Central Greece Research Articles

Performance Evaluation of Satellite Precipitation Products During Extreme Events—The Case of the Medicane Daniel in Thessaly, Greece

Mediterranean tropical-like cyclones, or Medicanes, present unique challenges for precipitation estimations due to their rapid development and localized impacts. This study evaluates the performance of satellite precipitation products in capturing the precipitation associated with Medicane Daniel that struck Greece in early September 2023. Utilizing a combination of ground-based observations, reanalysis, and satellite-derived precipitation data, we assess the accuracy and spatial distribution of the satellite precipitation products GPM IMERG, GSMaP, and CMOPRH during the cyclone event, which formed in the Eastern Mediterranean from 4 to 7 September 2023, hitting with unprecedented, enormous amounts of rainfall, especially in the region of Thessaly in central Greece. The results indicate that, while satellite precipitation products demonstrate overall skill in capturing the broad-scale precipitation patterns associated with Medicane Daniel, discrepancies exist in estimating localized intense rainfall rates, particularly in convective cells within the cyclone’s core. Indeed, most of the satellite precipitation products studied in this work showed a misplacement of the highest amounts of associated rainfall, a significant underestimation of the event, and large unbiased root mean square error in the areas of heavy precipitation. The total precipitation field from IMERG Late Run and CMORPH showed the smallest bias (but significant) and good temporal correlation against rain gauges and ERA5-Land reanalysis data as a reference, while IMERG Final Run and GSMaP showed the largest underestimation and overestimation, respectively. Further investigation is needed to improve the representation of extreme precipitation events associated with tropical-like cyclones in satellite precipitation products.

Rapid increase of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Greece - WHONET-Greece (2020-2023)

Abstract Background Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been documented as a significant threat associated with adverse patient outcomes. We aimed to describe the rapid increase in the prevalence of an MDR P.aeruginosa phenotype at the national level, as detected through the Greek Electronic System for the Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (WHONET-Greece). Methods Routine susceptibility data of 22,236 P.aeruginosa isolates of hospitalized patients in forty-five hospitals, isolated over the past four years (2020-2023) were analyzed using ‘Resistance profiles’ analysis of WHONET software(ver.2023), considering five antimicrobial groups/agents. Results We confirmed the rapid increase in the prevalence of a carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa (CRPA) phenotype resistant to all five antimicrobial groups/agents tested (carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides). The prevalence increased by 63.8% in 2023 (from 15.2% to 24.9%, 1.64-fold increase), whereas in the last 24 months of the study period a 2.13-fold increase was observed (from 11.7% to 24.9%). In parallel, the prevalence of all other CRPA profiles decreased in 2023 from 22.5% to 17%. We also examined the prevalence of this MDR phenotype in the different NUTS-1 regions of the country, which revealed that the rapid increase is mainly observed in Attika (EL3, 19/45 hospitals) and Central Greece (EL6, 8/45 hospitals) where prevalence reached 25.4% and 26.2% in the second half of 2023 respectively. Northern Greece (EL5, 15/45 hospitals) showed a steady increase over the four years (12% to 19.3%), while in the Aegean Islands/Crete region (EL4, 3/45 hospitals) the prevalence levels were stable. Conclusions There is an emerging multi-drug CRPA phenotype in Greece. Only with systematic, nationwide surveillance could we identify and verify such threats. The findings of this study should be used for targeted interventions and further analysis through molecular techniques. Key messages • The early detection of such emerging multi-drug CRPA phenotype in Greece allows for for targeted interventions and further analysis through molecular techniques. • Systematic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance based on routine susceptibility data is a great way to identify and verify emerging public health threats.

