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John Lekakis

Publications and source records attributed to John Lekakis.

44 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A video lesson series is effective in changing the dietary intakes and food-related behaviors of low-income homemakers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relative cost-effectiveness of a self-administered video series in delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used, with subjects randomly assigned to traditional lessons (Traditional Group) or video lessons (Video Group). SUBJECTS/SETTING: 108 subjects were recruited, with 93 nonpregnant, low-income, female homemakers completing the study (response rate = 86%). Subjects had recently enrolled in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, or the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program, and had a videocassette recorder and telephone. INTERVENTION: Both groups received 12 lessons from the Eating Right Is Basic Series, 3rd edition, with the Traditional Group being taught in face-to-face sessions and the Video Group receiving self-administered, video-lesson packets. OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intake and food behaviors were assessed at pre and post intervention with 24-hour recalls and a 14-item checklist. STATISTICAL ANALYSES: Chi(2) and t tests were used to compare the groups on demographics and pre-intervention dietary factors. Multiple analysis of variance was used for comparisons of change from pre to post intervention. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in both groups for fruits, calcium, and vitamins A and C. The Video Group improved on fiber intake (P<or=.005). The groups did not differ on dietary or behavior change (P=.2357). Duplication and implementation costs of the video series totaled 4,820 dollars, or 36% of the traditional lesson cost of 13,463 dollars. APPLICATIONS: Both methods achieved similar improvements in diet and behaviors, but the video method was less expensive. The video series seems to be a cost-effective method for delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers.

Adolescent↗

Molecular analysis of the estrogen receptor alpha gene in men with coronary artery disease: association with disease status.

BACKGROUND: The vasoprotective effects of estrogens are known to be mediated by their respective estrogen receptors (ER) alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta), which are present on the vascular wall. The amino-terminal part of the ERalpha appears to be important; genetic alterations in this region have been associated with arterial hypertension. This region has not been studied in atherosclerotic disease. In the present study, we examined the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and alterations of the NH(2)-terminal part of ERalpha coding region. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from 50 healthy men and 40 men with CAD confirmed by coronary angiography. The coding sequences of exons 1 and 2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyzed by either denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) or single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP), or both, sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), as appropriate. In the same subjects, biochemical and vascular parameters were also determined by using the appropriate methodology. RESULTS: In exon 1, the codon 10 polymorphism was detected in both patients and healthy men either in heterozygous or homozygous form. The codon 87 polymorphism was detected mainly in homozygous form and only five individuals were heterozygotes. No mutations were found in exon 2. Statistical analysis of the allele distribution for either codon 10 or 87 between patients and healthy men showed no significant difference. In patients, the biochemical parameters were not statistically significantly different between ERalpha codon 10 genotypes or alleles. However, there was a clear effect of the TCT/TCT genotype and TCT allele on the vascular parameters whereas the right internal carotid artery (RICA) intima-media thickness was significantly associated with TCT/TCT genotype and TCT allele. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ERalpha genotypes play no role in the incidence of CAD disease, however, ERalpha codon 10 may be a genetic factor controlling some vessels' angiographic complications.

Adult↗

Myocardial adrenergic denervation in patients with primary (AL) amyloidosis.

Three patients, 2 women and 1 man, with primary (AL) amyloidosis without congestive heart failure are described; all 3 patients presented reduced I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial uptake suggesting marked cardiac sympathetic denervation. This is the first time myocardial adrenergic denervation is described in patients with AL amyloidosis without evidence of congestive heart failure; the observed denervation could be implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac conduction disturbances which are common in this disease.

3-Iodobenzylguanidine↗

Early microvascular and macrovascular dysfunction is not accompanied by structural arterial injury in polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: During the last decade cardiovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction have been shown to be present early in life in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The aim of the present study was a global assessment of abnormalities in the arterial bed of young women with PCOS by non-invasive, reproducible methods. DESIGN: 27 women with PCOS and 27 control women of comparable age, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were studied. Macrovascular function was assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) on the brachial artery. Nitrate-induced dilatation (NID) was performed to exclude a vascular smooth muscle cells injury. Microvascular function was assessed by venous occlusion plethysmography studying forearm blood flow. Arterial structure was evaluated by ultrasonographic assessment of intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery. RESULTS: FMD values were lower in women with PCOS compared to controls (PCOS: 3.84+/-0.74% vs. controls: 9.83+/-0.97%, P<0.001), but no difference was observed in NID (PCOS: 16.59+/-1.84% vs. controls: 16.64+/-2.05%, P=0.98) values. The time required for reactive hyperemia to reach peak value, a plethysmography parameter, was longer in PCOS women (PCOS: 20.63+/-4.67 sec vs. controls: 10.38+/-5.11 sec, P=0.02). No difference was observed in the combined IMT among the studied groups (PCOS: 0.49+/-0.01 mm v.s. controls: 0.51+/-0.02 mm, P=0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Using non invasive methodologies endothelial dysfunction in the macrocirculation and early impairment in the microcirculation were demonstrated in young women with PCOS who had normal profile of glycemia, lipidemia and blood pressure, and no evidence of structural arterial impairment.

Adult↗