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Biomedical subjects

A Linos

Publications and source records attributed to A Linos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

The influence of dietary patterns on the development of thyroid cancer.

To elucidate the role of diet in the development of thyroid cancer, we conducted a case-control study of 113 persons with histologically-verified thyroid cancer and 138 controls, matched by age, gender and health unit. Socio-economic data, known risk factors and food consumption of more than 100 items were recorded by interviewer-administered prestructured questionnaire. Factor analysis was used to identify possible dietary patterns and logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effect of food items or dietary patterns on thyroid cancer. After adjustment for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and total energy intake, significant positive associations were observed for pork consumption, while negative ones were observed for tomatoes, lemons and pasta. Dietary patterns of fruits, raw vegetables and mixed raw vegetables and fruits, led to a reduced risk (corresponding odds ratios (ORs) 0.68, 0.71, 0.73) for all thyroid cancers and similar figures were obtained for papillary thyroid cancers. A dietary pattern of fish and cooked vegetables led to an increased risk (OR 2.79) of follicular cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Taxonomic characterization of two rubber degrading bacteria belonging to the species Gordonia polyisoprenivorans and analysis of hyper variable regions of 16S rDNA sequences.

Two cis-1,4-polyisoprene (isoprene rubber) degrading bacteria, strains VH2 and Y2K, were identified as strains of the species Gordonia polyisoprenivorans belonging to the Corynebacterineae, a suborder of the order Actinomycetales. Both showed characteristic growth and degradation of isoprene rubber as described previously for the type strain of G. polyisoprenivorans Kd2 (DSM 44302(T)). For strain VH2 the chemotaxonomic properties were investigated, and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments with the type strain revealed the affiliation to the species G. polyisoprenivorans. The comparison of the 16S rDNA sequences, and especially hyper variable regions of these, led to the classification of strain Y2K to the same species. At present, the species G. polyisoprenivorans comprises three different isolates which share the ability to degrade isoprene rubber potently but which were obtained from different geographic regions.

Actinomycetales↗
PubMed2001

Occupation and leukemia: a population-based case-control study in Iowa and Minnesota.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that risk of leukemia may be associated with occupational or industrial exposures and risk may vary by the histological type of the disease. METHODS: A population-based case-control study was conducted in Iowa and Minnesota to evaluate the association between various occupations, industries, and occupational exposures and leukemia risk. A total of 513 cases and 1,087 controls was included in the study. A lifetime occupational history and other risk factor information were collected through in-person interviews, and a job-exposure matrix was used to assess possible risks associated with specific exposures. RESULTS: A significantly increased risk of leukemia was observed among agricultural service industries and among nursing and healthcare workers. Janitors, cleaners, and light truck drivers also experienced increased risk. Those employed in plumbing, heating and air conditioning industries, and sales of nondurable goods (such as paints and varnishes) had an increased risk. Printers, painters, and workers in the food and metal industries had a nonsignificantly increased risk of leukemia. Analyses by specific exposures and histology of leukemia showed that risk of leukemia associated with occupational or industrial exposures may vary by histological type of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: An increased risk of leukemia among workers employed in agricultural industries, nursing and healthcare workers, and in a few occupations with possible exposure to solvents is consistent with earlier studies. Associations of risk with occupations not observed previously deserve further assessment. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Urinary estrogen metabolites and mammographic parenchymal patterns in postmenopausal women.

It has been hypothesized that women who metabolize their endogenous estrogens predominantly via 16(alpha)-hydroxylation rather than via 2-hydroxylation and, as a result, have a low ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1):16(alpha)-hydroxyestrone (16(alpha)-OHE1) are at an increased risk of breast cancer. Epidemiological evidence in support of this hypothesis is scarce and mostly based on measurements made after the onset of the disease. To gain insight into the role of these metabolites in the etiology of breast cancer, we assessed their relationship with high-density Wolfe mammographic parenchymal patterns (P2/DY), a recognized indicator of risk of this tumor. The study was nested within a large cross-sectional survey on determinants of mammographic patterns carried out in a population-based breast screening program in Northern Greece. Urinary levels of 2-OHE1 and 16(alpha)-OHE1 were measured in a random sample of 70 postmenopausal women with P2/DY mammographic patterns and in a random sample of 70 women with N1 mammographic patterns, individually matched to the P2/DY women on year of birth, years since menopause and date of urine collection. Women with a P2/DY pattern had, on average, 58% higher levels of 2-OHE1 (P = 0.002) and 15% higher levels of 16(alpha)-OHE1 (P = 0.37) than those with an N1 pattern. The ratio of 2-OHE1:16(alpha)-OHE1 was 35% higher (P = 0.005) in women with a P2/DY pattern. Women in the highest one-third of this ratio were six times more likely to have a P2/DY pattern than those in the lowest one-third after adjusting for potential confounders (prevalence odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 1.7-22.9; test for linear trend, P = 0.002). These findings seem to suggest that a high, rather than a low, 2-OHE1:16(alpha)-OHE1 ratio may be associated with an increase in breast cancer risk at postmenopausal ages, unless the pathway through which estrogen metabolites may affect breast cancer risk is unrelated to mammographic parenchymal patterns.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of pretreatment of rubber material on its biodegradability by various rubber degrading bacteria.

