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Karamaouna P, Zouraraki C, Economou E, Kafetsios K, Bitsios P, Giakoumaki SG. Cold executive function processes and their hot analogs in schizotypy. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024; 30:285-294. [PMID: 37750805 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine cold (based on logical reasoning) versus hot (having emotional components) executive function processes in groups with high individual schizotypal traits. METHOD Two-hundred and forty-seven participants were administered the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire and were allocated into schizotypal (cognitive-perceptual, paranoid, negative, disorganized) or control groups according to pre-specified criteria. Participants were also administered a battery of tasks examining working memory, complex selective attention, response inhibition, decision-making and fluid intelligence and their affective counterparts. The outcome measures of each task were reduced to one composite variable thus formulating five cold and five hot cognitive domains. Between-group differences in the cognitive domains were examined with repeated measures analyses of covariance. RESULTS For working memory, the control and the cognitive-perceptual groups outperformed negative schizotypes, while for affective working memory controls outperformed the disorganized group. Controls also scored higher compared with the disorganized group in complex selective attention, while both the control and the cognitive-perceptual groups outperformed negative schizotypes in complex affective selective attention. Negative schizotypes also had striking difficulties in response inhibition, as they scored lower compared with all other groups. Despite the lack of differences in fluid intelligence, controls scored higher compared with all schizotypal groups (except from cognitive-perceptual schizotypes) in emotional intelligence; the latter group reported higher emotional intelligence compared with negative schizotypes. CONCLUSION Results indicate that there is no categorical association between the different schizotypal dimensions with solely cold or hot executive function processes and support impoverished emotional intelligence as a core feature of schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penny Karamaouna
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
- University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, the Social and Education Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Zouraraki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
- University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, the Social and Education Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Economou
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Panos Bitsios
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
- University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, the Social and Education Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
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Zouraraki C, Kyriklaki A, Economou E, Giakoumaki SG. The moderating role of early traumatic experiences on the association of schizotypal traits with visual perception. Scand J Psychol 2023; 64:10-20. [PMID: 35833570 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The findings on the association of schizotypal traits with the perception of visual illusions are scarce and inconsistent and have not taken into consideration potential effects of childhood traumatic experiences, a risk factor for schizophrenia-spectrum conditions. Thus, the present study addressed the question of potential moderating effects of early traumatic experiences on the association between different aspects of schizotypal traits with the perception of the Müller-Lyer and Navon's Hierarchical Letters (NHL) illusions. The study revealed that (a) increased suspiciousness was associated with increased liability to the Müller-Lyer illusion, when the exposure to traumatic events was high, whereas the opposite pattern was true when the exposure to traumatic events was low; (b) negative schizotypy was associated with more accurate global perception, and high disorganized schizotypy was associated with superior accuracy when target letters were present during the NHL illusion, when early traumatic experiences were at lower levels; and (c) high negative, disorganized, and total schizotypy were associated with lower accuracy when target letters were present in the NHL paradigm, when early traumatic experiences were at higher levels. The findings of the study suggest that early traumatic events differentially moderate the relationship between various aspects of schizotypal traits and visual perceptual processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysoula Zouraraki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece.,University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Educational Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | - Andriani Kyriklaki
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Elias Economou
- Laboratory of Experimental Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | - Stella G Giakoumaki
- Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece.,University of Crete Research Center for the Humanities, The Social and Educational Sciences (UCRC), University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
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Abstract
In Helmholtz’s illusion, a square with horizontal stripes appears taller than an identical square with vertical stripes. This effect has also been observed in experiments with human stimuli, where a human figure wearing a dress with horizontal stripes appears thinner than a drawing clad in vertical stripes. These findings do not agree with the common belief that clothes with horizontal stripes make someone appear wider, neither do they disentangle whether the horizontal or vertical stripes account for the thinning effect. In the present study, we focused on the effect of horizontal stripes in clothes comparing horizontal stripes against no-stripes (not against vertical; Experiments 1 and 2), using photos of a real-life female model, and controlling for the average luminance of the stripes (Experiment 2). Results showed that horizontal stripes and lower luminance have—independently—a small-to-moderate thinning effect on the perceived size of the body, and the effect is larger when the two variables are combined. In Experiment 3, we further show that the thinning effect due to the luminance of the dress is enhanced when the general background gets darker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Koutsoumpis
- 1190Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands.,1234University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elias Economou
