International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared... more Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in two Greek communities in June and July 2021 after the end of the Delta-driven pandemic wave that started in November 2020. One community was affected worse than the other. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant method (Architect, Abbott, IL, USA) was used for antibody testing. Results: We found a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in both communities, approaching 77.5%. In the area with a higher burden of COVID-19, Malesina, seropositivity was achieved with vaccine-acquired and naturally acquired immunity, whereas in the low-burden context of Domokos, the high rates of seropositivity were achieved mainly with vaccination. Previously infected individuals were less likely to be vaccinated than previously uninfected adults. The antibody titers were significantly higher in previously infected, vaccinated participants than in unvaccinated ones. In total, 4%...
When parapneumonic effusion is developed, neutrophils are accumulated in pleural space where acti... more When parapneumonic effusion is developed, neutrophils are accumulated in pleural space where activated neutrophils can recycle oxidized extracellular ascorbic acid (AA) and achieve an increased intracellular concentration of it, in order to protect themselves and surrounding cells from oxidative damage. The main purpose was to study if vitamin C had any effect on the permeability of sheep visceral and parietal pleura. Specimens of intact pleura from adult male and female sheep were used. The samples were transferred to the laboratory within 30 min after death of the animal in Krebs-Ringer solution at 4oC and then, they mounted as planar sheet in Ussing-type chambers, and electrical measurements were made. At least, 456 experiments were caried out on both surface of parietal and visceral sheep pleura. Solutions of AA at concentration from 10-7 Μ to 10-3 Μ and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) at concentration from 10-7 Μ to 10-4 Μ, as well as with substances which inhibit their transportati...
Primary care centers are ideal positions to identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... more Primary care centers are ideal positions to identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We determined the COPD prevalence among ever-smokers aged 40–65 years attending a 2-year program conducted in 22 Greek primary healthcare centers and made comparisons between genders, patients less than or greater than 55 years, and newly or previously diagnosed COPD patients. A total of 117 persons, after studying 1100 people, were diagnosed with previously unknown or known COPD, providing a COPD prevalence of 10.6% among the study population. In all, 7.5% of the participants were newly diagnosed with COPD. Women with COPD reported smoking less but experienced worse respiratory and depressive symptoms than men. A total of 19% of the COPD population below 55 years experienced wheezing and exacerbations more frequently than older patients. Newly diagnosed COPD patients were significantly younger, reported a significant burden of symptoms without seeking medical help. Primary health care...
Mesothelioma - Diagnostics, Treatment and Basic Research, 2022
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignancy that arises from the mesothelium, a thin layer of tis... more Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignancy that arises from the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers the body’s serous cavities, such as the pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and tunica vaginalis of the testis. More than 80% of all mesothelioma cases originate from the pleura and approximately 75–80% of patients are males. It is almost always fatal with most of those affected dying within a year of diagnosis. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of MM, which mostly affects the pleura. Various factors, including other mineral fibers, carbon nanotubes, or genetic mutations, are also suggested to have a role in the development of MM. The involvement of asbestos, other mineral fibers, nanotechnological products, the simian virus SV40, ionizing radiation, genetic factors, and inflammation in the development of MM has been discussed in this chapter. This study focuses on the role of other mineral fibers, such as erionite, fluoroedenite, balangeroite, and carbon nanotubes...
The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restric... more The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restrictive measures to counteract it. School closure was quickly adopted by health authorities. We aimed to investigate the compliance of children aged 4 to 12 years with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and evaluate the impact of school closure on the children’s educational, social, economic, and psychological outcomes. An online survey was distributed through a social networking platform to parents of pre-primary and primary school-age children. The study period was defined as from 27 November 2020 to 3 December 2020, two weeks after the school closure due to the general lockdown in Greece. This study showed that the school units were well-informed and complied with the protection measures against COVID-19. The pupils quickly adopted the protection measures, even those whose parents suggested masks were less effective. The quarantine-forced school closure highly impacted primary school chi...
