44 results on '"Soulis G"'
Search Results
2. Current evidence on the impact of medication optimization or pharmacological interventions on frailty or aspects of frailty: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
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Pazan, F, Petrovic, M, Cherubini, A, Onder, G, Cruz-Jentoft, AJ, Denkinger, M, van der Cammen, T, Stevenson, J M, Ibrahim, K, Rajkumar, C, Bakken, MS, Baeyens, JP, Crome, P, Frühwald, T, Gallaghar, P, Guðmundsson, A, Knol, W, O’Mahony, D, Pilotto, A, Rönnemaa, E, Serra-Rexach, JA, Soulis, G, van Marum, RJ, Ziere, Bert, Mair, A, Burkhardt, H, Neumann-Podczaska, A, Wieczorowska-Tobis, K, Fernandes, M, Gruner, H, Dallmeier, D, Beuscart, JB, Velde, N, Wehling, M, Pazan, F, Petrovic, M, Cherubini, A, Onder, G, Cruz-Jentoft, AJ, Denkinger, M, van der Cammen, T, Stevenson, J M, Ibrahim, K, Rajkumar, C, Bakken, MS, Baeyens, JP, Crome, P, Frühwald, T, Gallaghar, P, Guðmundsson, A, Knol, W, O’Mahony, D, Pilotto, A, Rönnemaa, E, Serra-Rexach, JA, Soulis, G, van Marum, RJ, Ziere, Bert, Mair, A, Burkhardt, H, Neumann-Podczaska, A, Wieczorowska-Tobis, K, Fernandes, M, Gruner, H, Dallmeier, D, Beuscart, JB, Velde, N, and Wehling, M
- Abstract
Background: Frailty and adverse drug effects are linked in the fact that polypharmacy is correlated with the severity of frailty; however, a causal relation has not been proven in older people with clinically manifest frailty. Methods: A literature search was performed in Medline to detect prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of pharmacological interventions or medication optimization in older frail adults on comprehensive frailty scores or partial aspects of frailty that were published from January 1998 to October 2019. Results: Twenty-five studies were identified, 4 on comprehensive frailty scores and 21 on aspects of frailty. Two trials on comprehensive frailty scores showed positive results on frailty although the contribution of medication review in a multidimensional approach was unclear. In the studies on aspects related to frailty, ten individual drug interventions showed improvement in physical performance, muscle strength or body composition utilizing alfacalcidol, teriparatide, piroxicam, testosterone, recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin, or capromorelin. There were no studies examining negative effects of drugs on frailty. Conclusion: So far, data on a causal relationship between drugs and frailty are inconclusive or related to single-drug interventions on partial aspects of frailty. There is a clear need for RCTs on this topic that should be based on a comprehensive, internationally consistent and thus reproducible concept of frailty assessment.
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- 2021
3. Proposals for upgrading the teaching of geotechnical courses
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Alamanis, N. Papageorgiou, G. Chouliaras, I. Xafoulis, N. Kotsopoulos, S. Farsirotou, E. Lazogiannis, K. Soulis, G.
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ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION - Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to prepare proposals resulting from questionnaire research, in which both undergraduate students took part in the course "Soil Mechanics Laboratory" of the Department of Civil Engineering (Academic Year 2018-2019) and Forestry Department (A.Y. 2002-2003) and postgraduate students in the courses "Advanced Geotechnics-Simulations" and "Road Infrastructure Harmonization in the Environment" of the Postgraduate Studies Programme "Advanced Environmental Management Technologies in Engineering Works" of the General Department of Larissa of the University of Thessaly, with the ultimate goal of upgrading and modernizing the teaching of the above and similar courses. The general purpose of teaching in geotechnical courses is that students acquire knowledge necessary for the design and construction of geotechnical projects, in collaboration with other civil engineering specialties. The research of the teaching strategy concerns about the design of the questionnaires in conjunction with the objectives of the course. According to the curriculum, geotechnical courses aim to enable students to apply the methodologies for calculating the physical characteristics and the mechanical properties of the soil. Finally, the responses of the undergraduate and postgraduate students were evaluated, and useful conclusions emerged, which can positively contribute to the qualitative upgrading and the modernization of the teaching process of the above courses. Copyright©2020 by authors, all rights reserved.
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- 2020
4. Deprescribing tool for STOPPFall (screening tool of older persons prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk) items
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Seppala, L. J., Petrovic, M., Jesper Ryg, Bahat, G., Topinkova, E., Szczerbińska, K., Cammen, T. J., Hartikainen, S., Ilhan, B., Landi, F., Morrissey, Y., Mair, A., Gutiérrez-Valencia, M., Emmelot-Vonk, M. H., Caballero Mora, M. A., Michael Denkinger, Crome, P., Jackson, S. H. D., Correa-Pérez, A., Knol, W., Soulis, G., Adalsteinn Gudmundsson, Ziere, G., Wehling, M., O’mahony, D., Antonio Cherubini, and Nathalie van der Velde
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screening ,fall risk ,Medicine and Health Sciences ,Deprescribing tool ,older persons prescriptions ,STOPPFall - Abstract
Background: Health care professionals are often reluctant to deprescribe fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs). Lack of knowledge and skills form a significant barrier. To support clinicians in the management of FRIDs and to facilitate the deprescribing process, a deprescribing tool was developed by a European expert group for STOPPFall (Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk) items. Methods: STOPPFall was created using an expert Delphi consensus process in 2019 and in 2020, 24 panellists from EuGMS SIG on Pharmacology and Task and Finish on FRIDs completed deprescribing tool questionnaire. To develop the questionnaire, a Medline literature search was performed. The panellists were asked to indicate for every medication class a possible need for stepwise withdrawal and strategy for withdrawal. They were asked in which situations withdrawal should be performed. Furthermore, panellists were requested to indicate those symptoms patients should be monitored for after deprescribing and a possible need for follow-ups. Results: Practical deprescribing guidance was developed for STOPPFall medication classes. For each medication class, a decision tree algorithm was developed including steps from medication review to symptom monitoring after medication withdrawal. Conclusion: STOPPFall was combined with a practical deprescribing tool designed to optimize medication review. This practical guide can help overcome current reluctance towards deprescribing in clinical practice by providing an up-to-date and straightforward source of expert knowledge.
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- 2020
5. Early Impact of a Fat-Enriched Diet on Behavioral Responses of Male and Female Rats
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Soulis, G, Papalexi, E, Kittas, C, and Kitraki, E
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- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. Lifestyle determinants of healthy ageing in a Mediterranean population: The multinational MEDIS study
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Foscolou A, Magriplis E, Tyrovolas S, Soulis G, Bountziouka V, Mariolis A, Piscopo S, Valacchi G, Anastasiou F, Gotsis E, Metallinos G, Tyrovola D, Polystipioti A, Polychronopoulos E, Matalas AL, Lionis C, Zeimbekis A, Tur JA, Sidossis LS, Panagiotakos D, and MEDIS Study Group
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Healthy ageing ,Longevity ,Elderly ,Mediterranean ,Health policy - Abstract
BACKGROUND: To evaluate modifiable, lifestyle risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among older adults, across ageing, in the Mediterranean area. METHODS: During 2005-2017, 3131 individuals from 26 Mediterranean islands of 5 countries, =65?years of age, were voluntarily enrolled. Anthropometrical, clinical and socio-demographic characteristics, dietary habits, lifestyle parameters were measured through standard procedures. Analyses were performed by year and across consecutive age groups of the participants. RESULTS: A decrease in the prevalence of current smoking (p?0.001), engagement in physical activities (p?=?0.001) and participation in social events (p?=?0.001) for every year increase in age was found. Moderate alcohol drinking increased through ageing (p?=?0.008), whereas adherence to Mediterranean diet remained stable, but adequate (p?=?0.90). Trend analysis also revealed that a quadratic (U-shape) function better characterized the association between ageing and total cardiometabolic risk factors burden (p for trend <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The gaps in the understanding of factors affecting longevity and healthy ageing remain; public health authorities and stakeholders should focus on the lifestyle determinants of healthy ageing, that seems to be an effective mean for improving older peoples' health.