Daily Rainfall Patterns During Storm “Daniel” Based on Different Satellite Data

Extreme rainfall from a long-lived weather system called storm “Daniel” occurred from 4th to 11th September 2023 over the central and eastern Mediterranean, leading to many devastating flood events mainly in central Greece and the western coastal parts of Libya. This study analyzes the daily rainfall amounts over all the affected geographical areas during storm “Daniel” by comparing three different satellite-based rainfall data products. Two of them are strictly related to Meteosat multispectral imagery, while the other one is based on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite mission. The satellite datasets depict extreme daily rainfall (up to 450 mm) for consecutive days in the same areas, with the spatial distribution of such rainfall amounts covering thousands of square kilometers almost during the whole period that the storm lasted. Moreover, the spatial extent of the heavy rainfall patterns was calculated on a daily basis. The convective nature of the rainfall, which was also recorded, characterizes the extremity of this weather system. Finally, the intercomparison of the datasets used highlights the satisfactory efficiency of the examined satellite datasets in capturing similar rainfall amounts in the same areas (daily mean error of 15 mm, mean absolute error of up to 35 mm and correlation coefficient ranging from 0.6 to 0.9 in most of the examined cases). This finding confirms the realistic detection and monitoring of the different satellite-based rainfall products, which should be used for early warning and decision-making regarding potential flood events.

Late Miocene high-angle faulting in the Cyclades: offshore-onshore tectonic studies and U-Pb calcite dating.

Aegean extension began during Eocene-Oligocene times and led to the thinning of the upper plate into a retreating slab system. The style of extension during the Miocene remains controversial, with a majority of studies arguing for extension accommodated by low-angle extensional brittle-ductile faults, called detachments. In other hands, the present-day active seismic faults in the Aegean Sea are only high-angle normal faults and dextral strike-slips. We aim to constrain and date the style of faulting in central Greece by combining analysis of 19 offshore seismic lines with onshore structural observations on Syros Island and LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of calcite sampled in two major fault zones of Syros (Palos and Fabrika faults). Three main sets of faults have been identified in the Central Cyclades: NW-SE trending normal faults, NNW-SSE oblique (sinistral)-normal faults, and NNE-SSW trending dextral strike-slip faults. High-angle normal faults define regularly spaced horsts and grabens, suggesting a wide rifting-type of extension. Dextral strike-slip faults occur at Syros, mainly offshore, and are kinematically compatible with normal faults. U-Pb dating of calcite crystallizing in normal fault planes at Syros yields ages at c.a. 10 Ma for high-angle normal faults activity. On these bases, we propose that wide rifting with high-angle normal faults accommodated Aegean extension when trench retreat accelerated in the middle to late Miocene. At this time, dextral strike-slip faults formed as a response of the onset of Anatolia lateral extrusion.

Impact of Harvest Method on Development of European Sea Bass Skin Microbiome during Chilled Storage

European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) is one of the most significant species farmed in the Mediterranean, yet a very perishable product. Its quality deteriorates rapidly as a result of three mechanisms: microbial activity, chemical oxidation, and enzymatic degradation. Microbial spoilage is the mechanism that contributes most to the quality deterioration of fresh and non-processed fish. To this end, our study aims to identify for the first time the combined effect of aquatic environment and harvest method on the composition and trajectory at storage at 0 °C of the European sea bass skin microbiome. Sampling was performed in two commercial fish farms in Western (WG) and Central Greece (CG) where fish were harvested using different methods: direct immersion in ice water or a mixture of slurry ice; application of electro-stunning prior to immersion in ice water. Samples were collected on harvest day and one week post-harvest. To profile the bacterial communities in the fish skin, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was used. The results and the following analyses indicated that the aquatic environment shaped the original composition of the skin microbiome, with 815 ASVs identified in the WG farm as opposed to 362 ASVs in the CG farm. Moreover, Pseudomonas and Pseudoalteromonas dominated the skin microbiome in the WG farm, unlike the CG farm where Shewanella and Psychrobacter were the dominant genera. All these genera contain species such as Shewanella putrefaciens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudoalteromonas spp., and Psychrobacter sp., all of which have been implicated in the deterioration and spoilage of the final product. The different harvest methods drove variations in the microbiome already shaped by the aquatic environment, with electro-stunning favoring more diversity in the skin microbiome. The aquatic environment in combination with the harvest method appeared to determine the skin microbiome trajectory at storage at 0 °C. Although Shewanella had dominated the skin microbiome in all samples one week post-harvest, the diversity and the relative abundance of genera were strongly influenced by the aquatic environment and the harvest method. This study sheds light on the hierarchy of the factors shaping the fish skin microbiome and their importance for controlling post-harvest quality of fresh fish.

