Development Agency of Karditsa

Identification of offending foods in dogs with adverse food reactions is usually based on "deterioration" during open food challenges. To examine the placebo effect during double-blinded, placebo-controlled food challenges using a predefined set of criteria for relapse. Twelve dogs with atopic dermatitis and adverse food reactions. Dogs were serially challenged with 40 g/day of eight food items (beef, chicken, codfish, corn flour, cow's milk, hen's egg, lamb, wheat), for 1 week, each mixed with their elimination diet and water. An additional two challenges were placebo (elimination diet mixed with water). Owners and investigators were blinded to the challenges and the order of the 10 challenges was randomised for each dog. Relapse was defined as moderate-to-severe owner global assessment of challenge deterioration and/or > 100% increase of Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI-04) score (with the score at the end being > 9) and/or > 100% increase of pruritus using a Visual Analog Scale (with the score at the end being > 1.9/10). Most (91.7%) dogs were positive to one to six challenges with food items, yet half of them also were falsely positive in one placebo challenge. Two dogs had only one placebo challenge. The number of positive challenges to foods did not differ between dogs with positive and negative placebo challenges. The placebo effect during double-blinded food challenges creates doubts about the accuracy of the results of challenges with food items in this and in previous studies where open food challenges were used.

This paper investigates how the existing pellet plant of the Energy Community of Karditsa (ESEK) can be leveraged to strengthen RESCoop operations by integrating a variety of biomass feedstocks as (i) urban residual biomass, (ii) forest residues, and (iii) alternative sources such as spent coffee grounds (SCGs). The RESCoop envisions an extended role as an Energy Service Company (ESCO) by installing and operating biomass boilers in local public buildings. The paper provides an overview of the technical and business support that was provided to the RESCoop for the development of such new business activities and aggregates the lessons learned from engaging the rural society towards sustainable bioenergy production. More specifically, the study covers the logistical aspects of the new RESCoop value chains, including availability, collection, transportation, and processing of the feedstocks along with their costs. A base case scenario investigates the feasibility of installing biomass boilers in municipal buildings through a detailed financial viability study examining capital and operational expenses, revenues, and key financial indicators. Further, the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the new RESCoop activities are evaluated in terms of CO2 equivalent savings compared to fossil fuel solutions and new job creation, respectively. This detailed analysis highlights the potential for sustainable bioenergy integration and provides valuable insights for similar initiatives aiming to diversify and enhance sustainable energy practices in local communities.

As Augmented Reality (AR) technologies continue to evolve, the demand for intelligent and context-aware content generation is rapidly increasing. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into AR workflows opens new possibilities for dynamic, responsive, and personalized virtual experiences. This paper introduces an innovative framework for AR content generation driven by agentic AI. The proposed mechanism enables intelligent agents to dynamically generate, and call 3D AR content based on real-world contextual requirements. Specifically, the system focuses on using AI-driven modules to automatically generate AR content and efficiently deliver it through intelligent agents, exploring the broader potential of AR generation in industry. As a case study, we examine a scenario in the sustainable furniture manufacturing sector. Specifically, we present an AI agent-based system that assists a furniture manufacturing company calculating the estimated carbon storage based on the type and quantity of wood materials used. The system supports informed decision-making by linking 3D object construction with environmental impact data, dynamically rendered through AR.

A rise of intensive Mediterranean aquaculture has been associated with vulnerability to bacterial infections, necessitating alternative approaches to conventional antibiotics. This study evaluated the antibacterial and bactericidal activity of essential oils derived from fifteen medicinal plants against four key bacterial pathogens affecting Mediterranean marine aquaculture: Aeromonas veronii biovar veronii, Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria, Vibrio harveyi, and Tenacibaculum maritimum. Essential oils were screened using disc diffusion assays, and the most effective oils—thyme, oregano, cinnamon, and absinthe—underwent further evaluation through broth microdilution methods. Results demonstrated that these four oils exhibited notable inhibitory and bactericidal effects, with thyme and oregano showing the strongest overall activity across multiple pathogens. Notably, this is among the first studies to document the in vitro efficacy of essential oils against Tenacibaculum maritimum, a major pathogen with limited treatment options. The findings support the potential use of selected essential oils as sustainable and natural antibacterial agents in fish health management, contributing to reduced reliance on antibiotics in aquaculture.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for up to half of all cases of HF. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is the main link in the pathogenesis of HFpEF. This HF phenotype is often associated with extensive comorbid pathology (arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, obesity, etc.). Until now, the features of the clinical portrait of a patient with hypertension complicated by HFpEF, occurring without known concomitant diseases and conditions, have not been sufficiently covered.

Herein, the mechanical and antibacterial properties of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced scaffolds incorporating hydroxyapatite (HA) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles utilising various infill patterns (line, triangle, and cubic) were investigated. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) demonstrated a uniform distribution of HA and MgO within the PLA, whereas X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) patterns confirmed the presence of the nanoparticles synthesised without compromising the crystallinity of the composite. The line pattern exhibited superior performance in surface hydrophilic properties, facilitating the interaction of bacteria with MgO nanoparticles. Mechanical tests indicated that the triangular pattern produced superior tensile, compressive, and flexural strength owing to its optimal load distribution and structural stability. Conversely, in vitro tests, including but not limited to inhibition zone measurements and live/dead cell imaging, the cubic pattern exhibited the most effective antibacterial activity, particularly against S. aureus bacteria. The cubic pattern, characterised by its increased surface area and improved wettability, facilitates bacterial interaction with MgO, which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that compromise cell membranes, ultimately leading to bacterial death. This study assessed the mechanical strength of the optimised components, determining that the triangular pattern was most suitable for load bearing implant applications, while the cubic pattern was effective for bacterial eradication.

