Investigation of admission serum creatinine as a predictor of hospital length of stay in triple-vaccinated COVID-19 inpatients.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the association between admission kidney function and the duration of hospitalization in triple-vaccinated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients during the omicron surge in Larissa, central Greece. METHODS: Regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of kidney function biomarkers on hospital length of stay (LoS) within a dataset from a cohort of 51 subjects. RESULTS: Sex- and age-adjusted admission serum creatinine was associated with hospital LoS (p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Serum creatinine concentration on admission should be further evaluated as a possible clinical predictor of hospital LoS among triple-vaccinated COVID-19 inpatients both at the country and global level.

Multifocal Tuberculosis Verrucosa Cutis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Cutaneous tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health problem worldwide. Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis (TBVC) is a cutaneous form of exogenous TB caused by exogenous reinfection in previously sensitized individuals. TBVC typically presents as a unifocal condition. Multifocal cutaneous lesions without any other tubercular foci are extremely rare in exogenous TB and few cases are reported in the literature. We describe the first case of multifocal TBVC in an 81-year-old Greek man. In total, 14 cases of multifocal TBVC have been reported in the literature (8 males and 6 females), with mean age 47.64 years (SD = 20.75) and mean time to diagnosis of 9.69 years (SD = 15.31). Most cases (11/12) responded rapidly to treatment, implying the accuracy of diagnosis, while no one was reported to be immunocompromised. Finally, in 10 cases (71.4%), history of skin microtrauma was reported (related either to daily life habits or to professional praxis), confirming it as the main risk factor. The tuberculin skin test was positive in 10 cases and tissue culture for mycobacteria was negative in all cases. TBVC can present with multiple lesions, even in countries where TB prevalence is not high, especially in patients with history of skin abrasions. Prompt specialist assessment can expedite the establishment of diagnosis.

Physical Health-Related Quality of Life in Relation to Mediterranean Diet Adherence in a Sample of Greek Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study.

The role of nutrition in the management of asthma in obese patients is of increasing interest due to their limited response to inhaled corticosteroids. Some studies note that through diet and lifestyle, there can be an improvement in asthma control. The aim of the present study was to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its association with asthma severity and quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma. This is a cross-sectional study of 85 patients (70.6% female), with a mean age of 57 years, from the General University Hospital of Larissa and, more specifically, patients of the outpatient asthma clinic. Data were collected with the use of specific questionnaires. In relation to BMI, 12.9% of participants were of a normal weight, 45.9% were overweight, 25.9% were obese level I, 5.9% were obese level II, and 9.4% were in the morbidly obese range. Based on the Med Diet Score (ranging from 21 to 35), most participants (85.9%) reported moderate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Further analysis examined the correlations of the PCS-12 score with the frequency of consumption of each of the 11 food categories, as well as all demographic and health behavior variables. The ranked correlations indicated a significant relationship between PCS-12 score and Med Diet adherence and the consumption of alcoholic beverages (r = 0.437, p < 0.05), in accordance with the Mediterranean Diet suggestions, as well as a negative relationship with BMI score (r = -0.454, p < 0.010). Moreover, significant correlations were also present between the physical quality of life and AQLQ score and work type, as well as gender, age, and marital status. The results of our study showed a high rate of obesity in patients with asthma at the General University Hospital of Larissa and moderate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Increased BMI and alcoholic beverage consumption in asthma patients were significant predictors of lower physical health-related quality of life. In conclusion, personal and society-level interventions are required to effectively address obesity and poor diet in patients with asthma.

Identification of Genes and miRNAs Associated with TAFI-Related Thrombosis: An in Silico Study.

Thrombin-Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor (TAFI) is a carboxypeptidase B-like proenzyme encoded by the CPB2 gene. After thrombin activation, TAFI downregulates fibrinolysis, thus linking the latter with coagulation. TAFI has been shown to play a role in venous and arterial thrombotic diseases, yet, data regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying its function have been conflicting. In this study, we focused on the prediction and functional enrichment analysis (FEA) of the TAFI interaction network and the microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting the members of this network in an attempt to identify novel components and pathways of TAFI-related thrombosis. To this end, we used nine bioinformatics software tools. We found that the TAFI interactome consists of 28 unique genes mainly involved in hemostasis. Twenty-four miRNAs were predicted to target these genes. Co-annotation analysis of the predicted interactors with respect to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and transcription factors (TFs) pointed to the complement and coagulation cascades as well as neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Cancer, stroke, and intracranial aneurysm were among the top 20 significant diseases related to the identified miRNAs. We reason that the predicted biomolecules should be further studied in the context of TAFI-related thrombosis.

