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PubMed2006

Developing optimum sample size and multistage sampling plans for Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) larval infestation and injury in northern Greece.

The purpose of this research was to quantify the spatial pattern and develop a sampling program for larvae of Lobesia botrana Denis and Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), an important vineyard pest in northern Greece. Taylor's power law and Iwao's patchiness regression were used to model the relationship between the mean and the variance of larval counts. Analysis of covariance was carried out, separately for infestation and injury, with combined second and third generation data, for vine and half-vine sample units. Common regression coefficients were estimated to permit use of the sampling plan over a wide range of conditions. Optimum sample sizes for infestation and injury, at three levels of precision, were developed. An investigation of a multistage sampling plan with a nested analysis of variance showed that if the goal of sampling is focusing on larval infestation, three grape clusters should be sampled in a half-vine; if the goal of sampling is focusing on injury, then two grape clusters per half-vine are recommended.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2005

Environmental monitoring and ecological risk assessment for pesticide contamination and effects in Lake Pamvotis, northwestern Greece.

Monitoring of pesticide residues in water and sediments was conducted as a basis for subsequent ecotoxicological risk assessment for the shallow eutrophic Lake Pamvotis, northwestern Greece. During a one-year study period, atrazine, desethylatrazine (DEA), simazine, diazinon, malathion, oxamyl, carbofuran, and ethion were detected in water and atrazine, desethylatrazine, diazinon, and s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) in sediments, all at ppb concentration level. Temporal variation in pesticide concentrations was observed. Highest residue levels for most pesticides in both water and sediment matrices occurred in the May to July period with the exception of atrazine and DEA, which show highest levels in water during the September to November period. The ecological risk associated with pesticide contamination was assessed using two different methods: The toxic unit method, which provides a first indication of the relative contribution of detected pesticides to the total toxicity and a probabilistic approach, and the inverse method of Van Straalen and Denneman, which is used to quantify the ecological risk. The maximum percentage of the ecological risk was 10.3 and 51.8% for water and 17.2 and 70.6% for sediment, based on acute and chronic level, respectively. These results show that pesticides exert a significant pressure on the aquatic system of Lake Pamvotis, especially for the chronic-effect level. Simple quotient methods should be coupled with higher-tier risk assessment, especially if restoration activities on lake ecosystems are to be undertaken for sustainable development.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The epidemiology of licit and illicit substance use among high school students in Greece.

Findings on self-reported adolescent licit and illicit substance use are presented based on a nationwide 1984 probability sample of 11,058 Greek adolescent students ages 14-18 years old. Regular smoking and use of alcohol in the 30 days prior to the survey were reported by 22.3 percent and 82.8 percent, respectively. Nearly one-third of the students (30.3 percent) reported lifetime use of psychotropic drugs without prescription, without ever having used any illicit drug. Illicit drug use is less common in Greece than in other European and North American countries with a lifetime prevalence rate of 6 percent. Regular use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs was more common in males, while unprescribed use of licit psychotropic drugs prevailed in females. Regular smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use were associated with urbanization but not socioeconomic status. Between 1984 and 1988 in an Athenian subsample of schools there was a 20 percent increase in illicit drug use among males. Use of psychotropic drugs without prescription decreased much more than use of tobacco and alcohol.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

School-screening for scoliosis. A prospective epidemiological study in northwestern and central Greece.

