Greek Island Research Articles

Rzymska czy grecka? O pochodzeniu zasady rodyjskiej o zrzucie morskim - lex Rhodia de iactu

What where the origins of the Rhodian law of jettison? Did the Romans really adopt the law created on the Greek island? The first part of the article examines the origin and authenticity of available sources. The second part deals with the origin of the idea to regulate this issue. Consequently, it appears that lex Rhodia de iactu was a maritime trade custom that developed in the Greek cultural background. When the Romans started to participate in the Mediterranean maritime trade, they adopted and transformed the custom in such a way that it became compatible to Roman law. This is how the Greek idea of settling a loss, incurred in the common interest, became one of the contractual elements of locatio conductio. It proves the usefulness and flexibility of that contract as well as the reasonableness of Roman law, which was able to accept good solutions from laws of other nations.

Does tourism affect the long term course of COVID-19 pandemic in a country of destination? Evidence from a popular Greek island in 2020 where control measures were implemented.

Greece opened its points of entry on July 1, 2020, with specific guidelines for travellers arriving by sea, air or land. The aim of this article is to examine the effect of tourism on the long term course of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic during the pre-vaccination era (June to December 2020) on the popular Greek island of Crete. To achieve this, a cross-sectional serosurvey, repeated at monthly intervals, was conducted to compare the seroprevalence in Crete with seroprevalence in the mainland of Greece. Crete welcomed nearly 2,000,000 travellers during the 2020 summer season. Left-over serum samples were collected and obtained from public and private laboratories located in Greece, including the island of Crete. These samples were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. A total of 55,938 samples were collected, 3,785 of which originated from Crete. In Crete, the seroprevalence ranged between 0% (June 2020) and 2.58% (December 2020), while the corresponding seroprevalence in Greece was 0.19% and 10.75%, respectively. We identified 4.16 times lower seropositivity in Crete (2.58%) in comparison with the mainland of Greece (10.75%) during December 2020. Moreover, the monthly infection fatality rate (IFR) in Crete was calculated at 0.09%, compared with 0.21% in mainland Greece for December 2020. The island of Crete presented more than four times lower seroprevalence than the mainland of Greece, despite being a highly attractive tourist destination. This evidence supports the idea that tourism may not have affected the long term course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece. However, due to contradicting results from previous studies, further investigation is needed.

Catalytic conversion of biomass-derived compounds to high added value products using an acid treated natural mordenite

Herein, the mordenite catalyst TECHΝOSA-H2 that originates from volcanic soils in Greek islands is utilized for the synthesis of ethers and acetals from renewable raw materials. Di-furfuryl ether and furfuryl ethyl ether are used in perfumery and fuels, respectively, and are usually produced by employing either homogeneous catalysts or heterogeneous catalysts which however may lead to undesirable polymer products. Using TECHNOSA H2 we achieved yields in di-furfuryl ether and furfuryl ethyl ether 30% and 60%, respectively, in 3 h and 150 °C. We also report the synthesis of citral propylene glycol acetal and citral diethyl acetal, two important compounds in perfumery industry whose industrial synthesis often requires homogeneous catalysts while with TECHNOSA-H2 50% yields are achieved in 20 min and mild temperatures. The nature of the active sites of TECHNOSA-H2 was inspected by its application to relevant test reactions revealing that Brønsted acidity dominates in this catalyst. To that end, the one-step isomerization of a-pinene oxide to campholenic aldehyde and the one-step cyclization of citronellal to isopulegol in 10min were achieved. Finally, the shape selectivity of the catalyst was examined, proving TECHNOSA-H2 to be selective between the (E)- and (Z)- isomers of Citral. Based on our findings, TECHNOSA-H2 applications vary and include acetalization, isomerization and etherification reactions, as well as reactions where shape selectivity between reactants is desired.

Oštećenja AB zgrada u İzmiru nakon potresa u Egejskom moru 30. listopada 2020.