- University of Crete, Greece.,1234University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Erik van der Burg
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, 2859TNO, Netherlands.,1234University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Tsiouris V, Economou E, Lazou T, Georgopoulou I, Sossidou E. The role of whey on the performance and campylobacteriosis in broiler chicks. Poult Sci 2019; 98:236-243. [PMID: 30165581 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the whey on broiler chicks' performance, welfare, and caecal Campylobacter counts under experimental and field conditions. In the experimental study, 120-d-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four treatment groups, as described below: group A, which served as negative control; group B, fed with a diet supplemented with 1% whey; group C, challenged with Campylobacter jejuni; and group D, supplemented with 1% whey and challenged with C. jejuni, respectively. Performance indexes and caecal C. jejuni counts were calculated. In addition to the performance indexes, the hock burn and the foot pad dermatitis lesions score were measured to assess the welfare status of broiler chicks. In order to evaluate the use of whey under field conditions, a second study was performed in a broiler farm with two identical houses. The evaluation of the experimental data revealed that the use of whey did not affect significantly the performance (P ≤ 0.05) and the caecal C. jejuni counts (P ≤ 0.05). There were neither footpad dermatitis lesions nor hock burn lesions in any of the experimental groups. In the field study, the use of whey had no effect on the performance indexes (P ≤ 0.05). It can be concluded that the addition of whey has no negative effect on poultry and may provide an alternative natural feed additive for the broiler feed industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tsiouris
- Unit of Avian Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54627, Greece
| | - E Economou
- Laboratory of Hygiene of Foods of Animals Origin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - T Lazou
- Laboratory of Hygiene of Foods of Animals Origin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - I Georgopoulou
- Unit of Avian Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54627, Greece
| | - E Sossidou
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-DEMETER, Thermi, Thessaloniki 57001, Greece
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Abstract
In simultaneous lightness contrast, two identical gray target squares lying on backgrounds of different intensities appear different in lightness. Traditionally, this illusion was explained by lateral inhibitory mechanisms operating retinotopically. More recently, spatial filtering models have been preferred. We report tests of an anchoring theory account in which the illusion is attributed to grouping rules used by the visual system to compute lightness. We parametrically varied the belongingness of two gray target bars to their respective backgrounds so that they either appeared to group with a set of bars flanking them, or they appeared to group with their respective backgrounds. In all variations, the retinal adjacency of the gray squares and their backgrounds was essentially unchanged. We report data from seven experiments showing that manipulation of the grouping rules governs the size and direction of the simultaneous lightness contrast illusion. These results support the idea that simultaneous lightness contrast is the product of anchoring within perceptual groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Economou
- Psychology Department, School of Social Sciences, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - Sunčica Zdravković
- Psychology Department, University of Novi Sad, Serbia; Lab of Experimental Psychology, University of Belgrade, Serbia
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Vlachadis N, Tsamadias V, Kouskouni E, Vitoratos N, Hatziveis K, Economou E. Genetic heterogeneity of platelet glycoproteins Ia and IIIa is associated with in vitro fertilisation implantation failure. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2015; 35:733-6. [PMID: 25643034 DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1004528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Thrombophilic genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in implantation outcome after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In this pilot study we investigated the frequencies of glycoprotein Ia (GpIa)-C807T and GpIIIa-PlA1/PlA2 polymorphisms in 60 nulligravidae women with a history of unexplained IVF implantation failures and compared them with 60 healthy fertile women. We found statistically significant associations between the GpIa-C807T and GpIIIa-PlA1/PlA2 polymorphisms and IVF implantation failure (odds ratio [OR] = 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-7.30, p = 0.001; and OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.27-6.45, p = 0.010, respectively) with the risk being higher for combined carriers of GpIa-807T and GpIIIa-PlA2 alleles (OR = 10.13, 95% CI: 2.85-35.99, p < 0.001), suggesting a synergistic effect of the two polymorphisms. The above associations were strongest for the youngest age group. Our results indicate that GpIa-807T and GpIIIa-PlA2 may be susceptibility alleles for IVF implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vlachadis
- a Clinical Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital , Athens , Greece
| | - V Tsamadias
- a Clinical Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital , Athens , Greece
| | - E Kouskouni
- a Clinical Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital , Athens , Greece
| | - N Vitoratos
- b Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital , Athens , Greece
| | - K Hatziveis
- c Obstetrician Gynaecologist, Private Practice , Kalamata , Greece
| | - E Economou
- a Clinical Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital , Athens , Greece
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vlachadis
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization; Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Medical School; Aretaieio Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - V Tsamadias
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization; Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Medical School; Aretaieio Hospital; Athens Greece
| | - E Economou
- Laboratory of Therapeutic Individualization; Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Medical School; Aretaieio Hospital; Athens Greece
