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['To explore the reasons why general practitioners do not always implement best evidence.', 'Qualitative study using Balint-style groups.', 'Primary care.', '19 general practitioners.', 'Identifiable themes that indicate barriers to implementation.', "Six main themes were identified that affected the implementation process: the personal and professional experiences of the general practitioners; the patient-doctor relationship; a perceived tension between primary and secondary care; general practitioners' feelings about their patients and the evidence; and logistical problems. Doctors are aware that their choice of words with patients can affect patients' decisions and whether evidence is implemented."] Do why general practitioners implement evidence : qualitative study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.720564126968384,
2.7169301509857178,
-0.6277416944503784
] |
['Replacement of animal protein with soy protein in the diet is associated with decreased cholesterol levels. However, the effects of soy protein diet on endothelial function are not well known.', 'The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of soy protein diet on plasma lipids and endothelial function parameters assessed by two different methods.', 'Twenty hypercholesterolemic, nonsmoker male patients (age 50.1+/-11.8 years), with a normal body mass index, were included. After calculating their daily requirements, a diet with 25-30% of energy from fats. 10-12% from proteins, and the rest from carbohydrates was instituted. Sixty percent of the animal source proteins of the diet were substituted by soy. The anthropometric measures, lipid parameters, and endothelial functions of the subjects were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks after soy protein diet. Flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilatation (EDD) and plasma thrombomodulin (TM) levels were evaluated as endothelial function parameters.', 'After diet, plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and triglyceride levels decreased significantly (p <0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.039, and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean plasma TM levels were also significantly reduced with diet (p = 0.004). Studies of the brachial artery indicated a borderline dilatation in baseline brachial artery diameter (p = 0.05), however the diameter at reactive hyperemia was significantly larger after diet (p<0.001), resulting in a significant improvement of EDD (p = 0.002).'] Does soy protein diet significantly improve endothelial function and lipid parameters? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2246057987213135,
-1.3346834182739258,
2.598327875137329
] |
['To distinguish between local and systemic drug effects, we compared pain scores, analgesic consumption and plasma concentrations after local vs i.v. administration of meloxicam 7.5 mg in patients with inguinal hernia repair.', 'In a double-blind, randomized study 56 patients received either local or i.v. meloxicam 7.5 mg. Postoperative pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest, on mobilization, and on coughing, the need for supplementary analgesics (fentanyl i.v. and/or acetaminophen-codeine tablets) was recorded, and blood samples were drawn during 24 hr after meloxicam administration.', 'No significant differences were found between groups with respect to pain scores, or in the consumption of supplementary analgesics. Following local application of meloxicam, the peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of 0.5 +/- 0.2 mg*L(-1) achieved after 1.8 +/- 0.5 hr was much lower than the C(max) of 2.5 +/- 0.9 mg*L(-1) achieved immediately after i.v. administration (P <0.05). Mean meloxicam plasma concentration after infiltration was significantly lower than after i.v. doses for the first three hours after administration (P <0.05).'] Is postoperative analgesia different after local vs systemic administration of meloxicam in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.022570848464966,
-1.4435956478118896,
2.531277656555176
] |
['To investigate the changes in hemodynamic variables and bispectral index (BIS) in response to a rapid increase in isoflurane or sevoflurane concentration.', 'Thirty adult patients were anesthetized with either isoflurane (isoflurane group) or sevoflurane (sevoflurane group). Two minutes after induction of anesthesia with thiamylal, the inspired concentrations of isoflurane and sevoflurane were rapidly increased from 0.5 minimum alveolar anaesthetic concentration (MAC) to 3 MAC and maintained for five minutes. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and BIS were measured every minute.', 'An increase in the anesthetic concentration caused increases in HR and MAP in the isoflurane group and a decrease in MAP in the sevoflurane group. Consequently, HR and MAP in the isoflurane group were significantly higher than those in the sevoflurane group. After inhalation of high concentrations, BIS significantly and progressively decreased in both groups.'] Do values of the bispectral index parallel the hemodynamic response to the rapid increase in isoflurane concentration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2313880920410156,
-1.2066621780395508,
2.4989430904388428
] |
['There is accumulating evidence that theophylline has anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects. This may be, in part, mediated via an upregulation in the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10. We determined whether low-dose theophylline (LDT) would increase the production of IL-10, and attenuate the production of proinflammatory cytokines by alveolar macrophages.', 'In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 15 steroid-free patients with mild asthma, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed at the end of the treatment and placebo periods. Alveolar macrophages were cultured in vitro, and we measured their release of IL-10, GM-CSF, and TNF-alpha. We also measured IL-10 production in whole blood together with the number of monocytes and T cells expressing intracellular IL-10 by flow cytometry.', 'LDT did not increase the production of IL-10, or attenuate the production of GM-CSF or TNF-alpha by alveolar macrophages. However, after theophylline treatment, there was a significant reduction in mean (SD) (95% CI) BAL eosinophil number from 3.4 (1.7)% (95% CI 2.4-4.4) to 1.7 (1.0)% (95% CI 1.1-2.3) compared with placebo (P<0.05). Similarly, there was no increase in whole-blood IL-10 release or in the number of monocytes and T cells expressing intracellular IL-10 after treatment.'] Does low-dose theophylline exert its anti-inflammatory effects in mild asthma through upregulation of interleukin-10 in alveolar macrophages? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.785096526145935,
-1.562703251838684,
2.3299241065979004
] |
['Assessment of effects on quality of care, in terms of patient outcomes, when tasks in the care for outpatients with stable type 2 diabetes are transferred from internist to nurse specialist and from outpatient clinic to general practice.', 'For the management of chronic diseases with a high prevalence and requiring current monitoring, it is suggested that substitution of care may be an appropriate solution to safeguard high quality care.', 'A 12-month nonequivalent control group design was used. General practitioners (GPs) referring diabetes patients to the University Hospital Maastricht were asked to choose for the traditional model or the nurse specialist model. Informed consent was obtained from patients with stable diabetes type 2 attending these practices. All patients received care according to the model chosen by their GP. Identified outcomes were: clinical status, health status, self-care behaviour, knowledge of diabetes, patient satisfaction, and consultation with care-providers.', 'In the control group (n=47) no patients were treated with oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA) only. The control group was compared with an intervention subgroup (n=52) also without patients receiving OHA only. Clinical data were available for all patients. Patients without complete data from questionnaires had better mean concentration of HbA1c than patients with complete data (P=0.004). The traditional care model and the nurse specialist model achieved equal outcomes, while glycaemic control of patients in the nurse specialist model improved (from 8.6% to 8.3%) but deteriorated in the traditional model (from 8.6% to 8.8%; P-value between groups=0.001).'] Is substitution model with central role for nurse specialist justified in the care for stable type 2 diabetic outpatients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4105130434036255,
-1.110347032546997,
1.6164226531982422
] |
