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Immunization is a highly cost-effective investment in health, proven to be an effective tool in controlling and eliminating dangerous infectious diseases. Health science students require evidence-based knowledge to tackle challenges in healthcare, particularly in the field of vaccination. The aim of the current study is to asses students' knowledge on vaccinations and further explore their feedback after attending Educating Vaccination Competence web-based course (EDUVAC web-based course). Students from five Higher Educational Institutes voluntarily participated in the EDUVAC web-based course. The course provided various study materials, including PowerPoint presentations, videos, quizzes, texts, and references to reputable websites. It also offered small assignments and self-tests for self-evaluation. An online questionnaire was available to students before and after they completed the EDUVAC web-based course. The mean knowledge score on vaccines increased significantly after the EDUVAC web-based course (p<0.001). The majority of the students (95%) felt that the web-based course has benefitted them for their future career and 96.4% would encourage other students to attend the EDUVAC web-based course. Overall, our findings suggest that EDUVAC is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their understanding of vaccination.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the opinions of primary school and high school students regarding the role of humor as a practice in the management of educational communication on the part of the teacher. More specifically, it is investigated whether and to what extent humor affects the students' behavior towards the teacher, the educational process as well as their personality. First, a theoretical approach to the subject is made, in order to highlight the idea that teacher-student pedagogical communication is considered to be the most lively and dynamic part of the educational process, because through it all the messages that signal action, attitude and, in general, teacher's behavior is conveyed. This means that the form of communication chosen by the teacher, either consciously or unconsciously, affects not only his relationship with the student, but also the content and the result of the educational processes. In this case, we have chosen humor as a pedagogical communication practice, given that the research data identify it as an important, effective means between the teacher and the students, the effect of which is particularly beneficial for the educational process, the classroom climate and the relationship between the teacher and the students as well as for the student himself. To implement the purpose of the research, a questionnaire with closed-ended questions was created, which was distributed to primary school and high school students in the first ten days of May 2023 in the city of Ioannina. The findings of the research are considered particularly interesting confirming the majority of the theoretical data that preceded it. The paper ends with conclusions and final remarks.

The main issue of this article is "education" as a meaning "process" and as the requested point (desideratum) in accordance with its role in educational and social reality. More specifically, by illustrating the aspects of this relation, we seek to give prominence to the role of education at an ethical and practical level, concerning not only citizens' social behavior but educational institutions and wider society, as well. It is our primary intention to highlight education's relationship with social learning and its effect on students' social behavior, within the family and school environment. At his point, the practices that the child becomes familiar with within the family, school, and social environment in general and which eventually, play a decisive role in the development of personality and more specific in a person's behavior, will be discussed. In addition, specific samples of young individuals' and adults' social behavior, which reveal the deficiency of "education" and at the same time concerning prevailing culture and its causes, will be determined. The article is concluded with the final observations, findings, and pedagogical suggestions.

Background: Fragility-related pertrochanteric fractures have become a significant public health concern, with a rising incidence attributed to the expanding elderly demographic. Assessing patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mortality, and factors correlated with them serves as a crucial metric in evaluating the effectiveness of hip fracture surgery. Methods: In a single-center retrospective study, 259 patients underwent surgical treatment with a cephalomedullary nail, with a mean follow-up of 21.7 months. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using SF-12 (12-item Short Form) and EQ-5D (EuroQoL-5 Dimensions) questionnaires. Mobility status was measured by the Crude Mobility Index (CMI). Surveys were administered during hospitalization and six months postoperatively. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, non-parametric controls (Kendall, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon), and Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis, which were conducted using IBM SPSS version 28. Results: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the mean EQ-5D and SF-12 scores at 6 months post-op compared to the pre-fracture status. The ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) score showed a significant correlation with the decrease in HRQoL measured by the SF-12 questionnaire. The 30-day post-operative mortality rate was 9.3%, increasing to 32.4% at 1 year. Notably, the 30-day mortality significantly rose during the pandemic era (5.0% vs. 12.0%; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Pertrochanteric hip fractures cause a lasting decline in quality of life. Annual mortality is high, and further investigations are needed to formulate policies that prevent hip fractures and reduce mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumption of raw and mildly processed seafood, in the context of modern Western world eating trends, is recognized as a major driver for human fish-borne infections. However, these zoonoses and their unfamiliar risks remain neglected and underappreciated among European diagnosticians. In contemporary Europe anisakidosis is one of the most important fish-borne zoonoses. It is caused by ingesting the third-stage infective larvae of the nematode parasites that belong to the family Anisakidae. The case described herein, is an intestinal and ectopic form of anisakiosis (Anisakis spp.), causing symptoms of subacute abdomen and masquerading as an intraperitoneal malignancy. It is the first anisakidosis case reported in Greece, affecting a young patient who had been repeatedly exposed to the parasite by consuming homemade raw fish. Right hemicolectomy, omentectomy and excision of a descending colon nodule were uneventfully performed. The pathology report confirmed granulomatous tissue with eosinophilic infiltration and parasites that were morphologically and molecularly identified as Anisakis spp. Although challenging, acquiring an accurate diagnosis of anisakidosis can prevent unnecessary surgery, as the infection typically is self-resolving, and if treatment is deemed necessary, it can be limited to antiparasitic medication. However, in rare cases, extra-gastrointestinal migration of larvae can cause severe damage with practically unknown risks, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. In such a clinical case scenario, surgical exploration can decisively contribute to a definitive diagnosis and early identification of intraabdominal complications necessitating surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional pilot study was to investigate the impact of participating in PA on the mental health of young adults in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out during two quarantine periods: Survey I on 5 May 2020, and Survey II on 30 April 2021. The Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scales and the level of PA were used to assess a sample of individuals aged between 18 and 26 years old. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 268 (33.9% males) and 380 (37.1% females) subjects participated in the studies, respectively. According to the findings, the vast majority of the participants in both samples reported that they are physically active (p = 0.86), while they consider exercise as a significant health factor (p = 0.10). Moreover, anxiety levels statistically significant increased (p = 0.001), while depression levels remained relatively stable with a slight increase of approximately (p > 0.05). Additionally, in both surveys, individuals who engaged in a PA program exhibited reduced levels of depression and anxiety (p = 0.001). Also, gender appears to influence anxiety and depression levels, while a lack of exercise exacerbates these measures in both genders when compared to physically active individuals. Concludingly, it is crucial for public health strategies to include interventions that promote safe PA in the event of future lockdowns or similar emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often part of standard treatment in patients presenting with coronary artery disease. Aim: To investigate changes in health-related quality of life in myocardial infarction patients one year after angioplasty intervention. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in Greece. Patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous angioplasty were included in the study. Patients' quality of life was assessed immediately after the angioplasty, 6 and 12 months later. Quality of life was assessed with the questionnaire "MAC-NEW Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life". Results: Quality of life increased significantly in all patients regardless of their characteristics. Quality of life differed significantly at 6 months according to gender (men had higher values), comorbidity (patients with comorbidities had lower values), smoking (patients who smoked had higher values) and exercising (patients who exercised had higher values). Quality of life differed significantly at 12 months by gender (men had higher values), comorbidity (patients with comorbidities had lower values), and exercising (exercising patients had higher values). A positive correlation was found between the quality-of-life scores at three measurements. Conclusions: Patients after PCI showed better quality of life at 6- and 12-months follow-up. Assessing patients' quality of life after PCI is an important step for a holistic approach to patients whose physical and mental health are considered during the assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) is associated with poor disease control and compromised health-related quality of life (HRQoL), leading to a substantial psychosocial and economic disease burden. Benralizumab, an interleukin-5-alpha receptor monoclonal antibody, is approved as an add-on maintenance treatment for SEA, yet real-world evidence of its effectiveness is limited. EMPOWAIR is a non-interventional, multicenter, 48-week prospective cohort study aiming to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and the patient-perceived impact of benralizumab on HRQoL, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, work productivity and activity impairment among SEA patients treated in routine care settings in Greece. The study will also engage advanced remote patient monitoring technologies using portable spirometers and wearable activity trackers to collect data on lung function parameters and physical activity. The study plans to consecutively enroll 150 adult patients treated by lung specialists practicing in various healthcare settings across the country over an 18-month recruitment period. Eligible patients must be newly prescribed benralizumab per the approved label. Primary data will be collected at enrollment and 4, 8, 16, 32, and 48 weeks after treatment initiation through routine clinic visits or telephone contacts as per the standard clinical practice. The primary objective is to assess the change from baseline in HRQoL, as measured by the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and to estimate the proportion of patients achieving a minimum clinically important improvement in respiratory health status, defined as ≥ 4-point reduction from baseline in SGRQ total score, after 16 weeks of benralizumab treatment. The study rationale, design and protocol, are described herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bacterial colonization in patients with peripherally-inserted implantable ports (PICC-PORTs) is a serious complication that has attributable morbidity and mortality. Methods: We conducted a single center randomized controlled trial comparing safety and effectiveness of octyl-isocyanacrylate glue (GLUE) and standard gauze (SG) dressings for PICC PORT placement. Block randomization was used to allocate patients into the two groups. Swab cultures of the port site were obtained at the end of the procedure and five days after device placement. We assessed the safety of GLUE vs. SG dressings and measured the rate of skin colonization between the two groups. We also estimated the feasibility for conducting a full scale clinical trial. Results: Twenty six patients were randomly allocated to the GLUE group and 25 to the SG dressing group. We observed one case of localized bleeding (GLUE group). We found no cases of localized inflammation or infection at the exit site, no unscheduled dressing changes were reported, and no skin irritation related to either group. There was no difference in the rate of skin colonization post procedure or after five days (p=0.28). Feasibility analysis showed that 98.1% of patients screened were eligible and agreed to enroll in the study and all patients received allocated treatment. Only one patient denied his/her participation in the study. There were no losses to follow up. Conclusions: No difference was found in skin colonization rates between the uses of GLUE or SG dressings for PICC-PORT placement. The high eligibility, recruitment and retention rate show that a larger clinical trial would be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adequate dental restoration including the use of implants is critical in healthy eating habits of diabetic patients and appropriate metabolic control. Aim: To investigate the relationship between diabetes mellitus and dental implants stabilization and osseointegration. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a private dental clinic in Athens. Data collection referred to the period between January 2016 and August 2021. During this time period, all cases related to implant placement in diabetic patients at the clinic were recorded. In particular, 93 implants were recorded in 36 diabetic patients. During the same time period, 93 implant cases involving non-diabetics at the clinic were randomly taken from the clinic records to provide the comparison group. The implant stability quotient was measured immediately after implant placement and after four months. Results: The mean value of the implant stability quotient immediately after implant placement was 75.97 in non-diabetics and 76.85 in diabetics (p=0.42). The mean value of the implant stability quotient after four months was 78.92 in non-diabetics and 78.44 in diabetics (p=0.58). The mean value of the implant stability quotient in non-diabetics increased statistically significantly in the first four months from 75.97 to 78.92 (p<0.001). The mean value of the implant stability quotient in diabetics increased statistically significantly in the first four months from 76.85 to 78.44 (p=0.011). No implant loss was recorded in both diabetics and non-diabetics (p=1). According to multivariate analysis, patients who did not have bio-materials placed during implantation, patients who had not undergone previous surgical procedures and patients who had implants placed in the mandible had better implant stability. Conclusions: The stability of the implants increased statistically significant in the first four months of implant placement. No relationship was found between diabetes mellitus and dental implants stabilization and osseointegration. However, studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up of patients are needed to better clarify the risks and benefits of dental implants in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A female, 5 yr old Bactrian camel was presented to the Exotic and Wildlife Medicine Unit, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, with severe dehydration, depression, anorexia, mild dyspnea and diarrhea. Supportive treatment immediately initiated with fluids, electrolytes and broad-spectrum antibiotics. The general condition of the animal was stable for the next 3 days, but at 4th day became worse, since the camel remained in sternal recumbency, denied to drink water and abortion