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The present article is based on a small-scale research that took place with the students in the Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics in 2014 and three years later with the students of the same Department and the Department of Computer Science, as well. Students who have enrolled in the Educational science-Pedagogy module, that the Department offers, were asked if the module was beneficial in a Department purely technical (Faculty of Science) and if this theoretical module assisted them in their academic life and generally. Various views are listed reflecting students' perspective of the module Educational science-Pedagogy and come to the conclusion that we present; no module is useless.

The present study investigated the nomological validity of the Amotivation Inventory-Physical Education (Shen, Wingert, Li, Sun, & Rukavina, 2010b) scores by examining the associations of ability, effort, value, and task characteristics amotivation beliefs with self-determination theory variables. Data were collected from 401 fifth- and sixth-grade students, 416 middle-school students, and 401 high-school students. After providing support for the correlated four-factor structure, the hierarchical structure, internal consistency, and composite reliability of the Amotivation Inventory-Physical Education scores, large negative correlations emerged with perceived autonomy support by the PE teacher; needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness; identified regulation; intrinsic motivation; and students' subjective vitality. Strong positive correlations were obtained with unidimensional amotivation and external regulation, and weak correlations were obtained with introjected regulation. Also, multidimensional amotivation beliefs partially mediated the relationship between the need for autonomy and subjective vitality. The results provided support for the nomological aspect of construct validity of the Amotivation Inventory-Physical Education scores. (Contains 5 tables and 4 figures.)

The present study reported on the modification of the Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (Vlachopoulos & Michailidou, 2006) to assess students' psychological need fulfillment in elementary school, middle school, and high school compulsory physical education classes. Data were collected from 817 5th and 6th grade students, 862 middle school students and 844 high school students, boys and girls. The findings supported an a priori correlated 3-factor structure of the Basic Psychological Needs in Physical Education scale (BPN-PE) with strong internal reliability for all three school grade levels. Support was also obtained for the nomological validity of the scale responses. Further, measurement invariance emerged for BPN-PE scores across boys and girls and across students who participated or not in out-of-school sports within each school grade level as well as across all three school grade levels. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

The purpose of the study was to evaluate painful procedures in ICU patients and to investigate their effect as well as the role of analgesia in the outcome. We measured pain level and vital signs before, during and after potentially painful procedures by using the Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) and the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT). We analyzed the correlation of these measurements and of analgesia with the outcome. Twenty-eight patients were subjected to 160 stimuli. There were statistically significant differences in pain scores and most vital signs between the different timepoints (before-during, during-after). Most of them were significantly correlated with each other. Physiotherapy proved to be the most painful procedure. Regarding the outcome, the administration of extra analgesia predicted less days of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.015) and of ICU stay (p = 0.016). The higher change in BPS was correlated with more days of mechanical ventilation [B (95% CI) = 3.640 (1.001–6.280), p = 0.007] and of ICU stay [B (95% CI) = 3.645 (1.035–6.254), p = 0.006]. The higher change in CPOT and the nonuse of extra analgesia were related to increased mortality [OR (95% CI) = 1.492 (1.107–2.011), p = 0.009 and OR (95% CI) = 2.626 (1.013–6.806), p = 0.047]. Increased pain in ICU patients was successfully assessed by the BPS and CPOT and correlated to worse outcomes, which the administration of extra analgesia might improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: An extensive countrywide study in Greece revealed that isolation of the zoonotic pathogens Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria ivanovii from the milk produced in sheep or goat farms was infrequent: 1.2% of farms sampled. The presence of pigs on the farms, low average relative humidity in the environment and a high number of animals on the farms were found to be associated with the isolations. Detailed assessment of the L. ivanovii strains, for which there is a paucity of information worldwide, revealed that the isolated strains belonged to the L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii branch. All strains of the branch appeared to be very similar, with the distance between them being small, which suggests that global spread of this clonal branch is a recent evolutionary event or that the branch is characterized by a slow evolutionary rate. A cross-sectional study was performed in 325 sheep and 119 goat dairy farms in Greece. Samples of bulk-tank milk were examined by standard microbiological techniques for Listeria spp. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from one (0.3%) and Listeria ivanovii from three (0.9%) sheep farms. No associations between the isolation of L. monocytogenes or L. ivanovii and milk quality were found. No resistance to antibiotics was identified. Three variables emerged as significant predictors of isolation of the organism: the presence of pigs, low average relative humidity and a high number of ewes on the farm. The three L. ivanovii isolates were assessed in silico for identification of plasmids, prophages, antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, CRISPRs and CAS genes. Phylogenetic analysis using the core genome revealed that the three strains belonged to the L. ivanovii subsp. ivanovii branch and were especially close to the PAM 55 strain. All strains of the branch appeared to be very similar, with the distance between them being small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of very-high-grade bauxite ores of karst-type deposits resulting from Fe-leaching is of particular importance, because they are widespread in the Mediterranean metallogenetic province and result in the natural beneficiation of the ore quality. The present study focuses on mineral transformations and variations of major and trace elements, including platinum-group elements (PGE) and mineral chemistry along a bauxite profile from the Parnassos-Ghiona deposit, Greece underlying a fault. The most salient feature of the multicolor ores (grey–whitish, yellowish, deep red, deep grey to brown-red color, from top to bottom) is their association with fossilized and present-day microorganisms, which, by their reducing and/or oxidizing activity, catalyze redox reactions and provide nucleation sites for the precipitation of secondary minerals. Texture relationships between mineral and variations in the mineral chemistry, suggesting the sequence in their formation, indicate a multistage evolution. The recorded compositional variations show that the Al enrichment is accompanied by increase in the TOC, As, Pd and U, and chondrite-normalized REE patterns exhibit a similar trend and positive Ce anomalies. A lower (Pt + Pd) content and higher Pd/Pt ratio, ranging from 1.0 to 5.5 in the bauxite profile compared to those in Fe-Ni laterite deposits with the Pd/Pt ratio ranging from 0.1 to 0.68, reflect the higher solubility and mobility of Pd compared to that of Pt, and differences in their origin and genesis. A positive correlation between Pd and As and the elevated As content (up to 960 mg/kg) in multicolor ores compared to brown-red samples (average 10 mg/kg As) confirms their mobilization and redeposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The protective role of Mediterranean diet (MD) and the detrimental effect of smoking on colorectal cancer (CRC) have already been shown. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential mediating effect of MD on the association between the aforementioned factor (smoking) and CRC. Methods: It is a case–control study. Two hundred fifty consecutive patients with CRC (63 ± 12 years, 59% males) and 250 age–sex group-matched controls, both from the area of Attica, were studied. Various socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle (including detailed smoking habits) and dietary characteristics were measured. Adherence to the MD was evaluated using the MedDietScore (theoretical range 0–55). Results: Each unit increase in the MedDietScore was associated with 13% lower likelihood of CRC (P < 0.001). Smoking habits were associated with 2.9-fold the likelihood of CRC among participants who were away from the MD (i.e. MedDietScore < 29) and with 2.1-fold the likelihood of CRC among those who were close to the MD (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Adherence to the MD was associated with a less detrimental association of smoking habits with CRC, suggesting indirect benefits of adherence to this dietary pattern with regards to CRC morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of Mediterranean diet on colorectal cancer, in the presence of the metabolic syndrome, was evaluated in 250 patients with first developed cancer (63 ± 12 years, 59% males) and 250 age–gender-matched controls. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with the modified-MedDietScore (theoretical range 0-75), while assessment of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) was based on the third Adult Treatment Panel ([ATP III] National Cholesterol Education Program) criteria. Presence of MetS (1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 2.69), age (4.25, 95% CI 2.33, 7.77), smoking (1.85, 95% CI 1.27, 2.70), and family history of colorectal cancer (3.37, 95% CI 1.69, 6.75) had a detrimental effect, whereas adherence to the Mediterranean diet (0.88, 95% CI 0.84, 0.92) and body mass index (0.93, 95%CI 0.89, 0.98) had a protective role regarding colorectal cancer. Mediterranean diet had the same effect in relation to colorectal cancer, in both participants with (0.84, 95% CI 0.76, 0.93) and without MetS (0.89, 95% CI 0.85, 0.94). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Mediterranean dietary pattern has a well-established beneficial role in health promotion. Epidemiologic studies reveal the protective role of adherence to this pattern on overall cancer incidence and mortality. This review examines results from prospective cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies assessing the role of the Mediterranean diet in cancer prevention. Original research studies that were published in English between 1985 and April 6, 2010, were selected through a computer-assisted literature search (i.e., PubMed and Scopus). From the initial search, 273 papers were selected. After the titles and the abstracts of these papers were read for relevance to this review, 17 studies were selected and are discussed here; 8 had a prospective design, 7 were case-control, 1 was a randomized screening study, and 1 was an interventional study. Although there is a lack of definitive evidence for the association of Mediterranean diet with various types of cancer, a dietary pattern emphasizing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy products could be highly recommended for all people, and especially those at risk for cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To identify the predictors of six-month continuous abstinence among Greek smokers treated in a Smoking Cessation Clinic, emphasising the role of sleep disturbance on the outcome. Methods: A nested case-control design was used. Patients who attended the Smoking Cessation Clinic between November 2004 and October 2005, and who completed six months of follow-up, constituted the final study population (N=285). The patients were separated into two groups - those who managed to quit smoking and those who didn't. The cessation method included pharmacotherapy, oneto- one behavioral counselling, and follow-up by telephone communication. Results: Among various baseline characteristics examined, multivariate regression analysis indicated that the time to first cigarette after awakening, and use of bupropion, independently predicted abstinence, while awakening during the night was negatively associated with abstinence. Conclusion: These multivariate factors, which can positively or negatively affect the outcome, should be taken into account so that smoking cessation treatment can be individualised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen grains from the plant cover of a given area participate largely in the composition of aeroflora (pollen and molds) of this area. Association of allergic respiratory disorders with concentration of allergenic particles in the atmosphere is well documented, and aerobiologic studies are of great relevance. A 10-year volumetric aerobiologic study was conducted in the city of Heraklion, located in the center of the north-shore of the island of Crete, Greece. Main allergenic families and genera encountered were, in descending order of frequency Oleaceae, Quercus, Platanaceae, Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, Populus, Moraceae, and Corylaceae. Concentrations noted for most of these aeroallergens were much lower than those reported from other European regions. In parallel, an atopic population of 576 individuals, exhibiting allergic symptoms mainly of the respiratory tract were subjected to a battery of skin-prick tests. A fair degree of agreement between total pollen counts and positive skin-prick test frequencies for the families of Oleaceae, Platanaceae, and Cupressaceae was noted. On the contrary a poor degree of concordance was noted for the rest of the families and genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasses and weeds contain species that produce abundant pollen grains and have been implicated as causative agents in both asthma and allergic rhinitis. In this study, we present the pollen counts of allergenic grasses and weeds on the island of Crete and show their impact on allergic individuals. Heraklion is located at the center of the north shore of Crete and has been monitored with a Burkard 7-day volumetric spore trap since 1994, to determine the identity, concentration, and seasonal variation of airborne pollen grains. Data from 10 consecutive years were recorded, analyzed, and correlated to the growth of respective plants on this island. The island's vegetation and blossoming periods have been investigated by conducting field trips. In parallel, an atopic population of 576 individuals with a convincing history of allergic respiratory disease--rhinitis