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Stergioti E, Deligeoroglou E, Economou E, Tsitsika A, Dimopoulos KD, Daponte A, Katsioulis A, Creatsas G. Gene receptor polymorphism as a risk factor for BMD deterioration in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. Gynecol Endocrinol 2013; 29:716-9. [PMID: 23772785 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2013.798275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that is associated with decreased bone mineral density and greater lifetime risk for fractures. This case-controlled study, analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes encoding vitamin D receptor, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), collagen type I and calcitonin receptor (CTR). Relationships between genotype and body mass index, cycling status and lumbar spine bone mineral density (LBMD) were determined in 40 adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa and 10 age-matched controls. The distribution of CTR-AluI genotypes differed between groups, but this polymorphism was not associated with LBMD Z-score. Distribution of ESR1-XbaI genotypes did not differ between groups, but the AA genotype was associated with decreased LBMD Z-score (≤-1) (OR = 24.79, 95% CI, 1.01-606.08). Carriers of the A allele were more likely to have decreased LBMD Z-scores compared with carriers of the G allele (OR = 4.12, 95% CI, 1.23-13.85, p = 0.022). In conclusion, our study shows that anorexic patients with wild-type genotype ESR-XbaI receptor are in greater risk for decreased BMD in relation to those with the mutated gene. Prompt recognition of these patients is crucial because early administration of the proper therapeutic treatment may contribute to the prevention of adverse sequelae on bone metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Stergioti
- Division of Pediatric - Adolescent Gynecology and Reconstructive Surgery, 2nd Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Aretaieion University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Puchner K, Iavazzo C, Gourgiotis D, Boutsikou M, Baka S, Hassiakos D, Kouskouni E, Economou E, Malamitsi-Puchner A, Creatsas G. Mid-trimester amniotic fluid interleukins (IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-18) as possible predictors of preterm delivery. In Vivo 2011; 25:141-148. [PMID: 21282748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM Strong evidence implicates chronic intraamniotic inflammation in the etiology of preterm delivery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether amniotic fluid IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-18 concentrations in women undergoing mid-trimester amniocentesis can identify those at risk for preterm labor or preterm rupture of membranes. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case-control study was conducted to compare mid-trimester concentrations of amniotic fluid IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-18 in women delivering at term or preterm. Out of 362 women included in the study, 38 presented with preterm labor. Thirty-eight women with term delivery, matched for chronological and gestational age served as controls. Women with abnormal fetal karyotypes or major anomalies were excluded. IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-18 concentrations were determined by ELISA. Conditional logistic regression was applied in the statistical analysis. RESULTS IL-1β was found to be positively and significantly associated with preterm delivery. Specifically, for every unit increase in IL-1β, women were on average 7.2 (OR: 7.2, CI: 1.94-26.77, p=0.003) times more likely to deliver preterm. IL-18 levels as well as gender were significantly associated with preterm delivery. Specifically, for every unit increase in IL-18, women were on average 1% less likely to have a preterm delivery (OR: 0.99, CI: 0.98-0.99, p=0.04). On the other hand, IL-10 was not significantly associated with preterm delivery. CONCLUSION Mid-trimester IL-1β concentrations are positively associated with preterm delivery. Therefore, IL-1β, determined on the occasion of mid-trimester amniocentesis could possibly serve as a marker of preterm delivery. In contrast, IL-10 and IL-18 concentrations are not elevated in mid-trimester amniotic fluid and probably cannot serve this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Puchner
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Economou E, Gilchrist A. Target luminance affects the size and locus of error in Simultaneous Contrast Illusion. J Vis 2010. [DOI: 10.1167/1.3.428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Christodoulakos G, Lambrinoudaki I, Economou E, Panoulis C, Augoulea A, Fotopoulos S, Alexandrou A, Creatsas G. P826 The effect of hormone therapy, tibolone and raloxifene on circulating markers of chemotaxis in healthy postmenopausal women. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7292(09)62316-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Pavlou E, Makris K, Palaiologou A, Kaldis B, Vrioni G, Economou E, Eforakopoulou M, Zerva L, Drakopoulos I, Ioannidou E. Decreased apolipoprotein A1 levels correlate with sepsis and adverse outcome among ICU patients. Crit Care 2008. [PMCID: PMC4088572 DOI: 10.1186/cc6422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Economou E, Zdravkovic S, Gilchrist A. Anchoring versus spatial filtering accounts of simultaneous lightness contrast. J Vis 2007; 7:2.1-15. [PMID: 17997644 DOI: 10.1167/7.12.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The oldest lightness illusion is called simultaneous contrast. A gray square placed on a black background appears lighter than an identical gray square placed on a white background. For over a hundred years, this illusion has been generally attributed to lateral inhibition or spatial filtering. Receptor cells stimulated by the gray square on the white background are strongly inhibited by nearby cells stimulated by the bright white background. Recently, a new explanation for this illusion was proposed as part of a larger theory of lightness called anchoring theory. The lightness of each target square is computed relative to the highest luminance in its local framework (consisting of only the target and its surrounding background) and relative to the highest luminance in the entire display. For each target, perceived lightness is held to depend on a weighted average of these two computations. According to this story, the contrast illusion stems mostly from the tendency of the gray square on the black background to rise toward white, its computed value in its local framework. We report six experiments in which these two theories of simultaneous contrast are pitted against each other. In each case, the results favor the anchoring model. The difficulty of deriving predictions from the spatial filtering models is discussed, along with the ease of deriving highly specific predictions from the anchoring model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Economou
