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Data with high spatial resolution on the structure and diversity of marine assemblages are valuable for fisheries management and conservation planning but are seldom available. This study provides fisheries-independent, baseline information on the structure and diversity of the demersal fish assemblages of the continental shelf and upper slope off the island of Psara (Central Aegean Sea). Experimental bottom trawl hauls were conducted during 2009–2010, using identically designed trawls. All the fish in the catches were identified onboard, enumerated, and weighted to the nearest g. Species abundance and biomass were transformed to CPUE. Forty-seven taxa were identified in the catches. For 18 of the species caught no other fisheries-independent information on their abundances and distributions is available for the wider area. Among the Elasmobranchii species collected, Squalus acanthias, Dipturus oxyrinchus, and Raja clavata are species of conservation concern. Species composition was generally more similar to that reported for assemblages of the Cretan Sea and the South Aegean Sea than for assemblages of the North Aegean. The assemblages were structured with depth, a pattern that may be driven in part by the differences in benthic habitat between depth zones. No trends by depth in total numerical abundance and species diversity were identified, whereas the bathymetric change in taxonomic diversity was attributed to the depth distributions of certain species-rich orders and families. The frequency distribution of the trophic level of the species followed the broad-scale pattern that applies in the Mediterranean Sea.

This work presents information regarding PM10, PM2.5, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and trace elements that were obtained from two sampling stations, located in the region of Western Macedonia (North-Western Greece), over the course of a 12-month period. Τhe first sampling station was located near the village of Pontokomi (Station 1) and the second (Station 2) in the rural area of Petrana (Fig 1). Specifically, for each location, daily particulate samples PM10 (total 58 samples) and PM2.5 (total 64 samples) were collected. Moreover, and again for each location, 50 samples (22 PM10 and 28 PM2.5) were further analyzed for the determination of 15 (PAHs) and 72 samples (36 PM10 and 36 PM2.5) were further analyzed for the determination of a total of 17 trace elements. Thus, a total of approximately 10 samples per month was obtained from each sampling station (122 samples per sampling station over the course of 12 months). The samples were collected using two low volume samplers, LVS 3.1 and PNS16T-3.1 (Comde-Derenda GmbH). Trace elements were trapped using 47 mm glass fiber filters and were recovered using microwave extraction; for their determination, the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) technique was utilized. The PAHs were trapped with 47 mm quartz fiber filters and were analyzed using dichloromethane extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This region of Western Macedonia has historically been the center of electricity production in Greece. Lignite is mined in open-cast mines and used as feed in a number of thermal power plants. At its peak, which was in the 1990's, the areas produced close to 70% of electricity in Greece. Since then, electricity production (and related activities) are in decline as, due to Greece's EU commitments, the region has entered a transition, post-lignite process.

Bottom ash samples were collected during four seasons from the largest lignite-fired power plant of Greece, named Agios Dimitrios. Dry sieving and particle size analysis were performed for all samples. Coarse fractions were initially examined by a stereo-microscope. Four fractions (>1.25, 0.63–1.25, 0.18–0.63, 1.25 mm) of all samples, indicating a problematic combustion within the chambers and a potential of reburning these coarse material in a waste to energy application.

This study presents the length-weight relationships (LWR) for 12 commercial fish species from coastal waters off South Corfu Island (N. Ionian Sea, Greece). All fish originated from the catches made by a single artisanal fisherman during April – September 2009. Multiple types of predominantly static fishing gear were used, mainly gillnets (mesh size: 28 mm) operated at depths of 10–40 m and trammel nets (mesh sizes: 22, 24, 28, 32, 34, 36, 40 mm) operated at depths of 7–70 m. Moreover, bottom longlines and trolling lines were occasionally used, at depths of 20–50 m and 35 m, respectively. Length (TL) in cm and weight in g of all the individuals in the catches were measured in the laboratory. Estimates of the b parameter ranged between species from 2.652 to 3.593. For none of the fish species examined in the present paper has LWR information been published before for the N. Ionian Sea, and for six of them (i.e. for Epinephelus costae, Labrus viridis, Oblada melanura, Sarda sarda, Scomber colias and Scorpaena porcus) there is no LWR information for the Ionian Sea as a whole. The results of this study may thus contribute in fisheries management and marine conservation in the Ionian Sea by providing baseline LWR information for several commercial fish species based on samples of local populations. Moreover, this study contributes in complementing the few LWR datasets that exist in the international literature for E. costae and L. viridis.

