Chi è l'insegnante ideale? Greci insegnanti esprimono il loro parere per le caratteristiche del maestro "perfetto"

The purpose of the research is to identify the views of education department students (from elementary and pre-school education departments), namely potential teachers, on the ideal teacher. This study attempts to map diverse views on the role and image of the teacher inherent in social discourse as social experience, regardless of whether or not there is special knowledge. The authors asked 588 students from elementary education and pre-school education departments to write a text in which they would describe their views as to what makes a perfect teacher [What, in your opinion, makes an ideal educator?]. For the analysis of the texts, the authors used quantitative and qualitative content analysis (content analysis – classical thematic analysis). The findings of this research in accordance with previous studies, suggest that the teacher‘s role and his/her ―ideal‖ image, are two multidimensional concepts and cannot be defined with absolute precision.Lo scopo di questa ricerca è quello di identificare le opinioni di studenti universitari (da dipartimenti elementari e pre-scolastici) sul professore ideale. Questo studio si propone di dare le diverse opinioni sul ruolo e l'immagine del maestro nel discorso sociale come esperienza sociale. Gli autori hanno chiesto 588 studenti di istruzione elementare e l'istruzione pre-scuola per scrivere un testo in cui avrebbero descrivere il loro parere su ciò che rende un insegnante perfetto (Secondo suo parere, quali siano gli elementi che ci danno ‗il maestro ideale‘?]. Per l'analisi dei testi, gli autori hanno utilizzato l'analisi del contenuto quantitativa e qualitativa (analisi del contenuto - analisi tematica classica). I risultati di questa ricerca in accordo con gli studi precedenti, suggeriscono che il ruolo dell'insegnante e il suo immagine "ideale", sono due concetti multidimensionali e non possono essere definite con precisione assoluta

Μελέτη του προτύπου έκφρασης των σχετιζόμενων με το στρες Ενδοπλασματικού Δικτύου (ΕΔ) συνοδών πρωτεϊνών BiP/GRP78 και Καλνεξίνης σε Κερατινοκυστικούς Οδοντογενείς Όγκους

