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The present work investigates the increase of confirmed cases of West Nile virus and the relationship between weather-related patterns and the geographical expansion of West Nile virus in Greece, with a special focus on West Attica, Central Greece, a semi-arid, ecologically fragile Mediterranean area. Using data from the European Environment Agency, European Drought Observatory of Joint Research Centre, the pairwise relationship between surface air temperature anomalies, precipitation anomalies, soil moisture index anomalies, and the fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation anomalies (fAPAR) was evaluated during summer time of 2018, a particularly intense virus outbreak. The empirical results of this study indicate that total precipitation during 2018 was extremely high, nearly 500% above the average. These conditions contributed to the increase of soil moisture index anomaly and fAPAR, creating an ideal microenvironment (wet soils and green pastures) for mosquito breeding. This phenomenon was directly associated with a drastic outbreak of West Nile virus cases in the area, compared with earlier years. Our results indicate how unusually high values of summer precipitation may have contributed (both through direct and indirect ecological channels) to the rapid spread of the West Nile virus in West Attica, causing a significant number of confirmed cases and fatalities. Climate change may bring forth other issues aside from natural disasters, including—but not limited to—virus expansion. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

The present investigation examines the distribution patterns of major and trace elements of surficial sediments of the Alexandroupolis Gulf (NE Aegean shelf) which are influenced by the influxes of the transboundary river Evros. Fifty-three surficial sediment samples were analysed for 25 major and trace elements, together with the CaCO3, TOC and mud content. Factor analysis was conducted in order to reveal the major processes that control their behaviour. Pollution indices (enrichment factor, modified contamination degree) were used to evaluate pollution levels, the most widely used SQGs criteria (i.e. ERL/ERM and TEL/PEL) were used for the association with adverse effects on aquatic organisms whilst a new Index (OEI) was introduced to examine the Overall Environment status.The overall mineralogical and chemical elemental status of the Alexandroupolis Gulf is mainly dominated by the riverine inputs of Evros system, whereas, localised point sources contribute to the pollution status of the study area. According to the pollution indices used element enrichment and associated potential pollution were found to be related mostly to mud-sized sediments (10-30. m depth), whilst increased element concentrations are observed, spatially, close to Evros river mouths, within the harbour, and along the NW coast of the study area. The application of the SQGs on Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn showed that almost half of the sampling sites may occasionally be associated with toxic effects. However, according to the OEI, only Zn and Pb provide a widespread positive overall enrichment in the study area. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Soil and soil geochemical maps are powerful tools for cultivated land evaluation, agriculture management, environmental protection and land development. In this study, soil physico-chemical properties were mapped and evaluated in the Arta plain (western Hellas), including: soil texture, water extractable ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, Na+, K+, SO42-, NO3-), exchangeable ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), aqua-regia extractable elements (Co, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn and V), calcium carbonate, organic matter, Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), soil moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity. The main natural factor controlling the chemical composition of agricultural soil of the study area is the mafic-ultramafic rocks, as recorded by the elevated Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn concentrations. However, their mobility is reduced by the high clay and organic matter contents in the agricultural soil as well as the strong buffering capacity of carbonates. Another natural factor influencing the suitability of the Arta plain alluvial soil for agricultural use is sea water intrusion, as recorded by the elevated concentrations of water exchangeable Ca2+, Cl- and Na+. The spatial distribution of the water exchangeable Cl- concentrations and electrical conductivity values in the agricultural soil shows that sea water intrusion is responsible for its elevated salt contents in the coastal area. These areas, with elevated amounts of water-soluble salts, are not suitable for agricultural use since they inhibit plant growth and seed germination. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Stream sediment samples were collected from Arachthos River, Arachthos-Vovos Artificial Channels, Louros Artificial Channels, Louros River and Vovos River, which are located in Arta plain (western Hellas). The samples were taken in order to determine the spatial distribution of selected elements (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn), and to evaluate the geogenic and anthropogenic factors controlling the distribution of elements in sediments. The methodology applied in this study includes geomorphological analysis, chemical analysis, factor analysis and comparison of element contents with other data sets. The weathering materials, derived from the Arachthos River's drainage basin, contribute the high element contents in the sediments of the Arta plain. The high element contents may be related with the very gentle slope of the area and the long length of artificial channels. Interpretation of factor analysis results points to geogenic (Fe-oxides, calcareous rocks with phosphorite intercalations, ophiolite fragments within deltaic deposits) and possibly anthropogenic contamination sources (intensive agricultural and farming practices), which control the element distribution in the stream sediments. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome has the appearance of a partial-thickness burn that may lead to a 100% loss of epidermis, requiring the same resuscitation as a severe burn. A 38-yr-old male patient was admitted to the neurosurgery department of the Evangelismos General Hospital in Athens, where immediately after administration of an antiepileptic drug he developed sloughing of total epidermis, high fever, and the clinical picture of a severe burn patient. He was treated as a burn patient with massive cutaneous injuries and the concomitant systemic effects. Fluid resuscitation was important and the Parkland formula was used, as in a burn patient. Steroid medications were initially administered. Systemic antibiotics were discontinued after signs of sepsis and documented infection had been overcome. Improved treatment techniques and critical burn care have decreased mortality and morbidity in cases of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Prompt recognition of the disease and cure of the patient by the appropriate staff of the burns centre contribute to the successful treatment of such patients.

