Α Case Contradicting the Defnition of Embolic Strokes of Undetermined Source: Te Necessity of Transesophageal Echocardiography

Aristeidis H. Katsanos,Aidonio Fiolaki,Konstantinos Pappas,Eleftheria Siarava,Georgios Tsivgoulis,Sotirios Giannopoulos 대한신경과학회 2016 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.12 No.2

Hedging Effectiveness in Energy Market during Economic Crisis: Better Way to Integration

( Aristeidis Samitas ),( Ioannis Tsakalos ),( Nikolaos Eriotis ) 세종대학교 경제통합연구소(구 세종대학교 국제경제연구소) 2011 Journal of Economic Integration Vol.26 No.3

This paper investigates hedging and risk management options in the energy sector. Energy firms tend to adopt risk management tools in order to cover their financial exposure. Taking into consideration that current crisis has a significant effect on their value; we check whether energy firms actually have better output when they use hedging tools. In order to measure the effectiveness of this strategy in the energy industry, we adopt Tobin`s Q methodology. The sample of this study consists energy firms on a worldwide basis. The empirical evidence of this research confirms that energy firms may avoid huge economic problems when they adopt risk management methods. It is better enery market integration.

Financial Market Dynamics in an Enlarged European Union

( Dimitris Kenourgios ),( Aristeidis Samitas ),( Nikos Paltalidis ) 세종대학교 경제통합연구소 2009 Journal of Economic Integration Vol.24 No.2

This paper provides evidence of integration in European equity and bond markets over the period January 2, 1997 to October 1, 2006. Our focus is to examine time-varying correlation dynamics in Euro-area, Central European (CE) and Balkan financial markets, modifying the asymmetric generalized dynamic conditional correlation (AG-DCC) model developed by Cappiello, Engle and Sheppard (Journal of Financial Econometrics, 2006). Using structural breaks, we identify the optimal time decay where financial markets share highest comovement. The results show an increase in the level of dependence during the period of the internet bubble collapse (2000), the Balkan countries start formally discussions to join European Union (2000), the introduction of Euro banknotes and coins (2002) and the entry of CE countries in EU (2004). The CE European and Balkan countries become gradually more integrated with the EMU countries, which is consistent with the interpretation that these countries may be expected to join the Euro in the future.

Duration of Implantable Cardiac Monitoring and Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Georgios Tsivgoulis,Aristeidis H. Katsanos,Martin Köhrmann,Valeria Caso,Fabienne Perren,Lina Palaiodimou,Spyridon Deftereos,Sotirios Giannopoulos,John Ellul,Christos Krogias,Dimitris Mavridis,Sokratis 대한뇌졸중학회 2019 Journal of stroke Vol.21 No.3

Background and Purpose Current guidelines do not provide firm directions on atrial fibrillation (AF) screening after ischemic stroke (IS). We sought to investigate the association of implantable cardiac monitoring (ICM) duration with the yield of AF detection in IS patients. Methods We included studies reporting AF detection rates by ICM in IS patients with negative initial AF screening. We excluded studies reporting prolonged cardiac monitoring with devices other than ICM, not providing AF detection rates or monitoring duration, and reporting overlapping data for the same population. The random-effects model was used for all pooled estimates and meta-regression analyses. Results We included 28 studies (4,531 patients, mean age 65 years). In meta-regression analyses, the proportion of AF detection by ICM was independently associated with monitoring duration (coefficient=0.015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.005 to 0.024) and mean patient age (coefficient=0.009; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.015). No associations were detected with other patient characteristics, including IS subtype (cryptogenic vs. embolic stroke of undetermined source) or time from IS onset to CM implantation. In subgroup analyses, significant differences (P<0.001) in the AF detection rates were found for ICM duration (<6 months: 5% [95% CI, 3% to 6%]; ≥6 and ≤12 months: 21% [95% CI, 16% to 25%]; >12 and ≤24 months: 26% [95% CI, 22% to 31%]; >24 months: 34% [95% CI, 29% to 39%]). Conclusions Extended duration of ICM monitoring and increased patient age are factors that substantially increase AF detection in IS patients with initial negative AF screening.