Εισαγωγή: Ο σχηματισμός των κύστεων στις γνάθους έχει μοναδικά χαρακτηριστικά σε σχέση με την παθολογία τους καθώς εμπλέκονται στη δημιουργία τους οι μηχανισμοί της φυσιολογικής οδοντογένεσης. Στα περισσότερα συστήματα ταξινόμησης οι οδοντογενείς κύστεις χωρίζονται σε δύο μεγάλες κατηγορίες: α) τις αναπτυξιακές και β) τις φλεγμονώδεις. Οι οδοντογενείς κερατινοκύστεις και οι περιακρορριζικές κύστεις απαντώνται σε μεγάλη συχνότητα. Η οδοντογενής κερατινοκύστη είναι γνωστή για τον ταχύ ρυθμό αύξησης που παρουσιάζει, και την τάση της να εισβάλει στους γειτονικούς ιστούς περιλαμβανομένου και του οστίτη ιστού. Ο όρος «κερατινοκύστη» χρησιμοποιήθηκε για πρώτη φορά από τον Philipsen το 1956 για να ορίσει κάθε οδοντογενής κύστη που παρουσιάζει κερατινοποίηση του επενδυτικού της επιθηλίου, ενώ πρώτη φορά τα χαρακτηριστικά της περιγράφησαν από τον Shear το 1960. O Οργανισμός Παγκόσμιας Υγείας (WHO), στην ιστολογική κατάταξη των οδοντογενών όγκων που συνέταξε το 2005, αναθεώρησε τις οδοντογενείς κερατινοκύστεις ως κερατινοκυστικούς οδοντογενείς όγκο. Αναλυτικότερα, ορίστηκαν ως καλοήθεις μόνο- ή πολυ- κυστικοί ενδοοστικοί όγκοι οδοντογενούς προελεύσεως, με χαρακτηριστική επιφάνεια παρακερατινοποιημένου πολύστιβου πλακώδους επιθηλίου το οποίο διατηρεί το δυναμικό επιθετικής και διηθητικής συμπεριφοράς, όρος ο οποίος αντικατοπτρίζει καλύτερα την νεοπλασματική φύση αυτών των οντοτήτωνΟ Κερατινοκυστικός Οδοντογενής Όγκος παρουσιάζεται ως ξεχωριστή οντότητα κυστικής εξεργασίας λόγω: α) αυξημένης τάσης για υποτροπή, β) αυξημένης επιθετικότητάς της όσον αφορά την εξάπλωση και τη διήθηση των γύρω ιστών, γ) της συνύπαρξής της σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις με το Σύνδρομο των Πολλαπλών Σπιλοειδών Βασικοκυτταρικών Καρκινωμάτων (σύνδρομο Gorlin-Goltz) και δ) της πιθανής νεοπλασματικής εξαλλαγής της. Το Ενδοπλασματικό Δίκτυο (ΕΔ) αποτελεί ένα οργανίδιο με μείζονα ρόλο στη σύνθεση των λιπιδίων και πρωτεϊνών και καθοδηγεί πολλές κυτταρικές διαδικασίες όπως α) οργανογένεση,β) μεταγραφική δραστηριότητα, γ) αποκρίσεις στο στρες, δ) απόπτωση. Το ΕΔ είναι υπεύθυνο για τη σωστή αναδίπλωση των νεοσυντιθέμενων πρωτεϊνών, διαδικασία η οποία υποβοηθάται από διάφορες συνοδές πρωτεΐνες του ΕΔ. Όταν η ποσότητα των μη- αναδιπλωμένων πρωτεϊνών υπερβαίνει το όριο ικανότητας αναδίπλωσής του ΕΔ, τα ανθρώπινα κύτταρα ενεργοποιούν έναν ομοιοστατικό μηχανισμό άμυνας ο οποίος ονομάζεται απόκριση του ΕΔ στην παρουσία μη-αναδιπλωμένων πρωτεϊνών (Unfolded Protein Response, UPR). Ανάμεσα στις διάφορες επιπτώσεις της UPR συγκαταλέγεται και η απορρύθμιση της έκφρασης της συνοδού πρωτεΐνης BiP/GRP78 καθώς και άλλων συνοδών πρωτεϊνών οι οποίες θεωρούνται διαγνωστικά στοιχεία για την επαγωγή του στρες ΕΔ σε ένα ιστό. Η καλνεξίνη και η καλρετικουλίνη είναι επίσης συνοδές πρωτεΐνες του ΕΔ με κύριοΗ καλνεξίνη και η καλρετικουλίνη είναι επίσης συνοδές πρωτεΐνες του ΕΔ με κύριο ρόλο στην αναδίπλωση των πρωτεϊνών. Στην περίπτωση που η πρωτεΐνη αναδιπλώνεται ορθά, απελευθερώνεται από το ένζυμο και μεταφέρεται στο σύμπλεγμα Golgi. Εάν όμως δεν ακολουθήσει ορθή αναδίπλωση της πρωτεΐνης, ένζυμα τροποποιούν την πρωτεΐνη μέσω γλυκοζυλίωσεων και την επιστρέφουν στην καλνεξίνη και την καλρετικουλίνη. Σκοπός: Λαμβάνοντας υπόψιν τη νεοπλασματική φύση των κερατινοκυστικών οδοντογενών όγκων σε συνδυασμό με την ασαφή αιτιολογία τους,στην παρούσα εργασία μελετήθηκε εάν το στρες του ΕΔ εμπλέκεται στην παθογένεσή τους. Πιο ειδικά, σκοπός της παρούσης μελέτης είναι να αξιολογηθεί η έκφραση των συνοδών πρωτεϊνών BiP/GRP78 καικαλνεξίνης σε ιστολογικά δείγματα κερατινοκυστικών οδοντογενών όγκων (ΚΟΟ) χρησιμοποιώντας ως δείγματα ελέγχου, ιστολογικά δείγματα περιακρορριζικών κύστεων (ΠΑΚ) και τραυματικών ινωμάτων (ΤΙ). Οι δύο αυτές συνοδές πρωτεΐνες θεωρούνται αξιόπιστοι δείκτες της επαγωγή του στρες ενδοπλασματικού δικτύου το οποίο έχει συσχετιστεί με την ανάπτυξη νεοπλασμάτων. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Ιστολογικά δείγματα εγκιβωτισμένα σε παραφίνη που προέρχονται από κερατινοκυστικούς οδοντογενείς όγκους, περιακρορριζικές κύστεις και τραυματικά ινώματα επιλέχθηκαν από τα αρχεία ασθενών του Τμήματος Στοματολογίας (Οδοντιατρική σχολή ΕΚΠΑ), περιόδου 2006-2013, βάσει των επαρκών κλινικών στοιχείων, της αντιπροσωπευτικής ιστολογικής εικόνας και του επαρκούς υλικού για τις τομές. Οι ασθενείς έχουν δώσει έγγραφη συγκατάθεση λαμβάνοντας γνώση πως το αρχειακό υλικό (φωτογραφικό, ακτινογραφικό, βιολογικό), που προέκυψε κατά τη διάρκεια της εξέτασης και θεραπείας τους, μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί για ερευνητικούς σκοπούς, χωρίς να αναφέρονται τα στοιχεία τους, κατά την αρχική τους εξέταση στην Κλινική της Διαγνωστικής και Ακτινολογίας Στόματος, της Οδοντιατρικής σχολής του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Τα δείγματα αυτά μελετήθηκαν με χρήση μεθόδων ανοσοϊστοχημείας. Τα αντισώματα που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν είναι το anti-BiP μονοκλωνικό αντίσωμα κουνελιού (C50B12), συγκεντρώσεως 1:100 της εταιρείας Cell Signaling Technology (USA) και το anti-calnexin μονοκλωνικό αντίσωμα ποντικιού (sc-46669), συγκεντρώσεως 1:75 της εταιρείας Santa Cruiz Biotechnology (USA). Για τον ανοσοχρωματισμό χρησιμοποιήθηκε το σύστημα Superpicture Polymer (Dab) Kit της εταιρείας Novocastra ακολουθώντας τις οδηγίες του κατασκευαστή. Τέλος, πριν την αξιολόγησή τους, στα δείγματα χρησιμοποιήθηκε χρώση αιματοξυλίνης για την παρατήρησή τους. Στα δείγματα αυτά αναλύθηκε η πιθανή έκφραση των συνοδών πρωτεϊνών BiP/GRP78 και καλνεξίνης και το πρότυπο έκφρασής τους. Αποτελέσματα: Η ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων έδειξε στενή συσχέτιση μεταξύ και των δύο συνοδών πρωτεϊνών BiP/GRP78 και καλνεξίνης και της έκφρασης των Κερατινοκυστικών Οδοντογενών Όγκων (ΚΟΟ): 18 από τους 24 (75%) ΚΟΟ εξέφραζαν την BiP/GRP78, σε αντίθεση με 1 από τις 9 (13%) ΠΑΚ και κανένα από τα 5 δείγματα ΤΙ (P<0.001, χ2 –test). Η Καλνεξίνη εκφράστηκε σε 11 από τους 24 (46%) KOO, σε μόνο 1 από τις 9 (13%) ΠΑΚ και σε κανένα από τα 5 δείγματα ΤΙ (P<0.001, χ2 –test). Συμπεράσματα: Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας μελέτης αποτελούν την πρώτη ένδειξη για την εμπλοκή του στρες του ΕΔ στην παθογένεση των Κερατινοκυστικών Οδοντογενών Όγκων. Η κατανόηση του ακριβούς μηχανισμού με βάση τον οποίο το στρες του ΕΔ σχετίζεται με την ανάπτυξη των Κερατινοκυστικών Οδοντογενών Όγκων δύναται να βρει εφαρμογή στη διάγνωση καθώς και στη θεραπεία αυτής της νοσολογικής οντότητας.Introduction: The formation of jaw cysts has unique characteristics in relation to their pathology as mechanisms of odontogenesis are associated with their formation. Odontogenic cysts are divided into two categories: a) developmental and b) inflammatory. Odontogenic keratocysts and radicular cysts are detected clinically quite frequently. Odontogenic keratocysts are characterized by a high rate of growth and tendency to invade in to adjacent anatomical structures. The term “keratocyst” was first introduced by Philipsen in 1956 in order to define every odontogenic cyst that shows keratinization of the epithelium. The particular characteristics of keratocysts were then described by Shear in 1960. The World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified OKC in its 2005 edition of histological classification of odontogenic tumours and according to this reclassification, the OKC is now considered as a KCOT. It is defined as “a benign uni- or multicystic, intraosseous tumour of odontogenic origin, with a characteristic lining of parakeratinized stratified squamous epithelium that bears the potential for aggressive, infiltrative behaviour”, a term that better reflects its neoplastic nature. Several factors form the basis of this decision: a) the clinical behaviour of the lesion, since KCOT is locally destructive and highly recurrent, b) the histopathologic characteristics, considering that the basal layer of the KCOT budding into connective tissue, in addition to the mitotic figures that are frequently found in the suprabasal layers, and finally c) genetic alterations (nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome “NBCCS” or Gorlin-Goltz), are the most important parameters. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an organelle with a major role in the synthesis of lipid and proteins and leads many cellular processes such as organogenesis, transcriptional activity, stress responses, and apoptosis. ER is responsible for the proper folding of the newly synthesized proteins that is facilitated with the assistance of various ER chaperones. When the amount of unfolded protein exceeds the folding capacity of the ER, human cells activate a homeostatic defense mechanism designated as the UPR that follows ER stress. Among the various consequences of UPR is also the upregulation of BiP/GRP78 and of other chaperones that is considered diagnostic for the induction of ER stress in a given tissue. Calnexin and calreticulin are ER chaperones specifically involved in the folding of glycoproteins. If the protein is folded properly, it is released from the enzyme and transported to the Golgi apparatus. If it is not folded appropriately, UDP-glucose-glycoprotein glucosyltransferase attaches one glucose residue and returns it to calnexin and calreticulin. Aim: Considering the neoplastic nature of KCOTs, in combination with their poorly defined aetiology we explored if ER stress is involved in disease development. Specifically, we evaluated the expression of the chaperones, BiP/GRP78 and calnexin in a panel of KCOTs as compared to PACs and TFs. Both of these markers are considered to accurately reflect the induction of ER stress which has been associated with neoplastic development. Materials and Methods: Paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of KCOTs, PACs and Traumatic Fibroma (TFs) were selected from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology, of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dental School spanning the years 2006 - 2011 and were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The selection of the tissue specimens was based on the sufficiency of clinical characteristics, the relevance of the histopathologic characteristics and the abundance of tissue specimen for immunochemistry. The tissue specimens were obtained from patients that attended the Department of Oral Pathology, of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dental School, and had given full informed consent. Immunohistochemistry was carried out in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens. The antibodies used were monoclonal rabbit anti-BiP (C50B12), by Cell Signaling Technology; 1:100 and monoclonal mouse anti-calnexin (sc-46669), by Santa Cruiz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA, USA; 1:75. Immunostaining was performed by using the Superpicture Polymer (Dab) Kit (Novocastra), following the manufacturer’s instructions. Before evaluation, a weak counterstaining with hematoxylin was performed in all immunostained specimens. Before evaluation, a weak counterstaining with hematoxylin was performed in all immunostained specimens. The samples were examined for the potential expression of BiP/GRP78 and calnexin. Results: Analysis revealed a strong association between both BiP/GRP78 and calnexin expression and KCOTs: 18 out of 24 (75%) KCOTs expressed BiP/GRP78 as opposed to 1 out of 9 (13%) PACs and none of 5 TFs evaluated (P < 0.001, x2-test). Calnexin was expressed in 11 out of 24 KCOTs (46%) but only one out of 9 (13%) PACs and none of the 5 TFs analysed (P < 0.001, x2-test). Conclusions: Study results entail that induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress maybe of diagnostic value in keratocystic odontogenic tumours characterisation. Additionally, recent findings suggesting that endoplasmic reticulum stress plays a causative role in keratinisation of epithelia. Therefore, pharmacological interference with the execution of the unfolded protein response should be considered for the management of keratocystic odontogenic tumours