The lignite long-lasting exploitation has resulted in a series of negative impacts on the air quality of the lignite basin of Ptolemaida, Amynteo and Florina. The coal-fired plants in this region are the greatest sources of air pollutants, such as SO2, NOX, CO2, PM, heavy metals and fly ash. In this study, we investigate the air quality of Western Macedonia based on measurements of PM2.5 and PM10 in ten air quality monitoring stations (Filotas, Koilada, Oikismos, Petrana, Komi, Amyntaio, Florina, Vevi-Meliti, Pontokomi and Anargyroi) which are located in the broader area of the lignite power plants. The trends of PM time series over a 12-year period (2010-2021) show a gradual decrease of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations following the decline of lignite production in Greece. In order to characterize the underlying atmospheric and anthropogenic processes affecting the PM concentrations we assessed the ratios of PM2.5 to PM10. The high ratios of PM2.5/PM10 indicate a major contribution of fine particles attributable to anthropogenic air pollution sources, while small ratios indicate that coarse particles are dominant, which might be related to natural sources of air pollution. We found that average PM2.5/PM10 ratios during the study period ranged between 0.48 in Oikismos and 0.70 in Florina and Vevi-Meliti. For Florina and Vevi-Meliti, the daily PM2.5/PM10 ratios were found to reach the value of 1.0, while the daily average ratios of PM2.5/PM10 were above 0.9 for almost the 15 % of the days in these sites. In the other sites high daily ratios of PM2.5/PM10 were found for a lesser number of days. The high ratios which have been found at these sites indicate the considerable contribution of energy combustion for heating purposes and other anthropogenic processes. Overall, we used the PM2.5/PM10 ratio to characterize the processes affecting the air quality within the local environment.

Air quality is important for the protection of human health, the environment and our cultural heritage and it is an issue that will acquire increased significance in the future due to the adverse effects of climate change. Thus, it is important to not simply monitor air quality, but to make information immediately available to those responsible for monitoring the networks, to policy/decision makers, but also to the general population. Moreover, the development of information technologies over the last couple of decades has allowed the proliferation of real-time pollution monitoring. The work presented herein concerns the development of an effective way of monitoring environmental parameters using dedicated software. It offers a complete suite of applications that support environmental data collection management and reporting for air quality and associated meteorology. It combines modern technologies for the proper monitoring of air quality networks, which can consist of one or more measuring stations. Innovatively, it also focuses on how to effectively present the relevant information, utilizing modern technologies, such as cloud and mobile applications, to network engineers, policy/decision managers, and to the general public at large. It also has the capability of notifying appropriate personnel in the event of failures, overruns or abnormal values. The system, in its current configuration, handles information from six networks that include over 55 air pollution monitoring stations that are located throughout Greece. This practical application has shown that the system can achieve high data availability rates, even higher than 99% during the year.

Meadows of Posidonia oceanica harbor rich biodiversity and ecosystem functions, yet Biological Traits Analysis on the resident benthic communities are lacking. This study aims to provide insight on the functional diversity of polychaetes communities, a dominant benthic group, between the different habitat types of P. oceanica (plain meadow, strips/patches and dead matte), as well as pilot indicators of habitat modification. The results showed how specific traits relate to the different habitat types. Plain meadow was different to strips/patches and dead matte in functional composition, diversity and thus, the ecosystem functions involved. However, an overlap was observed in functional composition between dead matte and living P. oceanica, due to the remaining matte structure. This highlights the importance of the former on ecosystem functioning and the serious consequences of its current exclusion from conservational legislation. In addition, the classification of species to ecosystem engineering types showed interesting potential as an indicator.

Summarization: As people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, monitoring the quality of indoor air is crucial in protecting public health. In recent years, technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing have introduced new measurement capabilities in a variety of environments. Low-cost sensor technology can significantly help in the field of air pollution monitoring, providing data on air quality levels and indoor air emissions. The work presented herein focuses on a cloud computing server able to analyse data in real time and present the results obtained with visual effects which illustrates the prevailing indoor air conditions, making data easier to understand and more interesting to the user. In addition, the server can alert mobile application users or facility managers when air quality is poor so that remedial action can be undertaken immediately. Παρουσιάστηκε στο: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science

This manuscript presents the concentrations of inhalable suspended particles with diameter less than 10 µm (PM10) in the region of west Macedonia, Greece, from a total of nine locations, from 2010 to 2020. This region, the only landlocked region in the country, has acted as the pillar of electricity production in Greece since 1960, utilizing lignite in thermal power stations, which was open mined in the locality. However, following Greece's international commitments for climate action, the region has entered a transition, post-lignite process. Particulate matter concentrations in the region are monitored by the Public Power Corporation (PPC), which operates the mines and thermal power stations, using Grimm Aerosol Technik analyzer, model EDM180.

