Interventions about physical activity and diet and their impact on adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a Prisma systematic review.

PURPOSE: Over the past few decades, the incidence of cancer among adolescents and young adults (AYA) has been increasing. The impact of behaviors, such as physical activity (PA) and nutrition, on disease progression, prognosis, and overall health and quality of life for AYA cancer survivors is of significant importance. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PA and diet interventions for AYA cancer survivors and to critically evaluate existing literature, gaps, and limitations. METHODS: A search of literature was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-two studies were included from online databases from 2012 to 2022, 13 of which were randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Most interventions were related to PA, with only four studies including nutrition or Diet interventions. The interventions were generally feasible and acceptable to AYA cancer survivors, and digitally based PA interventions were commonly used. PA interventions mainly comprised aerobic and resistance training and were individualized. Overall, this review found various PA and diet interventions for AYA cancer survivors that were feasible and well-accepted, but gaps in knowledge and design still exist. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review underscores the importance of conducting more research on diet interventions for YCS. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#aboutregpage.

Viral outbreaks linked to fresh produce consumption: a systematic review.

AIMS: Α systematic review to investigate fresh produce-borne viral outbreaks, to record the outbreak distribution worldwide and to analyse the implication of different types of fresh produce and viral types as well. METHODS AND RESULTS: Four databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Eurosurveillance Journal and Spingerlink electronic journal) and a global electronic reporting system (ProMED-mail) were searched up to 2016. One hundred and fifty-two viral outbreaks linked to fresh produce consumption were identified. The majority of the reported outbreaks was reported in Europe, followed by North America, Asia, Australia, Africa and South America. A great number of the outbreaks was recorded in Denmark and Finland. The most common viral pathogens were norovirus (48·7%) and hepatitis A virus (46·1%). The most frequent type of fresh produce involved was frozen raspberries (23·7%). Differences in the reporting of outbreaks were recorded between the scientific literature and ProMED. CONCLUSIONS: The number of reported illnesses linked to fresh produce has increased in several countries. Consumption of contaminated fresh produce represents a risk to public health in both developed and developing countries, but the impact will be disproportionate and likely to compound existing health disparities. For this reason, all countries should systematically collate and report such data through a disease surveillance system, in order to adopt risk management practices for reducing the likelihood of contamination.

Α molecular epidemiological analysis of adenoviruses from excess conjunctivitis cases.

BACKGROUND: Τo perform a molecular epidemiological analysis of viral conjunctivitis among excess conjunctivitis cases recorded at the University Hospital of Patras, Greece, for the period March to June 2012. METHODS: A structured questionnaire containing demographic and clinical data was developed in order to collect retrospective data on the cases. Eye swab specimens were collected and molecular detection of adenoviruses was performed by nested PCR. Positive results were confirmed by sequencing. To determine the relatedness between the isolated sequences, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: The epidemiological analysis (including retrospective data) included 231 conjunctivitis cases (47.1% male, and 52.8% female). Based on clinical features 205 of the cases were diagnosed of viral origin (46.3% male and 53.7% female), 4 of bacterial origin (50% male and 50% female) while 22 were undefined conjunctivitis. The outbreak excess cases (included 156 cases) affected all age groups regardless gender predilection. For the positive samples indicated that 29 samples (72.5%) were AdV17, and 5 (12.5%) as AdV54. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular analysis could define the cause of viral conjunctivitis, while epidemiological data contributed to the assessment of the risk factors and underlined possible preventive measures. This study is one of the very few on viral conjunctivitis in Greece. This outbreak underscores the need for a national surveillance system for acute infectious conjunctivitis outbreaks. The epidemiological as well as molecular investigation on HAdV ocular infections is rather absent in Greece, which has no surveillance system for viral conjunctivitis.

Pitfalls in the identification of Enterococcus species and the detection of vanA and vanB genes.