We would like to express our opinion on the article by Metintas et al., referring to the epidemio... more We would like to express our opinion on the article by Metintas et al., referring to the epidemiology of pleural mesothelioma in a population with nonoccupational asbestos exposure. In their study the influence of non-occupational asbestos exposure on the development of pleural mesothelioma and more specifically, the ratio of male to female patients and the mean age at diagnosis, compared with patients with occupational asbestos exposure, were investigated. While pleural mesothelioma after occupational asbestos exposure usually occurs in male and female patients in the ratio of 3:1 to 12:1, in this study the male : female ratio was 1:1 (only half the patients with ‘continuous’ and ‘partial exposure’ were men). Furthermore, in this group of patients, the mean age at diagnosis was approximately 58 years, while the majority of patients were between 60 and 69 years of age. We have also studied and published epidemiological data on mesothelioma mortality in Greece between 1983 and 2003. In that study, an increased mortality due to mesothelioma was identified in Epirus, the region where Metsovo is located. Specifically, of 28 deaths due to mesothelioma, 12 were among farmers (4 men and 8 women). ‘Metsovo lung’ is a term describing the increased incidence of pleural calcifications among the population of Metsovo, where the use of ‘luto’ (asbestos-contaminated soil) was very extensive in previous decades. We agree with Metintas et al. that non-occupational asbestos exposure begins at birth, that the duration of exposure is prolonged and that although the ambient level of asbestos fibres is lower, villagers are exposed to asbestos over the whole 24-h period. Therefore, environmental asbestos exposure may nowadays be more serious and insidious, as occupational asbestos exposure is a known hazard and precautionary measures are mandatory. It is essential that governments take measures to increase awareness of this hazardous material among the population, to restrict the use of the material, and if possible, to move populations from areas where levels of environmental asbestos fibres are increased.
To present summary statistics of the Greek mesothelioma epidemic including summaries by occupatio... more To present summary statistics of the Greek mesothelioma epidemic including summaries by occupation and geographical area. The National Statistics Service provides our data, which contain all deaths from 1983 to 2003 where mesothelioma was mentioned on the death certificate. The annual number of mesothelioma deaths has increased from 9 in the 3-year period of time 1983-1985 to 53 in 2001-2003. Current deaths in males account for about 72% of the cases. The area of Epirus in Greece has the highest cause-specific mortality rate over the period 1983-2003. The occupational group which is related to the higher number of mesothelioma deaths was clerks and those occupied in business; following farmers, workers-technicians and drivers. Our data suggest a change in the balance of risk away from traditional asbestos exposure industries to industries where one could describe the exposure as secondary such as plumbers, technicians, drivers, farmers. Also, we found out that the higher cause-specific mortality rate was 0.38/100,000 population in Epirus, the lower was 0.025/100,000 in Thessalia and the national average rate was 0.10/100,000 population.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of indoor smoking. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO)... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of indoor smoking. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were measured on a CO monitor by a vital capacity manoeuvre in three groups of adolescents: non‐smokers with non‐smoking families, non‐smokers with smoking mothers, and smokers. Each group included eight families. Smokers had higher exhaled CO (mean ± SD, 35.67 ± 14.62 ppm) than non‐smokers with smoking mothers (6 ± 2.5 ppm) and non‐smokers (2.37 ± 0.56 ppm), late in the evening (21.00h). The levels of exhaled CO in nonsmoking adolescents doubled if their mothers smoked. Conclusion: Exhaled CO can be used as an indicator of indoor smoking. Maternal smoking plays a major role in the health of adolescents.
Background and Objective: To present summary statistics regarding malignant mesothelioma (MM) mor... more Background and Objective: To present summary statistics regarding malignant mesothelioma (MM) mortality in Greece during the period 2005–2015 and compare it with previous decades, along with gender, age and geographical area analysis. Materials and Methods: The Hellenic Statistical Authority provided the data, which included all deaths for the period 1983 to 2015 that mentioned MM as the death cause in the corresponding death certificate. MM mortality rates have been calculated with respect to gender, age, and geographical location in Greece. Furthermore, a comparison analysis was made among three eleven consecutive year periods, in order to assess potential changes in the mortality rates. Results: The MM mortality rate has significantly increased during the period 2005–2015 both in males and females compared to earlier decades. The maximum number of MM deaths has shifted to an older age group of 70–80 years during the 2005–2015 period as compared to that of 1983–2004 in both gender...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared... more Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in two Greek communities in June and July 2021 after the end of the Delta-driven pandemic wave that started in November 2020. One community was affected worse than the other. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant method (Architect, Abbott, IL, USA) was used for antibody testing. Results: We found a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in both communities, approaching 77.5%. In the area with a higher burden of COVID-19, Malesina, seropositivity was achieved with vaccine-acquired and naturally acquired immunity, whereas in the low-burden context of Domokos, the high rates of seropositivity were achieved mainly with vaccination. Previously infected individuals were less likely to be vaccinated than previously uninfected adults. The antibody titers were significantly higher in previously infected, vaccinated participants than in unvaccinated ones. In total, 4%...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared... more Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in two Greek communities in June and July 2021 after the end of the Delta-driven pandemic wave that started in November 2020. One community was affected worse than the other. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant method (Architect, Abbott, IL, USA) was used for antibody testing. Results: We found a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in both communities, approaching 77.5%. In the area with a higher burden of COVID-19, Malesina, seropositivity was achieved with vaccine-acquired and naturally acquired immunity, whereas in the low-burden context of Domokos, the high rates of seropositivity were achieved mainly with vaccination. Previously infected individuals were less likely to be vaccinated than previously uninfected adults. The antibody titers were significantly higher in previously infected, vaccinated participants than in unvaccinated ones. In total, 4%...