['To assess the levels of caveolin-1 in a series of bladder tumor specimens of varying stage and grade and to identify possible links between caveolin-1 status and clinical behavior. Caveolae have emerged as sites of important regulatory events at the cell membrane in many different cell types. Caveolins are the main structural components of caveolae and belong to a family of highly conserved integral membrane proteins. The function of caveolin-1 appears to be intrinsically linked to cell signaling modulation by multiple pathways. Modification of CAV-1 gene expression appears to be a common feature of the oncogenically transformed phenotype.', 'Using a rabbit polyclonal antibody against caveolin-1 and immunohistochemistry, we assessed caveolin-1 protein expression in 89 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded bladder tumor sections. The patient group studied included 71 men and 18 women (mean age +/- SD 69.7 +/- 10.9 years). The stage was Ta-T1 in 68 and T2-T4 in 21 tumors in this series. The clinical follow-up was 1 to 38 months (mean 21.2 +/- 9.9).', 'A statistically significant association was observed between caveolin-1 immunoreactivity and tumor grade (P = 0.0118, chi-square test), with 8 (21%) of 38 G3, 1 (3%) of 30 G2, and 0 of 21 G1 tumors positive for caveolin-1. When the clinical data were examined in conjunction with caveolin-1 status, no statistically significant relationship was seen between caveolin-1 expression and tumor multiplicity, tumor recurrence, tumor progression, or patient survival.'] Is caveolin-1 expression associated with high-grade bladder cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2281851768493652,
-1.4059926271438599,
2.678874969482422
] |
['Blood lactate is an accurate predictor of outcome in clinical shock syndrome patients. However, its usefulness in status I heart transplant candidates with failing myocardium is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether serum lactate levels are predictive of congestive heart failure severity in cardiomyopathic status I cardiac transplant candidates.', 'Over a 6-month period, serial arterial serum lactate levels in 30 status I heart transplant candidates were measured. Measured serum lactate values (mmol/L) included the initial lactate level upon admission to the intensive care unit and the lactate level at 6-week intervals up to 24-weeks. Surveillance right heart catheterizations were also performed at 6-week intervals to determine pulmonary artery pressures and cardiac index. Baseline measurements were compared with the values obtained at time intervals of 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-weeks.', "All status I heart transplant candidates were admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment of worsening heart failure with intravenous inotropic therapy. All patients had severe pulmonary hypertension (greater than two-thirds of systemic arterial pressure, mmHg) and/or severe low cardiac output state (cardiac index less than 2.0 L/min/M(2)). Admission lactate level was normal in all candidates. Intravenous inotropic therapy improved patients' symptoms and cardiopulmonary hemodynamic derangements although lactate levels remained within the normal range until the time of heart transplant operation or up to 24-weeks (p=NS)."] Are serum lactates predictive of heart failure severity in status I cardiac transplant candidates? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.975641131401062,
-1.4069125652313232,
2.3836374282836914
] |
['Suppressin (SPN), a novel inhibitor of the entry into the cell cycle, has properties of a tumor suppressor gene; however, its role in the development and progression of a human malignancy is not studied. Therefore, we evaluated the status of spn and its prognostic value in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC).', 'Inhibition of cell proliferation by exogenous/extracellular SPN was assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. The genetic status of spn in two colon cancer cell lines (LS180 and WiDr) and in a human CRC was determined using direct cDNA sequencing techniques. Phenotypic expression of SPN was evaluated in 105 CRC archival tissues using immunohistochemical methods. Univariate Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the prognostic significance of SPN expression.', 'Exogenous SPN inhibited the proliferation of the LS180 cell line, which also has a mutation in one allele of the spn gene. The spn gene was also mutated in the primary CRC. Expression of SPN was primarily cytoplasmic in nonmucinous CRCs and nuclear in mucinous CRCs. However, the evaluation of 85 nonmucinous CRCs demonstrated that nuclear localization of SPN, nuclear accumulation of p53, and nodal status were independent prognostic indicators with hazard ratios of 2.34, 2.33, and 3.04, respectively. Nuclear localization of SPN plus nuclear accumulation of p53 formed a stronger prognostic indicator (hazard ratios = 5.45) than local nodal status.'] Is altered subcellular localization of suppressin , a novel inhibitor of cell-cycle entry , an independent prognostic factor in colorectal adenocarcinomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1202430725097656,
-1.4988996982574463,
2.629542827606201
] |
['Depression is not adequately diagnosed in many cases. Therefore, the question arises as to whether markers exist for depression. We investigated whether the presence of thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) during pregnancy can be regarded as a marker for depression in the first year postpartum, particularly in relation to (overt or subclinical) thyroid dysfunction and other determinants of depression.', 'This work was a prospective observational study.', 'A cohort of 310 unselected women (residing in the Kempen Region, southeastern Netherlands) were visited at 12 and 32 weeks gestation and at 4, 12, 20, 28 and 36 weeks postpartum.', 'At each visit, TSH, free thyroxine and TPOAb testing was performed, determinants associated with depression were asked for, and depression was assessed (according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria). Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine independent risk factors (odds ratios, ORs) for depression in gestation and/or postpartum depression.', 'Data for 291 women were available for analysis; 41 women (14.1%) had TPOAbs at one or more time points, and 117 women (40.1%) had depression at one or more time points postpartum. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that TPOAbs were independently associated with depression at 12 weeks gestation and at 4 and 12 weeks postpartum (OR, 95% confidence interval: 2.4 (1.1-6.0), 3.8 (1.3-7.3) and 3.6 (1.2-7.1) respectively). After the exclusion of women who were depressed at 12 weeks gestation (n=70), the presence of TPOAbs during early pregnancy was still found to be associated with the development of postpartum depression (OR, 95% confidence interval: 2.8 (1.7-4.5); after exclusion of women who had had depression in earlier life (n=51), TPOAb during early gestation was still associated with postpartum depression (OR, 95% confidence interval: 2.9 (1.8-4.3).'] Are thyroid peroxidase antibodies during gestation a marker for subsequent depression postpartum? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5338777303695679,
-1.3677217960357666,
1.9513440132141113
] |
['The expression of two iodide transporters, the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and pendrin, was analyzed in thyroid tissues of patients with toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG) and non-toxic multinodular goiter (MNG).', 'The levels of NIS and pendrin proteins were analyzed in total protein extracts from nodular and non-nodular tissues by Western blot.', 'In tissue samples from TMNG, we found an increased expression of NIS (2.5-fold) in the hot nodules, and similar levels between cold nodules and non-nodular tissues. In contrast, the levels of pendrin were slightly increased in both hot and cold nodules from TMNG, and decreased (about twofold) in cold nodules from MNG. We also noticed that there was no relationship between NIS and pendrin expression.'] Are sodium/iodide symporter ( NIS ) and pendrin expressed differently in hot and cold nodules of thyroid toxic multinodular goiter? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2284352779388428,
-1.0237102508544922,
2.2772598266601562
] |
['Several bacterial pathogens express antihost factors that likely decrease both their maximal growth rate (due to metabolic costs) as well as their mortality rate (by neutralizing host defenses). The pathogenic yersiniae make a huge metabolic investment expressing virulence proteins (referred to as Yops) that are directly injected into eukaryotic cells and that modulate host defense responses such as phagocytosis and stress-activated signaling pathways. Although host-cell contact enhanced Yop expression as well as the cellular activities of several Yops have recently been described, a clear link between these phenomena and bacterial survival and/or proliferation remains to be established', 'We show that the proliferation of Y. pseudotuberculosis is compromised when the bacterium is growing in association with eukaryotic cells compared to free-living bacteria. One factor likely limiting Yersinia proliferation is the metabolically taxing expression of yopE which we show using flow cytometry increases in individual bacteria following their contact with cultured macrophage-like cells. An additional factor limiting Y. pseudotuberculosis proliferation are host cell defense systems which can be significantly ameliorated by disrupting the host cell cytoskeletal system by either exogenously added toxins or by the bacterial-mediated injection of YopE or YopH.'] Do the Yersinia YopE and YopH type III effector proteins enhance bacterial proliferation following contact with eukaryotic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.921417474746704,