A two-year prospective study was done to assess the prevalence and distribution of various parameters associated with scoliosis in schoolchildren in northwestern and central Greece. A total of 82,901 children (41,939 boys and 40,962 girls) who were nine to fourteen years old were screened for scoliosis. Five thousand eight hundred and three children had clinical signs of scoliosis and, of these, 4185 were referred for posteroanterior radiographs (to be made with the patient standing) because they had a positive result on the forward-bending test (a difference of more than five millimeters between the two sides of the torso as measured in the thoracic or thoracolumbar region with use of a ruler and a level plane) at the time of a second screening. The prevalence of scoliosis (defined as a curve of 10 degrees or more) was 1.7 per cent (1436 of 82,901 children), and most of the curves (1255; prevalence, 1.5 per cent) were small (10 to 19 degrees). The ratio of boys to girls was 1:2.1 over-all but varied according to the magnitude of the curve (1:1.5 for curves of less than 10 degrees, 1:2.7 for curves of 10 to 19 degrees, 1:7.5 for curves of 20 to 29 degrees, 1:5.5 for curves of 30 to 39 degrees, and 1:1.2 for curves of 40 degrees or more). Thoracolumbar curves were the most common type of curve identified, followed by lumbar curves; specifically, of the 1436 children who had a curve of at least 10 degrees, 493 (34.3 per cent) had a thoracolumbar curve, 475 (33.1 per cent) had a lumbar curve, 261 (18.2 per cent) had a thoracic curve, and 207 (14.4 per cent) had a double curve. Although most (753) of these curves were to the left, the left:right ratio varied according to the location of the apex of the curve (1:3.1 for thoracic curves, 2.0:1 for thoracolumbar curves, and 3.2:1 for lumbar curves). The cost of the screening process was negligible (estimated at thirty cents per child); however, the decreased number of operative procedures performed in children from the geographical area of our University Hospital, the identification of a large number of previously undiagnosed curves (eleven of which were treated operatively and 170 of which were treated with a brace), and the identification of children who were at high risk for progression were considered important benefits of the school-screening program.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of microbiological quality of coastal waters in Greece.

To evaluate the microbiological water quality of bathing sites along the Achaia coastline (south western Greece), a survey was conducted to determine the concentration of faecal bacterial and phage indicators as well as the presence of human viruses. Seawater samples (234) were collected from nine bathing sites on the Achaia coastline and were analysed for the presence of: total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, Escherichia coli, somatic coliphages, F-RNA bacteriophages, bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis, enteroviruses, adenoviruses and hepatitis A viruses. Most of the bacteriological analysis results were in accordance with the European Union standards. In all sites, bacteriophages were detected occasionally. Enteroviruses and adenoviruses were detected in 24 samples (10.26%) and 37 samples (15.81%) respectively. No samples were positive for the presence of hepatitis A virus. The overall data indicates that bathing sites are impacted by human faecal material. Both bacterial indicators and phages have low predictive capability for the presence of human viruses in coastal waters. None of the environmental parameters analysed was strongly related to the presence of the indicator organisms and viruses. Appropriate and effective administrative measures that should be taken into account may be considered in order to improve water quality and reduce public health risk.

Bathing Beaches↗
PubMed2006

Microbial risk assessment of dental unit water systems in general dental practice in Greece.

Water was sampled from source water, the 3-in-1 syringe and the air rotor water line of dental unit water systems (DUWS) in general dental practice in Attica, Greece. A section of the water line supplying the 3-in-1 syringe was cut for biofilm analysis. High total viable counts, Mycobacterium spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected in the samples. Back siphonage was evidenced by the presence of blood and the recovery of oral anaerobes from the samples. Legionella pneumophila was recovered from 16.1% of biofilm samples. All tested disinfectants reduced the total viable counts of the DUWS to < 100 CFU/mL.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1988

Evaluation of the socialist health policy in Greece.

Following seven years of military rule and seven years of "democratic restoration" under the Right, Greece is now sailing under the flag of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK). The Movement was inspired by the ideals of participatory democracy and socialization of the economy and of social services. A central part of socialist planning brought about the National Health System Act (1983) and related legislation intended to universalize health care, remove disparities, and restrict the private sector. It is argued here that the implementation of PASOK's statutory reforms in this field, as in others, will be subject to its ability to transform traditional patterns of production and consumption. As is now increasingly understood, it is hard to plan for socialism on the basis of wants provisions and patterns of consumption established under capitalism.

Greece↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Attitudes of cancer specialists toward their patients in Greece.

A three-part questionnaire was mailed to Greek cancer specialists practicing in the two largest cities of Greece. Part I addressed the question of telling the truth to the cancer patient, Part II the question of telling the truth to the terminal cancer patient, and Part III investigated the psychological difficulties of the above specialists in the care of their patients. Most of the Greek cancer specialists (73%) chose not to tell the diagnosis to the cancer patient and an even greater majority (95%) prefer not to inform the terminal cancer patient of his impending death. A considerable number of them, though (41%), favor a change towards telling the cancer patient his true diagnosis. Furthermore, two thirds of them admit to psychological problems in their contact with the cancer patient and subscribe to the need for specific psychiatric training to improve the care of their patients.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Co-operative health information networks in Europe: experiences from Greece and Scotland.

