An Autoscaling Platform Supporting Graph Data Modelling Big Data Analytics.

Big Data has proved to be vast and complex, without being efficiently manageable through traditional architectures, whereas data analysis is considered crucial for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Current analytics platforms are siloed for specific domains, whereas the requirements to enhance their use and lower their technicalities are continuously increasing. This paper describes a domain-agnostic single access autoscaling Big Data analytics platform, namely Diastema, as a collection of efficient and scalable components, offering user-friendly analytics through graph data modelling, supporting technical and non-technical stakeholders. Diastema's applicability is evaluated in healthcare through a predicting classifier for a COVID19 dataset, considering real-world constraints.

Abundance and population characteristics of the invasive sea urchin Diadema setosum (Leske, 1778) in the south Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean).

BACKGROUND: The Indo-Pacific sea urchin Diadema setosum has invaded the Mediterranean Sea and has spread along many locations in the southeastern part of the basin, where established populations exist on the shallow subtidal rocky shore. Diadema setosum is a ubiquitous species, of particular ecological importance due to the high levels of grazing pressure it imposes on benthic communities. Its biology, however, is not adequately studied, especially along its introduced range of distribution. The present study examines the population status of D. setosum outside its native range, in the Dodecanese island complex, south Aegean Sea. Thirty-four stations located across 16 islands were surveyed by scientific SCUBA-diving (up to a depth of 10 m) in December 2019 and June-July 2020. Samplings included: (i) visual census along transects to estimate relative abundance and population density, and (ii) random collection of specimens from densely populated stations to assess biometry and reproductive condition (histological examination of gonads) of D. setosum. RESULTS: Diadema setosum was found in 21 out of the 34 surveyed stations. The species had sparse populations of well-hidden individuals in rocky crevices, but with dense localized patches in Agathonisi, Leros, Kalymnos, Pserimos, Symi, Alimia and Chalki islands. In those seven islands, mean population density was 2.5 ± 1.48 individuals m-2. Diadema setosum had denser populations in shallower depths but larger dimensions in deeper; these results suggest segregated density and size patterns along a depth gradient. The size structure, according to the size frequency distribution of the test diameter, was unimodal with a fitted mode at 4.0-4.5 and 6.5-7.0 cm in shallow and deep populations, respectively. The examined morphometric relationships followed negative allometry, as previously suggested for the species within its native range of distribution, and test diameter appeared to be a good predictor of biomass. Diadema setosum specimens had immature gonads in winter and mature in summer, suggesting a synchronous reproductive pattern. These results conform to previous data from temperate populations of the species. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in local environmental conditions, e.g. hydrodynamics and habitat type, together with biotic interactions, e.g. recruitment and competition, probably shape D. setosum population in the south Aegean distributional range. The establishment of D. setosum has severe implications on benthic communities and local sea urchin populations demanding management measures to prevent the forecasted further expansion of this invasive species.

Mechanical defensive adaptations of three Mediterranean sea urchin species.

In the Mediterranean, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis are important drivers of benthic ecosystems, often coexisting in sublittoral communities. However, the introduction of the invasive diadematoid Diadema setosum, which utilizes venomous spines, may affect these communities. To describe the mechanical properties of the test and spines of these three species, specimens were collected in winter of 2019 from the sublittoral zone of the Dodecanese island complex, southeastern Aegean Sea. This region serves as a gateway for invasive species to the Mediterranean Sea. Crushing test was conducted on live individuals, while 3-point bending test was used to estimate spine stiffness. Porosity and mineralogy of the test and spine, thickness of the test, and breaking length of the spine were measured and compared, while the microstructural architecture was also determined. The test of S. granularis was the most robust (194.35 ± 59.59 N), while the spines of D. setosum (4.76 ± 2.13 GPa) exhibited highest flexibility. Increased porosity and thickness of the test were related to increased robustness, whereas increased flexibility of the spine was attributed to high porosity, indicating that porosity in the skeleton plays a key role in preventing fracture. The spines of S. granularis exhibited highest length after fracture % (71.54 ± 5.5%). D. setosum exhibited higher values of Mg concentration in the test (10%) compared with the spines (4%). For the first time, the mineralogy of an invasive species is compared with its native counterpart, while a comparison of the mechanical properties of different species of the same ecosystem also takes place. This study highlights different ways, in which sea urchins utilize their skeleton and showcases the ecological significance of these adaptations, one of which is the different ways of utilization of the skeleton for defensive purposes, while the other is the ability of D. setosum to decrease the Mg % of its skeleton degrading its mechanical properties, without compromising its defense, by depending on venomous bearing spines. This enables this species to occupy not only tropical habitats, where it is indigenous, but also temperate like the eastern Mediterranean, which it has recently invaded.

Perinatal lipocalin-2 profile at the extremes of fetal growth.

