Exploring hope and expectations amidst the shadows: Navigating through the hearts of cancer patients admitted to a palliative care unit.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the psychological well-being, hope, and expectations of cancer patients receiving care in a palliative care unit, utilizing a qualitative research approach.

Methods: We employed the methodology of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Our data collection involved conducting 1-hour semi-structured interviews with the patients.

Epidemiology of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Greece: A 2-Year Single-Centre Study.

Background: The epidemiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in Greece remains poorly reported and outdated.

Objectives: We therefore conducted a 2-year retrospective survey to assess the epidemiological aspects of the infection among symptomatic Greek patients.

Patients/methods: High vaginal swab samples were collected from adult women with clinically suspected VVC attending a private diagnostic laboratory in Athens.

Comparing apples and oranges in youth depression treatments? A quantitative critique of the evidence base and guidelines.

Objectives: Should a young person receive psychotherapy or medication for their depression and on what evidence do we base this decision? In this paper, we test the factors across modalities that may influence comparability between medication and psychotherapy trials.

Methods: We included 92 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of psychotherapy and medication for child and adolescent depression (mean age 4-18 years). Using meta-analyses, we compared (a) participant characteristics and (b) trial characteristics in medication and psychotherapy trials.

Eye Axial Length: Is There a Protective Link to Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness globally, particularly among working-age adults. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, understanding factors that influence DR development and progression is increasingly important. Recent studies suggest a protective association between a longer axial length (AL) of the eye and the risk of DR, particularly in myopic individuals.

The Effect of Autologous Serum Tears 50% on the Ocular Surface of Patients With Severe Dry Eye Disease due to Sjogren Syndrome: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled, Contralateral Eye Study.

Purpose: To assess the impact of autologous serum (AS) tears at a 50% concentration on the ocular surface of patients with refractory dry eye disease (DED) because of Sjogren syndrome.

Methods: Twenty eyes of ten patients with severe immune-mediated DED were contralaterally randomized to receive either AS tears 50% or artificial tears between June 2021 and May 2023. Changes in tear stability, ocular surface staining, and in the morphology of the corneal sub-basal nerves were evaluated before treatment and at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment using objective tests for DED and confocal microscopy.

A comparative analysis of smoking status among the Roma and the general population during pregnancy: The critical role of midwives in smoking cessation.

Introduction: Tobacco consumption poses severe health risks, particularly for pregnant women, where it exacerbates maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. This issue is especially critical among minority groups such as the Roma, who face unique socio-economic and cultural challenges that contribute to higher smoking rates. This study investigates the smoking behaviors of pregnant Roma women and the general population, highlighting the role of midwives in smoking cessation.

Status of Sepsis Care in European Hospitals: Results from an International Cross-Sectional Survey.

Rationale: Early detection, standardized therapy, adequate infrastructure and strategies for quality improvement should constitute essential components of every hospital's sepsis plan.

Objectives: To investigate the extent to which recommendations from the sepsis guidelines are implemented and the availability of infrastructure for the care of patients with sepsis in acute hospitals.

Methods: A multidisciplinary cross-sectional questionnaire was used to investigate sepsis care in hospitals.

The Nutrient-Skin Connection: Diagnosing Eating Disorders Through Dermatologic Signs.

The interplay between nutrition and skin health provides a crucial lens for understanding, diagnosing, and managing eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED). This review explores the dermatological manifestations resulting from the nutritional deficiencies commonly associated with EDs, including conditions like hair loss, xerosis, and brittle nails. These changes in the skin and its appendages often reflect deeper systemic dysfunctions, such as deficiencies in essential micronutrients (zinc, iron, and vitamins A and C), hormonal imbalances, and electrolyte disturbances.

Exploring Pediatric Dermatology in Skin of Color: Focus on Dermoscopy.

This literature review aims to comprehensively evaluate the clinical and dermoscopic presentations of common pediatric diseases among children with skin of color (SoC) while also addressing potential variations based on racial backgrounds. This review encompasses various conditions, such as nevi subtypes, viral infections, infestations, and inflammatory dermatoses, as well as hair diseases and abnormal vascular formations, occurring in pediatric populations. Overall, we identified 7 studies on nevi subtypes, 24 studies on skin infections, 6 on inflammatory dermatoses, 10 on hair diseases and disorders, and 14 on miscellaneous disorders that also satisfied our SoC- and race-specific criteria.

Mapping Psychosocial Challenges, Mental Health Difficulties, and MHPSS Services for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children in Greece: Insights from Service Providers.

