Andreas Anestis | Anatolia College - American College of Thessaloniki (original) (raw)

Papers by Andreas Anestis

PubMed, 2021

Background: Decreasing the transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (... more Background: Decreasing the transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to people's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the novel coronavirus. Our study investigated the above factors aiming at pandemic's successful management. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among the general Greek population from 11th September to 7th October 2020 after institutional ethics approval, using a non-probability, convenience sampling method. The survey consisted of socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and perception questions towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Statistical analyses conducted were appropriate according to the type of variable and the research question. Results: We collected a total of 9,309 questionnaires with a completeness rate estimated at 98.3 %. The median knowledge score regarding COVID-19 was 72.7 %, exhibiting variation depending on socio-demographic subgroups. Individuals were better informed about coronavirus modes of transmission (86.4 %). The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population was 25.9 %, while 43 % of participants remained undecided about being vaccinated. A significant part of the respondents experienced a health issue for which they had to visit a hospital, but they did not do so due to the fear of possible infection by SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a moderately high level of knowledge in the Greek population towards COVID-19 at the study time. Educational programs, health actions, and vaccination campaigns are essential for filling knowledge gaps in particular demographic groups, such as the low educated and over 65 years old people. Interventions may be needed for the National Healthcare System to recover citizens' confidence. Measures strengthening individual wellbeing and social solidarity during the pandemic should also be of high priority. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (1):15-21.

Journal of Comparative Physiology B-biochemical Systemic and Environmental Physiology, Jun 1, 2010

The winter syndrome in the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata indicates that the species is exposed... more The winter syndrome in the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata indicates that the species is exposed to critically low temperatures in Mediterranean aquaculture in winter. The present study of metabolic patterns and molecular stress responses during cold exposure was carried out to investigate this "disease", in light of the recent concept of oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance. The metabolic profile of fuel oxidation was examined by determining the activities of the enzymes hexokinase (HK), aldolase (Ald), pyruvate kinase (PK), L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), citrate synthase (CS), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) in heart, red and white muscle after exposure to temperatures of 10, 14 and 18°C. Especially, the increase in LDH activity combined with the accumulation of L-lactate in tissues indicates that temperatures below 14°C are critical for Sparus aurata and stimulate the anaerobic component of metabolism. Increase in the activity of HOAD suggests that oxidation of free fatty acids might contribute to ATP turnover at low temperatures. The expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in all tissues examined revealed a cellular stress response during cooling below 18°C. In the light of winter temperatures in S. aurata cultures around 10°C, our data suggest that the fish are exposed to stressful conditions at the low end of their thermal tolerance window. These conditions likely impair the aerobic capacity of the fish, compromise the rates of growth and reproduction and may contribute to elicit pathological conditions.

Healthcare

Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels ... more Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional pilot study was to investigate the impact of participating in PA on the mental health of young adults in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out during two quarantine periods: Survey I on 5 May 2020, and Survey II on 30 April 2021. The Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scales and the level of PA were used to assess a sample of individuals aged between 18 and 26 years old. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 268 (33.9% males) and 380 (37.1% females) subjects participated in the studies, respectively. According to the findings, the vast majority of the participants in both samples reported that they are physically active (p = 0.86), while they consider exercise as a significant health factor (p = 0.10). Moreover, anxiety levels statistically significant increased (p...

Healthcare

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by in... more Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Sport and physical activity have been shown to play a major role in the development of cognition, memory, selective attention, and motor reaction time, especially among adolescents with ADHD. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a swimming exercise program on the symptoms of ADHD in an adult with a diagnosis since childhood. The training intervention was performed for eight weeks, and the results demonstrated that the swimming–learning program significantly alleviated the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, as measured by the psychometric indices used in the study. Further studies are needed to establish and understand the association between physical activities and improved mental performance in adults with ADHD.

