bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Genetic Polymorphisms of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Tabel Ytlmaz , Berdeli Afig , Mir Sevgi , Serdaroğlu Erkin , Ytlmaz Ebru 
Published: May 2007

Background. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been considered to be responsible for the pathogenesis or progression of many diseases which may or may not be related to kidney. Genetic polymorphisms of the various components of the RAS have been associated with differences in the clinical course of several disease states in adults and children. Objectives. The purpose of our study was to investigate RAS gene polymorphisms in patients with steroid resistant primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and nephrotic syndrome responding to steroid therapy. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether there was an association between polymorphic alleles and responses to steroid therapy, the degree of renal dysfunction, and prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Material and methods. One hundred and fifty-eight children with the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome were recruited from the Nephrology unit in the Department of Paediatrics of Ege University. Forty-nine of them were classified as renal biopsy-proven FSGS and 102 patients were considered to have response to steroid treatment. Renal functional impairment was detected in 19 subjects with FSGS and end-stage renal insufficiency in 13 patients. The control group consisted of 287 healthy adult subjects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms were determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Statistical significance was regarded as p<0.05. Results. There were no statistically significant differences for the C allele of AT1R or the T allele of AGT genes between the children with nephrotic syndrome and control group, but on the other hand statistically significant differences were detected for D allele of ACE gene. There was no significant relationship detected between the D allele of ACE, the C allele of AT1R or the T allele of AGT genes and response to steroid therapy, extent of renal dysfunction and the progression to ESRD. However, there was a significant relationship between T allele of AGT gene and resistance to steroid treatment (OR; 4,837, 95% CI; 1,723—13,577, p=0.01), renal dysfunction (OR; 3,189, 95% CI; 0,999—10,182, p=0.041) and progression to ESRD (OR; 3,852, 95% CI; 1,057—14,040, p=0.03). Conclusion. In this study, the angiotensino gene -235T allele was found to be related with steroid resistance, renal dysfunction and progression of ESRD in nephrotic syndrome.
Genetic Clamping of Renin Gene Expression Induces Hypertension and Elevation of Intrarenal Ang II Levels of Graded Severity in Cyp1a1-Ren2 Transgenic Rats
Authors: Mitchell Kenneth D , Bagatell Stuart J , Miller Chad S , Mouton Cynthia R , Seth Dale M , Mullins John J 
Published: May 2007

Introduction. Transgenic rats with inducible angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension (strain name: TGR[Cyp1a1-Ren2]) were generated by inserting the mouse Ren2 renin gene, fused to the cytochrome P450 1a1 (Cyp1a1) promoter, into the genome of the rat. The present study was performed to characterise the changes in plasma and kidney tissue Ang II levels and in renal haemodynamic function in Cyp1a1-Ren2 rats following induction of either slowly developing or malignant hypertension in these transgenic rats. Materials and Methods. Arterial blood pressure (BP) and renal haemodynamics and excretory function were measured in pentobarbital sodium-anaesthetised Cyp1a1Ren2 rats fed a normal diet containing either a low dose (0.15%, w/w for 14—15 days) or high dose (0.3%, w/w for 11—12 days) of the aryl hydrocarbon indole-3-carbinol (I3C) to induce slowly developing and malignant hypertension, respectively. In parallel experiments, arterial blood samples and kidneys were harvested for measurement of Ang II levels by radioimmunoassay. Results. Dietary I3C increased plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma Ang II levels, and arterial BP in a dose-dependent manner. Induction of different fixed levels of renin gene expression and PRA produced hypertensive phenotypes of varying severity with rats developing either mild or malignant forms of hypertensive disease. Administration of I3C, at a dose of 0.15% (w/w), induced a slowly developing form of hypertension whereas administration of a higher dose (0.3%) induced a more rapidly developing hypertension and the clinical manifestations of malignant hypertension including severe weight loss. Both hypertensive phenotypes were characterised by reduced renal plasma flow, increased filtration fraction, elevated PRA, and increased plasma and intrarenal Ang II levels. These I3C-induced changes in renal haemodynamics, PRA and kidney Ang II levels were more pronounced in Cyp1a1-Ren2 rats with malignant hypertension. Chronic administration of the AT1-receptor antagonist, candesartan, prevented the development of hypertension, the associated changes in renal haemodynamics, and the augmentation of intrarenal Ang II levels. Conclusions. Activation of AT1-receptors by Ang II generated as a consequence of induction of the Cyp1a1-Ren2 transgene mediates the increased arterial pressure and the associated reduction of renal haemodynamics and enhancement of intrarenal Ang II levels in hypertensive Cyp1a1-Ren2 B transgenic rats.
