6,210 results match your criteria: "Democritus University of Thrace[Affiliation]"

Aim: To assess sleep medicine and obstructive sleep apnea knowledge and management confidence among Greek dentists.

Methods: Postgraduate dental students at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki completed the Assessment of Sleep Knowledge in Medical Education (ASKME) and the knowledge and attitudes towards obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) questionnaires (OSAKA) via an online survey from May to December 2022.

Results: The response rate was 77.

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Agentic AI refers to autonomous systems that can perceive their environment, make decisions, and take actions to achieve goals with minimal or no human intervention. Recent advances in Large Language Models (LLMs) have opened new pathways to imbue robots with such "agentic" behaviors by leveraging the LLMs' vast knowledge and reasoning capabilities for planning and control. This survey provides the first comprehensive exploration of LLM-based robotic systems integration into agentic behaviors that have been validated in real-world applications.

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Recreational diving with self-contained underwater breathing devices is gaining popularity worldwide as a sport and leisure activity. People living with type 1 diabetes mellitus (PLT1D) are no exception, although historically diabetes mellitus, especially insulin-treated, has been described as an absolute contra-indication for diving. However, based on observational data collected by the Divers Alert Network, the presence of background diabetes mellitus became only a relative contraindication for those without significant co-morbidities or long-term complications.

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Transmembrane protein 184B (TMEM184B) is an endosomal 7-pass transmembrane protein with evolutionarily conserved roles in synaptic structure and axon degeneration. We report six pediatric cases who have de novo heterozygous variants in TMEM184B; five individuals harbor a rare missense variant, and one individual has an mRNA splice site change. This cohort is unified by overlapping neurodevelopmental deficits including developmental delay, corpus callosum hypoplasia, seizures, and/or microcephaly.

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Background: During metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), lipotoxicity induces toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) upregulation and mitochondrial DNA-induced TLR9 activation in the liver, driving metabolic hepatic inflammation. We wondered whether there is augmented erythrocyte TLR9 in MAFLD and we explored the effect of erythrocyte TLR9 activation on cholesterol and sphingomyelin content, glutaminase activity and TLR9, ferroportin and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) levels.

Methods: Twenty-four patients (15 men and nine women) with MAFLD and nine healthy controls (four men and five women) were enrolled.

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Assessing the effectiveness of the heat health warning system in preventing mortality in 15 German cities: A difference-in-differences approach.

Environ Int

August 2025

Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology (IBE), Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 München, Germany; Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764

Background: Heatwaves pose significant risks to human health. Implementing heat health warning systems (HHWS) has been widely adopted as a preventive measure. However, the effectiveness of the German HHWS in reducing mortality during heat episodes across different cities has scarcely been researched.

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: (hops) are a perennial, dioecious plant widely cultivated for beer production, used for their distinguishing aroma and bitterness-traits that confer high added value status. Various hop-derived compounds have been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and other bioactive effects. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the impact of hop compounds on the viability of diverse cancer cell lines.

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The increased usage of smart sensors has introduced both opportunities and complexities in managing residential energy consumption. Despite advancements in sensor data analytics and machine learning (ML), existing energy management systems (EMS) remain limited in interpretability, adaptability, and user engagement. This paper presents EnergiQ, an intelligent, end-to-end platform that leverages sensors and Large Language Models (LLMs) to bridge the gap between technical energy analytics and user comprehension.

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Background/objectives: Vitamin C is frequently used in several dietary supplements due to its proposed health-promoting properties, while phenolic compounds and especially flavonoids have been suggested to provide synergistic antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits. However, the specific interactions between these compounds and their individual contributions to biological activity remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet biological effects of a high-dose (1 g) vitamin C-low-dose (50 mg) bioflavonoid (VCF)-based supplement using both in vitro and in vivo approaches in human platelets.

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Bioeconomy-Based Approaches for the Microbial Valorization of Citrus Processing Waste.

Microorganisms

August 2025

Laboratory of Wastewater Management and Treatment Technologies, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67132 Xanthi, Greece.

The citrus processing industry is an economically important agro-industrial sector worldwide; however, it produces significant amounts of waste annually. The biorefinery concept and the recovery of bio-based materials from agro-industrial residues, including citrus processing waste, are emphasized in the European Green Deal, reflecting the EU's commitment to fostering circularity. Biotreatment of citrus processing waste, including bioconversion into biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol and biodiesel, has been applied to valorize biomass for energy recovery.

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Fertility potential ever more diminishes due to the complex, multifactorial, and still not entirely clarified process of reproductive aging in women and men. Gamete quality and reproductive lifespan are compromised by biologic factors like mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress (OS), and incremental telomere shortening. Clinically confirmed biomarkers, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), are used to estimate ovarian reserve and reproductive status, but these markers have limited predictive validity and an incomplete representation of the complexity of reproductive age.

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with pathophysiological mechanisms often involving platelet activation and chronic inflammation. While antiplatelet agents targeting adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-mediated pathways are well established in CVD management, less is known about drug interactions with the platelet-activating factor (PAF) pathway, a key mediator of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of several commonly used cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory drug classes-including clopidogrel, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, and analgesics-on platelet function via both the ADP and PAF pathways.