of a mummified fetus was noticed. The aborted fetus and fetal membranes were submitted for laboratory examinations (bacterial cultures, MZN, cytology, PCR) that revealed Toxoplasma gondii infection. Treatment with sulfadimidine improved the situation of the animal that returned to its farm 1 week later. This seems to be the first reported case in the literature of confirmed toxoplasmic abortion in camels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Up to 90% of people with dementia in long term care (LTC) have hearing and/or vision impairment. Hearing/vision difficulties are frequently under‐recognised or incompletely managed. The impacts of hearing/vision impairment include more rapid cognitive decline, behavioural disturbances, reduced quality of life, and greater care burden. This research investigated LTC staff knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding hearing/vision care needs for residents with dementia. Methods: A survey of staff in LTC facilities in England, South Korea, India, Greece, Indonesia and Australia. Respondents used a five‐point scale to indicate agreement or YES/NO response to questions regarding sensory‐cognitive care knowledge (what is known); attitudes (what is thought); practice (what is done). Results: Respondents reported high awareness of hearing/vision care needs, although awareness of how to identify hearing/vison difficulties or refer for assessment was low. Most felt that residents were not able to use hearing/vision devices effectively due to poor fit, being poorly tolerated or lost or broken devices. A substantial minority of respondents reported low confidence in supporting use of assistive hearing/vision devices, with lack of training the main reason. Most staff did not undertake routine checking of hearing/vision devices, and it was rare for facilities to have designated staff responsible for sensory needs. Variation among countries was not significant after accounting for staff experience and having received dementia training. Conclusions: There is a need to improve sensory support for people with dementia in LTC facilities internationally. Practice guidelines and training to enhance sensory‐cognitive knowledge, attitudes and practice in professional care teams is called for. Key points: A survey of long term care (LTC) staff in six countries care revealed similar limitations in capacity to support residents with hearing/vision needsBetter capacity to support hearing/vision needs of people with dementia was associated with longer experience working in LTC and having received training in dementia awarenessPractice guidelines, training and fostering a long‐term professional work force could optimise support for hearing/vision needs for people living in LTC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In-flight medical events (IMEs), although rare, are challenging due to the limited onboard resources and the time needed to reach an airport. Cabin crewmembers (CCMs) are trained to provide first aid, but their effectiveness has not been appropriately studied. METHODS: IMEs occurring in the biggest airline of Greece were prospectively recorded during a 5-yr period (2014-2018) and categorized according to a symptom-based taxonomy. RESULTS: During the study period 990 IMEs were recorded corresponding to 16 IMEs for each million passengers or 1.8 IMEs for every thousand flights. The most frequent events were loss of consciousness (38.4%) followed by injuries (8.6%), gastrointestinal problems (8.3%), respiratory symptoms (7.3%), anxiety (5.7%), and burns (5.9%). Diversion was decided in 3% of the cases while death on board was rare (0.3% of events). CCMs responded in 33.5% of IMEs without assistance by a volunteer health professional, achieving a 97% success rate. DISCUSSION: IMEs are rare events and the majority can be treated with simple first aid measures. CCMs acting according to a simplified algorithm were very efficient in providing first aid. A standardized symptom-based IME form will assist in creating a reliable registry for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary fibres intake is associated with childhood obesity. From 2014 to 2016, a sample of 1728 Greek boys and girls students, 10-12 years and their parents were enrolled in the study. Dietary fibres intake was assessed through food questionnaires and child's body mass status was defined according to the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF)'s criteria. Prevalence of combined overweight/obesity was 26.7%, with boys having significantly higher prevalence than girls (31.5 versus 24.7%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis, after various adjustments were made, revealed no association between dietary fibres intake and obesity/overweight (Odds Ratio = 0.76; 95% CI 0.48, 1.19). The lack of an association between dietary fibres intake and overweight/obesity status among pre-adolescents could be attributed to various reasons such as, methodological issues reflecting the study's design, the measurement of exposure or due to true absence of a relationship. Nevertheless, fibres consumption should not be prevented, but, promoted under the context of a balanced diet, because of their numerous pleiotropic health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We relocated the seismicity in SE Aegean that was recorded by both permanent and temporary seismic networks during 2004–2018 in order to investigate its correlation with the active faults in this area. P and S-phase travel times of best quality events were used to estimate a minimum 1D velocity model with station delays by utilizing VELEST. This velocity model and station delays were then used to obtain absolute locations of 3055 events, utilizing the probabilistic nonlinear algorithm NLLOC. The double-difference algorithm was used along with catalog and cross-correlation differential times to relocate all the events, resulting in 2200 precise relative locations with horizontal and vertical uncertainties of less than 1.0 km. The precise locations delineated faults along the Gulf of Gökova, SW of Nisyros, and Karpathos area. Based on the comparison of the resulting seismicity distribution with the regional stress field, it can be concluded that seismicity only occurred along faults with ENE-WSW strike in the area north of Tilos and N-S strike in the area south of Tilos. Seismogenic layer thickness estimated from the hypocentral depth distribution was found to vary between 12.1 and 15.4 km. Expected moment magnitudes of faults in this area were calculated by using their geometrical properties and the seismogenic layer thickness, yielding magnitudes in the range of 5.9–6.9. The fact that most of the seismically active faults in SE Aegean lie offshore increases the probability that a major earthquake will be followed by a tsunami and calls for the close monitoring of seismicity in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Healthcare services are increasingly confronted with challenges related to old age mental disorders. The survey aimed to provide an overview of existing psychogeriatric services in Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia. Methods. After identification of psychogeriatric units across the four countries, their head physicians were asked to provide data on their clinical, teaching, and research activity, as well as staff composition. Moreover, the attitudes of head physicians to current needs and future service development were explored. Results. A total of 15 psychogeriatric units were identified (3 in Bulgaria, 8 in Greece, and 4 in North Macedonia). Results show wide variation regarding the location, team size and composition, service availability, numbers of patients attending, and inpatient treatment length. Most head physicians underscored the urgent need for breakthroughs in the graduate and postgraduate education in psychogeriatrics of medical and nonmedical professionals, as well as in the interconnection of their units with community primary healthcare services and long-term care facilities for seniors via telemedicine. They would welcome the development of national standards for psychogeriatric units, potentially embodying clear pointers for action. A number of head physicians advocated the development of nationwide old age mental health registries. Conclusions. Regional disparities in resources and services for seniors' mental health services were unveiled. These data may enrich the dialogue on optimizing psychogeriatric services through planning future cross-border collaborations mainly based