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- 2018
7. Effects of metabolic syndrome on arterial function in different age groups: The Advanced Approach to Arterial Stiffness study
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Topouchian, J. Labat, C. Gautier, S. Bäck, M. Achimastos, A. Blacher, J. Cwynar, M. De La Sierra, A. Pall, D. Fantin, F. Farkas, K. Garcia-Ortiz, L. Hakobyan, Z. Jankowski, P. Jelakovic, A. Kobalava, Z. Konradi, A. Kotovskaya, Y. Kotsani, M. Lazareva, I. Litvin, A. Milyagin, V. Mintale, I. Persson, O. Ramos, R. Rogoza, A. Ryliskyte, L. Scuteri, A. Sirenko, Y. Soulis, G. Tasic, N. Udovychenko, M. Urazalina, S. Wohlfahrt, P. Zelveian, P. Benetos, A. Asmar, R.
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of the Advanced Approach to Arterial Stiffness study was to compare arterial stiffness measured simultaneously with two different methods in different age groups of middle-aged and older adults with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). The specific effects of the different MetS components on arterial stiffness were also studied. Methods: This prospective, multicentre, international study included 2224 patients aged 40 years and older, 1664 with and 560 without MetS. Patients were enrolled in 32 centres from 18 European countries affiliated to the International Society of Vascular Health & Aging. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) in four prespecified age groups: 40-49, 50-59, 60-74, 75-90 years. In this report, we present the baseline data of this study. Results: Both CF-PWV and CAVI increased with age, with a higher correlation coefficient for CAVI (comparison of coefficients P
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- 2018
8. DEVELOPING A SINGLE METRIC OF HEALTH USING MODERN DATA ANALYTICAL METHODS
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Francisco Félix Caballero, Arndt H, Soulis G, Demosthenes B. Panagiotakos, Josep Maria Haro, S. Chatterji, and Matthew Prina
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Abstracts ,Health (social science) ,Computer science ,Metric (mathematics) ,Data mining ,Life-span and Life-course Studies ,computer.software_genre ,Health Professions (miscellaneous) ,computer - Abstract
One of the aims of the ATHLOS project is to develop a single metric of healthy ageing. Using as a paradigm the ELSA study – English Longitudinal Study on Aging (n= 11,906 participants, entry 1998–2001, last follow up 2011–12, 6 waves) - and applying the Item Response Theory (IRT) approach and multi-level Factor Analyses the metric of healthy aging was developed as a composite score of functioning measures. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to detect the latent structure among items. After conducting the EFA and obtaining evidences for unidimensionality, a global health score was generated by means of IRT. Then, a Machine Learning (ML) approach was applied to explore patterns of healthy aging. Based on these modern analytical methods various socio-demographic and lifestyle behaviors revealed as determinants of healthy aging. Combining classical statistical approaches with machine learning methodologies, the derived pattern recognition is less biased and the conclusions more robust.
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- 2017
9. Is car use related with successful aging of older adults? Results from the multinational Mediterranean islands study
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Tyrovolas S, Polychronopoulos E, Morena M, Mariolis A, Piscopo S, Valacchi G, Bountziouka V, Anastasiou F, Zeimbekis A, Tyrovola D, Foscolou A, Gotsis E, Metallinos G, Soulis G, Tur JA, Matalas A, Lionis C, Sidossis LS, and Panagiotakos D
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Older adults ,Mediterranean islands ,Successful aging ,Driving ,Car use - Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the present work was to evaluate the relation between car use and the level of successful aging of a random sample of older adults living in the Mediterranean basin. METHODS: During 2005-2011, 2749 older (aged 65-100 years) from 22 islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) of Greece were voluntarily enrolled in the Mediterranean islands cross-sectional study. Sociodemographics, medical conditions, and dietary and lifestyle habits were derived throughout standard procedures. Car use was recorded with a standard binary question. A successful aging index ranging from 0-10 was used. RESULTS: Older adults who used a car on regular basis had significantly higher levels of successful aging, as well as less prevalence of obesity and hypertension while were more physically active (P
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- 2017
10. Advanced analytical methodologies for measuring healthy ageing and its determinants, using factor analysis and machine learning techniques: the ATHLOS project
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Félix Caballero F, Soulis G, Engchuan W, Sánchez-Niubó A, Arndt H, Ayuso-Mateos JL, Haro JM, Chatterji S, and Panagiotakos DB
- Abstract
A most challenging task for scientists that are involved in the study of ageing is the development of a measure to quantify health status across populations and over time. In the present study, a Bayesian multilevel Item Response Theory approach is used to create a health score that can be compared across different waves in a longitudinal study, using anchor items and items that vary across waves. The same approach can be applied to compare health scores across different longitudinal studies, using items that vary across studies. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) are employed. Mixed-effects multilevel regression and Machine Learning methods were used to identify relationships between socio-demographics and the health score created. The metric of health was created for 17,886 subjects (54.6% of women) participating in at least one of the first six ELSA waves and correlated well with already known conditions that affect health. Future efforts will implement this approach in a harmonised data set comprising several longitudinal studies of ageing. This will enable valid comparisons between clinical and community dwelling populations and help to generate norms that could be useful in day-to-day clinical practice.
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- 2017
11. DEVELOPING A SINGLE METRIC OF HEALTH USING MODERN DATA ANALYTICAL METHODS
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Panagiotakos, D., primary, Caballero, F., additional, Arndt, H., additional, Chatterji, S., additional, Soulis, G., additional, Prina, M., additional, and Haro, J., additional
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- 2017
- Full Text
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12. Early impact of a fat-enriched diet on behavioral responses of male and female rats
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E Kitraki, Soulis G, C Kittas, and E Papalexi
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Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Radioimmunoassay ,Affect (psychology) ,Open field ,Developmental psychology ,Behavioral Neuroscience ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Corticosterone ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Rats, Wistar ,Swimming ,Analysis of Variance ,Sex Characteristics ,Behavior, Animal ,business.industry ,Stressor ,Novelty ,Dietary Fats ,Rats ,Steroid hormone ,Endocrinology ,chemistry ,Facilitation ,Exploratory Behavior ,Female ,business ,Glucocorticoid ,Locomotion ,medicine.drug - Abstract
Prolonged high-fat diets have been shown to affect an organism's stress responsiveness at the neuroendocrine level. In the present study, the authors used a 7-day protocol of fat administration in adult rats of both sexes to investigate the early behavioral impact of a moderately fat (20%) diet, often used by Western societies, on rats' reaction to acute stress and novelty. Their results show that this diet can reduce the rats' active behavioral responses to subsequent stressors and influence their corticosterone secretion. Fat-fed male rats adopted a less active behavior to cope with forced swimming stress, whereas their exploratory behavior in the open field environment was rather increased compared with chow-fed males. Fat-fed female rats exhibited a less active behavioral response to both stress paradigms compared with their chow-fed counterparts. Fat diet abolished facilitation in corticosterone secretion following a subsequent stressor in both sexes. However, only in males did fat diet exaggerate corticosterone response to novelty, irrespective of the previous stress history of the rat. These data indicate that a short-term metabolic stress can modify the rats' stress coping strategy in interaction with the gender.
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- 2007
13. Early impact of a fat-enriched diet on behavioral responses of male and female rats
- Author
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Soulis, G. Papalexi, E. Kittas, C. Kitraki, E.
- Abstract
Prolonged high-fat diets have been shown to affect an organism’s stress responsiveness at the neuroendocrine level. In the present study, the authors used a 7-day protocol of fat administration in adult rats of both sexes to investigate the early behavioral impact of a moderately fat (20%) diet, often used by Western societies, on rats’ reaction to acute stress and novelty. Their results show that this diet can reduce the rats’ active behavioral responses to subsequent stressors and influence their corticosterone Secretion. Fat-fed male rats adopted a less active behavior to cope with forced swimming stress, whereas their exploratory behavior in the open field environment was rather increased compared with chow-fed males. Fat-fed female rats exhibited I less active behavioral response to both stress paradigms compared with their chow-fed counterparts. Fat diet abolished facilitation in corticosterone secretion following a subsequent stressor in both sexes. However, only in males did fat diet exaggerate corticosterone response to novelty, irrespective of the previous stress history of the rat. These data indicate that a short-term metabolic stress can modify the rats’ stress coping Strategy in interaction with the gender.
