Nurses' Knowledge Concerning Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers.

Pressure ulcers have high prevalence in patients and can be prevented with proper nursing interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate nurses' knowledge about prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. The present study was conducted with 111 nurses working in a General hospital in Greece. In this study, nurses had adequate knowledge about prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Respondents answered correctly in questions about staging of pressure ulcers (98.2%, 98.2%, 99.1%, 97.3%, 93.7%), the role of changing position in prevention of pressure ulcer (97.3%), the use of foam mattress (85.6%) and stretched sheets (92.8%), the use of antiseptic solution (95.5%, 85.6%), and interventions to reduce pressure on patients' heels (88.3%). A number of participants had adequate level of knowledge in the questions about the role of diet in healing of pressure ulcers (71.2%), products or devices for prevention or treatment of pressure ulcers (61.3%, 36.9%), healing of pressure ulcers (58.6%, 46.8%), prevention of bone pressure ulcers (31.5%), cleaning of a pressure ulcer (52.3%), and the role of low blood pressure as a risk factor for pressure ulcer (55.9%). However, the development of educational programs can help nurses to improve their knowledge about prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.

Recombinant and endogenous ways to produce methylated phospholipids in Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli is the daily workhorse in molecular biology research labs and an important platform microorganism in white biotechnology. Its cytoplasmic membrane is primarily composed of the phospholipids phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin (CL). As in most other bacteria, the typical eukaryotic phosphatidylcholine (PC) is not a regular component of the E. coli membrane. PC is known to act as a substrate in various metabolic or catabolic reactions, to affect protein folding and membrane insertion, and to activate proteins that originate from eukaryotic environments. Options to manipulate the E. coli membrane to include non-native lipids such as PC might make it an even more powerful and versatile tool for biotechnology and protein biochemistry. This article outlines different strategies how E. coli can be engineered to produce PC and other methylated PE derivatives. Several of these approaches rely on the ectopic expression of genes from natural PC-producing organisms. These include PC synthases, lysolipid acyltransferases, and several phospholipid N-methyltransferases with diverse substrate and product preferences. In addition, we show that E. coli has the capacity to produce PC by its own enzyme repertoire provided that appropriate precursors are supplied. Screening of the E. coli Keio knockout collection revealed the lysophospholipid transporter LplT to be responsible for the uptake of lyso-PC, which is then further acylated to PC by the acyltransferase-acyl carrier protein synthetase Aas. Overall, our study shows that the membrane composition of the most routinely used model bacterium can readily be tailored on demand.Key points• Escherichia coli can be engineered to produce non-native methylated PE derivatives.• These lipids can be produced by foreign and endogenous proteins.• Modification of E. coli membrane offers potential for biotechnology and research.

Factors Affecting Anxiety and Depression in Caregivers of Hemodialysis Patients.

Anxiety and depression have high levels in caregivers of patients on hemodialysis and are strongly associated with demographic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors affecting anxiety and depression in caregivers of hemodialysis patients. Four hundred and fourteen (414) caregivers (98 males and 316 females) participated in this study. Depression and anxiety were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate the factors being independently associated with anxiety and depression levels. Multiple linear regression was performed to estimate the factors being independently associated with Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. From a total of 414 participants, 125 (30.2%) had depression and 215 (52%) had anxiety. The median age of respondents was 54.34 (43.9-66.28) years, with half of the sample's age ranging from 43.9 to 66.28 (IQR). Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with parents or siblings, low level of education, increased caregivers' age, retirement, poor financial condition, having children, and comorbidities. In this study, a significant proportion of caregivers were found to have high levels of depression and anxiety. Thus, a formal screening can contribute to early diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety in caregivers of patients on hemodialysis.

Perceived Social Support in Individuals With Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Cross-sectional Survey.

