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Puchner KP, Giannakou V, Veizis A, Bougioukas K, Hargreaves S, Benos A, Kondilis E. COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and uptake among refugees and migrants in Greece: a retrospective analysis of national vaccination routine data. Public Health 2024; 229:84-87. [PMID: 38412698 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Refugees and migrants (R&Ms) exhibited higher risk of COVID-19 infection, and higher mortality rates during the pandemic. Acknowledging these risks, R&Ms early in the pandemic were identified by WHO as a priority vaccination group in need of protection. The aim of this study was to assess the vaccination roll-out and uptake among R&Ms residing in Reception Identification Centers (RICs) and Reception Sites (RSs) in Greece, relative to the general population. STUDY DESIGN Nationwide observational study. METHODS Retrospective analysis of national vaccination routine data and population census data, collected and triangulated from multiple official/governmental sources. Weekly vaccine roll-out and uptake were calculated for the general Greek population and the R&M population, through the first year of the vaccination programme in Greece (December 2020-December 2021). RESULTS Vaccine roll-out among migrants in RICs/RSs started with a 22-week delay, compared to the general population. By the end of the first year of the vaccination programme in Greece in December 2021, the national vaccination uptake among registered R&Ms residing in official reception facilities was 27.3 % for 1st dose and 4.7 % for booster dose; considerably lower compared to the general population (69.5 % uptake for 1st dose, 64.7 % for 2nd dose, and 32.0 % for 3rd dose). CONCLUSION Delayed vaccine roll-out and low vaccine uptake among R&Ms in Greece are signs of low prioritisation and implementation failures in the R&M vaccination strategy. In face of future public health threats, lessons should be learned, and vaccine equity should be insured for all socially vulnerable and high-risk population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Puchner
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - V Giannakou
- MSc Program in Public Health and Health Policy, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - K Bougioukas
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Hargreaves
- Infection and Immunity Research Institute, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - A Benos
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - E Kondilis
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Maraki S, Mavromanolaki VE, Stafylaki D, Iliaki-Giannakoudaki E, Kasimati A. Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of bacterial enteropathogens in Crete, Greece, during 2011-2022. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2024; 71:69-75. [PMID: 38345622 DOI: 10.1556/030.2024.02214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Diarrheal diseases are of great concern worldwide and are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the epidemiology and the antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial enteropathogens among diarrheal patients of all ages in Crete, Greece during 2011-2022. Stool specimens were tested by conventional cultural methods for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (EPEC, STEC), Yersinia enterocolitica, Aeromonas species and Clostridioides difficile. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the disk diffusion method for Enterobacterales, Campylobacter and Aeromonas, and by the gradient diffusion method for C. difficile. Of the 26,060 stool samples from patients of any age, 1,022 (3.9%) were positive for bacterial enteropathogens. Campylobacter spp. were the most commonly isolated bacteria (56.4%), followed by Salmonella enterica (32.3%), and E. coli (EPEC, STEC) (6.5%). Toxigenic C. difficile was isolated from 341 out of 8,848 diarrheal specimens examined (3.9%). Resistance to ampicillin was observed in 12.4% of Salmonella, 66.7% of Shigella and 34.8% of E. coli (EPEC, STEC) isolates. Resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was observed in 5.8% of Salmonella, 33.3% of Shigella, and 15.1% of E. coli (EPEC, STEC) isolates. High rates of ciprofloxacin resistance (77.3%) were detected among Campylobacter isolates, while resistance to erythromycin was observed in 2.4% of them. All C. difficile isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and metronidazole. Our findings suggest declining trends in prevalence of bacterial enteropathogens, except for Campylobacter spp. and changes in the susceptibility rates to antimicrobials. Continuous surveillance of prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial enteropathogens is mandatory for implementing targeted and effective prevention and infection control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Maraki
- 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | | | - Dimitra Stafylaki
- 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
| | | | - Anna Kasimati
- 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, 71500 Crete, Greece
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Karakosta P, Vourli S, Kousouli E, Meletis G, Tychala A, Louka C, Vasilakopoulou A, Protonotariou E, Mamali V, Zarkotou O, Skoura L, Pournaras S. Multidrug-resistant organism bloodstream infection and hospital acquisition among inpatients in three tertiary Greek hospitals during the COVID-19 era. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2024:10.1007/s10096-024-04806-x. [PMID: 38530465 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-024-04806-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
From 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to 2022 (COVID-19 years), three tertiary Greek hospitals monitored MDRO bloodstream infection (BSI) and hospital acquisition relying on laboratory data. Surveillance covered carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in intensive care units (ICUs) and non-ICUs. Non-ICUs experienced significant increases in CRE, CRAB and VRE during the pandemic. In ICUs, CRE increased in 2021, CRAB in 2020 and 2021, and VRE in 2021 and 2022. KPC predominated among CRE. MDRO BSI and hospital acquisition incidence rates increased, driven by CRE and CRAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polyxeni Karakosta
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia Vourli
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elisavet Kousouli
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Meletis
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Areti Tychala
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christina Louka
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Vasilakopoulou
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymia Protonotariou
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Mamali
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus, Athens, Greece
| | - Olympia Zarkotou
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Tzaneio General Hospital of Piraeus, Athens, Greece
| | - Lemonia Skoura
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Spyros Pournaras
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Varela P, Zervas I, Vivilaki V, Lykeridou A, Deltsidou A. Validity and reliability of the Greek version of Wijma delivery expectancy/experience questionnaire (Version A) among low-risk pregnant women. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:165. [PMID: 38504313 PMCID: PMC10953171 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01662-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fear of childbirth is a frequent health issue for pregnant women. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ) is a widely used instrument to measure the fear of childbirth during the antenatal period. The aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the W-DEQ (version A) in a sample of Greek pregnant women. METHODS Low-risk pregnant women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (N = 201) were invited to participate in the study and to complete a booklet of questionnaires including the Greek versions of W-DEQ-A, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 34.2 years (SD = 4.3 years). EFA yielded six factors ("Lack of self-efficacy", "Lack of positive anticipation", "Lack of feeling lonely", "Concerns about delivery and losing control", "Calmness", and "Concern for the child") of 33 items of W-DEQ-A. CFA confirmed the multidimensionality of the instrument. All Cronbach's alpha were over 0.7, indicating acceptable reliability of the factors. All factors were significantly correlated with each other, and convergent validity was demonstrated by a significant association with stress, anxiety, and depression among low-risk pregnant women. CONCLUSION The Greek version of W-DEQ-A proved to be a valid and reliable instrument of fear of childbirth among Greek low-risk pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Varela
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Zervas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Eginition University Hospital, Athens, MD, Greece
| | | | | | - Anna Deltsidou
- Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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Rakopoulou GD, Dadour IR. A preliminary study of carrion insects in Greece and their attraction to three animal baits: a forensic entomology perspective. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00796-6. [PMID: 38430404 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00796-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The current study provides data on the composition of the dipteran and coleopteran fauna attracted to three different animal baits (chicken stomach, beef liver, fish) in the urban ecosystem of Athens, Greece. An additional objective was to examine the effect of bait choice by the collected taxa. Three trap locations were established within the Agricultural University of Athens. At each location two different types of baited traps were used to capture and record the local dipteran and coleopteran biodiversity. During the sampling period, a total of 2416 dipteran and coleopteran specimens representing 43 species were collected and identified. The three most abundant dipteran taxa were Sarcophaga sp. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, Lucilia sericata (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The results showed that the structure of the local insect community associated with the decomposition of animal baits depends on the bait used for sampling. This study reinforced the feasibility of using animal tissues as attractants to a wide diversity of medical, parasitological and forensically important taxa. Overall, beef liver attracted the most insects with Diptera preferring beef liver and Coleoptera preferring chicken stomach. Furthermore, this study revealed that baits of one animal tissue did not attract all species but in combination a much better understanding of this biodiversity was achieved. Finally, from a forensic entomology perspective this study highlights the lack of understanding of the value of entomological data related to case work in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian Robert Dadour
- Source Certain, Research and Development, Wangara DC, Western Australia, 6947, Australia.
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Grigoropoulos I. Can We Talk About Life Without Taking Death Into Account? Early Childhood Educators' Self-Perceived Ability to Approach the Topic of Death With Children. Omega (Westport) 2024; 88:1369-1382. [PMID: 34991408 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211057733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The current explorative cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of early childhood educators towards death education and their self-perceived comfort to approach the topic of death in the classroom. All data were collected from June to July 2020. One hundred eight (108) early childhood educators participated in the study. The study was promoted through early childhood educators' support groups and social networks. Demographic characteristics, an ad hoc questionnaire, and the Greek version of the Death Attitude Profile-R questionnaire were used to assess the educators' comfort and attitudes. Results showed that participants' self-perceived ability to approach the topic of death in the classroom was affected by gender and personal attitudes towards death (specifically death avoidance and fear of death). Overall, this study emphasized early childhood educators' role in extreme situations which their students may face as death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraklis Grigoropoulos
- Early Childhood Education and Care Department, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Madentzoglou MS, Nathena D, Traithepchanapai P, Karantanas A, Kontakis G, Kranioti EF. Age estimation based on the metamorphosis of the clavicle end: A test of Falys and Prangle method in two contemporary samples. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 67:102331. [PMID: 37838583 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Upon finding skeletal unidentified remains, four are the questions that must be answered: age, sex, ancestry, and stature. Regarding age estimation, clavicle has received special attention because medial epiphysis is the last epiphysis, among long bones that ossifies. Falys and Prangle proposed a method of age estimation based on three degenerative characteristics-surface topography (TOP), Porosity (POR) and Osteophyte formation (OST)-evaluated on the sternal end of the clavicle according to the descriptions and the illustrations provided in the original article producing satisfactory results. The current study aims to test the applicability of the Falys' and Prangle's method on 174 individuals from two contemporary samples, one from Greece (Cretan osteological Collection and Athens Forensic Anthropology Lab collection) and one from Thailand (Osteological collection in Chiang Mai). Composite scores were calculated, inter and intra- observer error were estimated by kappa statistics and regression equations of the original study were tested in our sample and in subsamples divided by sex and population. The Greek sample gave more accurate estimates compared to the Thai sample. Regressions of known sex gave slightly better results in most cases. When individuals <40 years old were excluded, classification increased for both Thai and Greeks. The results of this pilot study indicate that there are morphological features on the clavicle that are highly correlated with age. Thus, there is a scope of expanding research on the morphological features of the collar bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Madentzoglou
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece.
| | - D Nathena
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
| | | | - A Karantanas
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece; Advanced Hybrid Imaging Systems, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece; Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - G Kontakis
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - E F Kranioti
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Greece
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8
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Gourzoulidis G, Zisimopoulou O, Liavas A, Tzanetakos C. Lorlatinib as a first-line treatment of adult patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Α cost-effectiveness analysis in Greece. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:375-385. [PMID: 37997764 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2288249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of lorlatinib compared to 1st generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) TKI crizotinib, and 2nd generation TKIs alectinib and brigatinib, for previously untreated patients with ALK+ advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (aNSCLC). METHODS A partitioned survival model was locally adapted from a Greek payer perspective over a lifetime horizon. Clinical, safety and utility data were extracted from literature. Direct medical costs reflecting the year 2023 were included in the analysis (€). Model outcomes were patients' life years (LYs), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), total costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS Total cost per patient with lorlatinib, alectinib, crizotinib, and brigatinib was estimated to be €188,205, €183,343, €75,028, and €145,454 respectively. Lorlatinib appeared to yield more LYs and QALYs gained versus alectinib, crizotinib, and brigatinib. Hence, lorlatinib resulted in ICERs of €4,315 per LY gained and €4,422 per QALY gained compared to alectinib, €34,032 per LY gained and €48,256 per QALY gained versus crizotinib and €16,587 per LY gained and €26,271 per QALY gained compared to brigatinib. CONCLUSION Lorlatinib provides substantial clinical benefit and appears to be a cost - effective treatment option compared to 1st and 2nd generation TKIs for previously untreated patients with ALK+ aNCSLC in Greece.
