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Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a major carcinogenic compound found in milk and dairy products, posing a constant risk to consumers in the Mediterranean region. This study systematically reviewed AFM1 presence in these products in Mediterranean countries over a period of 20 years and estimated the relevant nutritional exposure for consumers. Using data from three databases, 596 articles were retrieved with 123 meeting the inclusion criteria. The frequency of AFM1 occurrence was 40% regardless of milk type, with non-cow milk showing an increasing trend. Moreover, the Estimated Daily Intake of AFM1 from milk and dairy product consumption and the associated Hazard Index were determined. Notably, Southeastern Mediterranean countries presented higher contamination levels, leading to elevated Estimated Daily Intake and Hhazard Index values. Thermally processed milk showed high contamination levels, and among dairy products, cheeses were the most contaminated. This review highlights AFM1 as a persistent hazard in the dairy sector, underscoring the need for effective interventions throughout the milk production stages.

Jejunojejunal intussusception and jejunojejunal lipomas are both very rare clinical entities. The present case report describes this event in an adult patient with severe episodes of hematochezia and colicky upper abdominal pain. The diagnosis was not made preoperatively, as none of the endoscopic findings were pathognomonic and, furthermore, CT scans could not rule out malignancy. Exploratory laparotomy was mandatory and at surgery a jejunojejunal intussusception secondary to a lipoma was found. Segmental resection and primary reanastomosis were performed in the presence of evidence of bowel ischemia.

Abstract The notion of a constant relationship between resistance and capacitance (RC time) in the pulmonary circulation has been challenged by more recent research. The RC time can be obtained using either a simplified empirical approach or a semilogarithmic equation. Although direct curve-fit analysis is a feasible and ostensibly reference approach for RC analysis, it remains largely unexplored. We aimed to study the relationship between various RC methods in different states of pulmonary hemodynamics. Methods In total, 182 patients underwent clinically indicated right heart catheterization. The pressure curves were exported and processed using the MATLAB software. We calculated the RC time using the empirical method (RCEST), semilogarithmic approach (RCSL), and direct measurement of curve fit (RCFIT). Results Among 182 patients, 137 had pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease (PH-LHD), 35 had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 10 demonstrated normal hemodynamics (non-PH). RCEST consistently overestimated the RCFIT and RCSL measurements by a mean of 75%. With all three methods, the RC values were longer in the PAH (RCFIT = 0.36 ± 0.14 s) than in the PH-LHD (0.27 ± 0.1 s) and non-PH (0.27 ± 0.09 s) groups (p

As freshwater demand is constantly increasing, water purification via membrane distillation (MD) emerges as a promising water production technology, especially when combined with the use of superhydrophobic membranes. Here, following our previous work [1] we extend our universal, environmentally friendly, plasma nanotexturing and hydrophobization technology for rendering practically any type of membrane superhydrophobic and oleophobic. Thus, we render three commercial porous membranes superhydrophobic, namely, polyvinylidene (PVDF 0.45 μm) (initially hydrophobic), polyethersulfone (PES 1.20 μm) and nylon (NY 1.20 μm) (both initially hydrophilic). We demonstrate superhydrophobic, superoleophobic (down to 40mn/m surface tension) and oleophobic properties (down to 30mN/m surface tension) for PVDF, PES and Nylon membranes thus paving the way for their use with low surface tension waste streams. Moreover, the technology presented herein not only improves existing hydrophobic membranes but may lead to elimination of the use of Teflon-like fluorinated hydrophobic membranes altogether in the future, thereby contributing to the PFAS (Per and Poly Fluoro Alkyl Substances) and Teflon-like membrane use reduction. We subsequently evaluated the performance of the treated membranes in direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) for desalination of sea-like water (35 g/L NaCl). All membranes showed enhanced water flux with an increase of >13% compared to the pristine hydrophobic PVDF membranes for at least 2 h of continuous operation, with salt rejection exciding 99.99%.