Journal of Thermal Biology

Environmental temperature has played an important role during the evolution of species, as well a... more Environmental temperature has played an important role during the evolution of species, as well as in their geographical distribution. Thermal biology studies the effects of temperature at every level of biological organization in various time-scales. Its study helps the determination of the thermal limits of organisms in terms of socalled global warming. The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolic and biochemical responses of bivalves with different vertical distribution in Thermaikos Gulf to the elevated sea water temperature, as well as to their exposure to air. For this purpose Mytilus galloprovincialis (exposed to air during the tidal) and Modiolus barbatus (never exposed to air) were used. Especially, we studied the rate of mortality in both species, Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression, phosphorylation of MAPKs p-38 and JNK, which seem to be implicated in Hsps’ expression, enzymatic activity of glycolytic enzymes pyruvate kinase, aldolase, phosphofructokinase, hexokinas...

Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης (ΑΠΘ). Σχολή Καλών Τεχνών. Τμήμα Κινηματογράφου, 2019

The Greek seas as a part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, have been considered as a hotspot for ... more The Greek seas as a part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, have been considered as a hotspot for the entrance of non-indigenous species (NIS). Ballast water functions as a major pathway for the spread of NIS in new environments, posing significant threats to both the ecosystems and human health. Nine non-indigenous fish species, originating from the Red Sea, have been introduced to the Greek seas since 1925. Despite the implemented laws for limiting the spread of NIS and the subsequent impacts, current global environmental issues, such as climate change and micro-plastic pollution, could result in a rapid spread and establishment of NIS in hot-spot regions, including the Greek seas. A more systematic use of advanced tools for the systematic monitoring of all NIS in the Mediterranean Sea is necessary.

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2008

SUMMARYThe present study set out to investigate the thermal limits of the Mediterranean bivalve M... more SUMMARYThe present study set out to investigate the thermal limits of the Mediterranean bivalve Modiolus barbatus, acclimated to various temperatures, and includes a comparison of laboratory determined limits with its temperature-dependent restriction to deeper water layers in its natural habitat. Thermal responses and limits were determined by integrating information from various levels of biological organization, including the expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90, the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinases, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and cJun-N-terminal kinases (JNKs) as well as metabolic adjustments. The latter were assessed by examining temperature effects on the activity of the key glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK). The expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 was activated when mussels were acclimated to temperatures above 20°C. Increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNKs at about the same temperatures indicate activation of MAPK signaling cascades and ...

Cryobiology, 2013

In the present work we investigated the seasonal variations of apoptotic and antioxidant proteins... more In the present work we investigated the seasonal variations of apoptotic and antioxidant proteins in the heart and gastrocnemius muscle of the amphibian Pelophylax ridibundus. Particularly processes studied included the evaluation of hypoxia through the levels of transcriptional factor Hif-1α, of apoptosis through the determination of Bcl-2 and Bax, ubiquitin conjugates levels and the antioxidant defense through the determination of the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Due to a general metabolic depression during overwintering, levels of the above mentioned proteins and enzymes are generally retained at low levels of expression and activity in the examined tissues of P. ridibundus. On the other hand recovery from overwintering induces oxidative stress, followed by increased levels of the specific proteins and enzymes. A milder up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes during overwintering probably prepares P. ridibundus for oxidative stress during arousal. The seasonal activation of these mechanisms seems to protect this species from these unfavourable conditions.

The present work aimed to investigate the phosphorylation and hence activation of stress activate... more The present work aimed to investigate the phosphorylation and hence activation of stress activated protein kinases, p38 MAPK and JNKs in the tissues of the snail Helix lucorum during seasonal hibernation. Snails were put in large glass boxes, which were placed outdoors so that they were exposed to natural conditions of light and temperature. Phosphorylation and hence activation of JNKs and p38 MAPK was determined in both heart and ganglia. Deep hibernation caused significant increases in the levels of the phosphorylated form of JNK and p38-MAPK in both heart and ganglia. Phosphorylation of JNK remained elevated in the ganglia or increased after a transient drop in the heart, when the snails were prepared for arousal. In addition, phosphorylation of p38-MAPK was further increased in the heart during this period. These data support the conclusion that MAPK signalling cascade might contribute in the physiological and biochemical remodelling in the tissues of land snails during hibernat...