10 pages, 6 figures, 1 table, supplementary data https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138118, Ecosystem-based management requires an assessment of the cumulative effects of human pressures and environmental change. The operationalization and integration of cumulative effects assessments (CEA) into decision-making processes often lacks a comprehensive and transparent framework. A risk-based CEA framework that divides a CEA in risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation, could structure such complex analyses and facilitate the establishment of direct science-policy links. Here, we examine carefully the operationalization of such a risk-based CEA framework with the help of eleven contrasting case studies located in Europe, French Polynesia, and Canada. We show that the CEA framework used at local, sub-regional, and regional scales allowed for a consistent, coherent, and transparent comparison of complex assessments. From our analysis, we pinpoint four emerging issues that, if accurately addressed, can improve the take up of CEA outcomes by management: 1) framing of the CEA context and defining risk criteria; 2) describing the roles of scientists and decision-makers; 3) reducing and structuring complexity; and 4) communicating uncertainty. Moreover, with a set of customized tools we describe and analyze for each case study the nature and location of uncertainty as well as trade-offs regarding available knowledge and data used for the CEA. Ultimately, these tools aid decision-makers to recognize potential caveats and repercussions of management decisions. One key recommendation is to differentiate CEA processes and their context in relation to governance advice, marine spatial planning or regulatory advice. We conclude that future research needs to evaluate how effective management measures are in reducing the risk of cumulative effects. Changing governance structures takes time and is often difficult, but we postulate that well-framed and structured CEA can function as a strategic tool to integrate ecosystem considerations across multiple sectorial policies., This article is a product of the working group on cumulative effects assessment under the framework of COST Action 15121 “Advancing marine conservation in the European and contiguous seas” (MarCons; http://www.marcons-cost.eu; (Katsanevakis et al., 2017)—supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology, CA15121), With the funding support of the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000928-S), of the Spanish Research Agency (AEI)

Ecological monitoring is a prerequisite for ecosystem-based management and conservation. There is a need for developing an efficient and non-destructive method for monitoring marine benthic arthropods on soft substrate, as the currently applied methods are often inadequate. Pitfall trapping has been used extensively to sample terrestrial arthropods, but has not been seriously considered yet in the marine environment. In this study, the effectiveness of pitfall traps for monitoring marine benthic arthropods was assessed through a case study in the shallow sublittoral zone of Kalloni Gulf, Lesvos Island, Greece. Two different trap types were installed in August 2016 at five depths, during two 12 h periods (day and night). Pitfall traps performed well, collecting a large number of individuals. The hermit crabDiogenes pugilatordominated the catches. The catch of this species significantly differed by trap type, while the interaction between depth and period was also found significant. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficiency of different types of pitfall traps and field protocols in the marine environment.

In this paper, we tested the operational capacity of an interoperable model coupling system for the irrigation scheduling (IMCIS) at an experimental cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) field in Northern Greece. IMCIS comprises a meteorological model (TAPM), downscaled at field level, and a water-driven cultivation tool (AquaCrop), to optimize irrigation and enhance crop growth and yield. Both models were evaluated through on-site observations of meteorological variables, soil moisture levels and canopy cover progress. Based on irrigation management (deficit, precise and farmer’s practice) and method (drip and sprinkler), the field was divided into six sub-plots. Prognostic meteorological model results exhibited satisfactory agreement in most parameters affecting ETo, simulating adequately the soil water balance. Precipitation events were fairly predicted, although rainfall depths needed further adjustment. Soil water content levels computed by the crop growth model followed the trend of soil humidity measurements, while the canopy cover patterns and the seed cotton yield were well predicted, especially at the drip irrigated plots. Overall, the system exhibited robustness and good predicting ability for crop water needs, based on local evapotranspiration forecasts and crop phenological stages. The comparison of yield and irrigation levels at all sub-plots revealed that drip irrigation under IMCIS guidance could achieve the same yield levels as traditional farmer’s practice, utilizing approximately 32% less water, thus raising water productivity up to 0.96 kg/m3.

1. Leaf litter decomposition rates in aquatic ecosystems are known to be related to many abiotic and biotic factors. 2. Field experiments were carried out during spring 2005 in 16 ecosystems, each with four sampling sites, using the litter bag technique to investigate the influence of abiotic factors on patterns of reed litter breakdown in different physiographic, hydrological and physico-chemical gradients occurring in transitional water ecosystems in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea. 3. Significant differences in leaf litter decomposition were observed among the studied ecosystems along univariate gradients of tidal range, water temperature, salinity and sinuosity index. 4. Overall, 71% of variance in the litter breakdown rate was explained by the hydrological, physico-chemical and physiographic components. Specifically, tidal range, salinity and sinuosity index are among the key factors in the most commonly used typological schemes for classifying transitional water ecosystems (i.e. Confinement Concept and Venice System), due to their influence on abundance and distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates and other guilds. 5. The patterns observed at the regional scale of the study suggest that certain key abiotic factors are likely to play a major role as drivers of plant detritus decomposition processes, through their influence on the overall metabolism of microorganisms and benthic macroinvertebrates. 6. These observations have implications for the identification of reference conditions for transitional water ecosystems in the studied area, on which all processes of classification and conservation of their ecological status are based.