Variability in chemical profile and bioactivities of the flesh of greek pumpkin landraces

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical profile of the flesh and yield parameters of Greek pumpkin genotypes, including nine local landraces and two commercially available cultivars, focusing on valorizing the genetic pool of Cucurbita sp. with high added value products. Yield parameters (mean fruit weight and total fruit yield) recorded high variability with genotypes V8 and V2 showing the highest fruit yield. Moreover, genotype V11 was the most abundant in glucose and total sugars and scored the highest sweetness index suggesting good taste and promising marketing attributes. The highest antioxidant activity (OxHLIA assay) was assessed in the V8 genotype, while the V2 genotype showed the highest -, - and total tocopherols content. Oxalic acid was the main organic acid, followed by malic and citric acids, while organic acid composition varied among the tested genotypes. Moreover, the flesh extracts showed varied antimicrobial activity against several bacteria and fungi, while no toxicity against non-tumor cells was recorded. In conclusion, our results make evident the presence of high innate variability in terms of crop performance, chemical composition and bioactive properties not only between the different genotypes but also at the intrapopulational level. This finding is of high importance for the valorization of the local genetic pool of Cucurbita species through the selection of elite genotypes with high yield and quality of fruit, contributing to the conservation of valuable genetic material and limitation of the risk of genetic erosion due to neglect of local landraces.This research was funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), P.I. (FCT, Portugal) through national funds FCT/MCTES to CIMO (UIDB/00690/2020 and UIDP/00690/2020), SusTEC (LA/P/0007/2021) and UIDB/50006/2020. National funding by FCT, P.I., through the institutional scientific employment program contract for M.I.D., R.C.C., C.P. and L.B. contracts, and M.G. and A.K.M. PhD grants (2020.06706.BD and 2020.06231.BD, respectively); FCT, P.I., within the scope of the Project PRIMA Section 2—Multi-topic 2019: PulpIng (PRIMA/0007/2019); the MICINN for the Juan de la Cierva Formación contract for T.C.S.P.P. (FJC20120-045405-I); and the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of the Ministry of Development and Investments under the PRIMA Program. PRIMA is an Art.185 initiative supported and co-funded under Horizon 2020, the European Union’s Program for Research and Plants 2022, 11, 800 16 of 18 Innovation (Prima2019-08).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Post-COVID Syndrome: Incidence, Clinical Spectrum, and Challenges for Primary Healthcare Professionals