Aliskiren: A clinical profile
Authors: Schmieder Roland E 
Published: May 2007

Aliskiren is a novel oral antihypertensive agent, and the first in the new class of direct renin inhibitors. Here we review the key criteria that a new antihypertensive drug should possess, notably effective blood pressure lowering as monotherapy and combination therapy, 24-hour blood pressure control, safety and tolerability end-organ protective effects, minimal drug interaction and efficacy during long-term use. Aliskiren fulfils key criteria for a new antihypertensive agent. The drug demonstrates effective blood lowering in a number of studies as monotherapy and in combination with a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) and a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine). Other studies applying ambulatory blood pressure monitoring show that aliskiren maintains blood pressure control for more than 24 hours. Aliskiren, 150 mg and 300 mg have demonstrated a placebo-like safety and tolerability profile with no interactions with a wide range of commonly used drugs. Three studies (AVOID, ALOFT and ALLAY) are ongoing with aliskiren to assess end-organ protective properties.
Association of ACE genotype and predominantly diastolic hypertension: a preliminary study
Authors: Jiménez Pablo Martin , Conde Cecilia , Casanegra Ana , Romero Cesar , Hugo Tabares Aldo , Orías Marcelo 
Published: May 2007

Background. The insertion/deletion (I/D) angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism has been established as a cardiovascular risk factor in some populations, but the association with essential hypertension is controversial. Predominantly diastolic hypertension (PDH), or narrow pulse pressure hypertension, has been shown to have increased peripheral resistance. Because a DD genotype has been associated with higher plasma ACE levels and angiotensin II activity, we genotyped PDH patients for ACE I/D polymorphism. Methods. Ninety-three patients with systolic blood pressure (BP) < 140 mmHg systolic and diastolic BP > 90 mmHg, or BP > 140/90 mmHg with a pulse pressure < 45 mmHg, were defined as PDH. The II, ID and DD genotype variants of ACE were characterised by the triple primer nested-PCR method. Results were compared to 75 normotensive control individuals. Statistical significance was assessed by the Chi square test. Results. The genotype distribution among PDH patients was II=20 (21.5%), ID=34 (36.5%), DD=39 (42%), while the distribution among normotensive controls was II= O 16 (21.4%), ID=42 (56%), DD=17 (22.6%).The difference in genotype distribution between PDH patients and controls was significant (p<0.02). ACE allele frequencies in PDH patients and controls were D=0.60, I=0.40 and D=0.51, and controls were D=0.60, 1=0.40 and D=0.51, I=0.49, respectively, statistically non-significant (ns). Conclusion. These results suggest an association between ACE genotype DD and predominantly diastolic hypertension.
