For pancreatic fistula, there were no statistical differences

between RP, OP, and LP, and no significant differences in intraoperative conversion rates between RP and LP. Robotic-assisted pancreatectomy may be able to increase microscopic negative margins of resection (R0) and spleen preserving rates. Conclusion: Robotic-assisted pancreatectomy was associated with increased R0 resection rates and spleen preserving rates than LP and OP. Moreover, RP can reduce estimated blood loss and duration of hospitalization more than OP. A robotic approach to pancreatectomy may be suited to patients DMH1 with pancreatic disease.”
“Reduced microRNA (miRNA) let-7a expression and the activation of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) signalling are both involved in prostate cancer and www.selleckchem.com/products/mln-4924.html progression. In the present study, we demonstrated that the growth inhibitory effect of let-7a1 is directly related to targeting IGF1R gene expression in PC-3 cells. TargetScan predicted three potential target sites (T1, T2 and T3) of let-7a in the 39 untranslational region (3′ UTR) of IGF1RmRNA. Real-time PCR, Western blot and luciferase reporter assays were used to detect the effects of let-7a1 overexpression or let-7a1

inhibitor on the IGF1R gene expression in PC-3 cells. The results indicated that let-7a1 could inhibit IGF1R expression by directly targeting the T1 and T2 sites in the 39 UTR of the IGF1R mRNA. We then used RT-PCR, luciferase reporter assays, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining to examine whether let-7a1-mediated inhibition of IGF1R expression also Evofosfamide mw affects the IGF1R-mediated signalling events, including Elk1 activity and c-fos gene expression, proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle. We demonstrated that let-7a1-mediated IGF1R downregulation was accompanied by attenuation of Elk1 activity and c-fos expression,

inhibition of cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and that loss function of let-7a1 via inhibition can upregulate IGF1R accompanied by an increase of Elk1 activity and c-fos expression, thereby enhancing cell proliferation. Altogether, these findings suggest that let-7a may be novel therapeutic candidate for prostate cancer.”
“The reaction of styrene with trifluoromethylsulfonylnitrene generated in the system t-BuOCl-NaI led to the formation of trifluoro-N-[2-phenyl-2-(trifluoromethylsulfonylamino)ethyl]methanesulfonamide CF(3)SO(2)NHCH(Ph)CH(2)NHSO(2)CF(3), 2-iodo-1-phenylethanol, and heterocyclization product, 2,6-diphenyl-1,4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)piperazine. The latter is regioisomeric to 2,5-diphenyl-1,4-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-piperazine obtained previously by analogous reaction in the system t-BuOCl-NaI center dot 2 H(2)O.”
“Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is linked to gastrointestinal disorders.

The present study measured Foxg1 mRNA expression using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction on days 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56 following HI to determine self-restorative features in the injured brain. In addition, mRNA expression of other related layer markers, such as Reelin, ROR beta, Foxp1, Foxp2, ER81, and Otx-1, was detected following HI. Results revealed significantly decreased Foxg1 mRNA expression at 3 days after HI, which significantly increased by 56 days. Reelin and Foxp2 mRNA expression were upregulated until 56 days after HI, but Foxp1 and ER81 mRNA expression decreased from day 14 to 56 following HI. In addition, Otx-1 and ROR beta mRNA expression decreased from day 3 to 28

after HI. These findings revealed Fxog1 mRNA overexpression and varying degrees

of restoration in the neonatal rat brain following HI.”
“The test used in clinics as prostate cancer (PCa) biomarker, based on the concentration this website of the glycoprotein prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum, leads to an elevated number of false positives. In the search for new PCa biomarkers, analysis of the proportions of different groups of glycoforms of PSA is promising. Peaks of PSA, called isoforms and containing one or several glycoforms of the glycoprotein, can be separated by CE. For those samples in which PSA concentration LBH589 solubility dmso is very low, a very sensitive detection technique, such as LIF, would be required. However, CE separation of fluorescently labeled isoforms of glycoproteins is challenging. In this work, three different methods of fluorescent derivatization of PSA were assayed with the aim of finding conditions allowing labeling