BACKGROUND: Lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) has been identified as an osteoblast-secreted hormone regulating immunity, inflammation and metabolic homeostasis and has emerged as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for acute kidney injury in neonates. We investigated the impact of fetal growth on antepartum maternal serum, cord serum and breast milk LCN-2 concentrations and the associations of the latter with perinatal parameters. METHODS: Maternal serum, cord serum and breast milk LCN-2 concentrations were measured by ELISA in samples from 80 mothers who delivered 40 appropriate (AGA), 20 large for gestational age (LGA) and 20 intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates, classified by customized weight centiles. LCN-2 concentrations were associated with birth weight, customized centile, gender, maternal age and delivery mode. RESULTS: Antepartum maternal serum LCN-2 concentrations were significantly higher in women delivering AGA infants compared to the other two groups. Cord blood LCN-2 concentrations were significantly higher compared to maternal ones; furthermore, they were significantly elevated in the IUGR group compared to the LGA one (p = .019). Lowest concentrations were detected in breast milk, which did not differ between the three growth groups. A negative correlation was documented between cord blood LCN-2 concentrations and customized centiles (r: -0.304, p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The higher cord serum LCN-2 concentrations, compared to maternal ones, may point to its fetal origin and potential role in intrauterine growth. The negative correlation of cord LCN-2 concentrations with customized centiles, possibly implies reduced nephron endowment/subclinical kidney damage in IUGR neonates. The extremely low LCN-2 breast milk concentrations could imply that the secretion of LCN-2 from maternal circulation to breast milk is not influenced by factors leading to intrauterine growth pathology.

Chemical Composition and Microstructural Morphology of Spines and Tests of Three Common Sea Urchins Species of the Sublittoral Zone of the Mediterranean Sea.

In the Mediterranean Sea, the species Arbacia lixula, Paracentrotus lividus and Sphaerechinus granularis often coexist, occupying different subareas of the same habitat. The mechanical and chemical properties of their calcitic skeletons are affected both by their microstructural morphology and chemical composition. The present study describes the main morphologic features and the possible temporal differences in elemental composition of the test and spines of the three species, while also determining the molar ratio of each element of their crystalline phase. Scanning electron microscopy showed major differences in the ultrastructure of the spines, while minor differences in the test were also noticed. More specifically, the spines of all three sea urchins possess wedges, however A. lixula exhibits bridges connecting each wedge, while barbs are observed in the wedges of S. granularis. The spines of P. lividus are devoid of both microstructures. Secondary tubercles are absent in the test of A. lixula, while the tests and spines of all three species are characterized by different superficial stereom. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy detected that Ca, Mg, S, Na and Cl were present in all specimen. Mg and Mg/Ca showed significant differences between species both in test and spines with S. granularis having the highest concentration. The spines of P. lividus exhibited lowest values between all species. Differences between spines and test were observed in all elements for P. lividus except S. A. lixula exhibited different concentrations between test and spines for Ca, Mg and Mg/Ca, whereas S. granularis for Mg, Cl and Mg/Ca. Finally, temporal differences for Ca were observed in the test of P. lividus and the spines of S. granularis, for Mg in test of S. granularis, for S in the spines of A. lixula and the test and spine of S. granularis, for Na in the test of P. lividus and A. lixula and for Cl and Mg/Ca in the test P. lividus. Powder X-ray diffractometry determined that, out of all three species, the spines of P. lividus contained the least Mg, while the test of the same species exhibited higher Mg concentration compared to A. lixula and S. granularis. The current study, although not labeling the specimens attempts to estimate potential time-related elemental differences among other results. These may occur due to changes in abiotic factors, probably water temperature, salinity and/or pH. Divergence in food preference and food availability may also play a key role in possible temporal differences the skeletons of these species.

Inhibitors of osteoblastogenesis in early human milk and maternal serum: evidence for protective properties of mother's milk on bone.

Objective: Lactation is associated with a dramatic increase of maternal bone turnover, leading to a reversible bone loss. Early life nutrition may influence later osteoporosis risk. Proteins synthesized by the group of wingless (Wnt) genes are key mediators of osteoblastogenesis and bone formation. We aimed to investigate maternal milk and serum concentrations of the inhibitors of the Wnt signaling pathway, Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and sclerostin.Material and methods: In 80 women, maternal milk and serum concentrations of DKK-1 and sclerostin were determined by ELISA on the 3rd-4th day postpartum. Concentrations were associated with various maternal, gestational and neonatal characteristics.Results: DKK-1 and sclerostin were detectable in early milk [mean ± SD: 817.17 ± 259.61 pg/mL, median (range) 258.04 (2452.40-53.17) pg/mL, respectively] at significantly lower concentrations than in maternal serum [mean ± SD: 3375.36 ± 416.75 pg/mL, median (range) 16 200.54 (58 832.00-3012.60) pg/mL, respectively], (p < .000). Maternal milk sclerostin concentrations positively correlated with respective serum ones (r = 0.599, p = .000). Maternal serum and milk sclerostin concentrations positively correlated with maternal body mass index (r = 0.37, p = .001 and r =0.38, p = .000, respectively), while maternal serum sclerostin concentrations were higher in primiparas (p = .002).Conclusion: DKK-1 and sclerostin are present in early human milk at significantly lower concentrations, compared with maternal serum, probably contributing to the short- and long-term benefits of mother's milk for bone health. Moreover, the large amounts of both substances in maternal serum may represent disruption of the Wnt cascade, contributing to the well-known lactation-associated bone loss, which seems to be greater in primiparas and obese mothers.