BACKGROUND: Internet technology is transforming the general approach to communication and dissemination of information in the field of healthcare. However, it is also creating problems in terms of finding information, and knowing what credibility to place on the information found. The chaotic nature of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the simplistic approach adopted by search engines can make the task of finding relevant information difficult, and the user can waste considerable amounts of time on the process. Even when information is found, there is no general quality assurance process that can guarantee the credibility of the resulting information. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to develop an approach for establishing co-operative health information networks (CHINs) with different focuses, which can be used in different parts of Europe. The resulting CHINs would provide organised healthcare information and support comprehensive and integrated sets of healthcare telematic services for a broad range of users. Such developments would reduce the difficulties of finding information and knowing what credibility to ascribe to it. METHODS: A common approach has been developed based on drawing together contributions from the major healthcare service providers in the region. Standard structures are recommended so that information is presented in a uniform way. Appropriate mechanisms ensure adequate security and a level of quality assurance for the end user. RESULTS: Since 1996, CHINs have been developed in six European countries as part of a European Union (EU) project. This paper presents the overall approach adopted, and the achievements in two different regions of Europe (Greece and Scotland). Although the circumstances in these two regions are very different, in both cases the resulting CHIN has proved successful. CONCLUSIONS: CHINs offer a solution to the difficulty of finding relevant health information on the Internet and guaranteeing its credibility. They can be used in different ways in different regions, and have major benefits for both information providers and end users.

Community Networks↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Endovascular repair for thoracic aortic disease: tertiary single-center experience in northwestern Greece.

The purpose of this article is to report the initial experience with endovascular repair of thoracic aortic disease in a single tertiary vascular unit in northwestern Greece. Between 2003 and 2005, 16 patients were treated with endovascular techniques for various pathologies of the descending thoracic aorta. Twelve patients were treated electively and four emergently. Operative and follow-up data for a mean time of 18.4 months were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Primary technical success was obtained in 14 (87.5%) cases. No early or late deaths occurred, and there was no major operation-related complication. No paraplegia was observed in our patients. Stent graft-related complications occurred in 18.75% (one type 2 and two type 3 endoleaks), but they all had a favorable outcome. No further problems have been reported in any of our patients. Endovascular stent graft repair for diseases of the thoracic aorta seems to be a promising alternative to open surgery, especially for high-risk patients. Long-term results are needed to confirm the early benefit of this treatment option with regard to morbidity and mortality rates. The potential of this technique to be applicable even in relatively small, tertiary vascular centers might be of great benefit to patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Modeling sport services in Greece: a re-evaluation of outcome dimension.

The Service Quality Scale, developed to evaluate perceived service quality in sport services in Greece, was administrated to 389 participants, 208 men and 181 women. Their mean age was 36.4 yr. (SD = 8.7). A confirmatory factor analysis did not support the prior five-factor solution. When the outcome dimension was removed, a four-factor model appeared an adequate fit. Practical implications are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Curriculum enrichment with self-testing activities in development of fundamental movement skills of first-grade children in Greece.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of self-testing activities on the development of fundamental movement skills in first-grade children in Greece. Two groups of children were tested. The Control group (n = 23 children) received the regular 12-wk. physical education school program and the Experimental group (n = 22 children) received a 12-wk. skill-oriented program with an increasing allotment of self-testing activities. The Test of Gross Motor Development was used to assess fundamental movement skills, while the content areas of physical education courses were estimated with an assessment protocol, based on the interval recording system called the Academic Learning Time-Physical Education. A 2 x 2 repeated measures analysis of variance with group as the between factor and testing time (pretest vs posttest) as the repeated-measures factor was performed to assess differences between the two groups. A significant interaction of group with testing time was found for the Test of Gross Motor Development total score, with the Experimental group scoring higher then the Control group. A significant main effect was also found for test but not for group. This study provides evidence supporting the notion that a balanced allotment of the self-testing and game activities beyond the usual curriculum increases the fundamental motor-skill development of children. Also, it stresses the necessity for content and performance standards for the fundamental motor skills in educational programs. Finally, it seems that the Test of Gross Motor Development is a useful tool for the assessment of children's fundamental movement skills.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Mold allergy in the Mediterranean Island of Crete, Greece: a 10-year volumetric, aerobiological study with dermal sensitization correlations.

