Αντιδραστήρας θειοαναγωγικών βακτηρίων για την επεξεργασία υγρών βιομηχανικών αποβλήτων που περιέχουν μέταλλα

98 σ.Μεταπτυχιακή Εργασία -- Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο. Διεπιστημονικό - Διατμηματικό Πρόγραμμα Μεταπτυχιακών Σπουδών (Δ.Π.Μ.Σ.) "Περιβάλλον και Ανάπτυξη"Στην παρούσα εργασία μελετήθηκε η λειτουργία ενός βιολογικού αντιδραστήρα θειοαναγωγικών βακτηρίων, εργαστηριακής κλίμακας σταθερής κλίνης και ανοδικής ροής, προκειμένου να αξιολογηθεί συγκριτικά το θρεπτικό υπόστρωμα μεταξύ δύο πηγών άνθρακα: γαλακτικού και αιθανόλης. Ο αντιδραστήρας λειτούργησε σε κλειστούς διαδοχικούς κύκλους τροφοδοσίας έπειτα από τον εμβολιασμό με μικτή καλλιέργεια θειοαναγωγικών βακτηρίων. Τέθηκε αρχικά σε λειτουργία με διάλυμα που περιείχε γαλακτικό νάτριο, θειικά ιόντα και σίδηρο (100 mg/l). Ακολούθησε η σταδιακή αντικατάσταση του γαλακτικού από αιθανόλη σε διάστημα 30 ημερών. Έπειτα προστέθηκαν τα μέταλλα: Zn, Cu, Ni σε συγκέντρωση 100 mg/l και έγινε η παρακολούθηση της απόδοσης του αντιδραστήρα ως προς την αναγωγή των θειικών ιόντων και την καταβύθιση των μετάλλων Fe, Zn, Cu και Ni. Στη συνέχεια η αιθανόλη ελαττώθηκε στη στοιχειομετρικά απαιτούμενη συγκέντρωση για την αναγωγή των θειικών ιόντων. Μέσω της παρακολούθησης των παραμέτρων του pH, της συγκέντρωσης των θειικών ιόντων, των ιόντων του δισθενούς θείου, του συνολικού οργανικού άνθρακα και των διαλυτών μετάλλων (παράμετροι λειτουργίας του βιοαντιδραστήρα) διαπιστώθηκε η επιτυχής λειτουργία του αντιδραστήρα και η ανοχή του βακτηριακού πληθυσμού στις μεταβολές της σύστασης του διαλύματος τροφοδοσίας. Κύρια συμπεράσματα είναι ότι ο αντιδραστήρας λειτούργησε επιτυχώς καθ’ όλη τη διάρκεια των διαδοχικών κύκλων όπως φαίνεται από την παραγωγή αλκαλικότητας, την αναγωγή των θειικών ιόντων, την οξείδωση του οργανικού υποστρώματος και την ποσοτική καταβύθιση των μετάλλων. Τέλος μελετήθηκε η μεταβολή των παραμέτρων λειτουργίας σε συνάρτηση με το χρόνο ξεκινώντας από καθορισμένες αρχικές συνθήκες (πειράματα κινητικής).In the present study, the operation of a laboratory-scale sulphate-reducing reactor, operating in upflow mode, is described under two different carbon sources/electron donors: lactate and ethanol. The bioreactor was operating continuously for 115 days at room temperature. A mixed culture of sulphate-reducing bacteria was added in the bioreactor along with a variation of Postgate’s medium, containing lactate, sulphates and iron (Fe, 100 mg/l). Lactate feed was replaced stepwise with ethanol over 30 days. After the replacement of lactate by ethanol, ethanol was inserted in excess to sulphate with iron (Fe, 100 mg/l). In the following days three more heavy metals were inserted in the bioreactor (Zn, Cu and Ni). Finally, ethanol was added stoichiometrically to sulphate. Samples were taken systematically and apart from pH measurement the concentration of sulphates, sulphide, organic matter and soluble metals (operational parameters of the bioreactor) was determined. Out of these measurements it was concluded that the bioreactor was successfully adjusted to the changing medium. In specific as a result of the alkalinity generated during the SRB metabolism, pH reached a value of 7.5-8.5, sulphates were reduced, the organic substrate was oxidized and all metals were quantitatively precipitated. Apart from the experiments on the different carbon source, batch kinetic experiments were also conducted in the bioreactor starting with different conditions each time.Βασιλική Π. Κουστέν