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- 2007
14. Early neuroendocrine alterations in female rats following a diet moderately enriched in fat
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Soulis, G Kitraki, E Gerozissis, K
- Abstract
1. High-fat diets disrupt metabolic equilibrium and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and may lead to the development of metabolic and endocrine dysfunctions. The early neuroendocrine responses elicited by a combination of short-term metabolic and emotional stressors is not fully elucidated. 2. The purpose of the present study was to determine the impact on female rats, of a short-term enriched in fat diet, combined with an acute stressor. 3. Adult female Wistar rats were fed a fat diet for 7 days and subsequently exposed to 5 min swimming stress. Plasma leptin, insulin, glucose, luteinizing hormone (LH) and corticosterone, along with brain corticosteroid receptors’ mRNAs were measured at 1 h post stress. 4. Diet, compared to chow, reduced food intake and body weight gain, increased leptin and LH, and decreased glucose in the periphery. The diet increased plasma corticosterone and reduced GR mRNA in the hippocampus, similarly to swim stress. 5. The diet significantly modified the animals’ response to the subsequent swim stress, by blocking further corticosterone rise and GR mRNA reduction. In addition, exposure of diet-fed rats to stress, altered their endocrine response, in terms of leptin and LH. 6. These observations suggest that even short, moderately unbalanced diets can affect peripheral and central components of energy balance, reproduction and stress response.
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- 2005
15. Impaired neuroendocrine response to stress following a short-termfat-enriched diet
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Kitrakis, E., Soulis, G., Gerozissis, K., Laboratoire de physiopathologie de la nutrition (LPN), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7 (UPD7), and Berthault, Marie France
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- 2004
16. Impaired neuroendocrine response to stress following a short-term fat-enriched diet
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Kitraki, E Soulis, G Gerozissis, K
- Abstract
Unbalanced diets and stressful situations disrupt energy homeostasis and are implicated in the development of severe pathologies. The present study investigated the effects of a 7-day diet, enriched in corn oil (20%) and proportionally lower in protein and carbohydrate, on the major regulators of energy expenditure and stress response of adult male Wistar rats exposed to acute swimming stress at the end of the dietary treatment. Food intake and body weight gain were lower in diet-fed as compared with normal-chow-fed controls. The circulating leptin levels were elevated in both nonstressed and stressed diet-fed rats, while the glucose levels were significantly increased only in the diet-fed group subjected to stress. The plasma insulin levels were not affected by the diet, but were significantly reduced in acutely stressed rats. Acute swimming increased corticosterone levels both in chow-fed and diet-fed rats. No significant effect of diet was observed on corticosterone levels. Northern blot analysis showed increased glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of normally fed rats subjected to stress. This increase was not observed in the diet-fed stressed group, which on the contrary showed reduced glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels following stress. The data presented indicate that even a moderately unbalanced, fat-enriched diet can within a short time disrupt the metabolic neuroendocrine balance and the stress response, rendering the organism more vulnerable to potential stressful insults. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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- 2004
17. Inflammation and thoracic aortic structure assessed by PET/CT scan and arterial stiffness in elderly patients
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Joly, L., primary, Mandry, D., additional, Salvi, P., additional, Roux, V., additional, Soulis, G., additional, Kearney-Schwartz, A., additional, Koehl, G., additional, Beaumont, M., additional, Micard, E., additional, Marie, P.Y., additional, and Benetos, A., additional
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- 2013
- Full Text
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18. Maritime Spatial Planning in Cyprus
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Hadjimitsis Diofantos, Agapiou Athos, Themistocleous Kyriakos, Mettas Christodoulos, Evagorou Evagoras, Soulis Giorgos, Xagoraris Zafeiris, Pilikou Maria, Aliouris Kyriakos, and Ioannou Nicolas
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marine spatial planning ,cyprus ,legal framework ,activities ,conflicts ,gis ,Geology ,QE1-996.5 - Abstract
Spatial Planning is a critical tool for land management and is extensively used in all developed nations. The Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), at the European Union (EU) level, is based on Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and Council of 23rd July 2014 which establishes a common framework for MSP in the EU, which each Member State is called to apply in relation to the maritime space under its jurisdiction (marine waters). In this paper the overall results from the “Cross-Border Cooperation for the development of Marine Spatial Planning” project are presented for the area of Cyprus. A variety of activities fall within the MSP such as maritime transport routes and traffic flows, exploration, exploitation and extraction of energy resources, tourism, underwater cultural heritage etc. In addition, the legal framework, activities maps are also shown. The variety of conflicts maps for the area of Limassol are illustrated both in 2D and 3D. A hypothetical scenario of Limassol town in Cyprus as an energy center is presented based on the overall results. The paper ends with some conclusions regarding the framework of MSP in Cyprus.
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- 2016
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19. Effects of metabolic syndrome on arterial function in different age groups: The Advanced Approach to Arterial Stiffness study
- Author
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Topouchian J., Labat C., Gautier S., Bäck M., Achimastos A., Blacher J., Cwynar M., Pall D., Fantin F., Farkas K., Garcia-Ortiz L., Hakobyan Z., Jankowski P., Jelakovic A., Kobalava Z., Konradi A., Kotovskaya Y., Kotsani M., Lazareva I., Litvin A., Milyagin V., Mintale I., Persson O., Ramos R., Rogoza A., Ryliskyte L., Scuteri A., Sirenko Y., Soulis G., Tasic N., Udovychenko M., Urazalina S., Wohlfahrt P., Zelveian P., Benetos A., Asmar R., De La Sierra A., Topouchian J., Labat C., Gautier S., Bäck M., Achimastos A., Blacher J., Cwynar M., Pall D., Fantin F., Farkas K., Garcia-Ortiz L., Hakobyan Z., Jankowski P., Jelakovic A., Kobalava Z., Konradi A., Kotovskaya Y., Kotsani M., Lazareva I., Litvin A., Milyagin V., Mintale I., Persson O., Ramos R., Rogoza A., Ryliskyte L., Scuteri A., Sirenko Y., Soulis G., Tasic N., Udovychenko M., Urazalina S., Wohlfahrt P., Zelveian P., Benetos A., Asmar R., and De La Sierra A.
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of the Advanced Approach to Arterial Stiffness study was to compare arterial stiffness measured simultaneously with two different methods in different age groups of middle-aged and older adults with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). The specific effects of the different MetS components on arterial stiffness were also studied. Methods: This prospective, multicentre, international study included 2224 patients aged 40 years and older, 1664 with and 560 without MetS. Patients were enrolled in 32 centres from 18 European countries affiliated to the International Society of Vascular Health & Aging. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) in four prespecified age groups: 40-49, 50-59, 60-74, 75-90 years. In this report, we present the baseline data of this study. Results: Both CF-PWV and CAVI increased with age, with a higher correlation coefficient for CAVI (comparison of coefficients P<0.001). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted values of CF-PWV and CAVI were weakly intercorrelated (r2=0.06, P<0.001). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted values for CF-PWV but not CAVI were higher in presence of MetS (CF-PWV: 9.57±0.06 vs. 8.65±0.10, P<0.001; CAVI: 8.34±0.03 vs. 8.29±0.04, P=0.40; mean±SEM; MetS vs. no MetS). The absence of an overall effect of MetS on CAVI was related to the heterogeneous effects of the components of MetS on this parameter: CAVI was positively associated with the high glycaemia and high blood pressure components, whereas lacked significant associations with the HDL and triglycerides components while exhibiting a negative association with the overweight component. In contrast, all five MetS components showed positive associations with CF-PWV. Conclusion: This large European multicentre study reveals a differential impact of MetS and age on CAVI and CF PWV and suggests that age may have a more pronounced effect on CAVI, whereas MetS increases C
20. Reply to 'Caution in underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines'
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Wilma Knol, Antonio Cherubini, Michael Denkinger, Christine Marking, Adalsteinn Gudmundsson, George Soulis, Mirko Petrovic, Athanase Benetos, Nicola Veronese, Stefania Maggi, Veronese N., Petrovic M., Benetos A., Denkinger M., Gudmundsson A., Knol W., Marking C., Soulis G., Maggi S., and Cherubini A.
