Molecular epidemiology of noroviruses in children in South Greece, 2013-2015.

Noroviruses constitute the leading cause of acute, nonbacterial gastroenteritis that affects both children and adults in healthcare and community settings. The current study attempted to provide insight on the molecular epidemiology of noroviruses in children in South Greece. Genotypic characterization of 69 norovirus strains detected in stool samples from children with gastroenteritis during a period of 30 months (January 2013 to June 2015) was performed on the basis of ORF2 (VP1 capsid) gene sequences.

Influence of hypercholesterolemia on serum antibodies against oxidized LDL in children and adolescents.

Background: The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL; oxLDL) appears to play a key role in the early development of atherosclerosis. Increased serum antibodies against the oxLDL (anti-oxLDL antibodies) have been found in adults with atherosclerotic disease, as well as in healthy adults. The clinical significance and its precise role (atherogenic or atheroprotective), however, have not yet been clarified.

Comparing calculated LDL-C with directly measured LDL-C in healthy and in dyslipidemic children.

Background: LDL-C is one of the strongest markers for atherosclerosis and therapeutic decisions in children are based on its levels. Friedewald formula (FF) which is usually used for the calculation of LDL-C (cLDL-C); and Anandaraja's formula (AF) may under- or overestimate actual levels.

Objective: To compare cLDL-C with directly measured LDL-C (dLDL-C) as a screening tool and to evaluate dyslipidemic children.

Cystatin-C levels in healthy children and adolescents: Influence of age, gender, body mass index and blood pressure.

Objectives: Cystatin-C is considered a more sensitive and specific marker of kidney function than creatinine since it can diagnose patients with earlier-stage of renal dysfunction. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of Cystatin-C in healthy children and adolescents as well as any correlations to age, gender, body-mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP).

Design And Methods: Cystatin-C was measured in 536 healthy Greek children and adolescents (295 males and 241 females) using a nephelometric immunoassay.

Associations Between Viral and Bacterial Potential Pathogens in the Nasopharynx of Children With and Without Respiratory Symptoms.

Background: Nasopharyngeal (NP) bacterial colonization is necessary for subsequent respiratory and/or invasive infection. Our study aimed at comparing NP bacterial colonization rates between children with and without symptoms of an acute viral respiratory tract infection and examining associations between identified microorganisms.

Methods: Children 3 months to 6 years of age with and without an acute viral respiratory tract infection were recruited, and a questionnaire was filled.