of the glycoprotein compatible with CE resolution of its isoforms. NanoOrange, as a noncovalent label; 5-(iodoacetamide) fluorescein and BODIPY (R) FL C-1-IA, as covalent tags of thiol groups; and Chromeo P503, as a covalent tag of amino groups, were tried. Only the derivatization with the P503 fluorogenic dye led to the resolution by CE-LIF of several isoforms of labeled PSA. Adapting this derivatization method to be performed LY333531 price on-column leads to a reduction in labeling time from 4 h to 45 s. Automation of the whole analysis permitted to carry out fluorescent labeling and CE separation of PSA isoforms in less than 12 min.”
“Combined oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope analyses are commonly used in the source determination of nitrate (NO(3)(-)). The source and fate of NO(3)(-) are studied based on distinct O and N isotopic signatures (delta(18)O and delta(15)N) of various sources and isotopic effects during NO(3)(-) transformation processes, which differ between sources like fertilizer, atmospheric deposition, and microbial production (nitrification). Isotopic fractionation during production and consumption of NO(3)(-) further affects the delta(18)O and delta(15)N signal.

People with albinism are also part of the colored African group, however, according to the data, there does not seem to be any difference between them and others. Cordylobia infection is a neglected disease of the

Niger Delta region. Therefore, there was the need to know the spread and factors that promote spreading as well as populations of the myiasis-causing agent in the Niger Delta. The data presented here provides good travel information to the AR-13324 Niger Delta region as well as other parts of Nigeria. Human furuncular myiasis affects neonates ranging from 3 to 11 days old, children, and adults in Nigeria. C.anthropophaga maggots penetrate all types of skin; people with albinism, white skin, and black skin. Some of the factors that affect the distribution include unhygienic

situations, high humidity, poverty, and use of soiled clothes. Details of our findings are presented.”
“The authors report on the case of a 64-year-old man with solitary intradural extramedullary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the cervical spine. The lesion mimicked the appearance of meningioma on MR imaging. Positron emission tomography showed increased accumulation of fluorine-18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose only in the cervical lesion. Serum levels of C-reactive protein and soluble interleukin-2 receptor Thiazovivin were mildly elevated. At surgery, the intradural tumor in the subarachnoid space was totally extirpated. Based on histopathological findings, diffuse, large B-cell type non-Hodgkin lymphoma was diagnosed. Postoperatively, the patient was treated with 2 courses of chemotherapy by intrathecal injection of methotrexate, cytarabine, and prednisolone and 4 courses of intravenous rituximab, an antibody binding to CD20 on the surface LY2090314 of B cells. All preoperative symptoms completely

resolved after surgery. Two years postoperatively, the patient was faring well with no evidence of local recurrence or new lesions at any other site. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this case is the first reported instance of solitary intradural extramedullary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the cervical spine. (DOI: 10.3171/2009.11.SPINE08735)”
“Objectives: Growing clinical demands for stronger and faster bone bonding to the implant have motivated the development of methods enhancing osseointegration. Lately, the application of bisphosphonates (bis) in order to optimize bone healing has become a topic of great interest. N-containing bis, such as alendronate (ALN), are the more potent drugs of this class. It was the aim of this study to determine the effect of ALN on the osseointegration of a well-documented nanotreated implant system in a rabbit femoral condyle model. Material and methods: Thirty-two adult female New Zealand White rabbits received one implant (3.25 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length) in their left femoral condyle, a week after they were ovariectomized. Half of them were saline treated (control, group A) and the other half were ALN treated (group B).