UNLABELLED: The aims were to assess the performance of Vitek 2 in identifying enterococcal species and the implementation of GeneXpert(®) vanA/vanB PCR for the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Gram-positive cocci from clinical and environmental specimens (n = 431) suspicious of being enterococci by conventional methods were evaluated by Vitek 2. This system identified 296 Enterococcus faecium, 87 Enterococcus faecalis, 10 Enterococcus villorum, 9 Enterococcus gallinarum, 9 Enterococcus durans, 5 Enterococcus casseliflavus, 1 Enterococcus spp. and 14 isolates as Non-Enterococcus. All strains were submitted to pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showing 64 banding patterns. Representative strains from each banding pattern were further characterized to species level by 16S rDNA sequencing. The misidentification rate by Vitek 2 to species level among 429 molecularly identified enterococci was 6% (26 isolates). Additionally, 372 rectal swabs were obtained from critically ill patients. They were evaluated for the presence of VRE by ChromID VRE combined with in-house PCR vs GeneXpert(®) . GeneXpert(®) showed high (>92%) sensitivity, specificity, accuracy for vanA-positive Enterococcus detection, as well as, sensitivity and specificity for vanB-positive strains. Positive predictive value for detection of vanB-positive enterococci by GeneXpert(®) vanA/vanB was low (30%). GeneXpert(®) showed the same efficacy as ChromID VRE in detecting vanA-positive enterococci, but lower for vanB-gene detection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The study shows that even though the performance of Vitek 2 Advanced Expert System was good in identifying enterococci to species level, it is important to verify results by a molecular method when phenotypic findings are discordant with epidemiologic patterns. Furthermore, GeneXpert(®) vanA/vanB PCR and ChromID VRE combined with in-house PCR were applied in rectal samples for the detection of VRE colonization among critically ill patients. GeneXpert(®) showed an excellent performance in detecting vanA-positive enterococci, but false-positive results for vanB-gene detection render its application problematic in departments with high incidence of vanB-positive enterococci.

A large waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak in central Greece, March 2012: challenges for the investigation and management.

In March 2012, there was an unusual increase of gastroenteritis cases in a district with 37,264 inhabitants in central Greece. It was estimated that more than 3600 people developed symptoms. A 1:1 case-control study showed that consumption of tap water was a risk factor for acquiring infection [odds ratio (OR) 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-4.28]. Descriptive data, low gastroenteritis incidence in adjacent areas with different water supply systems, and water-quality data further supported the hypothesis of a waterborne outbreak. Thirty-eight stool samples were positive for rotavirus. Bacterial indicators of recent faecal contamination were detected in samples from the water source and ice cubes from a local production enterprise. Molecular epidemiology of rotavirus strains, apart from the common strain, G3[P8], identified the unusual G/P combination G2P[8]. Water sanitation measures contributed to the control of the outbreak. This outbreak demonstrated the need for the cooperation of laboratories with different expertise and the importance of early notification of waterborne gastroenteritis outbreaks.

Abscesses and wound infections due to Staphylococcus lugdunensis: report of 16 cases.

PURPOSE: Staphylococcus lugdunensis has emerged as a major human pathogen, capable of causing significant infections at many sites. It should never be dismissed as a contaminant without careful review. We report 16 cases of wound infections and skin and soft tissue abscesses caused by S. lugdunensis during a period of 3.5 years (January 2008-June 2011). These cases were isolated from clinical specimens in a tertiary hospital (250 beds) in Athens, Greece. METHODS: The identification of S. lugdunensis was based on Gram staining, catalase and coagulase test results, and 26 biochemical reactions that were included in the database of the MicroScan Walkaway 96 commercial system. The susceptibility pattern was performed with the same commercial system according to CLSI recommendations. RESULTS: Twenty-five isolates were classified as S. lugdunensis, of which 16 were considered to be clinically significant. The age distribution of the patients ranged from 29 to 65 years. Patient outcome after treatment was good with no long-term sequel. All isolated S. lugdunensis were methicillin sensitive (cefoxitin screen negative), while five isolates were ß-lactamase producers. The isolates were susceptible to most of the antibiotics tested except for a few cases that were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline, and clindamycin. CONCLUSIONS: Coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from traumatic and surgical wound infections should be identified by microbiological laboratories to the species level, and susceptibility testing should be performed on these isolates so as not to underrate the virulence of staphylococci resembling S. aureus.

Prevalence of Legionella spp. in water systems of hospitals and hotels in South Western Greece.

