bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Left Ventricular Energy Metabolism in Obese Men With Preserved Systolic and Diastolic Functions Is Associated With Insulin Resistance
Authors: Perseghin Gianluca , Ntali Georgia , De Cobelli Francesco , Lattuada Guido , Esposito Antonio , Belloni Elena , Canu Tamara , Costantino Federica , Ragogna Francesca , Scifo Paola , Del Maschio Alessandro , Luzi Livio 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—Perturbations in cardiac energy metabolism might represent early alterations in diabetes preceding functional and pathological changes. We evaluated left ventricular (LV) structure/geometry and function in relation to energy metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors in overweight/obese men using magnetic resonance techniques.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We studied 81 healthy men (aged 22–55 years, with BMI between 19 and 35 kg/m2) by means of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the resting and fasted conditions and stratified them in quartiles of BMI (cut offs: 23.2, 25.5 and 29.0 kg/m2).
RESULTS—LV mass increased across quartiles of BMI; meanwhile, the volumes did not differ. Parameters of LV systolic and diastolic function were not different among quartiles. The phosphocreatine-to-ATP ratio was reduced across increasing quartiles of mean ± SD BMI (2.25 ± 0.52, 1.89 ± 0.26, 1.99 ± 0.38, and 1.79 ± 0.29; P &lt; 0.006) in association with insulin sensitivity (computer homeostasis model assessment 2 model); this relation was independent of age, BMI, blood pressure, wall mass, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking habits, and metabolic syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS—Abnormal LV energy metabolism was detectable in obese men in the presence of normal function, supporting the hypothesis that metabolic remodeling in insulin resistant states precedes functional and structural/geometrical remodeling of the heart regardless of the onset of overt hyperglycemia.
Is There a Single Underlying Factor for the Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents?
Authors: Li Chaoyang , Ford Earl S. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—The lack of a universally applicable model for the metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population makes it difficult to define this syndrome and compare its prevalence across studies and diverse populations. We sought to assess whether a single underlying factor could represent the metabolic syndrome in adolescents.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2002), we conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to assess the validity of waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as potential phenotypic traits for the metabolic syndrome in adolescents aged 12–17 years (n = 1,262). A multiple-group approach was used to test the invariance in factor loadings across sex and race/ethnicity.
RESULTS—The estimates of factor loadings for the total sample were 0.76, 0.46, 0.81, and 0.42 for waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting insulin, and SBP, respectively. The goodness-of-fit indexes were adequate for the total sample (comparative fit index, 0.99; standardized root mean square residual, 0.02), Caucasian boys (1.0; 0.01), African-American boys (0.99; 0.03), Mexican-American boys (1.0; 0.01), Mexican-American girls (1.0; 0.01), and Caucasian girls (0.95; 0.04) and acceptable for African-American girls (0.94; 0.05). There were no significant differences in factor loadings of the four measured variables between boys and girls and among the three racial or ethnic subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS—The metabolic syndrome as a single underlying factor for the four simple phenotypic traits may be plausible in adolescents. The proposed model appears to be generalizable across sex and race/ethnicity.
Reduction in Weight and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:   The Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—The effectiveness of intentional weight loss in reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in type 2 diabetes is unknown. This report describes 1-year changes in CVD risk factors in a trial designed to examine the long-term effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention on the incidence of major CVD events.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This study consisted of a multicentered, randomized, controlled trial of 5,145 individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged 45–74 years, with BMI &gt;25 kg/m2 (&gt;27 kg/m2 if taking insulin). An intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) involving group and individual meetings to achieve and maintain weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased physical activity was compared with a diabetes support and education (DSE) condition.
RESULTS—Participants assigned to ILI lost an average 8.6% of their initial weight vs. 0.7% in DSE group (P &lt; 0.001). Mean fitness increased in ILI by 20.9 vs. 5.8% in DSE (P &lt; 0.001). A greater proportion of ILI participants had reductions in diabetes, hypertension, and lipid-lowering medicines. Mean A1C dropped from 7.3 to 6.6% in ILI (P &lt; 0.001) vs. from 7.3 to 7.2% in DSE. Systolic and diastolic pressure, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio improved significantly more in ILI than DSE participants (all P &lt; 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS—At 1 year, ILI resulted in clinically significant weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. This was associated with improved diabetes control and CVD risk factors and reduced medicine use in ILI versus DSE. Continued intervention and follow-up will determine whether these changes are maintained and will reduce CVD risk.
