The Dark Side of Long COVID-19: Impaired Cardiac Function, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Egyptian Long COVID-19 Patients

The Dark Side of Long COVID-19: Impaired Cardiac Function, Quality of Life and Functional Capacity in Egyptian Long COVID-19 Patients

Ghadeer Abdelhafez Abdellatef Assal , Lamyaa Said El Bagoury , Prithwish Banerje , Yasser Alaaeldin Mahmoud Abdellatif , Mona Mostafa Rayan , Mohamed Farouk Allam

 

QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 118, Issue Supplement_1, November 2025, hcaf224.078, https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcaf224.078

 

Abstract

Introduction. Long COVID-19 remains a complex health issue, with dyspnea being one of the most prevalent symptoms. While most studies have focused on its respiratory effects, its impact on cardiac function has received less attention. This study aimed to assess how Long COVID-19 affects functional capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life, providing a more comprehensive understanding of its long-term consequences.

Methodology. The present study included 34 patients with Long COVID- 19 who presented to Ain Shams University Hospitals (Cairo, Egypt) between February 2022 and December 2022, at least four weeks after acute COVID-19 infection. Patients exhibited varying degrees of initial disease severity and reported symptoms such as dyspnea, chest pain, or palpitations. Each participant underwent assessment using the Euro Quality of Life (EuroQol) questionnaire, the 6- Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and echocardiography, including two-dimensional left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS).

Results. Dyspnea was the most frequently reported cardiovascular symptom, affecting 94.1% of patients, followed by chest pain (67.6%) and palpitations (64.7%). The study population ranged in age from 18 to 67 years, with a predominance of females (85.3%). Only 2.9% were smokers, while 76.5% had pre-existing chronic conditions, most commonly atopy and vitamin D deficiency. All patients reported a significantly decreased quality of life compared to their pre-COVID-19 state (P < 0.001). Notably, 25% of participants exhibited oxygen desaturation during the 6MWT, and 20.6% had impaired GLS (defined as GLS above -16%). Patients with abnormal GLS were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, a history of oxygen therapy during acute infection, and less colchicine use compared to those with normal GLS (GLS below -18%). Furthermore, abnormal GLS correlated with reduced walking distance in the 6MWT, diastolic dysfunction, and impaired right ventricular (RV) systolic function, as indicated by decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measurements.

Conclusion. Long COVID-19 significantly affects functional capacity and quality of life. A subset of patients demonstrates subtle left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as evidenced by impaired GLS despite a preserved ejection fraction. These findings highlight the need for long-term cardiac follow-up and potential management strategies to address lingering cardiovascular impairments in Long COVID-19 patients.

 

Keywords. Long COVID-19, Dyspnea, Quality of life, 6-Minute Walk Test, Echocardiography, Global longitudinal strain, EuroQOL questionnaire, Post-COVID syndrome

https://academic.oup.com/qjmed/article-abstract/118/Supplement_1/hcaf224.078/8341257?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false

 

Lactose Intolerance in Infants with Gastrointestinal Disturbances

Lactose Intolerance in Infants with Gastrointestinal Disturbances

May F. Nassar , Ehab K. Emam , Mohamed F. Allam , Haya E. Ibrahim , Ahmed M. Abdel-Qwie

QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, Volume 118, Issue Supplement_1, November 2025, hcaf224.211. 

https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcaf224.212

 

Abstract

Background. Lactose intolerance (LI) occurs when the body lacks sufficient lactase enzyme, preventing the proper digestion of lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. In contrast, cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is an immune system reaction to specific proteins in cow’s milk.

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of LI in infants with a positive Cow’s Milk-related Symptom Score (CoMiSS), which can lead to misdiagnosis as CMPA, and to elucidate the clinical and laboratory findings in formula-fed infants suspected of having LI and managed with a lactose-free diet

Patients and Methods. A cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted on thirty infants younger than one year was recruited who presented with GIT symptoms and a CoMiSS of 12 or higher. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks after initiating a lactose-free diet, and 2 weeks after reintroduction of lactose. Assessments Lactose Intolerance in Infants with Gastrointestinal Disturbancesincluded anthropometric measurements, CoMiSS, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).