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Aging ,medicine.medical_specialty ,COVID-19 Vaccines ,media_common.quotation_subject ,MEDLINE ,Psychological intervention ,Biochemistry ,Article ,law.invention ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Aged, Humans, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines ,medicine ,Humans ,Quality (business) ,Molecular Biology ,media_common ,Aged ,Protocol (science) ,Vaccines ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,Clinical trial ,Neurology ,Publishing ,Family medicine ,Paragraph ,business ,Psychology ,Biotechnology - Abstract
We would like to thank Chen et al. for their comments on our recently published paper in Ageing Research Reviews (Veronese et al., 2021). In this reply we would like to answer to the points raised in their letter. Regarding the first question, we decided to run our search only in PubMed/Medline and ClinicalTrials.gov since the phase II-III randomized controlled trials of SARS-CoV 2 vaccines, considering the urgency for interventions to ameliorate the pandemic situation, received a great deal of interest. Therefore, they were usually published in high impact factor journals, reported in PubMed, and their protocols were usually reported in clinicaltrials.gov. However, following the suggestion of Chen et al., we did run a similar search in Web of Science (n = 150 articles) and Embase (n = 121 articles), without finding any possible eligible paper. We also searched, as suggested, the WHO ICTRP registry, which includes also the Chinese clinical trial registry, finding 36 ongoing trials, with two eligible out of them (https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx? TrialID=ISRCTN79815558; https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx? TrialID=RPCEC00000354). However, since both trials are still undergoing, it is not possible to know which percentage of older people will be eventually enrolled, therefore there is no need to modify what was already reported in our systematic review. With regard to the concern related to the language limitation, it should be pointed out that, among the completed trials, four out of ten were performed in China, but still they were published in an English language journal (Xia et al., 2020, 2021; Zhang et al., 2021; Zhu et al., 2020). Furthermore, we added the keywords suggested in the second point of the comments to our article: in this case, limiting the search to the 01st May 2021 as done in our systematic review, we found 547 possible eligible papers, but again, no new work was eligible for our analyses. Even if we recognize that adding these specific keywords might increase sensitivity of the search, they are probably of poor specificity in finding out papers that did not use randomized clinical trial as filter, particularly considering that practically all the papers reporting phase II-III trials on vaccination were published in widely known scientific journals. We also appreciate the comments regarding risk of bias and assessment of the quality of the study, which are a mandatory step in a systematic review. However, we would like to point out that the aim of our systematic review was not to investigate the efficacy/safety of COVID-19 vaccination in older people, but to highlight that older people were usually excluded from these studies. Therefore, this evaluation was not necessary, as we did not want to evaluate the quality of the results provided by the studies, but we aimed only at verifying the inclusion of older people. Finally, we are also grateful for the comments regarding the registration of the protocol and the statistical analysis. Regarding the first point, we agree that pre-publishing the protocol is an essential step in publishing a paper, but at the same time we also believe that the protocol structure is so simple in this case (we practically only extracted data regarding age range, asking to the corresponding authors further information when needed) that pre-publishing of the protocol would have not changed anything in the final results. However, we enclose to this letter as supplementary material the protocol. Moreover, the statistical analyses were so elementary that creating a specific paragraph would not represent an added value and we believe that keeping them in the outcomes section is enough for providing the necessary information to the readers to completely understand our work. In conclusion, we would like to thank Chen et al. for their comments that allowed us to confirm the methodological strengths of our paper. Indeed, as reported in this reply, addressing the points raised did not significantly change our results indicating that our work, even if simple, is correct and the conclusions are sound.
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- 2021
21. Underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review
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Christine Marking, Stefania Maggi, Meta-analyses, Michael Denkinger, Athanase Benetos, George Soulis, Wilma Knol, Antonio Cherubini, Adalsteinn Gudmundsson, Mirko Petrovic, Nicola Veronese, Veronese, N., Petrovic, M., Benetos, A., Denkinger, M., Gudmundsson, A., Knol, W., Marking, C., Soulis, G., Maggi, S., and Cherubini, A.
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Gerontology ,Aging ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Population ,Disease ,Review ,COVID-19 ,Older adults ,Vaccination ,Aged ,Humans ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Vaccines ,Biochemistry ,law.invention ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,Intervention (counseling) ,Pandemic ,Medicine ,Older adult ,education ,Molecular Biology ,education.field_of_study ,business.industry ,Clinical trial ,Neurology ,business ,Biotechnology - Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic older subjects have been disproportionately affected by the disease. Vaccination is a fundamental intervention to prevent the negative consequences of COVID-19, but it is not known if the needs and vulnerabilities of older people are adequately addressed by their inclusion in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of vaccines for COVID-19. Given this background, we aimed to evaluate if current and ongoing phase II-III RCTs evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines included a representative sample of older people. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed until May 01st, 2021. Among 474 abstracts initially retrieved, 20 RCTs (ten already published, ten ongoing) were included. In the ten studies already published, the mean age of participants was 45.2 ± 11.9 years and only 9.83% of the participants were more than 65 years, 1.66% more than 75 years and less than 1% (0.55%) more than 85 years. In the ten ongoing RCTs, many of the studies aimed at including participants older than 18 years, with one study including participants between 18 and 84 years, and two between 21 and 100 years. In conclusion, our systematic review demonstrates that in published and ongoing phase II-III randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines only a tiny fraction of the most vulnerable group of older people was included, although they clearly were the first population that had to be vaccinated. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.
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- 2021
22. Relationship between tissue glycation measured by autofluorescence and pulse wave velocity in young and elderly non-diabetic populations
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Athanase Benetos, G. Soulis, E. Tartagni, Paolo Salvi, Claudio Borghi, Anna Kearney-Schwartz, Ghassan Watfa, Watfa G., Soulis G., Tartagni E., Kearney-Schwartz A., Borghi C., Salvi P., and Benetos A.
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Glycation End Products, Advanced ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Advanced glycation end-produc ,pulse wave velocity ,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism ,Pulsatile flow ,Statistics, Nonparametric ,Endocrinology ,Vascular Stiffness ,Glycation ,Heart Rate ,Internal medicine ,Heart rate ,Internal Medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Pulse wave velocity ,Aged ,Skin ,Analysis of Variance ,business.industry ,Optical Imaging ,Age Factors ,General Medicine ,Arteries ,Middle Aged ,medicine.disease ,Elasticity ,Surgery ,Autofluorescence ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Pulsatile Flow ,Cardiology ,Vascular resistance ,Arterial stiffness ,Female ,Vascular Resistance ,Analysis of variance ,business - Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) are pivotal indices of the processes of arterial ageing and damage accumulation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of AGEs, as measured by a non-invasive skin autofluorescence method, on arterial stiffness, estimated by PWV, in two different age groups of non-diabetic subjects. METHODS AND PATIENTS: A total of 116 non-diabetic subjects were classified into two groups, with 55 subjects in the group aged
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- 2012
23. Appropriate use of antibiotics for oral/dental conditions in older adults: a narrative review.
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Đukić L, Soulis G, Janssens B, Müller F, Petrovic M, and Kossioni A
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- Humans, Aged, Polypharmacy, Drug Interactions, Mouth Diseases drug therapy, Anti-Bacterial Agents administration & dosage, Anti-Bacterial Agents therapeutic use, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacokinetics
- Abstract
Objectives: Considering the high rates in the use of antibiotics for oral/dental conditions in older patients and the rise in antimicrobial resistance, appropriate antibiotic prescription is important. This narrative review aimed to discuss the challenges and special considerations when prescribing antibiotics to older patients for oral/dental conditions., Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and articles' reference lists were searched for antibiotics use for oral conditions by older patients. Moreover, scientific and professional organisations' official websites were searched for guidelines on antibiotic use in dentistry., Results: Despite several guidelines about the use of antibiotics in dentistry, specific information on their administration to older patients is missing. Relevant challenges include age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, comorbidities and polypharmacy associated with low adherence, contraindications, adverse reactions, and drug-drug interactions. In unfit and frail older patients some antibiotics should be avoided, or doses should be adjusted, according to medical conditions or medications received. Amoxicillin, with doses adapted to renal function, is one of the safest options, while other antibiotics should be chosen with caution upon indications and individual patient characteristics., Conclusions: Healthcare providers should prescribe antibiotics to unfit and frail older adults with caution, given the multitude of comorbidities and potential interactions with medications received. Further research is needed on the safe and effective use of antibiotics in older patients.
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- 2024
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24. Pilot Testing of Useful Tools' Validity for Frailty Assessment in Greece: Translated PRISMA-7 Tool, Modified Fried Criteria and Clinical Frailty Scale.