An earthquake with a magnitude of Mw = 6.6 and a depth of approximately 16.5 km occurred on 30 October 2020 off the cost of Samos, a Greek island 35 km southwest of Seferihisar, a town in İzmir. The earthquake caused several collapses and severe structural damage in approximately 6,000 buildings, specifically in the Bayraklı District in İzmir Bay. This paper presents the observations and findings of a technical team that visited the earthquake-affected areas immediately after an earthquake. Eleven partially or fully collapsed buildings and several severely damaged reinforced concrete buildings were investigated. Based on the site observations, we observed that almost all of the collapsed or severely damaged reinforced concrete buildings in the region were built between 1975 and 2000. Site observations also confirmed that the construction of these collapsed or damaged buildings did not conform to the requirements outlined in the Turkish Earthquake Codes used at the time. The failures and severe damage to buildings in earthquake-affected areas are primarily related to inadequate reinforcement configuration, poor material quality, the absence of geotechnical studies, and framing problems related to their lateral load-carrying systems. Therefore, it is recommended that all the buildings located in and around İzmir Bay, particularly those built between 1975 and 2000, be structurally evaluated to prevent any further loss of life and property during future earthquakes.

Association of fructose consumption with prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders manifestations: results from Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS).

The study aimed to assess the total prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), and separately, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among adults and to determine their potential association with fructose consumption. Data from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey were included (3798 adults; 58·9 % females). Information regarding FGID symptomatology was assessed using self-reported physician diagnosis questionnaires the reliability of which were screened using the ROME III, in a sample of the population. Fructose intake was estimated from 24 h recalls, and the MedDiet score was used to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The prevalence of FGID symptomatology was 20·2 %, while 8·2 % had IBS (representing 40·2 % of total FGID). The likelihood of FGID was 28 % higher (95 %CI: 1·03-1·6) and of IBS 49 % (95 %CI: 1·08-2·05) in individuals with higher fructose intake than with lower intake (3rd tertile compared with 1st). When area of residence was accounted for, individuals residing in the Greek islands had a significantly lower probability of FGID and IBS compared with those residing in Mainland and the main Metropolitan areas, with Islanders also achieving a higher MedDiet score and lower added sugar intake, comparatively to inhabitants of the main metropolitan areas. FGID and IBS symptomatology was most prominent among individuals with higher fructose consumption, and this was most conspicuous in areas with a lower Mediterranean diet adherence, suggesting that the dietary source of fructose rather than total fructose should be examined in relation to FGID.

Analysis of Hydrometeorological Trends and Drought Severity in Water-Demanding Mediterranean Islands under Climate Change Conditions

Global climate change has emerged as a problem in recent years, and its effects will likely continue to increase in the future. Several scientific studies conducted in the Mediterranean region have demonstrated relatively stationary trends for annual precipitation and significant upward trends for mean annual temperature. These trends present several implications, especially in the Greek islands that serve as major summer tourist destinations where the population is already unable to meet their water demands. The aim of this study is to investigate both long- and short-term variations in temperature and precipitation on three Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea (Mykonos, Naxos, and Kos). The temperature and rainfall trends, as well as their magnitudes at yearly, seasonal, and monthly time steps, were determined using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall trend test. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed to identify the drought periods. According to the results, precipitation slightly increased (almost stationary) in the three islands, although this rise was not statistically significant. All three islands experienced a sharp and statistically significant increase in their mean annual air temperatures. The region may experience drought episodes as a result of the high temperature increase, which would drastically reduce the amount of water, available for use due to the increased evapotranspiration. For the Mediterranean region, the necessity for a drought management strategy to stop or diminish the severity of drought episodes and their effects has grown into a matter of great concern. It is crucial to take measures and conduct relevant research in order to create the conditions for adaptation and mitigation of climate change consequences and the increased appearance of drought phenomena.

Evaluation of Cowpea Landraces under a Mediterranean Climate.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) yield is strongly influenced by environmental conditions. Average seed yield can decrease to a great extent when drought conditions occur, especially when they prevail during flowering and seed filling periods. Identifying genotypes presenting yield stability is one of the most important breeding goals. Local varieties or crop landraces are genetic resources that, despite exhibiting intermediate yield production capacity, present high yield stability in low-input cropping systems. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate five selected cowpea landraces originated from different Greek islands under Mediterranean climatic conditions. A complete randomized block design with four replications was used during three consecutive cropping seasons. Many phenological and agronomic traits studied showed statistically significant genotype × experimental year interaction, while there was a strong experimental year effect. Among the landraces studied, local population VG23 from Kythira Island was the most productive under the experimental climatic and soil conditions, while local population VG2 from Lemnos Island was characterized by low seed productivity. Conclusively, our study showed that VG23 landrace is a promising genetic material to be used for seed yield improvement.

Influence of Natural Mordenite Activation Mode on Its Efficiency as Support of Nickel Catalysts for Biodiesel Upgrading to Renewable Diesel.