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Ashrafian H. The earliest description of possible viral haemorrhagic fever identified in ancient Greece. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taae016. [PMID: 38263266 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Hutan Ashrafian
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, Leeds University Business School and Institute of Civilisation, W2 1NY
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Kouris AD, Christopoulos A, Vlachopoulos K, Christopoulou A, Dimitrakopoulos PG, Zevgolis YG. Spatiotemporal Patterns of Reptile and Amphibian Road Fatalities in a Natura 2000 Area: A 12-Year Monitoring of the Lake Karla Mediterranean Wetland. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:708. [PMID: 38473093 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The pervasive expansion of human-engineered infrastructure, particularly roads, has fundamentally reshaped landscapes, profoundly affecting wildlife interactions. Wildlife-vehicle collisions, a common consequence of this intricate interplay, frequently result in fatalities, extending their detrimental impact within Protected Areas (PAs). Among the faunal groups most susceptible to road mortality, reptiles and amphibians stand at the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for global comprehensive mitigation strategies. In Greece, where road infrastructure expansion has encroached upon a significant portion of the nation's PAs, the plight of these road-vulnerable species demands immediate attention. To address this critical issue, we present a multifaceted and holistic approach to investigating and assessing the complex phenomenon of herpetofauna road mortality within the unique ecological context of the Lake Karla plain, a rehabilitated wetland complex within a PA. To unravel the intricacies of herpetofauna road mortality in the Lake Karla plain, we conducted a comprehensive 12-year investigation from 2008 to 2019. Employing a combination of statistical modeling and spatial analysis techniques, we aimed to identify the species most susceptible to these encounters, their temporal and seasonal variations, and the ecological determinants of their roadkill patterns. We documented a total of 340 roadkill incidents involving 14 herpetofauna species in the Lake Karla's plain, with reptiles, particularly snakes, being more susceptible, accounting for over 60% of roadkill occurrences. Moreover, we found that environmental and road-related factors play a crucial role in influencing roadkill incidents, while spatial analysis techniques, including Kernel Density Estimation, the Getis-Ord Gi*, and the Kernel Density Estimation plus methods revealed critical areas, particularly in the south-eastern region of Lake Karla's plain, offering guidance for targeted interventions to address both individual and collective risks associated with roadkill incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros D Kouris
- Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81132 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Apostolos Christopoulos
- Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vlachopoulos
- Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, 38446 Volos, Greece
| | | | - Panayiotis G Dimitrakopoulos
- Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81132 Mytilene, Greece
| | - Yiannis G Zevgolis
- Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, 81132 Mytilene, Greece
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Simonek T, Zahos H, Mahroof-Shaffi S, Harkensee C. Seasonal patterns of communicable disease incidence and antibiotic prescribing in Moria refugee camp, Greece. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:41-50. [PMID: 37968097 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases remain a major risk for refugees living in camps. Limited research has been undertaken into the burden and impact of infections in the current refugee crisis around the Mediterranean.This analysis examines the frequency and incidence rates of common infections, and use of antibiotics at a healthcare facility inside Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesvos, Greece, during the winter and summer seasons of 2019. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of routinely, prospectively collected service data from the main acute healthcare facility inside Moria camp. RESULTS Of a total of 9601 consultations, 25.16% were for infections (winter: 31.53%, summer: 19.45%). Respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections were the most frequent, with incidence rates up to 3.5 times, 50 times and twice as high as those in Western Europe, respectively. Antibiotic prescribing was high (27.7% of all respiratory infections) with high use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (40.2%), raising concerns about induction of antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSIONS The burden of infectious diseases in refugee camps remains high throughout all seasons. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes should be adapted to refugee camp settings to prevent the development of unnecessary antimicrobial resistance. Improving living conditions and access to healthcare in refugee camps is likely to reduce infection rates and antimicrobial resistance among refugees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Simonek
- UNHCR Camp Lesbos Greece, St. Elizabeth University, Namestie, 1 Maja 1, 81000 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Helen Zahos
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD 4222, Gold Coast, Australia
| | | | - Christian Harkensee
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead, Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Gateshead, NE9 6SX, UK
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Roussos S, Angelopoulos T, Cholongitas E, Savvanis S, Papadopoulos N, Kapatais A, Chounta A, Ioannidou P, Deutsch M, Manolakopoulos S, Sevastianos V, Papageorgiou MV, Vlachogiannakos I, Mela M, Elefsiniotis I, Vrakas S, Karagiannakis D, Pliarchopoulou F, Chaikalis S, Tsirogianni E, Psichogiou M, Kalamitsis G, Leobilla F, Paraskevis D, Malliori M, Goulis I, Papatheodoridis G, Hatzakis A, Sypsa V. High levels of all-cause mortality among people who inject drugs from 2018 to 2022. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 126:104356. [PMID: 38394950 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) is high, with overdose and HIV infection being the main causes of death. In Greece, there have been no data on mortality, and two HIV outbreaks have been recorded in this population in the past decade. In this study, we aim to estimate the all-cause crude mortality rate and the standardised mortality ratio in this population during 2018-2022. METHODS PWID recruited from two community-based programs in Athens and Thessaloniki during 2018-2021 were interviewed and tested for HIV/HCV. Data on vital status (deceased/alive) and date of death were obtained from death registries through December 31, 2022. All-cause crude mortality rates (CMR) and standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were estimated. Determinants of mortality were assessed using Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS Of 2,530 participants, 301 died over 8,543 person-years (PYs) of follow-up. The CMR (95 % CI) was 3.52 (3.15-3.94) deaths per 100 PYs; 3.10 per 100 PYs (2.68-3.58) in Athens and 4.48 per 100 PYs (3.74-5.37) in Thessaloniki. An increasing trend in CMR was identified over 2018-2022 in Athens (from 2.90 to 4.11 per 100 PYs, 41.5 % increase, p = 0.018). The pooled SMR (95 % CI) was 15.86 (14.17-17.76) for both cities and was particularly increased in younger individuals, females, those injecting daily, not enrolled to opioid agonist treatment and HIV-infected individuals. Older age, living in Thessaloniki, Greek origin, homelessness, history of injection in the past 12 months, and HIV infection were independently associated with higher risk of death. CONCLUSION Mortality among PWID in the two largest cities (Athens and Thessaloniki) in Greece in 2018-2022 was high, with the population in Thessaloniki being particularly affected. The increasing trend in mortality in Athens may reflect the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive programs such as take-home naloxone, screening and treatment for HIV, are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios Roussos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Angelopoulos
- Gastroenterology Resident, Gastroenterology Department, G.H.A. Korgialeneio Mpenakeio Hellenic Red Cross, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Savvanis
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Elpis", Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Kapatais
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Western Attica General Hospital "Agia Varvara", Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Chounta
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital "Attikon", Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ioannidou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Melani Deutsch
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria-Vasiliki Papageorgiou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vlachogiannakos
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Mela
- Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Elefsiniotis
- Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology, "Agioi Anargyroi" General and Oncology Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Vrakas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tzaneion General Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karagiannakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Fani Pliarchopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital "Attikon", Athens, Greece
| | - Savvas Chaikalis
- Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually Transmitted and Emerging Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Effrosyni Tsirogianni
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Meni Malliori
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually Transmitted and Emerging Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Vleioras G, Galanaki EP. Comparison of Adulthood Criteria Endorsed by Emerging Adults and Their Parents in Greece: A Mixed-Method Study. J Genet Psychol 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38373074 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2024.2316802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Although there is extensive research on the adulthood criteria endorsed by emerging adults, there is very limited evidence on the comparison between emerging adults and their parents regarding this issue. Moreover, in these comparison studies, only quantitative methodology was used. Therefore, the present study uses a mixed-method design to investigate similarities and differences in the prevalence of the endorsed adulthood criteria between emerging adults and their parents, between male and female emerging adults, and between fathers and mothers. Participants were 251 emerging adult students, aged 18.0 to 25.9 (M = 19.9; 50.2% females), and 341 parents of these emerging adults, aged 33.6 to 61.9 (M = 50.4; 58.4% mothers). They completed the Markers of Adulthood Scale and named the three criteria that they considered most important for a person to be considered an adult. An inductive-deductive coding scheme was used. The analyses exhibited a high consensus between emerging adults and their parents in the endorsement of adulthood criteria. Only criteria related to Independence and to the Self were reported more frequently by emerging adults than their parents. A strong agreement between genders in both age groups was also found. The contribution of this study is twofold. First, it supports the idea that in Greece adulthood is a construct that is largely shared by emerging adults and their parents. Second, it illustrates how a mixed-method design can complement quantitative studies and extend their findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Vleioras
- Department of Primary Education, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Evangelia P Galanaki
- Psychology Laboratory, Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Psychology Laboratory, Department of Pedagogy and Primary Education, School of Education, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Moudatsou M, Stavropoulou A, Rovithis M, Koukouli S. Evaluation of Online Counseling through the Working Experiences of Mental Health Therapists Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:495. [PMID: 38391870 PMCID: PMC10888081 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to reflect on mental health professionals' experiences with online counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their perceptions and recommendations for the future. The method of qualitative research with semi-structured interviews was used. The sample consisted of 17 mental health professionals working in the public or private sectors. A framework analysis revealed four main themes, namely (a) the evaluation of online counseling; (b) comparing in-person and online counseling; (c) factors influencing the effectiveness of online counseling; and (d) suggestions for the future use of online counseling. Most therapists reported that their overall experience with online counseling was positive. The main advantages cited were the accessibility for everyone and the reductions in time, money, and distance. Its primary drawbacks included less nonverbal communication, the inability to employ certain therapeutic tools, problems with confidentiality, lack of experience, and technical difficulties during online sessions. Its effectiveness depends on contextual factors and factors related to the therapeutic process itself. Organizational planning, training, and a solid implementation strategy may help ensure that this communication medium is used to its fullest potential. In addition, the possible utilization of remote counseling combined with in-person psychotherapeutic intervention methods will provide solutions for the future, especially in crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moudatsou
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Approaches for the Enhancement of Quality of Life (QoLab), 71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Areti Stavropoulou
- Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Approaches for the Enhancement of Quality of Life (QoLab), 71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London KT2 7LB, UK
| | - Michael Rovithis
- Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Approaches for the Enhancement of Quality of Life (QoLab), 71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Business Administration and Tourism, School of Management and Economics Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sofia Koukouli
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Approaches for the Enhancement of Quality of Life (QoLab), 71410 Heraklion, Greece
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15
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Korompoki E, Ntaios G, Tountopoulou A, Mavraganis G, Tsampalas E, Kalliontzakis I, Vassilopoulou S, Manios E, Savopoulos C, Milionis H, Protogerou A, Kakaletsis N, Galanis P, Kaitelidou D, Siskou O, Vemmos K. Quality Indicators and Clinical Outcomes of Acute Stroke: Results from a Prospective Multicenter Registry in Greece (SUN4P). J Clin Med 2024; 13:917. [PMID: 38337611 PMCID: PMC10856279 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The Stroke Units Necessity for Patients (SUN4P) project aims to provide essential data on stroke healthcare in Greece. Herein, we present results on established quality indicators and outcomes after first-ever stroke occurrences. METHODS This prospective multicenter study included consecutive patients admitted to nine hospitals across Greece in 2019-2021. Descriptive statistics were used to present patients' characteristics, key performance measures and stroke outcomes. RESULTS Among 892 patients, 755 had ischemic stroke (IS) (mean age 75.6 ± 13.6, 48.7% males) and 137 had hemorrhagic stroke (HS) (mean age 75.8 ± 13.2, 57.7% males). Of those, 15.4% of IS and 8% of HS patients were treated in the acute stroke unit (ASU) and 20.7% and 33.8% were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) or high-dependency unit (HDU), respectively. A total of 35 (4.6%) out of 125 eligible patients received intravenous alteplase with a door-to needle time of 60 min (21-90). The time to first scan for IS patients was 60 min (31-105) with 53.2% undergoing a CT scan within 60 min post presentation. Furthermore, 94.4% were discharged on antiplatelets, 69.8% on lipid-lowering therapy and 61.6% on antihypertensives. Oral anticoagulants (OAC) were initiated in 73.2% of the 153 IS patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Among the 687 IS patients who survived, 85.4% were discharged home, 12% were transferred to rehabilitation centers, 1.2% to nursing homes and 1.3% to another hospital. CONCLUSIONS The SUN4P Registry is the first study to provide data from a prospectively collected cohort of consecutive patients from nine representative national hospitals. It represents an important step in the evaluation and improvement of the quality of acute stroke care in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Korompoki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (E.M.)