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Crete, Greece
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Abstract
Anchoring theory (Gilchrist et al, 1999 Psychological Review 106 795-834) predicts a wide range of lightness errors, including failures of constancy in multi-illumination scenes and a long list of well-known lightness illusions seen under homogeneous illumination. Lightness values are computed both locally and globally and then averaged together. Local values are computed within a given region of homogeneous illumination. Thus, for an object that extends through two different illumination levels, anchoring theory produces two values, one for the patch in brighter illumination and one for the patch in dimmer illumination. Observers can give matches for these patches separately, but they can also give a single match for the whole object. Anchoring theory in its current form is unable to predict these object matches. We report eight experiments in which we studied the relationship between patch matches and object matches. The results show that the object match represents a compromise between the match for the patch in the field of highest illumination and the patch in the largest field of illumination. These two principles are parallel to the rules found for anchoring lightness: highest luminance rule and area rule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suncica Zdravković
- Department of Psychology, University of Novi Sad, Stevana Musica 24, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
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Nikolaou KE, Malamitsi-Puchner A, Boutsikou T, Economou E, Boutsikou M, Puchner KP, Baka S, Hassiakos D. The Varying Patterns of Neurotrophin Changes in the Perinatal Period. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2006; 1092:426-33. [PMID: 17308169 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1365.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs), nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT-3, and NT-4 are of major importance in prenatal and postnatal brain development, due to their neuroprotective action. Developmental changes alter the neuronal responsiveness to certain NTs, which subsequently are variously expressed, to properly balance their action. The following study aimed at examining the pattern of perinatal changes of the four NTs--NGF, BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 in 30 appropriate for gestational age (AGA) full-term fetuses and neonates by determining their circulating levels at characteristic time points. This study show a gradual decrease of circulating levels of the NTs, NT-3 and NT-4 from umbilical cord (UC) to neonates day 4 (N4), while circulating levels of NGF and BDNF present the opposite pattern: an increase from UC to N4. These patterns of perinatal changes differ according to their impact on the process of neuronal development and their reaction to perinatal stress. NT3 and NT4 have been documented to act at early stages of neuronal development and to decrease after hypoxia-ischemia, while NGF and BDNF to increase. Further studies should investigate these patterns in premature or full-term infants, presenting various pathological conditions in the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Nikolaou
- Neonatal Division, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, 19, Soultani Street, GR-10682 Athens, Greece
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Nikolaou KE, Economou E, Boutsikou M, Boutsikou T, Kyriakakou M, Puchner KP, Hassiakos D. Circulating Neurotrophin Levels In The Perinatal Period Of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetuses And Neonates At Term. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-946076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Nikolaou KE, Economou E, Boutsikou M, Boutsikou T, Kyriakakou M, Puchner KP, Hassiakos D. Circulating Neurotrophin Levels In The Perinatal Period Of Intrauterine Growth Restricted Fetuses And Neonates At Term. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2006. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-943161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Sarafidou P, Pavlou E, Economou E, Demetriou M, Palaiologou A, Stamopoulou S, Eforakopoulou M, Drakopoulos J, Ioannidou E. Crit Care 2006; 10:P467. [DOI: 10.1186/cc4814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Zervoudaki A, Economou E, Stefanadis C, Pitsavos C, Tsioufis K, Aggeli C, Vasiliadou K, Toutouza M, Toutouzas P. Plasma levels of active extracellular matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in patients with essential hypertension before and after antihypertensive treatment. J Hum Hypertens 2003; 17:119-24. [PMID: 12574790 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to test the hypothesis that plasma concentrations of matrix metallo-proteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), two enzymes that share similar substrate specificity (collagen type IV and V), possibly related to vascular remodelling, are altered in essential hypertension. The second aim of the study was to assess whether chronic antihypertensive treatment with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine would normalize these alterations. To test this hypothesis, we measured plasma concentrations of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 in 42 patients with never-treated essential hypertension and in 25 normotensive control subjects. Measurements were repeated after 6 months of treatment with the calcium channel blocker amlodipine. Baseline values of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were decreased (P=0.01 and 0.002, respectively) in hypertensive patients compared with normotensives. Hypertensive patients with systemic vascular resistances <1440 dyn s/cm(5) exhibited higher values of MMP-2 (P=0.005) and MMP-9 (P=0.001) than hypertensive patients with systemic vascular resistances >1440 dyn s/cm(5). Treated patients attained a nonsignificant increase in MMP-2 plasma concentrations, but a significant increase in MMP-9 plasma concentrations (P=0.01) compared to respective values before treatment. In conclusion, these findings suggest that plasma concentrations of active MMP-2 and MMP-9, mainly related to vascular extracellular matrix metabolism, are depressed in patients with essential hypertension. A 6 month treatment with amlodipine can normalize MMP-9 but not MMP-2 plasma concentrations. The hypothesis that antihypertensive treatment may modulate collagen metabolism remains to be determined by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zervoudaki
- Department of Cardiology, Athens University, Hippokratio Hospital, 3 Athanasiou Diakou Str., GR-151 22, Marousi, Athens, Greece.