The effect of pretreatment of several cis-1,4-polyisoprene containing rubbers on their biodegradability was examined. Tests were carried out with six recently isolated and characterized rubber degrading bacteria belonging to the genera Gordonia (strains Kb2, Kd2 and VH2), Mycobacterium, Micromonospora and Pseudomonas. All strains were able to use natural rubber (NR) as well as NR latex gloves as sole carbon source. Extraction of NR latex gloves by organic solvents resulted in an enhancement of growth for three of the selected strains. On the other hand, growth of Gordonia sp. (strain Kb2 and Kd2), Mycobacterium fortuitum NF4 and Micromonospora aurantiaca W2b on synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene did only occur after removal of the antioxidants, that are usually added during manufacture to prevent aging of the materials. Detailed degradation studies performed with Gordonia sp. Kb2 revealed an enhanced mineralization of pretreated NR latex gloves and mineralization of purified natural rubber (NR), indicating the actual mineralization of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber constituent even after removal of non-rubber constituent that may act as co-metabolic substrate and support microbial growth. Further analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly demonstrated the enhanced colonization efficiency of these bacteria towards pretreated NR latex gloves. Colonization was additionally visualized by staining of overgrown NR latex gloves with Schiff's reagent, and the purple color produced in the area of degradation was an evidence for the accumulation of aldehydes containing oligomers. Further enhancement of latex gloves degradation could be achieved after successive replacement of mineral salts medium during cultivation. Thereby, a rapid disintegration of untreated NR latex gloves material was accomplished by Gordonia sp. strain VH2.

Actinomycetales↗
PubMed2000

A gram-negative bacterium, identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa AL98, is a potent degrader of natural rubber and synthetic cis-1, 4-polyisoprene.

A Gram-negative bacterium, strain AL98, was isolated from foul water inside of a deteriorated car tire on a farmer's field in Münster, Germany. The strain was able to considerably disintegrate natural rubber (NR), either in the raw state as NR latex concentrate or in the vulcanized state as NR latex glove, as well as raw synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene (IR). Determination of carbon dioxide evolution and living cell number during batch cultivation with each of the materials as sole source of carbon, revealed mineralization of the rubber polymer during biomass increase. Surface investigation by scanning electron microscopy gave evidence for an adhesive growth behavior of the strain proceeding by colonizing the rubber surface, merging into the rubber and forming a biofilm prior to disintegration of the material. Schiff's reagent staining performed with NR latex gloves indicated production and accumulation of aldehyde groups during colonization. The solid glove substrate disappeared completely after a prolonged cultivation period as a result of continuous degradation. Taxonomic analyses of the strain, which were also based on similarity examination of the complete 16S rRNA gene, revealed classification of strain AL98 as a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is the first report about the isolation of a Gram-negative bacterium exhibiting strong rubber decomposing properties.

Automobiles↗
PubMed2000

Cervical cancer screening in Greece.

The aim of this study was to describe the state of the art in cervical cancer screening in Greece by presenting the two regionally organised screening programmes that currently operate in the country. Both programmes were initiated in 1991 and are partly funded by the European Union. The Ormylia screening programme covers the population of Halkidiki (Northern Greece), a predominantly rural area. The second programme covers the regions of Messinia and Ilia (Southern Greece). Both programmes are targeted at women aged 25-64 years of age and a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test is recommended every 2-3 years. Electoral and municipal registries are used to identify the target population and personal invitations are sent to the eligible women in the screening programme. The Ormylia programme is based at the Centre 'Our Lady Who Loves Mankind', whereas mobile units are used by the Messinia and Ilia programme. Slide reading for the Ormylia programme is performed in the cytology laboratory of Alexandra Hospital in Athens and epidemiological support is provided by the Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology (Medical School, University of Athens). A specifically designed database is used for data recording. Over 80% of the target population in the region have already been screened. Communication of results is by means of a personal letter upon a negative result and in person upon a suspicious result. Quality assurance in both programmes is based on the European protocol. These two programmes are the sole organised cervical cancer screening activities in Greece in the absence of a national programme. They employ well-trained personnel, they use modern equipment and have strict quality assurance procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Comparisons of cervical cancer screening programmes in the European Union.