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41334 Larissa, Greece;
| | - Argyro Tountopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (S.V.)
| | - Georgios Mavraganis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (E.M.)
| | | | | | - Sofia Vassilopoulou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (A.T.); (S.V.)
| | - Efstathios Manios
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece; (G.M.); (E.M.)
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Haralampos Milionis
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Protogerou
- Clinic-Laboratory of Pathophysiology, First Department of Propeadeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Kakaletsis
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokrateion General Hospital of Thessaloniki, 54643 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Petros Galanis
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Nursing Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.G.); (D.K.); (O.S.)
| | - Daphne Kaitelidou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Nursing Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.G.); (D.K.); (O.S.)
| | - Olga Siskou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Nursing Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.G.); (D.K.); (O.S.)
- Department of Tourism Studies, University of Piraeus, 18534 Piraeus, Greece
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Paschalidis K, Fanourakis D, Tsaniklidis G, Tsichlas I, Tzanakakis VA, Bilias F, Samara E, Ipsilantis I, Grigoriadou K, Samartza I, Matsi T, Tsoktouridis G, Krigas N. DNA Barcoding and Fertilization Strategies in Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca, a Local Endemic Plant of Crete with High Medicinal Value. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1891. [PMID: 38339166 PMCID: PMC10856587 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Herein, we applied DNA barcoding for the genetic characterization of Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca (Lamiaceae; threatened local Cretan endemic plant) using seven molecular markers of cpDNA. Five fertilization schemes were evaluated comparatively in a pilot cultivation in Crete. Conventional inorganic fertilizers (ChFs), integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers, and two biostimulants were utilized (foliar and soil application). Plant growth, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and color were assessed and leaf content of chlorophyll, key antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols), and nutrients were evaluated. Fertilization schemes induced distinct differences in leaf shape, altering quality characteristics. INM-foliar and ChF-soil application promoted yield, without affecting tissue water content or biomass partitioning to inflorescences. ChF-foliar application was the most stimulatory treatment when the primary target was enhanced antioxidant contents while INM-biostimulant was the least effective one. However, when the primary target is yield, INM, especially by foliar application, and ChF, by soil application, ought to be employed. New DNA sequence datasets for the plastid regions of petB/petD, rpoC1, psbK-psbI, and atpF/atpH were deposited in the GenBank for S. syriaca subsp. syriaca while the molecular markers rbcL, trnL/trnF, and psbA/trnH were compared to those of another 15 Sideritis species retrieved from the GenBank, constructing a phylogenetic tree to show their genetic relatedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Paschalidis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Dimitrios Fanourakis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Georgios Tsaniklidis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization (ELGO-DIMITRA), Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture, 73134 Chania, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Tsichlas
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Vasileios A. Tzanakakis
- Department of Agriculture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (D.F.); (I.T.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Fotis Bilias
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Eftihia Samara
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Ioannis Ipsilantis
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Katerina Grigoriadou
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Ioulietta Samartza
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Theodora Matsi
- Soil Science Laboratory, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (F.B.); (I.I.); (T.M.)
| | - Georgios Tsoktouridis
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
- Theofrastos Fertilizers, Industrial Area of Korinthos, Irinis & Filias, Ikismos Arion, Examilia, 20100 Korinthos, Greece
| | - Nikos Krigas
- Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (I.S.); (N.K.)
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Markakis G, Sioutas G, Bitchava D, Komnenou A, Ganoti M, Papadopoulos E. Is the European badger a new host for Dirofilaria immitis? The first records in Greece. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:118. [PMID: 38296850 PMCID: PMC10830752 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis is a ubiquitous nematode parasite with zoonotic potential, transmitted by mosquitoes, that causes heartworm disease in various animal species. Dogs are the parasite's typical final host, and wild carnivores represent the parasite's reservoir in nature. Studies on D. immitis infections in wild animals are essential to assess infection pressure for domestic animals, and until now, there has been only one infection case reported in a European badger (Meles meles). The current report describes the first two European badger cases with cardiovascular dirofilariosis in Greece. Two adult male badgers were rescued in Heraklion and Chania, Crete Island, and admitted to "ANIMA -Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre" in Athens. The detailed clinical examination revealed that the first badger suffered from severe broncho-pneumonitis while the second one displayed clinical signs associated with severe brain trauma. Blood samples were taken for haematology and biochemistry analyses during their short hospitalisation period. In addition, different routine diagnostic tests were carried out, including heartworm antigen testing (ELISA) and the modified Knott's test for microfilariae. Both badgers were positive in both tests. The animals died a few hours after their admission and the detailed necropsies followed, revealed the presence of three parasites in each animal's right heart, morphologically identified as adults of D. immitis. These findings add the European badger in the list of additional potential reservoir hosts for D. immitis and highlight the potential role of wildlife for companion animals and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Markakis
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Sioutas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Bitchava
- Vet In Progress Plus, Veterinary Laboratories, Agia Paraskevi, 15343, Attiki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Komnenou
- Exotic and Wildlife Medicine Unit, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 57400, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Ganoti
- ANIMA - The Association for the Protection and Welfare of Wildlife, 17676, Kallithea, Greece
| | - Elias Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Maraki S, Mavromanolaki VE, Stafylaki D, Iliaki-Giannakoudaki E, Kasimati A, Hamilos G. Antimicrobial Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae Clinical Serotypes between 2017 and 2022 in Crete, Greece. Infect Chemother 2024; 56:56.e2. [PMID: 38403878 DOI: 10.3947/ic.2023.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumococcal disease is still considered a global problem. With the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) serotype epidemiology changed, but antimicrobial resistance persists constituting a serious problem. The current study aimed to determine the serotype distribution and the antimicrobial susceptibility of recent Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, following implementation of the 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13). MATERIALS AND METHODS From January 2017 to December 2022 we evaluated 116 nonduplicate S. pneumoniae isolates collected from adult patients (21 - 98 years) cared for in the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. Pneumococcal isolates were serotyped by the Quellung reaction, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using E-test. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as non-susceptibility to at least one agent in ≥3 classes of antibiotics. RESULTS Among the 116 isolates, 31% were recognized as invasive pneumococcal strains, while 69% were non-invasive. The isolates tested belonged to 25 different serotypes. The most prevalent serotypes were 11A (10.3%), and 35B (10.3%), followed by 3 (9.5%), 15A (7.8%), 25F (6.9%), 19A (5.3%), 35F (5.3%), and others (44.6%). The coverage rates of PCV13 and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) were 26.7% and 57.8%, respectively. PCV13 and PPSV23 serotypes decreased between 2017 - 2019 and 2020 - 2022, with a parallel increase in the non-vaccine types. Resistance rates to erythromycin, clindamycin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, penicillin, levofloxacin, and ceftriaxone, were 40.5%, 21.6%, 13.8%, 12.1%, 3.4%, and 0%, respectively. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid, and daptomycin. MDR was observed among 36 (31%) S. pneumoniae strains. CONCLUSION The increasing levels of resistance in S. pneumoniae in Crete, Greece, highlight the need for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and development of strategies for its reduction, including antimicrobial stewardship programs, increased pneumococcal vaccination, and development of next generation PCVs with a wider serotype coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Maraki
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, PC 71110, Crete, Greece.