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Soulis G, Kyriakopoulou E, Leventouri A, Zigkiri E, Efthymiou V, Kentros Z, and Koutsouri A
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The importance of frailty in older people is getting constant recognition as an important aspect both in terms of public health, as well as at a personal level, for the appropriate management of an older person's health condition. This is reflected by the continuously increasing number of research studies carried out in several settings across different countries. Sometimes, this is very solid, but in other cases, there is a considerable gap in terms of accurate and well-grounded documentation of frailty status. This is the case in Greece, where we are missing clinically validated tools to approach frailty. We are missing frailty screening tools, such as, for instance, Program of Research on Integration of Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy 7 (PRISMA 7), the gold standard tool of Fried criteria, is somehow problematic since the question referring to physical activity originates from a questionnaire that has not been translated and validated, while Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) has been validated for translation but not for the capacity to detect frailty. The aim of this study is to validate these tools for their accuracy to detect frailty by using a measurable index of frailty, previously proposed for use in clinical studies: the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Seventy-four male and female participants (mean age 80.47 years SD = ±7.45 years, minimum-maximum age = 65-95) have been evaluated for their frailty status using different tools. We observed that the PRISMA 7 translation detects frailty only when one question is removed at a cut-off of ≥2 and indicates a sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 99.9% with a good correlation with SPPB measurements ( r = -0.858; p < 0.001). When CFS was validated using SPPB, it demonstrated a very good correlation ( r = -0.838; p < 0.001 respectively) as was the case for the modified Fried Criteria ( r = -0.725; p < 0.001). All items demonstrated a good correlation between them. We here propose that we can accurately assess frailty status in the community setting by using a modified version of Fried criteria, Clinical Frailty Scale translation in Greek, and we can screen for frailty by using the Greek translation of PRISMA 7 only after removing item 6 of the questionnaire.
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- 2024
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25. Optimizing pharmacotherapy and deprescribing strategies in older adults living with multimorbidity and polypharmacy: EuGMS SIG on pharmacology position paper.
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van Poelgeest E, Seppala L, Bahat G, Ilhan B, Mair A, van Marum R, Onder G, Ryg J, Fernandes MA, Cherubini A, Denkinger M, Eidam A, Egberts A, Gudmundsson A, Koçak FÖK, Soulis G, Tournoy J, Masud T, Wehling M, and van der Velde N
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- Aged, Humans, Multimorbidity, Polypharmacy, Deprescriptions, Geriatrics, Inappropriate Prescribing prevention & control
- Abstract
Inappropriate polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older adults and presents a significant healthcare concern. Conducting medication reviews and implementing deprescribing strategies in multimorbid older adults with polypharmacy are an inherently complex and challenging task. Recognizing this, the Special Interest Group on Pharmacology of the European Geriatric Medicine Society has compiled evidence on medication review and deprescribing in older adults and has formulated recommendations to enhance appropriate prescribing practices. The current evidence supports the need for a comprehensive and widespread transformation in education, guidelines, research, advocacy, and policy to improve the management of polypharmacy in older individuals. Furthermore, incorporating deprescribing as a routine aspect of care for the ageing population is crucial. We emphasize the importance of involving geriatricians and experts in geriatric pharmacology in driving, and actively participating in this transformative process. By doing so, we can work towards achieving optimal medication use and enhancing the well-being of older adults in the generations to come., (© 2023. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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26. Longitudinal Association of Telomere Dynamics with Obesity and Metabolic Disorders in Young Children.
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Toupance S, Karampatsou SI, Labat C, Genitsaridi SM, Tragomalou A, Kassari P, Soulis G, Hollander A, Charmandari E, and Benetos A
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- Adult, Adolescent, Child, Humans, Child, Preschool, Telomere, Telomere Shortening, Leukocytes metabolism, Pediatric Obesity genetics, Pediatric Obesity metabolism, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 genetics, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 metabolism
- Abstract
In adults, short leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. These associations could stem from early life interactions between LTL and metabolic disorders. To test this hypothesis, we explored the associations between LTL and metabolic parameters as well as their evolution over time in children with or without obesity at baseline. Seventy-three ( n = 73) children attending our Outpatient Clinic for the Prevention and Management of Overweight and Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence, aged 2-10 years (mean ± SD: 7.6 ± 2.0 years), were followed for 2 to 4 years. Anthropometric, clinical, and biological (including LTL by Southern blot) measurements were performed annually. Baseline LTL correlated negatively with BMI ( p = 0.02), fat percentage ( p = 0.01), and blood glucose ( p = 0.0007). These associations persisted after adjustments for age and sex. No associations were found between LTL attrition during the follow-up period and any of the metabolic parameters. In young children, obesity and metabolic disturbances were associated with shorter telomeres but were not associated with more pronounced LTL attrition. These results suggest that short telomeres contribute to the development of obesity and metabolic disorders very early in life, which can have a major impact on health.
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- 2022
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27. Deprescribing practices, habits and attitudes of geriatricians and geriatricians-in-training across Europe: a large web-based survey.
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van Poelgeest EP, Seppala LJ, Lee JM, Bahat G, Ilhan B, Lavan AH, Mair A, van Marum RJ, Onder G, Ryg J, Fernandes MA, Garfinkel D, Guðmundsson A, Hartikainen S, Kotsani M, Montero-Errasquín B, Neumann-Podczaska A, Pazan F, Petrovic M, Soulis G, Vankova H, Wehling M, Wieczorowska-Tobis K, and van der Velde N
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- Humans, Female, Male, Geriatricians, Surveys and Questionnaires, Habits, Internet, Deprescriptions, Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
- Abstract
Purpose: To provide an overview of the current deprescribing attitudes, practices, and approaches of geriatricians and geriatricians-in-training across Europe., Methods: An online survey was disseminated among European geriatricians and geriatricians-in-training. The survey comprised Likert scale and multiple-choice questions on deprescribing approaches and practices, deprescribing education and knowledge, and facilitators/barriers of deprescribing. Responses to the survey questions and participant characteristics were quantified and differences evaluated between geriatricians and geriatricians-in-training and between European regions., Results: The 964 respondents (median age 42 years old; 64% female; 21% geriatricians-in-training) were generally willing to deprescribe (98%) and felt confident about deprescribing (85%). Despite differences across European regions, the most commonly reported reasons for deprescribing were functional impairment and occurrence of adverse drug reactions. The most important barriers for deprescribing were patients' unwillingness, fear of negative consequences, lack of time, and poor communication between multiple prescribers. Perceived risk of adverse drug reactions was highest for psychotropic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cardiovascular drugs, and opioid analgesics. Only one in four respondents (23% of geriatricians and 37% of geriatricians-in-training) think education in medical school had sufficiently prepared them for deprescribing in clinical practice. They reported that their future deprescribing activities would probably increase with improved information sharing between various prescribers, deprescribing recommendations in guidelines, and increased education and training. Approximately 90% think that a paradigm shift is required for prescribers and patients, increasing focus on the possible benefits of deprescribing (potentially) inappropriate medications., Conclusions: Based on the outcomes of this survey, we recommend investing in improved inter-professional communication, better education and evidence-based recommendations to improve future patient-centered deprescribing practices., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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28. A Systematic Review of the Current Evidence from Randomised Controlled Trials on the Impact of Medication Optimisation or Pharmacological Interventions on Quantitative Measures of Cognitive Function in Geriatric Patients.
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Pazan F, Petrovic M, Cherubini A, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Denkinger M, van der Cammen TJM, Stevenson JM, Ibrahim K, Rajkumar C, Bakken MS, Crome P, Guðmundsson A, Knol W, Snijders BMG, O'Mahony D, Serra-Rexach JA, Soulis G, van Marum RJ, Ziere G, Mair A, Burkhardt H, Neumann-Podczaska A, Wieczorowska-Tobis K, Fernandes MA, Gruner H, van der Velde N, and Wehling M
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- Aged, Humans, Cognition, Polypharmacy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Cognitive Dysfunction, Antipsychotic Agents
- Abstract
Background: Cognitive decline is common in older people. Numerous studies point to the detrimental impact of polypharmacy and inappropriate medication on older people's cognitive function. Here we aim to systematically review evidence on the impact of medication optimisation and drug interventions on cognitive function in older adults., Methods: A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE and Web of Science on May 2021. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the impact of medication optimisation or pharmacological interventions on quantitative measures of cognitive function in older adults (aged > 65 years) were included. Single-drug interventions (e.g., on drugs for dementia) were excluded. The quality of the studies was assessed by using the Jadad score., Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. In five studies a positive impact of the intervention on metric measures of cognitive function was observed. Only one study showed a significant improvement of cognitive function by medication optimisation. The remaining four positive studies tested methylphenidate, selective oestrogen receptor modulators, folic acid and antipsychotics. The mean Jadad score was low (2.7)., Conclusion: This systematic review identified a small number of heterogenous RCTs investigating the impact of medication optimisation or pharmacological interventions on cognitive function. Five trials showed a positive impact on at least one aspect of cognitive function, with comprehensive medication optimisation not being more successful than focused drug interventions. More prospective trials are needed to specifically assess ways of limiting the negative impact of certain medication in particular and polypharmacy in general on cognitive function in older patients., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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29. Medical care emerging challenges for older people during early COVID-19 pandemic.