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Women in Rural Areas of Greece in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Background/Objectives: Depressive and anxiety syndromes are associated with elevated disability and are more prevalent in women. Data on the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in the rural context are limited and contradictory. It is relevant to study common mental disorders in rural areas in the most vulnerable population of women, particularly in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in two primary healthcare sites in the rural region of Farsala, Central Greece after the obviation of all restrictive measures that had been posed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All consecutive female patients that attended the study sites for any non-emergent reason were asked to participate in the study. For the recording of symptoms of depression and anxiety, the self-reported Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used. Results: The study sample consisted of 129 women. The majority of participants were >50 years, with 27.9% being older adults. A small percentage (13.2%) suffered a chronic physical disease. A large proportion of the sample, slightly exceeding 40%, reported clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety, whereas a lower percentage of women with depressive symptoms was detected (17.1%). Symptoms of anxiety and depression were found to be interrelated, while a number of sociodemographic variables were associated with both, such as older age, education (primary), living status (alone, OR 123.5; 95% CI: 7.3–2098.8 for anxiety; OR 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3–9.8 for depression), employment (not working, (OR 0.157; 95% CI: 0.06–0.41 for anxiety; OR 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01–0.62 for depression) and the history of a chronic disease (OR 33.8; 95% CI: 4.3–264.7 for anxiety; OR 37.2; 95% CI: 10–138.1 for depression). Self-rated financial status was not related to symptoms of anxiety or depression. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of inquiring for symptoms of depression and anxiety in women attending the rural primary care setting. The use of valid and reliable self-reported instruments that are easy to administrate may be helpful in this regard.

Effects of Religious Fasting on Markers of Oxidative Status in Vitamin D-Deficient and Overweight Orthodox Nuns versus Implementation of Time-Restricted Eating in Lay Women from Central and Northern Greece

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet has been widely suggested to exert significant beneficial effects on endothelial oxidative status and cardiometabolic health. Greek Orthodox monasteries, due to their specific nutritional and sartorial habits, comprise a population thatstrictly adheres to nutritional patterns with restricted eating and a plant-based subset of the Mediterranean diet, often accompanied by profound hypovitaminosis D. Time-restricted eating (TRE) is also adopted bya large part of the general lay Greek population for health-promoting reasons, without restrictions on animal product consumption, as imposed by Orthodox religious fasting. However, the comparative effects of these nutritional patterns on oxidative stress markers remain scarce. Methods: The present study attempted to evaluate the effects of Christian Orthodox fasting (COF) in a group of vitamin D-deficient and overweight Orthodox nuns from Central and Northern Greece compared to the implementation of TRE, a 16:8 dietary regimen (16 h of food abstinence and 8 h of feeding) in a cohort of adult women from the general population from the same region with regard to markers of endothelial oxidative status. A group of 50 women from two Orthodox monasteries in Northern Greece and one group of 50 healthy lay women were included. During the enrollment, a detailed recording of their dietary habits was performed, along with a scientific registry of their demographic and anthropometric characteristics (via bioimpedance). The Orthodox nuns followed a typical Orthodox fasting regimen [daily feeding window (8 a.m.–4 p.m.)], whereas the lay women followed a TRE 16:8 regimen with the same feeding time-window with a recommendation to follow a low-fat diet, without characteristics of the Mediterranean diet. We included a complete biochemical analysis, as well as calciotropic profiles [calcium—Ca, albumin, parathyroid hormone—PTH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D—25(OH)D] and markers of TAC (total antioxidant capacity), GSH (glutathione),and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) concentrations as markers of oxidative status. Results: All the groups were compared at the baseline regarding their calcium, PTH, and 25(OH)D concentrations, with no statistically significant differences between the groups apart from higher PTH levels in the nuns due to lower 25(OH)D levels. The Orthodox nuns manifested a lower median GSH compared to the controls (6.0 vs. 7.2, p 0.04) and a higher median TAC (0.92 vs. 0.77, p < 0.001). The TBARS comparisons showed no significant difference between the two groups. No significant associations of oxidative status with 25(OH)D, PTH, and the markers of glucose homeostasis were evident. Conclusions: The results of this small pilot study indicate that both dietary regimens have advantages over the oxidative markers compared to each other, with increased TAC in the group of Orthodox nuns after a 16-week period of COF compared to a 16:8 TRE and increased GSH concentrations in the lay women group. Future randomized trials are required to investigate the superiority or non-inferiority between these dietary patterns in the daily clinical setting.