The present study aims to examine whether the seasonal changes in the levels of heavy metals Cd a... more The present study aims to examine whether the seasonal changes in the levels of heavy metals Cd and Pb in the gills of sublittoral mussel Modiolus barbatus from populations distributed in Thermaikos Gulf are correlated to seasonal molecular (Heat Shock Response) and metabolic stress responses of this species. Our results indicate a season effect in the accumulation of heavy metals in the gills of bivalves in the area of Thermaikos Gulf, possibly implicating biological (reproductive cycle), natural (rivers' flow) and anthropogenic factors. Among the members of heat shock proteins (Hsps) examined, inducible Hsp70 seemed to play a major cytoprotective role against toxicity of metals. However, bivalves' tolerance against heavy metals may decrease during warming, arising further questions for their survival in context of global warming.

Environmental Microbiology

Global warming affects the aquatic ecosystems, accelerating pathogenic microorganisms' and to... more Global warming affects the aquatic ecosystems, accelerating pathogenic microorganisms' and toxic microalgae's growth and spread in marine habitats, and in bivalve molluscs. New parasite invasions are directly linked to oceanic warming. Consumption of pathogen-infected molluscs impacts human health at different rates, depending, inter alia, on the bacteria taxa. It is therefore necessary to monitor microbiological and chemical contamination of food. Many global cases of poisoning from bivalve consumption can be traced back to Mediterranean regions. This paper's aim is to examine the marine bivalve's infestation rate within the scope of climate change, as well as to evaluate the risk posed by climate change to bivalve welfare and public health. Biological and climatic data literature review was performed from international scientific sources, Greek authorities and State organizations. Focusing on Greek aquaculture and bivalve fisheries, high risk index pathogenic parasites and microalgae were observed during summer months, particularly in Thermaikos Gulf. Considering the climate models that predict further temperature increases, it seems that marine organisms will be subjected in the long-term to higher temperatures. Due to the positive linkage between temperature and microbial load, the marine areas most affected by this phenomenon are characterized as "high risk" for consumer health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ObjectiveThe study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemi... more ObjectiveThe study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents’ attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions providing information were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question.ResultsThe highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p < 0.001) and individuals havi...

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to temperatures beyond 26°C triggers mussel morta... more Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to temperatures beyond 26°C triggers mussel mortality. The present study aimed to integratively illustrate the correlation between intermediary metabolism, hsp gene expression, and oxidative stress-related proteins in long-term thermally stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis and whether they are affected by thermal stress magnitude and duration. We accordingly evaluated the gene expression profiles, in the posterior adductor muscle (PAM) and the mantle, concerning heat shock protein 70 and 90 ( hsp70 and hsp90), and the antioxidant defense indicators Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and the metallothioneins mt-10 and mt-20. Moreover, we determined antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, and activities of intermediary metabolism enzymes. The pattern of changes in relative mRNA expression levels indicate that mussels are able to sense thermal stress even when exposed to 22°C and bef...

International Journal of Molecular Biology

Universal Journal of Psychology, 2015

The object of the present study was to investigate the effects of sound on the perception of moti... more The object of the present study was to investigate the effects of sound on the perception of motion pictures by film viewers. For this purpose, we selected a sequence from the film "Elephant" (G. Van Sant, 2003) and composed two alternative soundtracks. The three different versions of the sequence (one with the original soundtrack and two with the alternative ones) were screened to 51 adult students (mean age 21.3 y.o.), who answered a series of questions after each screening. We concluded that different soundtracks change the perception of the audience mainly concerning the recognition of the film gender and the emotions that the viewers develop while watching the sequence. Moreover, the sound-design can possibly create visual illusions when the source of sound is shown on screen. Finally, factors like the sex and the field of studies seemed to differentiate our results, thus revealing their potential effect on the viewer's perception.

