This study was undertaken 6-7 months after the 1999 Athens earthquake with the aim of exploring the differences in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression symptoms between a group of children exposed to earthquake with a group of children not exposed to it, but with both groups potentially exposed to the same levels of post-earthquake adversities. The study included 2037 children, aged 9-17 years, who were assessed with self-completed questionnaires. The directly exposed group (N=1752) had significantly higher anxiety and PTSD scores than the indirectly exposed group (N=284), but no significant group differences were found in depression scores. Girls in both groups reported significantly more PTSD, anxiety and depressive symptoms than boys. Younger children reported significantly more PTSD and anxiety symptoms than the older ones. No significant interactions were found between direct exposure to earthquake, age group and gender. The severity of PTSD symptoms was most strongly predicted by greater perceived threat during the earthquake, whereas depression was most strongly predicted by the level of post-earthquake adversity. The severity of anxiety symptoms was most strongly predicted by female gender. These findings are discussed in relation to the need for screening and intervention following earthquake events.

No abstract

Aims: Oestrogen receptor b (ERb) is present in breast tumours, although its prognostic and pathophysiological roles remain to be established. Methods: Standard immunohistochemistry with a specific monoclonal antibody was performed on paraffin wax embedded sections; 10% of strongly immunostained carcinoma cells was used as the cutoff point to classify tumours as ERb positive. Statistical correlations were sought with clinicopathological variables (including hormone receptor status) and disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in a well documented series of 181 invasive breast carcinomas. Cell proliferation was assessed immunohistochemically by topoisomerase IIa (TopoIIa) index; p53 protein accumulation and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression were also taken into account. Results: ERb immunoreactivity was detected in most specimens (71.2%); it was positively linked to ERa immunoreactivity and increased TopoIIa index, and inversely to c-erbB-2 overexpression. There were no correlations with p53 immunostaining or other clinicopathological parameters. A significant favourable impact of ERb immunopositivity emerged with regard to DFS and OS in both univariate and multivariate analysis; ERb immunopositivity retained its favourable significance with regard to DFS in the subgroups of stage I and II patients when they were examined separately. Progesterone receptor expression also had an independent favourable influence on survival, albeit with less significance. In contrast, survival was not significantly influenced by ERa status. Conclusions: Because of the positive association between ERb immunoreactivity and TopoIIa expression, the presence of ERb in breast cancer cells could be considered an indication of increased proliferation. Nevertheless, ERb immunoreactivity emerges as a valuable, independent indicator of favourable prognosis.

Highlights Adolescents facing national entrance university exams experience high levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Anxiety and depressive symptoms increased during the COVID-19 lockdown. Distress experienced during the lockdown predicts the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. Targeted interventions are imperative to address the needs of young people in future waves of pandemic.