική χρησιμοποίησης αυτών των νανοϋλικών στη βιοαπεικόνιση. Η διδακτορική διατριβή συνιστά συνεισφορά στον τομέα των πολυμερικών νανοϋλικών, θέτοντας τη βάση για μελλοντικές έρευνες και περαιτέρω διερεύνηση στη βελτιστοποίηση της τεχνολογίας αυτής.