Leveraging Digital Technologies for Carbon Footprint Tracking in Perennial Cultivations: A Case Study of Walnut Orchard Establishment in Central Greece

The present paper aims to quantify the carbon emissions associated with the establishment of 15 walnut orchards (“Juglans californica”) in the greater area of Magnisia, Greece, with the use of a carbon footprint tool interconnected to a Farm Management Information System. The data collection spanned the first five years following the planting of the trees, providing a comprehensive view of the emissions during this critical establishment phase. Over the five-year period examined (February 2019–December 2023), the results revealed net carbon emissions amounting to 13.71 tn CO2 eq ha−1, with the calculated emissions showing an increasing trend from the first year through the fifth year. Scope 1 (7.38 tn CO2 eq ha−1) and Scope 2 (3.71 tn CO2 eq ha−1) emissions emerged as the most significant, while irrigation (drip irrigation) and fertilizing practices were identified as the highest contributors to emissions. This study highlights the significance of using integrated digital tools for monitoring the performance of cultivations rather than standalone tools that are currently widely available. Integrated tools that incorporate various applications simplify data collection, encourage accurate record-keeping, and facilitate certification processes. By automating data entry and calculations, these tools reduce human error during agricultural carbon management and save time; thus, the integration of digital monitoring tools is vital in improving data accuracy, streamlining certification processes, and promoting eco-friendly practices, crucial for the evolving carbon market.

A new species of Hypericum section Olympia (Hypericaceae) from Central Greece

Hypericum intricatum, discovered in an ophiolitic area near the city of Domokos, Central Greece, is here described and illustrated as a species new to science. It belongs to section Olympia, as indicated by nuclear ribosomal ITS phylogeny, congruent with several but not all key morphological characters of this taxon. The sole known population of the new species is critically small and restricted to a floristically noteworthy spot accompanied by other rare and threatened serpentine-specialist species.

Conceptual meanings in middle neolithic red-painted pottery from Central Greece: A case study

Human expression uses conceptual metaphors in various forms and modalities, one of which is material culture. Although conceptual or cognitive metaphors have been recognized in cognitive linguistics, abstractions on nature and structure can function as a tool for metaphorical reconstructions through and/or from archaeological evidence that derives from early communities. This paper initiates a discussion of the figurative meanings in Middle Neolithic red-painted pottery from Central Greece using a case study, the Middle Neolithic red-painted pottery from Halai. Even though a particular context is undoubtedly the foundational factor of archaeological interpretation, human cognition emerges from universal processes that are the same in all humans. Pottery, a material culture product, can express metaphorical meanings of knowledge and bodily experience, while the repetition of characteristic patterns in a particular region can demonstrate social identities and stylistic boundaries.

Designing Post-Fire Flood Protection Techniques for a Real Event in Central Greece

Designing Post-Fire Flood Protection Techniques for a Real Event in Central Greece

Accumulated thermal units method for predicting development stages, and potential seed yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) under Mediterranean conditions

The possibility of accurately assessing the emergence, anthesis and maturation dates of sunflower grown under Mediterranean conditions was investigated. Accumulated Thermal Units (TSUM) from sowing to emergence, from emergence to anthesis, and from anthesis to maturation were recorded in 14 experimental sunflower plantations, carried out in two sites with representative soils in the Thessaly Plain (central Greece) in the years 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2022. Various combinations of sowing date; irrigation and N-fertilization inputs were studied, and the corresponding phenological stages and seed yields were determined. It was found that the TSUM method is very effective for predicting the duration of the phenological stages of sunflower and thus the development rate and stages of this crop. Particularly accurate is the assessment of the emergence-anthesis period calculated at 817 degree days (°C-d) for base temperature (To) equal to 6 °C and optimum temperature (Topt) 28 °C, whereas for the anthesis-maturation period, the TSUM method needs to be adjusted for photoperiodism, using a photoperiod coefficient based on the daylength. In a simpler approach, the heat unit sum of 1213°C-d (To=0 °C) it can be used for the emergence-anthesis period (or 1418°C-d for the sowing-anthesis period), without much error, and an average period of 44 days for the anthesis-maturation period. Having determined the anthesis-maturation period, the potential seed yield of sunflower was successfully assessed, based on the global radiation prevailing during the grain filling period (i.e. last 37 days before capitulum ripening) for the treatments of optimum water and nitrogen applications. Knowledge of the seed yield potential of sunflower might be very important for land evaluation purposes and the introduction of this important crop in Thessaly more generally and many Mediterranean sites.