| | | | - Dimitra Stafylaki
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, PC 71110, Crete, Greece
| | - Evangelia Iliaki-Giannakoudaki
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, PC 71110, Crete, Greece
| | - Anna Kasimati
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, PC 71110, Crete, Greece
| | - George Hamilos
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, PC 71110, Crete, Greece
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19
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Palaiopanos K, Krystallaki D, Mellou K, Kotoulas P, Kavakioti CA, Vorre S, Vertsioti G, Gkova M, Maragkos A, Tryfinopoulou K, Paraskevis D, Tsiodras S, Zaoutis T. Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals in Greece, 2022; results of the third point prevalence survey. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:11. [PMID: 38273402 PMCID: PMC10809483 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01367-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and the extent of antimicrobial use (AU) are periodically recorded through Point Prevalence Surveys (PPS) in acute care hospitals coordinated by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In previous PPSs, Greece demonstrated increased HAI and AU prevalence: 9% and 54.7% in 2011-2012, and 10% and 55.6% in 2016-2017, respectively. The 2022 PPS aimed to estimate HAIs and AU indicators among inpatients, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 hospitals during October-December 2022, in Greece. Patients admitted before 8.00 a.m. of the survey day were observed. Patients with at least one HAI or receiving at least one antimicrobial agent were included. Data were collected by hospital infection control teams. Hospital and ward-level variables were analysed. RESULTS From 9,707 inpatients, 1,175 had at least one HAI (12.1%), and 5,376 were receiving at least one antimicrobial (55.4%). Intensive care unit patients had the highest HAI (45.7%) and AU (71.3%) prevalence. Of the 1,408 recorded HAIs, lower respiratory tract (28.9%), bloodstream (20%), and urinary tract infections (13.1%) were the most common. Among 1,259 isolates, Klebsiella (20.5%) and Acinetobacter (12.8%) were most frequently identified. Resistance to first-level antibiotic markers was 69.3%. Among the 9,003 antimicrobials, piperacillin-tazobactam (10.9%), and meropenem (7.7%) were frequently prescribed. The ratio of broad-spectrum to narrow-spectrum antibiotics was 1.4. As defined by the 2021 WHO AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification, restricted classes of Watch and Reserve agents comprised 76.7% of antibiotics. Usual indications were treatment of community-acquired infections (34.6%) and HAIs (22.9%). For surgical prophylaxis, cefoxitin was commonly used (20.2%), and typical courses (75.7%) lasted more than one day. HAI and AU prevalence were positively associated with bed occupancy (p = 0.027) and secondary hospitals (p = 0.014), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The 2022 PPS highlighted the increasing trend of HAI prevalence and high AU prevalence in Greece, the emergence of difficult-to-treat pathogens, and the extensive use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Strengthening infection control and antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospital settings is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Palaiopanos
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Krystallaki
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Kassiani Mellou
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Kotoulas
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Christina-Anna Kavakioti
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Styliani Vorre
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Vertsioti
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gkova
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Maragkos
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou
- Central Public Health Laboratory, National Public Health Organization, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine , "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece
| | - Theoklis Zaoutis
- Directorate of Epidemiological Surveillance and Intervention for Infectious Diseases, National Public Health Organization (EODY), Athens, Greece
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, "P. and A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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20
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Antoniou P, Dafli E, Giannakoulas G, Igimbayeva G, Visternichan O, Kyselov S, Lykhasenko I, Lashkul D, Nadareishvili I, Tabagari S, Bamidis PD. Education of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Mobile Virtual Patient Environment: Protocol for a Multicenter Pseudorandomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e45946. [PMID: 38261376 PMCID: PMC10848131 DOI: 10.2196/45946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Patient knowledge about AF and its management is paramount but often limited. Patients need to be appropriately informed about treatment options, medicinal adherence, and potential consequences of nonadherence, while also understanding treatment goals and expectations from it. Mobile health apps have experienced an explosion both in their availability and acceptance as "soft interventions" for patient engagement and education; however, the prolific nature of such solutions revealed a gap in the evidence base regarding their efficacy and impact. Virtual patients (VPs), interactive computer simulations, have been used as learning activities in modern health care education. VPs demonstrably improved cognitive and behavioral skills; hence, they have been effectively implemented across undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. However, their application in patient education has been rather limited so far. OBJECTIVE This work aims to implement and evaluate the efficacy of a mobile-deployed VP regimen for the education and engagement of patients with AF on crucial topics regarding their condition. A mobile VP app is being developed with the goal of each VP being a simple scenario with a set goal and very specific messages and will be subsequently attempted and evaluated. METHODS A mobile VP player app is being developed so as to be used for the design of 3 educational scenarios for AF management. A pseudorandomized controlled trial for the efficacy of VPs is planned to be executed at 3 sites in Greece, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan for patients with AF. The Welch t test will be used to demonstrate the performance of patients' evaluation of the VP experience. RESULTS Our study is at the development stage. A preliminary study regarding the system's development and feasibility was initiated in December 2022. The results of our study are expected to be available in 2024 or when the needed sample size is achieved. CONCLUSIONS This study aims to evaluate and demonstrate the first significant evidence for the value of VP resources in outreach and training endeavors for empowering and patients with AF and fostering healthy habits among them. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/45946.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Antoniou
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Dafli
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Giannakoulas
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Olga Visternichan
- Internal Medicine Department, Karaganda Medical University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Serhii Kyselov
- Department of Internal Diseases No.1 and Simulation Medicine, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Ivetta Lykhasenko
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Radiation Diagnostics and Radiation, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Dmytro Lashkul
- Department of Internal Diseases No.1 and Simulation Medicine, Zaporizhzhia State Medical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Ilia Nadareishvili
- AIETI Medical School, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sergo Tabagari
- AIETI Medical School, David Tvildiani Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Panagiotis D Bamidis
- Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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21
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Rikos N, Mema E, Triantafyllou C, Kleftonikolou H, Mazaraki E, Gounelas G, Kourlaba G. Professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement of healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Work 2024:WOR230386. [PMID: 38251089 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of healthcare professionals has emerged as an issue of great concern. OBJECTIVE To investigate the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement among healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2021 in two public hospitals in Greece. To assess the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement, respondents completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL-V), the Psychological Well-being (PWB) scale, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17). RESULTS A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, and 102 were returned (response rate: 68%). It was found that as burnout levels increased, the levels of work engagement decreased (rho = -0.36, p-value < 0.01). Higher levels of compassion satisfaction were associated with higher work engagement (rho = 0.48, p-value < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that healthcare personnel's contact with patients or service users exposed to or who have experienced traumatic events was associated with less positive relationships with others (and, consequently, lower levels of psychological well-being) (p-value = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS Healthcare professionals in the two public hospitals in Greece, experienced moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their psychological well-being was also found to be moderate, and their levels of work engagement were moderate to high. Supporting the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare professionals is essential for their ability to provide high-quality care in times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Rikos
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Erion Mema
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Hellen Kleftonikolou
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Emmanouella Mazaraki
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Georgia Kourlaba
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
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22
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Stavroulas I, Bougiatioti A, Grivas G, Liakakou E, Petrinoli K, Kourtidis K, Gerasopoulos E, Mihalopoulos N. Cooking as an organic aerosol source leading to urban air quality degradation. Sci Total Environ 2024; 908:168031. [PMID: 37890627 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Air quality degradation events in the urban environment are often attributed to anthropogenic aerosol sources related to combustion of liquid or solid fuels in various activities. The effects of massive cooking emissions during Greek nationwide traditional festivities were investigated by a combined characterization of particulate matter (PM) levels and organic aerosol (OA) sources. Focus was centered on periods around two major festivities, namely "Fat Thursday" and Easter Sunday along six different years. OA sources were apportioned through Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) on Aerosol Chemical Speciation Monitor (ACSM) mass spectra, while the spatial characteristics of the episodes were assessed through a low-cost, sensor-based PM2.5 monitoring network operating in Athens and other Greek cities. Contrasts were examined by considering a 15-day period around each event, while the effect of the 2020-2021 mobility restrictions, related to COVID-19, was also assessed. An episode-specific cooking organic aerosol (COA) spectral profile was delineated, and can be considered as a reference for ambient COA from meat grilling. Severe pollution episodes that affected the entire Athens basin were recorded, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 300 μg m-3 on occasions. COA contributions dominated primary organic aerosol (POA) and made up almost half of OA concentrations. During "Fat Thursday" COA concentrations and contributions peaked during night-time (23.2 μg m-3 and 46 %, respectively) while for Easter Sunday COA maxima were recorded in the early afternoon (27.4 μg m-3 and 39 %). Analyzing a full-year OA source dataset, revealed a pronounced recreational cooking pattern in central Athens, with COA concentrations rising towards the weekend, reflecting the impact of the food service sector. In view of the upcoming review of the EU air quality directive, foreseeing stricter annual PM2.5 limits as well as 24-h limit values and related alerts, the mitigation of cooking emissions appears as a potent instrument for achieving tangible air quality benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Stavroulas
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece; Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 2121 Nicosia, Cyprus; Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece.
| | - A Bougiatioti
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece.
| | - G Grivas
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece
| | - E Liakakou
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece
| | - K Petrinoli
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece
| | - K Kourtidis
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
| | - E Gerasopoulos
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece
| | - N Mihalopoulos
- Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development, National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Palea Penteli, Greece; Climate and Atmosphere Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 2121 Nicosia, Cyprus; Environmental Chemical Processes Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Avramidis I, Pagkozidis I, Domeyer PRJ, Papazisis G, Tirodimos I, Dardavesis T, Tsimtsiou Z. Exploring Perceptions and Practices Regarding Adult Vaccination against Seasonal Influenza, Tetanus, Pneumococcal Disease, Herpes Zoster and COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study in Greece. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:80. [PMID: 38250893 PMCID: PMC10818817 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We aimed to document vaccination coverage for five vaccines, predictors of each vaccine's uptake and attitudes regarding adult vaccination. Adults visiting four pharmacies were randomly invited to participate during summer 2022. Among 395 participants (mean age 51.2 years, range 19-96), vaccination rates were 78.1% for influenza and 25.8% for herpes zoster (≥60 years old), 64.3% for pneumococcal disease (≥65 years old), 33.1% for tetanus, while 11.4% had received two and 74.8% ≥3 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Half of participants (50.1%) voiced some degree of hesitancy, and 1.3% were refusers. The strongest predictor of each vaccine's uptake was doctor's recommendation (OR range 11.33-37.66, p < 0.001) and pharmacist's recommendation (4.01-19.52, p < 0.05), except for the COVID-19 vaccine, where the Attitude Towards Adult VACcination (ATAVAC) value of adult vaccination subscale's score was the only predictor (OR: 5.75, p < 0.001). Regarding insufficient coverage, thematic content analysis revealed seven main themes. Insufficient knowledge, the absence of health professionals' recommendation, perception of low susceptibility to disease, negligence and dispute of vaccine effectiveness were universal themes, whereas safety concerns and distrust in authorities were reported solely for COVID-19 vaccination. Designing public interventions aiming to increase trust in adult vaccination is essential in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals' role in recommending strongly adult vaccination is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iordanis Avramidis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Ilias Pagkozidis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | | | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ilias Tirodimos
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Theodoros Dardavesis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
| | - Zoi Tsimtsiou
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.A.); (I.P.); (I.T.); (T.D.)
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24
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Galanis P, Katsiroumpa A, Vraka I, Siskou O, Konstantakopoulou O, Katsoulas T, Moisoglou I, Gallos P, Kaitelidou D. Nurses quietly quit their job more often than other healthcare workers: An alarming issue for healthcare services. Int Nurs Rev 2024. [PMID: 38193567 DOI: 10.1111/inr.12931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
AIM To assess the level of quiet quitting among healthcare workers (HCWs) and identify possible differences between nurses, physicians, and other HCWs. We investigated the impact of sociodemographic variables, job burnout, and job satisfaction on quiet quitting levels. BACKGROUND The quiet-quitting phenomenon is not new but has been frequently discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, the level of quiet quitting among HCWs has not been measured yet. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. We measured sociodemographic variables, job burnout, job satisfaction, and quiet quitting. We adhered to STROBE guidelines for cross-sectional studies. FINDINGS Among our sample, 67.4% of nurses were quiet quitters, while the prevalence of quiet quitting for physicians and other HCWs was 53.8% and 40.3%, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified that the levels of quiet quitting were higher among nurses than physicians and other HCWs. Moreover, greater job burnout contributed more to quiet quitting, while less satisfaction implied more quiet quitting. HCWs who work in shifts and those working in the private sector experienced higher levels of quiet quitting. DISCUSSION More than half of our HCWs were described as quit quitters. Levels of quiet quitting were higher among nurses. Job burnout and job dissatisfaction were associated with higher levels of quiet quitting. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND NURSING POLICY Measurement of quiet quitting and identification of risk factors are essential to prevent or reduce quiet quitting levels among HCWs. Our study provides information on this field helping managers and organizations to identify quiet quitters within HCWs. Policymakers and managers should develop and implement interventions both at an organizational level and at an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Galanis
- Clinical Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aglaia Katsiroumpa
- Clinical Epidemiology Laboratory, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Irene Vraka
- Department of Radiology, P. & A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Siskou
- Department of Tourism Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Olympia Konstantakopoulou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Katsoulas
- Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Parisis Gallos
- Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Daphne Kaitelidou
- Center for Health Services Management and Evaluation, Faculty of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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25
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Dimzas D, Morelli S, Colombo M, Di Cesare A, Martinis D, Dourdas G, Diakou A. Unusual parasitoses in urban dogs: Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis, cases report. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100949. [PMID: 38199692 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Parasitic diseases caused by uncommonly diagnosed parasites may pose a threat to companion animals' health in urban environments where they are least expected. The pentastomid Linguatula serrata (tongue worm) and the capillarid Pearsonema plica (syn. Capillaria plica) are parasites with an indirect life cycle, infecting both domestic and wild carnivores. The present report describes two cases: the first one of urinary capillariosis and the other of linguatulosis, in two dogs living in the urban environment of Athens, Greece. In the case of capillariosis, the dog never lived out of the city, so it was presumably infected in the urban environment. On the contrary, in the case of linguatulosis, the dog was adopted at a young age from a rural environment but remained asymptomatic for several months while living in the city. Both dogs had mild symptoms, compatible with these infections. Urinary capillariosis and linguatulosis are uncommon in owned, pet dogs, living in cities due to epizootiological characteristics, i.e. need for wildlife reservoir for P. plica and consumption of raw infected viscera for L. serrata. Different factors contribute to the fact that such infections may occur in scenarios where they are least expected. Recent studies show a progressive worldwide increase in the number of uncommon parasitoses in pet animals, that in some cases, such as linguatulosis, are of zoonotic relevance. Regular parasitological examinations and preventive antiparasitic schemes are necessary in order to treat and prevent infections in pet animals and safeguard the health of both animals and humans under the concept of One Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Dimzas
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Mariasole Colombo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | | | - Georgios Dourdas
- Plakentia Veterinary Clinic, Agia Paraskevi, 15343 Attica, Greece.