The HF epidemic: The need for new treatment strategies
Authors: Carson Peter E 
Published: May 2007

Summary The incidence of heart failure is increasing, particularly in older patients. Clinical trials often do not reflect community practice where patients are older and have more co-morbid conditions. Therapeutic agents need to be at least neutral in their effects on these other conditions. Current therapy in heart failure includes angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers and diuretics, with advanced heart failure patients receiving spironolactone and possibly digitalis. Ongoing clinical trials are testing more effective inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) with highly selective angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers (ARBs) such as valsartan. Future trials should study diverse racial groups and the elderly, particularly those with preserved systolic function. These should ideally be large multicentre studies with internal substudies to examine mechanisms of heart failure.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme DD genotype in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension: increased frequency and association with preserved haemodynamics
Authors: Abraham William T , Raynolds Mary V , Badesch David B , Wynne Kristine M , Groves Bertron M , Roden Robert L , Robertson Alastair D , Lowes Brian D , Zisman Lawrence S , Voelkel Norbert F , Bristow Michael R , Perryman M Benjamin 
Published: May 2007

Hypothesis/introduction A polymorphic marker within the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with circulating and tissue ACE activity and with a variety of forms of cardiovascular disease. Since angiotensin II (Ang II) causes pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular and myocardial remodelling, we postulated a role for the renin-angiotensin system and the ACE DD genotype in the pathophysiology of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and in the right ventricular response to pressure overload in these patients. Methods and results The incidence of the ACE DD genotype was evaluated in 60 patients with severe PPH compared with two normal control populations, a group of healthy population-based controls (n=158) and subjects found suitable for cardiac organ donation (n=79). Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction to detect polymorphic markers. Haemodynamics were determined by right heart catheterisation in a subset of the PPH patients. The frequency of the ACE DD genotype was 45% in the patients with PPH, compared with 24% in the organ donors, and 28% in populationbased healthy controls (p=0.01 for chi-square test). Of the 32 PPH patients with baseline haemodynamics, 12 exhibited the ACE DD genotype and 20 were non-DD. While the mean pulmonary artery pressure and the duration of symptoms attributable to pulmonary hypertension was not different between the DD and non-DD groups, cardiac output was significantly lower (3.29±0.27 vs. 5.07±0.37 L/minute, p=0.002) and the trouvemean right atrial pressure tended to be higher (8.85±1.29 vs. 4.92±1.27 mmHg, p=0.08) in the non-DD group. The reduction in cardiac output seen in the non-DD group was not due to a difference in heart rate, but to a significant reduction in stroke volume, consistent with a decreased contractile state. In addition, non-DD patients exhibited a significantly worse functional capacity (NYHA Class 3.14±0.12 vs. 2.40±0.28, p=0.02). Conclusions 1) The ACE DD genotype is significantly increased in patients with severe PPH compared with normal controls, suggesting that certain individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing pulmonary hypertension. 2) The ACE DD genotype is associated with preserved right ventricular function in PPH patients, supporting a compensatory myocardial or inotropic role for Ang II in the pressure overloaded right ventricle.
Review: Potential of renin inhibition in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Stanton Alice 
Published: May 2007

Since renin catalyses the first and rate-limiting step of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) cascade, interruption of the generation of angiotensin II (Ang II) by renin inhibitors at this highly specific initial step of the cascade has long been a therapeutic goal. The early development of renin inhibitors was hampered by problems with bioavailability and high costs of synthesis. However, more recently a potent non-peptidic inhibitor of renin, aliskiren, with acceptable oral bioavailability, has been synthesised. Aliskiren effectively reduces Ang II levels in normal volunteers and has been shown to lower blood pressure (BP) in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Renin inhibitors would be expected to have similar, but not identical effects to those of the established RAS antagonists. Due to the lack of effective alternative enzyme pathways, blockade of Ang II production may be more effective with renin inhibition than with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition. Furthermore, because renin has high specificity for only one substrate, angiotensinogen, side-effects would be expected to be less frequent. It is currently unclear whether blockade of Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors, leaving other Ang II receptors (AT2, AT3 and AT4) unblocked, is preferable to the reduction in plasma and tissue Ang II levels achieved with either ACE or renin inhibition. Pharmacological suppression of the RAS, through ACE inhibition, or blockade of AT1, β-adrenoceptor or mineralocorticoid receptors, has been proven to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, heart failure and nephropathy. While, to date, aliskiren has only been shown to reduce BP, it appears likely that orally-active renin inhibitors could prove useful in the management of a wide range of cardiovascular pathologies.
