An association between training load and changes in aerobic fitness has been established but the effect of training load on changes in strength/power remains controversial. Internal (Banister's TRIMP) and external (total distance, high-speed running and sprint distance) training load was collected from sixteen professional soccer players during and aerobic fitness and strength/power variables were measured before and after a 9-week pre-season. Banister's TRIMP had a moderate correlation with changes in maximal oxygen uptake (r=0.46, 90% CI: 0.04; 0.74). Total distance had a large and a moderate correlation with changes in velocity at 2M (r=0.60, 90% CI: 0.23; 0.82) and changes in velocity at 4M (r=0.42, 90% CI: -0.01; 0.72). High-speed running had moderate correlations with changes in maximal oxygen uptake (r=0.45, 90% CI: 0.03; 0.74), velocity at 2M (r=0.45, 90% CI: 0.03; 0.74) and velocity at 4M (r=0.39, 90% CI: -0.00; 0.70). Sprint distance had a large and a moderate correlation with changes in maximal oxygen uptake (r=0.58, 90% CI: 0.20; 0.81) and velocity at 4M (r=0.46, 90% CI: 0.00; 0.74 respectively). High versus low total distance was associated with lower changes in squat jump and countermovement jump (ES=-0.90, 90% CI: -1.57; -0.24 and ES=-1.06, 90% CI: -1.89; -0.24) respectively. High versus low high-speed running was associated with higher changes in maximal oxygen uptake (ES=0.36, 90% CI: 0.02; 0.70) but lower changes in squat jump (ES=-0.58, 90% CI: -1.32; 0.15). External rather internal training load had more pronounced correlations with changes in aerobic fitness. Higher compared with lower volumes of total distance and high-speed running were associated with lower gains in strength/power indices. Establishing a "dose-response" association between external/internal training load and endurance as well as strength adaptations, may maximize endurance gains with the least possible interference on strength/power gains, thus better informing soccer training practice.

Background/Objectives: This retrospective study investigates the prevalence and distribution of HCV genotypes among 233 genotyped patients from the Epirus region of Northwestern Greece from 2014 to 2024. Methods: Genotypes were detected by molecular diagnostic assays, and their association with demographic parameters and viral load was analyzed. Results: The most prevalent subtype was 3a (50.2%), especially among younger and male patients, followed by subtypes 1b and 1a. A statistically significant association was found between genotype and both age and sex, while genotype distribution did not significantly differ by national origin. Furthermore, subtype 6c-I was found only in a non-native case, suggesting a possible introduction of this rare strain. Viral load showed no significant difference by sex, genotype, or age group. A notable decline in HCV cases was documented during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the impact of the public health crisis on HCV diagnosis. Despite the decreasing need for genotyping in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era, our findings support the continued molecular surveillance of circulating HCV strains. Conclusions: This is the first study to longitudinally assess HCV genotype dynamics over a full decade (2014–2024) in the Epirus region of Northwestern Greece, capturing trends during the COVID-19 era and documenting the emergence of rare genotypes. It contributes to the evolving knowledge of HCV epidemiology in Southeastern Europe.

The diagnostic accuracy and clinical benefit of molecular methods for pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were assessed through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251044218). A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials, non-controlled trials, and observational studies. The review investigated rapid diagnostic tests performed on blood samples for pathogen identification and susceptibility testing. The primary outcomes were Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DTA) for microbiological evaluation and time to pathogen identification, as well as to optimal/ adjusted/ appropriate antimicrobial treatment for clinical assessment. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and total hospitalization cost. A random-effects model was used for quantitative synthesis. Of 1353 articles retrieved, 49 and 33 records were included in microbiological and clinical analysis. Pooled bivariate sensitivity for pathogen identification ranged from 0.97 to 0.98 (95% CIs approximately 0.94-0.99), with specificity consistently 0.99-1.00 across Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and yeasts. The mean time difference for pathogen identification was -21.43 hours (95% CI -29.15 to -13.72; P<0.0001; I² = 99%), and for optimal/ adjusted/ appropriate treatment -13.78 hours (95% CI -18.06 to -9.5; P<0.0001; I² = 97%). Total hospitalization costs were reduced; 30-day mortality was indifferent (OR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.07; I² = 23%). Evidence indicates that early, actionable diagnostics, particularly those from positive blood cultures, are essential to effective sepsis care.