on telemedicine services, especially in the era of the novel coronavirus pandemic, and training/education in psychogeriatrics of mental health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood samples from 2620 dogs living in 7 different areas were used for the detection of antibodies against Ehrlichia canis and Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Previously published seropositivity data against Leishmania infantum from the same samples were also used to identify multiple-pathogen seropositivity. The associations between seropositivity against each pathogen and gender, age, utility, hair length, and region of residence were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses. The prevalence of seropositivity against E. canis, B. burgdorferi, and D. immitis was 12.25%, 2.23%, and 5.96%, respectively. Double- and triple-pathogen seropositivity was detected in seven different combinations. Age and region of residence were strongly associated with seropositivity against all pathogens. The association between seropositivity and the area of residence highlights the need for regular testing of dogs for vector-borne pathogens in areas with similar conditions to define control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ehrlichia canis (E canis) infection has been documented in a few small canine case series in Greece. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of exposure to, or the potential risk factors associated with E canis seroreactivity in a large native canine population. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate E canis seroprevalence in dogs admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital, and to investigate the potential association between seropositivity and signalment, health status, the serologic assays used, and selected clinical and clinicopathologic abnormalities. Methods: The medical records of 850 client‐owned dogs, tested using three in‐office serologic assays, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The E canis seroprevalence was significantly higher in sick (54.9%) compared with healthy (33.9%) dogs. Seropositivity differed significantly between the serologic assays used in this study (ImmunoComb vs SNAP 3Dx/SNAP 4Dx). Dogs presenting with bleeding tendencies, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, pancytopenia, and hyperproteinemia were more likely to be E canis seropositive, and the median hematocrit (HCT), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, and platelet values were significantly lower in seropositive compared with seronegative dogs. Conclusions: A high E canis seroprevalence was documented in a canine population living in an endemic area. Selected clinicopathologic variables might be useful indicators of E canis exposure and could allow the prioritization of serologic testing in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To investigate the associations between nurse staffing and the incidence and severity of hypoxaemia, arterial hypotension and bradycardia of postoperative patients during their postanaesthesia care unit stay. Background: Nurse understaffing has been associated with adverse patient outcomes in a variety of hospital settings. In the postanaesthesia care unit, nursing shortage is common and can be related to compromised prevention, detection and treatment of adverse events. Design: Observational, single‐centre, prospective study that adhered to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology checklist (see Supporting information Appendix S1); 2,207 patients admitted to the postanaesthesia care unit of a tertiary care hospital over a 5‐month period were enrolled. Methods: Incidence of hypoxaemia (arterial oxygen saturation <95%), arterial hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg) and bradycardia (heart rate <50 beats per minute), along with episode severity, was recorded. Patients were classified into three groups as follows: sufficient staffing, low and high understaffing. Risk for hypoxaemia, arterial hypotension and bradycardia was adjusted according to patient, anaesthesia and operation characteristics. Results: The incidence of hypoxaemia was significantly higher in the high understaffing group patients, while the incidence of arterial hypotension was significantly higher in both low and high understaffing group patients, compared to sufficient staffing group ones. In the high understaffing group patients, hypoxaemia and arterial hypotension episodes were of significantly higher severity. Conclusions: These associations between hypoxaemia and arterial hypotension and postanaesthesia care unit understaffing indicate that care quality and patient safety can be compromised in case patient acuity is not matched with sufficient nursing resources. Relevance to clinical practice: Higher incidence of hypoxaemia and arterial hypotension advocates for the prevention of imbalances between patient number and care demands and the number of available nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the greatest public health concern of the year 2020. There are several worldwide reports of patients who have managed to recover from SARS-CoV-2 infection with negative PCR test results, that for unknown reasons convert back to positive PCR. We report a case of a patient in our hospital who developed positive PCR test results for SARS-CoV-2, after 4 consecutive results that were negative, along with a full-blown clinical syndrome of SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform a systematic comparison between local and moment magnitudes in Greece for the period 2008-2016 when both magnitudes have been determined using waveform data recorded by the Hellenic Unified Seismic Network (HUSN). Differences between the two magnitudes scales on average do not exceed ± 0.2 units as has been found in other regions worldwide. A recalculation of local magnitude using magnitude residuals for each HUSN station shows that station site conditions have very little influence on the difference between local and moment magnitude. It is therefore more likely that wave propagation effects and in rare cases, anomalous source properties are dominant factors in shaping this difference. General orthogonal regression is applied to the whole dataset and also to subsets covering different areas of Greece or different time period to calibrate the one magnitude scale against the other using a linear model. The resulting relationships differ very little, suggesting that there is no significant regional/temporal variation between local and moment magnitudes. While these relationships predict that local magnitude is very close to moment magnitude if both are determined using HUSN data, the comparison with Global CMT moment magnitude (with Mw in the range 4.5-6.2) shows that it is larger than local magnitude by 0.18 units. These results are particularly important for converting local magnitudes to equivalent moment magnitudes and thus homogenize the Greek earthquake catalog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tectonics of northern Aegean are affected by the westward push of Anatolia and the gravitational spreading of the Aegean lithosphere that promote transtensional deformation in the area. This regime is also responsible for the creation of a series of pull-apart basins, collectively known as the North Aegean Trough. This work accurately relocates a total of 2300 earthquakes that were recorded along the North Aegean Trough during 2011–2016 by stations of the Hellenic Unified Seismic Network (HUSN) and strong-motion sensors. Absolute locations for these events were obtained using a nonlinear probabilistic algorithm and utilizing a minimum 1D velocity model with station corrections. The hypocentral depth distribution of these events shows a peak at 8 km diminishing gradually down to 20 km. A systematic overestimation of hypocentral depths is observed in the routine locations provided by the National Observatory of Athens where the majority of events appear to be deeper than 15 km. In order to obtain more accurate relative locations these events were relocated using the double-difference method. A total of 1693 events were finally relocated with horizontal and vertical uncertainties that do not exceed 0.11 km and 0.22 km respectively. Well-defined clusters of seismicity can be observed along the Saros and Sporades basins as well as the Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas. These clusters either occur along the well-known NE-SW strike-slip faults bounding the basins, or along