1. Solar saltworks are man-made systems for the production of salt and are characterized by high habitat heterogeneity owing to the existence of a strong salinity/confinement gradient. Although solar saltworks are considered to be artificial systems, they are also coastal aquatic ecosystems sharing common characteristics with natural transitional waters ecosystems, which are of special interest to the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/ EC). 2. Spatial and seasonal distribution of macrobenthic invertebrates in relation to the abiotic environment of two Mediterranean solar saltworks ecosystems were assessed in this study. The spatial distribution investigated in this study ranged from the regional scale (Kalloni Saltworks, NE Aegean and Margherita di Savoia Saltworks, S. Adriatic) down to a local scale of 100s of metres in each ecosystem. 3. The macrobenthic community was variable at most spatial and seasonal scales examined in this study: spatial variability at the regional level was greater than seasonal variability within ecosystems and spatial variability among the salinity/confinement gradient levels was greater than within-level variability. 4. The abiotic environment, in both its spatial and seasonal aspects, was found to be crucial in determining the macrobenthic community structure. Biotic factors such as the life cycle of key species, the inter-specific competition as well as dispersion/colonization/extinction processes were also found to play an important role in structuring the macrobenthic fauna both in space and time. 5. A strong similarity of the macroinvertebrate faunal composition and community structure of the lower salinity ponds of solar saltworks with that of natural transitional waters ecosystems was observed. Therefore, solar saltworks ecosystems can be considered as important sites of study for the purposes of the Water Framework Directive.

The concentrations of ozone, NO2 and SO2 measured by a Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) system in the city of Kozani in Northwestern Greece are presented and compared against data from a conventional ground station. This was made in order to assess DOAS performance in a complicated area in terms of sources variety, terrain complexity and meteorological conditions. Measurements of aromatic hydrocarbon substances (benzene, toluene, styrene and xylene) are also presented for air quality purposes. Results between the conventional station and the DOAS system indicated the existence of significant correlations among some of the monitored trace gases, confirming this way the strong compatibility between the two systems. The low values of sulfur dioxide especially during the winter were attributed to the absence of central heating in the most of the buildings due to the use of district heating provided by the Greek Public Power Corporation. The averaged annual benzene and daily toluene concentrations exceeded their legislated limits. Meteorological parameters remain vital in the development of a clear understanding in DOAS performance due to its ability to cover a wide spatial scale over the open path length.

The present study is focused on the examination and evaluation of environmental pressures on the aquatic resources of western Macedonia region (Greece) and particularly in Kozani lignite mines area, and on the development of a water quality monitoring system in the region, in order to identify potential impacts to the adjacent water resources. A multi-parametric sensor system was installed in three representative sites of the target area and the corresponding measured parameters included pH, temperature, conductivity, nitrate ions ( ), sulfate ions ( ), and chloride ions (Cl−) for a period of about 10 months. Additionally, certain other complementary physicochemical parameters (turbidity, hardness, COD, BOD5. DO, TSS, , , Fe, and Al) were measured in selected grab samples, collected from certain points in the same area, in order to have an integrated view of water quality. The pH values ranged between 7.6 and 8.3 and remained quite stable in all three monitoring stations. Conductivity values rang...

The present study aims to detect functional diversity as well as functional redundancy patterns of soft bottom benthic communities in relation to the prevailing environmental factors, across several brackish water areas. We further tested whether differences in spatial scale can account for the possible variability in functional trait distribution, as well as for the local community assembly processes driven by species functional traits. Our main results suggested that environmental variation induces a large amount of variability in functional trait distribution at local and regional scale, a result which underscores the importance of habitat and environmental variation in the functioning of soft sediments in brackish areas. Conversely to functional diversity, functional redundancy remained invariable in both local and regional scales, therefore acting as an insurance against the enhanced environmental variability and maintaining ecosystem processes and services. Our findings led us also to conclude that environmental factors control the distribution of certain functional traits thus acting as environmental filters, in both local and regional scales. On the other hand, dominant species interactions accounted for the reduced levels of functional divergence at the less confined brackish water areas. This finding supported the view that interactions among dominant species can potentially induce negative effects on the functionality of brackish water soft sediments. From all the above, it is reasonable to assume that community shaping and functioning of the examined brackish water areas are governed by both biotic interactions and environmental filters, which are acting simultaneously at varying degrees of influence.

