The addition of trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer in the neoadjuvant setting improves the probability of achieving higher pCR with no additional toxicity. Based on the available evidence, the use of trastuzumab combined with neoadjuvant chemothetherapy in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer seems to offer substantial benefit in terms of pCR.

Mitochondrial complex I deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), but as yet no mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variations have been identified that could account for the impaired complex I activity. On the other hand, it has been suggested that mtDNA polymorphisms (mtSNPs) or haplogroups may modify the risk of developing PD. Here, we determined the distributions of ten mtSNPs that define the nine major European haplogroups among 224 PD patients and 383 controls from Crete, an island of 0.6 million inhabitants who share a similar genetic background and a common environment. The recruitment of patients and controls was restricted to individuals of Cretan origin for at least three generations from both parental sides in order to avoid population admixture and subsequent genetic heterogeneity. We found no mtSNP or mtDNA haplogroup that predisposes to PD, although there was a trend for haplogroups J, T, U and I and the supercluster of haplogroups UKJT to be slightly underrepresented in our PD patients as compared to controls. While a combination of common mtSNPs (present in C5% of the general population) may decrease the chance of developing PD, this effect was minor in the Cretan population.

Background Nationwide data on cardiovascular risk factors prevalence is lacking in Greece. This work presents the findings of the national health examination survey EMENO (2013–2016) regarding the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Methods A random sample of adults (≥18 years) was drawn by multistage stratified random sampling based on 2011 Census. All EMENO participants with ≥1 measurement of interest [blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), Body Mass Index (BMI)] were included. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or antihypertensive treatment; diabetes as fasting glucose≥126 mg/dL and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% or self-reported diabetes; hypercholesterolemia as TC ≥ 190 mg/dL. Sampling weights were applied to adjust for study design and post-stratification weights to match sample age and sex distribution to population one. Non-response was adjusted by inverse probability weighting. Results Of 6006 EMENO participants, 4822 were included (51.5% females, median age:47.9 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, higher in men (42.4%) than in women (36.1%); of hypercholesterolemia 60.2%, similar in men (59.5%) and women (60.9%); of diabetes 11.6%, similar men (12.4%) and women (10.9%); of obesity 32.1%, higher in women (33.5% vs 30.2%), although in subjects aged 18–40 year it was higher in men; of current smoking 38.2%, higher in men (44.0%) than in women (32.7%). The prevalence of all risk factors increased substantially with age, except smoking, which followed an inverse U shape. Conclusions The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among Greek adults is alarming. There is considerable preventive potential and actions at health care and societal level are urgently needed.

Background Although combined antiretroviral therapy has substantially improved the prognosis of people living with HIV (PLHIV), mortality remains higher compared to the general population, mainly due to higher prevalence of non-HIV-related comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We assessed the prevalence of CVD risk and its contributing factors in adult PLHIV versus general population controls in Greece.

Objective:The evidence on the epidemiology of hypertension in Greece is limited. The prevalence and control of hypertension was assessed in randomly selected adults of the general population in Greece within the nationwide epidemiological study EMENO.Method:On the basis of 2011 census, EMENO applied a multistage stratified random sampling method involving 577 areas throughout Greece (2013–2016). Participants were assessed at home visits with standardized questionnaires, blood tests and triplicate seated blood pressure (BP) measurements (validated upper-arm automated oscillometric device Microlife BPA100 Plus). Hypertension was defined as BP at least 140/90 mmHg (average of second--third measurement) and/or use of antihypertensive drugs. Sampling weights were applied for study design and post-stratification weights to match the age/sex distribution to the general population in Greece. Nonresponse was adjusted by inverse probability weighting.Results:A total of 6006 individuals were recruited and 4699 with valid data were analysed [mean (SD) age 49.2 (18.6) years, men 48.6%, BMI 28.2 (5.7) kg/m2]. The prevalence of hypertension was 39.6% and was higher in men than women (42.7 vs. 36.5%, P < 0.001). Among patients with hypertension, 31.8% were unaware (men/women 39.2/23.6%, P < 0.001), 2.7% aware but untreated (men/women 2.9/2.5%, P = NS), 35.1% treated uncontrolled (32.1/38.3%, P < 0.01) and 30.5% treated controlled (25.8/35.6%, P < 0.001).Conclusion:The prevalence of hypertension in Greece seems to be rising and affects 40% of the adults. One-third of them are undiagnosed and only 30% are controlled with treatment. Nationwide programmes are needed to prevent hypertension and improve its awareness and control aiming at reducing the rate cardiovascular diseases.