normal faults whose strike is perpendicular to the regional minimum stress axis. Locking depth along the North Aegean Trough is found to be remarkably stable between 13 and 17 km. This is likely a consequence of simultaneous reduction along the SW direction of heat flow (from 89 to 51 mW/m 2 ) and strain rate (from 600 to 50 nstrain/yr) whose opposite effects are canceled out, precluding any sharp changes in locking depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fast-track (FT) postoperative protocol in oncological patients after major abdominal surgery reduces complications and length of postoperative stay compared to the conventional (CON) protocol. However, stress and pain responses have not been compared between the two protocols. Objectives: To compare stress, pain, and related neuropeptidic responses (adrenocorticotropic hormone [ACTH], cortisol, and neuropeptide Y [NPY]) between FT and CON protocols. Method: A clinical trial with repeated measurements was conducted (May 2012 to May 2014) with a sample of 63 hepatectomized or pancreatectomized patients randomized into two groups: FT (n = 29) or CON (n = 34). Demographic and clinical data were collected, and pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS] and Behavioral Pain Scale [BPS]) and stress responses (3 self-report questions) assessed. NPY, ACTH, and cortisol plasma levels were measured at T1 = day of admission, T2 = day of surgery, and T3 = prior to discharge. Results: ACTHT1 and ACTHT2 levels were positively correlated with self-reported stress levels (ρ = .43 and ρ = .45, respectively, p < .05) in the FT group. NPY levels in the FT group were higher than those in the CON group at all time points (p ≤ .004); this difference remained significant after adjusting for T1 levels through analysis of covariance for age, gender, and body mass index (F = .003, F = .149, F = .015, respectively, p > .05). Conclusions: Neuropeptidic levels were higher in the FT group. Future research should evaluate this association further, as these biomarkers might serve as objective indicators of postoperative pain and stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the present clinical trial, we compared the efficacy and safety of the generic clopidogrel besylate (CB) with the innovator clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CHS) salt in patients eligible to receive clopidogrel.Methods: A prospective 2-arm, multicenter, open-label, phase 4 clinical trial. Consecutive patients (n = 1864) were screened and 1800 were enrolled in the trial and randomized to CHS or CB. Primary efficacy end point was the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from vascular causes, and primary safety end point was rate of bleeding events as defined by Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria.Results: At 12-month follow-up, no differences were observed between CB (n = 759) and CHS (n = 798) in primary efficacy and safety end points (age, sex, history of percutaneous coronary intervention adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.21 and OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.51-1.29, respectively) between CHS and CB. Analyses of efficacy and safety in subgroups that were defined according to the qualifying diagnosis revealed that there was no difference between CHS and CB.Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of CB administered for 12 months for the secondary prevention of atherothrombotic events are similar to that of CHS. (Salts of Clopidogrel: Investigation to ENsure Clinical Equivalence, SCIENCE trial; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02126982). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study could serve as a multidisciplinary approach for the assessment of river surface water quality with the use of chemical and biological methods. Specifically, physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and pesticides were measured in water samples from three different stations (sampling station S1, S2, and S3) along Asopos River (Greece). In parallel, algal species (primary producers)-such as Scenedesmus rubescens and Chlorococcum sp.; consumer invertebrate species, such as the fairy shrimp Thamnocephalus platyurus and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus; as well as human lymphocytes-were exposed to those samples for assessing their toxic and genotoxic/mutagenic effects. According to the results, although the values of almost all of the physicochemical parameters tested, heavy metals (zinc, cadmium, lead, and mercury) and pesticides were lower than or within the respective environmental quality standards, thus offering no clear evidence for their natural or anthropogenic origin. Values recorded for nickel, chromium, hexavalent chromium, and malathion represent a typical case of mixed influence from natural and anthropogenic enrichments. In contrast, the algal growth arrest, the acute toxic effects on the freshwater invertebrates, and the increased micronuclei frequencies observed in human lymphocytes showed the presence of human-derived hazardous substances, which were hardly determinable with the use of conventional chemical methods. Given that the presence of priority pollutants in river surface waters, heavily burdened by anthropogenic activities, could give no clear evidence for their biological risk, the results of the present study showed that chemical and biological assays should be applied in parallel, thus serving as a reliable tool for the assessment of river water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea is a pathogen with high genetic variability that has also shown high risk for fungicide resistance development. In total, 1,169 isolates obtained from strawberry (n = 297) and tomato (n = 872) in five geographic regions of Greece were tested for their sensitivity to several botryticides. A high frequency of isolates with multiple resistance to carbendazim, cyprodinil, pyraclostrobin, and boscalid was found in isolates from strawberry. In the isolates from tomato, the predominant phenotype was that of dual resistance to carbendazim and cyprodinil in the Crete island, of single resistance to carbendazim in the region of Preveza, and of sensitive isolates in the region of Kyparissia. None of the tested isolates was found to be fludioxonil resistant. High frequencies of boscalid-resistant phenotypes were observed in the strawberry isolates, while boscalid-resistance frequency in the tomato isolates was lower. H272R was the predominant sdhB mutation, associated with resistance to boscalid, in all the sampled isolates, while other sdhB mutations were found at low frequencies. B. cinerea group S, identified by the presence of a 21-bp insertion in the transcription factor mrrl gene, was predominant within the tomato isolates obtained from all three sampled regions, with frequencies ranging from 62 to 75% of the isolates; whereas, within strawberry isolates, B. cinerea was predominant, with frequencies of 75 to 95%. Correlations of isolate genotype and fungicide resistance profile showed that B. cinerea sensu stricto isolates were more prone to the development of resistance to boscalid compared with the Botrytis group S isolates, which may explain the observed predominance of B. cinerea sensu stricto in strawberry fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives. To investigate and synthesise published literature on the associations between residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events of postoperative adult patients in the postanaesthesia care unit. Background. Residual neuromuscular blockade continues to be common among patients transferred to the postanaesthesia care unit after general anaesthesia, while negative effects of residual neuromuscular blockade on respiratory function have been demonstrated in laboratory volunteers. Design. Literature review. Methods. Using key terms, a search was conducted in Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Database and EMBASE (January 1990-May 2013) for clinical trials or observational studies on the associations between residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events, published in English-language journals. Results. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Residual neuromuscular blockade definition threshold differed between studies. Among critical respiratory events, only hypoxaemia was investigated in all included studies. Residual neuromuscular blockade was significantly associated with increased incidence of hypoxaemia during postanaesthesia care unit stay in most studies, while associations with the rest of the critical respiratory events were inconclusive. Conclusions. Although limited, existing research has provided evidence that patients with residual neuromuscular blockade are at high risk of early postoperative hypoxaemia. Further studies are needed to investigate independent associations between residual neuromuscular blockade and critical respiratory events, along with causality of these associations. The clinical importance of residual neuromuscular blockade for groups at high risk of critical respiratory events should also be investigated. Relevance to clinical practice. Healthcare professionals have to be aware of the increased risk of hypoxaemia in patients with residual neuromuscular blockade. Efforts to decrease residual neuromuscular blockade incidence, combined with identification and appropriate evaluation of patients with residual neuromuscular blockade during postanaesthesia care unit stay, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives To investigate the attitudes of nurses caring for hospitalised adult patients towards fever and antipyresis and to identify the predictors of these attitudes. Background Fever is a host defence mechanism, whose harmful effects are limited to specific patients. Findings about antipyretic treatment have further challenged the need for routine or aggressive fever suppression. Unfortunately, nurses continue to be fever phobic, while their attitudes towards fever and antipyresis considerably affect antipyretic practice. Design Prospective, cross-sectional, multicentre survey. Methods A convenience sample of registered and assistant nurses employed in surgical/medical wards and intensive care units of nine Greek hospitals was enrolled. The developed questionnaire included 10 multiple-choice, knowledge-evaluating items about fever and antipyresis, 10 Likert-type attitude-evaluating items towards fever and 10 towards antipyresis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of attitudes towards fever and antipyresis. Results The attitudes of the 458 participants were found to be relatively positive towards both fever and antipyresis. Lower fever/antipyresis knowledge score predicted both negative attitude towards fever ( p = 0·001) and positive attitude towards antipyresis ( p < 0·001), while longer professional experience predicted positive attitude towards antipyresis ( p = 0·002). Conclusions Advancing nurses' evidence-based knowledge about fever and antipyresis is expected to limit their tendency to overtreat fever and favour fever care based on the assessment of actual patient demands. Relevance to clinical practice These findings highlight the need for continuing education programmes to eliminate fever phobia and improve nurses' competency for individualised fever care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose In the higher education domain, the shift to electronic textbook adoption entails numerous benefits. However, reluctance is noted in students as well as in publishers, impeding the faster realisation of this change. Decision makers (such as the Ministry of Education and university administrations) need actual survey data in order to plan and perform the best strategy plan for the transition to the etextbook era. Design/methodology/approach Two different surveys took place among higher education students and academic textbook publishers in Greece. More specifically, the purpose of these surveys was twofold: first, to identify both students' and local publishers' views towards the e-textbooks as the near future successor of printed books. Second, the results of the in-depth study will enable the proposal of certain solutions for the Hellenic higher education textbook system, which has reached an economic and functional deadlock. Our findings will also be easily adopted by other, similar educational system across Europe. Findings Our findings reflect a situation where e-textbooks will replace the printed, but not in the near future, as both technology providers and publishers have to overcome many technical obstacles. Students are expecting the transition to occur soon, but still remain very reluctant about the inconvenience which might be caused to their reading habits. Originality/value The results are unique and in alignment with similar surveys in other educational systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ippokrateio Therapeutirio in the city of Larissa, Thessaly, Greece is a private for-profit psychogeriatric hospital focusing on Long Term Care on patients with dementia. During the COVID-19 era lockdown visits by carers/relatives/friends were forbidden due to the preventive government measures. At that same time appearance and/or exaggeration of neuropsychiatric symptoms was observed. In order to restore communication issues we performed telecommunication sessions (videocalls) and measured, among other factors, neuropsychiatric symptoms before and after sessions. Objectives: Primary objective was to check for relations between videocalls and changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms using NeuroPsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Secondary objective was to check for carers and patients satisfaction, mainly through qualitative information. Methods: 120 patients with diagnosis of minor or major neuroconitive disorder of any type participated in the video call sessions. Two video calls per patient took place (1 per week) with a 10-inches tablet. Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) was performed before the start of the video-calls. NPI had been performed again the week after both sessions were completed. Satisfaction of carers and patients was recorded, mostly as qualitative data. Results: Neuropsychiatric symptoms improved in patients with mild or moderate neurocognitive decline. In more severe cases though anxiety, irritability and sleep problems worsened. Satisfaction reached almost 95% of the carers. Conclusions: Video calls could be a very good way to surpass the communication burden during the pandemic restrictions for LTC dementia patients. Caution should be given to severely demented patients since clinical observations show that a cluster of symptoms worsens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fourteen-month monitoring period (April 2007–May 2008) was realized to investigate the removal and occurrence of eight pharmaceutical and personal care compounds, two metabolites and caffeine across the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) of Agrinio city, located in Western Greece as well as in the discharging sampling point in Acheloos River, which receives the effluents of the plant. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for the isolation and pre-concentration of the target pollutants and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) for their detection and quantification. All the selected compounds were detected in the wastewater samples. The concentrations determined in the influent of the municipal WWTP ranged between 65.3 and 6679 ng L−1recorded for triclosan and caffeine respectively, while in the effluent ranged between 24.9 and 552 ng L−1observed for triclosan and carbamazepine, respectively. The detected concentration levels in Acheloos River ranged from 37.6 ng L−1for caffeine to 305 ng L−1for paracetamol. Mean total removal efficiencies ranged between 46.3% for carbamazepine and 96.8% for naproxen. The results of this study demonstrate that most of the compounds are being reduced in low levels by municipal wastewater treatment processes but quite significant levels of pharmaceuticals enter river waterways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monitoring study of pesticides belonging to different chemical families was carried out in Amvrakia lake (West Greece) waters after land use changes in the lake's basin. Based on land-use patterns, nine sampling points were selected. Pesticides were extracted by solid phase extraction (SPE) using Oasis HLB cartridges and analysed by gas chromatographic techniques with flame thermionic and mass-spectra detection. Pesticides detected during the monitoring survey include eight herbicides (alachlor, atrazine, s-metolachlor, pendimethalin, prometryne, propachlor, simazine, trifluralin) and one metabolite (deethyl atrazine) with concentration levels up to 807 ng L−1(recorded for alachlor), eight insecticides (azinphos methyl, chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos methyl, diazinon, dimethoate, fenitrothion, malathion, methidathion) with