PM 10 and PM 2.5 samples were collected at two locations in the heavy industrialized prefecture of Kozani, in North-western Greece; in the open-cast mines of Klitos area and in the urban area of city of Kozani. The samples were collected by the use of low volume samplers, for a period of 1 year every 6 d. An analytical method has been adapted for determining 16 particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM 10 and PM 2.5 . Samples were collected on poly-tetra-fluorinated-ethylene (PTFE) filters using low volume samplers, considered to be ideal for trapping various organic pollutants including PAHs. The extraction has been made in two stages. Firstly, by reflux and then by using ultrasound bath. Chromatographic analysis has been carried out by GC/MS with programmable temperature vaporizers (PTV) injector and large volume injection (LVI) technique. Mean daily concentrations of B[a]Py in PM 10 ― bound particles were 0.57 ng m ―3 in Kozani and 0.58 ng m ―3 at Klitos, while in PM 2.5 ― bound PAHs were 0.35 ng m ―3 and 0.30 ng m ―3 respectively. We were able to verify the sources of PAHs by the use of diagnostic ratios, which indicate oil or/and coal burning as the, possible, major PAHs pollutant source(s).

Solar saltworks are extremely heterogeneous coastal aquatic ecosystems whose benthic biodiversity patterns have not been comprehensively investigated yet. The present study focuses on the seasonal community structure of the macrobenthic molluscs at the marine‐lagoonal environmental transition that takes place at Kalloni solar saltworks (Lesvos Island, NE Aegean Sea, Greece). The molluscan community was studied by means of four seasonal collections carried out in 2004 at four sites in the study area. The molluscan community was found to be considerably species‐rich and forming a coenocline, as marine species were gradually replaced by lagoonal species with increasing distance from the sea. The major variable in the implied environmental gradient structuring the molluscan community appeared to be confinement rather than salinity, although zonation of the molluscan community structure was rather broad. The pattern of spatial organization of the molluscan fauna did not appear to change seasonally, although se...

Measurements of indoor and outdoor PM10, as well as indoor O3 and CO concentrations were conducted and are presented here. These measurements were carried out at an institute building, located in a suburban industrial area in Greece. Both indoor and outdoor PM10 samples were also collected and their elemental composition was identified by ED-XRF analysis. Twenty seven major, minor and trace elements were identified. The measurements took place generally in different periods of institute operation, from June 2004 to February 2005. The indoor PM10 concentrations which were measured during the normal operation period of the institute were found to be many times higher than the respective outdoor PM10 concentrations of the same periods. On the contrary, the indoor PM10 concentrations which were measured during the holiday period were found to be lower than their corresponding outdoor values. Indoor O3 and CO concentrations were found to be in low level. Indoor PM10 concentrations were found to be in a relative good correlation with O3 (r = 0.45) and in high correlation (r = 0.98) with CO concentrations. On average, total elements concentrations were much higher indoors relative to outdoors. Based on above findings we attempted to determine the pollution sources of the indoor environment and to investigate some parameters or chemical processes that affect indoor pollutants’ levels.

Ten alien species were recorded in a first-time survey of the benthic biodiversity of the upper sublittoral at Sigri Bay (Lesvos Island, north-eastern Aegean Sea). The record of the mollusc Syrnola fasciata is the first in Hellenic territorial waters. The records of the brown alga Stypopodium schimperi, the bivalve Septifer cumingii, the gastropods Syrnola fasciata and Smaragdia souverbiana and the bony fish Siganus luridus constitute evidence for a further northwards extension of their geographic ranges in the Aegean Sea. The record of Cerithium scabridum is the first in Lesvos Island and partially fills the gap in the distribution of the species in the eastern Aegean Sea. We also recorded the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea, the angiosperm Halophila stipulacea and the bivalve Pinctada imbricata radiata, which are widely distributed in the eastern Mediterranean. The polychaete Marphysa adenensis, which was also found at Sigri Bay, has recently been reported for the first time from the Mediterranean as a cryptogenic species.

The development of a new web-based information dissemination system in West Macedonia in Greece is described. The system has been developed for online use, giving the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO(2), NO(X), O(3), CO, as well as meteorological data (temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction). The European air quality limits for each measured pollutant are also provided for comparison together with the calculated Air quality index (AQI) that is displayed on a color based scale showing the various categories. Based on the temperature and humidity values the discomfort index is also calculated and is displayed descriptively. For more accurate estimation of the AQI, a surrogate method for estimating AQI is also used to assess air quality conditions at a given time. Four cities are dealt with by the system, the capitals of the prefectures of West Macedonia, with five locations specifically covered. The system of assessing the status of air quality has been developed and designed in a format understandable by the public and managers, and will aid the understanding of the relevant issues. The URL of the website is .