Results. The mean (SD) age was 4.1±1.83 and ranged between 2 and 10 months. The current study demonstrated a significant reduction in the percentage of patients with a CoMiSS score of 12 or higher, from 100% to 26.7%, following the introduction of a lactose-free diet. Weight z-score, weight-for-length z-score, and MUAC significantly improved at week 2, indicating the effectiveness of the lactose-free regimen. These parameters remained stable between weeks 2 and 4 after rechallenge. Total PedsQL scores increased significantly (p = 0.006) after the lactose-free diet and decreased significantly (p = 0.021) after rechallenge, suggesting a correlation between symptom severity and quality of life. A negative correlation was observed between CoMiSS scores and both weight z-score and PedsQL.

Conclusion. Approximately three-quarters of patients with GI symptoms and a positive CoMiSS experienced improvement after eliminating lactose. A lactose-free diet had a beneficial impact on anthropometric measurements and quality of life in suspected cases of LI with a positive CoMiSS score. It is advisable to consider LI as a potential diagnosis for patients with GI symptoms and a positive CoMiSS score before attributing symptoms to CMPA.

 

Keywords. Lactose Intolerance, Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy, Lactose Free Regimen, Cow’s Milk-Related Symptom Score, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory

 

Webpage. https://academic.oup.com/qjmed/article-abstract/118/Supplement_1/hcaf224.211/8341397?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false

 

Artificial Intelligence and Unemployment: Impacts on Public Health

Artificial Intelligence and Unemployment: Impacts on Public Health

Mohamed Farouk Allam, MPH, PhD (1,2)

1. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.

Authorea. November 13, 2025.

DOI: 10.22541/au.176281458.88689829/v2

Abstract

Extensive research has demonstrated a strong link between socioeconomic status, particularly employment and income, and public health outcomes. The accelerating reliance on AI technologies raises urgent questions about the future of work and its implications for public health. Will widespread automation lead to sustained unemployment and, ultimately, a public health crisis? Could AI contribute to a decline in mental well-being or erode the social value of human labour and intelligence? Are we approaching a future of “dark factories,” fully automated and devoid of human workers? These concerns are no longer speculative; they represent an unfolding reality that demands immediate policy attention. Without adaptive regulation, the convergence of automation and inequality may precipitate simultaneous crises in employment and health.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Public Health, employment, Chronic diseases, Human labour.

Mohamed Farouk Allam. Artificial Intelligence and Unemployment: Impacts on Public Health. Authorea. November 13, 2025.

https://www.authorea.com/users/318163/articles/1358223-artificial-intelligence-and-unemployment-impacts-on-public-health?commit=9283cc44dbd19d6ea3913e0426e8b958844eeccf

Development of Practice Guidelines for Peripartum Depression in Primary Healthcare

Development of Practice Guidelines for Peripartum Depression in Primary Healthcare

Wafaa Mohamed Korany (1), Diaa Marzouk Abd el-Hamid (1,2), Inas Abd El Rahim Ali (3), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,2)
 
1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
2. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
3. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology MUST, Giza, Egypt.
 
Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care 2025;7(4):1-.

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.37184/lnjpc.2707-3521.7.68
 
ABSTRACT
Background: Peripartum depression significantly impacts maternal health but often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Objective: This study aims to develop practice guidelines for addressing peripartum depression in Primary Healthcare (PHC) settings in Egypt.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted from October 2020 to August 2021.The Delphi technique was employed, engaging 13 experts in psychiatry and family medicine from Egyptian universities, the Ministry of Health and Population, WHO, and the World Organization of Family Doctors. Three email-based Delphi rounds were conducted.
Results: Key recommendations included: 1) Prevention: Health education on exercise, telephone peer support for antenatal depression, and family therapy for postpartum depression. 2) Screening: Use the Patient Health Questionnaire II every trimester for pregnant women and the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale at well-child visits during the first postpartum year. 3) Diagnosis: Employ the Beck Depression Inventory II for antenatal depression and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale for postnatal cases. 4) Treatment: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for mild cases; CBT with sertraline (half-dose for antenatal, full-dose for postnatal) for moderate cases; no hormonal therapy for postpartum depression. 5) Referral: For severe cases, comorbidities, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or substance abuse.
Conclusion: These guidelines should be implemented across PHC facilities in Egypt with comprehensive training for family physicians to ensure effective application.
Keywords: Peripartum depression, guidelines, primary healthcare, Delphi technique, qualitative research.
 
Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care 2025;7(4):1-.
 
https://journals.lnh.edu.pk/lnjpc/Home/article?uid=0bc2a242-a7a1-4693-9903-e281928210a4

Finasteride in Young Men: Effects on Semen and Hormones?

 Finasteride in Young Men: Effects on Semen and Hormones?

Mohamed Farouk Allam, MPH, PhD (1,2)

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.

 

Qeios (2025): https://www.qeios.com/read/16UWBQ

 

DOI: 10.32388/16UWBQ

 

Abstract

Finasteride is widely used to treat male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and has been shown to significantly improve hair count and appearance compared to placebo. Despite its effectiveness, concerns remain about its potential sexual adverse effects. While some studies suggest these effects are rare and reversible, the evidence is inconsistent. Notably, the dosage appears to influence reproductive outcomes: the common 1 mg dose shows minimal impact on sperm parameters, whereas the higher 5 mg dose is linked to reduced sperm count, motility, and volume, highlighting a dose dependent effect and individual variability. A widely cited 2014 study by Irwig suggesting long-term sexual side effects has major flaws, including selection bias, lack of a control group, small sample size, and inadequate statistical methods. Most participants were recruited from a forum for users with negative experiences, making the findings unrepresentative. In contrast, a 2013 prospective study by Samplaski and collaborators found that most men saw improved sperm counts after stopping finasteride, with hormone levels and sperm quality remaining stable. Overall, while finasteride may affect fertility in some men, robust conclusions about long-term sexual side effects require larger, better-designed prospective studies to ensure accuracy and generalizability.

 

Keywords: Finasteride; semen parameters; androgen levels; 5-α-reductase inhibitors; sexual functions; review.

 

Mohamed Farouk Allam. (2025). Finasteride in Young Men: Effects on Semen and Hormones?. Qeios. doi:10.32388/16UWBQ.

 

https://www.qeios.com/read/16UWBQ

Open-Access Publishing and the Reviewer Crisis: Rethinking Incentives for Quality Peer Review

Open-Access Publishing and the Reviewer Crisis: Rethinking Incentives for Quality Peer Review

 

Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,2)

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt; 2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Spain.

 

Qeios (2025): https://www.qeios.com/read/P3T1E1.

 

DOI:10.32388/P3T1E1

 

Abstract

 

Open-access journals often charge article publication fees, typically amounting to thousands of USD or Euros. Fee waivers are generally limited to manuscripts from low-income countries. The quality of published manuscripts, whether in open-access or APC-based journals, depends heavily on external reviewers and associated editors. Their critical role ensures originality, rigorous methodology, and impactful research. However, reviewers receive minimal rewards, such as a certificate, acknowledgment, or discounts on future publications. These incentives are usually insufficient to attract senior researchers, who frequently decline the numerous review requests they receive daily. As a result, the task often falls to junior researchers with fewer publications and limited experience in high-impact research. This lack of adequate recognition and tangible benefits for reviewers poses challenges in maintaining high-quality peer review standards. Considering the significant revenue journals earn from APCs, particularly in prestigious gold open-access models, offering substantial financial incentives to reviewers could be a prudent strategy. Such measures would encourage senior experts to contribute their time and expertise, ensuring a more rigorous and high-quality review process.

 

Keywords: Open-access journals; article processing charges; gold open access; review; Publication fees.

 

Mohamed Farouk Allam. (2025). Open-Access Publishing and the Reviewer Crisis: Rethinking Incentives for Quality Peer Review. Qeios. doi:10.32388/P3T1E1.