International Interdisciplinary Consensus Meeting on the Evaluation of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

In September 2018, an international meeting of doctors of various disciplines, with expertise in the detection and treatment of DDH, was held in Csolyospalos, Hungary. The aim was to achieve consensus on the detection and early treatment of the condition and to develop a standardized system of teaching and training for hip ultrasound. There was strong agreement that US screening is essential. Specifically the Graf technique was selected as the technique of choice. Universal US screening was strongly favored. Screening should be carried out as soon as possible, but not later than the sixth week of age. US screening is cost-effective, does not result in overtreatment, and contributes to a reduction of long-term consequences. The essential principle of treatment is timely application of a device to achieve reduction, retention and maturation, by holding the hips in flexion, and a safe degree of abduction. It was agreed that the effectiveness of any screening policy depends on the correct scanning technique. Therefore, standardization of teaching and training of the Graf technique is mandatory. A unified teaching policy and materials should be developed for this purpose. Certification, re-certification and audit were discussed. The group, which has been formalized as the International Interdisciplinary Consensus Committee On DDH Evaluation (ICODE), will continue to meet and work towards establishing international consensus on DDH, standardizing and developing teaching and training of the Graf technique for hip US, and maintaining standards for detection and management.

Cord blood fatty acid-binding protein-4 levels are upregulated at both ends of the birthweight spectrum.

AIM: Fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) is an adipokine associated with obesity and signs of the metabolic syndrome. We aimed to investigate at birth in term neonates with normal and abnormal intrauterine growth concentrations of FABP4 and associate them with various perinatal parameters. METHODS: Serum cord blood FABP4 levels were prospectively determined by ELISA in 80 singleton term appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA), intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) neonates. RESULTS: Compared to the AGA group, cord blood FABP4 levels were increased in the IUGR and LGA groups. Additionally, they were higher in early-term than full-term neonates. A significant U-shaped correlation was recorded between serum FABP4 levels and birthweight. A significant negative correlation between cord blood FABP4 and gestational age in the whole study population was noted. CONCLUSION: Cord blood FABP4 levels were significantly higher at the extremes of foetal growth at term and negatively correlated with gestational age, being increased in early-term versus full-term neonates. Further longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to elucidate FABP4 implication in foetal growth and its association with future adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in the offspring.

Twins and socioeconomic factors: changes in the last 20 years.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic factors associated with twins/multiples have been sparsely studied. METHODS: Data, regarding twin out of total births from 1996 to 2015, were extracted from databases of the Hellenic Statistical Authority and analyzed. RESULTS: Twinning rate in Greece has increased from 1996 and onwards, in parallel with advanced maternal age and decline in total births. Higher twin rates are associated with higher maternal education, better paid parental occupations, and thus wealthier families, married maternal status, while immigrants present a lower twinning rate than Greeks. Lastly, the years of the economic crisis, starting in the year 2008 and still continuing, are characterized by a higher percentage of twins. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings should be mainly attributed to the postponement of fertility, as well as the treatment of infertility with transfer of multiple embryos, when assisted reproductive technologies are applied.

Preadipocyte factor-1 in maternal, umbilical cord serum and breast milk: The impact of fetal growth.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To study the concentrations of preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) -an inhibitor of adipocyte differentiation, implicated in adipose tissue metabolism, late metabolic disorders and fetal growth- in maternal and umbilical cord serum, as well as maternal milk and correlate above concentrations with intrauterine growth and other perinatal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pref-1 concentrations were determined by ELISA in antepartum maternal and umbilical cord serum, as well as day 3 to 4 postpartum breast milk, deriving from 80 women, who delivered 40 appropriate (AGA), 20 large for gestational age (LGA) and 20 intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates, classified by the use of customized birth-weight standards adjusted for significant determinants of fetal growth. RESULTS: Umbilical cord serum Pref-1 concentrations were significantly higher than antepartum maternal ones (p < 0.001), while breast milk concentrations were the lowest (p < 0.001 concerning umbilical serum, p < 0.001 concerning maternal serum). Umbilical cord serum Pref-1 concentrations were significantly lower in the LGA group than in the AGA one (p = 0.044). Breast milk and maternal serum Pref-1 concentrations did not differ between the three intrauterine growth groups. Maternal serum and breast milk Pref-1 concentrations did not correlate with maternal age, body mass index before and after gestation, birth weight, body length, and customized centile. A positive weak correlation was recorded between maternal serum and milk Pref-1 concentrations (r = 0.238, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Pref-1 concentrations in umbilical cord serum are higher than in antepartum maternal serum, probably pointing to its fetal origin and role in intrauterine growth. Breast milk concentrations, being extremely low, and possibly implying infant protection from metabolic disorders, positively correlate with maternal serum ones, conceivably suggesting a transfer of the substance from the circulation to the breast. Umbilical cord serum Pref-1 concentrations were lower in LGA fetuses/neonates, as compared to respective AGA ones.