Proportion of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and Adenovirus Cases via Rapid Tests in the Community during Winter 2023-A Cross Sectional Study.

Respiratory infections constitute a major reason for infants and children seeking medical advice and visiting health facilities, thus remaining a significant public threat with high morbidity and mortality. The predominant viruses causing viral respiratory infections are influenza A and B viruses (Flu-A, Flu-B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus and coronaviruses. We aimed to record the proportion of RSV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B and adenovirus cases with rapid antigen tests and validate the results with RT-PCR assays of upper respiratory specimens with a wide range of viral loads and (co)-infection patterns in children. Clinical samples were collected from early symptomatic children (presenting with fever and/or cough and/or headache within 5-7 days). The surveillance program was conducted in five private pediatric dispensaries and one pediatric care unit, from 10 January 2023 to 30 March 2023 in central Greece. The total sample of specimens collected was 784 young children and infants, of which 383 (48.8%) were female and 401 were male (51.2%). The mean age of participants was 7.3 + 5.5 years. The sensitivity of the FLU A & B test was 91.15% (95% CI: 84.33-95.67%), and the specificity was 98.96% (95% CI: 97.86-99.58%). The sensitivity and specificity of the adenovirus and RSV test was {92.45% (95% CI: 81.79-97.91%), 99.32% (95% CI: 98.41-99.78%)} and {92.59% (95% CI: 75.71-99.09%), 99.47% (95% CI: 98.65-99.86%)} respectively. Lastly, the sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 test was 100.00% (95% CI: 79.41-100.00%) and the specificity was 99.74% (95% CI: 99.06-99.97%). We recorded a proportion of 14.3% and 3.44% for influenza A and B, respectively, followed by a proportion of 6.9% for adenovirus, a proportion of 3.7% for RSV, and finally, a proportion of 2.3% for SARS-CoV-2. The combination of a new multiple rapid test with multiple antigens will probably be a useful tool with a financial impact for health systems targeting the early detection and appropriate treatment of respiratory infections in emergency departments in primary health care facilities.

Changes in Smoking Habits in Greece During the Lockdown Measures Due to COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During lockdown, people are experiencing higher than usual levels of stress related to social isolation, employment, and finances that may result in lifestyle changes. Here, we aim to assess whether smoking habits changed during the lockdown measures due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: For the purpose of the survey, an online questionnaire was distributed from the tenth of April to the second of May 2020, among a Greek population, by using an online platform. RESULTS: Two hundred smokers/vapers participated in the present survey (62.5% women, 44% of 36-45 years, 29% of 16-55 years, 15.5% 26-35 years). The daily number of cigarettes smoked before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic is 15.06 ± 9.84, while during the restrictive measures due to COVID-19, the daily number of cigarettes smoked is 14.52 ± 10.13 (p > 0.05). Vapers consumed an average of 0.54 ± 2.43 mL vapor per day before the COVID-19 pandemic and 0.61 ± 2.81 mL during lockdown. Males smoked more cigarettes per day before (16.31 ± 11.87) and during the lockdown (15.33 ± 12.17) versus females (14.30 ± 8.36) and 14.04 ± 8.70, respectively) (p > 0.05 for both genders). Before versus during the restrictive measures, subjects that were primary school graduates smoked more cigarettes per day (28.00 ± 9.09 and 27.50 ± 9.57, respectively), followed by subjects that were high school graduates (16.90 ± 9.33 and 15.97 ± 9.50, respectively), university graduates (14.17 ± 10.14 and 13.93 ± 10.66, respectively), postgraduates (12.96 ± 9.52 and 12.25 ± 9.90, respectively) and middle school graduates (12.89 ± 8.22 and 14.22 ± 7.93, respectively).The self-reported reason for the change in the mL vaporized and the cigarettes smoked are confinement at home (36.3%), stress about COVID-19 (34.09%), free time (20.45%), boredom (4.54%), stress about the work status (2.27%), and participation in online lucky games (2.27%). DISCUSSION: We did not observe significant differences in the daily consumption of smoke/vaping during the lockdown measures. More studies are needed to assess the long-term effects of the pandemic in smoking habits.