This paper summarises the similarities and differences between the cervical cancer screening programmes operating in the 15 Member States of the European Union as presented in the separate papers prepared by each country. The screening programmes are compared in terms of their duration of operation, type and sources of funding, invitation methodology, target population, organisation and quality assurance methodology with the aim of shedding some light upon the current situation of cervical cancer screening within the European Union.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Biodegradation of cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubbers by distinct actinomycetes: microbial strategies and detailed surface analysis.

Several actinomycetes isolated from nature were able to use both natural rubber (NR) and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene rubber (IR) as a sole source of carbon. According to their degradation behavior, they were divided into two groups. Representatives of the first group grew only in direct contact to the rubber substrate and led to considerable disintegration of the material during cultivation. The second group consisted of weaker rubber decomposers that did not grow adhesively, as indicated by the formation of clear zones (translucent halos) around bacterial colonies after cultivation on NR dispersed in mineral agar. Taxonomic analysis of four selected strains based on 16S rRNA similarity examinations revealed two Gordonia sp. strains, VH2 and Kb2, and one Mycobacterium fortuitum strain, NF4, belonging to the first group as well as one Micromonospora aurantiaca strain, W2b, belonging to the second group. Schiff's reagent staining tests performed for each of the strains indicated colonization of the rubber surface, formation of a bacterial biofilm, and occurrence of compounds containing aldehyde groups during cultivation with NR latex gloves. Detailed analysis by means of scanning electron microscopy yielded further evidence for the two different microbial strategies and clarified the colonization efficiency. Thereby, strains VH2, Kb2, and NF4 directly adhered to and merged into the rubber material, while strain W2b produced mycelial corridors, especially on the surface of IR. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comprising the attenuated total reflectance technique was applied on NR latex gloves overgrown by cells of the Gordonia strains, which were the strongest rubber decomposers. Spectra demonstrated the decrease in number of cis-1,4 double bonds, the formation of carbonyl groups, and the change of the overall chemical environment, indicating that an oxidative attack at the double bond is the first metabolic step of the biodegradation process.

Actinomycetales↗
PubMed1999

Dietary factors in relation to rheumatoid arthritis: a role for olive oil and cooked vegetables?

BACKGROUND: Although several studies showed that risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is inversely associated with consumption of n-3 fatty acids, the one study showing that olive oil may have a protective role has not yet been confirmed. OBJECTIVE: We examined the relation between dietary factors and risk of RA in persons from southern Greece. DESIGN: We studied 145 RA patients and 188 control subjects who provided information on demographic and socioeconomic variables, prior medical and family history, and present disease status. Subjects responded to an interviewer-administered, validated, food-frequency questionnaire that assessed the consumption of >100 food items. We calculated chi-square statistics for linear trend and odds ratios (ORs) for the development of RA in relation to the consumption of olive oil, fish, vegetables, and a series of food groups classified in quartiles. RESULTS: Risk of developing RA was inversely and significantly associated only with cooked vegetables (OR: 0.39) and olive oil (OR: 0.39) by univariate analysis. A significant trend was observed with increasing olive oil (chi-square: 4.28; P = 0.03) and cooked vegetable (chi-square: 10. 48; P = 0.001) consumption. Multiple logistic regression analysis models confirmed the independent and inverse association between olive oil or cooked vegetable consumption and risk of RA (OR: 0.38 and 0.24, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of both cooked vegetables and olive oil was inversely and independently associated with risk of RA in this population. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this finding, which may include the antioxidant properties or the high n-9 fatty acid content of the olive oil.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Lung cancer and occupational risk factors in Greece.

This study estimated the proportion of lung cancer in Greece that was attributable to occupational exposure. Two hundred eighty-two patients with lung cancer and 494 controls were interviewed about their socioeconomic characteristics, sex, age, and occupational, smoking, and residential histories. Each subject was classified as exposed or unexposed to known occupational lung carcinogens. Because of the small number of females exposed, only males were included in the multivariate analyses. When the occupationally exposed subjects were compared with the unexposed subjects and an adjustment for smoking was made, the relative risk for lung cancer was 2.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.95-4.31). If 5% to 10% of the Greek population were occupationally exposed, the attributable risk would be 9.9% to 16.6%, respectively. Occupational exposures conferred an additional risk that was approximately threefold that of smoking alone. Risks increased in a dose-response fashion with increasing cigarette consumption.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Gordonia polyisoprenivorans sp. nov., a rubber-degrading actinomycete isolated from an automobile tyre.

A rubber-degrading bacterium (strain Kd2T) was isolated from fouling tyre water inside a deteriorated automobile tyre. The strain was aerobic, Grampositive, produced elementary branching hyphae which fragmented into rod/coccus-like elements and showed chemotaxonomic markers which were consistent with the classification of Gordonia, i.e. meso-diaminopimelic acid, N-glycolyl muramic acid, arabinose and galactose as diagnostic sugars, a fatty acid pattern composed of unbranched saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids with a considerable amount of tuberculostearic acid, and mycolic acids comprising 58-66 carbon atoms with two principal mycolic acids C60 and C62 counting for over 60%. Results of 16S rDNA analyses as well as chemotaxonomic results, led to the conclusion that Gordonia sp. strain Kd2T (= DSM 44302T) represents a new species within the genus Gordonia for which the name Gordonia polyisoprenivorans is proposed.