Executive function deficits in pediatric cerebellar tumor survivors

Development Psychopathology in context: clinical setting

Direct-acting antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C in people who use drugs in a real-world setting

Background Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer high cure rates in people who inject drugs (PWID) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There are concerns regarding lower response rates among PWID in real life. We evaluated the outcome of DAA therapy in PWID in a real-world setting and the factors that affect it. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 174 PWID with chronic hepatitis C who started DAAs in a Greek liver clinic in collaboration with an addiction program. Patients who did not return for reassessment were considered as lost to follow up (LTFU). A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12) and LTFU. Results Patients’ mean age was 48±9.2 years and 91/174 (52.3%) were attending opioid substitution treatment programs. Overall, 144/174 (82.8%) patients completed therapy and presented for SVR12 testing, 8/174 (4.6%) did not complete treatment and 22/174 (12.6%) were LTFU. Overall SVR12 was 79.9% (139/174). For those with an available SVR12 test the response rate reached 96.5% (139/144). Regression analysis did not indicate any significant association between patient characteristics and SVR12. Age <45 years and genotype 3 were independent predictors of LTFU. Parallel use was found to have a trend towards LTFU. Conclusions HCV treatment by hepatologists and addiction specialists is feasible, effective and safe in a real-world setting. However, as 12% of patients appear to be LTFU, more emphasis should be placed on interventions guaranteeing follow up for SVR testing and general care. © 2020 Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology

The 2014 Local Elections in Greece: Looking for Patterns in a Changing Political System

In May 2014, municipal and regional elections were held in Greece, concurrently with European elections. This was the first electoral test after the 2012 twin earthquake elections, which marked the beginning of a radical restructuring of the Greek political system. The fragmentation and inconsistency of voting behaviour across different polls in 2014 indicate that Greek politics remains in a transitional phase whose final outcome is still contested. Other characteristics of the elections, including the high proportion of independent candidates, the radical renewal of political personnel and the emergence of Berlusconism in two major municipalities, underline the continuing lack of legitimacy of the political system. © 2015 Taylor & Francis

National survey of morbidity and risk factors (EMENO): Protocol for a health examination survey representative of the adult Greek population

Background: Main causes of death in Greece are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), malignant neoplasms, respiratory diseases, and road traffic crashes. To assess the population health status, monitor health systems, and adjust policies, national population-based health surveys are recommended. The previous health surveys that were conducted in Greece were restricted to specific regions or high-risk groups. Objective: This paper presents the design and methods of the Greek Health Examination Survey EMENO (National Survey of Morbidity and Risk Factors). The primary objectives are to describe morbidity (focusing on CVD, respiratory diseases, and diabetes), related risk factors, as well as health care and preventive measures utility patterns in a random sample of adults living in Greece. Methods: The sample was selected by applying multistage stratified random sampling on 2011 Census. Trained interviewers and physicians made home visits. Standardized questionnaires were administered; physical examination, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and spirometry were performed. Blood samples were collected for lipid profile, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and transaminases measurements. The survey was conducted from May 2013 until June 2016. Results: In total, 6006 individuals were recruited (response rate 72%). Of these, 4827 participated in at least one physical examination, 4446 had blood tests, and 3622 spirometry, whereas 3580 provided consent for using stored samples for future research (3528 including DNA studies). Statistical analysis has started, and first results are expected to be submitted for publication by the end of 2018. Conclusions: EMENO comprises a unique health data resource and a bio-resource in a Mediterranean population. Its results will provide valid estimates of morbidity and risk factors’ prevalence (overall and in specific subdomains) and health care and preventive measures usage in Greece, necessary for an evidence-based strategy planning of health policies and preventive activities. © Giota Touloumi, Anna Karakatsani, Argiro Karakosta, Eleni Sofianopoulou, Panagiotis Koustenis, Magda Gavana, Yannis Alamanos, Maria Kantzanou, George Konstantakopoulos, Xenia Chryssochoou, Alexis Benos, Apostolos Vantarakis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Gregory Chlouverakis, Gregory Trypsianis, Paraskevi V Voulgari, Konstantinos Makrilakis, Stavros Liatis, George Stergiou, EMENO Study Group

