Towards Multiple Sclerosis Personalised Interventions Based on Real-World Predictive Analytics.

This study investigates the use of machine learning (ML) techniques to predict intervention response in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) using real-world data from wearable devices. Data from 27 PwMS, monitored over two months were analyzed with several state-of-the-art ML models to predict the efficacy of a computerized cognitive intervention targeting cognitive decline. A model based on Support Vector Machines achieved high accuracy in identifying patient response within the first 2-3 weeks of intervention, aided by feature selection methods like Mutual Information and Recursive Feature Elimination.

Emerging Trends in Intimate Partner Rape and Marital/Spousal Rape During the Biennium 2020 and 2021, Including the COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece.

Intimate partner or marital/spousal rape is a phenomenon with unique characteristics and dynamics. Furthermore, it is an under-explored, under-defined, under-reported, and widely tolerated phenomenon. Gender-based violence and intimate partner violence are the main topics of the present study.

Multiple sclerosis and mental health related quality of life: The role of defense mechanisms, defense styles and family environment.

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating chronic neurologic disease that can lead to disability and thus to deterioration of quality of life. Psychological parameters such as ego defense mechanisms, defense styles and family environment are important factors in the adaptation process, and as such they can play important roles in QoL. This study aims to assess the psychological factors as well as the clinical and demographic characteristics related to mental health quality of life (MHQoL).

Epidemiological Insights on Medication Concurrency and Polypharmacy in People With Multiple Sclerosis in Greece.

Background: Besides disease-modifying therapies, various pharmacologic agents are frequently prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for symptom treatment and for comorbid conditions. The present study aims to investigate the types and frequencies of agents prescribed to people with MS in Greece using records from the nationwide digital prescription database.

Methods: Prescription records for 21,218 people (65.

Death by compaction in a robotic dumpster.

Robotic waste management automation systems are increasingly utilized around the globe as a user-friendly, ecological and hygienic alternative to waste disposal, simultaneously reducing the volume and frequency of waste collection. The present paper aims to report a case of death by compaction in an automated robotic waste management system and review relevant literature on compactor-related fatalities. The unusual fatal accident involved a 37-year-old male citizen who deliberately entered the robotic dumpster to retrieve his accidentally discarded medication.

The Experience of a Tertiary Reference Hospital in the Study of Rare Neurological Diseases.

Rare diseases (RDs) are life-threatening or chronically impairing conditions that affect about 6% of the world's population. RDs are often called 'orphan' diseases, since people suffering from them attract little support from national health systems. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics of, and the available laboratory examinations for, patients who were hospitalized in a tertiary referral center and finally received a diagnosis associated with a Rare Neurological Disease (RND).

[The role of clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics of people with multiple sclerosis in their physical health related quality of life].

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, with a variety of symptoms and uncertain course. It affects multiple facets of everyday life and since it results to some degree of disability, MS may cause deterioration of quality of life, both in mental and physical health. In this study, we investigated the role of demographic, clinical and, mostly, personal and psychological factors related to physical health quality of life (PHQOL).

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Greek version of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19.

Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) explores optimally impact of MS on sexual activity/satisfaction/intimacy.

Aim: The present study aims to provide the only validation of the Greek Version of MSISQ-19, and compare results to validation studies in other languages.

Methods: The original/English version of the MSISQ-19 was translated into Greek according to standardized guidelines, while validity/reliability, correlations with other scales and sexual dysfunction prevalence were tested.

Psychosis and conduct disorder in Greek forensic patients found not guilty by reason of insanity: Differences between patients with and those without a history of conduct disorder in childhood or adolescence.

Much epidemiological evidence converges in identifying distinct types of individuals suffering from schizophrenia who exhibit aggressive behavior: those with and those without a history of conduct disorder (CD) in childhood or adolescence. In this study a sample of Greek forensic patients suffering from psychotic disorders was examined regarding demographic, clinical, legal and psychometric characteristics. All patients had committed a crime and were found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRIs) in a court of law.

Blood Metabolomics May Discriminate a Sub-Group of Patients with First Demyelinating Episode in the Context of RRMS with Increased Disability and MRI Characteristics Indicative of Poor Prognosis.

Biomarker research across the health-to-disease continuum is being increasingly applied. We applied blood-based metabolomics in order to identify patient clusters with a first demyelinating episode, and explored the prognostic potential of the method by thoroughly characterizing each cluster in terms of clinical, laboratory and MRI markers of established prognostic potential for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Recruitment consisted of 11 patients with Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), 37 patients with a first demyelinating episode in the context of Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and 11 control participants.

Quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis receiving glatiramer acetate or interferon in Greek clinical practice.

To evaluate glatiramer acetate (GA) or IFN-β effects on quality of life (QoL) in people with relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis (PwRRMS) in Greece. A prospective, practice-based study. QoL/function/symptoms were assessed by seven questionnaires/scales.

Epidemiology of HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy in people living with human immunodeficiency virus infection in Greece.