Women are often concerned about the safety of their method of choice and also ask about likely effects on their pre-existing headache or migraine and restrictions on using their

headache medication. While there should be no restriction to the use of combined hormonal contraceptives by women with migraine without aura, the balance of risks vs benefits for women with aura are debatable. Migraine with aura, but not migraine without aura, is associated with SB273005 price a twofold increased risk of ischemic stroke, although the absolute risk is very low in healthy, nonsmoking women. Although ethinylestradiol has been associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke, the risk is dose-dependent. Low-dose pills currently used

are considerably safer than pills containing higher doses of ethinylestradiol but they are not risk-free. This review examines the evidence available regarding the effect that different methods of contraception have on headache and migraine and identifies strategies available to minimize risk and to manage specific triggers such as estrogen withdrawal headache and migraine associated with combined hormonal contraceptives. The independent risks of ischemic stroke associated with migraine and with hormonal contraceptives GS-7977 in vivo are reviewed, and guidelines for use of contraception by women with migraine are discussed in light of the current evidence.”
“In this work M. galloprovincialis and O. edulis specimens were surveyed

for a pathological study in the Gulf of Naples (Mediterranean sea, Campania Region, southern Italy). Clusters of Nocardia sp.-like cells were observed in histological slides. PCR amplification, sequencing and in situ hybridization were carried out in order to corroborate Nocardia species identification for both hosts. Blast results showed a 99% of maximum identity with Nocardia crassostreae sequences in Genbank. This is the first report of N. crassostreae in the new host M. galloprovincialis ARS-1620 mouse and, in a new area, the Mediterranean Sea. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Antenatal care is an important pillar of safe motherhood initiative and is essential to reduce maternal as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to explore whether women availing antenatal care are more likely to go for an institutional delivery.\n\nMethods: The study area was an urban resettlement colony located in Chandigarh. The antenatal records, at Urban Health Clinic, from January 2010 to December 2010 were analyzed. The information on the place of delivery was collected by the health workers during routine post-natal care visits.\n\nResults: The records of 332 pregnant females were analyzed. Majority had an institutional delivery (75.9%). Women with higher education (i.e.

“
“Background: Despite the recognized importance of mentoring, little is known about specific mentoring behaviors that result in positive outcomes.\n\nObjective: To identify key components of an effective mentoring relationship identified by proteges-mentor dyads in an academic setting.\n\nMethods: In this qualitative study, purposive sampling resulted in geographic diversity and representation of a range of academic disciplines. Participants were from 12 universities in three regions of the U.S. (South, n = 5; Northeast n = 4; Midwest, n = 2) and Puerto Rico (n = 1). Academic disciplines

included natural sciences (51%), nursing/health sciences (31%), engineering (8%), and technology (1%). Twelve workshops using the Technology of Participation(C) method were held with 117 mentor-prot g dyads. Consensus was reached regarding Acalabrutinib supplier the key components of an effective mentoring relationship.\n\nResults: Conventional content analysis, in which coding categories were informed by the literature and derived directly from the data, was employed. Eight themes described key components of an effective mentoring relationship: (1) open communication and accessibility; (2) goals

and challenges; (3) passion and inspiration; (4) caring personal relationship; (5) mutual check details respect and trust; (6) exchange of knowledge; (7) independence and collaboration; and (8) role modeling. Described within each theme are specific mentor-prot g behaviors and interactions, identified needs of both prot g and mentor in the relationship, and desirable personal qualities of mentor and prot g.\n\nConclusions: Findings can inform a dialog between existing Etomoxir nurse mentor-prot g dyads as well as student nurses and faculty members considering a mentoring relationship. Nurse educators can evaluate and modify their mentoring behaviors as needed, thereby strengthening the mentor-prot g relationship to ensure positive outcomes of the learning process. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

All rights reserved.”
“Background: Emergence of castration-resistance in prostate cancer (PCa) is invariably associated with aggressive and metastatic disease. Previously, we reported promotion of castration-resistance upon downregulation of PPP2CA (encoding catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), alpha-isoform); however, its role in PCa growth and metastasis remained undetermined. Methods: PPP2CA was overexpressed/silenced in PCa cells by stable transfection. Gene expression was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblot and immunofluorescence analyses, and transcriptional activity measured by luciferase-based promoter-reporter assay. Effect on PCa phenotype was studied in vitro and in orthotopic mouse model, and immunohistochemical/histological analyses performed to assess proliferation/apoptosis and confirm metastatic lesions. Results: An inverse association of PPP2CA expression was observed with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aggressive PCa phenotype.