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21
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Abstract
Vasovagal syncope elicits one of the most powerful transient vasodilatory responses in humans. Many studies have shown an altered neurohumoral response to tilting in patients with vasovagal syncope. Vasopressin (VP) has been of particular interest, but its exact role remains unclarified, whereas the possible role of the potent vasoactive end products of arachidonic acid metabolism has not yet been addressed. We determined the changes in plasma levels of VP, thromboxane (TXA2), and prostacyclin (PGI2) in 34 syncopal patients undergoing a standardized head-up tilt-table testing protocol and compared these changes between patients with positive and negative test results. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 15 minutes in the head-up position, and at the termination of the tilt test (the induction of syncope or the completion of a negative test). Sixteen patients had a positive test result, whereas 18 completed the test without developing any syncopal symptoms. In the tilt-positive group, VP levels presented a 20-fold increase at the time of syncope when compared with baseline levels (p = 0.0000), without any increase at earlier stages. No change was detected at any stage in the tilt-negative patients. We did not find any difference in the levels of PGI2 at any stage in any group of patients or between the 2 groups. TXA2 levels increased significantly at 15 minutes in the upright position in both tilt-positive and tilt-negative patients. No further increase was noticed at the time of syncope in the tilt-positive group, whereas in patients with a negative test result, there was a tendency to decline at the time of the test's completion. It is concluded that although VP is markedly increased during tilt-induced vasovagal syncope, vasoactive amines such as TXA2 and PGI2 play a minor role in the vasodilatory component of the response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Theopistou
- Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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22
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Economou E, Tousoulis D, Katinioti A, Stefanadis C, Trikas A, Pitsavos C, Tentolouris C, Toutouza MG, Toutouzas P. Chemokines in patients with ischaemic heart disease and the effect of coronary angioplasty. Int J Cardiol 2001; 80:55-60. [PMID: 11532547 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-5273(01)00454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Percutaneous coronary transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) may release inflammatory mediators such as chemokines. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and eotaxin (EOX) are monocyte- and eosinophil-specific chemokines involved in the inflammation and pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis. A total of 28 patients undergoing elective PTCA, 20 coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing coronary angiography and 28 healthy controls were studied. In PTCA patients before the procedure, MCP-1 plasma levels (441+/-64 pg/ml) were similar to those of CAD patients (430+/-24 pg/ml), and significantly higher compared with controls (145+/-17 pg/ml, P<0.01). MCP-1 rose significantly after 3 and 6 months following PTCA (696+/-89 and 876+/-86 pg/ml, respectively, P<0.01 vs. before PTCA). EOX plasma levels (155+/-14 pg/ml) were similar to those of CAD patients (157+/-14 pg/ml), but significantly higher compared with controls (83.2+/-10 pg/ml, P<0.05). EOX rose significantly 24 h (273+/-41 pg/ml, P<0.05) but not 3 months after PTCA (160+/-20 and 158+/-19 pg/ml, respectively). These findings indicate that chemokine-induced monocyte- and eosinophil-specific chemoattraction is stimulated in patients with coronary artery disease. MCP-1 levels remain significantly elevated for at least 6 months following elective PTCA, suggesting an inflammatory stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Economou
- Cardiology Unit, Athens University Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, 114 Vasillisis Sofias, 11528, Athens, Greece
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23
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Economou E, Toutouza M, Pitsavos C, Stefanadis C, Magaziotou-Elefsinioti J, Elefsiniotis J, Uranou D, Toutouzas P. Plasma levels of total homocysteine are elevated in overweight children and adolescents. Atherosclerosis 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(00)81252-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Economou E, Pitsavos C, Stefanadis C, Zervoudaki A, Tsioufis K, Toutouza M, Elefsiniotis I, Vasiliadou K, Toutouzas P. Depressed plasma levels of active extracellular matrix mettaloproteinases 2 and 9 in patients with essential mild to moderate hypertension. Atherosclerosis 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(00)80553-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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25
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Stefanadis C, Diamantopoulos L, Dernellis J, Economou E, Tsiamis E, Toutouzas K, Vlachopoulos C, Toutouzas P. Heat production of atherosclerotic plaques and inflammation assessed by the acute phase proteins in acute coronary syndromes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2000; 32:43-52. [PMID: 10652189 DOI: 10.1006/jmcc.1999.1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD). Serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) reactants of the acute phase of inflammation, have been shown to be increased in patients with CHD. Recently ex vivo studies demonstrated that some types of atherosclerotic plaques show substantially warmer regions. A catheter-based technique has been developed to measure the temperature of human arteries in vivo. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to measure the luminal surface temperature in patients with CHD and to correlate it with the acute phase proteins in order to discriminate the role of inflammation in heat production in acute coronary syndromes. Sixty patients were studied with CHD (20 with stable angina, 20 with unstable angina and 20 with acute myocardial infarction) and 20 sex- and age-matched controls without coronary artery disease, by measuring plasma levels of SAA, CRP, plasma lipids and intracoronary arterial luminal wall temperature. Intracoronary temperature was measured with a thermography catheter developed in our Institution: a thermistor probe with a temperature accuracy of 0.05 degrees C, was attached at the distal end of a long 3F polyurethane shaft. It was found that the median temperature differences at the site of the lesion from the core temperature was increased in patients with unstable angina (1.025 degrees C) and acute myocardial infarction (2.150 degrees C) compared with stable angina (0.300 degrees C), P<0.001 for each comparison. Furthermore, stable angina has increased temperature differences compared with controls (0.200 degrees C, P<0.001). There were very good correlations between CRP and SAA with the temperature (r=0.796, P=0.01 and r=0.848, P=0.01, respectively). Local heat at the site of lesion is increased in patients with acute coronary syndromes and may arise from an aggressive inflammatory response occurring in these situations. The sensitive measurement of plaque temperature as a prognostic marker may be useful in the management of coronary heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Stefanadis
- Hippokration Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Greece.
