Frequency, clinical characteristics, and genotype distribution of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Greece (2007-2008).

Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis among young children worldwide. A prospective multi-center study was conducted (2007-2008) in five Pediatric Hospitals to determine the prevalence, the clinical characteristics, and genotype distribution of rotavirus infection in Greece. Faecal samples were examined for the presence of group A rotavirus antigen by immunochromatography. Rotavirus strains were subjected to G and P genotyping by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. A total of 393 children (216 boys) of median age 23 months, participated in the study. Rotavirus was the cause of acute gastroenteritis in 166 children, 42.3% (CI 95%, 37.4-47.1%) of non-hospitalized and 47.8% (CI 95%, 41.7-53.9%) of hospitalized patients. Rotavirus gastroenteritis occurred between December and April in 78.6% of the cases. Most children with RVG (77.8%) were between 3 months and 3 years old. The mean value of Clark severity score was 12.9 ± 5.1 for RVG and 10.5 ± 4.9 for non-RVG (P < 0.01). Genotypes were determined in 117 strains and their distribution was as following: G1P[8], 49%; G2P[4], 31%; G4P[8], 10%; G9P[8], 9%; and G8P[14], 1%. In conclusion, rotavirus is a frequent cause of acute gastroenteritis in Greece. The genotypes circulating are similar with those of other European countries.

Preparation of a molecularly imprinted polymer for the solid-phase extraction of scopolamine with hyoscyamine as a dummy template molecule.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) selective for scopolamine were produced using hyoscyamine (a close structural analogue) as template molecule. The produced polymers were used as media for solid-phase extraction, exhibiting selective binding properties for the analyte from biological samples. Human and calf urine and serum were processed on the MIP under various extraction protocols. The best performance was observed after loading the analyte in aqueous environment facilitating retention on the MIP by non-selective hydrophobic interactions. The MIPs were subsequently washed using an optimised solvent system to enable selective desorption of the analyte. Other related and non-related compounds were accessed to evaluate molecular recognition properties. Recoveries of up to 79% were achieved for the analyte of interest from biological samples.