concentration levels up to 490 ng L−1(recorded for azinphos methyl) and six fungicides (benalaxyl, cyproconazole, fenarimol, pyrimethanil, triadimefon, triadimenol) with concentration levels up to 408 ng L−1(recorded for pyrimethanil). More frequently detected pesticides were atrazine, deethyl atrazine, alachlor, azinphos methyl, chlorpyrifos methyl, diazinon and pyrimethanil. The higher concentrations were measured during spring-early summer period, following seasonal application of pesticides and diminished significantly during winter. Littoral sampling stations presented higher pesticide concentration levels and more frequent detection. Aquatic risk assessment was based on the Risk Quotient (RQ = MEC/PNEC) deterministic method regarding three trophic levels: algae, aquatic invertebrates and fish. Non-acceptable risk for 10 compounds was observed when maximum concentrations were used. Compliance to EC environmental quality standards is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC) has been associated with an improved short-term clinical outcome compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of MECC compared to CECC on postoperative major adverse events in high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary revascularization procedures. Two hundred patients undergoing elective CABG were randomized into two groups. In Group A (n=100), MECC was used while Group B (n=100) included patients who were operated on CECC. The incidence of postoperative major adverse events (myocardial infarction, renal failure, stroke, death) was the primary end-point of the study. MECC was associated with a 77% relative risk reduction in the incidence of major adverse events compared to CECC (p=0.004). The rate of major adverse events occurring in the high-risk patient subgroup (preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, age >65 years, EuroSCORE II >5) operated on with MECC was significantly lower in comparison to their CECC counterparts. Based on our results, cardiac centres should be encouraged to use MECC as the standard circuit when performing elective coronary procedures, even in a high-risk population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims and objectives. To evaluate pulse oximetry knowledge of nurses employed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Anesthesiology Department (AD) and Emergency Department (ED) and to compare knowledge among these departments/units. Background. Although pulse oximetry has been widely used in clinical practice, previous studies have reported knowledge deficits among nurses, which may adversely affect patient outcomes. Design. Prospective, cross-sectional, multicentre study. Methods. All nurses employed in the ICU, AD and ED of six hospitals were asked to complete in private a 21-item, knowledge-evaluating questionnaire, which was evaluated for content-related validity and reliability. Results. Two hundred and seven questionnaires were completed (a response rate of 74·5%). Mean pulse oximetry knowledge score was 12·8 ± 3·2, with ICU nurses having significantly higher scores than ED nurses ( p = 0·001) and those with more than 10 years of experience having significantly higher scores than less experienced ones ( p = 0·015). Correct responses did not exceed 50% for six questionnaire items, five of which covered principles of pulse oximetry function. ICU nurses had significantly more correct responses in five items compared to ED nurses, and in two of them compared to AD nurses. Conclusions. Longer professional experience and being employed in the ICU were associated with higher pulse oximetry knowledge of Greek nurses. Considering knowledge deficits and differences among nurses, pulse oximetry knowledge seems to mainly develop through clinical experience. Relevance to clinical practice. These findings highlight the need for pregraduate education to follow clinical advances, and especially for the implementation of high-quality, continuing education programmes to provide systematic learning and support professional development of nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mussel aquaculture in Thermaikos Gulf is facing a great challenge to tackle both institutional and production planning aspects. Local stakeholders are concerned about the future design of an efficient and equitable legal planning framework for the aquaculture, as well as about the improvement of production planning in order to optimize the total economic outcome of mussel activity in the area. The present paper focuses on the assessment of alternative production planning decisions, under the assumption that an efficient and socially acceptable institutional framework is already established. To this end, a case-specific decision-making tool is designed aiming to combine simulation modelling and multicriteria analysis. The main interactions between the environmental and cultivation conditions and the socio-economic parameters of the local aquaculture are specified according to a previous modelling effort concerning the long-line mussel farms of the study area. These interactions are then incorporated into a multicriteria model, which is formulated to handle the decision-making problem of selecting the best alternative planning decisions. This is actually a problem of evaluating and choosing the most promising policy options in terms of local society preferences. An integrated approach is followed, by means of an analytic hierarchy process, aiming at analysing the preferences of local community by determining the weights for a specific set of (sustainability) criteria. The relative importance of these criteria is determined through a questionnaire survey among the local stakeholders. The results from this application show that future planning policies should focus on production techniques, which are likely to enhance the quality of mussel production and, at the same time, to minimize the economic risk associated with the local occurrence of Harmful Algal Bloom events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the neurological dysfunctions of flocks of sheep from 10 different dairy farms in Central and Northern Greece. By providing the farmers with questionnaires, the researchers were able to determine that the likely cause was due to acute coenurosis, a disease which is incurable but preventable by altering the feeding regiment of the sheep to reduce the risk of contaminated food.

The translation of the Holy Scripture into contemporary Greek has been a particularly complicated matter, for, in addition to the overall theological parameters, there are also implications which arise out of the historical and cultural conditions under which the self-consciousness of Orthodoxy was formed in Greece. This article examines the impact of biblical translation on the formation of Greek national identity, which brings to light a serious issue: Greek Orthodoxy is dealing with a dilemma almost as tragic as that which Judaism faced during the first century AD. It will either open itself to the world by working on the potentialities that arise from its own faith, tradition and Scriptures, or turn in on itself in an agonising effort at self-protection. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Small-scale mussel farming in the coastal area of Chalastra (Thermaikos Gulf, Greece) has faced major problems during the last decade due to environmental limitations and to institutional constraints imposed by the absence of local planning and development policies. The aim of our work was to demonstrate crucial aspects of implementing the Systems Approach Framework (SAF) in the area, and more specifically to explain: (a) the key parts of a bioeconomic model that constitutes the basis of a draft management tool, (b) the results of several investigative scenarios examined through the management tool, and (c) the stakeholders' feedback through the participative procedures. The goal was to evaluate the effects of the SAF implementation on the communication between scientists, policy makers, and local stakeholders. The scenarios refer to alternative farming techniques and different environmental conditions, and examine the effects of institutional deficiencies in qualitative and quantitative ways, regarding the sustainability of the activity. The selection of the scenarios was directed from the need to provide a dialogue platform between the conflicting stakeholders. The results clearly demonstrate the effects of mussel-farming techniques on mussel production, as well as the impacts of