-0.26951003074645996,
2.2845540046691895
] |
['Glaucoma is a blinding disease usually associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP). In some families, abnormal anterior segment development contributes to glaucoma. The genes causing anterior segment dysgenesis and glaucoma in most of these families are not identified and the affected developmental processes are poorly understood. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) participate in various developmental processes. We tested the importance of Bmp4 gene dosage for ocular development and developmental glaucoma.', "Bmp4+/- mice have anterior segment abnormalities including malformed, absent or blocked trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal drainage structures. Mice with severe drainage structure abnormalities, over 80% or more of their angle's extent, have elevated IOP. The penetrance and severity of abnormalities is strongly influenced by genetic background, being most severe on the C57BL/6J background and absent on some other backgrounds. On the C57BL/6J background there is also persistence of the hyaloid vasculature, diminished numbers of inner retinal cells, and absence of the optic nerve."] Do haploinsufficient Bmp4 ocular phenotypes include anterior segment dysgenesis with elevated intraocular pressure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.487217664718628,
-1.2304507493972778,
2.806528091430664
] |
['To investigate whether ONO-1714, a putative selective inhibitor for inducible nitric oxide synthase, modulates systemic hemodynamics, arterial blood gases, lactate concentrations, gastric mucosal perfusion, and renal and hepatic functions in endotoxic shock.', 'Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study.', 'Laboratory at a university hospital.', 'Eighteen male beagle dogs (12-19 kg) under pentobarbital anesthesia.', 'Dogs were mechanically ventilated and monitored with a pulmonary arterial catheter and a gastric tonometer. They were divided in three groups: a) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus vehicle group (n = 6), which received LPS (250 ng/kg/min for 2 hrs) and saline 1 hr later; b) LPS plus ONO (0.05) group (n = 6), which received ONO-1714 (0.05 mg/kg) 1 hr after the start of LPS; c) LPS plus ONO (0.1) group (n = 6), which received ONO-1714 (0.1 mg/kg) 1 hr after the start of LPS.', 'Hemodynamics, blood gas parameters, gastric intramural pH, urine output, and serum levels of lactate, transaminases, bilirubin, and creatinine were measured during a 6-hr observation period. LPS induced hypotension, lactic acidosis, gastric mucosal acidosis, and renal and hepatic dysfunction. ONO-1714 reversed the LPS-induced hypotension and lactic acidosis without deteriorating cardiac output, oxygen delivery, or gastric mucosal acidosis.'] Does a selective inhibitor for inducible nitric oxide synthase improve hypotension and lactic acidosis in canine endotoxic shock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.317359685897827,
-1.4368208646774292,
2.792238235473633
] |
['Inhibin and activin are proteins produced by ovarian granulosa cells and testicular Sertoli cells and are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily. Since increased circulating levels of immunoreactive inhibin were detected in women with malignant ovarian tumors, they were proposed as tumor markers for ovarian carcinoma. Immunohistochemical studies later confirmed the presence of inhibin and activin subunits in granulosa cell tumors and epithelial ovarian cancer, as well as in Sertoli and Leydig cell testicular cancer. However, there is discrepant information on the detection of inhibin and activin in malignant germ cell tumors (MGCT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of the inhibin/activin alpha, betaA and betaB subunits in ovarian and testicular MGCT specimens using polyclonal antisera.', 'The ovarian tissue samples were composed of 19 MGCT, including dysgerminoma (n=18) and yolk sac tumor (n=1). The testis specimens included classic seminomas (n=20), embryonal carcinomas (n=7), choriocarcinomas (n=2), and yolk sac tumor (n=1).', 'Ovarian and testicular malignant germ cell tumors expressed positive staining for inhibin/activin alpha, betaA and betaB subunits, with some variations between and within individual tumors: while ovarian dysgerminomas were diffusely positive for alpha, betaA and betaB, testicular tumors expressed alpha and betaB subunits, whereas betaA staining was weak.'] Do gonadal malignant germ cell tumors express immunoreactive inhibin/activin subunits? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.337395429611206,
-1.4378013610839844,
2.831521987915039
] |
['To investigate the interaction between hypertension and diabetic nephropathy, we studied the renal accumulation of fibronectin in a genetic model of hypertension with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus.', 'Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their genetically normotensive control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied at 4 weeks of age. The rats were killed 20 days after the induction of diabetes mellitus. The renal accumulation of fibronectin was estimated using Western blot analysis as well as immunofluorescence technique and confocal microscopy.', 'Blood glucose concentrations were similar in diabetic SHR rats (27 +/- 3.3 mmol/l) and WKY rats (25.5 +/- 2.7 mmol/l). The systolic blood pressure was higher in both groups of SHR rats than in the control rats. The abundance of renal fibronectin as detected by Western blot analysis was (p < 0.05) higher in the diabetic SHR rats (41.4 +/- 15.0 densitometric U, n = 8) than in the control rats, and no difference was observed between diabetic and control WKY rats (20.8 +/- 6.2, n = 8) and (27.8 +/- 17.2, n = 8). The mean peak intensity of fibronectin signal within the glomerulus as estimated by confocal microscopy was higher (p < 0.05) in the diabetic SHR rats (32.9 +/- 3.5) than in control SHR rats (11.9 +/- 5.7) or diabetic (7.4 +/- 2.2) and control (15.2 +/- 7.9) WKY rats.'] Does the presence of genetic hypertension stimulate early renal accumulation of fibronectin in experimental diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4664663076400757,
-1.597139596939087,
2.024165630340576
] |
['Five different types of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) have been identified until now but mutation screening suggests that more MODY genes exist. Mutations in genes encoding transcription factors essential for normal development and function of pancreatic beta cells has recently become important in studying the genetics of Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Patients with MODY and their families in Iceland were screened for mutations in the transcription factor genes.', 'Clinical and biochemical information on individuals with MODY was collected and their family trees constructed. Linkage analysis was carried out on chromosomal regions known to harbour genes previously shown to be associated with MODY. Mutations were identified by direct sequencing.', 'Three families were identified. Two of these showed linkage to chromosome 12 and carried mutations in exon 4 of the HNF-1alpha gene (290fsdelC and R272C). However, the third family showed no linkage to the previously described MODY genes but shared a novel mutation in the NeuroD1 gene on chromosome 2q32. This mutation, a glutamate to lysine substitution at codon 110, resides in the basic domain of the protein.'] Is mODY in Iceland associated with mutations in HNF-1alpha and a novel mutation in NeuroD1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3484437465667725,
-1.0002593994140625,
2.3273115158081055
] |
['The purpose of this study was to test whether omitting the vasodilator nitric oxide that is derived from any 1 of the 3 isoforms of nitric oxide synthase results in hypertension during pregnancy.', 'We measured systolic blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy using an automated tail cuff method in 3 mutant (gene knockout) mouse strains in which the gene for neuronal nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide, or endothelial nitric oxide was disrupted by gene targeting.', 'In neuronal nitric oxide gene knockout mice (n = 10), blood pressure was 100 +/- 3 mm Hg, not significantly different from 101 +/- 3 mm Hg in matched wild-type control mice (n = 10). Pregnancy did not change blood pressure or heart rate in either group. In inducible nitric oxide gene knockout mice (n = 9), blood pressure was 110 +/- 3 mm Hg, the same as in the wild-type control mice (110 +/- 2 mm Hg; n = 14). Blood pressure was unaffected by pregnancy in either group of mice. However, heart rate was significantly less in knockout mice (647 +/- 11 beats/min vs 666 +/- 9 beats/min; P <.005); this difference persisted through pregnancy. In endothelial nitric oxide gene knockout mice (n = 8), blood pressure was higher before pregnancy (114 +/- 4 mm Hg vs 103 +/- 4 mm Hg; P <.05) than in wild-type control mice (n = 9), but this difference disappeared during pregnancy, returning only after delivery. Heart rates were not different before pregnancy and were unaffected by pregnancy.'] Do nitric oxide synthase gene knockout mice become hypertensive during pregnancy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7036625146865845,