PURPOSE: Explore levels of perceived social support and the associated factors among patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Outpatients (n = 140) with DFUs attending a diabetic clinic affiliated with a public hospital in Athens, Greece, for wound care and follow-up visits after healing. METHODS: Data collection included demographic, clinical, self-report, and perceived social support, measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), during one-on-one interviews at the post-healing follow-up visit. RESULTS: For perceived social support, 50% of patients (average age 70 years) scored above 24, 24, and 18 (median) on the MSPSS in the categories of receiving support from significant other, family, and friends, respectively, suggesting high levels of perceived social support. Other statistically significant associations were observed for perceived social support from significant other, family, and friends and marital status (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .004, respectively), patients level of information about their health (P =.002, P =.001, and P =.001, respectively), family level of information (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .004, respectively), and how closely they followed period foot checks (P = .001, P = .002, and P = .011, respectively) and diet (P = .001, P = .001, and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Data from our study show that higher levels of perceived social support from significant others, family, and friends were linked to patients and others, being better informed about health status, and other self-care behaviors. Findings underscore the need for health care providers to recognize that social support is an important component of overall DFU management and may guide future interventions to determine which are most effective in enhancing socially supportive behaviors.

Depression in diabetic foot ulcer: Associated factors and the impact of perceived social support and anxiety on depression.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) exerts a heavy physical and emotional burden on patients with diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the present study was to explore the impact of anxiety and perceived social support on depression of DFU patients well as patients' characteristics associated with depression. The sample of the study consisted of 180 DFU patients. Data collected by the completion of "Self-rating Depression/Anxiety Scale- Zung" (SDS/SAS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Patients had moderate levels of anxiety and depression (median: 36, 42, respectively) and high levels of perceived social support from their significant ones, their family and friends (median: 24, 24, 17, respectively). After multiple regression factors that were found to have an impact on depression after taking into account all other factors, were patient's age of above 70 years, patient's anxiety and the social support they received from their significant ones. More specifically, patients aged above 70 years had 9.51 points higher depression than patients aged <50 years of age (ß = 9.51, 95% CI: [0.76, 18.25], P = .034). Moreover, one point increase in patient's anxiety score indicated an increase of 0.71 points in patient's depression (ß = 0.71, 95% CI: [0.43, 1.00], P = .001). On the contrary, one point increase in patient's social support from their significant ones indicated a decrease of 1.52 points in patient's depression (ß = -1.52, 95% CI: [-0.25, -2.79], P = .020). Clinically, a better understanding of factors having an impact on depression on DFU may provide an essential in planning cost effective interventions.

Real-world data on Len/Dex combination at second-line therapy of multiple myeloma: treatment at biochemical relapse is a significant prognostic factor for progression-free survival.

We evaluated progression-free survival (PFS) rate of patients treated with lenalidomide/dexamethasone (Len/Dex), the efficacy of the combination, and the prognostic significance of treatment at biochemical vs. clinical relapse on PFS in 207 consecutive myeloma patients treated with Len/Dex in second line, according to routine clinical practice in Greece. First-line treatment included bortezomib-based (63.3%) or immunomodulatory drug-based (34.8%) therapies; 25% of patients underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. Overall response rate was 73.4% (17.8% complete response and 23.7% very good partial response); median time to best response was 6.7 months. Overall, median PFS and 12-month PFS rate was 19.2 months and 67.6%, respectively. 67.5% of patients had biochemical relapse and 32.5% had clinical relapse prior to initiation of Len/Dex. Median PFS was 24 months for patients treated at biochemical relapse vs. 13.2 months for those treated at clinical relapse (HR:0.63, p = 0.006) and the difference remained significant after adjustment for other prognostic factors. Type of relapse was the strongest prognostic factor for PFS in multivariate analysis. These real-world data confirm the efficacy of Len/Dex combination at first relapse; more importantly, it is demonstrated for the first time outside a clinical trial setting that starting therapy with Len/Dex at biochemical, rather than at clinical relapse, is a significant prognostic factor for PFS, inducing a 37% reduction of the probability of disease progression or death.

