Eutrophication patterns in an eastern Mediterranean coastal lagoon: Vassova, Delta Nestos, Macedonia, Greece

The results of an intensive monitoring study of main eutrophication parameters in relation to fish farming management, climate and hydrography in the Vassova coastal lagoon (Nestos Delta) are presented. The overall aim is to produce basic knowledge in order to contribute to the management of eutrophication of coastal lagoons at local and national levels. Due to extensive spatiotemporal variability of the measured parameters correlation and regression polynomial analysis was used to identify patterns (p<0.05). Freshwater was the main source of nitrate and phosphate in the lagoon. This finding has justified the reduction of freshwater inflow in the past, which, however, has increased mean salinity to 30 PSU and reduced spatial salinity gradients. Maximum nitrate values in winter coincided with adverse climatic and hydrographic conditions (high precipitation, strong NE to E winds and low tide) and fish farming management that hinder water circulation. Dissolved phosphorus variability indicated the combination of the external (freshwaters) and internal (sediment) P-sources. N/P water values indicated nitrogen being the most important nutrient for primary producers throughout the year, except in winter, when phosphorus was the most important nutrient. Practical measures for improving fish farming practices to decrease “eutrophication risk” during winter are suggested. Existing nutrient data from the Vassova and from other Greek lagoons in comparison were also presented and discussed

Sleep disordered breathing from preschool to early adult age and its neurocognitive complications: A preliminary report

Objective: The onset and development of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) remains unclear in an age - dependent manner. Despite treatment, persistent symptoms such as snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as cognitive impairment may be present. The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of residual symptoms of SDB in adolescence and early adulthood, the predisposing factors and its neurocognitive complications. Methods: In the present pilot study-cohort, a questionnaire was utilized to 154 people (average age: 17.9 ± 3), who as children (mean age: 5.3 ± 1.4) had AHI ≥2.5 episodes/h. They were divided into two groups based on AHI = 5 episodes/h. Depending on the results, they were invited to undergo a repeated polysomnography (PSG) and complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Statistical analysis was made with IBM SPSS software. Results: Out of the total, 35.7% claimed to still snore. AHI was negatively correlated to the severity of residual symptoms (Mann-Witney U test, p <0.005). According to repeated PSGs, 9/17 met the criteria for OSAS, while high BMI was associated with the severity of new AHI (chi squared test, p<0.005). Additionally, 7/16 scored below the MoCA baseline (<26/30). The characteristics of cognitive declines were mapped, with most prominent having been visuospatial, short - term memory and naming/language deficits. Discussion: A significant percentage of children with sleep breathing disorder present with residual symptoms during their transition to early adulthood, as well as undiagnosed neurocognitive complications. Clinicians suspicion for the underlying neurocognitive complications is required, even in young adults, while guidelines on monitoring pediatric OSAS patients after treatment should be addressed

Comparison of 2016–17 and Previous Epizootics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Guangdong Lineage in Europe

We analyzed the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 epizootic of 2016–17 in Europe by epidemiologic and genetic characteristics and compared it with 2 previous epizootics caused by the same H5 Guangdong lineage. The 2016–17 epizootic was the largest in Europe by number of countries and farms affected and greatest diversity of wild birds infected. We observed significant differences among the 3 epizootics regarding region affected, epidemic curve, seasonality, and outbreak duration, making it difficult to predict future HPAI epizootics. However, we know that in 2005–06 and 2016–17 the initial peak of wild bird detections preceded the peak of poultry outbreaks within Europe. Phylogenetic analysis of 2016–17 viruses indicates 2 main pathways into Europe. Our findings highlight the need for global surveillance of viral changes to inform disease preparedness, detection, and control

Comparison of 2016–17 and Previous Epizootics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Guangdong Lineage in Europe