Changes of gene expression profiles in macrophages stimulated by angiotensin II — Angiotensin II induces MCP-2 through AT1-receptor
Authors: Tone Atsuhito , Shikata Kenichi , Ogawa Daisuke , Sasaki Sakiko , Nagase Ryo , Sasaki Motofumi , Yozai Kosuke , Kataoka Usui Hitomi , Okada Shinichi , Wada Jun , Shikata Yasushi , Makino Hirofumi 
Published: May 2007

Introduction. Macrophages play critical roles in the development of atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy as well as many inflammatory diseases. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (AIIA) are beneficial for the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy suggesting that angiotensin II (Ang II) promotes the development of these diseases. It has recently been reported that Ang II exerts proinflammatory actions in vivo and in vitro. This study was aimed to clarify the direct effects of Ang II on monocytes/macrophages. Materials and methods. PMA-treated THP-1 cells, a human monocytic leukaemia cell line, were treated with Ang II (10-6 mol/L) for 24 hours with or without AIIA (CV11974). We evaluated gene expression profiles of these cells using DNA microarray system and quantified them by real-time RT-PCR. Results. DNA microarray revealed that in total 19 genes, including monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-2, were up-regulated by Ang II and down-regulated by AIIA. Real-tim D e RT-PCR showed that up-regulation of MCP-2 with Ang II is blocked by the AIIA (CV11974) but not by an AT2-receptor antagonist. Conclusions. These results suggest that Ang II directly stimulates MCP-2 expression through AT1-receptors in activated macrophages.Ang II may contribute to the persistence or amplification of microinflammation in vessel walls, heart and kidney.Vasculoprotective or renoprotective effects of AIIA might partly depend on direct antiinflammatory effects on macrophages.
A chronometric study of mental addition in profoundly deaf children
Authors: Mulhern Gerry , Budge Ally 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn attempting to account for inferior mathematical attainment among deaf children of all ages, some researchers have proposed that observed deficits may be partly the result of an absence of vocalization and subvocalization in the acquisition and execution of arithmetic by the deaf. When performing mental arithmetic, hearing children, it is claimed, rely on covert counting mechanisms based on internalized speech, while their deaf counterparts, due to a lack of articulatory prowess, are unable to utilize such mechanisms and instead are forced to adopt other less effective methods based on associative retrieval of arithmetical facts from long‐term memory. The present study sought to throw light on these assertions. Ten prelingually profoundly deaf 12‐13‐year‐olds, and 10 hearing controls were required to solve the 100 simple addition combinations. Analysis of response times revealed strong similarities between the two groups, with all children appearing to employ mechanisms based on covert counting. Implications of the present results are discussed in the light of previous findings.
The effect of actual event duration and event memory on the reconstruction of duration information
Authors: Burt Christopher D. B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTwo experiments investigated the effect of actual event duration and event memory on the retrospective estimation of public event duration. Experiment 1 provided a typicality score for each of 20 public events. The typicality score represents the degree to which the event's actual duration deviates from the typical duration of its category. Subjects in Experiment 2 estimated the duration of the events used in Experiment 1 and indicated whether they remembered the events. Typicality scores were found to be highly correlated with estimation accuracy, and to predict whether event duration was under‐ or over‐estimated. Remembering an event slightly increased estimation accuracy. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the assessment of eyewitness retrospective duration estimation abilities, and the reconstructive model of retrospective duration estimation proposed by Burt and Kemp (1991).
Prediction of psychosis onset in Alzheimer disease: The role of depression symptom severity and the HTR2A T102C polymorphism
Authors: Wilkosz Patricia A. , Kodavali Chowdari , Weamer Elise A. , Miyahara Sachiko , Lopez Oscar L. , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L. , DeKosky Steven T. , Sweet Robert A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPsychotic symptoms in Alzheimer disease (AD + P) identify a heritable phenotype associated with a more severe course. We recently found an association of AD + P with depression symptom severity. Reports have shown an association of a serotonin‐2A receptor (HTR2A) gene T102C polymorphism with AD + P and with depression during AD. We examined the interaction of this common genetic polymorphism with depression and increased psychosis risk. Subjects with possible or probable AD or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) without psychosis at study entry were genotyped for the HTR2A T102C polymorphism and reassessed every 6 months until psychosis onset. Psychotic and depressive symptoms were rated using the CERAD behavioral rating scale (CBRS). Cox proportional hazard models with time‐dependent covariates were used to examine associations with psychosis onset. A total of 324 Caucasian subjects completed at least one follow‐up exam. Depressive symptom severity was a strong predictor of psychosis onset. Neither psychosis onset nor depression severity was associated with the HTR2A genotype. Genotype interacted with depression severity to moderate the risk of AD + P onset. This did not result from an interaction of HTR2A genotype with antidepressant use. Psychosis onset in AD is strongly associated with severity of depressive symptoms, an association that may be modified by HTR2A genotype. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of DRD4 and DAT polymorphisms and behavioral inhibition in healthy adults: Implications for impulsivity