Detection of O-Linked-N-Acetylglucosamine Modification and Its Associated Enzymes in Human Degenerated Intervertebral Discs

Georgios Nikolaou,Aristeidis H. Zibis,Apostolos H. Fyllos,Antonios Katsioulis,Sotirios Sotiriou,Anastasios Kotrotsios,Markos Sgantzos,Aikaterini Vassiou,Dimitrios L. Arvanitis 대한척추외과학회 2017 Asian Spine Journal Vol.11 No.6

Study Design: Human herniated discs were obtained from discectomy specimens for the immunohistochemical detection of OGlcNAc and O-GlcNAcase (OGA)/O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). Purpose: This study aimed to quantify the extent of O-GlcNAcylation and its associated enzymes (OGT/OGA) in human degenerated intervertebral discs. Overview of Literature: The O-GlcNAcylation of nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial proteins as well as the effects of such post-translational modifications are currently the focus of extensive research. O-GlcNAcylation is believed to contribute to the etiology of chronic illnesses by acting as a nutrient and stress sensor in the cellular environment. Mature intervertebral disc cells are chondrocyte-like cells, and O-GlcNAc has been shown to promote chondrocyte apoptosis in vitro . We believe that O-GlcNAcylation is a key regulator of disc degeneration. Methods: Fifty-six specimens were fixed for 24 hours in a 10% solution of neutral-buffered formaldehyde, dehydrated, and embedded in paraffin. Tissue slices (4-μm-thick) were used for hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. Results: We found that O-GlcNAcylation of cytoplasmic proteins was less than that of nuclear proteins in both single cells and cell clusters. Cytoplasmic O-GlcNAcylation occurs subsequent to nuclear O-GlcNAcylation and is directly proportional to disc degeneration. OGT and O-GlcNAc expression levels were identical in all specimens examined. Conclusions: O-GlcNAc and OGA/OGT expression is shown to correlate for the first time with intervertebral disc cell degeneration. Increasing disc degeneration is associated with increasing O-GlcNAcylation in both nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins in human disc cells.

THE EFFECT OF BRAND COMMUNITIES ON CONSUMERS’ PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BRAND LOYALTY

Mark Mills,Magnus Hultman,Aristeidis Theotokis 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2018 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2018 No.07

The use of brand communities have been hailed as an effective tool for marketers to develop relationships between their brands and consumers, with the ultimate goal to create and sustain brand loyalty. The majority of theoretical assertions regarding brand communities are underpinned by the use of social identity theory (Tajfel, 1982). Social identity theory posits that individuals have a need to construct and display a ‘self-concept’ and a strategy to communicate this is the process of identification with groups. As the focus of a brand community is the brand itself it is clear that brand community identification and brand identification must be correlated, but little research has explored this relationship or its effects. This study aimed to fill a gap within the knowledge by further exploring the relationship between brand identification and brand community identification by providing more insight into the role which an individuals’ identification with a brand community (Muniz and O’Guinn, 2001) has within their relationship with the focal brand and their loyalty to that brand. Specifically, this research aimed to gain a greater understanding of the different effect brand community identification had upon the relationship between brand identification and both public and private brand loyalty. This was explored through the utilisation of a survey of fans of a professional basketball team within the UK (n=298). The data and subsequent analysis supported the hypotheses that individuals’ brand community identification has a positive relationship with both public and private forms of brand loyalty. More importantly it also presented brand community identification as a mediator in the relationship between brand identification and public brand loyalty. Therefore, this study is the first to present brand community identification as critical within consumers’ development of publicly displayed brand loyalty. Managerially this understanding provides support for the proactive utilisation of brand communities by marketers. It also provides guidance for the context in which brand communities are critical for the success of the brand. This research delivers support for marketers, to utilise brand communities proactively when trying to motivate consumers to participate in publicly displayed pro-brand behaviour. This guides the re-allocation of budget away from pure brand identification activities to brand community engagement strategies.

Quality of Life and Emotional Strain in Caregivers of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Petros Petrikis,Anastasia Baldouma,Aristeidis H. Katsanos,Spyridon Konitsiotis,Spyridon Konitsiotis,Sotirios Giannopoulos 대한신경과학회 2019 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.15 No.1

Background and Purpose This study aimed was to measure the quality of life, fatigue, stress, and depression in a consecutive sample of caregivers of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Methods We included data from 131 consecutive caregivers of MS patients [age=51.2±12.8 years (mean±SD), males=53.4%, duration of caregiving=10.0±6.3 years]. We assessed the quality of life, fatigue, stress, and depression of the caregivers using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Krupp Fatigue Severity Scale, Kingston Caregiver Stress Scale, and Hamilton Scale for Depression, respectively. The disability status of the patients was assessed using the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale. We used linear regression models to identify possible correlations between all of the aforementioned scales, while multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the correlations of caregiver fatigue with caregiver characteristics and patient disability. Results The linear regression analyses revealed that caregiver fatigue was positively associated with stress and negatively correlated with both physical health status and mental health status. Caregiver stress was positively associated with depression and negatively correlated with both physical health status and mental health status. Depression was negatively correlated with both caregiver physical health status and mental health status. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, caregiver fatigue was found to be independently associated with education status [odds ratio (OR)=0.61, 95% CI=0.37 to 0.99], history of chronic disease (OR=5.52, 95% CI=1.48 to 20.55), other chronic diseases in the family (OR=7.48, 95% CI=1.49 to 37.47), and the disability status of the patient (OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.03 to 1.80). Conclusions Fatigue, stress, and depression in caregivers of MS patients are negatively correlated with their physical health status and mental health status. Caregiver fatigue is independently associated with education status, history of chronic disease, other chronic disease in the family, and patient disability.