 

https://www.qeios.com/read/P3T1E1

Higher education students' perceptions of ChatGPT: A global study of early reactions

Higher education students' perceptions of ChatGPT: A global study of early reactions

 

Dejan Ravšelj (1), Damijana Keržič (1), Nina Tomaževič (1), Lan Umek (1), Nejc Brezovar (1), Noorminshah A Iahad (2), Ali Abdulla Abdulla (3), Anait Akopyan (4), Magdalena Waleska Aldana Segura (5,6), Jehan AlHumaid (7), Mohamed Farouk Allam (8), et al.  

 

1. Faculty of Public Administration, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

2. Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

3. Department of Computer Science and IT, State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Zanzibar, Tanzania.

4. Department of English for the Humanities, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia.

5. Education Department, Galileo University, Guatemala, Guatemala.

6. Physics Department, San Carlos de Guatemala University, Guatemala, Guatemala.

7. Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

8. Department of Family Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

PLoS One. 2025 Feb 5;20(2):e0315011. 

 

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315011. 

 

Abstract

The paper presents the most comprehensive and large-scale global study to date on how higher education students perceived the use of ChatGPT in early 2024. With a sample of 23,218 students from 109 countries and territories, the study reveals that students primarily used ChatGPT for brainstorming, summarizing texts, and finding research articles, with a few using it for professional and creative writing. They found it useful for simplifying complex information and summarizing content, but less reliable for providing information and supporting classroom learning, though some considered its information clearer than that from peers and teachers. Moreover, students agreed on the need for AI regulations at all levels due to concerns about ChatGPT promoting cheating, plagiarism, and social isolation. However, they believed ChatGPT could potentially enhance their access to knowledge and improve their learning experience, study efficiency, and chances of achieving good grades. While ChatGPT was perceived as effective in potentially improving AI literacy, digital communication, and content creation skills, it was less useful for interpersonal communication, decision-making, numeracy, native language proficiency, and the development of critical thinking skills. Students also felt that ChatGPT would boost demand for AI-related skills and facilitate remote work without significantly impacting unemployment. Emotionally, students mostly felt positive using ChatGPT, with curiosity and calmness being the most common emotions. Further examinations reveal variations in students' perceptions across different socio-demographic and geographic factors, with key factors influencing students' use of ChatGPT also being identified. Higher education institutions' managers and teachers may benefit from these findings while formulating the curricula and instructions/regulations for ChatGPT use, as well as when designing the teaching methods and assessment tools. Moreover, policymakers may also consider the findings when formulating strategies for secondary and higher education system development, especially in light of changing labor market needs and related digital skills development.

Ravšelj D, Keržič D, Tomaževič N, Umek L, Brezovar N, A Iahad N, Abdulla AA, Akopyan A, Aldana Segura MW, AlHumaid J, Allam MF, Alló M, Andoh RPK, Andronic O, Arthur YD, Aydın F, Badran A, Balbontín-Alvarado R, Ben Saad H, Bencsik A, Benning I, Besimi A, Bezerra DDS, Buizza C, Burro R, Bwalya A, Cachero C, Castillo-Briceno P, Castro H, Chai CS, Charalambous C, Chiu TKF, Clipa O, Colombari R, Corral Escobedo LJH, Costa E, Crețulescu RG, Crispino M, Cucari N, Dalton F, Demir Kaya M, Dumić-Čule I, Dwidienawati D, Ebardo R, Egbenya DL, Faris ME, Fečko M, Ferrinho P, Florea A, Fong CY, Francis Z, Ghilardi A, González-Fernández B, Hau D, Hossain MS, Hug T, Inasius F, Ismail MJ, Jahić H, Jessa MO, Kapanadze M, Kar SK, Kateeb ET, Kaya F, Khadri HO, Kikuchi M, Kobets VM, Kostova KM, Krasmane E, Lau J, Law WHC, Lazăr F, Lazović-Pita L, Lee VWY, Li J, López-Aguilar DV, Luca A, Luciano RG, Machin-Mastromatteo JD, Madi M, Manguele AL, Manrique RF, Mapulanga T, Marimon F, Marinova GI, Mas-Machuca M, Mejía-Rodríguez O, Meletiou-Mavrotheris M, Méndez-Prado SM, Meza-Cano JM, Mirķe E, Mishra A, Mital O, Mollica C, Morariu DI, Mospan N, Mukuka A, Navarro Jiménez SG, Nikaj I, Nisheva MM, Nisiforou E, Njiku J, Nomnian S, Nuredini-Mehmedi L, Nyamekye E, Obadić A, Okela AH, Olenik-Shemesh D, Ostoj I, Peralta-Rizzo KJ, Peštek A, Pilav-Velić A, Pires DRM, Rabin E, Raccanello D, Ramie A, Rashid MMU, Reuter RAP, Reyes V, Rodrigues AS, Rodway P, Ručinská S, Sadzaglishvili S, Salem AAMS, Savić G, Schepman A, Shahpo SM, Snouber A, Soler E, Sonyel B, Stefanova E, Stone A, Strzelecki A, Tanaka T, Tapia Cortes C, Teira-Fachado A, Tilga H, Titko J, Tolmach M, Turmudi D, Varela-Candamio L, Vekiri I, Vicentini G, Woyo E, Yorulmaz Ö, Yunus SAS, Zamfir AM, Zhou M, Aristovnik A. Higher education students' perceptions of ChatGPT: A global study of early reactions. PLoS One. 2025 Feb 5;20(2):e0315011. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315011