Post-COVID syndrome also known as long COVID refers to symptoms persisting for more than three weeks after the diagnosis of COVID-19. We reviewed the current evi-dence on post-COVID syndrome, focusing on its clinical manifestations and addressing the challenges for its management in primary healthcare. The incidence of post-COVID syndrome is estimated at 10-35%, while for hospitalized patients it may reach 85%. Fatigue is the most common symptom reported in 17.5-72% of post-COVID cases, fol-lowed by residual dyspnea with an incidence ranging from 10-40%. Mental problems, chest pain, and olfactory and gustatory dysfunction may affect up to 26, 22 and 11% of patients, respectively. More than one third of patients with post-COVID syndrome have pre-existing comorbidities, hypertension and diabetes mellitus being the most com-mon. Beyond the prolonged duration of symptoms, the scarce published data indicate that most patients with post-COVID syndrome have a good prognosis with no further complications or fatal outcomes reported. Given the clinical spectrum of patients with post-COVID syndrome, most of them will be managed by primary healthcare profession -als, in conjunction with pre-existing or new co-morbidities, which, in turn, may increase the burden of COVID-19 on primary healthcare. In conclusion approximately 10% of patients with COVID-19 may have symptoms persisting beyond three weeks, fulfill-ing the criteria of post-COVID syndrome. Primary healthcare professionals have a key role in the management of patients with post-COVID syndrome. Research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis, clinical spectrum, and prognosis of post-COVID syndrome. (c) 2021 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

The effect of disposable infection control barriers and physical damage on the power output of light curing units and light curing tips

This study investigated the effects that disposable infection control barriers and physical damage through use had on the power output from dental light curing units (LCUs) and light curing tips (LCTs). Five disposable infection control barriers were tested on a number of LCUs and LCTs. Testing involved the repeated measurement of power output of LCUs and LCTs on a radiometer. Two of the barriers tested caused statistically significant reductions in the mean light output intensity when compared to the no barrier control groups. One barrier type reduced the power output by 30 to 40%. It was also noted that physical damage to the LCTs affected power output by between 20 and 30%, which was then further reduced by the disposable barrier. This study showed that three of the five disposable infection control barriers had little effect on the overall efficiency of the power output of the LCUs. It also showed that physical damage to LCUs and LCTs can affect power output significantly. Infection control measures should be carefully considered before use to avoid undue effects on power output delivered from the LCUs/LCTs to ensure that the degree of polymerisation within the resin-based composite and curing efficiency are not affected unduly. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved

Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Associated Chaperones, Bip/GRP78 and Calnexin are Overexpressed in Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumours.