Hypophosphataemia is defined as a phosphate level of less than 2.5 mg/dl (0.8 mmol/l). Many of the pathophysiological changes and therapeutic interventions in the first week post-burn affect serum phosphorus concentration. A retrospective study reviewed the medical records of nine severely burned patients, and a special reference of decreased phosphate serum level was noted. Serum phosphorus levels declined, with a nadir between days 2 and 6 post-burn. The severe hypophosphataemia that often follows major burns returns to normal phosphorus levels on days 18 to 20 post-burn. Weight-based phosphorus dosing is safe to use in critically burned patients receiving nutritional support. Moderate doses effectively increase serum phosphorus concentrations.

This epidemiological study deals with 34 patients with friction burns sustained between January 2007 and January 2008. The age group most affected was that between 21 and 30 yr, with a male predominance. Road traffic accidents were the commonest cause of friction burns (31 patients) and the lower limb was body part most commonly affected. The therapy was mostly conservative (no. 18): 14 patients were treated with a split-thickness skin graft, and just two with flap cover. Friction burns are overlooked in the emergency department because of their association with more critical mechanical injuries. They can be prevented by observing standard safety measures such as special clothing or appropriate equipment, especially as regards motorcycle riders.

The estimation of useful water potential of sources with varying water quality is based on the identification of the period at which all quality parameters are within the acceptable limits which are dictated by the quality requirements of the use. Karstic saline springs often exhibit strong quality seasonality, with each element or ion following its own seasonal pattern. To facilitate the rational estimation of the useful water potential, two fuzzy set methodologies are employed. The first is the use of the min intersection as the fuzzy aggregator and the second is the use of fuzzy multicriteria filtering method. Application of these methods have been used for assessing the quantity from the karstic saline spring of Almyros (Heraklion, Crete) which is suitable for human consumption or irrigation. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

We present a retrospective epidemiological study based on 1061 patients admitted to our burns centre in Greece over the 5-yr period from January 2002 to January 2007. Their average age was 25 yr, and 61% were female. The two main causes of burns were scalding and flames. Other significant causes were chemicals and friction. Electricity, frostbite, and contact burns were less frequent. The upper extremity and face were most commonly affected, followed by the lower limbs. All the patients had minor burns (less than 20% total body surface) and were treated on an out-patient basis as there was no need for hospitalization.

In this study, 92 groundwater samples were collected from the Attica region (Greece). Moreover, geographical information system database, geochemistry of groundwater samples and statistics were applied. These were used for studying the chemical parameters (NO3 -, Mg2+, Ca 2+, Cl-, and Na+) and conductivity spatial distribution and for assessing their environmental impact. The ranges of chemical parameters of the water samples (in mg L-1) are: NO 3 - 1-306, Mg2+ 2-293, Ca2+ 3-453, Cl- 5-1,988, and Na+ 4-475. The elevated concentrations of sodium, Mg2+, Cl- are attributed to natural contamination (seawater intrusion). On the other hand, NO3 - elevated concentrations are attributed to anthropogenic contamination (nitrate fertilizers). The results of the GIS analysis showed that elevated values of Na+, Mg2+, Cl- are related to shrubby and sparsely vegetated areas, while elevated values of NO3 - are connected with urban and agricultural areas. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.