Background/objectives: Evidence-based information is crucial for policymakers and providers of mental health and psychosocial services (MHPSS) for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC). However, there is a scarcity of national-level studies investigating the MHPSS needs of UASC and how these are addressed in Greece. The research objectives of this study were to explore: (a) the psychosocial and mental health needs of UASC living in Greek long-term accommodation facilities as perceived by MHPSS providers, and (b) the range of services across the country, highlighting gaps and best practices in service delivery.

Skin and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases.

As the global population ages, the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by abnormal protein aggregates, presents significant challenges for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Identifying accessible tissue biomarkers is crucial for advancing our ability to detect and track the progression of these diseases. Among the most promising biomarkers is the skin, which shares a common embryological origin with the brain and central nervous system (CNS).

N-Acetyl-leucine in progressive CACNA1A ataxia: A case series.

Background: CACNA1A-related disorders are rare and progressive; to date, there is no approved treatment. Trials with N-acetyl-leucine (NAL) demonstrated efficacy in disorders featuring ataxia, cognitive impairment, and epilepsy. Accordingly, we hypothesized that NAL may be effective in CACNA1A-associated disorders.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 7704 Individuals: An Analysis from the Greek Registry for the Prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (GRegistry-FH).

The intention of this study was to profile the cohort from the Greek Registry for the prevalence of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (GRegistry-FH) by estimating the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), pre-DM, smoking, abnormal thyroid function (ATF), and lipid values. The GRegistry-FH is a prospective study involving door-to-door interviews conducted by trained interviewers. Overall, 7704 individuals aged ≥18 years, randomly selected from all the regions of Greece, participated.

The mental health care system for children and adolescents in Greece: a review and structure assessment.

Background: The mental health system in Greece faces challenges to complete its transition to a community-oriented model, having significant concerns for child and adolescent care due to lower coverage and service gaps. This component of the mental health system has not been comprehensively evaluated.

Methods: We conducted a review of the mental health care system for children and adolescents in Greece.

Attitudes of Health and Mental Health Professionals, and Police Staff towards Mentally Ill Offenders in Greece.

Mentally ill offenders face stigma, being perceived as both dangerous and unpredictable. This leads to social discrimination, which causes devaluation, distancing, and unequal treatment towards them. Critical and dismissive attitudes of healthcare professionals and police toward these patients undermine their care, treatment, and prospects for rehabilitation.

The importance of microbiology reference laboratories and adequate funding for infectious disease surveillance.

Microbiology reference laboratories perform a crucial role within public health systems. This role was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Viewpoint, we emphasise the importance of microbiology reference laboratories and highlight the types of digital data and expertise they provide, which benefit national and international public health.

Association between simple, combined lipid markers and 20-year cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes: the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between simple, combined lipid biomarkers, and 20-year cumulative incidence of new type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adults participating in the ATTICA cohort study (2002-2022).

Methods: The present analysis included data from 2000 individuals free of T2DM at baseline (age 43 ± 13 years; 51% women). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, clinical, and biochemical parameters were collected at baseline and follow-up examinations; combined lipid markers were evaluated.

The Use of Perpendicular Reconstruction Plates for the Buttressing of the Quadrilateral Surface Fractures of the Acetabulum: An Easy and Low-Cost Choice.

The quadrilateral surface fractures of the acetabulum are becoming more frequent due to the aging population. The optimal fixation of the quadrilateral surface through an appropriate surgical approach and a reliable and effective technique presents a challenge for orthopedic trauma surgeons. In this study, we present the results of 12 patients treated in our department who underwent internal fixation of the quadrilateral surface with two reconstruction plates in a vertical orientation for adequate fracture buttressing.

The Effect of Preoperative Information and Education on the Clinical Outcome of Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized Trial.

Introduction Preoperative patient information and education is an essential aspect of modern surgical care, particularly for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). This prospective, randomized trial aimed to assess the effects of structured preoperative education and information on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing THA. Materials and methods A total of 102 patients were randomized into two groups: the intervention group (n = 51) receiving standardized preoperative information and education, and the control group (n = 51) receiving standard preoperative care without a formal educational component.

Exposure to Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances During Pregnancy and Asthma in Childhood: A Systematic Review.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that has been increasing in prevalence among children globally. While genetic factors contribute to asthma risk, there are growing concerns about environmental exposures, such as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which may disrupt respiratory and immune development in the prenatal period. This systematic review aimed to assess the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and the development of asthma in childhood, integrating findings from epidemiological studies.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Lactation.

Tobacco smoke exposure remains a significant public health concern, particularly for lactating women and their infants. Despite widespread awareness of the harms of smoking during pregnancy, many women continue to smoke postpartum, directly impacting lactation success and infant health. Studies have shown that nicotine, the primary component of tobacco smoke, inhibits prolactin production and the milk ejection reflex, resulting in a decreased milk supply and poor breastfeeding outcomes.