-1.4615603685379028,
2.1319661140441895
] |
['Strong evidence implicates chronic intra-amniotic inflammation in the etiology of mid-trimester abortion and spontaneous preterm delivery. The purpose of this study was to determine if concentrations of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8, and cytokines such as interleukin-6 and angiogenin can identify patients at risk for spontaneous preterm delivery in patients undergoing mid-trimester amniocentesis.', 'A case-control study was conducted to compare mid-trimester concentrations of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8, interleukin-6, and angiogenin in patients who delivered at term and in those who delivered before term. The study included 19 cases with spontaneous preterm delivery and 95 matched controls with normal outcomes. Patients with abnormal fetal karyotypes or major anomalies were excluded. Matrix metalloproteinase-8, interleukin-6, and angiogenin were measured by using specific immunoassays. Mann-Whitney U tests, Fisher exact tests, and receiver-operating characteristic curves were used for statistical analysis.', 'The median amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8, interleukin-6, and angiogenin concentrations of patients with spontaneous preterm delivery were significantly higher than those of control cases (matrix metalloproteinase-8: median, 3.1 ng/mL [range, 0.3-1954.9 ng/mL] vs median, 1.3 ng/mL [range, <0.3-45.2 ng/mL], P <.01; interleukin-6: median, 0.32 ng/mL [range, 0.04-2.52 ng/mL] vs median, 0.18 ng/mL [range, 0.01-1.81 ng/mL], P <.01; angiogenin: median, 11.1 ng/mL [range, 4.5-30.7 ng/mL] vs median, 6.7 ng/mL [range, 1.3-21.9 ng/mL], P <.001). Amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations higher than 23 ng/mL had the highest specificity and odds ratio (sensitivity, 42% [8/19]; specificity, 99% [94/95]; OR, 68.4 [95% CI, 7.8-599.1]) in the identification of the patients with preterm delivery after genetic amniocentesis.'] Is an elevated amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 level at the time of mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis a risk factor for spontaneous preterm delivery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.769663691520691,
-1.5975134372711182,
2.360499858856201
] |
['Pelvic organ prolapse results in a spectrum of progressively disabling disorders. Despite attempts to standardize the clinical examination, a variety of imaging techniques are used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic cystocolpoproctography in the surgical management of females with complex pelvic floor disorders.', 'Twenty-two patients were identified from The Johns Hopkins Pelvic Floor Disorders Center database who had symptoms of complex pelvic organ prolapse and underwent dynamic magnetic resonance, dynamic cystocolpoproctography, and subsequent multidisciplinary review and operative repair.', 'The mean age of the study group was 58 +/- 13 years, and all patients were Caucasian. Constipation (95.5 percent), urinary incontinence (77.3 percent), complaints of incomplete fecal evacuation (59.1 percent), and bulging vaginal tissues (54.4 percent) were the most common complaints on presentation. All patients had multiple complaints with a median number of 4 symptoms (range, 2-8). Physical examination, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging, and dynamic cystocolpoproctography were concordant for rectocele, enterocele, cystocele, and perineal descent in only 41 percent of patients. Dynamic imaging lead to changes in the initial operative plan in 41 percent of patients. Dynamic magnetic resonance was the only modality that identified levator ani hernias. Dynamic cystocolpoproctography identified sigmoidoceles and internal rectal prolapse more often than physical examination or dynamic magnetic resonance.'] Do dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging and cystocolpoproctography alter surgical management of pelvic floor disorders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4197447299957275,
-1.2763115167617798,
2.788475751876831
] |
['To investigate which components of milk increase the heat resistance of Salmonella senftenberg 775W, and to explore the mechanisms that could be involved in this protective effect.', 'The heat resistance of Salm. senftenberg was determined in a specially designed resistometer in several heating media. The molecules responsible for the thermal protective effect of milk were in the protein fraction, even in the < 3000 Da ultrafiltrate. The protective effect was lost when whey was demineralized. The former protective effect was restored when calcium or magnesium was added. Milk components protected cell envelopes of Salm. senftenberg from heat damage.'] Do low molecular weight milk whey components protect Salmonella senftenberg 775W against heat by a mechanism involving divalent cations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4643843173980713,
0.28421562910079956,
1.3150906562805176
] |
['To investigate a possible association between the carrier frequency of the N314D mutation in the galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT) gene and endometriosis and linkage to the short arm of chromosome 9, where the GALT gene resides.', 'Association and linkage study.', 'Population material collected for case and family studies in endometriosis.', 'Women diagnosed with endometriosis by laparotomy or laparoscopy.', 'Association with the GALT gene investigated by genotyping 85 affected women and 213 unrelated control women and a scan for linkage to chromosome 9 in 205 women from 64 families with endometriosis.', 'Multipoint parametric lod scores and frequency of alleles.', 'There was no significant difference in allele frequency for the N314D polymorphism in patients compared with control subjects. No evidence for linkage was found to chromosome 9p, where the GALT gene resides.'] Is endometriosis associated with or linked to the GALT gene? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.748642921447754,
-0.5957320332527161,
2.3984768390655518
] |
['To evaluate the prophylactic effect of low-dose dexamethasone (5 mg) on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in women undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic surgery. Metoclopramide and saline served as controls.', 'One hundred twenty women (n=40 in each of the three groups) undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic tubal ligation under general anesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. After tracheal intubation, group I received i.v. dexamethasone 5 mg, whereas groups II and III received i.v. metoclopramide 10 mg and saline, respectively.', 'Patients in group I reported a lower incidence of PONV and requested less rescue antiemetics than those in group III during the first four postoperative hours (P <0.01). Patients in group I reported a lower incidence of PONV than those in groups II (P <0.05) and III (P <0.01) during the 24-hr postoperative period. Groups II and III did not differ from each other in the incidence of PONV and the proportion of patients who requested rescue antiemetics.'] Does low-dose dexamethasone effectively prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting after ambulatory laparoscopic surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9490453004837036,
-1.3239918947219849,
2.239926338195801
] |
['To investigate whether the timing of intrathecal administration of the opioid analgesic fentanyl, alters noxious stimulus-evoked neuronal activity in the rat spinal cord.', 'A 5% formalin solution was used as the noxious stimulant. For the pretreatment group, a dose of 0.001 to 0.5 microg of fentanyl was injected intrathecally ten minutes prior to formalin injection. Early and late post-treatment groups received 0.01 to 0.5 microg fentanyl, five and 60 min after formalin injection respectively. The effect of fentanyl was confirmed with naloxone. The level of c-Fos expression was determined in each treatment group to indicate neuronal activity.', 'Pretreatment and early post-treatment groups showed suppression of c-Fos activity compared to the vehicle (P <0.01). The late post-treatment group showed no difference in c-Fos activity compared to the vehicle (P=NS). Pretreatment with fentanyl showed the most profound suppression of c-Fos expression (P <0.01). In addition, pretreatment injection showed a greater suppression of c-Fos activity in the deep (14.6% of control) compared to the superficial laminae (32.7% of control; P <0.01), whereas the early post-treatment group showed a universal decrease in c-Fos activity (49.2% of control in laminae I and II, 50.4% of control in laminae III and IV and 51.8% of control in laminae V and VI). Naloxone reversed the action of fentanyl on c-Fos activity.'] Does intrathecal pre-administration of fentanyl effectively suppress formalin evoked c-Fos expression in spinal cord of rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9923467636108398,
-1.4973115921020508,
2.5103373527526855
] |