Continuous data of the concentration measurements of respirable suspended particulates (PM10, particles with aerodynamic diameter smaller than or equal to 10 pm) were analyzed. These measurements were carried out at an urban and nearby industrial location in northern Greece for the 5-year period 1996-2000. The time series concentration trend was examined, the seasonal and diurnal variations were identified, and the lognormality of the daily mean concentration data sets was tested. Over the 5-year data-gathering period, the days on which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 24-hr PM10 standard was exceeded (episode days) were identified and their relation to prevailing synoptic-scale meteorological conditions was studied. The analysis led to useful information concerning the air quality levels, the contribution of the main pollution sources in this area, as well as some of the mechanisms that influence the PM10 concentrations. It also was proved that the measured PM10 concentrations are a result of a combination of processes including local anthropogenic sources, mesoscale transport, and resuspension. A complex system of sources and meteorological conditions modulate the heavy particulate pollution in the area of interest.

The coincidence of coronary and carotid artery disease (uni- or bilateral, with or without involvement of the supra-aortic branch) is still a problem with regards to surgical strategy. Since the opening of the Heart Centre Duisburg in 1989 the authors have favoured a simultaneous approach to lesions in both arterial systems in order to avoid myocardial infarction or stroke. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the early and late results of the combined procedures for the endpoints of death, myocardial infarction and stroke. During a 7-year period (1990-1997) a total of 18,050 patients underwent cardiac surgery and extracorporeal circulation. Simultaneous intervention in both arterial systems was performed in 313 patients (1.73%). All patients underwent preoperative ultrasonic diagnostics, digital subtraction angiography, neurological examination and cardiac catheterization. The principal indication was the need for myocardial revascularization, and symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis of 80% diameter reduction or more (with or without contralateral disease). The mean age was 66.4 +/- 6.9 years; 240 patients (76.7%) were male, 73 patients (23.3%) female; 243 patients (77.6%) had triple-vessel disease, 82 patients (26.2%) had left main stenosis and 94 patients (43.5%) had a reduced ejection fraction. A total of 171 patients (54.6%) had a previous myocardial infarction, 54 patients (17.3%) presented with unstable angina and nine patients (2.9%) had prior coronary artery bypass grafts. Eighty-seven patients (27.8%) had an internal carotid artery stenosis on the right side, 75 patients (24%) on the left side and 151 patients (48.2%) lesions in both carotid arteries. Prior carotid endarterectomy was performed in 14 patients (4.5%), and the contralateral carotid was occluded in 24 patients (7.7%). Fifty patients had a previous stroke (16%) and 185 patients (59.1%) were asymptomatic. During surgery, the the carotid artery was first exposed, followed by median sternotomy, systemic heparinization, cannulation and cardiopulmonary bypass. After achieving mild hypothermia (30 degrees C), endarterectomy was performed with a venous patch closure. An occluded contralateral carotid artery was always an indication for shunting. Coronary artery bypass grafting was carried out with intermittent cross-clamping under moderate hypothermia (22-27 degrees C). Ten patients suffered a myocardial infarction (3.2%), seven patients (2.2%) had an apoplectic insult perioperatively ( < 30 days) and one patient (0.3%) had an event during long-term follow-up. Early overall mortality was 28 (8.9%), of which 13 were cardiac related (4.2%). Overall late mortality was eight (2.6%), of which six were cardiac related (1.9%). Mean survival time was 6.18 years. Simultaneous carotid endarterectomy and myocardial revascularization can be justified as a routine surgical management of severe lesions in both arterial systems. The risk of myocardial infarction, apoplectic stroke or mortality was not significantly different than isolated procedures.

Mit der Zunahme koronarchirurgischer Eingriffe ist eine Vermehrung der Patienten zu beobachten, bei denen eine inadaquate Menge oder Qualitat an autologem Gefasmaterial fur die aortokoronare Revaskularisation vorliegen. Hier ist die Durchfuhrung einer kompletten Revaskularisation gefahrdet, wenn nicht sogar unmoglich, so das auch die Risiken einer inkompletten Revaskularisation einzugehen sind. Trotz vielfaltiger Bemuhungen gibt es bis heute keinen zufriedenstellenden heterologen Gefasersatz fur die myokardiale Revaskularisation. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, das Verhalten einer neuen heterologen Gefasprothese zu evaluieren.

Coronary artery aneurysms are rare entities with a prevalence of 0.15%-4.9%. Giant coronary artery aneurysms are known as more than 2 to 5 cm in size. We present a case of 74 year-old female who was admitted to our clinic with chest pain and dyspnea. Coronary angiography demonstrated a giant right coronary artery (RCA) aneurysm with a significant left-to-right shunt. The patient underwent an open heart surgery. During the exploration, an aneurysm of 40 mm in diameter of the RCA was seen. The aneurysmatic RCA was excluded and continuously closed with the support of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). The patient was discharged on the 13th postoperative day without any complication.