and/or asthma--was subjected to skin-prick tests with 50 common allergens. Quantitatively, there was a fair agreement between total pollen counts and positive skin-prick test frequencies for Parietaria (Urticaceae family). For the majority of the grass and weed genera, strongly positive skin test responses were observed frequently, despite rather low pollen counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mold spores are universal outdoor and indoor components and generally are recognized as possible sources of respiratory allergies. A 10-year aerobiological study (1994-2003) was conducted in the city of Heraklion located at the center of the Mediterranean island of Crete, Greece. Eighteen mold species exhibiting a normal annual seasonal pattern have been identified and recorded. The most abundant mold species include (a) Cladosporium, (b) Alternaria, (c) miscellaneous ascosporas (d) Leptosphaeria, and (e) basidiomycete Coprinus. In parallel, 571 atopic individuals were tested by skin-prick tests (SPTs). Among these 571 patients 42.5% showed dermal positivity to mold allergens. Most positive SPTs were those of (a) Alternaria, (b) Cladosporium, (c) Fusarium, (d) Aspergillus, and (e) Mucor. No linear relationship was noted between SPT frequencies and percentages of mold species. All of these aerobiological and sensitization data constitute a firm basis for further medical and biological research and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract An 8-year study was conducted on the island of Crete in order to identify airborne ascospores and to determine their seasonal pattern. A Burkard 7-day, volumetric spore-trap was continuously operated in the city of Irakleion??located in the center of the island from 1994 through 2001. Relatively high ascospore counts (20 48spores/m 3) were obtained from mid-spring through summer, while the rest of the year exhibited lower activity (816spores/m3). The predominant ascospores identified were those of Leptosphaeria and Chaetomium; their concentrations varied from 1 or 2 spores up to a few dozens of spores/m3. Other spores encountered sporadically were: Ascobolus, Endophragmiella, Didymella, Diatrypaceae, Leptosphaerulina, Massaria, Pleospora, Sporormiella, Xylaria. The mean daily concentration of all identified ascospores was 30/m3 for the entire study period, corresponding to 13.9% of the total fungal load. Ascospores have been recognized as important inhalant allergens and have been implicated as contributing to symptoms of both rhinitis and asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a paucity of information regarding staphylococcal populations on teatcups of milking parlours in sheep and goat farms. The objectives were to describe the populations of staphylococci on teatcups in milking parlours in sheep or goat farms in two field investigations throughout Greece and to potentially associate the findings with the use of anti-staphylococcal mastitis vaccinations in the farms visited during the two investigations. In a cross-sectional (255 sheep and 66 goat farms across Greece) and a longitudinal (12 sheep farms, four samplings, throughout lactation) study, swab samples were collected from 1418 teatcups (upper and lower part) for staphylococcal recovery, identification and assessment of biofilm-formation. A total of 328 contaminated teatcups (23.1%) were found in 105 sheep (41.2%) and 35 goat (53.0%) farms. Staphylococci were more frequently recovered from the upper than the lower part of teatcups: 269 versus 139 teatcups, respectively. After identification, 253 staphylococcal isolates were found: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus lentus, and Staphylococcus capitis predominated. Of these isolates, 87.4% were biofilm-forming. The proportion of contaminated teatcups was smaller in farms where vaccination against anti-staphylococcal mastitis in general or vaccination specifically against mastitis caused specifically by biofilm-forming staphylococcal strains was applied, 19.7% or 10.9%, respectively, versus 25.5% in farms without vaccination. In the longitudinal study, contaminated teatcups were identified in 28 (58.3%) sampling occasions, with staphylococci being recovered more frequently from their upper part. The same species as in the cross-sectional study predominated. Of these isolates, 61.9% were biofilm-forming. In farms where vaccination against mastitis caused specifically by biofilm-forming staphylococcal strains was applied, the proportion of contaminated teatcups was smaller: 20.4% versus 48.3% in farms without vaccination. There were no differences in proportions of contaminated teatcups between sampling occasions. In conclusion, the great majority of staphylococci recovered from teatcups of milking parlours in sheep and goat farms included biofilm-forming isolates. Reduced staphylococcal isolation was noted in farms where anti-staphylococcal vaccination was performed; this was possibly the effect of reduced excretion of staphylococci in the milk of vaccinated animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Data