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Soulis G and Inzitari M
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- Aged, Humans, Patient Care, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 epidemiology, Pandemics
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- 2022
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30. Reply to "Caution in underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines".
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Veronese N, Petrovic M, Benetos A, Denkinger M, Gudmundsson A, Knol W, Marking C, Soulis G, Maggi S, and Cherubini A
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- Aged, Humans, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines
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- 2021
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31. Underrepresentation of older adults in clinical trials on COVID-19 vaccines: A systematic review.
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Veronese N, Petrovic M, Benetos A, Denkinger M, Gudmundsson A, Knol W, Marking C, Soulis G, Maggi S, and Cherubini A
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- Aged, Humans, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Vaccines
- Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic older subjects have been disproportionately affected by the disease. Vaccination is a fundamental intervention to prevent the negative consequences of COVID-19, but it is not known if the needs and vulnerabilities of older people are adequately addressed by their inclusion in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of vaccines for COVID-19. Given this background, we aimed to evaluate if current and ongoing phase II-III RCTs evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines included a representative sample of older people. A systematic literature search in PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed until May 01st, 2021. Among 474 abstracts initially retrieved, 20 RCTs (ten already published, ten ongoing) were included. In the ten studies already published, the mean age of participants was 45.2 ± 11.9 years and only 9.83% of the participants were more than 65 years, 1.66% more than 75 years and less than 1% (0.55%) more than 85 years. In the ten ongoing RCTs, many of the studies aimed at including participants older than 18 years, with one study including participants between 18 and 84 years, and two between 21 and 100 years. In conclusion, our systematic review demonstrates that in published and ongoing phase II-III randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines only a tiny fraction of the most vulnerable group of older people was included, although they clearly were the first population that had to be vaccinated., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
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- 2021
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32. Correction to: Current evidence on the impact of medication optimization or pharmacological interventions on frailty or aspects of frailty: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
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Pazan F, Petrovic M, Cherubini A, Onder G, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Denkinger M, van der Cammen TJM, Stevenson JM, Ibrahim K, Rajkumar C, Bakken MS, Baeyens JP, Crome P, Frühwald T, Gallaghar P, Guðmundsson A, Knol W, O'Mahony D, Pilotto A, Rönnemaa E, Serra-Rexach JA, Soulis G, van Marum RJ, Ziere G, Mair A, Burkhardt H, Neumann-Podczaska A, Wieczorowska-Tobis K, Fernandes MA, Gruner H, Dallmeier D, Beuscart JB, van der Velde N, and Wehling M
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- 2021
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33. The Relevance and Added Value of Geriatric Medicine (GM): Introducing GM to Non-Geriatricians.
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Kotsani M, Kravvariti E, Avgerinou C, Panagiotakis S, Bograkou Tzanetakou K, Antoniadou E, Karamanof G, Karampeazis A, Koutsouri A, Panagiotopoulou K, Soulis G, Stolakis K, Georgiopoulos I, and Benetos A
- Abstract
Geriatric Medicine (GM) holds a crucial role in promoting health and managing the complex medical, cognitive, social, and psychological issues of older people. However, basic principles of GM, essential for optimizing the care of older people, are commonly unknown or undermined, especially in countries where GM is still under development. This narrative review aims at providing insights into the role of GM to non-geriatrician readers and summarizing the main aspects of the added value of a geriatric approach across the spectrum of healthcare. Health practitioners of all specialties are frequently encountered with clinical conditions, common in older patients (such as cancer, hypertension, delirium, major neurocognitive and mental health disorders, malnutrition, and peri-operative complications), which could be more appropriately managed under the light of the approach of GM. The role of allied health professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in dealing with older people's issues is essential, and a multidisciplinary team is required for the delivery of optimal care in response to the needs and aspirations of older people. Thus, countries should assure the educational background of all health care providers and the specialized health and social care services required to meet the demands of a rapidly aging society.
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- 2021
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34. STOPPFall (Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk): a Delphi study by the EuGMS Task and Finish Group on Fall-Risk-Increasing Drugs.
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Seppala LJ, Petrovic M, Ryg J, Bahat G, Topinkova E, Szczerbińska K, van der Cammen TJM, Hartikainen S, Ilhan B, Landi F, Morrissey Y, Mair A, Gutiérrez-Valencia M, Emmelot-Vonk MH, Mora MÁC, Denkinger M, Crome P, Jackson SHD, Correa-Pérez A, Knol W, Soulis G, Gudmundsson A, Ziere G, Wehling M, O'Mahony D, Cherubini A, and van der Velde N
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- Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Delphi Technique, Europe, Humans, Prescriptions, Accidental Falls prevention & control, Pharmaceutical Preparations
- Abstract
Background: Healthcare professionals are often reluctant to deprescribe fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs). Lack of knowledge and skills form a significant barrier and furthermore, there is no consensus on which medications are considered as FRIDs despite several systematic reviews. To support clinicians in the management of FRIDs and to facilitate the deprescribing process, STOPPFall (Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in older adults with high fall risk) and a deprescribing tool were developed by a European expert group., Methods: STOPPFall was created by two facilitators based on evidence from recent meta-analyses and national fall prevention guidelines in Europe. Twenty-four panellists chose their level of agreement on a Likert scale with the items in the STOPPFall in three Delphi panel rounds. A threshold of 70% was selected for consensus a priori. The panellists were asked whether some agents are more fall-risk-increasing than others within the same pharmacological class. In an additional questionnaire, panellists were asked in which cases deprescribing of FRIDs should be considered and how it should be performed., Results: The panellists agreed on 14 medication classes to be included in the STOPPFall. They were mostly psychotropic medications. The panellists indicated 18 differences between pharmacological subclasses with regard to fall-risk-increasing properties. Practical deprescribing guidance was developed for STOPPFall medication classes., Conclusion: STOPPFall was created using an expert Delphi consensus process and combined with a practical deprescribing tool designed to optimise medication review. The effectiveness of these tools in falls prevention should be further evaluated in intervention studies., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)
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- 2021
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35. Feasibility and impact of a short training course on frailty destined for primary health care professionals.
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Kotsani M, Avgerinou C, Haidich AB, Smyrnakis E, Soulis G, Papageorgiou DI, Andreou M, Zeimbekis D, Kokkali S, and Gavana M
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- Aged, Feasibility Studies, Female, Frail Elderly, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Primary Health Care, Frailty diagnosis
- Abstract
Background: There is an unmet need for training primary health care professionals on frailty, especially in countries where geriatrics is still emerging., Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a training course for primary health care professionals on the detection, assessment, and management of frailty., Methods: A single-day training course, developed and facilitated by three physicians trained in geriatrics abroad, was organized by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Primary Hearth Care Research Network. Primary health care professionals' attitudes, knowledge, and everyday practices regarding frailty were assessed by self-administered anonymous questionnaires (using Likert-type scales) at three time-points (before, upon completion of the training course, and 3 months afterward)., Results: Out of 31 participants (17 physicians, 12 nurses, 2 health visitors; 87.1% women; mean age 46.4 years), 31(100%) filled in the first, 30(97%) the second, and 25(81%) the third questionnaire. Improvements were reported in familiarization with the frailty syndrome (p = 0.041) and in self-perception of knowledge and skills to detect (p < 0.001) and manage (p < 0.001) frailty, that were also sustained 3 months afterward (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003 respectively). Improvement was also observed in the attitude that frailty is an inevitable consequence of aging (p = 0.007) and in the frequency of application of screening (but not management) strategies, 3 months following the workshop compared to baseline (p = 0.014). Participants reported less disagreement with the statement that systematic screening for frailty was unfeasible in their daily practice at 3 months compared to baseline (p = 0.006), mainly due to time restrictions., Conclusion: A short skill-oriented training course can significantly and sustainably improve primary health care professionals' attitudes and practices regarding frailty.