| | - Anastasia Diakou
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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26
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Mavroudas SR, Pavlidis P, Karakasi MV. A retrospective of deaths related to migration along the southeasternmost land borders of Europe: an update encompassing the years 2015-22. Disasters 2023:e12620. [PMID: 38146792 DOI: 10.1111/disa.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
This study presents an update of forensic accounting of the numbers and demographics of migrants found deceased in the Evros region of Greece in the years from 2015-22. Compared to data from 2000-14, this update reflects the mounting number of border-related deaths in the region, as well as the changing demographic trends associated with the migrants who perish crossing the Greek-Turkish border. Specifically, the paper documents a broadening of locations from which migrants originate, the increasing diversity of migrant death locations, and a shift in the leading causes of death. It contains important forensic accounting of the unique humanitarian crisis occurring along the Greek-Turkish land border while also providing an additional context for the global migration crisis. The data presented here offer insights into other forensic stakeholders impacted by the global migration crisis, with respect to what factors contribute to and detract from identification rates, and can help stakeholders make informed policy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia R Mavroudas
- Fulbright Fellow, Greece, and Associate Director, Texas State University, United States
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27
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Pezirkianidis C, Parpoula C, Athanasiades C, Flora K, Makris N, Moraitou D, Papantoniou G, Vassilopoulos S, Sini M, Stalikas A. Individual Differences on Wellbeing Indices during the COVID-19 Quarantine in Greece: A National Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:7182. [PMID: 38131733 PMCID: PMC10742746 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 and the associated lockdown measures on people's physical and mental wellbeing, as well as their daily lives and functioning, has been extensively studied. This study takes the approach of investigating the consequences of COVID-19 on a national scale, considering sociodemographic factors. The main objective is to make a contribution to ongoing research by specifically examining how age, gender, and marital status influence the overall impact of COVID-19 and wellbeing indicators during the second lockdown period that was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Greek population. The study involved a sample of 16,906 individuals of all age groups in Greece who completed an online questionnaire encompassing measurements related to personal wellbeing, the presence and search for meaning in life, positive relationships, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, to gauge the levels of the perceived COVID-19-related impact, a valid and reliable scale was developed. The results reveal that a higher perception of COVID-19 consequences is positively associated with psychological symptoms and the search for meaning in life, while being negatively correlated with personal wellbeing and the sense of meaning in life. In terms of individual differences, the findings indicate that unmarried individuals, young adults, and females tend to report higher levels of psychological symptoms, a greater search for meaning in life, and a heightened perception of COVID-19-related impact. These findings are analyzed in depth, and suggestions for potential directions for future research are put forth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Pezirkianidis
- Laboratory of Positive Psychology, Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, Syggrou Ave. 136, 17671 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Christina Parpoula
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, Syggrou Ave. 136, 17671 Athens, Greece;
| | - Christina Athanasiades
- Department of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (D.M.)
| | - Katerina Flora
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Makris
- Department of Primary Education, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Despina Moraitou
- Department of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Georgia Papantoniou
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Stephanos Vassilopoulos
- Department of Educational Sciences and Social Work, University of Patras, 26110 Patras, Greece;
| | - Maria Sini
- Laboratory of Positive Psychology, Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, Syggrou Ave. 136, 17671 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Anastassios Stalikas
- Laboratory of Positive Psychology, Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, Syggrou Ave. 136, 17671 Athens, Greece; (M.S.); (A.S.)
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Papadakis S, Anastasaki M, Gamaletsou M, Papagiannopoulou X, Aligizakis E, Lionis C. Development of an eLearning intervention for enhancing health professionals' skills for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1290288. [PMID: 38155659 PMCID: PMC10753786 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1290288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Like many countries, Greece has faced resistance to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination among residents for both the initial and booster doses. Supporting healthcare professionals with delivering brief advice on COVID-19 vaccination may assist with reaching national vaccination targets. We sought to rapidly develop, pilot test, and deploy an eLearning intervention on skills training on effective techniques for addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for primary health and social care professionals in Greece. A five-part, 1.5-h eLearning was produced in Greek which featured two behavior change techniques, Very Brief Advice (VBA) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) adapted for use in addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Six-film-based case studies modeling the use of VBA and MI in the context of challenging scenarios typically seen in Greek health and social settings were produced for the eLearning. The CME was pilot tested using a pre-post design in a small convenience sample (n = 17) of health care professionals. Pilot study results found the training provided new knowledge (80%), improved provider skills (80%), and was useful to provider's clinical practice (90%). There was a mixed effect in provider capability, motivation, and opportunity. Ninety percent of providers strongly agreed or agreed that they planned to use the information and skills provided by the training in their clinical practice. This project has resulted in new training assets for use by health and social professional tailored to the nationally context in Greece including supporting uptake of booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Tomou EM, Peppa E, Trichopoulou A. Consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea in Greece: a Planeterranean perspective on the results of Hydria survey. J Transl Med 2023; 21:899. [PMID: 38082315 PMCID: PMC10714537 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04781-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consumption of various herbal infusions was and is common in the traditional Mediterranean diet, and apparently are used in many other regions of the world outside of the Mediterranean region. The present study aimed to investigate the consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea in a nationally representative sample of Greece, considering also their Planetary use. METHODS 3951 adult participants of the HYDRIA Survey (2013-2014) were included from the 13 regions of Greece. The diet of participants was assessed by two 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDR) and the Food Propensity Questionnaire (FPQ). All food items were analyzed through the HYDRIA Food Composition Tables. Information on socio-demographics, lifestyle, and health characteristics during the baseline was also provided. RESULTS 26.9% of herbal infusions and decoctions consumers are ≥ 75 years old, pensioners with a low level of education, and residents of urban areas. However, 22.2% of tea consumers belong to the 18-34-year age group, being employed with an intermediate level of education and living in an urban area. Elderly men and women use more herbal infusions/decoctions (55.4%; 40.6%) compared to tea (41.8%; 25.2%). According to FPQ, 7.1% of men and 9.7% of women use herbal infusions and decoctions four times or more per week, while 7.1 and 10.9% of men and women, respectively, consume tea at the same frequency. Green tea, mountain tea (Sideritis spp.), and black tea are reported most frequently. In addition, mountain tea (61.2%), black tea (60.3%), mixed herbal infusions/decoctions (58.4%), and sage (59.4%) are consumed mostly at breakfast, while chamomile was reported mainly at dinner or during the night (42.4%). CONCLUSIONS Based on the FPQ results, the moderate and high consumption of herbal infusions/decoctions and tea is low in Greece, especially among adults (18-64 years). Thus, our results indicate the existence of a generation gap to the attachment to the traditional Med Diet and the consumption of herbal infusions. The present study could encourage future research to focus on herbal infusions and decoctions consumption by other populations for cross-cultural comparison, as well as on emphasizing the value of consuming locally available herbs in a Planeterranean perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina-Michaela Tomou
- Research Center for Public Health Research and Education, Academy of Athens, Alexandroupoleos 23, 11528, Athens, Greece.
- Department of Pharmacognosy & Chemistry of Natural Products, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece.
| | - Eleni Peppa
- Research Center for Public Health Research and Education, Academy of Athens, Alexandroupoleos 23, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Trichopoulou
- Research Center for Public Health Research and Education, Academy of Athens, Alexandroupoleos 23, 11528, Athens, Greece
- School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 11527, Athens, Greece
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Chantzaras A, Yfantopoulos J. Association between medication adherence and health-related quality of life of patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:665-676. [PMID: 37493942 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00471-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Τo evaluate the association between medication adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia in Greece. METHODS In a multicenter, cross-sectional, non-interventional study, a total of 721 hypertensive and 463 dyslipidemic adult outpatient patients were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic using consecutive sampling. The EQ-5D-5L instrument was used to measure HRQoL, and medication adherence was assessed with the Adherence Starts with Knowledge 20 questionnaire. Multiple linear stepwise regressions using robust standard errors were employed. RESULTS Approximately 28% of hypertensive and 16% of dyslipidemic patients had not been fully adherent during the previous week, while the estimates were 49 and 34%, respectively when the previous month was considered. The HRQoL domain with the highest prevalence of problems was anxiety/depression, followed by mobility and usual activities for both conditions; HRQoL was lower in dyslipidemic patients. Higher medication non-adherence was independently associated with lower EQ-VAS in hypertension and a lower EQ-5D index in dyslipidemia. Other significant risk factors of impaired HRQoL and general health were lack of exercise, longer duration of disease, and multimorbidity, while a curvilinear effect of BMI and age was observed. Also, female gender, employment, and marriage worked as protective factors for hypertensive patients and education for dyslipidemic participants. CONCLUSION Medication adherence is suboptimal in patients with hypertension and, in particular, with dyslipidemia in Greece. Moreover, poor medication adherence has a detrimental impact on patients' HRQoL. Therefore, improving treatment outcomes and patients' HRQoL in a sustainable way requires a better understanding of the factors influencing medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Chantzaras
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens MBA, Sofokleous 1 & Aristeidou Str., 105 59, Athens, Greece.