2320(4) angstrom, c = 9.918(1) angstrom); (III) Sr2Al2-x,Au7+z SB273005 (z = 0.32(2); C2/c, Z = 4, a = 14.956(4) angstrom, b 8.564(2) angstrom, c = 8.682(1) angstrom, beta = 123.86(1)degrees); and (IV) rhombohedral

Sr2Al3-wAu6+w (w approximate to 0.18(1); R (3) over barc, Z = 6, a = 8.448(1) angstrom, c = 21.735(4) angstrom). These remarkable compounds were obtained by fusion of the pure elements and were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electronic structure calculations. Phase I shows a narrow phase width and adopts the Ba3Ag14.6Al6.4-type structure; phase IV is isostructural with Ba2Au6Zn3, whereas phases II and III represent new structure types. This novel series can be formulated as Sr-x[M-3](1-x)Au-2, in which [M-3] (= [Al-3] or [Al2Au]) triangles replace some Sr atoms in the hexagonal prismatic-like cavities of the Au network. The [M-3] triangles are either isolated or interconnected into zigzag chains or nets. According to tight-binding electronic structure calculations, the greatest overlap populations belong to the Al-Au bonds, whereas Au Au interactions

have a substantial nonbonding region surrounding the calculated Fermi levels. QTAIM analysis of the electron density reveals charge transfer from Sr to the Al-Au framework in all four systems. A study of chemical bonding by means of the electron-localizability indicator indicates two- and three-center interactions within the anionic PXD101 in vivo Al Au framework.”
“The pellicles of alveolates (ciliates, apicomplexans, and dinoflagellates) share a common organization, yet perform very divergent functions, including motility, host cell invasion, and armor. The alveolate pellicle consists of a system of flattened membrane sacs (alveoli, which are the defining feature of the group) below

the plasma membrane that is supported by a membrane skeleton as well as a network of microtubules and other filamentous elements. We recently showed that a family of proteins, alveolins, are common and unique to this pellicular structure in alveolates. Selleckchem SN-38 To identify additional proteins that contribute to this structure, a pellicle proteome study was conducted for the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila. We found 1,173 proteins associated with this structure, 45% (529 proteins) of which represented novel proteins without matches to other functionally characterized proteins. Expression of four newly identified T. thermophila pellicular proteins as green fluorescent protein-fusion constructs confirmed pellicular location, and one new protein located in the oral apparatus. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that 21% of the putative pellicular proteins, predominantly the novel proteins, contained highly repetitive regions with strong amino acid biases for particular residues (K, E, Q, L, I, and V). When the T.

Cardiac angiography was used to display the right ventriculogram (RVG) and the left ventriculogram (LVG). The RVG view was divided into three areas and the LVG view was divided into selleck four areas. Results The paced QRS duration value was significantly longer in the right ventricular apex area compared with the outflow and inflow areas

(160 +/- 15ms vs 140 +/- 15ms, P = 0.02, and vs 133 +/- 17ms, P < 0.001, respectively), but those values were not statistically significantly different between the right ventricular outflow and the right ventricular inflow areas (140 +/- 15ms vs 133 +/- 17ms, P = 0.187). When assessed with LVG views, there were the statistically significant differences in the paced QRS duration values in all areas except the apex area. (LV mid-anterior: selleck chemicals 147 +/- 11ms vs LV base: 127 +/- 13ms, P < 0.001, and vs LV mid-septum: 129 +/-

12ms, P = 0.001, respectively.) Conclusions Cardiac angiography showed that there was a relationship between the anatomical right ventricular pacing site and paced QRS duration. Cardiac angiography can help determine the areas that produce shorter paced QRS duration.”
“Purpose of review\n\nThe present review will focus on the role of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the current management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).\n\nRecent findings\n\nOver the past several decades, the treatment of RA has been revolutionized, not only by the development of