Correction to: Real-world data on Len/Dex combination at second-line therapy of multiple myeloma: treatment at biochemical relapse is a significant prognostic factor for progression-free survival.

The original version of this article contained a mistake. The name of Eirini Katroditou should have been Eirini Katodritou. The original article has been corrected.

Nurses' Views on Caring for Lonely Patients During the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of safety measures in hospitals due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including family visitation restrictions, forced the family to be absent during the patient's hospitalization. Nurses were confronted with new roles and responsibilities, as caring for lonely patients was a new phenomenon that emerged during the pandemic. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the nurses' views on caring for lonely patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative research method based on an inductive content analysis approach was used. Data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews. The sample consisted of 11 nurses who worked in COVID-19 wards and units. Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. RESULTS: The analysis of the data revealed three main themes: 1) caring for the patient and the family; 2) extending conventional care; and 3) developing supportive mechanisms for better care. Caring for lonely patients brought about changes in patients's management and care and significantly affected communication patterns as well as nurses' roles and responsibilities. Providing care beyond limits, supporting care through the utilization of new technologies, and transforming organization and care were mentioned as areas of challenge for nursing practice.  Conclusions: Maintaining communication and supporting the family's involvement in patient care are considered to be equal to healing for the lonely patient. Reshaping working conditions and caring practices to meet the needs of the nurses, the patients, and their families during health crises may contribute positively to the provision of holistic care for patients and their families.

Characterization of multiple lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferases in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris.

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the precursor of most phospholipids like phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and cardiolipin. In bacteria, its biosynthesis begins with the acylation of glycerol-3-phosphate to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which is further acylated to PA by the PlsC enzyme. Some bacteria, like the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris, use a similar pathway to acylate lysophosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylcholine (PC). Previous studies assigned two acyltransferases to PC formation. Here, we set out to study their activity and found a second much more prominent function of these enzymes in LPA to PA conversion. This PlsC-like activity was supported by the functional complementation of a temperature-sensitive plsC-deficient Escherichia coli strain. Biocomputational analysis revealed two further PlsC homologs in X. campestris. The cellular levels of the four PlsC-like proteins varied with respect to growth phase and growth temperature. To address the question whether these enzymes have redundant or specific functions, we purified two recombinant, detergent-solubilized enzymes in their active form, which enabled the first direct biochemical comparison of PlsC isoenzymes from the same organism. Overlapping but not identical acyl acceptor and acyl donor preferences suggest redundant and specialized functions of the X. campestris PlsC enzymes. The altered fatty acid composition in plsC mutant strains further supports the functional differentiation of these enzymes.

Factors Associated With Anxiety and Depression in Persons With Epilepsy (PWE).

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality globally. Persons with epilepsy (PWE) experience a heavy emotional burden mainly due to social stigmatization and limited opportunities in life. The purpose of this study was to explore factors associated with anxiety and depression in PWE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, we enrolled 100 PWE who visited outpatient settings in a public hospital for scheduled follow-up. Data collection was carried out by the completion of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which included participants' characteristics. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 100 participants, the majority were women (65%), below 50 years old (62%), and single (40%). In terms of mental comorbidity, 58% and 48% experienced anxiety and depression, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between anxiety and age (p = 0.002). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was observed between depression and gender (p = 0.044), age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.036), educational level (p = 0.003), job (p = 0.025), residency (p = 0.041), and whether they went out at night (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Identifying factors associated with anxiety and depression is essential for PWE to receive appropriate support.

Quality of life of patients with pressure ulcers: a systematic review.