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26
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Abstract
A review of the field of lightness perception from Helmholtz to the present shows the most adequate theories of lightness perception to be the intrinsic image models. Nevertheless, these models fail on 2 important counts: They contain no anchoring rule, and they fail to account for the pattern of errors in surface lightness. Recent work on both the anchoring problem and the problem of errors has produced a new model of lightness perception, one that is qualitatively different from the intrinsic image models. The new model, which is based on a combination of local and global anchoring of lightness values, appears to provide an unprecedented account of a wide range of empirical results, both classical and recent, especially the pattern of errors. It provides a unified account of both illumination-dependent failures of constancy and background-dependent failures of constancy, resolving a number of long-standing puzzles.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gilchrist
- Psychology Department, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Newark College of Arts and Sciences 07102, USA
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27
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Ikonomidis I, Andreotti F, Economou E, Stefanadis C, Toutouzas P, Nihoyannopoulos P. Increased proinflammatory cytokines in patients with chronic stable angina and their reduction by aspirin. Circulation 1999; 100:793-8. [PMID: 10458713 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.100.8.793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proinflammatory cytokines released by injured endothelium facilitate interaction of endothelial cells with circulating leukocytes and thus may contribute to development and progression of atherosclerosis. We investigated whether cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) are indicative of myocardial ischemia or of diseased vessels and whether they are influenced by aspirin treatment in patients with chronic stable angina. METHODS AND RESULTS Plasma macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF), IL-1b, IL-6, and CRP were measured in 60 stable patients after 48-hour Holter monitoring and in 24 matched controls. All patients had angiographic documentation of disease and positive exercise ECGs. Patients with ischemia on Holter monitoring (n=40) received aspirin or placebo in a 6-week, randomized, double blind, crossover trial. Blood sampling was repeated at the end of each treatment phase (3 weeks). Compared to controls, patients had more than twice median MCSF (800 versus 372 pg/mL), IL-6 (3.9 versus 1.7 pg/mL), and CRP (1.25 versus 0.23 mg/L) levels (P<0.01 for all comparisons). MCSF was related to ischemia on Holter monitoring (P<0.01), to low ischemic threshold during exercise (P<0.01), and together with IL-1b to number of diseased vessels (P<0.05). MCSF, IL-6, and CRP were all reduced after 6 weeks of aspirin treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cytokines are associated with both ischemia and anatomic extent of disease in patients with stable angina. Reduced cytokine and CRP levels by aspirin may explain part of aspirin's therapeutic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ikonomidis
- Imperial College School of Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Cardiology Department, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Messinis IE, Sakellariou V, Economou E, Michalas S. Circulating endothelin-3 and prolactin concentrations in healthy lactating women during the early puerperium. Eur J Endocrinol 1998; 138:181-4. [PMID: 9506863 DOI: 10.1530/eje.0.1380181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the association between the circulating concentrations of endothelin-3 and prolactin in the early puerperium. DESIGN Prospective clinical study, including twenty-five healthy puerperal women breast-feeding their healthy full-term infants. METHODS Venous blood was drawn on day 1 and 4 post partum, and plasma endothelin-3 and serum prolactin were determined. RESULTS Circulating endothelin-3 and prolactin levels on day 4 did not differ significantly from the corresponding levels on day 1. However, a significant negative correlation was found on day 4 between endothelin-3 and prolactin values (r = -0.688, P < 0.001) and an even stronger negative association existed between the net change in endothelin-3 from days 1 to 4 and the corresponding change in prolactin values (r = -0.732, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS On the fourth day post partum, lactating healthy women show negative correlation between circulating endothelin-3 and prolactin levels. Whether this indicates a role for endothelin-3 in the control of prolactin secretion in the post partum period remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malamitsi-Puchner
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Greece
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29
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Economou E. Plasma Levels of Soluble E-Selectin in Patients With Mild to Moderate Hypertension Treated by a Calcium Antagonist or a I1-Imidazoline Agonist. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(97)84258-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Economou E, Papantoniou N, Antsaklis A, Mesogitis S, Nicolopoulos D. Lipid peroxidation in healthy fetuses, preterm and fullterm neonates. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 1998; 77:124-6. [PMID: 9492734 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0412.1998.770127.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Malamitsi-Puchner
- First and Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Greece