Although bullets penetrating into the heart are usually known as fatal, retained cardiac bullets can have a silent course without causing any cardiovascular complications. An 89 year-old patient with myocardial infarction was admitted to our department hemodynamically stable and widely awake. His electrocardiogram didn't show any evidence of ischemia. Cardiac catheterization revealed a three-vessel coronary artery disease. In addition, a circular structure projected on the area of the marginal branch and the V. magna cordis. Removal of the bullet showed that three quarters of myocardium were involved without any perforation. The history of the patient revealed an injury under the heavy fire during World War II. Thus, this case demonstrates that bullets can remain asymptomatic within in the heart for decades. The patient was dis-charged home at the 10th postoperative day after having an uneventful clinical course.

Burkitt’s lymphoma is rare in the general population [1–2% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL)]. Its prevalence in HIV-positive patients is grossly increased (35–40%) and it must always be taken into consideration for differential diagnosis. We describe the case of a 44-year-old man with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who came to the emergency department suffering from acute low back pain. He was treated conservatively for disc hernia, with recommendation for home therapy. A couple of weeks later, he was hospitalized for further research because of fever, night sweats, and no pain relief. After elaborate clinical and laboratory research consisting of physical examination, blood tests, CT of lungs and abdomen, and MRI of pelvis and spine followed by bone marrow biopsy, the patient was found to have Burkitt’s lymphoma. By recognizing the heterogeneity of AIDS-associated NHL presentation and the potential clinical overlap between malignancy, infection, and other rheumatologic abnormalities, physicians may obtain appropriate diagnostic studies and offer treatment recommendations.

Iatrogenic injuries of the trachea are rare. We report a case of tracheobronchial rupture in a 77-year-old woman after emergency intubation. Early bronchoscopy showed a rupture of the posterior wall of the trachea into the right main bronchus with a total length of 9.5 cm. A right thoracotomy was performed and the tracheal rupture was managed successfully by primary suture. Surgical treatment and possible causes of this lesion are discussed with reference to the literature.

Malignant Mixed Mullerian tumors (MMMT) are rare gynecological tumors. Even with surgical treatment, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy, outcome is poor. MMMTs are known to metastasize to the liver, the abdomen, and the lungs. One case of an ocular metastasis has been reported. In a 61-year-old female patient who had undergone surgical resection of a Mullerian tumor of the uterus 26 months prior to being admitted to our department, we found an obstructing left atrial mass. Histopathologic assessment of this lesion after surgical resection revealed a Mullerian tumor metastasis. Immediately after surgery, the patient was asymptomatic, but was readmitted 4 months later with dyspnoea. Echocardiography and CT revealed new masses in the left atrium and left ventricle. On a literature review, we did not find any description of left atrial and left ventricular occluding metastases of MMMT.

The investigation of ecotoxicological effects of particulate matter and the increasing interest in correlating chemical composition to biological impacts is of paramount importance. A complete assessment of biological impacts will require a broad look at the effects of human health and the terrestrial and aquatic environments. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of various sizes of particulates on aquatic organisms. Samples were collected from filters and the filter contents were extracted with DCM using a Soxhlet extractor. Then concentration DCM extracts were condensated to 2 ml by rotary evaporation and each millilitre of extract was exchanged with 1 ml of DMSO and then diluted to freshwater. The samples were then analyzed for their ecotoxicological properties with Vibrio fischeri and bioassay. Five consecutive dilutions of the sample were tested in order to determine the EC50 values as a result of different size of particulates.

In the present work, a model combination is developed in order to provide the public, in north-western Greece, with the next day air quality forecast. Generally, the development and deployment of a real-time numerical air quality prediction system is technically challenging while even more in complex terrain. The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) ( http://www.cmar.csiro.au/research/tapm ) is a hydrostatic prognostic mesoscale model. It has been calibrated for the area in recent studies and used in air quality assessments. In 2007, TAPM has started operating in a real-time operational mode for the prediction of next day’s weather forecast, particulate matter (PM10 with an aerodynamic diameter

In der Zeit von 1990–1997 wurden in unserer Klinik bei 371 Patienten kardiale Eingriffe mit simultaner Thrombendarterektomie der A. carotis interna (koronare Herzerkrankung: n = 313; Klappenvitien n: = 58) durchgefuhrt. Um eine prognostische Aussage fur den postoperativen Verlauf treffen zu konnen, wurden die pradisponierenden Risikofaktoren fur die Ereignisse perioperativer Myokardinfarkt, Apoplex und Tod retrospektiv bestimmt.