Investigation of the Level of Burnout in Health Care Professionals in COVID-19 Pandemic Conditions.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to high levels of stress and anxiety for health care professionals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the burnout of health care professionals in COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Quantitative research was performed, and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to study burnout. The research sample consisted of 360 health care professionals. Health professionals have been found to have fairly high levels of personal burnout, work burnout, and burnout associated with patient interactions. It has also been found that women and health professionals working in department for patients with COVID-19 have significantly greater burnout. However, it was found that age, marital status, years of service, specialty, non-basic degree, and whether they or a first-degree relative had COVID-19 were not correlated to burnout. Given the very high level of burnout among health professionals, it is necessary to develop appropriate strategies to reduce burnout.

Nursing Students' Computer Anxiety and Attitudes Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Purpose of this research was to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the level of computer anxiety of nursing students and also their attitude related to computer use. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two periods, one before the COVID-19 pandemic (1st period) and the second during the COVID-19 pandemic (2nd period). The research instrument consisted of three parts, a questionnaire with questions about demographic and educational characteristics such as gender and semester of study, the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale (CARS), that used to assess the nursing students' levels of computer anxiety and the Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) that used to measure nursing students' positive and negative attitudes towards computers. Data from 957 undergraduate nursing students were obtained. Specifically, in the 1st period, 370 nursing students participated (38.66%), while in the 2nd period 587 (61.34%) undergraduates participated. The anxiety of participants during COVID-19 pandemic period was reduced compared to that of participants before the COVID-19 period. Respondents during the COVID-19 pandemic have fewer negative feelings towards computers, based on their answers in contrast to the participants in the study before the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer anxiety and attitudes have change among nursing students among COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing students after the implementation of online training are reporting positive feeling towards computer use and are more confident for their ICT skills.

A Narrative Review of Q Fever in Europe.

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, causes abortions in animals. Its effects on humans and the management of Q fever in certain conditions like pregnancy are undetermined. The World Health Organization has estimated that zoonotic diseases cause around one billion cases of infections and millions of deaths globally each year. It is worth noting that many emerging infectious diseases currently being reported worldwide are zoonoses. We reviewed studies reporting on Q fever prevalence and incidence in Europe. Articles from 1937 to 2023 with the following terms "Coxiella burnetii and Europe and Q fever, and seroprevalence studies" were identified in the PubMed database and reports by organizations such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). We included randomized and observational studies, seroprevalence studies, case series, and case reports. According to the ECDC in 2019, 23 countries reported 1069 cases, the majority of which were classified as confirmed cases. The number of reports per 100,000 inhabitants in the EU/EEA was 0.2 for 2019, the same as the previous four years. The highest report rate (0.7 cases per 100,000 population) was observed in Spain, followed by Romania (0.6), Bulgaria (0.5), and Hungary. Considering the typically asymptomatic nature of Q fever infection, it is imperative to strengthen the existing systems to promote the rapid identification and reporting of Q fever outbreaks in animals, particularly in cases of abortion. It is also essential to consider the facilitation of early information exchange between veterinarians and public health counterparts to ensure the timely detection and prevention of potential zoonotic events, including Q fever.

Mental Health and Quality of Life in Pulmonary Embolism: A Literature Review.

Pulmonary embolismis an acute disease with chronic complications and, although it is not considered a chronic disease, it requires close follow-up. The scope of the present literature review is to decode the existing data concerning quality of life and the mental health impact of PE during the acute and long-term phases of the disease. The majority of studies reported impaired quality of life in patients with PE when compared to population norms, both in the acute phase and >3 months after PE. Quality of life improves over time, irrespectively of the measurement used. Fear of recurrences, elderly, stroke, obesity, cancer and cardiovascular comorbidities are independently associated with worse QoL at follow-up. Although disease specific instruments exist (e.g., the Pulmonary Embolism Quality of Life questionnaire), further research is required in order to develop questionnaires that may fulfil international guideline requirements. The fear of recurrences and the development of chronic symptoms, such as dyspnea or functional limitations, may further impair the mental health burden of PE patients. Mental health may be implicated by post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depressive symptoms present following the acute event. Anxiety may persist for 2 years following diagnosis and may be exaggerated by persistent dyspnea and functional limitations. Younger patients are at higher risk of anxiety and trauma symptoms while elderly patients and patients with previous cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, obesity or persistent symptoms exhibit more frequently impaired QoL. The optimal strategy for the assessment of mental health in this patient pool is not well defined in the literature. Despite mental burden being common following a PE event, current guidelines have not incorporated the assessment or management of mental health issues. Further studies are warranted to longitudinally assess the psychological burden and elucidate the optimal follow-up approach.