The goal of this study is to determine the chemical composition of rain, in the wider region of Athens, Greece for the time period 1st September 2001 to 31st August 2002. Two model automatic rain samplers were installed in the Meteorological Station of Laboratory of Climatology (latitude: 37° 58′ N, longitude: 23° 47′ E) inside the Athens University Campus and in a site at Heraklio Attica, a northern suburb of Athens (latitude: 38° 03′ N, longitude: 23° 45′ E). The concentrations (μeq l -1) of the major cations (H+, Na+, K +, Ca2+ and Mg2+) and anions (Cl-, NO3-, HCO3- και SO42-, as well as pH and conductivity of rain in 39 total samples were determined. The figures of pH range from 6.4 to 8.4 and conductivity from 8 to 207 μS cm-1. The analysis showed that Ca2+ ions are abundant within all examined samples, while HCO 3- and SO42- present the highest concentrations from the anions. In order to find out the origin of the air masses, the air mass back trajectories were calculated. Five sectors of the origin of air masses were revealed: the North, the South, the Local, the West and the East sector. Multivariate methods included Factor Analysis and Discriminant Analysis were applied to the examined ion concentrations and three main factors were extracted, which discriminated the ions according to their origin. The first group of ions is interpreted as the result of the anthropogenic activity, the second group represents the acidity-alkalinity independently of their source and the third one the marine influence. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Twenty-six groundwater samples were collected from the Eastern Thessaly region and analysed by ICP-ES for these elements: Al, As, P, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr, Sb, Cu, Na, Br, Cl, Si, Mg, Ag, Be, Bi, Dy, Er, Eu, Au, Ge, Ho, In, Ir, Os, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru, Lu, Hf, Hg, Tm, Zr and Nb. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of water contamination with respect to the EC and the USEPA health-based drinking water criteria. The geology of the studied area includes schists, amphibolites, marbles of Palaeozoic age, ophiolites, limestones of Triassic and Cretaceous age, Neogene and Quaternary deposits. The element ranges for groundwater samples are: Al 7-56 μg l-1, As 1-125 μg l-1, Br 6-60 μg l-1, Cl 500-25,000 μg l -1, Cr 1-6 μg l-1, Cu 1-15 μg l-1, Fe 10-352 μg l-1, Mg 2,940-40,100 μg l-1, Mn 0-8 μg l-1, Na 3,650-13,740 μg l-1, P 20-48 μg l -1, Pb 0-7 μg l-1, Sb 0-21 μg l-1, Si 3,310-13,240 μg l-1 and Zn 7-994 μg l-1. The results of groundwater analyses from the region of Eastern Thessaly showed elevated concentrations of As and Sb. Factor analysis explained 77.8% of the total variance of the data through five factors. Concentration of Br, Cl, Mg, Na and Si is directly related to the presence of saltwater in the aquifer, so grouping of these variables in factor 1 probably reflects the seawater intrusion. Al, As and Sb are known to form complexes in the environment, so grouping of these elements in factor 2 indicates their similar geochemical behaviour in the environment. The high negative loading of Mn in factor 2 indicates the presence of manganese oxides-hydroxides in the study area. Pb and Zn are associated together in sulphide mineralisation; so grouping of these elements in factor 3 reflects the sulphide mineralization paragenesis in the Melivoia area. P and Cu are associated together in phosphate fertilizers; so grouping of these variables in factor 4 could be related to agricultural practices. Cr, Fe, Mn and Mg are associated together in iron and manganese oxides-hydroxides and the weathering products of the olivine of the ultrabasic rocks; so grouping of these elements in factor 5 reflects the lithology of the area. There is a natural contamination of groundwaters with elevated concentrations of As and Sb due to the presence of the arsenopyrite and stibnite mineralisation in the Melivoia, Sotiritsa and Ano Polydendri areas. Contamination over the health-based drinking water guidelines given by EC and EPA has been investigated from nine sampling sites out of 26 of Eastern Thessaly region. © Springer-Verlag 2006.