Introduction: Patients suffering from pressure ulcers experience low quality of life, in every dimension of daily living. Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the impact of pressure ulcers on the patients' quality of life involving mental/emotional, spiritual, physical, social, cognitive dimensions, and pain. Methods: A systematic literature search of published articles in the English language during the past 15 years was conducted. Articles were identified in the electronic databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, and PsycINFO using the keywords: pressure ulcers, quality of life, emotional dimension, social dimension, physical dimension. The inclusion criteria were: articles relevant to the study topic, written in English, and published between 2004 and 2019. Articles that were secondary studies, such as reviews and meta-analyses, case studies, and articles written in a language other than English, were excluded from the study. The PRISMA method was applied. Results: Fourteen studies were included in this systematic review. Eight were quantitative studies (six cross-sectional, one longitudinal, one multicenter cohort, and one pilot study) and six qualitative (one was based on grounded theory, one pilot study, one case study of mixed methods, one phenomenological study, and one comparative study). The emerging themes were related to the mental/emotional, spiritual, physical, social, cognitive dimensions, and pain. Conclusions: Pressure ulcers have a negative impact on the patients' quality of life, especially at a psychological level. Patients' life is severely affected as they are fully dependent on their supportive environment and health services.

Investigation of Perception of Quality of Life and Psychological Burden of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis-Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the life of patients undergoing chronic periodic hemodialysis. It negatively affects their social, economic and family status, and particularly their psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of the quality of life (QoL) and psychological burden of patients undergoing hemodialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 63 patients. Τhe majority were men (63.5%), and the mean age of the patients was 66.7 years (±12.9) with 61.9% aged 65-89 years. Data collection was performed in 2021 using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF™) research tools, and their relationships were assessed using parametric and non-parametric methods. Moderate to mild levels of Anxiety and Depression were found. Physical and Mental Composite Scores were mild to moderate, with the Mental Composite Score being significantly higher (p < 0.05). Anxiety and Depression were significantly correlated with lower QoL (p < 0.05), while a higher educational level was correlated with lower Depression Symptom Levels and higher QoL for Disease Symptoms, Disease Effects, Physical Functioning, Vitality and Overall Health (p < 0.05). A higher number of years of hemodialysis was correlated with lower levels of Anxiety and higher levels of Quality of Sleep (p < 0.05). Ease of Access to the Hemodialysis Unit was correlated with lower levels of Social Support (p < 0.05). The highest Mental Composite Scores were also correlated with a higher level of education, with patients living in urban areas, and with a higher monthly income (p < 0.05). Patients with moderate or severe levels of Anxiety and Depression had a lower QoL in the Physical and Mental Composite Scores, indicating their dependence on the appropriate medical, nursing and social environment in order to attain higher levels of well-being, leading to the improvement of patients' health. This study was not registered.

Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a non-surgical invasive procedure to treat coronary artery occlusion. The quality of life (QoL) is a way to measure the impact of illness and additionally its treatments to traditional measures of clinical outcomes. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to explore the levels of QoL pre-PCI, 6 and 12 months after PCI, as well as the factors associated with the QoL pre-PCI. METHODS: In the present study, 100 patients undergoing PCI were enrolled. Data were collected through the completion of the SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), which included participants' characteristics. The statistical significance level was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Patients had moderate levels of QoL at baseline, with a median general health score of 45 (IQR: 30-65). A gradual statistically significant increase in scores was observed in all subcategories of the patients' QoL at 6 and 12 months after PCI (p < 0.001). A greater increase in scores was observed in physical functioning, physical role, emotional role and social functionality. In terms of the pre-PCI phase, it was found that physical functionality was statistically significantly associated with educational level (p = 0.005), occupation (p = 0.026) and whether the patients had children (p = 0.041). The physical and emotional role was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.046 and p = 0.040) and educational level (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001). Energy-fatigue was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.028), marital status (p = 0.001), educational level (p = 0.001), whether the patients had children (p= 0.012) and other diseases (p = 0.001). Emotional well-being was significantly associated with family history of coronary artery disease (p = 0.011) and the frequency of physical exercise (p = 0.001). Social functioning was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.033), marital status (p = 0.034) and educational level (p = 0.002). Pain was not found to be significantly associated with patients' demographics. General health was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.003), age (p = 0.043), educational level (p = 0.001), other diseases (p = 0.005) and the frequency of physical exercise (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Information about the QoL of PCI and its determinants is important to define an effective and comprehensive care plan.

Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients Aged 50 to 70 Years: Mechanical or Bioprosthetic Valve? A Systematic Review.

Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation has emerged as a very attractive treatment option for severe aortic valve disease, surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is still considered the standard-of-care, particularly in younger patients. However, selecting the appropriate type of valve prosthesis for this patient population can pose challenges. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate morbidity and mortality in patients aged 50-70 years who have undergone a first-time SAVR, and to define and compare the outcomes of mechanical valve (MV) and biological valve (BV) prosthesis. A systematic search was conducted to investigate the clinical outcomes of MVs and BVs in patients aged 50-70 years following the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 16,111 patients were included in the studies with an average follow-up of 10 years. A total of 16 studies were selected, 12 of which included propensity-score-matching (PMS) analysis and 4 of which obtained results via multivariate analysis. The vast majority (13 studies) showed no greater survival benefit in either MVs and BVs, while three studies showed an advantage of MVs over BVs. Regarding complications, bleeding was the most common adverse event in patients undergoing MV replacement, while for patients receiving BV prosthesis, it was structural valve deterioration and reoperation. Although the data suggest that the BV option could be a safe option in patients younger than 70 years, more studies with contemporary data are needed to draw firm conclusions on the risks and benefits of BV or MV in SAVR. Physicians should individualize the surgical plan based on patient characteristics.

Association of gender, ABCA1 gene polymorphisms and lipid profile in Greek young nurses.

OBJECTIVE: One of the important proteins involved in lipid metabolism is the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) encoding by ABCA1 gene. In this study we evaluated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCA1 gene. We analyzed SNPs in chromosome 9 such as rs2230806 (R219K) in the position 107620867, rs2230808 (R1587K) in the position 106602625 and rs4149313 (I883M) in the position 106626574 according to gender and lipid profile of Greek nurses. METHODS: The study population consisted of 447 (87 men) unrelated nurses who were genotyped for ABCA1 gene polymorphisms. Additionally, lipid profile [total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein A1] was evaluated. RESULTS: The distribution of all three studied ABCA1 gene polymorphisms did not differ according to gender. However, only R219K genotype distribution bared borderline statistical significance (p = 0.08) between the two studied groups. Moreover, allele frequencies of R219K, R1587K and I88M polymorphisms did not differ according to gender. In general, blood lipid levels did not seem to vary according to ABCA1 gene polymorphisms, when testing all subjects or when testing only men or only women. However, a significant difference of LDL-C distribution was detected in all subjects according to R1587K genotype, indicating lower LDL-C levels with KK polymorphism (p = 0.0025). The above difference was solely detected on female population (p = 0.0053). CONCLUSIONS: The ABCA1 gene polymorphisms frequency, distribution and lipid profile did not differ according to gender. However, in the female population the KK genotype of R1587K gene indicated lower LDL-C levels. Further studies, involving a higher number of individuals, are required to clarify genes and gender contribution.