Enhancement of In Vitro Seed Germination, Growth, and Root Development in Two Sideritis Species through GA3 Application and Diverse LED Light Conditions

The Sideritis genus includes over 150 species primarily found in the Mediterranean basin, including the S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca from the Peloponnese and S. scardica from North and Central Greece. In vitro seed germination has proven effective for conserving and amplifying the genetic diversity of endangered species such as Sideritis. This study aimed to optimize in vitro germination and seedling growth of S. scardica and S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca under different lighting conditions at 22 °C, including white fluorescent lamps (WFL-BG-40) and LEDs (LED-BGYOR-40, LED-BR-40, LED-BR-80, LED-BR-120) all under a 16-h light/8-h dark photoperiod (WFL: white fluorescent light, B:blue, G:green, Y:yellow, O:orange, R:red, 40–80–120 μmol m−2 s−1), along with a 24-h dark treatment. The results indicated that LED-BR-80 combined with 250 mg L−1 GA3 in the MS medium promoted best germination (40%, day 55) and shoot proliferation in S. clandestina subsp. pelopponesiaca. Conversely, 5-year-old cold stratified S. scardica seeds showed higher germination rates (80%) and robust seedling growth under LED-BGYOR-40 with 250 mg L−1 GA3, particularly thriving in LED-BR-120 for increased shoot height and root number. This is the first report of the efficacy of LED technology in optimizing in vitro conditions for Sideritis species, crucial for their conservation and sustainable commercial cultivation.

PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES AND TEACHER COLLABORATION IN INTERCULTURAL RECEPTION CLASSES IN GREEK PRIMARY SCHOOLS

This study, which utilizes Basil Bernstein’s theoretical framework, aims to investigate the pedagogical practices implemented in the Reception Classes in Educational Priority Zones (RC EPZ) in primary schools, which were set up in Greece as support for the educational needs of socially and interculturally vulnerable student groups (such as refugee children). In addition, it aims to investigate the development of collaborative relationships between the teachers in these reception classes and their colleagues who teach in the normal classes that the RC EPZ pupils come from. The research was conducted using semi-structured interviews and with the participation of 18 teachers who taught in RC EPZ primary schools in the region of Central Greece. The main findings of this study revealed that the pedagogical practices of the teachers in the RC EPZ are characterised by weak classification and framing and lean towards the rules of implementation of an invisible pedagogical practice. What’s more, it emerged that collaborative relationships between the RC EPZ teachers and the normal class teachers were significantly limited and scant.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0871/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Mixed grazing of cattle with sheep and goats as a solution for livestock farmers in Greece and other countries around the Mediterranean Sea: a review

The management of common pastures is often a matter of conflict between cattle farmers and small ruminants (goats and sheep), especially in areas with small pastures and low capacity. This conflict is reflected in a relevant opinion survey in Evrytania (Central Greece) where cattle farmers consider that cattle can graze together with goats and/or sheep while goat and sheep farmers consider that cattle should be restricted to separate pastures. However, international experience as reflected in publications, mainly from the USA, shows that the co-grazing of cattle with goats and/or sheep, under certain conditions, can yield multiple benefits which have not been particularly highlighted in Greece. The aim of this paper is to investigate the potential of co-grazing of cattle with small ruminants and to list the benefits of this practice.