In the present work, natural mordenite originated from volcanic soils in Greek islands, activated using HCl solution and HCl solution followed by NaOH solution, was used as support for preparing two metallic nickel catalysts (30 wt.% Ni). The catalysts were thoroughly characterized (XRF, N2 adsorption-desorption, SEM, XRD, TEM, H2-TPR, NH3-TPD) and evaluated for biodiesel upgrading to green (renewable) diesel. Double activation of natural mordenite optimized its supporting characteristics, finally resulting in a supported nickel catalyst with (i) enhanced specific surface area (124 m2 g-1) and enhanced mean pore diameter (14 nm) facilitating mass transfer; (ii) easier nickel phase reduction; (iii) enhanced Ni0 dispersion and thus high active surface; (iv) balanced population of moderate and strong acid sites; (v) resistance to sintering; and (vi) low coke formation. Over the corresponding catalyst, the production of a liquid consisting of 94 wt.% renewable diesel was achieved, after 9 h of reaction at 350 °C and 40 bar H2 pressure, in a semi-batch reactor under solvent-free conditions.

Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Physical Activity Level in Adolescents During the Lockdown in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study in Greek Island of Rhodes

Background: Nutrition is involved in various ways in the 17 distinct SDGs of United Nations Agenda 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic is testing the world threatening health, nutrition, education, and social protection. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the adolescents’ adherence to the Mediterranean diet that attended senior high school in the Greek city of Rhodes during the lockdown period. Methods: In this cross-sectional, observational study the sample of the research was 227 students aged 11-15 years old, that self-reported their weight and height and completed validated questionnaires for their nutritional attitudes. Results: The percentages of students who were overweight/obese were 22.5% of the total sample (17.2% overweight and 5.3% obese) according to the IOTF (International Obesity Taskforce) cutoffs and 30.4% (21.6% overweight and 8.8% obese) according to the WHO (World Health Organization) cutoffs. The average KIDMED score of the sample was medium (6.00) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet of the sample needs improvement. Conclusion: Results support a shift from traditional Mediterranean diet to more unhealthy eating patterns. Adolescents' limited physical activity mainly on weekdays was reported, and further research could examine the role of distant education for this behavior. Policies and strategies targeting the students’ population are essential for adolescents’ nutrition education and the improvement of their dietary habits toward the sustainable Mediterranean diet, during the specific circumstances of covid pandemic.

Water visitation patterns by Eleonora’s falcon at its breeding grounds: a case study using visual observations and camera traps

Water is a vital resource providing multiple services to many organisms, including birds. Eleonora’s falcon is an iconic, long-distance migrant bird of the Palearctic region. While various aspects of its life history have been thoroughly studied, its dependence on water sources has been poorly documented. In this study, we examine for the first time the species’ visitation patterns at a complex of small, natural ponds of karstic water on a Greek island and provide a detailed description of its bathing and drinking behaviour using visual observations and camera traps. Our results indicate that the species visits the ponds systematically from spring until autumn to bathe and drink. Water visitation patterns suggest communal behaviour, most probably benefitting from increased vigilance in greater numbers. In spring, male falcons prevail during water sessions and the reverse pattern is observed in autumn, whereas morph ratio remains stable, close to the expected 3:1 ratio. Temperature, affecting the falcons’ foraging activity and/or their heat dissipation requirements, together with seasonal differences in labour division between sexes can explain a significant amount of the observed variability in water visitation patterns. Freshwater sources in most islets hosting breeding colonies are scarce, thus natural ponds in nearby larger islands are an important resource many falcons could rely on while at their breeding grounds. The identification and preservation of bathing and drinking spots where falcons gather in numbers across its breeding range is thus highly recommended. Considering the forecasted impact of climate change on karstic water we also encourage an in-depth analysis of the role of water in the adaptation of Eleonora’s falcon to a life in insular environments experiencing global warming. Last but not least, further investigation of the species’ communal behaviour regarding water use can also offer interesting insights in the species’ natural history. HIGHLIGHTS•Eleonora’s falcons visit the water ponds systematically and communally to bathe and drink •Temperature variability and differences in labour division between sexes explain water visitation patterns to a large extent