['Modification of the aortic annulus or the ascending aorta, or both, may be required in pediatric patients undergoing the Ross operation. The fate of these autografts remains uncertain.', 'Retrospective review of 15 patients undergoing Ross operation without aortic annular modification (group 1), 11 patients requiring annular reduction (group 2, n = 11), and 8 patients requiring annular enlargement (group 3, n = 8). Autograft function and dimensions were evaluated by echocardiography.', 'Autograft insufficiency was less than or equal to mild in 33 patients and moderate in 1 patient. The annulus body surface area ratio increased in group 1 from 19.7 +/- 5 to 20.3 +/- 5 mm/M2 (p = 0.8). The average annular reduction in group 2 was 5 +/- 1.5 mm, and 10 of 11 patients required reduction of the ascending aorta (mean 11 +/- 5 mm). The annulus body surface area ratio increased from 18.6 +/- 7 to 20.5 +/- 9 mm/M2 (p = 0.2). The mean augmentation in annulus diameter in group 3 was 6 +/- 4 mm; the annulus body surface area ratio decreased from 23.7 +/- 14 to 20.3 +/- 8 mm/M2 (p = 0.5).'] Is aortopulmonary size discrepancy a contraindication to the pediatric Ross operation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9393634796142578,
-1.3927870988845825,
2.4519712924957275
] |
['The chelating agent 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N\', N",N"\'-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) is used to label monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and peptides with (90)Y. DOTA allows the generation of clinically useful stable metallic radioconjugates for the treatment of a variety of tumors, but its immunogenicity has remained controversial. In this study, we evaluated the immune response to DOTA in a preclinical mouse model and in patients entered in a clinical trial.', 'Sera were obtained from BALB/c mice injected intraperitoneally or subcutaneously with different doses and formulations of syngeneic and xenogeneic mAbs or peptide (murine mAb Mov19 [mM19]; its chimeric version; murine V/human C ChiMov19 [cM19]; or Tyr(3)-octreotide)-DOTA conjugates. Sera from patients with neuroendocrine tumors, enrolled in a protocol for somatostatin receptor-mediated radionuclide therapy with (90)Y-DOTA-D-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotide (DOTATOC), were also collected before and after each treatment. Levels and specificity of antibody response to relevant (Mov19, ChiMov19, or Tyr(3)-octreotide) and nonrelevant (human serum albumin) DOTA targets were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and competition assays. An anti-DOTA mAb (IgG1) derived from a ChiMov19-DOTA immunized mouse was used, in a competitive radioimmunoassay, to determine the efficiency of DOTA presentation on the different carriers.', 'Depending on the immunogenicity and dosage of the mAb, a specific anti-DOTA response was revealed in the preclinical system. However, DOTA-peptide conjugate induced no immune-detectable response against either chelator or carrier. DOTA was poorly presented on small peptides, as determined using the anti-DOTA mAb.'] Does the humoral immune response to macrocyclic chelating agent DOTA depend on the carrier molecule? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3491761684417725,
-1.417328119277954,
2.8308444023132324
] |
['There is some evidence for an inflammatory process as a driving force in otosclerosis. Two popular hypotheses for the induction of this chronic inflammation have been proposed: an autoimmune phenomenon induced by an otic capsule specific antigen and measles virus infection.', 'Antibodies against measles virus hemagglutinin, polymerase, nucleocapsid, and matrix proteins were evaluated in sera from otosclerotic patients and in sera from healthy age-and sex-matched controls by use of the Western blot analyses.', 'Significant differences were not detected between healthy men and women or between otosclerotic men and women. There were significantly stronger reactions against all viral proteins in the group of healthy women as compared with otosclerotic women despite a high standard deviation. The group of healthy male blood donors demonstrated significantly stronger reactions against polymerase and nucleocapsid proteins. Healthy blood donors again demonstrated stronger reaction compared with respective otosclerotic patients in a separate reaction for viral matrix protein.'] Is antimeasles immunoglobulin G in sera of patients with otosclerosis lower than that in healthy people? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.484395980834961,
-1.2683615684509277,
2.8488235473632812
] |
['To determine the subgroup of patients in whom office hysteroscopy should be routinely performed before an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program.', 'Retrospective cohort analysis.', 'Tertiary education and research hospital.', 'Two hundred twenty-three patients who underwent a uterine evaluation by office hysteroscopy before the IVF and embryo transfer cycle.', 'The office hysteroscopy was performed in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle before the IVF cycle.', 'The office findings: number of polyps, number of multiple polyps, and polyp size.', 'Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) had a higher number of endometrial polyps, but the difference was not statistically significant (28.9% vs. 18.3%). When comparing the patients according to BMI, patients with BMI >or=30 had a statistically significantly higher number of endometrial polyps versus BMI <30 (52% vs. 15%). On the other hand, obesity was positively correlated with the occurrence of polyps, size of the polyps, and occurrence of multiple number of polyps in the correlation analysis. In addition, logistic regression analysis using age, obesity, duration of infertility, and estradiol levels revealed that obesity was an independent prognostic factor for the development of endometrial polyps.'] Is body mass index an independent risk factor for the development of endometrial polyps in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.22087025642395,
-1.0726184844970703,
2.382113456726074
] |
['To determine the effects of sildenafil citrate, a cyclic monophosphate-specific type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor known to affect sperm function, on fertilization and early embryo cleavage.', 'This acute mammal study included male and female mice assigned randomly, the females sacrificed after mating and their oocytes/embryos evaluated at four time periods after treatment.', 'Academic research environment.', 'Male and female CBAB(6) mice.', 'Female mice were injected intraperitoneally with 5 IU gonadotropin (hCG) to stimulate follicular growth and induce ovulation. They were each caged with a male that had been gavaged with sildenafil citrate (0.06 mg/0.05 mL) and allowed to mate. After 12, 36, 60, and 84 h, females were killed, their oviducts were dissected out, and retrieved embryos were assessed for blastomere number and quality.', 'Fertilization rates and numbers of embryos were evaluated after treatment.', 'Fertilization rates (day 1) were markedly reduced (-33%) in matings where the male had taken sildenafil citrate. Over days 2-4, the numbers of embryos developing in the treated group were significantly fewer than in the control group. There was also a trend for impaired cleavage rates within those embryos, although this did not reach significance.'] Does sildenafil citrate ( Viagra ) impair fertilization and early embryo development in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.652053117752075,
-0.6869308352470398,
2.3856520652770996
] |
['Aberrant activation of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) pathway has been previously implicated as a crucial signal promoting tumorigenesis. However, how NF-kappaB acts as a key regulatory node to modulate global gene expression, and contributes to the malignant heterogeneity of head and neck cancer, is not well understood.', 'To address this question, we used a newly developed computational strategy, COGRIM (Clustering Of Gene Regulons using Integrated Modeling), to identify NF-kappaB regulons (a set of genes under regulation of the same transcription factor) for 1,265 genes differentially expressed by head and neck cancer cell lines differing in p53 status. There were 748 NF-kappaB targets predicted and individually annotated for RELA, NFkappaB1 or cREL regulation, and a prevalence of RELA related genes was observed in over-expressed clusters in a tumor subset. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, the NF-kappaB targets were reverse-engineered into annotated signature networks and pathways, revealing relationships broadly altered in cancer lines (activated proinflammatory and down-regulated Wnt/beta-catenin and transforming growth factor-beta pathways), or specifically defective in cancer subsets (growth factors, cytokines, integrins, receptors and intermediate kinases). Representatives of predicted NF-kappaB target genes were experimentally validated through modulation by tumor necrosis factor-alpha or small interfering RNA for RELA or NFkappaB1.'] Are systems biology-defined NF-kappaB regulons , interacting signal pathways and networks implicated in the malignant phenotype of head and neck cancer cell lines differing in p53 status? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5556724071502686,
-0.9935452342033386,
2.6652374267578125
] |
['Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an innate immune protein. The aim of our study was to determine whether genetically determined MBL deficiency is associated with susceptibility to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and whether MBL2 genotypes are associated with JRA severity.', 'In a retrospective cohort study of 218 patients with polyarthritis (n = 67) and oligoarthritis (n = 151), clinical and laboratory disease variables were obtained by clinical examination and chart reviews. Healthy Caucasian adults (n = 194) served as control individuals. MBL2 gene mutations were determined by Taqman analysis to identify genotypes with high, medium and low expression of MBL. Functional MBL plasma concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations between clinical and laboratory variables and MBL2 genotypes were determined by Kruskal-Wallis and chi2 tests.', 'MBL2 genotype frequencies were similar in polyarthritis and oligoarthritis patients as compared with control individuals. MBL plasma concentrations were associated with the high, medium and low MBL genotype expression groups (P < 0.01). In polyarthritis patients, the presence of low-expressing (deficient) MBL2 genotypes was associated with early age at onset of disease (P = 0.03). In oligoarthritis patients, patients with low-expressing MBL2 genotypes were more often in remission (81%) than patients in the medium (54%) and high (56%) genotype groups (P = 0.02). The remaining clinical and laboratory variables, such as arthritis severity index, presence of radiographic erosions and antinuclear antibody positivity, were not associated with MBL2 genotypes.'] Is mannose-binding lectin deficiency associated with early onset of polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis : a cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9241547584533691,
-1.4901597499847412,
2.416989326477051
] |
['To report the long-term follow-up of three nonpancreatectomized patients with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy due to mutations in the ABCC8 gene.', 'Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and venous 24-h glucose-insulin profile were performed yearly from adolescence.', 'Patient 1 (now aged 31 years) developed insulin-dependent diabetes at the age of 25 years. In patient 2 (now aged 17 years), impaired fasting glucose and a diabetic OGTT response with normal A1C values have been observed since the age of 10 years. In patient 3 (now aged 24 years), intolerant OGTT response and hyperglycemic episodes with normal A1C have been observed since the age of 16 years. All patients presented relatively low insulin levels during hyperglycemia, normal BMI, and negative autoantibodies (GAD antibody, insulinoma-associated protein 2, and islet cell antibody).'] Are glucose intolerance and diabetes observed in the long-term follow-up of nonpancreatectomized patients with persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy due to mutations in the ABCC8 gene? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.403515577316284,
-1.1406121253967285,
2.695863723754883
] |
['Established traumatic memories have a selective vulnerability to pharmacologic interventions following their reactivation that can decrease subsequent memory recall. This vulnerable period following memory reactivation is termed reconsolidation. The pharmacology of traumatic memory reconsolidation has not been fully characterized despite its potential as a therapeutic target for established, acquired anxiety disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is a critical regulator of mRNA translation and is known to be involved in various forms of synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. We have examined the role of mTOR in traumatic memory reconsolidation.', 'Male C57BL/6 mice were injected systemically with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (1-40mg/kg), at various time points relative to contextual fear conditioning training or fear memory retrieval, and compared to vehicle or anisomycin-treated groups (N=10-12 in each group).', 'Inhibition of mTOR via systemic administration of rapamycin blocks reconsolidation of an established fear memory in a lasting manner. This effect is specific to reconsolidation as a series of additional experiments make an effect on memory extinction unlikely.'] Does systemic inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibit fear memory reconsolidation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.468219041824341,
-1.2204755544662476,
2.742845058441162
] |
['To quantify the amount of AR messenger RNA (mRNA) and to analyze the presence and functionality of the AR protein in X- and Y-carrier human spermatozoa.', 'A molecular and cellular research study.', 'Academic research clinic and laboratories.', 'Ten normozoospermic volunteers.', 'Sperm were analyzed for expression of AR mRNA and protein. The functionality of AR protein was assessed after incubation with 1 nM of synthetic androgen.', 'Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, Western immunoblotting, confocal immunofluorescence, and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis were performed.', 'A significant amount of AR mRNA (around 30% of that found in the testis) was found in sperm. Androgen receptor protein was found in both X- and Y-carrier spermatozoa and translocates into the nucleus in the presence of synthetic androgen.'] Is androgen receptor expressed in both X- and Y-carrier human spermatozoa? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3975436687469482,
-1.1654267311096191,
2.6012308597564697
] |
['Postprandial lipoprotein abnormalities in type 2 diabetes are associated with insulin resistance. The role of other diabetes-related factors is still not clear. The aim of this study is to differentiate the effects of whole-body insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes on postprandial dyslipidaemia and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in adipose tissue.', 'Ten subjects with obesity and diabetes (OD), 11 with obesity alone (O), and 11 normal-weight controls (C) - males, aged 26-59 years, with fasting normo-triglyceridaemia underwent measurements of cholesterol, triglycerides, apo B-48 and apo B-100 concentrations in plasma lipoproteins separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation before and after a fat-rich meal. Fasting and postprandial (6h) LPL activity was determined in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsy samples. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp. OD and O subjects had similar degrees of adiposity (BMI, waist circumference, fat mass) and insulin resistance (insulin stimulated glucose disposal and M/I). They also showed a similarly higher postprandial increase in large VLDL lipids (triglyceride incremental AUC 188+/-28 and 135+/-22 mg/dl.6h) than C (87+/-13 mg/dl.6h, M+/-SEM, p<0.05). OD had an increased chylomicron response compared to O (triglyceride incremental AUC 132+/-23 vs. 75+/-14 mg/dl.6h, p<0.05). OD had significantly lower fasting and postprandial adipose tissue heparin-releasable LPL activity than O and C.'] Are postprandial chylomicrons and adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase altered in type 2 diabetes independently of obesity and whole-body insulin resistance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8382532596588135,
-1.5748522281646729,
2.369731903076172
] |
['The present aimed to observe the effect of phosphatase inhibitor cyclosporine A on the subcellular location and on expression of HBcAg in HepG2.2.15 cells.', 'Thirty micrograms/ml of cyclosporine A (CSA) was added into HepG2.2.15 cell culture system and on days 2 and 4 HBcAg and HBsAg were respectively stained with fluorescent immunocytochemistry and observed under confocal microscope. Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling method.', 'HBcAg was mostly expressed in cytoplasm in the control HepG2.2.15 cells. After 2 days CSA administration of the expression of HBcAg and HBsAg in cytoplasm significantly decreased and the signals of HBcAg in nucleus increased , whereas the HBcAg was still mainly expressed in nucleus in about 1/4 of the cells. Cell apoptosis was observed in about 30% of the cells.'] Does [ Cyclosporine A improve the nuclear entry of hepatitis B virus core protein in HepG2.2.15 cells ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.247403621673584,
-1.3590116500854492,
2.707829713821411
] |
['The objective of the study was to investigate the extent to which the daily incorporation of approximately 30 g of flaxseed, a rich source of lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber, for a period of 3 months into the diet of Native American postmenopausal women positively affects their lipid profiles.', 'Fifty-five mild to moderately hypercholesterolemic (> or =5.1 to < or =9.8 mmol/L) Native American postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to control (A), flaxseed (B) or flaxseed + additional oat bran fiber (C) groups. Overnight fasting venous blood was collected at baseline and at the end of the treatment period to analyze lipid parameters.', 'Dietary flaxseed supplementation lowered total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by approximately 7% and 10%, respectively. However, the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride remained unaltered. No changes were observed in other clinical and hematological parameters.'] Does flaxseed reduce total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in Native American postmenopausal women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.294036626815796,