Authors: Congdon Eliza , Lesch Klaus Peter , Canli Turhan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractImpulsivity, a highly prevalent symptom in multiple psychiatric disorders, is a partially heritable trait influenced by specific biological mechanisms. In particular, dopamine is proposed to play a role in impulsive behaviors and recent studies have implicated functional polymorphisms of dopamine‐related genes in impulsive behaviors across different clinical and behavioral classifications. However, most have not isolated the impulsivity construct per se as a biologically based and measurable endophenotype. The present study was therefore undertaken in a sample of healthy adults to investigate the influence of two candidate dopaminergic gene polymorphisms (DRD4 and DAT) on the endophenotype of impulsivity, which we operationalized as behavioral inhibition during the Stop‐signal task. We recruited an ethnically diverse sample of 119 healthy adults to complete a self‐report questionnaire of impulsivity and to perform a Stop‐signal task. We report significant differences in inhibitory control between individuals with at least one 7‐repeat allele of the DRD4 polymorphism, as well as an interaction between DRD4 and DAT genotypes, on inhibitory control. Results of the present study support the influence of dopaminergic variation on impulsive‐related measures, as well as the advantage of using measures which are likely more sensitive to the effects of such genetic variation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evidence that the COMTVal158Met polymorphism moderates sensitivity to stress in psychosis: An experience‐sampling study
Authors: van Winkel Ruud , Henquet Cécile , Rosa Araceli , Papiol Sergi , Faňanás Lourdes , De Hert Marc , Peuskens Jozef , van Os Jim , Myin‐Germeys Inez 
Published: May 2007

AbstractGene–environment interactions involving the catechol‐O‐methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism (COMTVal158Met) have been implicated in the causation of psychosis. Evidence from general population studies suggests that Met/Met subjects are sensitive to stress, a trait associated with psychosis. We hypothesized that the Met allele would moderate the effects of stress on negative affect (NA) in controls, and on NA and psychosis in patients with a psychotic disorder. Thirty‐one patients with a psychotic disorder and comorbid cannabis misuse and 25 healthy cannabis users were studied with the experience sampling method (ESM), a structured diary technique assessing current context and emotional and psychotic experiences in daily life. A significant interaction between COMTVal158Met genotype and ESM stress in the model of NA was found for patients (interaction χ2 = 7.4, P = 0.02), but not for controls (interaction χ2 = 3.8, P = 0.15). In the model of ESM psychosis, a significant interaction between COMTVal158Met genotype and ESM stress was also apparent (interaction χ2 = 11.6, P < 0.01), with Met/Met patients showing the largest increase in psychotic experiences as well as NA in reaction to ESM stress. The findings suggest that the COMTVal158Met polymorphism moderates affective and psychotic responses to stress in patients with psychosis, providing evidence for gene–environment interaction mechanisms in the formation of psychotic symptoms. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Monodisperse Spherical Nanocrystals
Authors: Park Jongnam , Joo Jin , Kwon Soon Gu , Jang Youngjin , Hyeon Taeghwan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractMuch progress has been made over the past ten years on the synthesis of monodisperse spherical nanocrystals. Mechanistic studies have shown that monodisperse nanocrystals are produced when the burst of nucleation that enables separation of the nucleation and growth processes is combined with the subsequent diffusion‐controlled growth process through which the crystal size is determined. Several chemical methods have been used to synthesize uniform nanocrystals of metals, metal oxides, and metal chalcogenides. Monodisperse nanocrystals of CdSe, Co, and other materials have been generated in surfactant solution by nucleation induced at high temperature, and subsequent aging and size selection. Monodisperse nanocrystals of many metals and metal oxides, including magnetic ferrites, have been synthesized directly by thermal decomposition of metal–surfactant complexes prepared from the metal precursors and surfactants. Nonhydrolytic sol–gel reactions have been used to synthesize various transition‐metal‐oxide nanocrystals. Monodisperse gold nanocrystals have been obtained from polydisperse samples by digestive‐ripening processes. Uniform‐sized nanocrystals of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium have been synthesized by polyol processes in which metal salts are reduced by alcohols in the presence of appropriate surfactants.