We analyzed the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 epizootic of 2016–17 in Europe by epidemiologic and genetic characteristics and compared it with 2 previous epizootics caused by the same H5 Guangdong lineage. The 2016–17 epizootic was the largest in Europe by number of countries and farms affected and greatest diversity of wild birds infected. We observed significant differences among the 3 epizootics regarding region affected, epidemic curve, seasonality, and outbreak duration, making it difficult to predict future HPAI epizootics. However, we know that in 2005–06 and 2016–17 the initial peak of wild bird detections preceded the peak of poultry outbreaks within Europe. Phylogenetic analysis of 2016–17 viruses indicates 2 main pathways into Europe. Our findings highlight the need for global surveillance of viral changes to inform disease preparedness, detection, and control

Aquaculture systems and pathological problems of new species reared in fresh water in Greece [Χαρακτηριστικά εκτροφής και παθολογικά προβλήματα νέων ειδών εκτρεφόμενων ψαριών γλυκού νερού οτην Ελλάδα]

Published data on growth and pathology of the fish species: Mugil cephalus (mullet) and Acipenser gueldestaedi (sturgeon), under intensive culture, is limited. In particular, data on dietary requirements is non-existing. For the artificial feeding of these fish, other feeds originally prepared for other cultured fish species are used (trout and/or sea bass, sea bream pelleted feeds). Mugil cephalus is very tolerant to intensive rearing and the main problem observed was recurrent infections by Chilodonella sp. Mugilids reared in lagoons are infected with a variety of parasites, but these do not cause problems and mortality. Acipenser gueldestaedi is a very desirable fish for rearing, because of the fast growth rate, the good digestibility of food, even with no specific diets and the ability to be cultured under different systems. Furthermore, it has a wide temperature tolerance, it is very tolerant to stress and the mortality at fish> 5cm is less than 5%. Disease experiences from rearing sturgeon are reported mainly from N. America and concern viral infections. In Greece, Acipenser gueldestaedi seems to be very susceptible to both Noda virus and spinal deformities after the weight of 500g. Fish in open flow systems started to show skeletal abnormalities with increasing prevalence. Histopathology investigations, both in Greece and Canada, were inconclusive as to the aetiology of these skeletal deformities. These could not be proved to be associated with the feed of the fish. These deformities have been observed before in cultured sturgeon, but they are not yet fully investigated. At a later stage, fish cannot swim properly, do not feed and soon succumb to secondary infections by Aeromonas hydrophila. © 2017. Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society. All Rights Reserved

Incidence of an intense Caligus minimus Otto 1821, C-pageti Russel, 1925, C-mugilis Brian, 1935 and C-apodus Brian, 1924 infection in lagoon cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.) in Greece

An unusual case reported for the first time. of enhanced pathology, of two Caligidae species infecting a new host Dicentrarchus labrax reared in Eratino lagoon (North Greece). During winter months (December-February 1998-1999), moribund fish were observed in the lagoon: fish showed slow swimming at the surface of the water, were lethargic and cacchectic. Infected fish had either pinpoint or dispersed ulcerative skin lesions on the head and around and inside the buccal area as well as hemorrhages. Four Caligidae species were found namely: Caligus minimus, C. pageti. C mugilis and C. apodus as well as one gill trematode parasite. The prevalence and intensity of C minimus was high throughout the year with a distinct peak of intensity in winter. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Parasites of Mugilidae spp reared under semi-intensive and intensive conditions in Greece

Parasites are described from five Mugilidae species (Chelon labrosus, Liza aurata, L. raulada, L. saliens and Mugil cephalus) reared in a lagoon and of M. cephalus reared under intensive conditions (open ponds and recirculating freshwater systems) in Greece. Mugilids reared in lagoons were infected with a variety of parasites but these did not cause problems and mortality. Some of these species (Bouedenia monticelli, Lingophorus spp., Dicrogaster contractus, Haploporus benedeni, Lecithaster confusus, Lecithobotrys putrescen, Saccocoelium obesum, S. tensum) are reported for the first time in the region as well as in the country. Ergenstrema mugilis is reported for the second time in C. labrosus. Mugil cephalus was tolerant, in general, to diseases under intensive rearing and the main problem observed was recurrent but intensive infections by Chilodonclla sp. and Microcotyle mugilis reported for the first time in this host. Mortality of the fish in freshwater reached 5% during summer months and was higher (20%) during long-term salt treatment. Microcotyle mugilis has not been reported before in this host and the mortality was attributed mainly to this parasite