Mediterranean Diet Adherence Is Associated with Favorable Health-Related Quality of Life, Physical Activity, and Sleep Quality in a Community-Dwelling Greek Older Population.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a beneficial dietary pattern with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote mental and physical human health. This study aims to assess the impact of MD adherence on health-related quality of life, physical activity levels, and sleep quality in a representative Greek elderly population. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 3254 persons ≥65 years from 14 different Greek regions, urban, rural and islands participated in this study, of which 48.4% were female and 51.6% were male. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) was evaluated utilizing a short form healthy survey, physical activity was determined by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), sleep quality was assessed utilizing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and MD adherence was assessed via the Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore). Moderate adherence to the MD and an increased prevalence of poor quality of life, low physical activity levels and inadequate sleep quality among the elderly population were recorded. High MD adherence was independently associated with better quality of life (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 2.06-2.68, p = 0.0008), higher physical activity (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.47-2.35, p = 0.0141) and adequate sleep quality (OR: 2.11, 95%: 1.79-2.44, p = 0.0018), female sex (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.02-1.68, p = 0.0032) and living with others (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.81-1.76, p = 0.0375), after adjustment for potential confounding factors. In unadjusted analysis, participants' age (p < 0.0001), anthropometric characteristics (p < 0.005), educational (p = 0.0026) and financial status (p = 0.0005) and smoking habits (p = 0.0031) were also identified as indicators of MD adherence; however, their impact on MD adherence was considerably attenuated after adjusting for confounding factors (p > 0.05). High MD adherence was correlated with favorable quality of life, higher levels of physical activity, and a more adequate sleep quality score. Strategies and public health policies that facilitate MD adherence and physical activity in older adults may improve sleep and quality of life, impacting overall wellbeing in this age group.

Household sorting in an ancient setting

We use archaeological data from ancient settlements of three different historical eras on a Greek island to construct novel measures of consumption. Using these, we show that the shares of high-quality consumption goods were relatively more concentrated closer to the center of nucleated settlements as compared to low-quality consumption goods. There is no such pattern in a placebo settlement. In this unique setting, these quality gradients may reflect differences in household consumption baskets across these settlements. We argue that some alternative, trade or production based hypotheses for such gradients can be weakly ruled out based on our data and archaeological sources.

Body Lands: Image Performativity in Object and Shadow

The epistemological investigations concerning the visual arts of sculpture and video proposed in this essay begin in a performative field of research on the Greek islands of Kos and Crete. The intentional act of creating images from my own shadow meeting archeological objects brings an insightful approach to an update of these aesthetic languages, inspired by semantic displacement and ageless nomadism phenomena. The research is based on cognition, philosophy and body studies, as well as the modern concepts of minimalist art.

Necroharms: the normalisation and routinisation of social death in refugee camps on the Greek Island of Lesvos

ABSTRACT This paper explores the consequences of the necropolitical border regime on border crossers’ lives on the Greek island of Lesvos. It focuses on the manifold abandonments (left-to-die practices) that border crossers experience inside and beyond the refugee camps and detention centres, arguing that this inhuman and degrading treatment inflicts, normalises and naturalises disposability, humiliation, and social death. The paper combines a social harm approach, critical migration and border studies, and insights from anthropology to analyse border crossers’ lived experiences of violence. In doing so, the paper contributes to the growing literature on the politics of abandonment and disposability as a modus operandi of migration governance. It also expands on social harm typologies by introducing a new conceptual category of harm which I term ‘necroharms’.