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.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A 10-year aerobiological study (1994-2003) in the Mediterranean island of Crete, Greece: trees, aerobiologic data, and botanical and clinical correlations.

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.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Ulcerative colitis in Greece. Epidemiologic and clinical data.

Epidemiologic and clinical observations were made in 217 cases of ulcerative colitis between 1977 and 1983 in Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece. The disease affected both sexes equally. The peak incidence occurred between 21 and 30 years of age. A second peak concerning only men was observed in the 6th decade of life. Urban and highly educated sections of the population were more often affected. Severe attacks were seen in only 3.4% of the patients at onset of the disease. Surgical treatment (colectomy) was applied to one in every seven patients either for a severe attack or on suspicion of cancer or debilitating symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The origin of the sickle mutation in Greece; evidence from beta S globin gene cluster polymorphisms.

Study of the Hpa I polymorphism 3' to the beta-globin gene in the Greek population revealed absence of the site in 238 beta S chromosomes, in contrast to a much larger sample of chromosomes carrying the beta A gene, where this site was consistently positive. Subsequent haplotype analysis of the beta-globin gene cluster in 82 beta S chromosomes demonstrated that 79 (96%) belonged to haplotype #19, while the three exceptions (all Hpa I negative) could be explained by a delta-beta recombination event. Haplotype #19 was never encountered in a parallel study of the 83 beta A chromosomes. Comparison of the above results with similar surveys in other parts of the world and consideration of various historical events suggest that the beta S mutation was introduced into Greece over the last few centuries by the Saracen raids and/or by settlements of North African slaves brought in by the Arabs, Franks, Venetians, or Ottoman Turks, who have occupied the country over the last millennium.

Africa, Northern↗
PubMed2004

Future directions in the European union for veterinary education as related to food-producing animals, with special reference to Greece.

During the past 50 years, procedures for raising food-producing animals have changed. Intensification of food production was necessary to keep prices low and to fulfill market demands for the continuously increasing worldwide population. Intensification of farming procedures produced many new problems, some of which had a considerable impact on public opinion about how animals are raised and how food of animal origin is produced and preserved. "Man made diseases" of animals such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); contamination of foods with dioxins either through contamination of animal feeds or from the environment; and increased microbial resistance to drugs used for treatment, for prophylaxis of animals from infectious agents, and for growth promotion are some well-known hazards of intensified farming. Veterinarians working on food-producing animals are faced with an increased demand for foods of high quality and safety in developed countries, and higher quantities in the rest of the world. These qualitative and quantitative changes indicate that they must adjust to these new conditions. They will be most successful if their education is adjusted to meet the challenges that the public has created for them through new concepts of the production of food of animal origin. One such concept is the production of foods under fully certified procedures from the farm to the consumer's table. Food safety measures protecting public health will better be achieved if the education of the future veterinarian includes the principles of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) starting at farm level. This article provides some market-driven ideas in this direction for European Union (EU) countries, including Greece.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Strontium-90 activity in monthly milk samples from Greece.

The present study evaluated after the Chernobyl nuclear accident the activity of 90Sr in commercial bovine milk sampled monthly from 1987 to 1994. Monthly mean activities (0.04 to 1.25 Bq/L) were comparable with those reported for other countries of the European Union (0.05 to 0.9 Bq/L), but maxima were higher, and the range of values was wider. Milk samples were also compared against samples of bovine milk in Greece that were collected before the Chernobyl accident during the period from 1969 to 1983 (0.04 to 1.37 Bq/L) and from 1985 to 1986 (0.04 to 0.30 Bq/L). The data were fit exponentially utilizing the chi-square statistic. The goodness of fit for the curve was 65%. Based on this result, the effective half-life of 90Sr in milk was estimated to be 308 +/- 57 d, which is very short compared with the physical half-life of 10,410 d for 90Sr. Since the second half of 1992, the decay curve of the measured mean activity approximated a threshold of 0.09 +/- 0.03 Bq/L, which is close to the low limit of detection by beta-scintillation.

Animals↗