 

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0315011

Role of ivermectin and colchicine in the treatment of COVID-19: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Role of ivermectin and colchicine in the treatment of COVID-19: a randomized controlled clinical trial

 

Hemmat Abd El-Salam Ahmed Salama (1), Eman El-Sayed Ahmed (2), Ghada Essam El-Din Amin (1), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1), Ahmed Nour El-Din Hassan (3), Mohamed Abd El Rahman Hassan El Shayeb (2)

 

1. Family Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

3. Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Galala University, Suez, Egypt.

 

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 2024 Dec 31;18(12.1):S298-S304. 

 

DOI: 10.3855/jidc.19862

 

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ivermectin and colchicine as treatment options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methodology: A three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in the Triage Clinic of the family medicine department at Ain Shams University Hospitals on participants who had been diagnosed with moderate COVID-19. Patients aged < 18 years or > 65 years, with any co-morbidities, pregnant or lactating females, and those with mild or severe COVID-19 confirmed cases were excluded. Sealed envelopes were used for randomization of intervention or control. Patients are followed until there was improvement of symptoms and no development of new symptoms for over one month.

Results: A total of 120 patients (40.16 ± 10.74 years) with COVID-19 were enrolled; 40 patients in each arm. Out of them, 44 (36.6%) were male and 76 (63.4%) were female. Fever and cough were the predominant symptoms in each group. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean duration of fever between the ivermectin, colchicine, and control groups (7.3 ± 1.68, 6.6 ± 1.58, and 7.075 ± 1.58 days, respectively). The majority of patients (67.5%, 70%, and 72.5%) were completely cured within 10 days of infection, with no differences between the three groups (p > 0.05). A statistically significant improvement of inflammatory markers occurred in each of the three groups over time with no statistically significant difference between them.

Conclusions: Ivermectin and colchicine have no beneficial effect over standard care in the treatment of COVID-19.

 

Keywords: Ain Shams University; COVID-19; clinical trial; colchicine; ivermectin.

 

Ahmed Salama HAE, Ahmed EE, Amin GEE, Allam MF, Hassan ANE, Hassan El Shayeb MAER. Role of ivermectin and colchicine in the treatment of COVID-19: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2024 Dec 31;18(12.1):S298-S304. doi: 10.3855/jidc.

 

https://www.jidc.org/index.php/journal/article/view/39863946

In Memoriam Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938-2014)

In Memoriam Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938-2014)

Mohamed Farouk Allam, MPH, PhD [1,2]

1. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

2. Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cordoba, Spain.

Correspondence:

Mohamed Farouk Allam, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 11566 Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt.

Phone: + (202) 24346888 Mobile: + (2) 011 43559946

E-mail: farouk.allam@med.asu.edu.eg

Cite as: Mohamed Farouk Allam. In Memoriam Dimitrios Trichopoulos (1938-2014). Authorea. February 05, 2025.