Genetic Variability of Small Horse Populations from Greek Islands

In this study, we analyzed microsatellite variation in DNA obtained from hair samples collected from 46 local Greek horse populations originating from the islands of Skyros (Skyros Small Horse; n=9), Rhodes (Rodos Small Horse; n=6), Lesvos (with the traditional miniature Midili Small Horse (n=2) and the larger Lesvos Gaiter (n=22)) and Crete (Messara) (n=7). We used 15 autosomal microsatellite markers (VHL20, HTG4, AHT4, HMS7, HTG6, AHT5, HMS6, ASB2, HTG10, HTG7, HMS3, HMS2, ASB17, ASB23 and LEX33) for the genetic characterization of the above populations and exploration of their genetic structure and diversity levels. A total of 120 alleles were detected across the 15 loci with a minimum of 4 alleles in HTG7 locus and a maximum of 13 alleles in ASB17 locus. Τhe total per population number of alleles was 42 (Skyros Small Horse), 20 (Rodos Small Horse), 71 (Lesvos Gaiter), 52 (Messara breed) and 21 (Midili Small Horse). The effective number of alleles (Ne) per locus ranged from 1.47±0.13 (Rodos Small Horse) to 4.67±0.31 (Lesvos Gaiter). The allelic richness (Ar) was between 1.50±0.12 (Rodos Small Horse) and 2.93±0.08 (Lesvos Gaiter) and the average Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values varied from 0.200±0.035 (Rodos Small Horse) to 0.733±0.026 (Lesvos Gaiter). No significant deviations from H-W equilibrium were found except for three loci (ASB2, HTG10 and LEX33) in Messara and one locus (ASB23) in Lesvos Gaiter. Τhe inbreeding coefficient (Fis) ranged from -0.130 (Rodos Small Horse) to 0.042 (Lesvos Gaiter). The observed (Ho) and expected (He) multilocus heterozygosity mean estimations were highest in Lesvos Gaiter (0.764±0.027 and 0.783±0.024, respectively) and smallest in Rodos Small Horse (0.300±0.075 and 0.269±0.064, respectively). Across loci, the total genetic diversity HT was 0.741, the diversity among subpopulations HS was 0.621 and the multilocus genetic differentiation GST was 0.161, which was rather high. The population of Rodos Small Horse separated from the remaining horses as shown by factorial correspondence analysis, population assignment and metric multidimensional scaling diagrams. This study highlights the loss of genetic diversity in small isolated horse populations and the urgent need to take protective measures to preserve them.

A review of Eupholidoptera (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) from Crete, Gavdos, Gavdopoula, and Andikithira.

Being nocturnal, hiding in prickly bushes and shrubs during the day, Eupholidoptera species in Crete and its neighbouring islands are easily overlooked, and until now our knowledge about their distribution was based on some thirty sightings across 11 species. In this paper results are presented of a study of Eupholidoptera specimens collected between 1987 and 2020 by hand-catches and pitfall and fermenting traps on the Greek islands of Crete, Gavdos, Gavdopoula, and Andikithira. Diagnostic features of all known species are presented and illustrated with stacked images. An updated key to all species is provided. Eupholidopterafrancisae Tilmans & Odé, sp. nov. from Andikithira and southwestern Crete and Eupholidopteramarietheresae Willemse & Kotitsa, sp. nov. from Mt. Dikti are described. Female E.cretica, E.gemellata, and E.mariannae are described, and the female of E.astyla is redescribed. Bioacoustics for E.francisae Tilmans & Odé, sp. nov., E.giuliae, and E.jacquelinae are presented for the first time. Eupholidopterasmyrnensis is reported for the first time from Crete. A substantial amount of new distribution data for Eupholidoptera species on Crete is presented. The current distribution pattern and first analyses of phylogeny based on molecular data of Eupholidoptera species on Crete are discussed in relation to paleogeographical events.

Determination of the Total Phenolics Content and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Parts of Plants from the Greek Island of Crete.

Oxidative damages are responsible for many adverse health effects and food deterioration. The use of antioxidant substances is well renowned, and as such, much emphasis is placed on their use. Since synthetic antioxidants exhibit potential adverse effects, plant-derived antioxidants are a preferable solution. Despite the myriads of plants that exist and the fact that numerous studies have been carried out so far, there are many species that have not been examined so far. Many plants under research exist in Greece. Trying to fill this research gap, the total phenolics content and antioxidant activity of seventy methanolic extracts from parts of Greek plants were evaluated. The total phenolics content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteau assay. Their antioxidant capacity was calculated by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging test, the Rancimat method based on conductometric measurements, and the thermoanalytical method DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry). The tested samples were obtained from several parts of fifty-seven Greek plant species belonging to twenty-three different families. Both a remarkably high phenolic content (with gallic acid equivalents varying between 311.6 and 735.5 mg/g of extract) and radical scavenging activity (IC50 values ranged from 7.2 to 39.0 μg/mL) were found in the extract of the aerial parts of Cistus species (C. creticus subsp. creticus, C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus, C. monspeliensis, C. parviflorus and C. salviifolius), Cytinus taxa (C. hypocistis subsp. hypocistis, C. hypocistis subsp. orientalis and C. ruber), and Sarcopoterium spinosum. Furthermore, the sample of Cytinus ruber showed the highest protection factor (PF = 1.276) regarding the Rancimat method, which was similar to that of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (PF = 1.320). The results indicated that these plants are rich in antioxidant compounds, potentiating their use either as food additives to enhance the antioxidant properties of food products, or protect them from oxidation, or as sources for the preparation of food supplements with antioxidant properties.