highly effective biologic click here agents but also through a better understanding of the critical importance of early DMARD treatment with a goal of remission or low disease activity and of how to effectively and safely use conventional DMARDs, either as monotherapy or in combinations.\n\nSummary\n\nConventional DMARDs have proven efficacy in the management of RA and remain a valid treatment option, either in monotherapy or as a component of combination regimens. Although conventional DMARDs have associated toxicities, these are distinct from those of the biologic DMARDs. In addition, conventional DMARDs are much less expensive than biologic DMARDs, and in many cases can be successful in achieving similar control of disease activity. The goal for all patients should be achieving remission, or at least low disease activity, with the most cost-effective therapy possible.”
“Amid growing concern about childhood obesity, the United States spends billions of dollars on food assistance: providing meals and subsidizing food purchases. We examine the relationship between food assistance and body mass index (BMI) for young, low-income children, who are a primary target population for federal food programs and for efforts to prevent childhood obesity. Our findings indicate that food assistance may unintentionally contribute to the childhood obesity problem in cities with high food prices.

While other navigational mechanisms (e.g. path integration) are well studied, the question of how ants extract reliable visual features from a complex visual scene is still largely open. This paper explores the assumption that the upper outline of ground objects formed against the sky, i.e. the skyline, provides sufficient information for visual navigation. We constructed a virtual model of the ant’s environment. In the virtual environment, panoramic images were recorded and adapted to the resolution of the desert ant’s complex eye. From these images either a skyline code or a pixel-based intensity code were extracted.

Further, two homing algorithms were implemented, a modified version of the average landmark vector (ALV) model (Lambrinos et al. Robot Auton Syst 30:39-64, 2000) and a gradient ascent method. Results show less spatial aliasing for click here skyline coding and best homing performance for ALV homing based on skyline codes. This supports the assumption of skyline coding in visual homing

of desert ants and allows novel approaches to technical outdoor navigation.”
“The pharmacogenetics of methotrexate (MTX) was investigated in a large cohort of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Four hundred ninety-nine children with ALL from the ALL-BFM (Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster) 2000 trial who received 1996 courses of MTX at 5 g/m(2) were PD-1/PD-L1 activation genotyped for 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 5 candidate genes of the MTX/folate pathway. Patients’ MTX pharmacokinetics, MTX toxicities, and outcomes were correlated with the genotypes. The interindividual variability in MTX kinetics had a substantial genetic component between 68% and 75%. The SLCO1B1 rs4149056 variant was significantly associated with MTX kinetics. In a multiple regression model, MTX area under the concentration time curve (AUC)(0-48h) increased by 26% (P < .001) per SLCO1B1 rs4149056 C allele. MTX AUC(0-48h) was a significant predictor

of overall toxic adverse events during MTX courses (R-2 = 0.043; P < .001), whereas the thymidylate synthase rs34743033 tandem repeat polymorphism was predictive of stomatitis (R-2 = 0.018; P = .009), a frequent AZD6094 in vitro side effect of high-dose MTX. Multiple Cox regression analyses revealed an association of minimal residual disease (hazard ratio 7.3; P < .001) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase rs1801131 (hazard ratio 3.1; P=.015) with event-free survival in the ALL-BFM 2000 study population. Genetic variations substantially influence the kinetics and response to high-dose MTX therapy in childhood ALL.”
“Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is expressed in pancreatic beta cells and has recently been proposed as a target for measurement of beta cell mass in vivo.

3%) was associated with all lifetime disorders studied, including alcohol use and drug use disorders, and anxiety disorders, PTSD, pathological gambling and antisocial personality disorder. Current nicotine dependence was present in 19% affective, of the sample and significantly associated With Current affective aid gambling disorder.\n\nConclusions: Substantial co-morbidity exists between nicotine dependence and other Substance abuse and psychiatric disorders among this sample of American Indian male veterans,

particularly for lifetime diagnoses. Screening for all psychiatric disorders among American Indian/Alaska Native smokers may lie warranted. Although these results are similar to those observed among the general U.S. population, unique risk factors exist among Elafibranor supplier American Indians/Alaska Natives which may require further attention. Specific public health and clinical interventions to reduce the rate of nicotine dependence among American Indians/Alaska Natives are recommended. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are very potential formulations P5091 purchase for topical delivery of anti-inflammatory