Tsalafouti cheese, a traditional Greek spreadable cheese, has experienced remarkable popularity over the last decade due to the strong dairy production heritage links that it presents, alongside the special nutritional and sensory attributes that it holds. The aim of this study was to chemically characterize the Greek cheese Tsalafouti, with a special focus on its fatty acid profile and the potential nutritional effect it may have. Standard methods were used to assess the physicochemical profile of Tsalafouti cheese, while a fatty acid profile was determined using gas chromatography. The analysis revealed average values, including a pH of 3.94, moisture content of 75.05%, protein content of 8.86%, and fat content of 11.3%. The fatty acid profile highlighted the predominance of health-important fatty acids, such as oleic acid, known for its well-established health benefits. Additionally, the health lipid indices of Tsalafouti were assessed by calculating the atherogenicity index (IA), the thrombogenicity index (IT), the ratio of hypocholesterolemic to hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (HH), the health-promoting index (HPI), and the PUFA-n-6/PUFA-n-3 ratio. The values of these indices indicate the quality concerning proatherogenicity, prothrombogenicity, and the risk of cardiovascular issues. Notably, all the above health indicators are consistent with known health effects. Importantly, the ratio of ω6/ω3 fatty acids aligns with the nutritional recommendations of the World Health Organization. Based on these results, Tsalafouti cheese emerges as a low-fat product and source of protein with potential functional properties, distinguishing itself from other cheeses in the market.

In the Greek regions of Agrafa and Tzoumerka, Tsalafouti, a traditional spreadable cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk is produced. This product has emerged in recent years as a result of the campaign to acquire Geographical Indication. This study aimed to assess the biopeptide profile of Tsalafouti cheese in order to highlight its nutritional value. Using HPLC-MS, bioactive peptides in Tsalafouti cheese samples were identified and classified according to their bioactivity. The biopeptides detected are known to present antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, anti-thrombotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, while ACE enzyme and dipeptidyl-4 (DPP-IV) inhibitors were also identified. Based on these results, Tsalafouti cheese presents an interesting bioactive peptides profile that may act as special motivation for consumers to choose this specific cheese.

Abstract Tsalafouti is an ‘’unknown’’ Greek traditional cheese with great potential for getting Protected Designation of Origin accreditation and leading entrepreneurship in the area of origin. This study aimed to collect and comprehensively analyse valuable data on the history, technology, nutrition and gastronomy of Tsalafouti. A study survey was designed and 8 out of 13 Tsalafouti producers in Greece participated, providing data on Tsalafouti’s technology, quality, nutrition and history. It was revealed that there currently are some variations in Tsalafouti’s production, while the end product is of special nutritional (low in fat) and gastronomic attributes. In any case, it is apparent that food heritage and specifically dairy products heritage can possibly act as a tool for entrepreneurship, given that the special attributes that Tsalafouti may hold will be highlighted and further evidenced. Graphical Abstract

The chestnut is a widely appreciated fruit in Europe, Asia, and North America, playing a significant role in the diets of people in these regions. Due to its high nutritional value and diverse health benefits, chestnuts have been gaining considerable research attention. The aim was a comprehensive literature review on the nutritional benefits of chestnuts and the sustainable valorization of their by-products. Following the methodology, all the relevant literature was collected and reviewed. Based on the reviewed data, the chemical composition of chestnuts holds great importance, especially in the food industry, where understanding their nutritional properties can enhance product development. Furthermore, chestnut processing generates a substantial amount of waste, including shells and leaves, which are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. Valorizing these by-products presents opportunities for their application across various industries, leading to increased profits, reduced environmental pollution, and enhanced sustainability. This review aims to provide insights into the nutritional benefits of chestnuts and chestnut by-products and explore potential alternative applications for these materials in the food industry. Such applications will possibly positively affect producers' income and are in line with the circular economy strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Emerging evidence is placing the Mediterranean diet (MD) in the spotlight as a potential dietary model that could benefit inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in terms of prevention and progress of the disease. The main aim of the present study is to shed some light on the relationship between the adherence to the MD and the degree of disease activity, as well as the quality of life in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Materials and Methods: An administered questionnaire was used to assess and record a number of parameters, including recent medical and weight history, anthropometric characteristics, disease activity (in remission or active disease), and quality of life of both male and female CD patients. Moreover, the level of compliance of the participants to the Mediterranean diet model was evaluated and its relationship with disease activity and quality of life was investigated. Results: Adherence to the MD was significantly higher in patients with inactive disease than in those with active disease (p = 0.019). According to the correlation analysis conducted, adherence to the MD was negatively correlated with disease activity (p = 0.039) and positively correlated with quality of life (QoL) (p = 0.046) of the participants. Intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products was significantly higher in remission patients (p = 0.046, p = 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude, according to the findings of the study, that adherence to the MD is associated with disease activity and QoL in patients with CD. Future research should focus on MD intervention studies on IBD patients in order to assess its effect on modulating disease activity/course and related inflammatory biomarkers.