| | - John Yfantopoulos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens MBA, Sofokleous 1 & Aristeidou Str., 105 59, Athens, Greece
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Vlachopoulos SP, Lane AM, Terry PC. A Greek Translation of the Brunel Mood Scale: Initial Validation among Exercise Participants and Inactive Adults. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:234. [PMID: 38133101 PMCID: PMC10748169 DOI: 10.3390/sports11120234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to provide initial validity evidence of a Greek translation of the 24-item Brunel Mood Scale, referred to as the BRUMS-Greek, a measure of anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, tension, and vigour. Data were collected from 1417 Greek adult exercise participants and 369 physically inactive adults, totaling 1786 adults (male = 578, female = 1208) aged 18-64 years (M = 34.73 ± 11.81 years). Given the large univariate and multivariate non-normality, a confirmatory factor analyses treating responses as ordered categorical variables was conducted which supported the hypothesised six-correlated factor measurement model. The internal consistency reliability of the BRUMS-Greek subscales was supported via Cronbach alpha coefficients. The construct validity of the scales was supported (a) via correlations in the hypothesised direction with trait positive and negative affect, (b) with more positive and less negative moods reported immediately after participation in a single exercise class compared to pre-exercise mood, and (c) with exercise participants reporting more positive and less negative mood states compared to physically inactive adults. Women reported higher tension and lower vigour scores than men. Tension scores were higher and confusion scores lower among younger participants (≤35 years) than older participants (≥36 years). Participants with obesity reported higher negative mood scores than those who were underweight or normal weight. In sum, the BRUMS-Greek demonstrated acceptable psychometric characteristics, and is proposed to be a suitable measure for use with exercise participants, physically inactive adults, and other Greek populations to explore research questions related to mood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Symeon P. Vlachopoulos
- Laboratory of Social Research on Physical Activity, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science at Serres, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 62122 Serres, Greece;
| | - Andrew M. Lane
- School of Psychology, Psychological Research Centre, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall WS1 3BD, UK
| | - Peter C. Terry
- School of Psychology & Wellbeing, Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia;
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Holuša O, Holušová K. Occurrence and Population Density of the Endemic Species Cordulegaster buchholzi (Anisoptera: Cordulegastridae) on the Cyclades Islands in Greece. Insects 2023; 14:896. [PMID: 37999095 PMCID: PMC10672067 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Our research was focused on determining the geomorphological characteristics of streams, characteristics of sediment in streams, habitat, emergence sites and flight period. Larvae were recorded in 19 streams (altitude of 35-680 m a.s.l.), with an average minimum width of 44.2 cm, an average maximum width of 352.9 cm, an average minimum depth of 9 cm and an average maximum depth (in pools) of 55 cm, with an average stream gradient of 12 grades (range 0.6-45 grades). In terms of grain size, the sediment in these biotopes can be characterized as sandy gravel, medium-grained gravel with an admixture of fine sand and an admixture of coarse-grained gravel prevails (with dominancy of fraction 2-5 mm with a representation of 47%). The larval density reached 0.1-62.2 larvae per 1 m2 of suitable sediment. Exuviae (100 exuviae found in total) occurred at an average of 66 cm horizontal distance from the shore and an average vertical height of 124 cm above the ground. The average total distance of larval movement was 190 cm. The emergence site was categorized as larvae-dominated tree trunks (57% of cases), rocks (51%) and overhanging rocks (11%). The flight period was recorded from 17th May to 15th July (literary record-to 15th August) with peak flight activity noted in the third quarter of June. Considering the size of the area-extent of occurrence, the population of C. buchholzi is strongly threatened; according to the IUCN categories it should be classified as endangered (EN).
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Affiliation(s)
- Otakar Holuša
- Department of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, Tř. Gen Píky 7, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Holušová
- Department of Forest and Wood Product Economics and Policy, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Zemědělská 3, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic;
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Evangelou V, Lytra I, Krokida A, Antonatos S, Georgopoulou I, Milonas P, Papachristos DP. Insights into the Diversity and Population Structure of Predominant Typhlocybinae Species Existing in Vineyards in Greece. Insects 2023; 14:894. [PMID: 37999093 PMCID: PMC10672024 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Insects of the subfamily Typhlocybinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are pests of economically important agricultural and horticultural crops. They damage the plants directly or indirectly by transmitting plant pathogens, resulting in significant yield loss. Several leafhoppers of this subfamily use vines as hosts. Accurate and rapid identification is the key to their successful management. The aim of this study is to determine the Typhlocybinae species that exist in vineyards all over Greece and investigate the relationship between them. For this purpose, yellow sticky traps were placed, morphological and molecular data were collected, and phylogenetic models were analyzed. The mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (mtCOI) was applied for the DNA and phylogenetic analysis. The combination of morphological and molecular data resulted in identifying the existence of six different species all over Greece: Arboridia adanae, Asymmetrasca decedens, Hebata decipiens, Hebata vitis, Jacobiasca lybica and Zygina rhamni. Forty-eight different haplotypes were found to exist in the different regions of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Evangelou
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 Stefanou Delta Str., Kifissia, 14561 Athens, Greece; (I.L.); (A.K.); (S.A.); (I.G.); (P.M.); (D.P.P.)
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Athanasakopoulou Z, Sofia M, Skampardonis V, Giannakopoulos A, Birtsas P, Tsolakos K, Spyrou V, Chatzopoulos DC, Satra M, Diamantopoulos V, Mpellou S, Galamatis D, G. Papatsiros V, Billinis C. Indication of West Nile Virus (WNV) Lineage 2 Overwintering among Wild Birds in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece. Vet Sci 2023; 10:661. [PMID: 37999484 PMCID: PMC10674244 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a zoonotic mosquito-borne virus, has recently caused human outbreaks in Europe, including Greece. Its transmission cycle in nature includes wild birds as amplifying hosts and ornithophilic mosquito vectors. The aim of this study was to assess WNV circulation among wild birds from two regions of Greece, Peloponnese and Western Greece, during 2022. To this end, a total of 511 birds belonging to 37 different species were sampled and molecularly screened. WNV RNA was detected from February to November in a total of 71 wild birds of nine species originating from both investigated regions. The first eight positive samples were sequenced on a part of NS3 and, according to the phylogenetic analysis, they belonged to evolutionary lineage 2 and presented similarity to previous outbreak-causing Greek strains (Argolis 2017, Macedonia 2010 and 2012). It was more likely to identify a PCR positive bird as the population density and the distance from water sources decreased. The present report provides evidence of WNV occurrence in both Peloponnese and Western Greece during 2022 and underlines its possible overwintering, highlighting the need for avian species surveillance to be conducted annually and throughout the year. Magpies are proposed as sentinels for WNV monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Marina Sofia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Vassilis Skampardonis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Periklis Birtsas
- Faculty of Forestry, Wood Science and Design, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | | | - Vassiliki Spyrou
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Dimitris C. Chatzopoulos
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Satra
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (D.C.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Spyridoula Mpellou
- Bioefarmoges Eleftheriou LP-Integrated Mosquito Control, 19007 Marathon, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Galamatis
- Faculty of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; (V.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (M.S.); (V.S.); (A.G.)
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Soukiasian PD, Kyrana Z, Gerothanasi K, Kiranas E, Kokokiris LE. Fish oil users of Greece: Predictors, knowledge and habits regarding dietary supplement use. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:896-917. [PMID: 38187892 PMCID: PMC10764963 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fish oil (FO) dietary supplements (DS) have gained popularity over the past few decades and emerged as one of the most popular DS in both Europe and the USA. However, in Greece, no study has been carried out to determine the prevalence and characteristics of FO consumers. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the stance (i.e., beliefs, knowledge and habits) and practices of FO users in Greece towards DS. Methods A cross-sectional study, using in-person questionnaires and a stratified random sampling technique, was conducted throughout 2018-2019. A total of 28491 Greek citizens over 15 years old were interviewed in 74 regional units corresponding to the 13 administrative regions of Greece. Having used DS at least once, deemed one as: DS+FO, if FO were among them; DS-FO, if FO were never used or DS non-user, if DS were never used. Pearson's chi-square test was used to determine independence between relevant outcome variables and FO use and multinomial logistic regression was performed to create models predictive of FO use. Results The sample consisted of 3.5% DS+FO, 51.3% DS-FO and 43.8% DS non-users, while 1.4% could not remember whether they had used DS. Significant predictors for being a DS+FO were identified. DS+FO were more likely to judge a DS-less diet as insufficient, support DS use and comprehend DS's labels. Also, DS+FO had used additional DS, considered more parameters when buying DS and were receivers of DS recommendations from more sources compared to DS-FO. 90% of DS users seek at least one approval source of their DS and 50% support DS recommendation by doctors. Conclusion Favorableness towards DS is more prevalent among DS+FO. Most respondents lack knowledge about the legislative background of DS and many would agree to professional guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis-David Soukiasian
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zacharenia Kyrana
- Laboratory of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantina Gerothanasi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstratios Kiranas
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lambros E. Kokokiris
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, 57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Louizou E, Panagiotou N, Smyrnakis Ε, Anastasiadis S, Diamantis KG, Papamalis F, Bamidis PD. Greek medical professionals approaches and understanding of health literacy: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1209. [PMID: 37932722 PMCID: PMC10626757 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health literacy holds significant importance for medical professionals, as it is widely acknowledged as a key element in enhancing health promotion and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is to explore Greek physicians' comprehension of health literacy, the significance they attribute to it, their strategies for addressing patients with low health literacy, and the potential barriers they face while striving to enhance a patient's health literacy. In this context, we examine the communication methods employed by physicians as an integral part of their approach to improving a patient's health literacy. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted between April 29, 2021, and February 17, 2022, utilizing in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 30 Greek medical professionals, of whom 15 were university professors. The research sample selection methodology employed in this study was purposive sampling. Data analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS The majority of physicians were not familiar with the concept of health literacy. The most significant barriers to the development of health literacy among physicians are a lack of time, issues within the healthcare system, and interference from third parties, although they acknowledge that a significant portion of the responsibility lies with them. Effective communication with patients is important for all physicians, as it plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process. When they realize that their patients are not understanding them, they employ communication methods such as using plain language, providing numerous examples, incorporating visuals like pictures and even using drawings. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study underscore the importance of implementing targeted initiatives to promote health literacy within the Greek medical and academic community. Integrating health literacy training for physicians into the educational and training curriculum is essential. To accomplish this goal, it is imperative to first address the shortcomings within the healthcare system and improve the working conditions for physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Louizou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece.
| | - Nikolaos Panagiotou
- Faculty of Economic and Political Sciences, School of Journalism & Mass Communications, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Εmmanouil Smyrnakis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece
| | - Savvas Anastasiadis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece
| | - Konstantinos G Diamantis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece
| | - Foivos Papamalis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece
| | - Panagiotis D Bamidis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, P.O. Box 376, 54124, Greece
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Tsalidou M, Stergiopoulou T, Bostanitis I, Nikaki C, Skoumpa K, Koutsoukou T, Papaioannidou P. Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance and Multidrug Resistance Prevalence of Clinical Isolates in a Regional Hospital in Northern Greece. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1595. [PMID: 37998797 PMCID: PMC10668659 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study aimed to estimate antimicrobial susceptibility and multidrug resistance prevalence of clinical isolates in a regional hospital in Northern Greece during the last 6 years by analyzing the annual reports of the Laboratory of Microbiology. A total of 12,274 strains of certain bacteria were isolated from both hospitalized and ambulatory patients from biological products, mainly urine (range 63-78% during the study period). E. coli was the most frequent pathogen found (37.4%). A significant increase in the number of the main pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium) was found in the time period of 2021-2023 compared to 2018-2020 (p < 0.0001). In total, 1767 multidrug-resistant bacterial strains were isolated, most of them belonging to Acinetobacter baumannii (36.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (39.6%), and were located in the intensive care unit (ICU) (59.8%). Extensively drug resistance (XDR) and pan drug resistance (PDR) were significantly higher in 2021-2023 than in 2018-2020 (XDR: 641/1087 in 2021-2023 vs. 374/680 in 2018-2020 and PDR: 134/1087 in 2021-2023 vs. 25/680 in 2018-2020, p < 0.0001), resulting in an urgent need to establish certain strategies in order to eliminate this threatening condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsalidou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, General Hospital of Katerini, 60100 Katerini, Greece
- 1st Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece (P.P.)
| | - Theodouli Stergiopoulou
- 1st Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece (P.P.)
| | - Ioannis Bostanitis
- 1st Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece (P.P.)
| | - Christina Nikaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology, General Hospital of Katerini, 60100 Katerini, Greece
| | - Kalypso Skoumpa
- Laboratory of Microbiology, General Hospital of Katerini, 60100 Katerini, Greece
| | - Theofani Koutsoukou
- 1st Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece (P.P.)
| | - Paraskevi Papaioannidou
- 1st Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece (P.P.)
