Background and Objectives: The association between diabetes mellitus and increased risk of bone fractures has led to the investigation of the impact of antidiabetic drugs on bone metabolism. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) are a relatively novel and promising class of anti-hyperglycemic drugs. In addition to their blood glucose lowering action, GLP1RAs seem to have additional pleiotropic properties such as a beneficial skeletal effect; although the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. The present systematic review summarizes current evidence about GLP1RAs and their effects on bone metabolism and fracture. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted based on electronic databases namely, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) through October 2019 to January 2020 for articles related to bone mineral density, diabetes mellitus and GLP1RAs. We included articles published in English. Finally, we included four randomized controlled trials, three meta-analyses, a case-control study and a population-based cohort analysis. Results: Based on the articles included, the animal studies indicated the salutary skeletal effects of GLP1RAs in opposition to what has been commonly observed in human studies, showing that these agents have no impact on bone mineral density (BMD) and the turnover markers. Moreover, it was demonstrated that GLP1 was not associated with fracture risk as compared to other anti-hyperglycemic drugs. Conclusions: Findings from this systematic review have demonstrated the neutral impact of GLP1RAs on BMD. Moreover, further double-blind randomized controlled trials are needed to draw more meaningful and significant conclusions on the efficacy of GLP1RAs on BMD.

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI), and to examine the relationship between nurses' demographic characteristics and educational level and their level of knowledge in prevention of SSIs. A further aim was to examine the differences in nurses' knowledge with respect to selected variables and to identify the most significant predictors of nurses' knowledge regarding the prevention of SSIs, to support the provision of high-quality nursing care. Method: A prospective, observational study of a convenience sample of nurses and assistant nurses working in surgical departments, in a public general hospital for adults in Attica, during May to August 2016. For data collection, an anonymous self-completion questionnaire was developed and tested for comprehension and acceptability. Results: Data was collected from 148 nurses and assistant nurses, 121 (81.8%) were female, 73.6% were aged 36–50 years and 43.9% had 11–20 years of experience. With regards to educational level, 66.2% had a degree from a technological educational institute and 10.1% had a Master's degree. Furthermore, 18.2% had a surgical specialty and 59.5% had received special training on surgical infections. The majority of respondents did not chose the correct definition of the time of occurrence of SSIs. Several statistically significant correlations were observed between knowledge on safer hair removal and respndent age (p=0.037), educational level (p=0.003), professional experience (p=0.048), and training in SSIs (p=0.009). Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the majority respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding the prevention of SSIs, which contrasted with a low level of knowledge regarding their full definition of the time of occurrence.

Introduction Healthcare professionals, due to the nature of their work, have always experienced occupational stress, depression and low quality of life, which have been aggravated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim A large-scale cross-sectional descriptive correlational study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Greek healthcare professionals’ psychological status and quality of life. Material and Methods The study was conducted at “Attikon” General University Hospital and the 2nd Health Region in Athens, Greece. An assessment of anxiety and depression was carried out using the Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scale (SAS/SDS). To assess the participants’ Quality of Life (QoL) the Short Form Survey-36 (SF-36) was used. Results 147 healthcare professionals were enrolled in the study. 70.7% experienced normal stress levels, 23.8% mild, 4.8% moderate and 0.7% severe. Mild depression was experienced by 34.7%, moderate by 10.2% and severe by 1.4%, with a 53.7% showing no depressive symptoms. Women experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression (p=0.001 & 0.001 respectively), and were 5.4 times more at risk to develop anxiety [Odds Ratio (OR) 5.357, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.95-14.72: p=0.001] and 3.4 depression (OR, 3.365, 95% CI, 1.59- 7.12: p=0.002). Nurses and other professionals experienced higher stress and depression levels (p=0.004 & 0.040 respectively) than doctors. Participants reporting more exhaustion exhibited higher anxiety and depression levels (p=0.001). Compared to the pre-COVID-19 era, women (p=0.001), other health professionals (p=0.001) and those experiencing more physical burnout during COVID-19 (p=0.005) reported worse physical health. Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with most sub scales of SF-36 except social functioning and bodily pain (p=0.001). Conclusions Healthcare professionals’ QoL has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and they experience higher levels of anxiety and depression. There is a need to develop strategies to address the negative psychological impact of this pandemic on healthcare professionals.

Introduction: Patient satisfaction, while influenced by many factors, is a multidimensional phenomenon, which could be used to optimize the quality of the services provided by hospitals, as well as in the patient-centered care.Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore High Dependency Unit (HDU) patients’ satisfaction from health care provided. Material and Method: The studied sample consisted of 101 HDU patients of a general hospital in Attica. Data collection was conducted through the questionnaire of Inpatient Survey Questionnaire, which included demographic data as well as questions relevant to the hospitalization characteristics. Data analysis was performed by the statistical package SPSS ver.22.  Results: Patients were satisfied both by the general hospital provisions and staff. A statistically significant difference (t(99) = 2,69 , p = ,008) was found between the subscale “Room” with the majority of men to score higher these services (Μ = 3,83, Τ.Α. = 0,34) compared to women (Μ = 3,65, Τ.Α. = 0,35). Men also scored higher  (t(97) = 2,40 p = ,018) the subscale “nursing staff” (Μ = 4,30, Τ.Α. = 0,21) ) compared to women (Μ = 4,17, Τ.Α. = 0,32). A statistically significant difference (t(99) = 2,37, p = ,020) was found between the subscale “food” with the majority of older patient to score higher these services (Μ = 4,06, Τ.Α. = 0,36) than the youngest patients (Μ = 3,88, Τ.Α. = 0,39).Conclusions: Patient satisfaction is a vital factor for optimizing hospital services, is influenced by multiple factors and needs further research so that there will be effective strategies which will focus on optimizing the degree at which patients’ needs are met.

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. The frequency of occurrence differs from country to country, ranging from 1-18%.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes leading to exacerbation of bronchial asthma.Material and Methods: Α prospective observational study. The studied sample consisted of 82 patients who attended the emergency department or hospitalized in pulmonary clinics of Athens General Hospital, due to exacerbation of bronchial asthma. For data collection a specific registration form was used. Data analysis was performed with the statistical package Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).Results: Twenty two patients (26.8%) were male. The majority of patients (37.8%, n=31) were aged 46-65 years old. There were no statistically significant differences among patients admitted to the hospital for asthma exacerbation, during the last year and factors such as smoking, type of occupation, place of residence and pet ownership. Statistically significant correlation was found between patients who were trained for taking their medication, those who comply with medical orders and history of asthma exacerbation during the last year, (p<0.05).Conclusions: Patients suffering from bronchial asthma education is an integral part of disease prevention and treatment strategies with a view to comply with medication treatment.