-1.1975281238555908,
2.5750668048858643
] |
['There is evidence that the risk of colon cancer is reduced by appropriate levels of physical exercise. Nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in this protective effect of exercise remain largely unknown. Inflammation is emerging as a unifying link between a range of environment exposures and neoplastic risk. The carcinogen dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH) induces an increase in epithelial cell proliferation and in the expression of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclooxigenase-2 (COX-2) in the colon of rats. Our aim was to verify whether these events could be attenuated by exercise.', 'Four groups of eight Wistar rats were used in the experiment. The groups G1 and G3 were sedentary (controls), and the groups G2 and G4 were submitted to 8 wk of swimming training, 5 d.wk. The groups G3 and G4 were given subcutaneous injections of DMH immediately after the exercise protocols. Fifteen days after the neoplasic induction, the rats were sacrificed and the colon was processed for histological examination and immunohistochemistry staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and COX-2.', 'We found a significant increase in the PCNA-labeling index in both DMH-treated groups of rats. However, this increase was significantly attenuated in the training group G4 (P < 0.01). Similar results were observed in relation to the COX-2 expression.'] Does exercise reduce inflammation and cell proliferation in rat colon carcinogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4011390209198,
-1.1685614585876465,
2.597977638244629
] |
['To test whether standardising the use of blood transfusions and intravenous (IV) infusions could reduce fatality in severely malnourished children admitted to Mulago Hospital, Kampala.', "Improved adherence to the WHO protocol for blood transfusion and IV fluids was effected in patients with severe malnutrition by continuous medical education. A 'before and after' design was used to study 450 severely malnourished children (weight-for-height < -3 Z-score or presence of oedema) under 60 months of age. A total of 220 pre- and 230 post-'improved practice' patients were enrolled consecutively during the periods September to November 2003 and September to December 2004, respectively. Patients were followed up until discharge or death. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Cox regression hazard model were used for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.", 'Overall case fatality was 23.6% (52/220) in the pre-period and 24.8% (57/230) in the post-period (p=0.78). Most of the deaths occurred in the 1st week of admission (73%, 38/52 in the pre-period and 61%, 35/57 in the post-period) and were of children who had received blood transfusion or IV infusion or both in the pre-period. Mortality in children transfused and/or infused was significantly reduced in the post-period (82%, 31/38 in the pre-period vs 23%, 8/35 in the post-period, p=0.008). In the post-period, there was a significant reduction in the number of inappropriate blood transfusions (18%, 34/194 vs 3.5%, 8/230, p=0.01) and IV fluid infusions (27%, 52/194 vs 9%, 20/230, p<0.001). Survival improved in children who received blood transfusions in the post-period [hazards ratio (HR) 0.22, 95% CI 0.30-1.67 vs HR 4.80, 95% CI 1.71-13.51], as did that of children who received IV infusions (HR 2.10, 95% CI 0.84-5.23 vs HR 3.91, 95% CI 1.10-14.04).'] Is reduction of unnecessary transfusion and intravenous fluids in severely malnourished children enough to reduce mortality? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.161692500114441,
-1.3797767162322998,
1.610787272453308
] |
['The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type 1 receptor (PAC(1)-R) is a member of the 7-transmembrane domain, group 2 G-protein coupled receptor family. PAC(1)-Rs modulate neurotransmission and neurotrophic actions and have been implicated in both pronociception and antinociception. To better understand the role of PAC(1)-Rs in pain, PACAP 6-38, a PAC(1)-R antagonist, was evaluated in several inflammatory and neuropathic pain models after intrathecal (i.t.) administration. PACAP 6-38 potently reduced mechanical allodynia in a neuropathic spinal nerve ligation model (77% +/- 15% maximal effect at 12 nmol, P < .01) and was also effective in reducing thermal hyperalgesia in the carrageenan model of inflammatory pain (89% +/- 17% maximal effect at 12 nmol, P < .01). Although nociceptive responses were also attenuated with PACAP 6-38 in a dose-dependent manner in models of chronic inflammatory and persistent pain, no effects on motor performance were observed at analgesic doses. Taken together, these data demonstrate that blockade of the PAC(1)-R/PACAP complex by PACAP 6-38 can effectively attenuate thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia associated with inflammatory and neuropathic pain states. These results further emphasize that at the level of the spinal cord, PAC(1)-R activation is pronociceptive.'] Do central pituitary adenylate cyclase 1 receptors modulate nociceptive behaviors in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain states? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.343452215194702,
-1.265634298324585,
2.616143226623535
] |
['Ghrelin increases food intake, body weight, and growth hormone (GH) secretion. Serum concentrations of ghrelin are low in obese hyperinsulinemic persons, are reduced by infusion of insulin into normal-weight subjects, and are increased in underweight hypoinsulinemic patients with anorexia nervosa. Laron syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder of GH insensitivity that results in decreased insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-I) synthesis and growth failure. These patients have elevated GH levels, excess adipose tissue, and are insulin resistant. Because IGF-I has insulinlike actions and patients with GH insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) exhibit excess adiposity, we sought to determine whether ghrelin levels were elevated in these patients and potentially regulated by IGF-I replacement.', 'Thirteen children with GHIS and 20 normal control children matched for age, sex, and body mass index underwent complete physical examination and a fasting blood draw at baseline. The GHIS subjects then underwent follow-up fasting blood draws during therapy with human recombinant IGF-I (80-120 mug/kg, given subcutaneously twice daily). Fasting glucose, insulin, and IGF-I concentrations were measured at the time of collection. Fasting total ghrelin levels were measured on stored serum samples.', 'The GHIS subjects had 2-fold higher fasting ghrelin levels (2926 +/- 1869 pg/mL) compared with the normal control children (1492 +/- 493 pg/mL; P = 0.009), and mean ghrelin values were reduced 56% during 6.4 +/- 0.2 years of IGF-I replacement (P < 0.05).'] Are serum ghrelin concentrations increased in children with growth hormone insensitivity and decrease during long-term insulinlike growth factor-I treatment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6604640483856201,
-1.5634938478469849,
2.148815155029297
] |
['To determine whether there is a relationship between left ventricular (LV) haemodynamic parameters, circulation times, and arterial contrast opacification that might affect the image quality of computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography.', 'Thirty-six patients were included in the study: 18 with cardiomyopathy (CM) and LV dilatation of suspected ischaemic aetiology [age 57.9+/-13.7 years, range 30-77 years; 14 male, four female; body mass index (BMI)=27.7+/-4.5, range 25.5-31.8] and 18 controls (age 62.3+/-9.4 years, range 47-89 years; 10 male, eight female; BMI 27.8+/-6.6; range 19.2-33.6). Coronary artery image quality was assessed using a three-point visual scale; contrast medium circulation times, aortic root contrast attenuation, and LV functional parameters were studied.', 'Visually reduced contrast opacification impaired image quality more often in the CM group than the control group (27.4 versus 5.1%). A total of 55.6% CM patients had a contrast transit time ranging from 30-75 s; the number of "unassessable" segments increased with increasing transit time conforming to a fitted quadratic model (R2=0.74). The relationship between LV ejection fraction and contrast attenuation may also conform to a quadratic model (R2=0.71).'] Does impaired left ventricular function have a detrimental effect on image quality in multi-detector row CT coronary angiography? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9699366092681885,
-1.545133113861084,
2.583702325820923
] |
['Prolidase, a specific iminopeptidase involved in collagen turnover, is especially active in growing tissues.', 'To investigate the relationship between cord blood prolidase activity and both birth weight and gestational age.', 'Cord blood was collected consecutively from 50 healthy newborns (35 term, 15 preterm). Prolidase activity was measured in the samples using standard methods.', 'Themean +/- SD cord blood prolidase activity was 41.4 +/- 6.9 U/l in term infants and 35.2 +/- 8.0 U/l in preterm infants and these were significantly different (p < 0.01). There were positive correlations between cord blood prolidase and both birth weight (r = 0.533, p < 0.01) and gestational age (r = 0.806, p < 0.01).'] Does cord blood prolidase activity correlate with gestational age and birth weight? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5357557535171509,