Actinomycetales↗
PubMed1999

Dietary fat and carbohydrates are independently associated with circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 concentrations in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and quantify the association between consumption of specific food groups/macronutrients and concentrations of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from a comprehensive food-frequency questionnaire administered to 115 healthy subjects were used to study cross-sectionally the relationship between nutritional factors and circulating IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations. Adjustment for the effect of total energy intake and a series of epidemiologic parameters (age, sex, height, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and coffee drinking) was implemented through multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: We observed that serum levels of IGF-1 are positively associated with consumption of red meats, fats, and oils. In addition, serum levels of IGF-1 are independently and positively associated with energy intake from lipids and negatively associated with energy intake from carbohydrates. Finally, serum levels of IGFBP-3 are independently and negatively associated with energy intake from saturated fat. CONCLUSION: Serum IGF-1 and/or IGFBP-3 concentrations are associated with red meat, carbohydrate intake, and fat intake and, thus, may mediate the effect of these dietary factors on the pathogenesis of several disease states. Additional studies are needed to further quantify these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Age, sex, and smoking are predictors of circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3.

PURPOSE: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and its major binding protein (IGF-BP3) have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies. However, anthropometric and lifestyle predictors of these hormones have not been elucidated. Here we report the results of a cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study examines the relationship of a series of epidemiologic parameters (age, sex, height, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and coffee drinking) with IGF-1 and IGF-BP3 in a sample of 130 healthy adults. RESULTS: We observed that serum levels of IGF-1 are higher, whereas levels of IGF-BP3 are lower, in men than in women. In addition, serum levels of IGF-1 are independently and negatively associated with age and positively associated with pack-year history of smoking. Finally, serum levels of IGF-BP3 are independently and negatively associated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day or pack-year history of smoking. CONCLUSION: Age, sex, and smoking are independent predictors of IGF-1 and/or IGF-BP3. The influence of these epidemiologic variables on the pathogenesis of disease states associated with IGF-1 and IGF-BP3 warrants further exploration.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Reported influenza in pregnancy and childhood tumour.

The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that exposure to influenza in pregnancy increases the risk of tumour of certain type in childhood. Children ages 17 years or less diagnosed in Greece with brain tumours or neuroblastomas from 1982 to 1993 (n = 94) were contrasted to 210 controls selected from the same hospitals. Mothers of these children were interviewed about a variety of possible etiologic factors. The prevalence of influenza in Greece for each year during the period 1984-1992 was also compared with the number of children born during the same year who subsequently developed brain tumour or neuroblastoma. The results indicate a significant association between influenza in pregnant women and occurrence of tumour in index child (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.13-8.77). These results persisted when adjustment for potential confounding factors was made. The findings should be interpreted cautiously because of lack of serologic documentation of information about infection obtained in interviews. A positive correlation (r = 0.74) of the number of tumour births by year of birth with the prevalence of influenza during the same year was also noted. This exploratory study is one of the few case-control studies of the epidemiology of childhood tumours in children, and the results suggest directions for future epidemiologic studies in this relatively uncharted field.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Analysis of fructans from higher plants by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

In this communication both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) have been applied to analyze fructans from higher plants. Size distribution of a commercially available fructan preparation from Dahlia variabilis L. was determined by MALDI-MS. Molecular masses ranged from 2,000 up to 6,000 Da with a peak value of distribution at 2,635 Da. Essentially the same pattern was obtained using HPAEC. Low-molecular-weight fructans from onion bulbs (Allium cepa L.) were studied in more detail. Tissue extracts were analyzed by MALDI-MS without any analyte purification. Mass-spectra of both proteins and oligosaccharides were obtained. For identification, metastable ion scanning was performed. Neither deproteinization nor deionization of the samples affected the oligosaccharide pattern. Using HPAEC, a more complex oligosaccharide pattern was obtained because isomeric glycans were differentiated. However, the overall size distribution was similar to that obtained by MALDI-MS. In further experiments epidermal or parenchyma cell layers of the onion bulb were placed into matrix solution and were then subjected to MALDI-MS and metastable ion scanning as well. By taking this approach, analyte desorption was achieved immediately from plant tissue. Oligosaccharide mass spectra were essentially the same as those of the extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first time that MALDI-MS has been applied as a microprobe to plant tissue. Finally MALDI-MS analysis was performed using single-cell extracts from onion tissues without any purification of the analyte.

Allium↗