Factors of Compliance of Dental Patients in Primary Health Care Services during the Pandemic.

The compliance of dentists with good hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic was essential to minimize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 strains, and the pandemic has significantly interrupted the provision of oral health care to many individuals. We aimed to examine, in a cross-sectional study, factors affecting dental patients' compliance in primary dental health settings during the pandemic period. The present study was conducted on 300 dental patients visiting four private dental offices in the city of Larissa in Central Greece during the period October-December 2021. The patients in the study sample were of an average age of 45.79 years with a standard deviation of 15.54 years, and 58% of the sample were females. A significant proportion of the participants, 22%, reported that they would be influenced if they knew that the dentist had been ill with COVID-19 despite being fully recovered. A total of 88% of the participants reported that they would feel safe if they knew their dentist was vaccinated against COVID-19. Regarding the information received by dentists, 88% of the participants agreed that the dentist's role is important in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and 89% of them agreed that the information they received from the dentist about the COVID-19 pandemic was sufficient. One-third of the total sample reported that COVID-19 negatively impacted keeping dental appointments, and 43% of the sample kept scheduled appointments. A total of 98% reported that the dentist followed all health protocols against COVID-19 and that their office was equipped to follow health protocols. In the present study, we observe that dentists had adequate knowledge of, attitudes towards, and practices of infection control protocols against COVID-19 during the second wave, according to patients' perceptions.

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Cases, COVID-19 Outcomes and Vaccinations, during the Different SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Greece.

Since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, many issues have arisen. We report SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, SARS-CoV-2 cases and COVID-19 outcomes in Greece during weeks 2-26 of 2021 (Alpha variant period), weeks 27-51 of 2021 (Delta variant period) and week 51 of 2021 to week 27 of 2022 (Omicron variant period). The average weekly cases were higher during the Omicron period vs. the Delta (25,354.17 cases/week) and Alpha periods (11,238.48 cases/week). The average weekly vaccinations were lower in the Omicron period (26,283.69/week) than in the Alpha and Delta period. Joinpoint regression analysis identified that the trend of SARS-CoV-2 cases increased by 88.5% during the rise of the Omicron wave in Greece. The trend of the intensive care unit (ICU) admissions related to COVID-19 decreased by 5.0% immediately after the rise of Omicron while the trend of COVID-19-related deaths decreased by 8.1% from the 5th week of the Omicron wave until the end of the study. For vaccinations, an increasing trend of 8.3% was observed in the first half of 2021 (weeks 18-25/2021), followed by a decreasing trend in weeks 26-43/2021. For the weeks before and during the early rise of Omicron (44/2021-1/2022), we identified an increasing trend of 10.7% and for weeks 2-27/2022 we observed a decreasing trend of 18.1%. Unfortunately, we do not have available data about the vaccination status of the SARS-CoV-2 cases, ICU admissions or deaths. Our findings suggest that the Omicron variant is associated with increased transmissibility and reduced morbidity and mortality despite the previous increase in the trend of SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.

Efficiency of an Online Intervention in the Knowledge Concerning COPD in Nursing Students.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive and debilitating respiratory disorder. Nurses play a major role in managing the disease. This study aimed to test the effect of a brief online intervention in increasing the knowledge of COPD in a sample of nursing students in Greece. Materials and Methods: The intervention entailed a combination of two ½ hour lectures focusing on the treatment and care of patients with COPD according to existing guidelines. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire specially designed for this study including questions regarding information on sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, and the Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ) which is designed to assess the knowledge of 13 COPD-specific topics. The questionnaire was distributed three times and the one-way ANOVA test of repeated measures was applied to investigate the effect of the educational intervention by examining the periods before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Results: 125 nursing students participated in this study of which 13.6% were men (n=17) and 86.4% were women. According to the results of the repeated measures ANOVA test, there was a statistically significant improvement in gained knowledge about COPD. Conclusions: Short educational interventions can be effective in acquiring and cultivating nursing students concerning COPD. These short online tutorials seem to be cost-effective as they can be organized easily and with minimal financial resources.

