Two-Month Consumption of Orange Juice Enriched with Vitamin D3 and Probiotics Decreases Body Weight, Insulin Resistance, Blood Lipids, and Arterial Blood Pressure in High-Cardiometabolic-Risk Patients on a Westernized Type Diet: Results from a Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study examined the effects of orange juice (OJ) supplemented with vitamin D3 (2000 IU) and probiotics ( Shirota and GG, 10 cfu/mL) on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults following a Westernized-type diet. Fifty-three high-risk individuals were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Over 8 weeks, one group consumed a vitamin D3 and probiotic-enriched OJ and the other regular OJ (control).

An 8-week Stress Management Program in Information Technology Professionals and the Role of a New Cognitive Behavioral Method: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the sort-term benefits of the effects of an 8-week stress management techniques in information technology professionals.

Methods: In this parallel randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned to either the stress management group (n=40; relaxation breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery) or in the Pythagorean Self awareness group (n=41). Self-reported validated measures were used to evaluate perceived stress, health locus of control, anxiety and depression.

Adherence to Treatment in Stroke Patients.

: Compliance with medication in patients who have suffered stroke is usually not-optimal. This study aims to measure the level of compliance with the treatment and to identify socio-demographic, clinical, and subjective factors related to the long-term compliance of stroke patients with their treatment. : 140 patients (66.

Recovery and Return to Work After a Pelvic Fracture.

Background: Pelvic ring fractures (PRFs) may influence the daily activities and quality of life of the injured. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore the functional outcomes and factors related to return to work (RTW) after PRF.

Methods: During the years 2003-2012, 282 injured individuals aged 20-55 years on the date of the accident, were hospitalized and treated for PRFs in a large tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece.

Stress Sources and Manifestations in a Nationwide Sample of Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary Educators in Greece.

Background: Teachers experience high levels of stress as a result of their professional duties, and research has shown a growing interest in this phenomenon during the recent years. Aim of this study was to explore the associations of stress sources and manifestations with individual and job-related characteristics in educators of all levels.

Methods: In a cross-sectional design, following an informative e-campaign on the study aims through the official and the main teachers' portals in Greece, respondents completed online the teachers stress inventory (TSI) and the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale.

Validation of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS II) in Greek and its added value to the Short Form 36 (SF-36) in a sample of people with or without disabilities.

Background: There is controversy and ongoing interest on the measurement of functionality in the personal and social level.

Objectives: (1) to validate the Greek version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO DAS II) and (2) to determine its added value to the physical and psychological health subscales of the Short Form 36 (SF-36).

Methods: In a cross-sectional design, data were collected between December 2014 and March 2015 by using three questionnaires (WHO DAS II, SF-36, PSS-14) in a sample of people with disabilities (n = 101) and without disabilities (n = 109) in Athens, Greece.

Reliability and Validity of the Greek Version of the Job Content Questionnaire in Greek Health Care Workers.

Background: The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), which is based on the Demand-Control-Support model, is designed to measure the psychosocial characteristics of the respondent's work, and has been identified to predict health and psychological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of this instrument and the subsequent adaptation of its scales to the population of Greek health workers.

Methods: The Greek version of the JCQ was developed by using forward- and back-translation in accordance with the JCQ policy.

COPD characteristics and socioeconomic burden in Hellenic correctional institutions.

Background: The high prevalence of smoking (80%) in Greek correctional institutions is anticipated to result in high prevalence of COPD in such settings.

Aim: The aim of the Greek obstructive luNg disease epidemiOlogy and health economics Study In corrective institutionS (GNOSIS) is to determine the prevalence of smoking and COPD among inmates and to assess the health-related quality of life.

Methods: GNOSIS, a cross-sectional epidemiological study, was conducted between March 2011 and December 2011 in seven correctional institutions in Greece.

Frequency and risk factors of COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations: a nationwide study in Greece (Greek Obstructive Lung Disease Epidemiology and health ecoNomics: GOLDEN study).

Background: COPD exacerbations and hospitalizations have been associated with poor prognosis for the COPD patient.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency and risk factors of COPD exacerbations, hospitalizations, and admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) in Greece by a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Materials And Methods: A nationwide observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted in the clinical practice setting of respiratory medicine physicians over a 6 month-period (October 2010 to March 2011).