The co-existence of an extensive burn with a systemic disease negatively affects the outcome of the burn as well as the progress of the disease. A case report is presented regarding a 70-yr-old female patient with 45% total body surface area burns and ulcerative colitis under treatment. The outcome of the burns is described and it is pointed out that the healing process of the burns and the remission of the ulcerative colitis were related.

A preliminary soil survey was undertaken in the mining region of Stratoni in Chalkidiki peninsula, north Greece. The objectives of the study were to assess the levels of soil contamination with respect to average concentrations of toxic elements in the region, to determine the associations between the different chemical elements and their spatial distribution, and to identify possible sources of contamination that can explain the spatial patterns of soil pollution in the area. Forty-nine surface soil samples were collected and analysed by inductively coupled plasma-a-tomic emission spectroscopy after digestion with a mixture of HClO4-HNO3-HCl-HF. The study focused on ten elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Cd, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cr), all of which were present in soil with concentrations well above the global soil means. Lead, As and Ni, with means of 895 μg g-1, 364 μg g-1 and 161 μg g-1 respectively, exceeded the tentative trigger concentration set by the Netherlands and the UK Interdepartmental Committee on the Redevelopment of Contaminated Land (ICRCL) regulations. Factor analysis explained 89% of the total variance of the data through four factors. Combined with spatial interpretation of its output, the method successfully grouped the elements according to their sources and provided evidence about their geogenic or anthropogenic origin. © 2006 AAG/ Geological Society of London.

Studies on the hydrogeological conditions of the Mesogea basin in east Attica reveal that the aquifers developed on the post-alpine formations at the inner part of the coastal brackish zone exhibit positive hydraulic head. These Neogene and Quaternary deposits present high salt concentrations. Selected points were sampled (total 85: 51 wells and 34 boreholes) in order to obtain hydrogeological and hydrochemical data for a better understanding of the structure, operation and dynamics of the aquifer of the area. Statistical methods, R-mode factor analysis and scatter-plot diagrams were used for the hydrochemical analysis and presentation of the data. The groundwater resources are relatively weak and there is significant quality degradation due to the geological structure of the greater area, as well as the bad management of the aquifer and anthropogenic activities. Groundwater is characterized by high salt concentrations. Electrical conductivity values range between 260 and 6970 μS cm-1. High salt concentrations at the coastal aquifers are due to sea intrusion, whereas they are attributed to the dissolution of minerals of the geological environment in the inland area. The groundwaters of the study area can be classified into five water types: Ca-HCO3, Mg-HCO3, Na-HCO3, Na-Cl and Mg-Cl. They are saturated in dolomite and calcite, whereas they are unsaturated in anhydrite. High ion concentrations, e.g. NO3- (0-221 mg l-1), NH4+ (0.01-1.88 mg l-1), PO43- (0.01-6.75 mg l-1), as well as high heavy metals concentrations are attributed to anthropogenic impacts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Soil and water samples were collected from the Susaki area of Korinthos and analysed for heavy metals in order to evaluate their environmental impact. The geology of the studied area includes ultrabasic rocks and Neogene and Quaternary deposits whereas magnesite veins are found within the ultrabasic rocks. In the north part of the studied area post volcanic emissions of H2S, CO2 and H2O vapor continue to the present day. All the samples were analysed for heavy metals by the ICP method. The element ranges (in υg g-1) for soil samples are: Cu 11-63, Pb 5-256, Zn 21-604, Ni 183-2665, Co 12-124, Mn 456-1434, As 5-104, Sr 44-730, V 21-84, Cr 163-2346, Ba 48-218, Zr 3-41, Y 3-13. The meals Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, Fe, Cu, Mn, As and Sr are enriched in the Susaki soils. The element ranges for water samples are: Cu 65-103 υgL-1, Pb