Detection and typing of influenza viruses in vaccinated and non- vaccinated children in central Greece during 2018-2019

During the 2018-2019 influenza season in central Greece, 388 respiratory samples were collected from children presented with influenza symptoms and tested for the detection of influenza viruses. Real-time RT-PCR testing of the samples revealed the presence of influenza A (H1N1) (pdm09), influenza A (H3N2), seasonal influenza A (H1N1), and influenza B viruses. All samples tested were found negative for influenza A(H5) HA gene sequence. The majority of influenza viruses detected were type A (90%), of which the majority, (61%), were influenza A (H1N1) (pdm09) viruses, indicating that these viruses were the dominant influenza subtype circulating in central Greece during the winter and early spring of the aforementioned season.

Geomorphological mapping for liquefaction likelihood: the Piniada Valley case study (central Greece)

Assessment of liquefaction susceptibility of sediments in alluvial plains is considered one of the first step for infrastructure planning, hazard mitigation, and land use management in seismically active regions. Subtle geomorphological features resulting from depositional processes could greatly contribute to estimating the liquefaction likelihood since they also dictate the type and distribution of sediments. Our case study is from the Piniada Valley (Greece), where widespread liquefaction phenomena were triggered by the 2021 Mw 6.3, Damasi earthquake. As we compiled a detailed geological map for the purposes of this investigation and correlated it to the spatial distribution of the earthquake-induced liquefaction phenomena, we observed that most of liquefaction surface evidence are related to point bars and abandoned river channels formed the last century. In particular, the areal liquefaction density was estimated at 60.7 and 67.1 manifestations per km2, for the point bars and abandoned channels, respectively. Following this outcome, we propose a refinement of the existing liquefaction susceptibility classifications by including point bar bodies as a distinct category, characterized by a very high susceptibility to liquefaction. In addition, we discuss the correlation between the observed liquefaction manifestations and the shallow lithofacies, sand or mud prone areas, within point bars. The outcome arisen by this research is that most of liquefaction phenomena (> 70%) occurred on the area covered by coarser materials deposited on the upstream part of high sinuosity meanders.

Georeferencing of exposure from EMF base stations in urban areas

BackgrοundIn mοdern sοciety, the use οf sοurces that emits electrοmagnetic radiatiοn (EMR) such as televisiοn, radiο, mοbile telephοny, etc. cοnstantly increases, resulting in a parallel increase in the stress οf the general pοpulatiοn, abοut the effects that may be caused tο health. Fοr this reasοn, EMR measurements and their evaluatiοns shοuld be cοmmunicated tο the pοpulatiοn tο reduce misinfοrmatiοn and undue stress. The purpοse οf this wοrk is tο is tο Geοreferencing οf Expοsure tο 4G and 5G Radiοfrequency Electrοmagnetic Fields frοm mοbile phοnes in Thessaly Regiοn (Central Greece). Methοds220 measurements were perfοrmed in the regiοn οf Thessaly, in οrder tο cοmpare the electrοmagnetic expοsure befοre and after 5G installatiοn. A pοrtable field strength analyzer (SRM 3006, Narda Safety Test Sοlutiοns, Pfullingen, Germany) and a three-axis isοtrοpic antenna were used, and 4G and 5G electrοmagnetic radiatiοn measurements were perfοrmed in 3 cities οf Central Greece, in the regiοn οf Thessaly. We used GIS, especially Kriging algοrithm tο create electrοmagnetic envirοnment maps. ResultsBefοre the installatiοn οf 5G, measurements cοnducted in the Thessaly regiοn, in all cities (Larisa, Karditsa, Vοlοs) shοwed an mean expοsure ratiο οf 0.0003, with a median value οf 0.0001. After the installatiοn οf 5G, measurements shοwed an mean and median expοsure ratiο οf 0.0008. CοnclusiοnsThe recοrded expοsure values within the Thessaly regiοn cοnsistently remained belοw the internatiοnally recοmmended benchmark levels established by the ICNIRP. Cοnsequently, there is nο significant risk οf electrοmagnetic radiatiοn frοm mοbile phοnes and base statiοns in sensitive lands (schοοls, kindergarten etc) lοcated in the cities οf Thessaly.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Vaccination Practices Regarding the New RSV Vaccine among Health Professionals in Greece.