Towards a similarity index of network paths in spatial networks

The mathematical analysis of a spatial network using graph theory and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for path finding, has created the need to compare possible solutions to better solve spatial problems in road networks. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive and documented selection of the identification of similar routes on a spatial network through the development of a spatial Similarity Index. The index compares the geographical characteristics of routes (altitude, length, distance from points of interest) drawn in a spatial network and calculates the percentage of similarity between the routes and the criteria that contributed to their drawing. The purpose of this multicriteria indicator is to select the optimal solution for spatial problems that occur in a network, such as transport, energy, environment, sport, and tourism. This leads to the Similarity Index serving as a reliable tool in decision-making for local and regional development. The case study is the Greek island of Lesbos, with a complex road network that develops over a relief with strong differences in altitude. In addition, there are many points of tourist, cultural and economic interest on the island, which helps to find the path that largely fulfils all geographical parameters.

What Influences the Prevalence and Intensity of Haemoparasites and Ectoparasites in an Insular Lizard?

Island biogeography theories predict that characteristics such as island size, age, and isolation interplay in host-parasite dynamics. In this study, we analyzed haemogregarines of the Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, to investigate how island characteristics relate to parasite prevalence and intensity. A previous assessment of 19 Greek island populations suggested that isolation time and host population density were key predictors of haemogregarines. Here, by combining microscopy and genetic techniques, we extend this previous study to four additional islands: Syros, Folegandros, Santorini and Nea Kameni. We also recorded the prevalence of ticks and mites, definitive hosts for these parasites. The genetically identified haemogregarines are part of a clade with parasites from other lizard species, including some considered as Karyolysus, but others assigned to Hepatozoon. The prevalence of these parasites differed significantly between islands, while their intensity did not. The presence of ticks was associated with endoparasite prevalence, and males were more frequently infected by haemogregarines than females. Combining our data with that of the previous study, we found no significant impact of the island age and area on parasite prevalence. We also confirmed the presence of the unrelated parasite genus Schellackia through microscopy and DNA sequencing, which is the first record of this genus in this host species. Our results further highlight the complexity of host-parasite systems.

Ecological Preferences and Diversity of Essential Oil Composition in Endangered Wild-Growing Populations of Sideritis sipylea Boiss. (Lamiaceae) of the East Aegean Islands (Greece): Evidencing Antioxidant Potential, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities.

Plants from the genus Sideritis (Lamiaceae) have been widely used in folk medicine for a long time and consequently are a focus of the scientific community. Despite this interest, explicit data about the essential oils (EOs) of the Endangered Sideritis sipylea have not been readily available to date. In this study, we investigated the ecological preferences of Greek S. sipylea and the chemical composition of the essential oils of wild-growing S. sipylea populations from two Greek islands (S1: Samos, S2: Lesvos); we explored concomitant associations with environmental factors; and we assessed their (i) antioxidant potential (two tests), (ii) antimicrobial activity against six microbial and two fungal strains, and (iii) cytotoxic effect in two human and one murine cell lines. We compiled an ecological profile in R based on all known Greek localities of S. sipylea, outlining for the first time its preferences regarding temperature (3.48 ± 1.53 °C to 30.70 ± 1.11 °C) and the precipitation regimes (5.92 ± 2.33 mm to 136 ± 11.43 mm) shaping its natural occurrence in the wild. The chemical analysis (42 compounds in total) confirmed the domination of monoterpene hydrocarbons in both samples (with quantitative and qualitative differences) and identified 12 new constituents reported in S. sipylea for the first time (e.g., Bicyclogermacrene and Cumacrene). Dominant compounds in S1 (39 constituents) were β-Myrcene (20.4%) followed by β-caryophyllene (11.8%), bicyclogermacrene (7.1%), β-pinene (6.3%), carvacrol (6.2%) and α-terpinene (6.1%), whereas in S2 (26 constituents) the main ones were α-pinene (37.3%), β-pinene (15.1%) and sabinene (12.1%), followed by β-caryophyllene (5.6%) and bicyclogermacrene (5.5%). The strong antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic activity of S. sipylea EOs are reported herein for the first time, while new insight is provided regarding their effect on bacterial and fungal strains (four ones originally tested herein). The biological activity analysis demonstrated variation among samples, with S2 being more potent than S1. Altogether, the results of the present study demonstrate the high biological potential of S. sipylea EOs with an interesting antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects and reveal associations of natural chemodiversity with climatic factors.