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Legionella spp. in water systems of hospitals and hotels located in South Western Greece, to study the molecular epidemiology of the isolated strains and their possible association with bacterial contamination (total count and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), the water pH, and temperature. A prevalence survey for Legionella spp. by culturing techniques in water distribution systems of eight hospitals and nine hotels occurred in South Western Greece. Water sampling and microbiological analysis were carried out following the ISO methods. Legionella pneumophila was detected in 33% and 36% of the distribution systems of hospitals and hotels, respectively. Our survey results suggest a frequent prevalence of elevated concentrations of Legionella spp. in water systems of hospitals and hotels. Our investigation has confirmed the need to regularly monitor the microbiological condition of water systems in hospitals and hotels.

Occurrence of microorganisms of public health and spoilage significance in fruit juices sold in retail markets in Greece.

Fruit juices are an important part of the modern diet in many countries. However, few data are available concerning the microbiological quality of the fruit juices sold in Greece. Using standard microbiological procedures, we conducted a bacteriological survey of commercially sold, pasteurized, shelf-stable fruit juices from retail markets. A total of 120 samples of fruit juices sold in various retail markets were examined for their bacteriological quality. The pH of the tested juices was 2.4-4.8. Bacteria were isolated from 51 samples (42.5%) and fungi from 78 samples (65%). Escherichia coli O157:H7 was detected in four of the analyzed samples (3.34%), and Staphylococcus aureus was detected in four different samples (3.34%). In 11 samples (9.1%), the total number of microorganisms detected was as high as 125 colony-forming units (CFU). Acidophilic microorganisms were isolated from 26 samples (21.7%) and Blastomyces was detected in 46 samples (38.3%). All samples were negative for Lactobacillus, Clostridium perfrigens, Salmonella spp., Bacillus cereus, total coliforms, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Many of the microorganisms detected may cause disease in humans; thus, a number of the tested samples did not meet the Greek guidelines for the microbiological quality of juices. Use of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system should be generally introduced into the juice industry sector to improve the quality of fruit juices, as well as other manufactured foods.

An outbreak of hepatitis A in Roma populations living in three prefectures in Greece.

An outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection affected Roma populations living in three prefectures of northeastern Greece. Between July and November 2007, 124 cases were reported. We carried out investigations to characterize the pathogen, to identify the source of infection and the route of transmission. Using the RT-PCR technique, HAV strains of the same genotype were detected in all sera from a subset of patients with acute disease. These showed more than 99.8% identity, suggesting a common source. A questionnaire was also completed to collect clinical and epidemiological information. The outbreak affected mainly Roma children aged <10 years. An inspection of Roma settlements showed that poor sanitary conditions were associated with the HAV outbreak.

The potential for a concerted system for the rapid monitoring of excess mortality throughout Europe.

We present the results of a survey conducted in the context of the project European Monitoring of Excess Mortality for Public Health Action (EuroMOMO), which is being conducted to develop a routine public health mortality monitoring system for the timely detection of excess deaths related to public health threats in Europe. The survey was conducted in 32 European countries using two questionnaires on: i) the existing and planned mortality monitoring systems, and ii) the routine collection of mortality data. Nine existing mortality monitoring systems were identified in seven countries (Belgium, Germany, France (two systems), Italy (two systems), Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland), as well as several systems that were in a pilot or planning state. Each system is described in detail. The results will be used for the subsequent phases of EuroMOMO, in particular for identifying the minimum requirements for the planned European system and for selecting countries to be included in the project's pilot phase.

Higher all-cause mortality in children during autumn 2009 compared with the three previous years: pooled results from eight European countries.

The paper describes weekly fluctuations of all-cause mortality observed in eight European countries during the period between week 27 and 51, 2009, in comparison with three previous years. Our preliminary data show that the mortality reported during the 2009 influenza pandemic did not reach levels normally seen during seasonal influenza epidemics. However, there was a cumulative excess mortality of 77 cases (1 per 100,000 population) in 5-14-year-olds, and possibly also among 0-4-year-olds.

Equivalency testing of TTC Tergitol 7 agar (ISO 9308-1:2000) with five culture media for the detection of E. coli in water samples in Greece.

