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Shoreline configurations are a complex outcome of the dynamic interplay between natural forces and human actions. This interaction shapes unique coastal morphologies and affects sediment transport and erosion patterns along the coastline. Meanwhile, ephemeral river systems play a vital role in shaping coastlines and maintaining ecosystem sustainability, especially in island settings. In this context, the present study seeks to develop a holistic approach that views coast and watershed systems as a continuum, aiming to investigate their relationships in an island environment, while accounting for human interventions in the river regime. For this task, the empirical USLE method was employed to quantify sediment production and transport from the catchment area to the coast, while hydraulic simulations using HEC-RAS were conducted to assess sediment retention within flood-affected areas. Moreover, coastal vulnerability to erosion was evaluated by applying the InVEST CVI model in order to identify areas at risk from environmental threats. The coastal zone of Petra–Molyvos, Lesvos, Greece, was selected as the study area due to ongoing erosion issues, with particular emphasis on its interaction with the Petra stream as a result of significant human intervention at its mouth. According to the study's findings, the examined coastal zone is highly vulnerable to combined erosion from wind and waves, while the river's mouth receives only a small amount of sediment from water fluxes. Evidently, this leads to an increase in beach retreat phenomena, while highlighting the necessity for integrated coastal–watershed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in diabetic patients have endothelial dysfunction as a key pathogenetic event. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), plays a pivotal role in endothelial dysfunction. Different natural polyphenols have been shown to preserve endothelial function and prevent CVD. In this study, we assessed the effect of silibinin, a widely used flavonolignan from milk thistle, on ADMA levels and endothelial dysfunction in db/db mice. Methods Eight-week-old db/db mice were administrated a 20 mg/Kg i.p. daily dose of silibinin (n = 6) or vehicle (n = 6) for four weeks. Heterozygous lean db/m mice served as control. Plasma, aorta and liver ADMA levels were determined by ELISA. Vascular reactivity to phenilephrine (PE), acetylcholine (ACh), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and ADMA was assessed in isolated aortic segments, in wire myograph. Results Plasma and aorta ADMA levels were higher in db/db than in control lean mice. Silibinin administration markedly decreased plasma ADMA; consistently, aorta ADMA was reduced in silibinin-treated animals. Plasma and aorta ADMA levels exhibited a positive correlation, whereas liver ADMA was inversely correlated with both plasma and aorta ADMA concentrations. Endothelium-(NO)-dependent vasodilatation to ACh was impaired in db/db mice and was restored in the silibinin group, in accordance with the observed reduction of plasma and vascular levels of ADMA. Endothelium-independent vasodilatation to SNP was not modified by silibinin administration; contractile tone induced in isolated aorta from db/db mice by challenging with exogenous ADMA was not affected by the treatment. Conclusions Silibinin markedly improves endothelial dysfunction in db/db mice by reducing circulating and vascular ADMA levels. Clinical studies are warranted to assess the efficacy of silibinin for cardiovascular protection.

This study explores the educational level of migrants arriving in Europe since 2015 and makes suggestions to improve their integration into the labor market. The research methodology is based on qualitative (ethnographic research) and quantitative analysis using questionnaires distributed in four languages to the refugee scientists living in Moria camp, Lesvos, Greece. Only 53% of migrants hold their certificates and half of them speak two languages. The priority topics for further education are Humanities, Science, Economics and Computer Sciences. Key aspects were considered to help the refugee's social integration such as information exchange, intercultural education and to stop gender inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study deals with protection of springs, which are fed by aquifers susceptible to contamination by anthropogenic activities. Krokos aquifer, located in Western Macedonia, Greece, whose springs provide water to Krokos town, is used as a case study. In this aquifer, concentrations of nitrates, exceeding the legislation limits, had been occasionally detected. First, some additional water quality measurements have been conducted, covering more than one calendar year, which confirmed rather high concentrations of nitrates, close, but not exceeding the World Health Organization guideline limit of 50 mg/L. Then, numerical simulation of groundwater flow in Krokos aquifer took place. Groundwater modeling system, which allows for construction of a three-dimensional flow model, has been used in this task. First, the boundaries of the aquifer and the respective boundary conditions have been defined, based on available field data. Then, the required hydraulic head and groundwater velocity values have been calculated. Based on them, the spring protection area from pollution sources has been defined, using the particle-tracking package MODPATH. Finally, sensitivity analysis has been conducted to check the influence of some uncertain data to the delineation of the spring protection zone. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]