When parapneumonic effusion is developed, neutrophils are accumulated in pleural space where acti... more When parapneumonic effusion is developed, neutrophils are accumulated in pleural space where activated neutrophils can recycle oxidized extracellular ascorbic acid (AA) and achieve an increased intracellular concentration of it, in order to protect themselves and surrounding cells from oxidative damage. The main purpose was to study if vitamin C had any effect on the permeability of sheep visceral and parietal pleura. Specimens of intact pleura from adult male and female sheep were used. The samples were transferred to the laboratory within 30 min after death of the animal in Krebs-Ringer solution at 4oC and then, they mounted as planar sheet in Ussing-type chambers, and electrical measurements were made. At least, 456 experiments were caried out on both surface of parietal and visceral sheep pleura. Solutions of AA at concentration from 10-7 Μ to 10-3 Μ and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) at concentration from 10-7 Μ to 10-4 Μ, as well as with substances which inhibit their transportati...
Primary care centers are ideal positions to identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)... more Primary care centers are ideal positions to identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We determined the COPD prevalence among ever-smokers aged 40–65 years attending a 2-year program conducted in 22 Greek primary healthcare centers and made comparisons between genders, patients less than or greater than 55 years, and newly or previously diagnosed COPD patients. A total of 117 persons, after studying 1100 people, were diagnosed with previously unknown or known COPD, providing a COPD prevalence of 10.6% among the study population. In all, 7.5% of the participants were newly diagnosed with COPD. Women with COPD reported smoking less but experienced worse respiratory and depressive symptoms than men. A total of 19% of the COPD population below 55 years experienced wheezing and exacerbations more frequently than older patients. Newly diagnosed COPD patients were significantly younger, reported a significant burden of symptoms without seeking medical help. Primary health care...
Mesothelioma - Diagnostics, Treatment and Basic Research, 2022
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignancy that arises from the mesothelium, a thin layer of tis... more Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a malignancy that arises from the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers the body’s serous cavities, such as the pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and tunica vaginalis of the testis. More than 80% of all mesothelioma cases originate from the pleura and approximately 75–80% of patients are males. It is almost always fatal with most of those affected dying within a year of diagnosis. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of MM, which mostly affects the pleura. Various factors, including other mineral fibers, carbon nanotubes, or genetic mutations, are also suggested to have a role in the development of MM. The involvement of asbestos, other mineral fibers, nanotechnological products, the simian virus SV40, ionizing radiation, genetic factors, and inflammation in the development of MM has been discussed in this chapter. This study focuses on the role of other mineral fibers, such as erionite, fluoroedenite, balangeroite, and carbon nanotubes...
The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restric... more The fast-spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced countries to apply restrictive measures to counteract it. School closure was quickly adopted by health authorities. We aimed to investigate the compliance of children aged 4 to 12 years with the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and evaluate the impact of school closure on the children’s educational, social, economic, and psychological outcomes. An online survey was distributed through a social networking platform to parents of pre-primary and primary school-age children. The study period was defined as from 27 November 2020 to 3 December 2020, two weeks after the school closure due to the general lockdown in Greece. This study showed that the school units were well-informed and complied with the protection measures against COVID-19. The pupils quickly adopted the protection measures, even those whose parents suggested masks were less effective. The quarantine-forced school closure highly impacted primary school chi...