Evaluation of Sirtuin 1 Levels in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

AIM: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating lung disorder that is characterized by aggressive and dysbalanced wound healing. IPF is mainly a disease of the elderly and thus is likely to share common pathophysiologic mechanisms with other more age-related diseases. Emerging evidence has linked disturbance of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) expression and activity with aging and diseases of the elderly. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate SIRT1 expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with IPF given the lack of studies in the literature. METHODS: We enrolled 34 IPF patients and 22 healthy volunteers (age and sex-matched). In both groups, SIRT1 levels were assessed in plasma, cell pellets of PBMCs, and supernatant from PBMCs' culture with and without the addition of 10% human serum. We also measured transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) concentration in plasma from IPF patients and controls. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age (years) of the healthy volunteers was 68.57±6.97 and of the IPF patients was 71.28±5.39 years (p>0.05). The mean SIRT1 concentration was found significantly decreased in the supernatant of PBMCs culture (without the addition of serum) in IPF subjects versus controls (1.97±0.59 ng/ml versus 2.40±0.74 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.047). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the SIRT1 concentration of all the other materials. TGFß1 concentration of IPF subjects was significantly increased when compared to controls (1281.38±2742.74 versus 131.11±156.06 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.032). Decreased SIRT1 levels in no-serum supernatant were predictive of IPF, after adjustment for age and sex (p=0.014, OR=0.124 [95%CI: 0.023-0.653]). CONCLUSION: The findings of decreased concentration of SIRT1 in PBMCs supernatant and increased concentration of TGFß1 in plasma in IPF patients versus controls provide important insights into the role of SIRT1 in IPF and could serve as a tool for the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with IPF.

Worldwide trends in mortality related to Parkinson's disease in the period of 1994-2019: Analysis of vital registration data from the WHO Mortality Database.

Background: Mortality due to Parkinson's disease (PD) and its long-term trends worldwide in recent decades remain unknown. No previous studies have simultaneously studied age- and sex-specific mortality trends at a population level worldwide. Insights gained from this study can help identify high-risk populations and inform healthcare service requirements for managing Parkinson's disease globally. Objectives: The aim of the study was to examine trends in mortality from Parkinson's disease by age-group and sex across countries all over the world. In this study, we used worldwide registry data to examine the temporal trends in PD mortality across most counties of the world from 1994 to 2019 using joinpoint regression. Results: In data from vital registration systems, huge variations in the patterns of deaths due to Parkinson's disease were observed both over time and between countries. Between 1994 and 2019, there was a significant increase in mortality rates globally in both men and women. In more detail, the mortality rate (per 100,000) in 1994 was 1.76 and reached 5.67 in 2019. Greater increases in mortality were seen in men than in women; and in older than in younger people. Conclusions: There has been a striking rising trend in Parkinson's disease mortality globally. Persistent age and sex disparities are found in Parkinson's disease mortality trends. Our findings may have important implications for future research, healthcare planning, and provision.

Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Sleep Quality and Lifestyle in Young Adults.

Due to the evolution of COVID-19,restrictive measures were implemented. The quarantine resulted in significant changes in the social, economic, and psychological status of the population; however, its long-term effects have not yet been elucidated, especially in young adults. In the present study, people aged 18-25 years were studied, in relation to their sleeping, smoking, eating, and drinking habits and their physical activity before, during, and after the implementation of quarantine. We included 540 respondents (21.2 ± 2.3 years, 62.8% female). During quarantine, from 23 March to 4 May 2020, we observed an increase in sleep hours by 1.17 ± 1.98 h (p < 0.001), time of sleep arrival by 11.90 ± 30.41 min (p < 0.001), and number of daily meals by 0.66 ± 1.4 (p < 0.001). The subjects who consumed alcoholic beverages never or almost never had an upward change of 27.04%, and the time of daily exercise was reduced by 10.16 ± 48.68 min (p < 0.001). After quarantine, cigarettes per day increased by 1.14 ± 3.62 (p < 0.001) and the awakenings during night time increased by 0.37 ± 1.93 (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the quarantine brought about significant changes in smoking, sleeping habits, physical activity, dietary habits, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages, some of which continue after its termination.

Attitudes toward older people among nursing students in Greece.