Monitoring interhospital transfers in Western Greece during 2003-2011: its role in health policy.

Introduction: Interhospital transfers (ITs) could provide insight into regional healthcare efficiency and evidence for policy-making. The aim of this study was to analyse ITs carried out in the Western Greece region over a nine-year period.

Methods: Archives of the National Center of Emergency Medical Services of Patras and official healthcare resources were used to analyze patient transfers from rural to 'reception' hospitals in the area, during the period 2003-2011, by hospital, medical, seasonal and population variations.

Characteristics of prevalent and new COPD cases in Greece: the GOLDEN study.

Background: Greece has one of the highest rates of smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Europe.

Aim: The study aimed to record both the disease characteristics among a sample of Greek COPD patients and the nationwide rates of newly diagnosed COPD cases.

Methods: In this noninterventional, epidemiological cross-sectional study, a representative nationwide sample of 45 respiratory centers provided data on the following: 1) the demographic and clinical characteristics of COPD patients and 2) newly diagnosed COPD cases monitored over a period of 6 months by each physician.

Hearing loss in shipyard employees.

Background: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most prevalent occupational illnesses, with a higher incidence in the heavy industry.

Objectives Of The Study: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of NIHL in Greece and explore its correlations with other job and individual-related factors.

Materials And Methods: Questionnaires were administered, and audiograms were conducted to 757 employees of a shipyard company in Greece, both white- and blue-collar, during the period 2006-2009.

Teacher Stress Inventory: validation of the Greek version and perceived stress levels among 3,447 educators.

Background: The Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI) is an instrument for measuring occupational stress in teachers. This study aimed to translate and adapt it for use in Greece, and then assess its reliability and validity.

Methods: The Greek versions of the TSI and the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) were posted on all Greek educators' official sites during May 2012.

Exploring stress levels, job satisfaction, and quality of life in a sample of police officers in Greece.

Background: The ongoing economic crisis in Greece has affected both stress and quality of life (QoL) at all socioeconomic levels, including professionals in the police force. The aim of this study was to examine perceived stress, job satisfaction, QoL, and their relationships in a sample of police officers in Greece.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first trimester of 2011 in 23 police stations in the greater Athens area.

Adolescent Stress Questionnaire: reliability and validity of the Greek version and its description in a sample of high school (lyceum) students.

Adolescence is a crucial phase of human life characterized by enhanced exposure and vulnerability to various stressful stimuli. The Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ) is a useful measure to evaluate possible sources of stressors affecting the adolescent equilibrium. The present study examines the scientific properties of the Greek version of ASQ to measure perceived stress among 250 Greek adolescents.

The Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire (HLPCQ): a novel tool for assessing self-empowerment through a constellation of daily activities.

Background: The main goal of stress management and health promotion programs is to improve health by empowering people to take control over their lives. Daily health-related lifestyle choices are integral targets of these interventions and critical to evaluating their efficacy. To date, concepts such as self-efficacy, self-control and empowerment are assessed by tools that only partially address daily lifestyle choices.

Correlation between the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) in a Greek sample of patients with schizophrenia.

Background: Psychosocial dysfunction is one of schizophrenia's core features, often leading to a deprecation of independent living and significant failure to maintain a competent quality of life. Cognitive and occupational performance as well as psychosocial functioning is moreover recognized as determinants of treatment response. Therefore, the elaboration of measures regarding social performance besides scales that assess psychopathology is essential.

Short-term effects of a randomized controlled worksite relaxation intervention in Greece.

Objective: To evaluate the short-term benefits of simple relaxation techniques in white-collar employees.

Materials And Methods: The study was a two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial. 152 employees were randomly assigned to receive the 8-week programme (N=80) (relaxation breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, twice a day) or not (wait-list group N=72).

A randomized controlled trial of the effects of a stress management programme during pregnancy.

Background: Prenatal maternal stress is associated with adverse birth outcomes. Relaxation techniques might be effective in reducing stress during that period. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of applied relaxation in reducing anxiety and stress in pregnant women in their second trimester, as well as raising their sense of control.