Dual-function coatings to protect absorbent surfaces from fouling

Fouling of surfaces caused by pollution, contamination, humidity and microorganisms is one of the major sources of the degradation of mineral and composite materials. The inhibition of foulant growth is essential for the prevention of different kinds of damage, ranging from aesthetic, mechanical and chemical, to risks concerning human and environmental health. This study proposes a new approach for the development of a transparent preservative material with water-repellent and biocide attributes through the use of a sol-gel method. It was found that Si–O–Si dense networks can effectively grow into the micro-pores of mineral and cellulose-based materials, promoting self-cleaning properties as well as sufficient protection against bio-fouling

Insights in paediatric virology during the COVID-19 era (Review).

The present article provides an overview of the key messages of the topics discussed at the '7th Workshop on Paediatric Virology', which was organised virtually on December 20, 2021 by the Institute of Paediatric Virology, located on the Island of Euboea in Greece. The workshop's plenary lectures were on: i) viral pandemics and epidemics in the ancient Mediterranean; ii) the impact of obesity on the outcome of viral infections in children and adolescents; and iii) COVID-19 and artificial intelligence. Despite the scarcity of evidence from fossils and remnants, viruses have been recognised as significant causes of several epidemics in the ancient Mediterranean. Paediatric obesity, a modifiable critical health risk factor, has been shown to impact on the development, progression and severity of viral infections. Thus, the prevention of paediatric obesity should be included in formulating public health policies and decision-making strategies against emerging global viral threats. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence has been used to facilitate the identification, monitoring and prevention of SARS-CoV-2. In the future, it will play a fundamental role in the surveillance of epidemic-prone infectious diseases, in the repurposing of older therapies and in the design of novel therapeutic agents against viral infections. The collaboration between different medical specialties and other diverse scientific fields, including archaeology, history, epidemiology, nutritional technologies, mathematics, computer technology, engineering, medical law and ethics is essential for the successful management of paediatric viral infections. The current COVID-19 pandemic has underscored this need, which should be further encouraged in modern medical education

Update on current views and advances on RSV infection (Review).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection represents an excellent paradigm of precision medicine in modern paediatrics and several clinical trials are currently performed in the prevention and management of RSV infection. A new taxonomic terminology for RSV was recently adopted, while the diagnostic and omics techniques have revealed new modalities in the early identification of RSV infections and for better understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Coordinated clinical and research efforts constitute an important step in limiting RSV global predominance, improving epidemiological surveillance, and advancing neonatal and paediatric care. This review article presents the key messages of the plenary lectures, oral presentations and posters of the '5th workshop on paediatric virology' (Sparta, Greece, 12th October 2019) organized by the Paediatric Virology Study Group, focusing on recent advances in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, clinical management and prevention of RSV infection in childhood

Navigating paediatric virology through the COVID‑19 era (Review).

The present review article presents the key messages of the 8th Workshop on Paediatric Virology organised virtually by the Institute of Paediatric Virology based on the island of Euboea in Greece. The major topics covered during the workshop were the following: i) New advances in antiviral agents and vaccines against cytomegalovirus; ii) hantavirus nephropathy in children; iii) human rhinovirus infections in children requiring paediatric intensive care; iv) complications and management of human adenovirus infections; v) challenges of post‑coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) syndrome in children and adolescents; and vi) foetal magnetic resonance imaging in viral infections involving the central nervous system. The COVID‑19 era requires a more intensive, strategic, global scientific effort in the clinic and in the laboratory, focusing on the diagnosis, management and prevention of viral infections in neonates and children

Future mobile satellite systems Issues in timing synchronisation and resource allocation techniques

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Creating the `George N. Papanicolaou Medal' by the Academy of Athens: An interview with Professor of Sculpture Theodoros Papagiannis (Athens School of Fine Arts, Athens, Greece)

The `George N. Papanicolaou Medal' is a brass medal commissioned by the Academy of Athens on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr George N. Papanicolaou in 1983. It was created by Professor Theodoros Papagiannis, Professor Emeritus of Sculpture at the Athens School of Fine Arts in Athens, Greece; the medal presents Dr George N. Papanicolaou with his microscope. According to Professor Papagiannis, the medal was requested by Professor Nikolaos Louros, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Athens School of Medicine and it was created according to the ancient Greek style. The medal was given to all honored participants of the special ceremony organized by the Academy of Athens in May 13th, 1983, in the context of the 100 years from the birth of Dr George N. Papanicolaou. The ceremony was performed at the Central Hall of the Academy of Athens in Athens under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Democracy Constantinos Caramanlis. A copy of this medal is being exhibited at the `Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Theodoros Papagiannis' in Elliniko at the Municipality of Katsanochoria close to Ioannina (Greece), as well as at the newly founded Institute of Paediatric Virology based on the island of Euboea, birth place of Dr George N. Papanicolaou

Mache Papanicolaou (1890-1982), the dedicated companion of the great benefactor: An interview with Dr Julie Kokkori, one of the only living relatives of Dr George N. Papanicolaou

Mache Papanicolaou (Volos, Greece, 1890 - Miami, Florida, USA, 1982) was the soul of absolute dedication to research, science and humanity of her lifelong partner, Dr George N. Papanicolaou (Kymi, Greece, 1883 - Miami Florida, USA, 1962). Her devotion to him, her endless support during their first years in the USA, as well as during the period before the approval of the Pap smear test and her selfless contribution to this revolutionary work were invaluable, indeed. In this article, which is dedicated to the memory of Mache Papanicolaou, we have the great honour to host the testimony of one of the only living relatives of Dr George N. Papanicolaou. Dr Julie Kokkori is the granddaughter of Nasos N. Papanicolaou (Kymi, Greece, 1880-Athens, Greece, 1958), the oldest brother of Dr George N. Papanicolaou, and daughter of the niece of Dr George N. Papanicolaou, Maria Kokkori (Trikala, Greece, 1918 - Athens, Greece, 2012), author of the first book in the Hellenic literature on the life of Dr George N. Papanicolaou entitled `George N. Papanicolaou: through his life and work'

Neuroblastoma in childhood and its potential viral involvement: A webinar by the Paediatric Virology Study Group

Neuroblastoma represents the most common and lethal solid tumour of early childhood. In view of variations in genetic elements, MYCN amplification is certainly the most prominent genetic factor occurring in 1/4 or 1/5 of children with neuroblastoma; however, overall, the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma remains to be resolved. Rare, sporadic infections with Epstein-Barr, hepatis C virus and varicella-zoster virus have been detected in children with neuroblastoma, while the presence of BK virus was initially claimed, but later falsified as a triggering factor for the development of high-risk neuroblastoma. The proposed model by Professor Ugo Rovigatti, Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Florence in Italy, is based upon infection with micro-foci inducing virus and its potential tumorigenic role as trigger of i) high and persistent inflammation; ii) chromothripsis and genetic instability; and iii) in vitro cell transformation and in vivo carcinogenesis. Modelling is still under-utilized and under-developed in clinical virology and cancer research; however, it is expected to play a significant role in the future, aiming to elucidate the cancer enigma. This article is based on a webinar on neuroblastoma in children, which was organised virtually on December 12, 2020, by the Institute of Paediatric Virology. © 2022 Spandidos Publications. All Rights Reserved