PubMed, 2021

Background: Decreasing the transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (... more Background: Decreasing the transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is related to people's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards the novel coronavirus. Our study investigated the above factors aiming at pandemic's successful management. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted among the general Greek population from 11th September to 7th October 2020 after institutional ethics approval, using a non-probability, convenience sampling method. The survey consisted of socio-demographic, knowledge, attitude, and perception questions towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Statistical analyses conducted were appropriate according to the type of variable and the research question. Results: We collected a total of 9,309 questionnaires with a completeness rate estimated at 98.3 %. The median knowledge score regarding COVID-19 was 72.7 %, exhibiting variation depending on socio-demographic subgroups. Individuals were better informed about coronavirus modes of transmission (86.4 %). The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population was 25.9 %, while 43 % of participants remained undecided about being vaccinated. A significant part of the respondents experienced a health issue for which they had to visit a hospital, but they did not do so due to the fear of possible infection by SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a moderately high level of knowledge in the Greek population towards COVID-19 at the study time. Educational programs, health actions, and vaccination campaigns are essential for filling knowledge gaps in particular demographic groups, such as the low educated and over 65 years old people. Interventions may be needed for the National Healthcare System to recover citizens' confidence. Measures strengthening individual wellbeing and social solidarity during the pandemic should also be of high priority. HIPPOKRATIA 2021, 25 (1):15-21.

Journal of Comparative Physiology B-biochemical Systemic and Environmental Physiology, Jun 1, 2010

The winter syndrome in the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata indicates that the species is exposed... more The winter syndrome in the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata indicates that the species is exposed to critically low temperatures in Mediterranean aquaculture in winter. The present study of metabolic patterns and molecular stress responses during cold exposure was carried out to investigate this &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;disease&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;, in light of the recent concept of oxygen and capacity limited thermal tolerance. The metabolic profile of fuel oxidation was examined by determining the activities of the enzymes hexokinase (HK), aldolase (Ald), pyruvate kinase (PK), L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LDH), citrate synthase (CS), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) in heart, red and white muscle after exposure to temperatures of 10, 14 and 18°C. Especially, the increase in LDH activity combined with the accumulation of L-lactate in tissues indicates that temperatures below 14°C are critical for Sparus aurata and stimulate the anaerobic component of metabolism. Increase in the activity of HOAD suggests that oxidation of free fatty acids might contribute to ATP turnover at low temperatures. The expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 in all tissues examined revealed a cellular stress response during cooling below 18°C. In the light of winter temperatures in S. aurata cultures around 10°C, our data suggest that the fish are exposed to stressful conditions at the low end of their thermal tolerance window. These conditions likely impair the aerobic capacity of the fish, compromise the rates of growth and reproduction and may contribute to elicit pathological conditions.

Healthcare

Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels ... more Regular physical activity (PA) and, more specifically, exercise, is associated with lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. The aim of this repeated cross-sectional pilot study was to investigate the impact of participating in PA on the mental health of young adults in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out during two quarantine periods: Survey I on 5 May 2020, and Survey II on 30 April 2021. The Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scales and the level of PA were used to assess a sample of individuals aged between 18 and 26 years old. In 2020 and 2021, a total of 268 (33.9% males) and 380 (37.1% females) subjects participated in the studies, respectively. According to the findings, the vast majority of the participants in both samples reported that they are physically active (p = 0.86), while they consider exercise as a significant health factor (p = 0.10). Moreover, anxiety levels statistically significant increased (p...

Healthcare

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by in... more Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Sport and physical activity have been shown to play a major role in the development of cognition, memory, selective attention, and motor reaction time, especially among adolescents with ADHD. In this context, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a swimming exercise program on the symptoms of ADHD in an adult with a diagnosis since childhood. The training intervention was performed for eight weeks, and the results demonstrated that the swimming–learning program significantly alleviated the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, as measured by the psychometric indices used in the study. Further studies are needed to establish and understand the association between physical activities and improved mental performance in adults with ADHD.

Journal of Thermal Biology

Environmental temperature has played an important role during the evolution of species, as well a... more Environmental temperature has played an important role during the evolution of species, as well as in their geographical distribution. Thermal biology studies the effects of temperature at every level of biological organization in various time-scales. Its study helps the determination of the thermal limits of organisms in terms of socalled global warming. The aim of the present study was to determine the metabolic and biochemical responses of bivalves with different vertical distribution in Thermaikos Gulf to the elevated sea water temperature, as well as to their exposure to air. For this purpose Mytilus galloprovincialis (exposed to air during the tidal) and Modiolus barbatus (never exposed to air) were used. Especially, we studied the rate of mortality in both species, Hsp70 and Hsp90 expression, phosphorylation of MAPKs p-38 and JNK, which seem to be implicated in Hsps’ expression, enzymatic activity of glycolytic enzymes pyruvate kinase, aldolase, phosphofructokinase, hexokinas...

Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης (ΑΠΘ). Σχολή Καλών Τεχνών. Τμήμα Κινηματογράφου, 2019

The Greek seas as a part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, have been considered as a hotspot for ... more The Greek seas as a part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, have been considered as a hotspot for the entrance of non-indigenous species (NIS). Ballast water functions as a major pathway for the spread of NIS in new environments, posing significant threats to both the ecosystems and human health. Nine non-indigenous fish species, originating from the Red Sea, have been introduced to the Greek seas since 1925. Despite the implemented laws for limiting the spread of NIS and the subsequent impacts, current global environmental issues, such as climate change and micro-plastic pollution, could result in a rapid spread and establishment of NIS in hot-spot regions, including the Greek seas. A more systematic use of advanced tools for the systematic monitoring of all NIS in the Mediterranean Sea is necessary.

Journal of Experimental Biology, 2008

SUMMARYThe present study set out to investigate the thermal limits of the Mediterranean bivalve M... more SUMMARYThe present study set out to investigate the thermal limits of the Mediterranean bivalve Modiolus barbatus, acclimated to various temperatures, and includes a comparison of laboratory determined limits with its temperature-dependent restriction to deeper water layers in its natural habitat. Thermal responses and limits were determined by integrating information from various levels of biological organization, including the expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90, the phosphorylation of stress-activated protein kinases, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and cJun-N-terminal kinases (JNKs) as well as metabolic adjustments. The latter were assessed by examining temperature effects on the activity of the key glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase (PK). The expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 was activated when mussels were acclimated to temperatures above 20°C. Increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNKs at about the same temperatures indicate activation of MAPK signaling cascades and ...

Cryobiology, 2013

In the present work we investigated the seasonal variations of apoptotic and antioxidant proteins... more In the present work we investigated the seasonal variations of apoptotic and antioxidant proteins in the heart and gastrocnemius muscle of the amphibian Pelophylax ridibundus. Particularly processes studied included the evaluation of hypoxia through the levels of transcriptional factor Hif-1α, of apoptosis through the determination of Bcl-2 and Bax, ubiquitin conjugates levels and the antioxidant defense through the determination of the activity of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Due to a general metabolic depression during overwintering, levels of the above mentioned proteins and enzymes are generally retained at low levels of expression and activity in the examined tissues of P. ridibundus. On the other hand recovery from overwintering induces oxidative stress, followed by increased levels of the specific proteins and enzymes. A milder up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes during overwintering probably prepares P. ridibundus for oxidative stress during arousal. The seasonal activation of these mechanisms seems to protect this species from these unfavourable conditions.

The present work aimed to investigate the phosphorylation and hence activation of stress activate... more The present work aimed to investigate the phosphorylation and hence activation of stress activated protein kinases, p38 MAPK and JNKs in the tissues of the snail Helix lucorum during seasonal hibernation. Snails were put in large glass boxes, which were placed outdoors so that they were exposed to natural conditions of light and temperature. Phosphorylation and hence activation of JNKs and p38 MAPK was determined in both heart and ganglia. Deep hibernation caused significant increases in the levels of the phosphorylated form of JNK and p38-MAPK in both heart and ganglia. Phosphorylation of JNK remained elevated in the ganglia or increased after a transient drop in the heart, when the snails were prepared for arousal. In addition, phosphorylation of p38-MAPK was further increased in the heart during this period. These data support the conclusion that MAPK signalling cascade might contribute in the physiological and biochemical remodelling in the tissues of land snails during hibernat...