In this study ten laboratories in Greece compared the performance of reference method TTC Tergitol 7 Agar (with the additional test of beta-glucuronidase production) with five alternative methods, to detect E. coli in water, in line with European Water Directive recommendations. The samples were prepared by spiking drinking water with sewage effluent following a standard protocol. Chlorinated and non-chlorinated samples were used. The statistical analysis was based on the mean relative difference of confirmed counts and was performed in line with ISO 17994. The results showed that in total, three of the alternative methods (Chromocult Coliform agar, Membrane Lauryl Sulfate agar and Trypton Bilex-glucuronidase medium) were not different from TTC Tergitol 7 agar (TTC Tergitol 7 agar vs Chromocult Coliform agar, 294 samples, mean RD% 5.55; vs MLSA, 302 samples, mean RD% 1; vs TBX, 297 samples, mean RD% -2.78). The other two alternative methods (Membrane Faecal coliform medium and Colilert 18/ Quantitray) gave significantly higher counts than TTC Tergitol 7 agar (TTC Tergitol 7 agar vs MFc, 303 samples, mean RD% 8.81; vs Colilert-18/Quantitray, 76 samples, mean RD% 18.91). In other words, the alternative methods generated performance that was as reliable as, or even better than, the reference method. This study will help laboratories in Greece overcome culture and counting problems deriving from the EU reference method for E. coli counts in water samples.

Assessment of the Incidence of Human Adenovirus in Surface Waters of Southwest Greece: Vouraikos River as a Case Study.

The purpose of this study is to assess the overall impact of different anthropogenic activities in the Vouraikos River basin (southwestern Greece, Natura 2000 area). Virological quality of river water samples was investigated. Positive samples for human adenoviruses were found occasionally, while porcine adenoviruses and bovine polyoma viruses were not detected. It is the first time that virological data are collected in the study area.

Cytogenetic study in cultured human lymphocytes treated with three commonly used preservatives.

Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate and potassium nitrate have been tested for their genotoxic, cytostatic and cytotoxic potential in human peripheral blood cells in vitro. Potassium nitrate has shown no activity in the test system. When potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate were used at concentrations of 2.0, 0.2 and 0.02 mM no cytostatic activity was detected. However, concentrations of 4 and 8 mM have shown a weak cytostaticity. Additionally, a genotoxic activity using the SCE methodology has been observed at 8 mM of sodium benzoate and at 4 and 8 mM of potassium sorbate. No cytotoxic activity has been induced by the three preservatives. Data demonstrate that the preservatives at low concentrations can be considered as non genotoxic under conditions tested.

Virological Quality of Irrigation Water in Leafy Green Vegetables and Berry Fruits Production Chains.

This study condenses data acquired during investigations of the virological quality of irrigation water used in production of fresh produce. One hundred and eight samples of irrigation water were collected from five berry fruit farms in Finland (1), the Czech Republic (1), Serbia (2), and Poland (1), and sixty-one samples were collected from three leafy green vegetable farms in Poland, Serbia, and Greece. Samples were analyzed for index viruses of human or animal fecal contamination (human and porcine adenoviruses, and bovine polyoma viruses), and human pathogenic viruses (hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, and noroviruses GI/GII). Both index and pathogenic viruses were found in irrigation water samples from the leafy green vegetables production chain. The data on the presence of index viruses indicated that the highest percentage of fecal contamination was of human origin (28.1 %, 18/64), followed by that of porcine (15.4 %, 6/39) and bovine (5.1 %, 2/39) origins. Hepatitis E virus (5 %, 1/20) and noroviruses GII (14.3 %, 4/28) were also detected. Samples from berry fruit production were also positive for both index and pathogenic viruses. The highest percentage of fecal contamination was of human origin (8.3 %, 9/108), followed by that of porcine, 4.5 % (4/89) and bovine, 1.1 % (1/89) origins. Norovirus GII (3.6 %, 2/56) was also detected. These data demonstrate that irrigation water used in primary production is an important vehicle of viral contamination for fresh produce, and thus is a critical control point which should be integrated into food safety management systems for viruses. The recommendations of Codex Alimentarius, as well as regulations on the use of water of appropriate quality for irrigation purposes, should be followed.

Microbiological evaluation of bottled non-carbonated ("still") water from domestic brands in Greece.

