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The objective of this study is to present and analyse the spatial distribution of PM1 (particulate matter with diameter less than 1 μm) and PM10 (particulate matter with diameter less than 10 μm) within the greater area of Athens (GAA), Greece, during two extreme Saharan dust episodes in 2006 and 2008. Two portable detectors, based on light scattering method, were used to record the particulate matter concentrations. The samples were collected in the same morning hour of the day which coincided with the peak of vehicles traffic. We analysed the recorded data on normal days and on days with extreme Saharan dust events in order to find out the exceedances of the particulate matter concentrations. Using Kriging method, the spatial patterns of PM1 and PM10 concentrations were constructed for GAA. It is already known that particulate matter represent the main hazard in cardiovascular and respiratory syndromes within the most polluted cities of Europe, which confront high traffic problems, amplified by Saharan dust episodes, which are frequent especially in the Southern Europe, during spring time. The results of the performed analysis showed that during these episodes, PM concentrations over exceed the thresholds set by the European Union, exacerbating the human health in Athens.

International audience; The Corinth Rift, central Greece, enables analysis of early rift development as it is young (

The Corinth Rift, central Greece, enables analysis of early rift development as it is young (

The authors examine the impact of low-frequency atmospheric forcings on the air sea heat fluxes over the Aegean Sea. The correlation between the air sea heat flux components and three established [North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), east Atlantic western Russian pattern (EAWR), and North Sea Caspian pattern (NCP)] and two testing climatic indices of potential effect over the eastern Mediterranean Sea region underlines significant discrepancies between the radiative (shortwave and longwave radiation) and the turbulent (sensible and latent heat) components. The NAO index affects the air sea heat fluxes over the Aegean Sea region much less than the two innovative indices, the "Mediterranean index" and the "Eastern Europe index," which play more effective roles. Moreover, the influence of the sea level atmospheric pressure (SLP) variability over an extended area (Europe and North Africa) on surface fluxes regime is investigated. The SLP anomalies are corroborated as a prominent regulating factor of the air sea heat fluxes over the Aegean Sea region, especially during the cold season of the year. The analysis of the extreme values in the heat exchange anomalies for the period 1958-2001 highlights the role of SLP field on determining the air sea heat fluxes regime, mainly during winter, when, occasionally, large amounts of heat loss from the sea surface trigger the mechanism of intermediate- and deep-water formation. It is suggested that wind regime and turbulent components are the modulators of the net air sea heat flux anomalies throughout the year. Journal of Climate

Current practice favors serotesting adolescents with a negative history of chickenpox rather than offering presumptive vaccination. Recent epidemiologic data from Greece indicate that a high proportion of adolescents (21.5%) are susceptible to chickenpox. We assessed the reliability of negative varicella history in relation to type of exposure in 311 children and 283 adolescents. In children with social or unknown exposure to varicella, a negative history had a high negative predictive value (NPV=73.5), supporting the clinical practice of presumptive vaccination. Conversely, children with a negative history and household exposure had a low NPV (13.8), suggesting that pre-vaccination serologic testing is warranted. In conclusion, based on our local epidemiologic data, presumptive varicella vaccination should be offered to all adolescents with the exception of the subgroup of adolescents with household exposure. © 2008 Springer-Verlag.

Data on local epidemiology is necessary when deciding on the introduction of a vaccine. Parents of children attending 1st and 6th grades completed a questionnaire on demographical data and varicella history. Analyzing 70,226 questionnaires, varicella was reported in 63.6% and 78.6% of 1st and 6th grade children, respectively (mean age 4.75 years), indicating that a quarter of children entering adolescence are susceptible. Children attending day care and children with older siblings had contracted chickenpox at a younger age. In conclusion, in Greece, in addition to introducing universal varicella vaccination, it is necessary to identify older children at risk and offer catchup vaccination. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.

Objective. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a reliable laboratory test that is useful in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infection. Although widely used, blood sampling and the need for a well-organized laboratory are limiting factors. Recently, a rapid test for serum CRP (QuickRead CRP) has been developed that can use both venous and capillary blood. The aim of this study was to use QuickRead CRP in our Pediatric Emergency Department and to compare this method with the standard laboratory determination (CRP-lab). Material and methods. All children with fever were given a quick CRP test simultaneously with venous (CRP-V) and capillary blood samples (CRP-C). A total of 127 children were included in the study (median age 2.5 years). Results. The QuickRead CRP test had an excellent correlation with the standard biochemical determination (CRP-lab). More importantly, there was no difference in determination of CRP in the venous and capillary blood samples. Finally, there was no significant intra-assay variability. Conclusions. The QuickRead CRP test is easy to use, provides reliable results and reduces the need for antibacterial therapy. © 2006 Taylor & Francis.