DOI: 10.22541/au.173879100.08304719/v1

Short Title: Dimitrios Trichopoulos.

Word count: 262.

Keywords: Athens, cancer epidemiology, case control study, Dimitrios Trichopoulos, Greece, In memoriam, Lung cancer. 

Abstract

In 2024, the 10th anniversary of Prof. Dimitrios Trichopoulos’s passing commemorated his remarkable contributions to public health. Born in Volos, Greece, in 1938, Trichopoulos revolutionized the understanding of secondhand smoke with his groundbreaking 1983 study published inThe Lancet . This research, focusing on Greek non-smoking women married to smokers, demonstrated a clear link between secondhand smoke and lung cancer. The findings provided critical evidence that led to widespread smoking bans in enclosed public spaces, ultimately saving countless lives. In addition to this pioneering work, Trichopoulos was a passionate advocate for the Mediterranean Diet and a leading figure in cancer epidemiology. His tenure at institutions such as the University of Athens, the Karolinska Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health left an indelible mark on global cancer prevention efforts. A decade after his passing, his legacy continues to shape public health policies and enhance awareness of cancer risks.

Keywords: Dimitrios Trichopoulos, Memoriam, Epidemiology, Cancer Prevention, Lung Cancer, Smoking.

Perspective

From May 9-11, 2024, the International Primary Care Respiratory Group (IPCRG) held its 12th World Conference in Athens. Throughout the conference, I couldn’t help but remember one of the most influential epidemiologists in recent history: Prof. Dimitrios Trichopoulos.

This extraordinary epidemiologist was born in Volos, Greece, in 1938 and passed away in Athens in 2014. It has now been ten years since the death of a scientist who significantly changed our understanding of smoking. In 1983, Dimitrios Trichopoulos published a groundbreaking article in The Lancet, clearly demonstrating that secondhand smoke is a major risk factor for lung cancer. He conducted a case-control study on Greek non-smoking women married to smoking men [1]. The results confirmed Trichopoulos’s hypothesis that secondhand smoke increases the risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer. We all remember that before this article, smoking was permitted on airplanes, in restaurants, and in libraries. Thanks to his pioneering study, along with other subsequent cohort and case-control studies, smoking restrictions were implemented in enclosed public spaces [2,3,4].

Undoubtedly, the findings from Dimitrios Trichopoulos’s study and the resulting regulations have helped prevent many deaths attributed to secondhand smoke [5]. Prof. Dimitrios Trichopoulos was an outstanding epidemiologist and a pioneer in cancer epidemiology. He was also a leading advocate for the Mediterranean Diet. His contributions at the University of Athens, the Karolinska Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health have profoundly influenced global perspectives on cancer epidemiology and prevention.

Celebrating the IPCRG 12th World Conference in Athens this year is a fitting tribute to Dimitrios Trichopoulos, marking 10 years since his passing.

Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate: Not Applicable (Opinion).

Consent for publication: Single author (corresponding author).

Availability of data and material: Not Applicable (Opinion).

Competing interests: None.

Funding: No funding was obtained for this study.

Authors’ contributions: Single author (corresponding author).

Acknowledgements: Not Applicable (Opinion).

References

1. Trichopoulos D, Kalandidi A, Sparros L. Lung cancer and passive smoking: conclusion of Greek study. Lancet 1983;2(8351):677-8. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(83)92549-7.

2. Peto J, Doll R. Passive smoking. Br J Cancer 1986;54(3):381-3. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1986.187.

3. Lee PN, Chamberlain J, Alderson MR. Relationship of passive smoking to risk of lung cancer and other smoking-associated diseases. Br J Cancer 1986;54(1):97-105. doi: 10.1038/bjc.1986.157.

4. Zaridze DG, Zemlianaia GM. Passivnoe kurenie kak faktor riska vozniknoveniia raka legkogo [Passive smoking as a risk factor in the occurrence of lung cancer]. Vopr Onkol 1991;37(11-12):1027-34. Russian.

5. Trichopoulos D. Passive smoking and lung cancer. The Ipsen lecture 1987. Scand J Soc Med 1988;16(2):75-9. doi: 10.1177/140349488801600203.