regarding Staphylococcus epidermidis in the multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) database are appraised. Further, work on the association with the resistance of Staphylococcus epidermidis, isolated from cases of sheep mastitis in Greece, to antibiotics is presented. The database includes 1593 isolates from 46 countries, most (76%) of human origin. Of the isolates of animal origin, 72% are from cases of mastitis, among which there were differences between isolates of bovine or ovine origin. Of the isolates from sheep mastitis in Greece, in 58%, resistance to antibiotics was found. There was no association between MLST types and resistance to antibiotics, but antibiotic resistance was more frequent among isolates from flocks being hand- than machine-milked. Staphylococcus epidermidis is an important causal agent of ovine mastitis. A literature search indicated a lack of systematic studies of causal agents of the infection by using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The objectives were to analyse MLST-based data and evaluate the antimicrobial resistance of S. epidermidis isolates from ovine mastitis in Greece. The database included 1593 isolates from 46 countries: 1215 of human, 195 of environmental and 134 of animal origin, distributed into 949 sequence types (STs) and cumulatively with 450 alleles therein. Among mastitis isolates, bovine isolates were distributed into 36 different STs and ovine ones into 15 STs. The 33 isolates from ovine mastitis in Greece were in 15 different STs, 6 of these (ST677, ST678, ST700, ST 709, ST710, ST711) assigned for the first time; in addition, 5 alleles (65 for arcC, 59 for aroE, 56 and 57 for gtr and 48 for tpiA) were identified for the first time. The spanning tree of these isolates included 15 nodes and 14 edges (i.e., branches). Among these isolates, 19 showed resistance to antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, penicillin, fucidic adic, erythromycin, clindamycin, cefoxitin). Resistance-related genes (tetK, tetT, msrA, tetM, tetS, ermC, mecA) were detected. There was no association between STs and resistance to antimicrobial agents. Isolates with antimicrobial resistance were recovered more often from flocks where hand-milking was practised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 19 years, Greece was honored once again with the organization of the EAACI's most important annual event, under the presidency of a women for the first time in its 50-year history of meetings and congresses. In the capital of the Aegean, it was appropriate to refer to Hippocrates and his contribution not only to the treatment but also to the prevention of allergic diseases through proper urban planning. The impact of IgE in allergology was the title of the first and 30-year anniversary plenary session on June 2, introduced and chaired by the EAACI president.

The Hellenic Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (HSACI) was founded in the early 1970s. It was in 1972 that a small nucleus of allergologists, all trained abroad--assisted by physicians of other specialties to reach the required number of 20 founder members--established the HSACI. The growth of the society was rather slow for the first 10-12 years, due to the lack of training centers in the country. In 1981, in accord with the regulations of the European Commission, allergology gained recognition as a main specialty and its first Greek training center was established in Athens, Greece. Twice a year, the HSACI holds a continuing education course in immunoallergology, open only to its members. There have been proposals to extend its duration and widen its scope, in order to accommodate the needs of colleagues from other disciplines.

Wastewater analysis is the most attractive alternative way for the quantification and variant profiling of SARS-CoV-2. Infection dynamics can be monitored by RT-qPCR assays while NGS can provide evidence for the presence of existing or new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Herein, apart from the infection dynamic in Attica since June 1st, 2021, the monitoring of 9 mutations of the omicron and 4 mutations of the delta SARS-CoV-2 variants, utilizing both novel Nested-Seq and RT-PCR, is reported and the substitution of the delta variant (B.1.617.2) by the omicron variant (B.1.1.529) in Attica, Greece within approximately one month is highlighted. The key difference between the two methodologies is discovery power. RT-PCR can only detect known sequences cost-effectively, while NGS is a hypothesis-free approach that does not require prior knowledge to detect novel genes. Overall, the potential of wastewater genomic surveillance for the early discovery and monitoring of variants important for disease management at the community level is underlined. This is the first study, reporting the SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamic for an extended time period and the first attempt to monitor two of the most severe variants with two different methodologies in Greece., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)