Association of Elevated Blood Pressure Levels with Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Konark Malhotra,Niaz Ahmed,Angeliki Filippatou,Aristeidis H. Katsanos,Nitin Goyal,Konstantinos Tsioufis,Efstathios Manios,Maria Pikilidou,Peter D. Schellinger,Anne W. Alexandrov,Andrei V. Alexandrov,G 대한뇌졸중학회 2019 Journal of stroke Vol.21 No.1

Background and Purpose Although arbitrary blood pressure (BP) thresholds exist for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients eligible for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), current international recommendations lack clarity on the impact of mean pre- and post-IVT BP levels on clinical outcomes. Methods Eligible studies involving IVT-treated AIS patients were identified that reported the association of mean systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP levels before and after IVT with the following outcomes: 3-month favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores of 0–1) and 3-month functional independence (mRS scores of 0–2), 3-month mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). Unadjusted analyses of standardized mean differences and adjusted analyses of studies reporting odds ratios (ORadj) per 10 mm Hg BP increment were performed using random-effects models. Results We identified 26 studies comprising 56,513 patients. Higher pre- (P=0.02) and posttreatment (P=0.006) SBP levels were observed in patients with sICH. Patients with 3-month functional independence had lower post-treatment (P<0.001) SBP whereas trended towards lower pre-treatment (P=0.06) SBP. In adjusted analyses, elevated pre- (ORadj, 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.16) and post-treatment (ORadj, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.25) SBP levels were associated with increased likelihood of sICH. Increasing pre- (ORadj, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84 to 0.98) and post-treatment (ORadj, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.87) SBP values were also related to lower odds of 3-month functional independence. Conclusions We found that elevated BP levels adversely impact AIS outcomes in patients receiving IVT. Future randomized-controlled clinical trials will provide definitive data on the aforementioned association.

GREEN EMPHASIS: THE ROLE OF GREEN PRODUCT COMMUNICATIONS IN INFLUENCING PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS

Bryan Usrey,Dayananda Palihawadana,Charalampos Saridakis,Aristeidis Theotokis 글로벌지식마케팅경영학회 2016 Global Marketing Conference Vol.2016 No.7

Green products are often afflicted with a perceived performance liability, presenting marketing managers with a dilemma of how to motivate consumers to alter their consumption behavior, while acknowledging their negative inferences about green product performance. To address this problem, we develop green emphasis, defined as the prominence given to a firms’ environmental initiative in a green product communication appeal. By employing a green emphasis strategy, a firm makes prominent in a communication message either environmental attributes (Study 1 and 3), or uses assertive terminology (Study 2) to heighten issue importance. When a green emphasis strategy is used, the lack of performance-related extrinsic cues may reduce an individuals’ evaluation of a product’s performance ability. This relationship is mediated by autonomous motivation, which may be enhanced through the provision of information that is of interest and value to an individual (Deci & Ryan, 2000). Next, the moderating variable of performance criticality is examined, whereby the importance of the products’ performance ability is based on its associated category (Study 1) or purchase situation (Study 2). When a product belongs to a performance-critical category, or if situational involvement is heightened, the incongruent product information may heighten the negative impact of green emphasis. Finally, environmental attribute optionality (Study 3) is examined. When optional, the attribute is non-fundamental to the functioning of the base product (Ma, Gill, & Jiang, 2015). By making the environmental attribute an option, it is supposed that the incongruity between the attribute and perceived product performance is mitigated and localized, overcoming the negative effect of green emphasis.

Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Caused by a Giant, Thrombosed, Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm

Odysseas Kargiotis,Georgios Magoufis,Apostolos Safouris,Aristeidis H. Katsanos,Eleftherios Stamboulis,Georgios Tsivgoulis 대한신경과학회 2017 Journal of Clinical Neurology Vol.13 No.2