Alkaline phosphatase is used as the main marker in the evaluation of successful milk pasteurization, although there is concern about whether this method is appropriate for non-cow milk. We systematically reviewed articles related to ALP in non-cow milk and dairy products. From a total of 183 studies retrieved, 31 articles were included in the review. Our study shows that most research is focused on goat and sheep milk, while other species are rather neglected as far as the use of ALP as a milk safety marker is concerned. More evidence on ALP kinetics is required for non-cow milk and its products and on alternative pasteurization-efficiency markers, such as other enzymes, as these issues are crucial for consumer health.

Abstract Background The growing population of long‐term childhood cancer survivors encounter a substantial burden of cardiovascular complications. The highest risk of cardiovascular complications is associated with exposure to anthracyclines and chest radiation. Longitudinal cardiovascular surveillance is recommended for childhood cancer patients; however, the optimal methods and timing are yet to be elucidated. Aims We aimed to investigate the feasibility of different echocardiographic methods to evaluate left ventricular systolic function in retrospective datasets, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and longitudinal strain (LS) as well as the incidence and timing of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction detected by these methods. Methods and Results A retrospective longitudinal study was performed with re‐analysis of longitudinal echocardiographic data, acquired during treatment and early follow‐up, including 41 pediatric sarcoma patients, aged 2.1–17.8 years at diagnosis, treated at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, during the period 2010–2021. All patients had received treatment according to protocols including high cumulative doxorubicin equivalent doses (≥250 mg/m2). In 68% of all 366 echocardiograms, LS analysis was feasible. Impaired LS values (40%, with concomitant impairment of either LVEF or FS in 20% and combined impairment of both LVEF and FS in

Background and Objectives: Health professionals’ working schedules often do not allow them to follow a balanced way of life, and the nature of their work can affect their weight and eating habits. The aim of the present study is to shed some light on the impact of night shift working on the dietary practices of healthcare practitioners in Greece. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. With the use of an administered questionnaire several parameters were assessed, including anthropometric characteristics, weight history, as well as nutritional habits of the same group of participants during night shifts and when at regular working hours. Moreover, nutritional beliefs of the subjects were recorded, as well as the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: It was observed that in all food groups, including water, used to compare the nutritional patterns of the participants during night shifts and when working regular hours, statistical differences were noted (p = 0.001). Furthermore, the participants who reported a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and self-reported healthier nutritional habits, had a statistically lower weight compared to the participants that rarely followed the specific model or reported unhealthier eating routine (p = 0.010 and p = 0.015, respectively). Conclusions: We conclude that shift-working healthcare professionals are associated with disturbed eating behaviours leading to the high consumption of unhealthy food. The implementation of interventions that will concentrate on educating health workers on balanced nutrition and improving physical environment (i.e., food availability, healthier food choices) seems to be of great importance.

Abstract Aims Renal dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF) has traditionally been attributed to declining cardiac output and renal hypoperfusion. However, other central haemodynamic aberrations may contribute to impaired kidney function. This study assessed the relationship between invasive central haemodynamic measurements from right‐heart catheterizations and measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) in advanced HF. Methods and results All patients referred for heart transplantation work‐up in Sweden between 1988 and 2019 were identified through the Scandiatransplant organ‐exchange organization database. Invasive haemodynamic variables and mGFR were retrieved retrospectively. A total of 1001 subjects (49 ± 13 years; 24% female) were eligible for the study. Analysis of covariance adjusted for age, sex, and centre revealed that higher right atrial pressure (RAP) displayed the strongest relationship with impaired GFR [β coefficient −0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.69 to −0.48; P