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- 2021
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36. Perceptions, attitudes and training needs of primary healthcare professionals in identifying and managing frailty: a qualitative study.
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Avgerinou C, Kotsani M, Gavana M, Andreou M, Papageorgiou DI, Roka V, Symintiridou D, Manolaki C, Soulis G, and Smyrnakis E
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- Attitude, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Perception, Primary Health Care, Frailty
- Abstract
Purpose: Although frailty can be delayed or prevented by appropriate interventions, these are often not available in countries lacking formal education and infrastructure in geriatrics. The aim of this study was to: (a) explore ideas, perceptions and attitudes of primary health care (PHC) professionals towards frailty in a country where geriatrics is not recognised as a specialty; (b) explore PHC professionals' training needs in frailty; and (c) define components of a frailty educational programme in PHC., Methods: Qualitative design, using two focus groups with PHC professionals conducted in Thessaloniki, Greece. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data were analysed with thematic analysis., Results: In total 31 PHC professionals (mean age: 46 years; gender distribution: 27 females, 4 males) participated in the study (physicians n = 17; nurses n = 12; health visitors n = 2). Four main themes were identified: (1) Perceptions and understanding of frailty; (2) Facilitators and barriers to frailty identification and management; (3) Motivation to participate in a frailty training programme; (4) Education and training. The main barriers for the identification and management of frailty were associated with the healthcare system, including duration of appointments, a focus on prescribing, and problems with staffing of allied health professionals, but also a lack of education. Training opportunities were scarce and entirely based on personal incentive. Professionals were receptive to training either face-to-face or online. A focus on learning practical skills was key., Conclusion: Education and training of professionals and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential and much needed for the delivery of person-centred care for people with frailty living in the community.
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- 2021
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37. Geriatric care in European countries where geriatric medicine is still emerging.
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Soulis G, Kotovskaya Y, Bahat G, Duque S, Gouiaa R, Ekdahl AW, Sieber C, Petrovic M, and Benetos A
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- Aged, Europe, Geriatricians, Greece, Humans, Societies, Geriatrics
- Abstract
Purpose: Practicing geriatric medicine is a challenging task since it involves working together with other medical doctors while coordinating a multidisciplinary team. Global Europe Initiative (GEI) group within the European Geriatric Medicine Society gathers geriatricians from different regions where geriatrics is underrepresented or still developing to promote initiatives for the advancement of geriatric medicine within these countries., Methods: Here we present a first effort to describe several aspects that affect practicing geriatric medicine in five different countries: Greece, Portugal, Russia, Turkey, and Tunisia., Results: We can notice discrepancies between countries concerning all dimensions of geriatrics (recognition, training, educational and professional standards, academic representation, working context)., Conclusions: These differences correspond to the specificities of each country and set the frame where geriatric medicine is going to be developed across Europe. EuGMS with GEI group can provide useful support.
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- 2021
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38. Current evidence on the impact of medication optimization or pharmacological interventions on frailty or aspects of frailty: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
- Author
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Pazan F, Petrovic M, Cherubini A, Onder G, Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Denkinger M, van der Cammen TJM, Stevenson JM, Ibrahim K, Rajkumar C, Bakken MS, Baeyens JP, Crome P, Frühwald T, Gallaghar P, Guðmundsson A, Knol W, O'Mahony D, Pilotto A, Rönnemaa E, Serra-Rexach JA, Soulis G, van Marum RJ, Ziere G, Mair A, Burkhardt H, Neumann-Podczaska A, Wieczorowska-Tobis K, Fernandes MA, Gruner H, Dallmeier D, Beuscart JB, van der Velde N, and Wehling M
- Subjects
- Aged, Frail Elderly, Humans, Polypharmacy, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Frailty drug therapy
- Abstract
Background: Frailty and adverse drug effects are linked in the fact that polypharmacy is correlated with the severity of frailty; however, a causal relation has not been proven in older people with clinically manifest frailty., Methods: A literature search was performed in Medline to detect prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of pharmacological interventions or medication optimization in older frail adults on comprehensive frailty scores or partial aspects of frailty that were published from January 1998 to October 2019., Results: Twenty-five studies were identified, 4 on comprehensive frailty scores and 21 on aspects of frailty. Two trials on comprehensive frailty scores showed positive results on frailty although the contribution of medication review in a multidimensional approach was unclear. In the studies on aspects related to frailty, ten individual drug interventions showed improvement in physical performance, muscle strength or body composition utilizing alfacalcidol, teriparatide, piroxicam, testosterone, recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin, or capromorelin. There were no studies examining negative effects of drugs on frailty., Conclusion: So far, data on a causal relationship between drugs and frailty are inconclusive or related to single-drug interventions on partial aspects of frailty. There is a clear need for RCTs on this topic that should be based on a comprehensive, internationally consistent and thus reproducible concept of frailty assessment.
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- 2021
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39. Let food and physical activity be your medicine : Lessons from EuGMS Athens 2020 pre-congress seminar.
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Soulis G, Kotsani M, and Benetos A
- Abstract
Purpose In the context of the preparation of the 16th EuGMS Congress that will be held in Athens in 2020, EUGMS and the Hellenic Consortium for Geriatric Medicine organized a pre-congress seminar in November 2018., Methods: The seminar focused on the role of diet and physical activity in healthy aging., Results: It seems that the Mediterranean Diet (MD) remains one of the most well-studied and scientifically appreciated diets and holds much promise also in older age. It is never too late to adhere to a healthier diet and MD seems to attenuate inflammaging and reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, impaired cognition, and frailty. Food preparation also emerges as a critical issue due to its relation to Advanced Glycation End-products that are tightly related to the aging process. Physical activity is the second pillar of health-promoting lifestyle changes. It can alleviate related to age structural and physiological decline. It does not only reduce total morbidity and mortality in older adults, but also improves functionality and decreases disability in aerobic capacity, body composition, muscle mass, bone density, articulation performance. A multi-component physical activity, combining endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training which is preferable for older adults is advisable. However, adherence to an active lifestyle meets additional challenges for older people, which could be overcome by adjusting intensity and types of exercise in individual capacities and preferences and by campaigning against stereotypes., Conclusions: Promoting healthy diet and physical activity as the new trend in healthy aging is a relevant, cost-effective, and challenging perspective, adjustable to individual needs and values. But most importantly, eating and moving are part of our living, our socializing, and our cultural routines, and by these means, could consist two particularly effective remedies., (© 2019. European Geriatric Medicine Society.)
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- 2019
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40. Effects of metabolic syndrome on arterial function in different age groups: the Advanced Approach to Arterial Stiffness study.
- Author
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Topouchian J, Labat C, Gautier S, Bäck M, Achimastos A, Blacher J, Cwynar M, de la Sierra A, Pall D, Fantin F, Farkas K, Garcia-Ortiz L, Hakobyan Z, Jankowski P, Jelakovic A, Kobalava Z, Konradi A, Kotovskaya Y, Kotsani M, Lazareva I, Litvin A, Milyagin V, Mintale I, Persson O, Ramos R, Rogoza A, Ryliskyte L, Scuteri A, Sirenko Y, Soulis G, Tasic N, Udovychenko M, Urazalina S, Wohlfahrt P, Zelveian P, Benetos A, and Asmar R
- Subjects
- Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Ankle Brachial Index, Blood Glucose metabolism, Blood Pressure, Case-Control Studies, Dyslipidemias physiopathology, Female, Humans, Lipoproteins, HDL blood, Male, Middle Aged, Obesity physiopathology, Prospective Studies, Pulse Wave Analysis, Triglycerides blood, Arteries physiopathology, Hyperglycemia physiopathology, Hypertension physiopathology, Metabolic Syndrome physiopathology, Vascular Stiffness
- Abstract
Objective: The aim of the Advanced Approach to Arterial Stiffness study was to compare arterial stiffness measured simultaneously with two different methods in different age groups of middle-aged and older adults with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). The specific effects of the different MetS components on arterial stiffness were also studied., Methods: This prospective, multicentre, international study included 2224 patients aged 40 years and older, 1664 with and 560 without MetS. Patients were enrolled in 32 centres from 18 European countries affiliated to the International Society of Vascular Health & Aging. Arterial stiffness was evaluated using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) and the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) in four prespecified age groups: 40-49, 50-59, 60-74, 75-90 years. In this report, we present the baseline data of this study., Results: Both CF-PWV and CAVI increased with age, with a higher correlation coefficient for CAVI (comparison of coefficients P < 0.001). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted values of CF-PWV and CAVI were weakly intercorrelated (r = 0.06, P < 0.001). Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted values for CF-PWV but not CAVI were higher in presence of MetS (CF-PWV: 9.57 ± 0.06 vs. 8.65 ± 0.10, P < 0.001; CAVI: 8.34 ± 0.03 vs. 8.29 ± 0.04, P = 0.40; mean ± SEM; MetS vs. no MetS). The absence of an overall effect of MetS on CAVI was related to the heterogeneous effects of the components of MetS on this parameter: CAVI was positively associated with the high glycaemia and high blood pressure components, whereas lacked significant associations with the HDL and triglycerides components while exhibiting a negative association with the overweight component. In contrast, all five MetS components showed positive associations with CF-PWV., Conclusion: This large European multicentre study reveals a differential impact of MetS and age on CAVI and CF-PWV and suggests that age may have a more pronounced effect on CAVI, whereas MetS increases CF-PWV but not CAVI. This important finding may be due to heterogeneous effects of MetS components on CAVI. The clinical significance of these original results will be assessed during the longitudinal phase of the study.