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Advancements in Radiomics-Based AI for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Bioengineering (Basel)

August 2025

MLV Research Group, Department of Informatics, Democritus University of Thrace, 65404 Kavala, Greece.

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and radiomics has introduced novel methodologies for the detection, classification, prognosis, and treatment evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). As the integration of AI into medical imaging continues to evolve, its potential to enhance early detection, refine diagnostic precision, and optimize treatment strategies becomes increasingly evident. However, despite significant progress, various challenges remain, particularly in terms of clinical applicability, generalizability, interpretability, and integration into routine practice.

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Treatment compliant with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) can promote more effective disease control. Single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT) is one method that is used to optimize therapy in this context, but TRIPLE therapy is still employed by physicians to a limited extent. This study aimed to describe the factors influencing challenges in optimizing asthma therapy.

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A Brief Review of MicroRNA Profiling in Human Prostate Cancer Tissues and Plasma.

Biomolecules

August 2025

Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada.

(1) Background: The gold standard, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening lacks the sensitivity and specificity required for confident, early prostate-cancer detection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, highly stable, non-coding RNAs whose expression changes reproducibly in malignancy and therefore offer promise as minimally invasive biomarkers. Although prostate cancer biopsies are the gold standard for prostate cancer diagnosis, limitations in the field continue to persist.

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Background/aim: The perioperative period may influence immune function in cancer patients, with anesthetic agents potentially contributing to immunosuppression. This study evaluated the differential impact of fentanyl and remifentanil on immune cell populations in breast cancer (BCa) patients undergoing surgery.

Patients And Methods: Thirty patients with histologically confirmed BCa who were treated with modified radical mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy were included in the study.

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 This report describes the first successful administration of ravulizumab, a C5 complement inhibitor, in the treatment of life-threatening intravascular hemolysis (IVH) caused by delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) in a 22-year-old woman. The patient developed acute IVH with severe anemia and hemodynamic instability seven days after receiving a blood transfusion for posthemorrhagic anemia following a missed abortion. Laboratory investigations revealed anti-e and anti-Jka alloantibodies consistent with DHTR.

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Background: Natural bioactive compounds such as terpenoids and phenolic acids have emerged as promising agents in dermatological research due to their proven antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory condition, presents a therapeutic challenge that could benefit from innovative approaches harnessing these natural compounds.

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of phytoconstituent agents (FCs) including Gallic Acid (GA), α-Terpineol (αT) and Nerolidol (N), both individually and in combinations.

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Introduction: Obesity is a condition that affects a large part of the global population, and especially in the Western world, leading to a significant systemic inflammatory response in the body, characterized by modification of the secretory inflammatory cytokines and adipokines. The combination of fat accumulation and inflammation can lead to concomitant conditions, such as Insulin Resistance (IR) and increased production and release of fatty acids, ultimately enhancing the occurrence of conditions like metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, with inflammation and oxidative stress being implicated in these phenomena and appearing as important interconnecting factors. In this review, an attempt is made to analyze, in terms of their full scope of action, the pharmaceutical approaches against obesity, which affect fats, sugars, adipokines, and also the central nervous system.

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In recent decades, there has been a marked surge in the development of marine-by-product-derived ingredients for cosmetic applications, driven by the increasing demand for natural, sustainable, and high-performance formulations. Marine animal by-products, particularly those from fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, represent an abundant yet underutilized source of bioactive compounds with notable potential in cosmeceutical innovation. Generated as waste from the fishery and seafood-processing industries, these materials are rich in valuable bioactives, such as chitosan, collagen, peptides, amino acids, fatty acids, polar lipids, lipid-soluble vitamins, carotenoids, pigments, phenolics, and mineral-based substrates like hydroxyapatite.

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Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignancy in men. Precise grading is crucial for the effective treatment approaches of PCa. Machine learning (ML) applied to biparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (bpMRI) radiomics holds promise for improving PCa diagnosis and prognosis.

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Objectives: The present study investigated proclivity for non-consensual intimate-image distribution and its related dimensions-enjoyment and acceptance-in relation to key demographic and relational variables, including gender, age, sexual orientation, frequency of dating app use, and current romantic relationship status.

Methods: A total of 1735 Greek university students (mean age = 22 years, standard deviation = 6.18; 35.

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Purpose: To determine the recovery kinetics of performance, muscle damage, and neuromuscular fatigue following 2 speed-endurance maintenance training (SEMT) protocols in soccer.

Methods: Ten well-trained male soccer athletes randomly completed 3 trials: work-to-rest ratio SEMT/1:3, SEMT/1:1, and a control trial. Training load during SEMT was monitored using a global positioning system and heart-rate monitors.

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: We examined changes in hematological, biochemical, and hormonal biomarkers, along with endurance and explosive performance indices, in amateur soccer players over a 4-week preseason period. : Thirteen players (age: 19.7 ± 2.

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: Emotional eating may be a consequence of acquired cue reactivity, a lack of control, or an inaccurate link between episodic overeating and negative affect, according to a new analysis of its standard measurement. This study was a controlled trial, which was designed to investigate the effect of personalized nutritional psychoeducation on emotional eating behavior. This study enrolled 95 participants (62 control group and 33 intervention group) who were randomized to treatment and assessed at 3-month follow-up.

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