OBJECTIVES: Odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) are developmental cysts that have been reclassified according World Health Organization (WHO), to keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KCOTs), a term that better reflects their neoplastic nature. The aim of present study is to evaluate the induction of stress of the endoplasmic reticulum and execution of the resulting unfolded protein response in keratinocystic odontogenic tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed by immunohistochemistry the expression of the chaperones BiP/GRP78 and calnexin in 24 cases of KCOTs. As controls, we have used 9 cases of periapical or radicular cysts (PACs) and 5 cases of Fibromas (FBs). The PACs and the FBs were included in the analysis, as PACs are the most common type of inflammatory odontogenic cysts of and FBs, as lesions of the connective tissue with unaffected epithelium. RESULTS: Analysis revealed a strong association between both BiP/GRP78 and calnexin expression and KCOTs: 18 out of 24 (75%) KCOTs expressed BiP/GRP78 as opposed to 1 out of 9 (13%) PACs, and none of 5 FBs evaluated (P < 0.001, x(2)-test). Calnexin was expressed in 11 out of 24 KCOTs (46%) but only one out of 9 (13%) PACs, and none of the 5 FBs analyzed (P < 0.001, x(2)-test). CONCLUSIONS: Study results imply that induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress maybe of diagnostic value in keratocystic odontogenic tumours characterization. In addition to recent findings suggesting that endoplasmic reticulum stress plays a causative role in keratinization of epithelia, pharmacological interference with the execution of the unfolded protein response should be considered for the management of keratocystic odontogenic tumours

Vaccinations and Malaria Chemoprophylaxis of Adolescents Traveling From Greece to International Destinations A Nine-Year Prospective Study

Background: There are few publications focusing on vaccination and malaria chemoprophylaxis in adolescent travelers. We assessed pretravel vaccinations and malaria chemoprophylaxis of adolescents 12-18 years old traveling from Greece to international destinations. Methods: We prospectively studied 239 adolescents 12-18 years old during 2008-2016. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: Adolescents sought pretravel services at a mean of 24.1 days before departure. Their main destinations were sub-Saharan Africa (79 adolescents; 33.1%), Latin America (56; 23.5%) and North America (26; 10.9%). Almost half (46.1%) of them planned to stay abroad for at least 3 months. Sixteen (7.4%) adolescents planned to visit friends and relatives. The yellow fever vaccine and the typhoid vaccine were the most frequently administered vaccines (74.1% and 20.5%, respectively), while the hepatitis A vaccine and the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine accounted for most routine vaccinations (18% and 14.2%, respectively). The rabies and the typhoid fever vaccines were administered inadequately to adolescents traveling to endemic areas. Malaria chemoprophylaxis should have been prescribed in many cases traveling to sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Conclusions: Only a small number of adolescents from Greece traveling abroad seek pretravel counseling. We found significant gaps in typhoid fever and rabies vaccinations of adolescents traveling to endemic areas. We also found gaps in prescription of malaria chemoprophylaxis for those traveling to high-risk areas. There is a need to develop communication strategies to access adolescent travelers and improve appropriate vaccination and use of malaria chemoprophylaxis

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Bacteremia, and Infection Control Interventions in a Hospital: A Six-Year Time-Series Study

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. Urine catheters are often reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and sources of pathogens transmission to other patients. The current study was conducted to investigate the correlation between CAUTIs, MDR bacteremia, and infection control interventions, in a tertiary-care hospital in Athens, from 2013 to 2018. The following data were analyzed per month: 1. CAUTI incidence; 2. consumption of hand hygiene disinfectants; 3. incidence of isolation of MDR carrier patients, and 4.incidence of bacteremia/1000 patient-days [total resistant a.Gram-negative: carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae; b.Gram-positive: vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]. The use of scrub disinfectant solutions was associated with decreased CAUTI rate in Total Hospital Clinics (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98, p-value: <0.001) and in Adults ICU (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.96, p-value:0.018) while no correlation was found with isolation rate of MDR-carrier pathogens. Interestingly, an increase in total bacteremia (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75–0.87, p-value:<0.001) or carbapenem-resistant bacteremia correlated with decreased incidence of CAUTIs (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, p-value: 0.008). Hand hygiene measures had a robust and constant effect on infection control, reducing the incidence of CAUTIs

COVID-19 Outbreak on a Passenger Ship and Assessment of Response Measures, Greece, 2020

We describe response measures to an outbreak involving 128 (33.4%) coronavirus disease cases (46.1% asymptomatic) among 383 persons onboard a passenger ship. Multivariate analysis indicated that dining in certain rooms and bar areas, nationality, working department (for crew members), and quarantining onboard the ship were significantly associated with infection