Grazing‐incidence small‐angle neutron scattering (GISANS) under pressure (HP‐GISANS) at the solid (Si)–liquid (D2O) interface is demonstrated for the pressure‐induced lateral morphological characterization of the nanostructure in thin (<100 nm) soft matter films. We demonstrate feasibility by investigating a hydrophobic {poly[(2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5‐octafluoro)pentyl methacrylate]} (POFPMA)–hydrophilic {poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]} (PDMAEMA) brush mixture of strong incompatibility between the homopolymers, anchored on Si, at T = 45°C for two pressures, P = 1 bar and P = 800 bar. Our GISANS results reveal nanostructural rearrangements with increasing P, underlining P‐induced effects in tethered polymer brush layers swollen with bulk solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 80-year-old man with a supra-annular transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) prosthesis presented with severe transvalvular aortic regurgitation 18 months after the TAV replacement procedure. The authors report the first ever valve-in-valve procedure using BASILICA (bioprosthetic or native aortic scallop intentional laceration to prevent iatrogenic coronary artery obstruction) in such a supra-annular TAV prosthesis. Minimal paravalvular leakage, normal coronary artery flow, and easy coronary access were seen postimplantation. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Reliable fitness tests with low day-to-day and trial-to-trial variation are a prerequisite for tracking a player’s performance or for identifying meaningful changes in training interventions. The present study examined the inter- and intra-session reliability of 30 m linear speed with and without ball possession as well as the reliability of a specific performance index of pubertal soccer players. A total of 40 pubertal (14.87 ± 1.23 years old) male soccer players performed two testing sessions (test–retest) separated by 72 h. Both testing sessions included a protocol consisting of two maximal trials of 30 m linear speed with and without ball possession. A performance index, indicating the difference between the two speed tests, was also calculated using two different equations (delta value and percentage value). The relative and absolute inter-session reliabilities were good/high for all testing variables (ICC = 0.957–0.995; SEM% = 0.62–8.83). There were also good/high relative and absolute intra-session reliabilities observed for all testing variables (ICC = 0.974–0.987; SEM% = 1.26–6.70%). According to the Bland–Altman plots, the differences between test–retest and trials for all observations were within the defined 95% limits of agreement. The reliable testing protocols and performance index for the evaluation of linear speed with and without ball possession, observed in this study, may be used in speed monitoring and training planning of pubertal soccer players.

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is a major carcinogenic compound found in milk and dairy products, posing a constant risk to consumers in the Mediterranean region. This study systematically reviewed AFM1 presence in these products in Mediterranean countries over a period of 20 years and estimated the relevant nutritional exposure for consumers. Using data from three databases, 596 articles were retrieved with 123 meeting the inclusion criteria. The frequency of AFM1 occurrence was 40% regardless of milk type, with non-cow milk showing an increasing trend. Moreover, the Estimated Daily Intake of AFM1 from milk and dairy product consumption and the associated Hazard Index were determined. Notably, Southeastern Mediterranean countries presented higher contamination levels, leading to elevated Estimated Daily Intake and Hhazard Index values. Thermally processed milk showed high contamination levels, and among dairy products, cheeses were the most contaminated. This review highlights AFM1 as a persistent hazard in the dairy sector, underscoring the need for effective interventions throughout the milk production stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last decades, organic food shows an increasing trend in production and consumption worldwide. The present study dealt with the depiction of the attitude of Greek consumers towards organic food. The objective was to illustrate whether Greek consumers are aware of the dynamics that organic foods possess, mainly to protect the environment and to maintain healthy life. A survey was conducted and in total 1945 questionnaires were collected from the general public and analyzed statistically, in order to assess the level of awareness and the profile of the consumers. The results revealed that the level of awareness is average and organic food price is considered prohibitive for systematic consumption. In terms of choice, Greeks believe that organic food is mainly safer, though without strongly supporting their environmental aspect. Based on these facts, it is necessary to systematically and intensively inform and increase consumers’ awareness about the essential reasons for supporting organic food, which are mainly related to the protection of the environment.

This paper deals with the design, analysis, and implementation of a Ka-band, single-stage, quasi-inverse class F power amplifier (PA). A detailed methodology for the evaluation of the active device’s output capacitance is described, enabling the designing of a second-harmonically tuned load and resulting in enhanced performance. A simplified model for the extraction of time-domain intrinsic voltage and current waveforms at the output of the main active core is introduced, enforcing the implementation process of the proposed quasi-inverse class F technique. The PA is fabricated in a 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology with fT/fmax=250/370 GHz and it is suitable for 5G applications. It achieves 33% peak power-added efficiency (PAE), 18.8 dBm saturation output power Psat, and 14.7 dB maximum large-signal power gain G at the operating frequency of 38 GHz. The PA’s response is also tested under a modulated-signal excitation and simulation results are denoted in this paper. The chip size is 0.605×0.712 mm2 including all pads.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for end-stage osteoarthritis is one of the most effective surgical treatments in medicine. Impressive outcomes have been well documented in the literature with patients gaining ambulation and recovery of hip joint function. Nevertheless, there are still debatable issues and controversies that the orthopedic community has not been able to provide a definitive answer for. This review is focused on the current three most debatable issues surrounding the THA procedure: (1) new cutting-edge technology, (2) spinopelvic mobility, and (3) fast-track protocols. The scope of the herein narrative review is to analyze the debatable issues surrounding the three aforementioned topics and conclude the best contemporary clinical approaches regarding each issue.