Photodegradation of cellulose acetate film in the presence of benzophenone as a photosensitizer
Authors: Hosono Kiyoshi , Kanazawa Akihiko , Mori Hideharu , Endo Takeshi 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTo study the effectiveness of photosensitizers to accelerate the degradation of cellulose acetate (CA) under ambient environment, CA (degree of substitution = 2.45) films containing benzophenone, which is one of the typical photosensitizers, were prepared and their degradative behavior by photoirradiation was examined. Decrease in molecular weight of CA and generation of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and acetic acid from the CA films were observed by the irradiation of xenon arc lamp light, which was passed through a filter for cutting off the wavelength shorter than 275 nm. With increasing the concentration of benzophenone, the molecular weight of CA decreased and the generation of the degradation products from the CA films increased. These results may suggest that radical reactions of CA films proceed by photoirradiation and lead to oxidation and random cleavage of CA, and that benzophenone is an effective additive to accelerate the degradation of CA under ambient environment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
All‐trans retinoic acid release from polyion‐complex micelles of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) grafted chitosan
Authors: Kim Dong‐Gon , Jeong Young‐Il , Nah Jae‐Woon 
Published: May 2007

AbstractWe synthesized a methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) grafted chitosan (ChitoPEG) copolymer to prepare a retinoic acid (RA) encapsulated polymeric micelle. The RA‐encapsulated polymeric micelle of the ChitoPEG copolymer had a particle size of 100–500 nm and a spherical shape when observed by transmission electron microscopy. In a1H‐NMR study, the specific peaks of RA and chitosan as a drug‐carrying inner core disappeared in deuterium oxide, and only the specific peak of methoxy poly (ethylene glycol) (MPEG) was observed, whereas specific peaks of MPEG, RA, and chitosan appeared in dimethyl sulfoxide. This indicated that the RA/ChitoPEG ion complexes were composed of a polymeric micelle with a core–shell structure and that free drug did not exist in the polymeric micelle formulations. Other evidence of drug incorporation into the polymeric micelle was witnessed in a differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The melting peaks of RA and chitosan were 182 and 220°C, respectively. The melting peak of the polymeric micelle was 200°C, whereas the melting peaks of the physical mixtures were those of both RA and the ChitoPEG copolymer. The lyophilized polymeric micelle was successfully reconstituted into phosphate‐buffered saline without the aid of cryoprotectants. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Influences of various surface pretreatments on the mechanical and degradable properties of photografted oil palm fibers
Authors: Rahman M. Mizanur , Mallik Abul K. , Khan Mubarak A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNatural‐fiber‐reinforced polymers can exhibit very different mechanical performances and environmental aging resistance depending on their interphase properties. A lack of good interfacial adhesion and poor resistance to moisture absorption make oil palm fibers less attractive as reinforcing agents. To improve the interfacial properties, oil palm fibers were grafted with different percentages of allyl methacrylate (AMA) in methanol. Darocur 2959 was added as a photoinitiator and initiated photochemical polymerization. The fiber surfaces were pretreated by an alkali, KMnO4, and dewaxed; this was followed by grafting with AMA to determine the effect of various surface treatments on the physicomechanical properties of grafted fibers. The alkali treatment increased the surface roughness with better impregnation of the polymer, which increased the tensile properties by about 20%. A minute amount of an additive (urea) and a coupling agent (silane) were added to the optimum formulations. These increased the physical properties of the grafted oil palm fibers because of increased crosslinking. The treated and untreated fiber samples were also subjected to various weather conditions, such as simulated weather, soil, and water aging, to determine the degradation properties, and lower losses were observed for the treated samples than the untreated fibers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007