The microbiological quality of 1,527 samples of bottled non-carbonated ('still') mineral water, purchased from retail outlets and derived from 10 manufacturing companies in Greece, was investigated during the period 1995-2003. Applying the membrane filter technique, the aliquots of water samples (250 ml) were analyzed for the presence and enumeration of total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also, aerobic bacteria were counted as Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) ml(-1) at 22 and 37 degrees C. Positive samples for the parameters tested varied significantly among brands with an overall percentage of 13.95% bottled water samples noncompliant with the Greek water regulation. Microorganisms isolated from the samples tested were identified as species of Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Pasteurella, Citrobacter, Flavobacterium, Providencia and Enterococcus. The most frequent isolated microorganism during the period of the study was P. aeruginosa. Generally, bacterial load of the samples tested ranged in low levels. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of the bottled water provided by domestic brands in the Greek market during the period 1995-2003.

Hybridisation of F+ RNA coliphages detected in shellfish samples with oligonucleotide probes to assess the origin of microbiological pollution of shellfish.

Current measures for controlling the public health risks associated with bivalve molluscan shellfish consumption rely on the use of Escherichia coli to indicate the sanitary quality of shellfish harvesting areas. However, it has been demonstrated that E. coli is an inadequate indicator of the viral risk associated with shellfish. An alternative indicator, male-specific B+ coliphages, have been investigated as viral indicators of faecal contamination that may provide source-specific information for impacted environmental waters. This study compared the distribution of E. coli and F+ RNA bacteriophages in shellfish grown in harvesting areas of Greece and also examined the presence and proportions of the different subgroups of F+ RNA coliphages in shellfish. F+ RNA bacteriophages were present in shellfish at higher concentrations than E. coli. Elevated numbers of F+ RNA bacteriophages observed in the winter concur with the known increased viral risk associated with shellfish harvested at that time of year in Greece. The majority of F+ RNA coliphages detected in shellfish samples belonged to group IV which indicated the possible presence of animal faecal material in sample harvesting areas. Phages of groups II and III (human waste and human faecal material, respectively) were present at low levels. Finally, 8% of the phages hybridised were found to belong to group I. The presence of group IV showed seasonal distribution (more in winter, less in summer) whereas the other groups did not show any difference. Monitoring of F+ coliphage subgroups may indicate the presence and major sources of microbial inputs to surface waters; however, environmental effects on the relative occurrence of different groups need to be considered.

Impact on the Quality of Life When Living Close to a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact on the quality of life of people living close to a municipal wastewater treatment plant. A case control study, including 235 inhabitants living within a 500 m radius by a municipal wastewater treatment plant (cases) and 97 inhabitants living in a different area (controls), was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was self-completed by the participants which examined the general health perception and the overall life satisfaction. Also, the concentration of airborne pathogenic microorganisms in aerosol samples collected around the wastewater treatment plant was investigated. Significant risk for symptoms such as headache, unusual tiredness, and concentration difficulties was recorded and an increased possibility for respiratory and skin diseases was reported. A high rate of the cases being irritable and moody was noticed. Significantly higher gastrointestinal symptoms were also reported among the cases in relation to the controls. The prevalence of pathogenic airborne microorganisms originating from the wastewater treatment plant was reported in high numbers in sampling points close to the wastewater treatment plant. More analytical epidemiological investigations are needed to determine the cause as well as the burden of the diseases to inhabitants living surrounding the wastewater treatment plant.

Pre-pregnancy maternal obesity in Greece: A case-control analysis.

BACKGROUND-AIMS: Pre-pregnancy obesity may cause significant health implications for both mother and neonate. Our study aims to investigate the association between pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and the risk for cesarean section, admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, macrosomia and preterm delivery, in a Mediterranean country. STUDY DESIGN: A matched retrospective case control analysis was conducted. SUBJECTS: The study population included all pregnant women (with known Body Mass Index data) who gave birth in the University Hospital of Patras between 1st of January 2003 and 31st of December 2008. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cases were defined as obese (338) or overweight (826) women. RESULTS: Overweight and obese women were at higher risk for cesarean section, NICU admission and preterm delivery (χ(2)(2)=36.877, p<0.001, χ(2) Imes and Burke (2014) =6.586, p=0.037 and χ(2) Imes and Burke (2014) =7.227, p=0.027 respectively). Neonatal mean birthweight was higher among obese and overweight women (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Both obese and overweight pregnancies should be considered as high risk pregnancies, due to more frequent adverse pregnancy outcomes (cesarean delivery, preterm delivery and NICU admission).

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.