Evangelos Karanikas

The Role of Cortisol in First Episode of Psychosis: A Systematic Review

The stress diathesis hypothesis is currently one of the prevailing models of etiology of psychotic disorders. Cortisol is the most researched stress hormone; yet its role in first episode psychosis (FEP) was only recently investigated. The aim of the present study is to systematically review the evidence on the potential role of cortisol in FEP. Higher cortisol levels in blood samples have been consistently replicated, whereas saliva studies measuring baseline cortisol levels have exhibited divergent results. Moreover, longitudinal studies have revealed a cortisol upregulation in FEP with a subsequent decrease induced by antipsychotic treatment. The evidence suggests a role for cortisol in psychosis, although the association of cortisol with psychopathological symptoms is currently non-specific. Future research should focus on more pure diagnostic entities, clearly defined stages of the disorder and refined methods of hormonal measurement.

Role of cortisol in patients at risk for psychosis mental state and psychopathological correlates: A systematic review

During recent decades, much evidence has been accumulated concerning the neuroendocrine basis of schizophrenia. Recently, research has focused on stress hormones, with cortisol being the most widely researched, during the prodromal phase of psychosis. Thus, the present study aims to systematically review the evidence concerning the role of cortisol in patients at risk for psychosis mental state and its associations with psychopathological correlates. We systematically reviewed the published reports referring to both ‘at clinical risk for psychosis’ and ‘at genetic risk for psychosis’ mental state. Sixteen studies were identified. A trend towards increased cortisol levels in saliva emerged. Findings concerning cortisol levels in the blood were minimal and less consistent. The longitudinal studies, though with divergent results, hinted towards upregulation of cortisol secretion prior to psychotic conversion. Regarding cortisols reactivity, evaluated through neuroendocrine, psychosocial and naturalistic stressors, the findings were minimal and divergent. The hypothesized relation of psychotic symptomatology with cortisol in subjects at risk for psychosis was not confirmed by the majority of the studies. On the contrary, the anxiety parameter and stress‐intolerance index were both positively associated with cortisol. In conclusion, the published reports related to the evaluation of cortisol levels/function at prodrome are hitherto minimal. Although the evidence favors cortisols participation in the pathophysiology of psychosis, the exact cause–effect sequence and the intertwining of cortisol with psychopathology are still unclear.

Effect of enzymatic treatment on the dyeing properties of protein wool fibers

Two proteolytic enzymes were used as auxiliaries in the dyeing of wool fabrics with acid dyes. The effect of the enzymes on dye exhaustion (%E) and dye uptake (K/S) was studied at 70, 85, and 98 °C and compared to the corresponding values obtained for the control samples which were dyed without enzymes under the same conditions. Two commercially available dyeing auxiliaries commonly used for the dyeing of wool at low temperatures were also used under the same conditions and compared with the dyeings made with and without enzymes. Treatment with transglutaminase was done in order to compensate the damaging effects of protease. The study shows that the enzymes could be used as auxiliaries in the dyeing of wool at lower temperatures.

Disperse inkjet inks with a new antibacterial agent as additive: Properties and application to polyester and polyamide fibres

Two water based disperse inkjet inks for polyester textile printing with antibacterial properties were prepared. The antibacterial activity was due to the presence of polyhexamethylene bisguanidine (PHMBG). The surface tension, pH, viscosity and conductivity of all inks formulations were monitored over a period of time for the evaluation of ink stability and suitability. The inks were used for application on polyester and polyamide samples by exhaustion (dyeing) and wash, light fastness and colour measurements were made on the dyed samples. The optimum application level required to give long lasting antimicrobial protection was determined by carrying out a series of antimicrobial testing.

The role of cortisol in At Risk for Psychosis mental state and psychopathological correlates: a systematic review

During recent decades, much evidence has been accumulated concerning the neuroendocrine basis of schizophrenia. Recently, research has focused on stress hormones, with cortisol being the most widely researched, during the prodromal phase of psychosis. Thus, the present study aims to systematically review the evidence concerning the role of cortisol in patients at risk for psychosis mental state and its associations with psychopathological correlates. We systematically reviewed the published reports referring to both ‘at clinical risk for psychosis’ and ‘at genetic risk for psychosis’ mental state. Sixteen studies were identified. A trend towards increased cortisol levels in saliva emerged. Findings concerning cortisol levels in the blood were minimal and less consistent. The longitudinal studies, though with divergent results, hinted towards upregulation of cortisol secretion prior to psychotic conversion. Regarding cortisols reactivity, evaluated through neuroendocrine, psychosocial and naturalistic stressors, the findings were minimal and divergent. The hypothesized relation of psychotic symptomatology with cortisol in subjects at risk for psychosis was not confirmed by the majority of the studies. On the contrary, the anxiety parameter and stress‐intolerance index were both positively associated with cortisol. In conclusion, the published reports related to the evaluation of cortisol levels/function at prodrome are hitherto minimal. Although the evidence favors cortisols participation in the pathophysiology of psychosis, the exact cause–effect sequence and the intertwining of cortisol with psychopathology are still unclear.