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is among the most common complications among people with HIV with prevalence rates varying widely among studies (10-58%).

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy among HIV-positive people in Northern Greece monitored during the last 5-year period and investigate possible correlations with antiretroviral therapy, disease staging, and potential risk factors, as there is no prior epidemiological record in Greek patients.

Methods: Four hundred twenty patients were divided into a group with peripheral neuropathy ( = 269), and those without ( = 151).

Real-World Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Teriflunomide for Two Years: Patient-Reported Outcomes from the AURELIO Study in Greece.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a highly heterogeneous inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a real-world clinical setting can provide detailed information about MS from the patient's perspective. PROs were used here to assess quality of life (QoL), treatment satisfaction, clinical efficacy, and safety outcomes in a Greek cohort of relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) patients treated with oral teriflunomide (14 mg/day).

Ocrelizumab in Patients with Active Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical Outcomes and Immune Markers of Treatment Response.

Ocrelizumab is a B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and active primary progressive MS (aPPMS). This prospective, uncontrolled, open-label, observational study aimed to assess the efficacy of ocrelizumab in patients with aPPMS and to dissect the clinical, radiological and laboratory attributes of treatment response. In total, 22 patients with aPPMS followed for 24 months were included.

The phenomenon of overkill in northern Greece: A descriptive forensic psychiatric study between 2015 and 2020 on criminal offenders found not guilty by reason of insanity.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to investigate overkill in a representative sample of Greek psychiatric patients found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRIs) from a forensic psychiatric - criminological standpoint and explore possible correlations of the phenomenon with socio-cultural or psychiatric factors. Overall, 24 forensic psychiatric records of overkill offenders were identified throughout the 5-year records of the national forensic psychiatric service in northern Greek mainland. The pattern that has emerged from the statistical results of the present study on the victims of overkill within the Greek borders was generally in line with global literature on homicide perpetrators.

Emerging trends in domestic homicide/femicide in Greece over the period 2010-2021.

Temporal trends in epidemiological parameters of domestic homicide and femicide in Greece over the last decade have not yet been studied. We conducted this study to fulfill this purpose. Specifically, we conducted a retrospective epidemiological study using 11-year data from the official nationwide Hellenic Police Archives and statistically analyzed data regarding domestic homicide and femicide.

A National Representative, Cross-Sectional Study by the Hellenic Academy of NeuroImmunology (HEL.A.NI.) on COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis: Overall Impact and Willingness Toward Vaccination.

In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the constant needs of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and their caregivers were urgently highlighted. The present study aims to capture the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in several aspects of the quality of life of PwMS, in perception and behavior to COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as concerning healthcare, working conditions, and the willingness toward COVID-19 vaccination. This study is an initiative of the Hellenic Academy of Neuroimmunology (HEL.

Long-Term Efficacy Outcomes of Natalizumab vs. Fingolimod in Patients With Highly Active Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Real-World Data From a Multiple Sclerosis Reference Center.

Natalizumab (NTZ) and fingolimod (FTY) are second-line disease modifying treatments (DMTs) approved for Relapsing - Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Few studies are available on a direct comparison between NTZ and FTY, based on post-marketing experience, with conflicting results and reporting relatively short follow-up period. We hereby report real-world experience of a MS Center with respect to NTZ vs.

The Administrative Prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis in Greece on the Basis of a Nationwide Prescription Database.

To estimate current prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Greece using administrative data from the nationwide medicine prescription database. Prescription records of a 24-month period (June 2017-May 2019) were analyzed in order to identify cases of MS. Sex, age, and place of residence were recorded for each identified case.

Cognitive Fatigability is Independent of Subjective Cognitive Fatigue and Mood in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Sustained cognitive testing is used to detect cognitive fatigability and is often considered a substitute for subjective cognitive fatigue (CF). However, the relationship between cognitive fatigability and subjective CF in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) remains undetermined.

Objective: To explore potential associations between fatigability induced by sustained cognitive testing and subjective CF in PwMS.

Brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis: mechanisms, clinical relevance and treatment options.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system characterized by focal or diffuse inflammation, demyelination, axonal loss and neurodegeneration. Brain atrophy can be seen in the earliest stages of MS, progresses faster compared to healthy adults, and is a reliable predictor of future physical and cognitive disability. In addition, it is widely accepted to be a valid, sensitive and reproducible measure of neurodegeneration in MS.

Reduced expression of L-selectin in T-cells correlates with relative lymphocyte increase in patients with RRMS treated with natalizumab - functional implication towards PML risk.

 Natalizumab (NTZ), a treatment indicated for patients with highly active Relapsing - Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), is known to induce increased relative frequency of lymphocytes. Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalitis (PML) is a rare but serious adverse event related to NTZ. Moreover, reduced L-selectin (CD62L) expression in T-cells in cryopreserved samples of patients with RRMS under NTZ has been proposed as a biomarker of pre-PML state.