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31
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Ikonomidia I, Andreotti F, Stefanadia C, Pitaavos C, Economou E, Toulouzas P, Nihoyannopoulos P. Increased cytokine levels and thrombin generation in stable angina are reduced by aspirin. A randomised, controlled, cross-over trial. J Am Coll Cardiol 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(98)80718-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Economou E, Katsouyanni K, Karachaliou F, Delis D, Bartsocas CS. Endothelin 1-21 plasma concentrations in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 1996; 9:463-8. [PMID: 8910815 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.1996.9.4.463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study is based on the hypothesis that endothelins (ETs), which are 21-amino acid peptides with vasoactive and proliferative properties, could be implicated in the development of complications of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children and adolescents. We determined plasma ET 1-21 concentrations by radioimmunoassay in 59 patients with IDDM (32 male, 27 female) and in 41 healthy siblings (20 male, 21 female) and investigated the association of ET 1-21 concentrations with age, sex, control of diabetes (expressed as % of glycosylated hemoglobin), duration of disease and presence of complications. Plasma ET 1-21 concentrations (mean +/- SEM) were 14.12 +/- 0.30 pg/ml in IDDM and 15.34 +/- 0.47 pg/ml in healthy siblings. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01) after controlling for age and sex by multiple logistic regression. In the group with IDDM, analysis of covariance showed duration of disease to be the only variable associated with ET 1-21 values (b = 0.2179 pg/ml/yr, p = 0.04). It is concluded that in youngsters with IDDM ET plasma concentrations are lower than in healthy controls, negatively associated with duration of the disease and not directly implicated in diabetic angiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malamitsi-Puchner
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Greece
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33
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Economou E, Efstathopoulos T, Sevastiadou S, Hadzistamatiou Z, Nicolopoulos D. Endothelin 1-21 plasma concentrations on days 1 and 4 of life in healthy and ill preterm neonates. Biol Neonate 1995; 67:317-21. [PMID: 7662810 DOI: 10.1159/000244180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Endothelins (ETs) are highly vasoconstrictive 21-amino acid peptides possessing also cell-proliferative properties. They have been implicated in a variety of perinatal pathologic conditions, and their plasma concentrations have been found elevated in humans at birth. The purpose of this study was to determine ET 1-21 plasma concentrations in healthy and ill preterm infants and to investigate possible concentration changes with time from birth in cases of normal and abnormal adaptation to extrauterine life. The study comprised 36 preterm infants. Twenty-eight, comprising group A, were healthy (22/28) or minimally affected (6/28) and 8, comprising group B, were moderately (2/8) or severely ill (6/8) requiring continuous positive airway pressure or intermittent positive pressure ventilation as well as surfactant administration. All infants in group B had intraventricular hemorrhage grade > or = II. Venous blood from all neonates was drawn on days 1 and 4 and ET 1-21 plasma concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay (Amersham kit RPA 5559). ET 1-21 plasma concentrations were on day 1: 16.25 +/- 8.14 and 21.81 +/- 5.87 and on day 4: 12.89 +/- 4.56 and 16.16 +/- 5.43 pmol/l, for groups A and B, respectively. The statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in plasma ET concentrations on day 4 in both groups (p = 0.009 and p = 0.025, respectively). Nevertheless, ET 1-21 plasma concentrations were on day 4 significantly higher in ill preterm infants presenting symptoms from tissues involved in the elimination of ETs from the circulation as well as in their production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malamitsi-Puchner
- Department of Neonatology, Alexandra University and State Hospital, Athens, Greece
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34
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Antsaklis A, Economou E, Mesogitis S, Papantoniou N, Koutra N, Aravantinos D. Endothelin 1-21 plasma levels in fetuses at 18-24 weeks of gestation. J Perinat Med 1995; 23:321-5. [PMID: 8537863 DOI: 10.1515/jpme.1995.23.4.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to establish normal endothelin (ET) ranges in non malformed appropriate for gestational age fetuses of 18-24 weeks gestation and to investigate a possible correlation between maternal and fetal ET plasma levels. Twenty "mother-fetus" pairs were included in the study. The determination of ET 1-21 was performed by radioimmunoassay using 1 ml of fetal blood obtained by cordocentesis--indicated for various reasons--and in 2 ml of maternal venous blood. The statistical analysis involved the Wilcoxon test for pair differences and the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Fetal and maternal ET 1-21 levels were respectively 11.39 +/- 2.22 pmol/L and 6.44 +/- 1.00 pmol/L. Fetal levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) thus excluding passive ET transfer through the placenta, while no correlation between maternal and fetal levels was found. It is speculated that high fetal ET 1-21 levels result from increased ET production, which possess cell proliferative properties and/or decreased ET removal from the fetal circulation because of hypofunctioning lungs and kidneys. It can be assumed that the increased amounts of fetal ETs contribute to normal growth and development directly as well as by regulating vascular tonus and local blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Malamitsi-Puchner