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Papamichail S, Karlafti E, Malliou P, Zatagias A, Ioannidis A, Netta S, Panidis S, Paramythiotis D. A Rare Case of a Direct Incarcerated Inguinal Hernia Containing an Epiploic Appendage and a Literature Review. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2023; 23:547-550. [PMID: 38090244 PMCID: PMC10712395 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.12.2022.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Inguinal hernias are a widespread condition, responsible for a large number of acute abdomen cases. Typically, indirect, rather than direct, hernias lead to complications, as a consequence of their narrower hernial defect. We report a 71-year-old male patient with a rather rare incidence of a direct incarcerated hernia who presented with acute pain in the left inguinal area at a university general hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2017. Upon clinical examination, an irreducible inguinal mass was palpated. Therefore, the existence of a complicated hernia was suspected. The patient underwent an emergency repair, during which it was established that the hernia was direct and incarcerated and that its sac contained an ischaemic epiploic appendage. The hernia was successfully repaired with mesh, the patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged five days later. Despite the rarity of complicated direct inguinal hernias, they should always be included in the differential diagnosis of irreducible groin masses as they can increase severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Papamichail
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Petra Malliou
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Zatagias
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Aristeidis Ioannidis
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Smaro Netta
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros Panidis
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Daniel Paramythiotis
- 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, University Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Ramirez Rozzi F. History of the name Pygmy and its importance for the Pygmies themselves. J Anthropol Sci 2023; 101:171-183. [PMID: 37543984 DOI: 10.4436/jass.10020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Many people and organizations misunderstand the concept behind the name Pygmy. This misunderstanding leads them to misinterpretations and erroneous judgements about its use. This article goes back to the origin of the name in order to clarify the meaning that it has today, especially for the Pygmies themselves. The term 'pygmy' originated in ancient Greece where it was employed for a legendary people who, in Greek mythology, were engaged in an unceasing battle against cranes. Although the morphology of the pygmies described by the ancient Greeks cannot be fully characterized, the term 'pygmy' was used for centuries to refer to a population of small stature living close to the Nile. This led scientists and travellers in modern times to refer to populations of small stature living in equatorial Africa as pygmies. The distinction between Pygmies and non-Pygmies in this region matches the presence of two kinds of populations whose identities are defined in contraposition to one another by socio-cultural aspects. Genetic population studies have suggested that the Pygmies split from non-Pygmy populations around 60,000 years BP. Very importantly, the use of the name Pygmy is gratifying to the Pygmies themselves and it appears in the title of almost all Pygmy rights organizations. The name Pygmy thus covers populations sharing a particular phenotype, having a common origin and thus a biological identity, as well as socio-cultural characteristics which are diverse but nevertheless distinguish them from non-Pygmy populations. Furthermore, the name Pygmy has a dual function for the Pygmies themselves, at once asserting their common identity in contraposition to non-Pygmies ("Big-blacks" as they call them) and conveying their claims against those who despise them, who are the same "Big-blacks".
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ramirez Rozzi
- UMR7206 Ecoanthropologie, MNHN, CNRS, UP, Musée de L'Homme, Paris, France; UR2496 Pathologies, Imagerie et biothérapies oro-faciales, UP, Montrouge, France,
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Reppa G, Mousoulidou M, Tzovla E, Koundourou C, Christodoulou A. The impact of self-efficacy on the well-being of primary school teachers: a Greek-Cypriot study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1223222. [PMID: 37928576 PMCID: PMC10620719 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1223222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This research was conducted to examine the extent to which teachers' self-efficacy affects their well-being following the COVID-19 pandemic. The originality of the research lies in the fact that there are not enough studies that simultaneously examine the relationship between well-being and self-efficacy in primary school teachers in Greece and Cyprus. Methods A total of 258 primary school teacher participants took part in this study, aged 23-62. The Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale and the PERMA Profiler questionnaire were used to study the relationship between teachers' well-being and self-efficacy. Results Results show that after the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers' well-being is moderate to high. Moreover, teachers' self- efficacy is also high and related to their well-being. Discussion An important finding from the current research is that teachers' self-efficacy in promoting student engagement was the most important predictor for teachers' well-being. The implications of the results are discussed, and recommendations are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glykeria Reppa
- Department of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Paphos, Cyprus
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Tsilipounidaki K, Gkountinoudis CG, Florou Z, Fthenakis GC, Miriagou V, Petinaki E. The Molecular Characterization of blaNDM-1-Positive Acinetobacter baumannii Isolated in Central Greece. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2588. [PMID: 37894246 PMCID: PMC10609234 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to report the detection and the molecular characterization of nine blaNDM-1-positive Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, which were isolated from patients in a tertiary care hospital in Central Greece from December 2022 to August 2023. The isolates were characterized by whole genome sequencing to obtain Pasteur multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) and to identify the blaNDM-1-environment, resistome, and virulence genes content. In silico MLST analysis showed that the isolates belonged to four different clones (STs 160, 2, 85, and 2493). All strains, apart from the blaNDM-1-gene, possessed at least eight different genes, encoding resistance to various antimicrobial agents. Whole genome sequencing revealed two different structures of the blaNDM-1 environment. The first, detected in ST160 strain, was identical with the Tn125, whereas the second, found in STs 2, 85, and 2493 was associated with Tn7382. To our knowledge, after a sole strain reported in 2016 and imported by a patient hospitalized in a Libyan hospital, this is the first report of the emergence of polyclonal blaNDM-1-positive Acinetobacter baumannii in Greece. Our findings re-emphasize the need to apply diligent surveillance protocols in order to limit the horizontal transfer of the blaNDM-1 gene to other A. baumannii clones or to other recipient strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Tsilipounidaki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (C.-G.G.); (Z.F.)
| | | | - Zoi Florou
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (C.-G.G.); (Z.F.)
| | | | - Vivi Miriagou
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Efthymia Petinaki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece; (K.T.); (C.-G.G.); (Z.F.)
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Tsiligianni I, Bouloukaki I, Papazisis G, Paganas A, Chatzimanolis E, Kalatharas M, Platakis I, Tirodimos I, Dardavesis T, Tsimtsiou Z. Vaccination coverage and predictors of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B vaccine uptake among adults in Greece. Public Health 2023; 224:195-202. [PMID: 37820537 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Insufficient adult vaccination coverage rates remain an international challenge. This nationwide study aimed at exploring vaccination coverage and predictors of influenza, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, tetanus, measles, and hepatitis B vaccine uptake, following the recommendations of the National Immunization Program for adults. STUDY DESIGN This was a multicenter, mixed-methods study conducted at 23 primary care units in six different regions of Greece. METHODS A pretested questionnaire was administered to three randomly selected adults who visited each practice daily for 30 consecutive working days. RESULTS Among the 1571 participants, vaccination coverage for influenza in the high-risk groups was 55%, 36% for pneumococcal disease, 12% for herpes zoster (HZ), 21% for tetanus, 33% for measles, and 11% for hepatitis B. Perception of low susceptibility to disease due to good health status, concerns about side-effects and vaccines' efficacy, and mistrust in pharmaceutical companies were among common factors associated with the vaccines uptake. The strongest factor associated with the participants' vaccination status was their doctor's recommendation (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] influenza: 6.06 [4.52-8.14], pneumococcal disease: 15.73 [10.98-22.52], HZ: 17.01 [9.05-31.96], tetanus: 23.93 [16.20-35.35], measles: 33.47 [16.85-66.47], and hepatitis B: 73.92 [17.47-312.74]). Being well-informed about each vaccine was also a predictor of its uptake. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination coverage was suboptimal and especially low in tetanus, HZ, and hepatitis B immunization. Person-centered approach, with provision of appropriate information about vaccines' safety and efficacy, responding to each patient's needs, as well as physicians' strong recommendation for vaccination are considered crucial to advocate against the spread of vaccine misinformation and increase vaccination coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Tsiligianni
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Research Committee of Greek Association of General Practitioners, Greece
| | - I Bouloukaki
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - G Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - A Paganas
- Health Center of Litochoro, Litochoro, Pieria, Greece
| | - E Chatzimanolis
- Research Committee of Greek Association of General Practitioners, Greece; Rural Practice of Aiani, Aiani, Kozani, Greece
| | - M Kalatharas
- Rural Practice of Pedino, Pedino, Karditsa, Greece
| | - I Platakis
- Health Center of Moires, Moires, Crete, Greece
| | - I Tirodimos
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - T Dardavesis
- Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Z Tsimtsiou
- Research Committee of Greek Association of General Practitioners, Greece; Department of Hygiene, Social-Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Bampatsias D, Theodorakakou F, Briasoulis A, Georgiopoulos G, Dimoula A, Papantoniou V, Papantoniou I, Skiadaresi C, Valsamaki P, Repasos E, Petropoulos I, Delialis D, Papathoma A, Koutsis G, Tselegkidi ME, Stamatelopoulos K, Kastritis E. Transthyretin Amyloidosis Cardiomyopathy in Greece: Clinical Insights from the National Referral Center. Hellenic J Cardiol 2023:S1109-9666(23)00190-2. [PMID: 37805173 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) vary by region, necessitating the acquisition of country-specific evidence for proper management. METHODS This is an observational study including sequential patients presenting in the Amyloidosis Reference Center of Greece, from 01/2014 to 12/2022. ATTR-CM was diagnosed by positive scintigraphy and exclusion of light-chain amyloidosis or positive biopsy typing. Genetic testing was performed in all cases. RESULTS One-hundred and nine ATTR-CM patients were included (median age, 81 years) of which 15 carried TTR mutations (27% Val30Met). Most patients (82%) presented with heart failure and 59% with atrial fibrillation, while 10% had aortic stenosis. Importantly, 78 (71.6%) had clinically significant extracardiac manifestations (45% musculoskeletal disorder, 40% peripheral neuropathy and 33% gastrointestinal symptoms). Sixty-five (60%) received disease-specific treatment with tafamidis. Estimated median survival was 48 months; advanced NYHA class, National Amyloidosis Center stage, eGFR<45 ml/kg/1.73m2, NT-pro-BNP>5000 pg/mL were associated with worse survival, while tafamidis treatment was associated with improved survival in patients with IVS≥ 12 mm. DISCUSSION These are the first data describing the characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with ATTR-CM in Greece, which could influence local guidelines. SHORT TITLE Transthyretin cardiomyopathy in Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bampatsias
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Foteini Theodorakakou
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Briasoulis
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Dimoula
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Chaido Skiadaresi
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Pipitsa Valsamaki
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece; Nuclear Medicine Department, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evangelos Repasos
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Petropoulos
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Delialis
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Koutsis
- Neurogenetics Unit, 1st Department of Neurology, Eginitio University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria-Eirini Tselegkidi
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- Amyloidosis Center, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Basta M, Skourti E, Simos P, Soumaki E, Li Y, Gerostergios G, Samiotakis G, Dafermos V, Drakaki M, Papadakis N, Vgontzas AN. Associations between sleep complaints, suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms among adolescents and young adults in Greece. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13900. [PMID: 37039423 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Depression prevalence increases significantly during adolescence/early adulthood. Depression in youth may present suicidal ideation, while suicide represents the leading cause of death in this age group. Moreover, adolescents/young adults frequently report sleep complaints that may partially be due to depressive symptoms. Studies on the associations between depression, sleep complaints and suicidality in this age group are limited. We aimed to examine associations between depressive symptoms, sleep complaints and suicidal ideation in a large (n = 2771), representative sample of adolescents (age: 15-17 years, n = 512) and young adults (age: 18-24 years, n = 2259) from the general population in Greece. A telephone structured questionnaire was administered. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the modified Patient Health-7 questionnaire score, while presence of suicidal ideation and sleep complaints were assessed using the ninth and third question of Patient Health-9 questionnaire, respectively. Mediation logistic regression analysis revealed significant direct paths from depressive symptoms to sleep complaints (odds ratio [OR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.24; OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.18-1.24) and suicidal ideation (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.14-1.22; OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.14-1.22), as well as sleep complaints and suicidal ideation (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.32-2.50; OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.33-2.76) in the total group and in young adults, respectively, but not among adolescents. Moreover, we detected a significant indirect effect of depressive symptoms on suicidal ideation mediated by sleep complaints (18.8%) in young adults. These findings support the hypothesis that treatment of sleep disturbances among youth with depression may independently further reduce suicidal risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Basta