environmental conditions, human decisions, and institutional choices on the regional (and individual) economic welfare. In the bottom line, the value of the SAF is demonstrated through the apprehension of the policy issue, its impacts, and the alternative management perspectives, as well as through the establishment of a multidimensional collaboration group for the area, which is essential for the further development of the management tool and the implementation of an integrated management policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the National Park of Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest (Dadia NP, Greece), seven 'target' PCBs and 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCs) were analysed in blood samples of cinereous vultures ( Aegypius monachus) and Eurasian griffon vultures ( Gyps fulvus). PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 predominated in both species' blood samples. In both species, no differences were detected in congener levels between successive age classes, but in cinereous vulture, there were significant differences between adult and nestling in levels of PCB 28, 52, 101, 118 and between nestling and immature in levels of PCB 101. Regarding pesticides, p, p′-DDE dominated in both vultures followed by β-HCH, lindane and endosulfan sulphate, but ∑OCs were higher in griffon vulture. Significant differences were detected only between nestling and sub-adult cinereous vultures in heptachlor levels and between nestling and adult in p, p′-DDT. The origin of pollutants differs between the two vulture species and pollution patterns may not reflect those at Dadia NP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Polar chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were examined for their sampling efficiency of 12 pesticides and one metabolite commonly detected in surface waters. Laboratory-based calibration experiments of POCISs were conducted. The determined passive sampling rates were applied for the monitoring of pesticides levels in Lake Amvrakia, Western Greece. Spot sampling was also performed for comparison purposes. Methods: Calibration experiments were performed on the basis of static renewal exposure of POCIS under stirred conditions for different time periods of up to 28 days. The analytical procedures were based on the coupling of POCIS and solid phase extraction by Oasis HLB cartridges with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The recovery of the target pesticides from the POCIS was generally >79% with relative standard deviation (RSD) <16%. The calibration results revealed an integrative uptake of all pesticides for 28 days and the calculated sampling rates ranged from 0.025 to 0.388 L day with RSD <29%. Low nanogram/liter levels of pesticides such as diazinon, alachlor, and s-metolachlor were detected during the monitoring campaign using both passive and spot sampling whereas higher concentrations were measured by spot sampling in most cases. Conclusions: Passive sampling by POCIS provides a useful tool for the monitoring of pesticides in aquatic systems since integrative sampling at rates sufficient for analytical quantitation of ambient levels was observed. Calibration data are in demand for a greater number of compounds in order to extend the use in environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After the financial crisis started in 2007, and became more obvious in 2008, many countries faced economic problems; a major example being Greece, whose problems brought it close to financial failure. The country found itself having to ask for help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and as a result concluding a Stand-by Arrangement in 2010. This Arrangement led the authors to a survey study on international financial regulations, the IMF as an institution and its plan for Greece, as well as possible policy adjustments for countries with economic problems. The authors questioned 30 mostly Greek persons, who represent a variety of economists. The survey results are pretty inconclusive, as the particular theme is not settled yet. This makes it necessary for a treasurer who deals with Greek cash flows to track the local situation intensively and to take proper measures to minimise the local risk exposure. Financing, working capital, business and organisational measures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of pathogens associated with postharvest fruit rots on the four most extensively cultivated apple cultivars (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Fuji) in Greece was surveyed during two consecutive storage periods (2008-09 and 2009-10) in five packinghouses located in northern Greece. The fungi isolated were identified based on their morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer gene sequencing. In the four cultivars sampled, Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea were the predominant pathogens, accounting for averages of 44.2 and 23.6%, respectively, of the pathogens isolated from the sampled fruit. Two other important rot pathogens were Alternaria tenuissima and Mucor pyriformis, accounting for 16.1 and 6.6%, respectively, of the diseased apple fruit. Other pathogens such as Monilinia laxa, M. fructigena, Botryosphaeria obrusa, Geotrichum candidum, Fusarium avenaceum, and F. proliferatum were isolated at low frequencies and are considered of minor importance. Measurements of the resistance level of the four apple cultivars to fruit rot caused by P. expansum and Botrytis cinerea revealed that Golden Delicious was the most susceptible to blue mold while Fuji was the most susceptible to gray mold infections. Susceptibility to gray mold was negatively correlated with flavonoid and phenol concentration as well to fruit antioxidant activity, while susceptibility to blue mold was negatively correlated with fruit firmness and phenol concentration. Patulin production was significantly higher in Red Delicious and Golden Delicious fruit than in Granny Smith and Fuji fruit and was negatively correlated with the acidity of the fruit. The high incidence of P. expansum and A. tenuissima along with the presence of F. avenaceum and F. proliferatum, all of which are potentially mycotoxin producers, emphasize the risk for mycotoxin contamination of apple fruit juices and by-products. Furthermore, information on the distribution of the pathogens on the main cultivars may be useful for the implementation of strategies to control the diseases and minimize the threat of mycotoxin contamination on each cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 8 June 2008 a strong (MW 6.4) earthquake occurred in the area of northwest Peloponnese, western Greece. The event originated in the lower crust and was caused by the rupture of a previously unknown fault probably inherited from past tectonic phases. In this study we perform a stress inversion of all available focal mechanisms in this area in order to obtain an estimate of the regional stress field. It is shown that the maximum principal stress axis has an azimuth of N273°E and forms an angle of 63° with the fault's strike, which is well-constrained by seismological observations. This implies that the fault was severely misoriented with respect to the prevailing stress field assuming friction coefficients in the range 0.65-0.85. Calculation of pore-fluid factors for a variety of input parameters seems to confirm the presence of elevated fluid pressure near the hypocenter because they reach super-hydrostatic to lithostatic values (0.80-1.0). The source of these fluids is probably of deep origin and may have to do with upper mantle degassing. This suggestion is supported by the presence of mantle helium in spring waters close to the epicenter and by low Pn velocities consistent with partially molten mantle beneath northwest Peloponnese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A 10-month-old ram with fever, inappetence and haemorrhagic diathesis had petechiae and ecchymoses at various body sites and was infested by ticks. Haematological examination revealed pancytopenia, while serum biochemistry indicated hepatic dysfunction. Blood smears were negative for Ehrlichia spp. and other haemoparasites. Paired sera revealed infection by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, but testing by polymerase chain reaction was negative. Treatment with oxytetracycline was effective. This is the first reported clinical case of ovine anaplasmosis in Greece caused by A. phagocytophilum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]