COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease which firstly occurred in Wuhan, China and evolved rapidly around the globe. The causative pathogen is a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 with genomic similarities with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The disease is transmitted among humans either through direct contact or via droplets from sneeze or cough. Most infected persons remain asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, but some patients may develop severe clinical features, including pneumonia, respiratory failure, sepsis and even death. People of advanced age and/or with underlying diseases (including diabetes mellitus) are at greater risk. The innate and adaptive immune system are responsible for protecting the body against viral infection. Nevertheless, it is assumed that SARS-CoV-2 interferes with the immune system through immunomodulating mechanisms which intensify its pathogenesis. A delayed or reduced response of the innate immune system is critical for the development of pathogenesis of the virus. People with diabetes are more likely to develop severe symptoms of COVID-19. The present article speculates that special aspects of the immune dysfunction caused by chronic hyperglycaemia is the main reason for this susceptibility.

Objective: Detention conditions during incarceration have not been adequately explored in Greece. The aim of this study was to highlight incarcerated women's views and satisfaction on their detention conditions in the female prison of Attica. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2014. A semi-structured questionnaire was distributed to those who met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Inmates who were in solitary confinement, suffered from serious psychiatric problems, or were unable to understand the Greek language were excluded from the study. Participation was voluntary after prisoners' verbal consent. Data were collected via personal interviews and information received was anonymized. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, Spearman correlation coefficient and qualitative content analyses were used. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.Results: Of a total of 135 incarcerated women, 101 were eligible and accepted to participate in the study. Current mental and health status were rated as poor/ very poor by 55% and 27.7% of the participants, respectively. The vast majority stated their dissatisfaction with the accommodation, the cleanliness, as well as the provided nutrition inside the prison. 65% participated in social reintegration programs and 66% in physical exercise. 73.3% declared that the main reason of their worries was the relationship with their family members and 37.6% stated that there was support in family problems during incarceration. The overall satisfaction on detention conditions regarding prisoner's daily life was also rated as low by 67.3%. In addition, the results confirmed a positive linear relationship between satisfaction on detention conditions and health/mental health status. Conclusion:Incarcerated women in the female prison of Attica appear not to be satisfied with the experienced detentions conditions that are associated with their health status. Our findings should encourage further research in order to introduce more effective interventions aiming at improving prisoner's daily life and future after release.

Objective: Studies attempting to investigate issues around detainees' health status is limited in Greece and it is mainly focusing on specific prisons. The scope of this research was to investigate the impact of incarceration on health status of the Greek female prisoners' population. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted to both female correctional institutions existing in Greece during the years 2014 and 2015. A semi-structured questionnaire was given to incarcerated women who voluntarily accepted to take part. Data were collected via personal interviews and were anonymized. Statistical analysis was performed through descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multiple regression analysis with the use of SPSS 20.Results: Out of 524 female prisoners, 397 met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. 66.3% reported a moderate or poor health status, while the respective rate before detainment was 23.4%. Health status deterioration and poor mental health were referred by more than half of the participants. The access to health services and the quality of provided healthcare during imprisonment were considered as poor/very poor by 44.8% and 46.1% respectively. Almost half of the respondents expressed their dissatisfaction with the accommodation, the cleanliness, the nutrition as well as with the overall prison environment. Furthermore, the access to health services, the quality of provided healthcare and the experienced detention conditions affect female prisoners' self-reported general and mental health status. Conclusion:Female imprisonment impacts negatively prisoners' self-reported health status. Our findings give a cue for additional explore with the specific end goal to meet the health needs of this vulnerable population as well as to improve everyday life in prison and life after release.

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a respiratory infection that has evolved to a pandemic with an enormous burden both on human life and health care. States throughout the world have pursued strategies to restrict the transmission of the virus in the community. Health systems have a crucial dual role as they are at the frontline of the fight against the pathogen and at the same time they must continue to offer emergency and routine health services. The provision of health care in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic finds certain barriers. The simultaneous protection of both universal health coverage and health care efficiency is a difficult task due to conflicting challenges of these two goals. Key actions need to be decided and implemented in the fields of health policy, operation of health services, and clinical interaction between health personnel and patients, so that health care continues to perform its mission in a sustainable manner. As the scientific community prepares for the widespread production and application of effective protective and therapeutic agents against COVID-19, it is vital for the general population to remain safe and for the health systems to survive. Allocation of resources and priority setting need to be applied fairly and efficiently for the achievement of the maximum benefit.