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Sleep Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - E Skourti
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - P Simos
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Computational Biomedicine Lab, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - E Soumaki
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Y Li
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Mental Health Center of Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - G Gerostergios
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - G Samiotakis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - V Dafermos
- Department of Political Science, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - M Drakaki
- Department of Political Science, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - N Papadakis
- Department of Political Science, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - A N Vgontzas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Sleep Research and Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, Penn State University, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Kondilis E, Benos A. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Private Health Sector: Profiting without Socially Contributing. Int J Soc Determinants Health Health Serv 2023; 53:466-477. [PMID: 37680140 DOI: 10.1177/27551938231201070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the mobilization of all available health care resources, including private, for-profit ones. The aim of this multiple methods study (combination of document and secondary data analysis) was to assess government regulations facilitating the private health sector's participation in the COVID-19 response in Greece. During the pandemic, the government made three successive increases in private providers' reimbursement fees, provided additional financial incentives to private providers, and allocated €280 million of emergency funding for the private sector's involvement in the national COVID-19 response. In response, private hospitals made available on average 2.2% of their total bed capacity per epidemic wave for the treatment of COVID-19 patients and 1.7% of their total bed capacity for the treatment of non-COVID-19 patients transferred from National Health System (NHS) hospitals. In 2020 the five largest health care corporate groups maintained their revenues, while in 2021 they increased them by 18.7%-a striking comparison with the 9% recession experienced by the Greek economy in 2020 and its 8.4% recovery in 2021. In a time of an acute public health crisis, private health care providers responded to society's pressing health care needs by insulating their facilities from COVID-19 patients and NHS patient transfers, minimizing their social contribution and safeguarding their revenues and profits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kondilis
- School of Medicine, Aristotles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexis Benos
- School of Medicine, Aristotles University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Papatsiros VG, Papakonstantinou GI, Meletis E, Koutoulis K, Athanasakopoulou Z, Maragkakis G, Labronikou G, Terzidis I, Kostoulas P, Billinis C. Seroprevalence of Swine Influenza A Virus (swIAV) Infections in Commercial Farrow-to-Finish Pig Farms in Greece. Vet Sci 2023; 10:599. [PMID: 37888551 PMCID: PMC10610732 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza A virus infection. Pigs play an important role in the overall epidemiology of influenza because of their ability to transmit influenza viruses of avian and human origin, which plays a potential role in the emergence of zoonotic strains with pandemic potential. The aim of our study was to assess the seroprevalence of Swine Influenza Viruses (swIAVs) in commercial pig farms in Greece. A total of 1416 blood samples were collected from breeding animals (gilts and sows) and pigs aged 3 weeks to market age from 40 different swIAV vaccinated and unvaccinated commercial farrow-to-finish pig farms. For the detection of anti-SIV antibodies, sera were analyzed using an indirect ELISA kit CIVTEST SUIS INFLUENZA®, Hipra (Amer, Spain). Of the total 1416 animals tested, 498 were seropositive, indicating that the virus circulates in both vaccinated (54% seroprevalence) and unvaccinated Greek pig farms (23% seroprevalence). In addition, maternally derived antibody (MDA) levels were lower in pigs at 4 and 7 weeks of age in unvaccinated farms than in vaccinated farms. In conclusion, our results underscore the importance of vaccination as an effective tool for the prevention of swIAV infections in commercial farrow-to-finish pig farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G. Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (G.I.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Georgios I. Papakonstantinou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (G.I.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Eleftherios Meletis
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Koutoulis
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece;
| | - Zoi Athanasakopoulou
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (C.B.)
| | - Georgios Maragkakis
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (G.I.P.); (G.M.)
| | - Georgia Labronikou
- Swine Technical Support, Hipra Hellas SA, 10441 Athens, Greece; (G.L.); (I.T.)
| | - Ilias Terzidis
- Swine Technical Support, Hipra Hellas SA, 10441 Athens, Greece; (G.L.); (I.T.)
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Faculty of Public and One Health, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (E.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece; (Z.A.); (C.B.)
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Gourzoulidis G, Barmpouni M, Kossyvaki V, Vietri J, Tzanetakos C. Health and economic outcomes of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine compared to 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine strategies for adults in Greece. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1229524. [PMID: 37841729 PMCID: PMC10570410 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1229524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Higher valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are expected to improve protection against pneumococcal disease through coverage of additional serotypes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) compared to 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) alone or followed by 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) for adults in Greece. Methods A published Markov model was adapted to simulate lifetime risk of clinical and economic outcomes from the public payer's perspective. The model population was stratified based on age and risk profile (i.e., low, moderate, or high-risk of developing pneumococcal disease). Epidemiologic parameters, serotype coverage and vaccines' effectiveness were based on published literature, while direct medical costs (prices €, 2022) were obtained from official sources. Main model outcomes were projected number of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and all-cause non-bacteremic pneumonia (NBP) cases and attributable deaths, costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) for each vaccination strategy. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ascertain the robustness of model results. Results Over the modeled time horizon, vaccination with PCV20 compared to PCV15 alone or PCV15 followed by PPV23 prevents an additional 747 and 646 cases of IPD, 10,334 and 10,342 cases of NBP and 468 and 455 deaths respectively, resulting in incremental gain of 1,594 and 1,536 QALYs and cost savings of €11,183 and €48,858, respectively. PSA revealed that the probability of PCV20 being cost-effective at the predetermined threshold of €34,000 per QALY gained was 100% compared to either PCV15 alone or the combination of PCV15 followed by PPV23. Conclusion PCV20 is estimated to improve public health by averting additional pneumococcal disease cases and deaths relative to PCV15 alone or followed by PPV23, and therefore translates to cost-savings for the public payer. Overall results showed that vaccination with PCV20 was estimated to be a dominant vaccination strategy (improved health outcomes with reduced costs) over PCV15 alone or followed by PPV23 for prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults in Greece.
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Pierrakos G, Goula A, Latsou D. Predictors of Unmet Healthcare Needs during Economic and Health Crisis in Greece. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6840. [PMID: 37835110 PMCID: PMC10572303 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of this study was to identify predictors of the unmet healthcare needs during the financial and recent health crisis in Greece. (2) Methods: Time series analysis was performed for the years 2008 through 2022 using the Eurostat database. The dependent variable was the percentage of people who reported unmet need for medical care. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health data, as well as health expenditures, were used as independent variables. Correlation analysis and simple linear regression models were conducted to analyze the results. (3) Results: Unmet health needs in Greece increased from the start of the crisis until 2016, as a gradual de-escalation of the crisis was observed. However, in 2019 the country recorded the second highest level of unmet needs for medical care before the health crisis. Limitations in usual activities, reporting bad/very bad health status, being unemployed, and having low income increased the likelihood of unmet needs. Health expenditures (public or private) were also significant determinants of unmet healthcare needs. (4) Conclusions: The increased unmet health needs widen inequalities in health and healthcare access. Therefore, health policies should eliminate barriers which restrict the access to health and enhance healthcare services, developing conditions for citizens' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pierrakos
- Department of Business Administration, School of Administrative, Economics and Social Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Aspasia Goula
- Department of Business Administration, School of Administrative, Economics and Social Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Dimitra Latsou
- Department of Business Administration, School of Administrative, Economics and Social Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (A.G.)
- Department of Economics and Business, School of Economics, Business and Computer Sciences, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos 8042, Cyprus
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Maraki S, Mavromanolaki VE, Kasimati A, Stafylaki D, Scoulica E. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of nocardiosis: A 5-year single-center study in Crete, Greece. Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung 2023; 70:239-245. [PMID: 37459246 DOI: 10.1556/030.2023.02071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Nocardiosis is a rare disease affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hosts, presented in various clinical forms ranging from localized to disseminated infection. Aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of nocardiosis, antimicrobial resistance profiles, treatment, and outcomes of Nocardia infection over the last 5 years at our institution. The medical records and microbiological data of patients affected by nocardiosis and treated at the university hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece, between 2018 and 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The isolates were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and through sequencing of 16S rRNA. Antimicrobial susceptibility for 17 agents was determined by E-test and results were interpreted according to CLSI guidelines. Among the 28 Nocardia isolates, eight species were identified, with Nocardia brasiliensis being the most prevalent (32.1%), followed by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (25%), and Nocardia farcinica (14.3%). Skin and soft tissue infections were the most common presentations, noted in 13 (50%) patients, followed by pulmonary infection presented in 10 (38.5%) patients. Fifteen patients (57.7%) had at least one underlying disease, and 11 (42.3%) were on immunosuppressive or long-term corticosteroid treatment. Susceptibility rates of linezolid, tigecycline, amikacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, moxifloxacin, and imipenem were 100, 100, 96.4, 92.9, 82.1, and 42.9%, respectively. The 26 patients in this study were treated with various antibiotics. Mortality rate was 3.8%, and the patient who died had disseminated infection. Since epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility are evolving, continuous surveillance is mandatory in order to initiate appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Maraki
- 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Anna Kasimati
- 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Dimitra Stafylaki
- 1Department of Clinical Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Effie Scoulica
- 3Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
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Kouroupis D, Charisi K, Pyrpasopoulou A. The Ongoing Epidemic of West Nile Virus in Greece: The Contribution of Biological Vectors and Reservoirs and the Importance of Climate and Socioeconomic Factors Revisited. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:453. [PMID: 37755914 PMCID: PMC10536956 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8090453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases have inflicted a significant health and socioeconomic burden upon the global population and governments worldwide. West Nile virus, a zoonotic, mosquito-borne flavivirus, was originally isolated in 1937 from a febrile patient in the West Nile Province of Uganda. It remained confined mainly to Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Europe and Australia until 1999, circulating in an enzootic mosquito-bird transmission cycle. Since the beginning of the 21st century, a new, neurotropic, more virulent strain was isolated from human outbreaks initially occurring in North America and later expanding to South and South-eastern Europe. Since 2010, when the first epidemic was recorded in Greece, annual incidence has fluctuated significantly. A variety of environmental, biological and socioeconomic factors have been globally addressed as potential regulators of the anticipated intensity of the annual incidence rate; circulation within the zoonotic reservoirs, recruitment and adaptation of new potent arthropod vectors, average winter and summer temperatures, precipitation during the early summer months, and socioeconomic factors, such as the emergence and progression of urbanization and the development of densely populated areas in association with insufficient health policy measures. This paper presents a review of the biological and socioenvironmental factors influencing the dynamics of the epidemics of West Nile virus (WNV) cases in Greece, one of the highest-ranked European countries in terms of annual incidence. To date, WNV remains an unpredictable opponent as is also the case with other emerging infectious diseases, forcing the National Health systems to develop response strategies, control the number of infections, and shorten the duration of the epidemics, thus minimizing the impact on human and material resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kouroupis
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Konstantina Charisi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Athina Pyrpasopoulou
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hippokration Hospital, Konstantinoupoleos 49, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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