Zur Behandlung von Patienten mit operationsbedurftiger Herzerkrankung, die gleichzeitig eine operationsbedurftige Stenose im Bereich der Arteria carotis interna (ACI) aufweisen, gibt es verschiedene Therapiemoglichkeiten. Sie konnen sich bezuglich der postoperativen Ergebnisse zum Teil erheblich voneinander unterscheiden. Als Alternative zum isolierten bzw. zweizeitigen Vorgehen, kann beispielsweise die Simultanoperation gewahlt werden (1, 3, 4). In unserer Klinik wurden vom 21. Juni 1990 bis zum 27. Dezember 1997 insgesamt 18.050 Herzoperationen unter Verwendung der Herz-Lungenmaschine (HLM) durchgefuhrt, wobei davon 371 (2,1%) Operationen auf Simultaneingriffe am Herzen und den Karotiden entfielen. In 313 Fallen lag als kardiale Diagnose eine koronare Herzerkrankung vor, in 58 Fallen handelte es sich um ein Klappenvitium. Anhand eigener Untersuchungen haben wir zeigen konnen, das diese Patienten postoperativ eine geringe Morbiditat und akzeptable Letalitat aufweisen (3). Bei der simultanen Vorgehensweise wurde hinsichtlich des intraoperativen Managements wie folgt verfahren: 1. Freilegung der Karotisgabel. 2. Mediane Sternotomie und Anschlus der HLM. 3. Thrombendarterektomie der ACI und Erweiterungsplastik mit autologem Venenmaterial unter den Bedingungen der Extrakorporalen Zirkulation mit systemischer Heparinisierung Hamodilution milder Hypothermie (30 °C) schlagendem und auswerfendem Herzen RR (systolisch) >80 mmHg 4. Durchfuhrung der Bypass-Operation bzw. des Klappenersatzes. 5. Der Eingriff erfolgt durch ein- und dasselbe OP-Team. 6. Die Simultanoperation erfolgt wahrend einer Narkose.

The thecal morphology and plate pattern of fourteen species of the genus Protoperidinium, found in the inner Thermaikos Bay (North Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) during the period 1989-1992, are described and discussed. These species are: P. depressum, P. oceanicum, P. oblongum, P. claudicans, P. punctulatum, P. conicum var. concavum ?, P. cf. obtusum, P. sp., P. brochi, P. divergens, P. curtipes, P. oviforme, P. pallidum and P. diabolus. Among the fourteen species, P. cf. obtusum and P. sp. are the most interesting from a taxonomic point of view. The morphology of the theca of each species combines features attributed in the current literature to two different species, P. obtusum and P. leonis. These features concern primarily the shape of the 1' plate and the morphology of the hypotheca. As a consequence of my findings, I believe that the morphology of the 1’ plate and the sculpture of the epitheca may be too variable to be used to distinguish between P. obtusum and P. leonis. We also believe that P. obtusum, P. leonis as well as P. striatum require further clarification of their diagnostic characters. Taxa of similar morphology to P. sp. have been recorded in the literature and they may represent a new Protoperidinium taxon.

Following the increasing number of patients with heart valve replacement and an extended indication (older age groups, acute infective endocarditis, multivalvular procedures) the indicence of malfunction of valve prostheses is continuously growing. The prognosis of patients with a malfunctioning prosthesis mainly depends on early diagnosis and adequate therapy. In a retrospective study (1970 to 1984) 3,533 implanted heart valve prostheses were followed up and the cases with malfunction (n = 150; 4.2%) were analyzed. During the follow-up period after 1963 mitral valve replacements (MVR) there were 78 cases of malfunction (4.6%), after 1806 aortic valve replacements (AVR) 73 (4.1%), and after 34 tricuspid valve replacements (TVR) 4 malfunctions (11.8%). These malfunctions concerned periprosthetic leakages (n = 65), prosthetic endocarditis (n = 42), prosthetic valve thrombosis (n = 13), mechanical dysfunction including bioprosthetic degeneration (n = 17), valve related hemolysis (n = 3), and unsatisfactory hemodynamics (n = 10). Special attention was turned to the problem of prosthetic endocarditis (1963-1984) found in a total of 71 patients following 3,878 prosthetic valve replacements (1.9%). In 42 reoperated cases (1970-1984) the causing microorganisms were analyzed, demonstrating staphylococci in a leading position. Secondary complications and additional risk factors are discussed. There has been no change concerning the basis and the strategy of management for prosthetic endocarditis for many years: After a short time of conservative management with tested antibiotics, early reoperation and exchange of the prosthesis seems to be the optimal therapy, despite a distinctly high postoperative mortality (17%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)