Azo reactive dyes: ultrafiltration and application to cotton by exhaustion and digital ink-jet printing

Three reactive dyes have been synthesized by coupling 1-amino-phenyl-4-beta hydroxyethyl sulfone sulfate ester with 1-amino-8-hydroxynaphalene-3,6-disoulphonic acid (H-acid). The dyes synthesized were then purified using ultrafiltration and water-based reactive ink jet inks were prepared for digital printing applications. The dyes were characterized by their spectrophotometrical data ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. The purity of dyes was checked by thin layer chromatography and their dyeing performance was assessed on cotton fibers by exhaustion (dyeing) and ink-jet printing. Ink-jet inks with the dyes synthesized were prepared and their physical properties were measured in order to evaluate their suitability for ink-jet printing. Color measurements and fastness properties were performed for the dyed and digitally printed samples. Coloristic values of the dyed/ printed samples were as expected, that is, K/S values of the dyed samples were much higher than those of the printed ones, K/S values of the samples dyed with the ultrafiltrated dyes were higher than those with the initial dyes and the rest of the coloristic co-ordinates L, a, b, C, H, were in line with strength changes of the dyes before and after ultrafiltration. The dyed samples had excellent wash fastness and medium light fastness. Ultrafiltration slightly improves the fastness properties of the dyed samples.

Synthesis, characterization and ultrafiltration of reactive dyes. Application by exhaustion and/or ink-jet printing—II:

Three novel vinyl sulfone reactive dyes of various metallic salts (Na, K, Li) have been synthesized by coupling 1-amino-phenyl-4-beta hydroxyethyl sulfone sulfate ester with 1-amino-8-hydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid (H-acid). The reactive dyes were then purified using ultrafiltration (UF). The ultrafiltrated dyes of the various metallic salts were characterized by their spectrophotometrical data using Ultra Violet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infra-red and optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and elemental analysis. The purity of the dyes was checked by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). The solubility characteristics of the various salts of the ultrafiltrated reactive dyes were assessed and compared with the non-ultrafiltrated reactive dyes of the same salts. The dyes were characterized and applied to cotton, wool, and nylon 66 by exhaustion (dyeing). Novel water-based reactive ink-jet inks were prepared with the ultrafiltrated reactive dyes of the various metallic salts. Their suitability for digital printing applications was examined by using a digital printer on suitably pretreated cotton samples. Color and fastness properties measurements were performed for both the dyed and digitally printed samples. K/S values of the dyed samples were higher than those of the digitally printed ones, whereas K/S values of the samples dyed with the ultrafiltrated dyes were much higher than those of the non-ultrafiltrated dyes. The other coloristic co-ordinates L*, a*, b*, C*, and ho were in line with strength changes of the dyes before and after UF. The dyed and digitally printed samples had excellent wash and good light fastness properties. UF slightly improved the fastness properties of the dyed samples.

Synthesis, characterization and ultrafiltration of reactive dyes. Application by exhaustion and/or ink-jet printing. IV.

Three new bis azo reactive dyes of different metallic salts (Na, K, Li) were synthesized. The synthesis was obtained by diazotization of 4-amino-2:5 di methoxy phenylene-beta hydroxyl ethyl sulphone sulphate ester and coupling with 1-amino-8-hydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid (H-acid) (moles ratio 2:1). The dyes were purified-concentrated by ultrafiltration technology, characterized and applied on cotton, wool and nylon 6,6 fabric by exhaustion (dyeing) and by ink-jet printing. Fastness properties of the dyeings were measured. Wash fastness was investigated according to international standard methods and was found to be very good to excellent in all cases, while light fastness values were medium to low. Ink-jet ink formulations were prepared using the ultra filtrated reactive blue dyes UF RB(a-c) and their properties pH, conductivity, surface tension and viscosity were monitored over a period of 90 days. The inks were used to print digitally cotton and nylon 6,6 samples and wash- and light fastness properties of the prints were measured. Wash fastness properties were excellent while light fastness values are low Colour measurements of the dyeings and prints were conducted.

Role of cortisol in patients at risk for psychosis mental state and psychopathological correlates: A systematic review: Cortisol and psychosis

During recent decades, much evidence has been accumulated concerning the neuroendocrine basis of schizophrenia. Recently, research has focused on stress hormones, with cortisol being the most widely researched, during the prodromal phase of psychosis. Thus, the present study aims to systematically review the evidence concerning the role of cortisol in patients at risk for psychosis mental state and its associations with psychopathological correlates. We systematically reviewed the published reports referring to both ‘at clinical risk for psychosis’ and ‘at genetic risk for psychosis’ mental state. Sixteen studies were identified. A trend towards increased cortisol levels in saliva emerged. Findings concerning cortisol levels in the blood were minimal and less consistent. The longitudinal studies, though with divergent results, hinted towards upregulation of cortisol secretion prior to psychotic conversion. Regarding cortisols reactivity, evaluated through neuroendocrine, psychosocial and naturalistic stressors, the findings were minimal and divergent. The hypothesized relation of psychotic symptomatology with cortisol in subjects at risk for psychosis was not confirmed by the majority of the studies. On the contrary, the anxiety parameter and stress‐intolerance index were both positively associated with cortisol. In conclusion, the published reports related to the evaluation of cortisol levels/function at prodrome are hitherto minimal. Although the evidence favors cortisols participation in the pathophysiology of psychosis, the exact cause–effect sequence and the intertwining of cortisol with psychopathology are still unclear.