- Department of Feto-Maternal Medicine, 1st University Clinic for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alexandra University and State Hospital, Athens, Greece
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35
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Lelekis M, Economou E, Adamis G, Gargalianos P, Kosmidis J. Asymptomatic bacteriuria of pregnancy: do obstetricians bother? J Chemother 1994; 6:58-60. [PMID: 8071681 DOI: 10.1080/1120009x.1994.11741131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In view of the potentially serious consequences of asymptomatic bacteriuria of pregnancy (ASB), we surveyed the attitudes of Greek obstetricians towards this entity. A total of 108 obstetricians practicing in the area of Athens completed a questionnaire concerning ASB. Only 73 of the 108 stated that they screen their clients for ASB (51 of them when pyuria is present and only 22 in all pregnant women). Of special interest is the finding that a larger percentage of younger obstetricians (practicing for up to 9 years) habitually screen their patients, compared to older ones (83% vs 60%). Concerning treatment of ASB, only 45 out of 73 doctors screening for ASB give any treatment when ASB is present. Most obstetricians (87%) prefer a beta-lactam antibiotic. In almost all cases 7-10 days are considered the appropriate duration of treatment. Better education of obstetricians, especially the older ones, concerning detection and management of ASB is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lelekis
- Dept. of Medicine and Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic, General Hospital of Athens, Greece
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36
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Malamitsi-Puchner A, Economou E, Sevastiadou S, Efstathopoulos T, Nicolopoulos D. Endothelin 1-21 plasma levels on the first and fourth postpartum day in normal full-term neonates. Dev Pharmacol Ther 1993; 20:195-8. [PMID: 7828453 DOI: 10.1159/000457562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Endothelins (ETs), recently discovered and highly vasoactive substances, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various perinatal problems, such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation, intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hypertension and necrotizing enterocolitis. Although fetal ET levels have been measured at birth, reference ET values for healthy newborns in the first days of life have not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine in normal healthy neonates ET 1-21 plasma values on day 1 and 4 postpartum and to investigate possible changes after adaptation of the newborn to extrauterine life. The study comprised 20 healthy full-term neonates, born after vaginal delivery (n = 10), or cesarean section (CS; n = 10) because of a previous CS. Venous blood was drawn on day 1 and 4 from all neonates and ET 1-21 levels were determined in the plasma by radioimmunoassay (Amersham kit RPA 5559). ET 1-21 values were on day 1 11.83 +/- 2.39 pmol/l (n = 20) and on day 4 9.45 +/- 1.88 pmol/l (n = 20). The statistical analysis showed a significant reduction of plasma ET levels on day 4 (p = 0.004), but no influence of the mode of delivery on plasma ET levels. In conclusion irrespective of the mode of delivery the high ET 1-21 plasma levels on day 1 postpartum are significantly reduced on day 4 of life.
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37
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Livadas DP, Economou E, Sofroniadou K, Fotiadou-Pappa H, Van Melle GD, Temler E, Felber JP. A study of beta-cell function after glucagon stimulation in thalassaemia major treated by high transfusion programme. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1987; 27:485-90. [PMID: 3325197 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1987.tb01177.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
An increased incidence of diabetes mellitus and glucose intolerance has been reported in thalassaemia major treated with a high transfusion programme (HTP). To investigate beta-cell function, serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI), C-peptide (CP) and glucose were measured fasting and at 3, 6 and 10 min after i.v. administration of 1 mg glucagon in 20 thalassaemia patients treated by many transfusions and in nine healthy control subjects. Fasting C-peptide concentrations (mean +/- SEM) were higher in the thalassaemic group (2.15 +/- 0.17 ng/ml) than in the controls (1.41 +/- 0.13 ng/ml). After stimulation with glucagon, C-peptide concentrations were consistently higher (P less than 0.01) by approximately 50% in the thalassaemic than in the control group (5.29 +/- 0.31 vs 3.36 +/- 0.21 ng/ml, at 3 min; 5.22 +/- 0.30 vs 3.53 +/- 0.21 ng/ml at 6 min and 4.69 +/- 0.27 vs 3.30 +/- 0.17 ng/ml after 10 min). Plasma IRI concentrations increased in both groups after glucagon stimulation but were not significantly different. The glucose values were approximately 15% higher at each sampling time in the thalassaemic group than those of the normal subjects. It is concluded that disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism in thalassaemia major treated with HTP are the consequence of hepatic cirrhosis which accompanies secondary haemosiderosis, and possibly iron deposition in the beta-cells of the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Livadas
- Venizelion General Hospital, Endocrinologic Unit, Heraklion-Crete, Greece
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