The introduction of a new vaccine into immunization programs represents a significant advancement in the global effort to combat vaccine-preventable diseases. Data from the World Health Organization support that immunization prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths each year across various diseases, underscoring its pivotal role in global health. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and anticipated vaccination practices among health professionals in Central Greece in response to the potential introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination guidelines by the National Vaccines Committee. Among the 450 health professionals solicited for the study, 219 provided responses, yielding a response rate of approximately 55%. A substantial majority (70.3%) accurately identified the vaccine's current availability, and 62.1% were aware of the current recommendation for RSV vaccination in pregnant women. In response to whether health professionals support the inclusion of an RSV vaccine in the national vaccination program if it becomes commercially available and is recommended by the Greek National Immunization Program, general practitioners showed the most support, with an average score of 4.86 (95% CI, 4.69-5.00), followed by pediatricians at 4.76 (95% CI, 4.63-4.89), pulmonologists at 4.68 (95% CI, 4.36-5.00), and obstetricians at 4.33 (95% CI, 3.95-4.71). Concerning general opinions on vaccinations, a high level of agreement was noted among the majority of health professionals, excluding nurses. Pharmacists recorded the highest agreement, with a perfect score of 5 (CI, 5.00-5.00), followed closely by pediatricians at 4.99 (CI, 4.97-5.00), GPs at 4.95 (CI, 4.85-5.00), pulmonologists at 4.93 (CI, 4.83-5.00), obstetricians at 4.74 (CI, 4.42-5.00), and nurses at 3.80 (CI, 3.06-4.54). A tailored approach to education is needed to ensure that healthcare professionals can communicate more effectively about RSV risks and vaccination benefits, fostering a proactive stance towards disease prevention and patient care. In essence, our study underscores the importance of knowledge in shaping a compassionate and responsive healthcare environment, ready to meet the challenges of RSV head-on.

Cumulative Effect of Psychosis and Aging on Cognitive Function in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Cognitive Domain Approach.

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are characterized by cognitive decline, which is evident even in the prodromal phase. Aging is a complex gradual procedure that affects, among other organs, the central nervous system, resulting in age-related cognitive decline. The objective of this study is to assess the cognitive function of patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders, in comparison with healthy controls, along the age spectrum. Sixty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in remission, 20-59 years old, and 60 healthy controls, matched by age and educational level, from the region of Thessaly in Central Greece, were evaluated, with respect to their cognitive performance, using the Greek version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Correlations between age and MoCA total and cognitive domains' scores, as well as statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test among age groups, were performed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 23; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). The MoCA score was negatively correlated with age, both in the patients' group (p<0.001) and in the control group (p=0.001).A significant statistical difference in mean MoCA scores between patients and healthy controls was observed, not only in the total sample (p<0.001) but also in all age groups (20-29: p=0.006, 40-49: p=0.024, 50-59: p<0.001), except for age group 30-39 (30-39: p=0.356).Statistically significant differences were also found between patients and healthy controls in the total sample, regarding specific cognitive domains, in the visuospatial and executive function domain (p=0.01), attention domain (p<0.001), language domain (p<0.001), and orientation domain (p<0.005). Interestingly, different deterioration patterns in cognitive domains were observed in each age group. Specifically,in the age group 20-29, statistically significant differences were found between patients and healthy controls in the language domain (p<0.014) and orientation domain (p<0.041). No difference was found in the age group 30-39, while statistically significant differences were found between patients and healthy controls in the age group 40-49 inthe attention domain (p<0.001) and language domain (p<0.001). Finally, in the age group 50-59, such differences were found in the visuospatial and executive function domain (p=0.041), attention domain (p=0.006), and language domain (p=0.001).Statistically significant cognitive decline occurs in a shorter period in the patients' group, suggesting an accelerated cognitive decline in psychotic patients after middle age. Age-related cognitive decline in psychotic patients occurs at an accelerated rate in relation to the control sample, with age-specific cognitive domain decline patterns, due to the cumulative effect of aging and psychosis on cognition. Further, larger, multicenter research should focus on establishing these results and designing relevant procognitive interventions.