National survey of morbidity and risk factors (EMENO): Protocol for a health examination survey representative of the adult Greek population

Background: Main causes of death in Greece are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), malignant neoplasms, respiratory diseases, and road traffic crashes. To assess the population health status, monitor health systems, and adjust policies, national population-based health surveys are recommended. The previous health surveys that were conducted in Greece were restricted to specific regions or high-risk groups. Objective: This paper presents the design and methods of the Greek Health Examination Survey EMENO (National Survey of Morbidity and Risk Factors). The primary objectives are to describe morbidity (focusing on CVD, respiratory diseases, and diabetes), related risk factors, as well as health care and preventive measures utility patterns in a random sample of adults living in Greece. Methods: The sample was selected by applying multistage stratified random sampling on 2011 Census. Trained interviewers and physicians made home visits. Standardized questionnaires were administered; physical examination, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and spirometry were performed. Blood samples were collected for lipid profile, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and transaminases measurements. The survey was conducted from May 2013 until June 2016. Results: In total, 6006 individuals were recruited (response rate 72%). Of these, 4827 participated in at least one physical examination, 4446 had blood tests, and 3622 spirometry, whereas 3580 provided consent for using stored samples for future research (3528 including DNA studies). Statistical analysis has started, and first results are expected to be submitted for publication by the end of 2018. Conclusions: EMENO comprises a unique health data resource and a bio-resource in a Mediterranean population. Its results will provide valid estimates of morbidity and risk factors’ prevalence (overall and in specific subdomains) and health care and preventive measures usage in Greece, necessary for an evidence-based strategy planning of health policies and preventive activities. © Giota Touloumi, Anna Karakatsani, Argiro Karakosta, Eleni Sofianopoulou, Panagiotis Koustenis, Magda Gavana, Yannis Alamanos, Maria Kantzanou, George Konstantakopoulos, Xenia Chryssochoou, Alexis Benos, Apostolos Vantarakis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Gregory Chlouverakis, Gregory Trypsianis, Paraskevi V Voulgari, Konstantinos Makrilakis, Stavros Liatis, George Stergiou, EMENO Study Group

High prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in adults living in Greece: the EMENO National Health Examination Survey

Background: Nationwide data on cardiovascular risk factors prevalence is lacking in Greece. This work presents the findings of the national health examination survey EMENO (2013–2016) regarding the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Methods: A random sample of adults (≥18 years) was drawn by multistage stratified random sampling based on 2011 Census. All EMENO participants with ≥1 measurement of interest [blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), Body Mass Index (BMI)] were included. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and/or antihypertensive treatment; diabetes as fasting glucose≥126 mg/dL and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% or self-reported diabetes; hypercholesterolemia as TC ≥ 190 mg/dL. Sampling weights were applied to adjust for study design and post-stratification weights to match sample age and sex distribution to population one. Non-response was adjusted by inverse probability weighting. Results: Of 6006 EMENO participants, 4822 were included (51.5% females, median age:47.9 years). The prevalence of hypertension was 39.2%, higher in men (42.4%) than in women (36.1%); of hypercholesterolemia 60.2%, similar in men (59.5%) and women (60.9%); of diabetes 11.6%, similar men (12.4%) and women (10.9%); of obesity 32.1%, higher in women (33.5% vs 30.2%), although in subjects aged 18–40 year it was higher in men; of current smoking 38.2%, higher in men (44.0%) than in women (32.7%). The prevalence of all risk factors increased substantially with age, except smoking, which followed an inverse U shape. Conclusions: The burden of cardiovascular risk factors among Greek adults is alarming. There is considerable preventive potential and actions at health care and societal level are urgently needed. © 2020, The Author(s)