The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in heart failure
Authors: Unger Thomas , Li Jun 
Published: May 2007

Activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is increased in patients with heart failure, and its maladaptive mechanisms may lead to adverse effects such as cardiac remodelling and sympathetic activation. Elevated renin activity has been demonstrated in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. (Third-generation synthetic non-peptide renin inhibitors, with more favourable properties than earlier renin inhibitors, lower ambulatory blood pressure and may have a role to play in other cardiovascular disease.) Chymase, a protease inhibitor stored in mast cells that generates angiotensin II (Ang II) (in addition to angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE]), has been linked to extracellular matrix remodelling in heart failure. Again, chymase inhibitors have been developed to investigate its functions in vitro and in vivo. Bradykinin is thought to contribute to the cardioprotective effect of ACE inhibition through modification of nitric oxide release, calcium handling and collagen accumulation. Ang II is believed to influence a number of molecular and structural changes in the heart, mostly mediated through the AT1-receptor. The importance of the RAAS in heart failure is shown by the survival benefit conferred by treatment with ACE inhibitors.
Differences Between Cardiac and Arterial Fibrosis and Stiffness in Aldosterone-Salt Rats: Effect of Eplerenone
Authors: Nehme Johnny , Mercier Nathalie , Labat Carlos , Benetos Athanase , Safar Michel E , Delcayre Claude , Lacolley Patrick 
Published: May 2007

Background. Previous experiments have studied separately the development of either cardiac or aortic fibrosis and stiffness in aldosterone (Aldo)-salt hypertensive rats. Our aim was to determine in vivo the effects of Aldo and the Aldo receptor antagonist eplerenone (Epl) on simultaneous changes in cardiac and arterial structure and function and their interactions. Methods and Results. Aldo was administered in uninephrectomised Sprague-Dawley rats receiving a high-salt diet from 8 to 12 weeks of age. Three groups of Aldo-salt rats were treated with 1 to 100 mg/kg-1. d-1 Epl by gavage. Arterial elasticity was measured by elastic modulus (Einc)-wall stress curves using medial cross-sectional area (MCSA). The cardiac and arterial walls were analysed by histomorphometry (elastin and collagen), immunohistochemistry (EIIIA fibronectin, Fn), and Northern blot (collagens I and III). Aldo caused increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), carotid Einc, MCSA, and EIIIA Fn with no change in wall stress or elastin and collagen densities. No difference in collagen mRNA levels was detected between groups. During the same period, cardiac mass and collagen mRNA and protein levels increased markedly in the myocardial tissue. Epl normalised collagen in the myocardium, Eincwall stress curves, MCSA, and EIIIA Fn in Aldo rats. These dose-dependent effects were not accompanied by a consistent reduction in SBP and cardiac mass. Conclusions. In exogenous hyperaldosteronism in the rat, Aldo causes independently myocardial collagen and arterial Fn accumulation, the latter being responsible for increased intrinsic carotid stiffness. Epl prevents both cardiac and arterial effects but does not reduce consistently SBP.
Use of Valsartan in Post-Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Liu Peter P , Maggioni Aldo , Velazquez Eric J 
Published: May 2007

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and/or heart failure (HF) are frequent complications of hypertension and myocardial infarction (MI), placing affected patients at increased risk of significant morbidity and premature death. Given that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated and of pathophysiological importance in such patients, a strong therapeutic rationale exists to target the main effector mechanism (that is, angiotensin II [Ang II]) in order to lessen the associated morbidity and mortality burden. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to reduce mortality and LV dysfunction and to slow disease progression in patients with HF, including high-risk, post-MI patients. However, ACE inhibitors (ACE-Is) may not provide optimal long-term RAAS blockade (a finding that is associated with a worse prognosis) and many patients are unable to tolerate such therapy (because of troublesome dry cough, for example) In contrast, Ang II receptor blockers (ARBs) may block the RAAS more completely than ACE-Is and appear to be better tolerated. Several large-scale trials have evaluated the efficacy of ARBs in patients with LV dysfunction and/or HF (including high-risk, post-MI patients), and have confirmed their utility as an efficacious and well-tolerated alternative to ACE-Is in this setting.
The transition form theory to therapy: Test of two instructional methods
Authors: Michael Ann L. , Klee Thomas , Bransford John D. , Warren Steven F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study compared college students' understanding of the role of three language learning theories (operant, sociolinguistic, cognitive) in language theory through two instructional methods: video‐based anchored instruction and traditional classroom instruction. Results indi‐cated no significant difference between the performance of students in the two instructional groups on the post‐test while students who received anchored instruction scored significantly higher on two transfer tests than students who received the traditional instruction. Video‐based anchored instruction was found to be a valuable instructional tool which increased students' understanding of theoretical principles; through observations they experienced abstract theoretical principles as the foundation for clinicians' actions and interactions with language‐impaired children.