Chronic enteropathies (CE) are common in cats, and alterations of the intestinal microbiota might be involved in the pathogenesis. To evaluate the efficacy of a single enema fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in improving intestinal dysbiosis and clinical scores in cats with CE. Twenty-eight cats with either chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE; n = 19) or small cell gastrointestinal lymphoma (SCGL; n = 9) were prospectively enrolled. Eleven cats were randomly selected to receive a single enema FMT (FMT-group), and 17 cats were used as controls. Clinical activity was determined using the Feline Chronic Enteropathy Activity Index (FCEAI), and intestinal dysbiosis was determined using the feline dysbiosis index (DI) on the day of FMT (T0) and 30 days after FMT (T1). At T0, 14/28 cats had an abnormal DI > 0. No significant difference was found in the DI from T0 to T1 in the FMT group (mean[SD]: 0.01[2.5] vs. 0.7[2.1]; p = 0.47). No significant difference was found in the DI between the FMT group and the control group at T1 (mean[SD]: -0.7[2.1] vs. 0.8[1.8]; p = 0.92). FCEAI significantly decreased at T1 compared to T0 in the FMT group (median[IQR] 10.0[7.7-11.3] vs. 4.5[4-5]; p = 0.002). No significant difference was found in the FCEAI between the FMT group and the control group at T1 (median[IQR] 4.5[4-5] vs. 4[3-5.75]; p = 0.64). In this study, single enema FMT did not lead to a significant improvement in DI or FCEAI in cats with CE compared to controls.

Heart failure (HF) burden and care varies significantly across different countries. We aimed to illustrate the clinical characteristics and HF-related care among cardiology inpatients in Greece. We collected information about all cardiology inpatients on the 3rd of March 2022. The current analysis focuses on acute or chronic HF. Among a total of 923 participants, 280 (30%) concerned cases of acute HF whereas 351 patients (38%), (median age 79 ± 12years, male gender 63.8%) had a history of chronic HF, with their majority presenting with multiple comorbidities and previous HF hospitalizations. 173 (49%) of chronic HF participants had reduced LVEF. Ischemic heart disease was the predominant HF etiology (182, 51.9%). Prior to the index admission, chronic HF cases were receiving diuretics, beta blockers, ACEi/ARBs, ARNI, MRAs, and SGLT2i at 79.8%, 74.4%, 43.3%, 10.8%, 40.7%, and 14%, respectively. Independent predictors of lower prescription rates of Guideline Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) included advanced age (p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (RASi OR 0.392, p = 0.008, MRA OR 0.523 p = 0.097), and lack of follow-up in dedicated HF clinics (p = 0.006). No regional differences with regards to GDMT were identified. In this nation-wide real-world snapshot study, patients with chronic and acute HF accounted for a significant proportion of cardiology inpatients, while ischemic heart disease was the leading HF cause. GDMT and device therapy can be improved. Follow-up in dedicated HF units was related with increased prescription rates of GDMT, whereas this was not affected by geographical region.

The 2023 fieldwork in the area of Palamas, Thessaly, was severely hampered by catastrophic weather events affecting the area. In spite of this, the project managed to conduct excavations, surface and architectural surveys, as well as geophysical prospection at a number of sites in the region. The work continues to highlight the chronological breadth of archaeological remains in the area, as well as further details regarding little-known periods of Thessalian history.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Respiratory infections are a prevalent cause for individuals seeking medical guidance, remaining a public health threat, emphasizing the role of warning tools in managing health threats. <bold>Aims and objectives:</bold> Estimating Epidemic Volatility Index(EVI) as an early warning tool in real life. <bold>Methods:</bold> The study, ongoing since October 16th, includes adults presenting in our hospital with respiratory infection symptoms from whom nasal specimens are collected. We documented infections necessitating hospitalization and assessed the proportion attributed to specific viruses. EVI issues early warnings(red dots) on its online platform, illustrating in real time the correlation between successive red dots and the onset of new waves[1]. <bold>Results:</bold> Among 948 adults tested, positive tests were: 23.52 % Flu-A, 0.11% Flu-B, 18.46 % SARS-CoV-2, 2.43% RSV, 0.74% Adenovirus. 54.75% of total yielded negative test. Hospital admissions were 159(16.77%). Among them, 23.27% for Flu-A, 13.21% for SARS-CoV-2, 3.77% for RSV, 0.63% for Adenovirus. We observed a predominance of diagnosed cases (59.7%) over undiagnosed ones (40.3%) the Flu-A outbreak period(Fig 3). Synthesizing EVI’s figures and our results, we illustrate that the model issued a warning 14 days prior to the abrupt increase in Flu-A and SARS-CoV-2 positive cases, indicating the onset of new wave(Fig. 1,2). <bold>Conclusions:</bold> EVI’s timely alerts could aid healthcare systems in preparing for surges ensuring resources and staff availability. Overall, these tools enable rapid response, resource allocation, and international collaboration minimizing health crises impact. 1. Meletis et al, Infect. Public Health 2024 2. Papagiannis et al, Diseases 2023