The present study aims to examine whether the seasonal changes in the levels of heavy metals Cd a... more The present study aims to examine whether the seasonal changes in the levels of heavy metals Cd and Pb in the gills of sublittoral mussel Modiolus barbatus from populations distributed in Thermaikos Gulf are correlated to seasonal molecular (Heat Shock Response) and metabolic stress responses of this species. Our results indicate a season effect in the accumulation of heavy metals in the gills of bivalves in the area of Thermaikos Gulf, possibly implicating biological (reproductive cycle), natural (rivers' flow) and anthropogenic factors. Among the members of heat shock proteins (Hsps) examined, inducible Hsp70 seemed to play a major cytoprotective role against toxicity of metals. However, bivalves' tolerance against heavy metals may decrease during warming, arising further questions for their survival in context of global warming.

Environmental Microbiology

Global warming affects the aquatic ecosystems, accelerating pathogenic microorganisms' and to... more Global warming affects the aquatic ecosystems, accelerating pathogenic microorganisms' and toxic microalgae's growth and spread in marine habitats, and in bivalve molluscs. New parasite invasions are directly linked to oceanic warming. Consumption of pathogen-infected molluscs impacts human health at different rates, depending, inter alia, on the bacteria taxa. It is therefore necessary to monitor microbiological and chemical contamination of food. Many global cases of poisoning from bivalve consumption can be traced back to Mediterranean regions. This paper's aim is to examine the marine bivalve's infestation rate within the scope of climate change, as well as to evaluate the risk posed by climate change to bivalve welfare and public health. Biological and climatic data literature review was performed from international scientific sources, Greek authorities and State organizations. Focusing on Greek aquaculture and bivalve fisheries, high risk index pathogenic parasites and microalgae were observed during summer months, particularly in Thermaikos Gulf. Considering the climate models that predict further temperature increases, it seems that marine organisms will be subjected in the long-term to higher temperatures. Due to the positive linkage between temperature and microbial load, the marine areas most affected by this phenomenon are characterized as "high risk" for consumer health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ObjectiveThe study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemi... more ObjectiveThe study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the COVID-19 pandemic during the total lockdown of spring 2020 in Greece.MethodsA web-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 13 to May 5, 2020. Adult residents of Greece anonymously completed an online survey that was distributed through email and social media. A total of 1396 fully complete questionnaires were collected. Demographic questions, questions regarding the knowledge about the disease etiology, diagnosis and prevention, and questions related to the respondents’ attitude and perception toward the restriction measures and the confidence in different kinds of institutions providing information were included in the survey items. The appropriate statistical analyses were conducted according to the type of variable and the research question.ResultsThe highest knowledge scores were found in females (74.8%, p = 0.015), individuals over 60 years old (77.3%, p < 0.001) and individuals havi...

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology

Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to temperatures beyond 26°C triggers mussel morta... more Long-term exposure of Mytilus galloprovincialis to temperatures beyond 26°C triggers mussel mortality. The present study aimed to integratively illustrate the correlation between intermediary metabolism, hsp gene expression, and oxidative stress-related proteins in long-term thermally stressed Mytilus galloprovincialis and whether they are affected by thermal stress magnitude and duration. We accordingly evaluated the gene expression profiles, in the posterior adductor muscle (PAM) and the mantle, concerning heat shock protein 70 and 90 ( hsp70 and hsp90), and the antioxidant defense indicators Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, and the metallothioneins mt-10 and mt-20. Moreover, we determined antioxidant enzyme activities, oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation, and activities of intermediary metabolism enzymes. The pattern of changes in relative mRNA expression levels indicate that mussels are able to sense thermal stress even when exposed to 22°C and bef...

International Journal of Molecular Biology

Universal Journal of Psychology, 2015

The object of the present study was to investigate the effects of sound on the perception of moti... more The object of the present study was to investigate the effects of sound on the perception of motion pictures by film viewers. For this purpose, we selected a sequence from the film "Elephant" (G. Van Sant, 2003) and composed two alternative soundtracks. The three different versions of the sequence (one with the original soundtrack and two with the alternative ones) were screened to 51 adult students (mean age 21.3 y.o.), who answered a series of questions after each screening. We concluded that different soundtracks change the perception of the audience mainly concerning the recognition of the film gender and the emotions that the viewers develop while watching the sequence. Moreover, the sound-design can possibly create visual illusions when the source of sound is shown on screen. Finally, factors like the sex and the field of studies seemed to differentiate our results, thus revealing their potential effect on the viewer's perception.