Within the framework of this study the complicated fault system of Western Crete was napped in detail and its kinematic and dynamic setting was analysed in order to distinguish 13 major active and possible active fault zones, the seismic potential of which was assessed. Moreover, kinematic data and striations were used to estimate the corresponding stress field geometry. Two stress phases were recognized: 1st the N-S extension phase (D1) in Mid-Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene times forming E-W normal faults that bound the Neogene basins; 2nd the E-W extension phase (D2) in Late Pliocene-recent times forming N-S trending active normal faults. Smaller, mainly NE-SW trending faults, with significant strike-slip component, indicate a kinematic compatibility to the D2 phase, acting as transfer faults between larger N-S fault zones. The faults were incorporated in a detailed seismic hazard analysis together with the available seismological data, involving both probabilistic and deterministic approaches, for seismic hazard assessment of several selected sites (municipalities).

Within the framework of this study the complicated fault system of Western Crete was napped in detail and its kinematic and dynamic setting was analysed in order to distinguish 13 major active and possible active fault zones, the seismic potential of which was assessed. Moreover, kinematic data and striations were used to estimate the corresponding stress field geometry. Two stress phases were recognized: 1st the N-S extension phase (D1) in Mid-Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene times forming E-W normal faults that bound the Neogene basins; 2nd the E-W extension phase (D2) in Late Pliocene-recent times forming N-S trending active normal faults. Smaller, mainly NE-SW trending faults, with significant strike-slip component, indicate a kinematic compatibility to the D2 phase, acting as transfer faults between larger N-S fault zones. The faults were incorporated in a detailed seismic hazard analysis together with the available seismological data, involving both probabilistic and deterministic approaches, for seismic hazard assessment of several selected sites (municipalities).

A detailed study has been realized in the framework of a large-scale seismotectonic survey in Western Crete (Southern Greece), for the creation of a revised neotectonic map in a scale of 1:50.000, including the recognition and mapping of the main neotectonic faults and the evaluation of their seismic potential. For this reason, the faults under investigation were distinguished as active, possible active and inactive. Kinematic data and striations were used to estimate the corresponding stress field geometry. Two distinctive stress phases were recognized, operating after the Middle Miocene extensional exhumation of deep crustal rocks. The first N-S extension phase (D1) took place during Mid-Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene, forming large normal faults, trending mainly E-W, that bound the large Neogene basins. The second phase (D2) took place during late Pliocene-Quaternary times, forming medium-to-large normal faults that trend mainly N-S, related to an E-W extension. In the E-W trending D1 faults, a younger strike-slip striation usually occurs, compatible with the later D2 kinematics. Smaller, mainly NE-SW trending faults, with significant lateral displacement, indicate a kinematic compatibility to the more recent D2 phase. Some of these faults act as transfer zones between the larger N-S trending D2 faults. Considering the fault length and the using several geological criteria for their seismic risk evaluation, we recognized 13 large major fault zones in the study area, six of which were considered as active, while three as possible active faults. Results obtained from the analysis of fault plane solution information verify both the determined active (D2 phase) stress field results, as well as the local kinematic behavior of the neotectonic faulting. Moreover, a detailed seismic hazard analysis, involving both probabilistic and deterministic approaches, shows a significant spatial variation of the various hazard measures, with the seismic hazard of the westernmost part of study area being controlled by the neighboring higher seismicity neotectonic faults

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a life-threatening disease commonly seen in ICU septic patients and associated with poor outcome. New and better therapies are required, since the response to various agents such as NO, prostaglandins and phosphodiesterase inhibitors is usually partial and the mortality rate remains high. Inhaled drugs seem to be an attractive treatment option, since they are delivered directly to pulmonary resistance vessels. A new device (anesthetic conserving device-AnaConDa (ACD)) permitting direct administration of volatile anaesthetics - such as sevoflurane - to the breathing circuit of a conventional ICU ventilator in a safe and effective way has recently been introduced. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sevoflurane administration via the ACD on a porcine model of acute PH during sepsis.

Brain death (BD) is defined as the total and irreversible loss of brain function, including the brain stem. According to current Greek guidelines, low BD diagnosis is determined only by clinical criteria, thus electroencephalogram (EEG), cerebral angiography or transcranial Doppler are not considered mandatory for BD confirmation. The Bispectral Index Scale (BIS) is a multifactorial parameter derived from the EEG, which allows monitoring of the hypnotic component of anaesthesia. Furthermore, it has been reported that there is a good correlation between BIS and neurological status in unsedated coma patients. In addition, it has been recently suggested that BIS is associated with the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and could serve as a good predictor tool for the outcome after head trauma. Moreover it has been reported that BIS can be used in the early detection of BD. The aim of the present study was to record the BIS alterations in BD patients.

Northern Greece is an intracontinental region behind the Hellenic subduction zone, with widespread seismic activity (ranging from low to high), with strong destructive earthquakes of M >= 6.0 in historical to recent times. Geological and seismological data indicate that recent seismic activity is mainly localized along large, inherited, fault zones, which have transected Northern Greece since Oligocene-Miocene times. The main active fault zones in Thrace, and Eastern and Central Macedonia strike approximately east-west, with lengths of 40-120 km. Fault segments strike WNW-ESE to ENE-WSW and range from 10 to 30 km in length. In Western Macedonia the main active fault zones strike NE-SW to ENE-WSW with lengths of 40-60 km and consist of 10-30 km segments. The region's strong earthquakes are usually associated with reactivation of these fault segments and are estimated at M = 5.6-6.5. Focal mechanisms and fault-slip data from the fault zones indicate a change in the trend of extension axes from NNE-SSW in Eastern Macedonia-Thrace to NNW-SSE in Western Macedonia. Thus, neotectonic and seismological data suggest that variations in fault patterns, as determined from the large inherited fault zones transecting Northern Greece, are the major factor governing this change in the trend of maximum extension. This interpretation is consistent with the long-lived arcuate shape of the Hellenic subduction zone.

In Lesvos Island, the ophiolites and the metamorphic sole are emplaced onto the Permo-Triassic continental margin rocks. New field data on the Tertiary kinematics distinguished three successive tectonic events that affected the Lesvos ophiolites and sole. The Dl compressional event took place in Late Eocene - Early Oligocene and produced several thrust sheets and their stacking over the continental margin. The thickening of the crust after the Dl event, was followed by an important extensional tectonic event (D2) in semi-ductile conditions in Oligocene-Early Miocene times, which produced the uplift process of the orogen and the lateral rejection of the tectonic nappes through large extensional semi-ductile faults of low angle (detachment faults) and caused the exhumation of the underlying continental margin rocks in the form of a tectonic window. This extensional tectonic event led to the thinning of the crust in the wider area of Lesvos and probably caused the Early Miocene volcanic activity. The last D3 extensional tectonic event, took place in brittle conditions and represents the neotectonic regime in Late Miocene-Recent times.