We would like to express our opinion on the article by Metintas et al., referring to the epidemio... more We would like to express our opinion on the article by Metintas et al., referring to the epidemiology of pleural mesothelioma in a population with nonoccupational asbestos exposure. In their study the influence of non-occupational asbestos exposure on the development of pleural mesothelioma and more specifically, the ratio of male to female patients and the mean age at diagnosis, compared with patients with occupational asbestos exposure, were investigated. While pleural mesothelioma after occupational asbestos exposure usually occurs in male and female patients in the ratio of 3:1 to 12:1, in this study the male : female ratio was 1:1 (only half the patients with ‘continuous’ and ‘partial exposure’ were men). Furthermore, in this group of patients, the mean age at diagnosis was approximately 58 years, while the majority of patients were between 60 and 69 years of age. We have also studied and published epidemiological data on mesothelioma mortality in Greece between 1983 and 2003. In that study, an increased mortality due to mesothelioma was identified in Epirus, the region where Metsovo is located. Specifically, of 28 deaths due to mesothelioma, 12 were among farmers (4 men and 8 women). ‘Metsovo lung’ is a term describing the increased incidence of pleural calcifications among the population of Metsovo, where the use of ‘luto’ (asbestos-contaminated soil) was very extensive in previous decades. We agree with Metintas et al. that non-occupational asbestos exposure begins at birth, that the duration of exposure is prolonged and that although the ambient level of asbestos fibres is lower, villagers are exposed to asbestos over the whole 24-h period. Therefore, environmental asbestos exposure may nowadays be more serious and insidious, as occupational asbestos exposure is a known hazard and precautionary measures are mandatory. It is essential that governments take measures to increase awareness of this hazardous material among the population, to restrict the use of the material, and if possible, to move populations from areas where levels of environmental asbestos fibres are increased.
To present summary statistics of the Greek mesothelioma epidemic including summaries by occupatio... more To present summary statistics of the Greek mesothelioma epidemic including summaries by occupation and geographical area. The National Statistics Service provides our data, which contain all deaths from 1983 to 2003 where mesothelioma was mentioned on the death certificate. The annual number of mesothelioma deaths has increased from 9 in the 3-year period of time 1983-1985 to 53 in 2001-2003. Current deaths in males account for about 72% of the cases. The area of Epirus in Greece has the highest cause-specific mortality rate over the period 1983-2003. The occupational group which is related to the higher number of mesothelioma deaths was clerks and those occupied in business; following farmers, workers-technicians and drivers. Our data suggest a change in the balance of risk away from traditional asbestos exposure industries to industries where one could describe the exposure as secondary such as plumbers, technicians, drivers, farmers. Also, we found out that the higher cause-specific mortality rate was 0.38/100,000 population in Epirus, the lower was 0.025/100,000 in Thessalia and the national average rate was 0.10/100,000 population.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of indoor smoking. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO)... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of indoor smoking. Exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations were measured on a CO monitor by a vital capacity manoeuvre in three groups of adolescents: non‐smokers with non‐smoking families, non‐smokers with smoking mothers, and smokers. Each group included eight families. Smokers had higher exhaled CO (mean ± SD, 35.67 ± 14.62 ppm) than non‐smokers with smoking mothers (6 ± 2.5 ppm) and non‐smokers (2.37 ± 0.56 ppm), late in the evening (21.00h). The levels of exhaled CO in nonsmoking adolescents doubled if their mothers smoked. Conclusion: Exhaled CO can be used as an indicator of indoor smoking. Maternal smoking plays a major role in the health of adolescents.
Background and Objective: To present summary statistics regarding malignant mesothelioma (MM) mor... more Background and Objective: To present summary statistics regarding malignant mesothelioma (MM) mortality in Greece during the period 2005–2015 and compare it with previous decades, along with gender, age and geographical area analysis. Materials and Methods: The Hellenic Statistical Authority provided the data, which included all deaths for the period 1983 to 2015 that mentioned MM as the death cause in the corresponding death certificate. MM mortality rates have been calculated with respect to gender, age, and geographical location in Greece. Furthermore, a comparison analysis was made among three eleven consecutive year periods, in order to assess potential changes in the mortality rates. Results: The MM mortality rate has significantly increased during the period 2005–2015 both in males and females compared to earlier decades. The maximum number of MM deaths has shifted to an older age group of 70–80 years during the 2005–2015 period as compared to that of 1983–2004 in both gender...
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared... more Background: Antibody seroprevalence in rural communities remains poorly investigated. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in two Greek communities in June and July 2021 after the end of the Delta-driven pandemic wave that started in November 2020. One community was affected worse than the other. Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant method (Architect, Abbott, IL, USA) was used for antibody testing. Results: We found a high rate of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in both communities, approaching 77.5%. In the area with a higher burden of COVID-19, Malesina, seropositivity was achieved with vaccine-acquired and naturally acquired immunity, whereas in the low-burden context of Domokos, the high rates of seropositivity were achieved mainly with vaccination. Previously infected individuals were less likely to be vaccinated than previously uninfected adults. The antibody titers were significantly higher in previously infected, vaccinated participants than in unvaccinated ones. In total, 4%...
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