and anti-arthritic drugs. The solid state of the lipid particles enable efficient drug encapsulation and controlled drug release. In the present study, the evaluation of different formulation parameters based on variation of concentration of lipid and cosurfactant was studied. The SLN gel formulations of the dispersions were compared to the SLN dispersions and with the marketed gel of aceclofenac. The SLNs were prepared by high speed homogenization and ultra-sonication method with fixed amount of aceclofenac (10%) and pluronic F68 (1.5%). The particle size, zeta potential and span of developed formulations selleckchem was found to be within the range of 123 nm to 323 nm, -12.4 to -18.5 and 0.42 to 0.86 respectively as the lipid concentration was increased from 7.5% to 40%. The highest entrapment efficiency was found to be 75% with the formulation having lipid concentration of 30% and 0.85% of phospholipon 90G. Permeation rate and controlled release property

of xanthan gum loaded SLN gel formulations and SLN dispersion was studied through excised pig skin for 24hr. The drug release of SLN gel formulations was better controlled as compare to SLN dispersions. In vivo anti-inflammatory study showed that action of aceclofenac was enhanced for SLN dispersion and gel formulations. The results indicated the superiority of SLN based formulations for topical delivery of aceclofenac.”
“Background. – The noncompaction of myocardium is a rare myocardiopathy. The isolated right ventricular involvement is exceptional. We report two cases of isolated noncompaction of the right ventricular myocardium.\n\nCase 1. – I., 2 years old, investigated for a congenital cyanosis with severe functional repercussion.

Although radiographic evidence of sacroiliitis is included in the definition, it is not mandatory for the diagnosis of juvenile AS. The aim of this study is to describe pelvic enthesitis-osteitis MRI findings accompanying sacroiliitis in a group of juvenile AS. Eleven patients suffering from low back pain underwent MRI of the pelvis and were enrolled in this retrospective study. The buy Barasertib mean duration of symptoms was 12 months. The mean age of the 11 cases in our study was 12.18 years (range, 6-19). There were eight boys and

three girls. Anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were obtained in all patients. Sacroiliac joint involvement was detected in all of the cases by pelvic MRI. Pathologic signal changes were detected in the pubic symphisis (osteitis pubis) in ten cases, trochanteric bursitis in six cases, coxofemoral joint in five cases, crista iliaca in three cases, and ischion pubis in three cases. There was increased T2 SNX-5422 manufacturer signal intensity in eight of the 11 cases (72.7%) relevant with soft tissue edema/inflammation. This high correlation between sacroiliitis and enthesitis suggests that enthesitis

could be an important finding in juvenile AS.”
“Objective: Interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with their receptors (RAGE) plays an important role in inflammation in auto-immune diseases. Several functional polymorphisms of RAGE have been described. In this study we analysed the role of RAGE polymorphisms in disease susceptibility for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, we investigated whether these polymorphisms in SLE are associated with serum levels of soluble RAGE (sRAGE), renal involvement (lupus nephritis (LN)) and its outcome. Methods: For this cross-sectional study DNA samples

of 97 SLE patients, 114 LN patients and 429 healthy controls (HC) were genotyped for four Z-DEVD-FMK solubility dmso RAGE polymorphisms: -429 T/C, -374 T/A, 2184 A/G and Gly82Ser. Differences in genotype frequencies and allele frequencies were tested between patients and HCs. In SLE patients, sRAGE was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, association of genotypes with sRAGE and disease severity in LN was analysed. Results: The C allele of -429 T/C, the T allele of -374 T/A and the G allele of 2184 A/G were significantly more prevalent in SLE and LN compared with HC. In LN, the C allele of RAGE -429 T/C, the A allele of -374 T/A and the G allele of RAGE 2184 A/G polymorphism were significantly associated with more proteinuria and worse renal function during the first two years of treatment. No association of genotype with sRAGE was found. Conclusion: RAGE polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to SLE and LN. In addition, some of these polymorphisms are likely to be associated with disease severity and initial response to treatment in LN. Lupus (2012) 21, 959-968.