BACKGROUND: The age profile of the population has shifted globally. Age discrimination has been documented, particularly in the areas of health and employment. AIM: This study aims at examining nursing students' attitudes toward older people and dehumanization of older people among nursing students. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which included a sociodemographic variables questionnaire, the Kogan's Attitude towards Old People Scale (KAOP) scale, a modified version of the Human Nature & Human Uniqueness Scale, the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire. A total of 410 undergraduate nursing students participated in this study. Descriptive statistics were applied while inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation, and regression analysis with the stepwise method were also performed. The significant level was set as p ≤ .05. SPSS-25 was used for the analysis of data. RESULTS: The total mean score of the KAOP scale was 128.84 ± 14.32, indicating that nursing students had a slightly positive view of older individuals. Nursing students scored higher on the mechanistic dehumanization scale than on the animalistic dehumanization one. A strong negative association was found between Mechanistic and Animalistic dehumanization with the KAOP scale and empathy. Year of study, age, and gender were identified as predictor variables for mechanical dehumanization. CONCLUSION: Personality traits, demographic variables, and nursing students' level of empathy are factors that influence their views about older people and the dehumanization of older people.

Quality of Life in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Importance of Psychological Symptoms.

Background Depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms are prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may negatively influence the disease course and quality of life. The study aimed to assess the relationship between psychological factors and patients' quality of life (QoL). Materials and methods A cross-sectional study with the use of a structured questionnaire among 38 patients with Crohn's disease and 30 with ulcerative colitis was conducted. The inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ-32) was used to evaluate the patients' quality of life, and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS21) was used to evaluate these psychological factors. Pearson descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results According to the findings of the multiple regression analysis, depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms were negatively associated with quality of life. Participants with higher scores of anxiety had inferior QoL in intestinal symptoms (p=0.013) and in systemic symptoms (p=0.013), with higher scores of depression had inferior QoL in emotional function (p<0.001), and higher scores of stress had inferior QoL in the domain of social support (p=0.002). Psychological symptoms of emotional disorders appear to be associated with lower quality of life in IBD patients. Conclusion This study examined levels of depression, anxiety, and stress in Greek patients with IBD, which were associated with lower levels of their quality of life. Interventions to improve QoL in patients with IBD should consider the effect of psychological symptoms.

Contemporary Biomarkers in Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis: Moving beyond D-Dimers.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a rather common cardiovascular disorder constituting one of the major manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). It is associated with high mortality and substantial recurrence rates, and its diagnosis may be challenging, especially in patients with respiratory comorbidities. Therefore, providing a prompt and accurate diagnosis for PE through developing highly sensitive and specific diagnostic algorithms would be of paramount importance. There is sound evidence supporting the use of biomarkers to enhance the diagnosis and predict the recurrence risk in patients with PE. Therefore, several novel biomarkers, such as factor VIII, Ischemia Modified Albumin, and fibrinogen, as well as several MicroRNAs and microparticles, have been investigated for the diagnosis of this clinical entity. The present review targets to comprehensively present the literature regarding the novel diagnostic biomarkers for PE, as well as to discuss the evidence for their use in daily routine.

THE INVESTIGATION OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BURDEN OF PATIENTS AFTER HOSPITALIZATION FOR COVID 19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The current Cross-Sectional study investigated the psychosocial effects on recovered Covid 19 patients in a General Hospital in Greece. It was investigated the impact of Covid 19 on levels of social support, loneliness, resilience & PTSD. Furthermore, the correlation between all the above factors was studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 107 adult patients participated. The questionnaire was fulfilled after signature of consensus form. This happened after their discharge from the hospital, without exclusion of infected on previous time. The questionnaire included 5 particular sections: a) Socio-demographic characteristics, b) social support scale, c) IES Covid 19 scale, d) UCLA scale e) CD-Risc scale. In terms of statistical analysis, the comparison between two groups of quantitative variables was conducted through Student's t-test. Related to examination of relationship between two quantitative variables was used Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). The Statistical analysis package used was SPSS 22. RESULTS: Results: The 55,1% of sample were women, married (57,9 %) and (39,3%) university graduates. Moreover, the rate of overweight was significant (39,3%). Related to psychosocial factors, observed high level of resilience (70,6), moderate level of loneliness (39,1) and 57,9% of participants showed moderate social support. At last, PTSD level as a result of Covid 19 was moderate (33,5). A strong correlation was observed between higher mental resilience and lower feelings of loneliness. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The levels of determining factors of negative psychological effects, reveal the need for a preparation of political improvement policies in relation to mental health of rehabilitated persons, as well as the promotion of actions that would contribute to the development of a more effective supportive framework.