Depression, Adherence, and Functionality in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Background  Patients undergoing hemodialysis face multiple problems such as difficulties in performing daily activities, low functional capacity, non-adherence to the hemodialysis regimen, and depressive symptoms that lead to poor health outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the levels of depression, adherence, and functionality in patients undergoing hemodialysis, as well as the association between the above variables. Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis from a private hospital in Athens participated. Data were collected via the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, the Barthel Scale/Index, and the Greek Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire-Hemodialysis for the evaluation of patients' depression, functionality, and adherence to hemodialysis regimen, respectively. In addition, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The study was conducted during the period of December 2020 to February 2021. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Released 2017. IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) was used for the statistical analysis of the data. The statistical significance level was set up at 0.05. Results Of the patients, 50% scored < 38 (possible range 20-80) in the scale pof depression, and 25% of patients scored < 34. Regarding adherence, the median value was 7 (IQR: 7-7) while 77% scored 7 (possible range of 0-8). Regarding functionality, mild dependence (score 91-99) was referred by 77% of the participants, moderate dependence (score 61-90) by 17%, and severe dependence (score 21-60) was referred by 6% of the patients. A statistically significant negative association emerged between depression and functionality (r= -0.342, p=0.001) while no significant association arised between depression and adherence (r= 0.021,p=0.836) as well as between adherence and functionality (r = 0.078, p = 0.439). Statistical significantly higher scores of depression were seen in women (ß = 3.65, p = 0.001) and elderly >70 years old (ß = 3.51, CI=0.09-6.93, p = 0.044). Statistically significantly lower functionality were referred by patients >70 years old (ß = -13.58, CI: -21.68-5.49, p = 0.001) and by patients with high depression score (ß= -0.62, 95% CI: -1.06-0.20, p = 0.005). Conclusion Patients experienced moderate to low levels of depression and high levels of adherence and functionality. The higher the functionality scores, the lower the depression scores. Demographic characteristics, such as age and gender, seem to be significant predictors of depression and functionality.

Factors Associated With Insomnia in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among patients on hemodialysis and has a strong relation with fatigue, depression, low immune system, increased risk of cardiovascular problems, and low quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with insomnia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.  Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients on hemodialysis (75 males and 25 females) from a hemodialysis center in Greece were included. Insomnia was assessed via the "Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS)" and a questionnaire about demographic and clinical characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney tests, and Spearman's rho criterion were used to evaluate the association between insomnia score and patients' characteristics. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the effect of characteristics on patients' insomnia. RESULTS: Statistically significantly high levels of insomnia were found in patients over the age of 60 years (p = 0.002), in divorced/widowed patients (p = 0.007), in patients who had comorbid diseases (p = 0.001), in patients who felt tired after hemodialysis (p = 0.001), in those who had continuous fatigue (p = 0.001) and change in body image (p = 0.003), in those who often had itching (p = 0.007) and stiffness in joints (p = 0.001) and in patients who had limitations in the clothes they could wear (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed that insomnia had a strong association with increased age of patients, comorbidities, fatigue, change in body appearance, pruritus, and limitation in clothes they could wear. Therefore, there is a necessity for early assessment of sleep quality and effective treatment of sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients in order to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of their life.

Depression Among Hemodialysis Patients: Related Factors and the Impact of Insomnia and Fatigue.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is a commonly experienced psychological disorder among patients undergoing hemodialysis and has a strong association with insomnia and fatigue. The purpose of the present study was to explore the factors related to depression in dialysis patients and the impact of insomnia and fatigue on depression. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, one hundred (n=100) patients on hemodialysis from one hemodialysis center in Greece participated. Data collection was carried out by interviews using the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) for the evaluation of depression; the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) for the evaluation of insomnia; the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) for the evaluation of fatigue; and a questionnaire which was created by the researchers. The Kruskal-Wallis, the Mann-Whitney tests, and the Spearman's rho criterion were used to evaluate the relationship between depression score and patient characteristics. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the effect of characteristics on patients' depression. RESULTS: Statistically significantly high levels of depression were found in patients over the age of 70 years old (p=0.001), in divorced/widowed patients (p = 0.001), in pensioners (p = 0.002), in patients who had other diseases (p = 0.001), in those who felt tired after hemodialysis or at night and those who felt constantly tired (p = 0.001, p = 0.016, and p = 0.001, respectively), in those who had physical and mental fatigue (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), in those who had changes in body image (p = 0.009), itching, stiffness, and nausea/vomiting (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.003, respectively), in patients who had restrictions in clothes they could wear (p = 0.001), in patients who had insomnia (p = 0.001), and in patients who did not wish to receive written information about the management of their disease (p = 0.025). A statistically significant positive linear association was detected between physical/mental fatigue and depression levels (rho = 0.824 and rho = 0.746, respectively) and between the score of insomnia and depression levels (rho = 0.707). An increase in fatigue (either physical or mental) and an increase in insomnia score also indicated an increase in depression levels. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study showed that depression had a strong association with a variety of demographic factors. Additionally, an increase in fatigue score and an increase in insomnia score indicated an increase in depression levels. Therefore, depression, insomnia, and fatigue should be early assessed and effectively treated by renal professionals in order to improve the quality of life in hemodialysis patients and reduce their morbidity and mortality.

ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 gene polymorphisms and serum lipid levels in young Greek nurses.

OBJECTIVE: The ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is essential protein involved in lipid metabolism. The present study was undertaken to detect the possible association of polymorphisms in the ABCA1 gene [rs2230806 (R219K) and rs2230808 (R1587K)] and lipid profile in Greek young nurses. METHODS: The study population consisted of 308 unrelated nurses who were genotyped and the ABCA1 polymorphisms were detected. Additionally, lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (apo) A] was evaluated. RESULTS: There was no difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the R219K polymorphism according to lipid profile. The R1587K genotypes differed significantly according to TC, LDL-C and TGs concentration (p = 0.023, p = 0.014 and p = 0.047, respectively). Particularly, significant difference in TC, LDL-C and TGs concentration was detected between RK and RR genotypes (p = 0.006, p = 0.004, p = 0.014, respectively). Women with RK genotype compared to RR genotype had higher concentration of TGs (134.25 mg/dl vs 108.89 mg/dl, p = 0.014, respectively), total cholesterol (207.41 mg/dl vs 187.69 mg/dl, p = 0.006, respectively), and LDL-C (110.6 mg/dl vs 96.9 mg/dl, p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the R1587K polymorphism of ABCA1 gene was associated with lipid profile of Greek nurses. Women with RK genotype had higher TGs, total and LDL-C concentration compared to RR genotype. These observations may be significant in assessing the risk of CAD since a 1% change in LDL-C is associated with a 1% change of cardiovascular events. Also, TGs concentration were documented to play a significant role in women. However, this needs to be confirmed by larger studies.

Promiscuous phospholipid biosynthesis enzymes in the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae.

Bacterial membranes are primarily composed of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and cardiolipin (CL). In the canonical PE biosynthesis pathway, phosphatidylserine (PS) is decarboxylated by the Psd enzyme. CL formation typically depends on CL synthases (Cls) using two PG molecules as substrates. Only few bacteria produce phosphatidylcholine (PC), the hallmark of eukaryotic membranes. Most of these bacteria use phospholipid N-methyltransferases to successively methylate PE to PC and/or a PC synthase (Pcs) to catalyze the condensation of choline and CDP-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) to PC. In this study, we show that membranes of Pseudomonas species able to interact with eukaryotes contain PE, PG, CL and PC. More specifically, we report on PC formation and a poorly characterized CL biosynthetic pathway in the plant pathogen P. syringae pv. tomato. It encodes a Pcs enzyme responsible for choline-dependent PC biosynthesis. CL formation is catalyzed by a promiscuous phospholipase D (PLD)-type enzyme (PSPTO_0095) that we characterized in vivo and in vitro. Like typical bacterial CL biosynthesis enzymes, it uses PE and PG for CL production. This enzyme is also able to convert PE and glycerol to PG, which is then combined with another PE molecule to synthesize CL. In addition, the enzyme is capable of converting ethanolamine or methylated derivatives into the corresponding phospholipids such as PE both in P. syringae and in E. coli. It can also hydrolyze CDP-DAG to yield phosphatidic acid (PA). Our study adds an example of a promiscuous Cls enzyme able to synthesize a suite of products according to the available substrates.