Combating Loneliness in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Volunteer-Based Program in Greece.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the feeling of loneliness, especially among older adults. This study aims to investigate any association between COVID-19 cases in Greece and the number of Loneliness Helpline calls at the Friendship at Every Age program and to assess whether the interconnection part of the program, which interconnects older adults with volunteers, can combat loneliness/social isolation in older adults. This is a supportive, volunteer-based, social intervention program. A total of 4033 calls were collected from July 2020 to November 2022, in Greece. Older adults who participated in the interconnection part completed baseline (n = 275) and follow-up questionnaires (n = 168), including the UCLA Loneliness Scale. A time-series analysis revealed a positive association in the number of calls with COVID-19 cases (Incidence Rate Ratio per 100 new COVID-19 cases = 1.012; Confidence Interval (95% CI) [1.002, 1.022]). A significant decrease in the Loneliness Scale was observed at follow-up [difference = -0.85; 95% CI (-1.16, -0.54)], with similar results by sex, educational level, and area of living. Loneliness Helpline calls increased during COVID-19 outbreaks, while the interconnection part had a positive impact on older adults, reducing their feeling of loneliness. Similar initiatives are required to better address the needs of the ageing population during and after health crises.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Childhood and Adolescence: The Interrelation with Level of Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Dietary Trajectories: Highlights from the DIATROFI Program (2021-2022).

Children's dietary habits can have a key role in contributing to an improvement in their Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study aims to assess the connection between Mediterranean diet adherence and HRQoL in a sample of Greek students, utilizing data from the DIATROFI program. The parents of 3774 students (mean age 7.8 (2.6) years) reported their children's HRQoL and level of adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern at the beginning and end of the 2021-2022 school year. At baseline, most students' adherence was characterized as moderate (55.2%) or high (25.1%). Students with moderate or high adherence tο the Mediterranean diet were less likely to report a total HRQoL below the median at baseline (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.44, 0.70), along with all its dimensions (physical, emotional, social, and school functions). A one-unit improvement in KIDMED score (beginning-end of schoolyear) was associated with the likelihood of an improvement in total HRQoL (beginning-end of schoolyear) (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.17), emotional (OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.02, 1.17), and social functions (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.05, 1.22), but not with physical and school functions. The health benefits of the Mediterranean diet in children may not be limited to disease prevention but also extend to their overall wellbeing.

Redox Status and Hematological Variables in Melatonin-Treated Ewes during Early Pregnancy under Heat Stress.

The preovulatory follicles and preimplantation stage embryos are found to be rather sensitive to heat stress due to their low potential for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of melatonin administration on redox status and hematological variables during the preovulatory period and early stages of embryogenesis in heat-stressed ewes in vivo. Forty Karagouniko-breed ewes were divided in two groups, the melatonin (M, n = 20) group and control (C, n = 20) one. All animals were subjected to heat stress throughout the study, which lasted forty days (D0 to D40). In M group, melatonin implants were administered on D0. Then, oestrous synchronization was applied (D19-D33). On D34, six rams were introduced into the ewe flock for mating. Ultrasonographic examination was conducted on D73 for pregnancy diagnosis. The temperature humidity index (THI), the rectal temperature (RT), and the number of breaths per minute (BR) were evaluated twice daily. Redox biomarkers, namely total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), were assayed in blood samples collected on D0, D33, and D40. In addition, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBCs), leukocyte differential count, and cortisol assessment were conducted in blood samples on D33 and D40. The results indicated improved fertility rate and mean number of lambs born per ewe due to improved redox status (p < 0.05) in ewes that received melatonin implants 34 days approximately before the onset of oestrus. The PCV decreased in both groups between the two time-points (p < 0.05). However, the NEU/LYMPH ratio decreased (p < 0.05) only in group M. The low cortisol levels and the decreased NEU/LYMPH ratio in both groups support the hypothesis that ewes of the indigenous Karagouniko breed may exhibit adaptation to environmental thermal stress. The administration of melatonin as an antioxidant regime may improve the reproductive competence of heat stressed ewes and may also enhance their ability to adapt at high ambient temperatures.

Incidental finding of unilateral complete duplication of ureter in a patient with large ureteric calculus obstructing both left limbs.

Duplication of the ureter is a common congenital malformation, which unfortunately may be accompanied by unpleasant and challenging pathologies. Hereby, a rare case of a patient with obstructive urolithiasis secondary to undiagnosed complete ureteral duplication is presented. A single large calculus in the vesicoureteral junction was obstructing both duplicated ureters. The aim of this article was to discuss both the challenges arising from this clinical entity and the diagnostic approaches. In such complicated cases combined with suspected pyelonephritis or severe hydronephrosis, the option of an urgent lithotripsy should be considered. The obstructed orifices are often inflammatory, hindering their stenting. Asymptomatic and undiagnosed patients with completely duplicated ureters are prone to severe complications. Thus, early screening of these patients is an imperative need for the clinician.

Human ghrelin decreases pituitary response to GnRH in superovulated ewes.

In addition to its metabolic role, ghrelin has been found to suppress luteinizing hormone secretion in many species acting mainly at the hypothalamic level. The objectives of the present study were to test the hypothesis that besides its effects on the hypothalamic level, ghrelin exerts a direct action on the pituitary. Twelve cycling ewes were synchronized, using progestagen intravaginal sponges and superovulated using eCG. At the time of sponge withdrawal, animals were allocated into two groups, ghrelin-treated (Gh) and control. Two days after the sponge removal, GnRH was given to synchronize ovulations. Simultaneously with GnRH treatment, animals of the Gh group received the first of four treatments of acylated human ghrelin at a dose of 6 µg/kg body weight iv; three additional treatments of ghrelin iv were given every 15 minutes thereafter. Control animals received saline iv. Blood samples were collected before challenge (-30 and 0 minutes) and at 30, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150, and 180 minutes after GnRH treatment, and were analyzed for LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations. Ghrelin treatment attenuated GnRH-induced a preovulatory surge of both gonadotrophins, with the effect being greater for LH. No difference was detected for insulin, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations, and insulin-like growth factor-I levels were increased in the Gh group. Our results imply that in sheep, ghrelin conducts specific regulatory effects on the GnRH/LH axis, and provide for the first time strong evidence that besides its central action, ghrelin might regulate gonadotrophin release acting at the pituitary level.