The importance of genetic counseling for individuals with schizophrenia and their relatives: Potential clients' opinions and experiences
Authors: Lyus Vicki L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractGenetic counseling is a health service, which has been indicated for individuals with psychiatric conditions in their families. However, little is known about the awareness and/or experiences of genetic counseling of this group. This study was designed to assess the awareness and perceptions of genetic counseling among individuals affected by schizophrenia and their relatives. Data was collected via two online surveys. Study participants either had schizophrenia or had a relative with schizophrenia and were recruited via links from schizophrenia web sites. This study was granted IRB approval. Sixty‐eight individuals with schizophrenia and 145 relatives completed the surveys. Ninety‐four percent of all respondents had not been offered genetic counseling. Zero percent of affected individuals and only 5% of relatives had received genetic counseling. Forty‐four percent of affected individuals and 41% of relatives indicated that their family planning decisions were influenced by the presence of schizophrenia in their family. Seventy four percent of relatives and 72% of people with schizophrenia thought genetic counseling would be useful to them. Respondents indicated that they felt genetic counseling would be useful for them and that they would like to see a genetic counselor. However, few individuals are being offered genetic counseling services. The awareness of genetic counseling needs to be raised among physicians and families affected by schizophrenia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meta‐analyses suggest association between COMT, but not HTR1B, alleles, and suicidal behavior
Authors: Kia‐Keating Brett M. , Glatt Stephen J. , Tsuang Ming T. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSeveral studies have suggested that suicidal behavior is at least partially determined by genetic factors, supporting a search for related genes. Two genes that have been highlighted in the literature as being involved areHTR1B, which codes for the serotonin 1B receptor, andCOMT, which is related to the inactivation of catecholamines. In order to assess the combined evidence for the numerous studies that have been published relating suicidal behavior to these two genes, two different random effects meta‐analyses were conducted utilizing seven studies related toHTR1Band six studies related toCOMT. ForHTR1B, the combined evidence from 789 case and 1,247 control subjects/participants, suggested that there was no significant association between theHTR1BG861C polymorphism and suicidal behavior. ForCOMT, based on the combined data from 519 cases and 933 control subjects, there was evidence of a significant association between theCOMT158Met polymorphism and suicidal behavior. Although the results forCOMTwere not influenced by publication bias, the significance of the combined results was not robust and was related to the gender of the case and control subjects. The results forCOMTsupport past literature that has found a relationship between suicidal behavior andCOMT, and has also found that the relationship differs for males and females. Given that in the United States a higher proportion of females attempt suicide, and the higher proportion of males successfully commit suicide, it is possible that COMTis related to the lethality of suicide attempts. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familiality and diagnostic patterns of subphenotypes in the National Institutes of Mental Health Bipolar sample
Authors: Saunders Erika H. , Scott Laura J. , McInnis Melvin G. , Burmeister Margit 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBipolar‐related subphenotypes that cluster within families may help identify subsets of patients that are more genetically homogeneous. Environmental or assessment factors that segregate by family may influence estimates of familiality. We aimed to determine familiality of subphenotypes of bipolar disorder (BP), accounting for effects of age, sex, diagnosis, and site/wave of ascertainment. We studied 589 sibships with 1416 siblings affected with bipolar I (BPI), schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type (SAB), bipolar II (BPII), or recurrent unipolar depression (RUDD). Sibships were from families with ≥2 BPI cases collected by the NIMH Bipolar Genetics Initiative (NIMHBGI). Rapid cycling showed the strongest evidence for familiality [odds ratio (OR) (95%CI) = 2.02 (1.43, 2.85), P = 6.0 × 10−5] in a model including age, sex, diagnosis, and site/wave of ascertainment. Additional significantly familial traits were comorbid alcohol abuse/dependence (P = 2 × 10−4) and comorbid panic disorder (P = 8 × 10−3), as well as psychosis, suicidal thoughts, and rapid mood switching (P = 6 × 10−3 − 0.03). Omission of the effect of site/wave of ascertainment from the model inflated the significance level of the apparent familial association of almost all subphenotypes from one to four orders of magnitude. We have found evidence of familiality for subphenotypes of BP. In multicenter samples, familiality may be overestimated if variability in diagnosis of subphenotypes between site/wave of ascertainment is not considered. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biodegradable poly(L‐lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) blends: Miscibility, morphology, and thermal behavior
Authors: Wang Yaming , Mano João F. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBlends of two biodegradable and semicrystalline polymers, poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA), were prepared by solvent casting in different compositions. The miscibility, morphology, and thermal behavior of the blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and optical microscopy. PLLA was found to be immiscible with PBSA as evidenced by two independent glass transitions and biphasic melt. Nonisothermal crystallization measurements showed that fractionated crystallization behavior occurred when PBSA was dispersed as droplets, evidenced by multiple crystallization peaks at different supercooling levels. Crystallization and morphology of the blends were also investigated through two‐step isothermal crystallization. For blends where PLLA was the major component, different content of PBSA did not make a significant difference in the crystallization mechanism and rate of PLLA. For blends where PBSA was the major component, the crystallization rate of PBSA decreased with increasing PLLA content, while the crystallization mechanism did not change. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007