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- 2018
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41. Advanced analytical methodologies for measuring healthy ageing and its determinants, using factor analysis and machine learning techniques: the ATHLOS project.
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Caballero FF, Soulis G, Engchuan W, Sánchez-Niubó A, Arndt H, Ayuso-Mateos JL, Haro JM, Chatterji S, and Panagiotakos DB
- Subjects
- Health Status, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Factor Analysis, Statistical, Healthy Aging, Machine Learning
- Abstract
A most challenging task for scientists that are involved in the study of ageing is the development of a measure to quantify health status across populations and over time. In the present study, a Bayesian multilevel Item Response Theory approach is used to create a health score that can be compared across different waves in a longitudinal study, using anchor items and items that vary across waves. The same approach can be applied to compare health scores across different longitudinal studies, using items that vary across studies. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) are employed. Mixed-effects multilevel regression and Machine Learning methods were used to identify relationships between socio-demographics and the health score created. The metric of health was created for 17,886 subjects (54.6% of women) participating in at least one of the first six ELSA waves and correlated well with already known conditions that affect health. Future efforts will implement this approach in a harmonised data set comprising several longitudinal studies of ageing. This will enable valid comparisons between clinical and community dwelling populations and help to generate norms that could be useful in day-to-day clinical practice.
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- 2017
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42. The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Lifestyle Health Determinants Among Older Adults Living in the Mediterranean Region: The Multinational MEDIS Study (2005-2015).
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Foscolou A, Tyrovolas S, Soulis G, Mariolis A, Piscopo S, Valacchi G, Anastasiou F, Lionis C, Zeimbekis A, Tur JA, Bountziouka V, Tyrovola D, Gotsis E, Metallinos G, Matalas AL, Polychronopoulos E, Sidossis L, and Panagiotakos DB
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- Age Factors, Aged, Depression, Diet, Exercise, Female, Health Status, Humans, Male, Mediterranean Islands, Middle Aged, Risk Factors, Sex Factors, Smoking, Life Style, Social Class
- Abstract
Objectives: By the end of the 2000s, the economic situation in many European countries started to deteriorate, generating financial uncertainty, social insecurity and worse health status. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the recent financial crisis has affected the lifestyle health determinants and behaviours of older adults living in the Mediterranean islands., Methods: From 2005 to 2015, a population-based, multi-stage convenience sampling method was used to voluntarily enrol 2749 older adults (50% men) from 20 Mediterranean islands and the rural area of the Mani peninsula. Lifestyle status was evaluated as the cumulative score of four components (range, 0 to 6), that is, smoking habits, diet quality (MedDietScore), depression status (Geriatric Depression Scale) and physical activity., Results: Older Mediterranean people enrolled in the study from 2009 onwards showed social isolation and increased smoking, were more prone to depressive symptoms, and adopted less healthy dietary habits, as compared to their counterparts participating earlier in the study (p<0.05), irrespective of age, gender, several clinical characteristics, or socioeconomic status of the participants (an almost 50% adjusted increase in the lifestyle score from before 2009 to after 2009, p<0.001)., Conclusions: A shift towards less healthy behaviours was noticeable after the economic crisis had commenced. Public health interventions should focus on older adults, particularly of lower socioeconomic levels, in order to effectively reduce the burden of cardiometabolic disease at the population level.
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- 2017
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43. Early neuroendocrine alterations in female rats following a diet moderately enriched in fat.
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Soulis G, Kitraki E, and Gerozissis K
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- Animals, Blood Glucose, Corticosterone blood, Eating physiology, Female, Homeostasis physiology, Neurosecretory Systems physiopathology, RNA, Messenger analysis, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Receptors, Steroid genetics, Reproduction physiology, Stress, Physiological physiopathology, Weight Gain physiology, Dietary Fats pharmacology, Energy Metabolism physiology, Neurosecretory Systems metabolism, Stress, Physiological metabolism
- Abstract
1. High-fat diets disrupt metabolic equilibrium and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function and may lead to the development of metabolic and endocrine dysfunctions. The early neuroendocrine responses elicited by a combination of short-term metabolic and emotional stressors is not fully elucidated. 2. The purpose of the present study was to determine the impact on female rats, of a short-term enriched in fat diet, combined with an acute stressor. 3. Adult female Wistar rats were fed a fat diet for 7 days and subsequently exposed to 5 min swimming stress. Plasma leptin, insulin, glucose, luteinizing hormone (LH) and corticosterone, along with brain corticosteroid receptors' mRNAs were measured at 1 h post stress. 4. Diet, compared to chow, reduced food intake and body weight gain, increased leptin and LH, and decreased glucose in the periphery. The diet increased plasma corticosterone and reduced GR mRNA in the hippocampus, similarly to swim stress. 5. The diet significantly modified the animals' response to the subsequent swim stress, by blocking further corticosterone rise and GR mRNA reduction. In addition, exposure of diet-fed rats to stress, altered their endocrine response, in terms of leptin and LH. 6. These observations suggest that even short, moderately unbalanced diets can affect peripheral and central components of energy balance, reproduction and stress response.
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- 2005
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44. Impaired neuroendocrine response to stress following a short-term fat-enriched diet.
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Kitraki E, Soulis G, and Gerozissis K
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- Animals, Blood Glucose physiology, Blotting, Northern methods, Corticosterone blood, Hippocampus metabolism, Hypothalamus metabolism, Insulin blood, Leptin blood, Male, Nervous System Diseases blood, Nervous System Diseases metabolism, Neurosecretory Systems metabolism, RNA isolation & purification, Rats, Rats, Wistar, Receptors, Glucocorticoid genetics, Receptors, Glucocorticoid metabolism, Stress, Physiological metabolism, Dietary Fats adverse effects, Nervous System Diseases etiology, Neurosecretory Systems physiopathology, Stress, Physiological physiopathology
- Abstract
Unbalanced diets and stressful situations disrupt energy homeostasis and are implicated in the development of severe pathologies. The present study investigated the effects of a 7-day diet, enriched in corn oil (20%) and proportionally lower in protein and carbohydrate, on the major regulators of energy expenditure and stress response of adult male Wistar rats exposed to acute swimming stress at the end of the dietary treatment. Food intake and body weight gain were lower in diet-fed as compared with normal-chow-fed controls. The circulating leptin levels were elevated in both nonstressed and stressed diet-fed rats, while the glucose levels were significantly increased only in the diet-fed group subjected to stress. The plasma insulin levels were not affected by the diet, but were significantly reduced in acutely stressed rats. Acute swimming increased corticosterone levels both in chow-fed and diet-fed rats. No significant effect of diet was observed on corticosterone levels. Northern blot analysis showed increased glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus of normally fed rats subjected to stress. This increase was not observed in the diet-fed stressed group, which on the contrary showed reduced glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels following stress. The data presented indicate that even a moderately unbalanced, fat-enriched diet can within a short time disrupt the metabolic neuroendocrine balance and the stress response, rendering the organism more vulnerable to potential stressful insults.
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- 2004
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