-1.3307918310165405,
1.9411057233810425
] |
['Chronic placental insufficiency (CPI) severe enough to cause growth restriction (GR) results in alterations to the retina, including a reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-IR)-dopaminergic amacrine cells. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in the development of the retinal dopaminergic network and may therefore be an appropriate therapy for restoring dopaminergic cells after prenatal compromise. This study was conducted (1) to establish whether BDNF and its receptor NTRK2 (Trk B) are altered in the retina after CPI and (2) to explore the potential of BDNF to enhance dopaminergic cell survival in organotypic retinal cultures from prenatally compromised animals.', "CPI was induced in pregnant guinea pigs at 30 days' gestation (dg; term, approximately 67 dg) via unilateral ligation of the uterine artery. Fetuses were euthanatized at 60 dg and the retinas prepared for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis of BDNF protein levels and for immunohistochemistry to localize BDNF and NTRK2. Organotypic cultures of retinas from GR and control fetuses at 50 to 52 dg were treated with BDNF, and dopaminergic amacrine cells counts were assessed.", 'Retinal BDNF protein levels and the intensity of BDNF-immunoreactivity (IR) in the ganglion cell layer were reduced (P < 0.05) in GR fetuses compared with control fetuses. Addition of BDNF to organotypic cultures increased (P < 0.05) the survival and neurite growth of dopaminergic neurons from both control and GR fetuses.'] Does bDNF increase survival of retinal dopaminergic neurons after prenatal compromise? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3864941596984863,
-1.3633614778518677,
2.769293785095215
] |
['Tooth pain can induce a neurogenic inflammatory reaction in gingiva in association with local elevations of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, which is considered the major tissue destructive protease in gingival crevice fluid (GCF). The pro-inflammatory neuropeptides released by sensory nerves coordinate the activities of the immuno-effector cells and may influence the secretion of MMP-8. With this background, we studied whether experimental tooth pain can trigger changes in GCF levels of the neuropeptide substance P (SP) and MMP-8.', 'The GCF SP levels of stimulated and non-stimulated teeth were analyzed for SP using a competitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The GCF MMP-8 levels were determined by quantitative immunofluorometric assay (IFMA).', 'Painful stimulation of the upper central incisor caused significant elevations in GCF SP and MMP-8 levels of the stimulated tooth. At the same time, the GCF SP and MMP-8 levels of non-stimulated control teeth were unchanged.'] Does experimental tooth pain elevate substance P and matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels in human gingival crevice fluid? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.583677291870117,
-1.033530354499817,
2.678292989730835
] |
['To investigate YBX2 gene alterations in men with severe defects in spermatogenesis, including azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, and protamine deregulation. MSY2 has been identified as a central component in the regulation of spermatogenesis in mice, but the potential role of its human orthologue, YBX2 or "Contrin," in human infertility is not known.', 'A prospective cohort study.', 'University infertility clinic and associated research laboratory.', 'A total of 288 men were evaluated. Diagnoses were made of complete azoospermia, severe oligozoospermia, and protamine deregulation, or men were of known paternity.', 'Deoxyribonucleic acid (from peripheral blood) and semen samples were collected and analyzed for gene mutations and semen parameters respectively.', 'YBX2 gene alterations.', 'YBX2 sequence analysis revealed 15 polymorphic sites, of which seven polymorphisms were present at a statistically higher frequency in one or both of the patient populations than in controls. Of these seven, two resulted in an amino acid substitution in the highly conserved cold shock domain and one resulted in a highly significant synonymous change in exon 8 of infertile patients. The frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms was significantly elevated in patients with infertility, particularly in men with abnormal protamine expression.'] Are sequence alterations in the YBX2 gene associated with male factor infertility? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.480332851409912,
-1.108277678489685,
2.6720690727233887
] |
['gammadelta T cells play a key role in the regulation of inflammatory responses in epithelial tissue, and in adaptive immunity, as gammadelta T cell deficient mice have a severely impaired capacity to clear lung pathogens. gammadelta T cells regulate the initial inflammatory response to microbial invasion and thereby protect against tissue injury. Here we examined the response of gammadelta T cells to lung injury induced by bleomycin, in an effort to study the inflammatory response in the absence of any adaptive immune response to a pathogen.', 'After lung injury by bleomycin, we localized the gammadelta T cells to the lung lesions. gammadelta T cells were the predominant source of IL-17 (as detected by flow cytometry and real-time PCR). Moreover, gammadelta T cell knockout mice showed a significant reduction in cellular infiltration into the airways, reduced expression of IL-6 in the lung, and a significant delay in epithelial repair.'] Are iL-17 producing gammadelta T cells required for a controlled inflammatory response after bleomycin-induced lung injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6588432788848877,
-0.7060399651527405,
2.4479756355285645
] |
['Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) agonists such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through effects on fat metabolism whereas GH stimulates lipolysis and induces insulin resistance.', 'To evaluate the impact of TZDs on fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity in subjects exposed to stable GH levels.', 'A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group study including 20 GH-deficient patients on continued GH replacement therapy. The patients were studied before and after 12 weeks.', 'Patients received either pioglitazone 30 mg (N = 10) or placebo (N = 10) once daily for 12 weeks.', 'Adiponectin levels almost doubled during pioglitazone treatment (P = 0.0001). Pioglitazone significantly decreased basal free fatty acid (FFA) levels (P = 0.02) and lipid oxidation (P = 0.02). Basal glucose oxidation rate (P = 0.004) and insulin sensitivity (P = 0.03) improved in the patients who received pioglitazone treatment. The change in insulin-stimulated adiponectin level after pioglitazone treatment was positively correlated to the change in insulin-stimulated total glucose disposal (R = 0.69, P = 0.04).'] Does peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonism modify the effects of growth hormone on lipolysis and insulin sensitivity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.313000440597534,
-1.3049976825714111,
2.6424002647399902
] |
['DNA barcoding of life using a standardized COI sequence was proposed as a species identification system, and as a method for detecting putative new species. Previous tests in birds showed that individuals can be correctly assigned to species in ~94% of the cases and suggested a threshold of 10x mean intraspecific difference to detect potential new species. However, these tests were criticized because they were based on a single maternally inherited gene rather than multiple nuclear genes, did not compare phylogenetically identified sister species, and thus likely overestimated the efficacy of DNA barcodes in identifying species.', 'To test the efficacy of DNA barcodes we compared ~650 bp of COI in 60 sister-species pairs identified in multigene phylogenies from 10 orders of birds. In all pairs, individuals of each species were monophyletic in a neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, and each species possessed fixed mutational differences distinguishing them from their sister species. Consequently, individuals were correctly assigned to species using a statistical coalescent framework. A coalescent test of taxonomic distinctiveness based on chance occurrence of reciprocal monophyly in two lineages was verified in known sister species, and used to identify recently separated lineages that represent putative species. This approach avoids the use of a universal distance cutoff which is invalidated by variation in times to common ancestry of sister species and in rates of evolution.'] Do single mitochondrial gene barcodes reliably identify sister-species in diverse clades of birds? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.295816659927368,
0.7759929895401001,
0.642175555229187
] |
["Mammalian relative of DnaJ (MRJ [DNAJB6]), a novel member of the human DnaJ family, has two isoforms. The smaller isoform, MRJ(S), is studied mainly for its possible role in Huntington's disease. There are no reports of any biologic activity of the longer isoform, MRJ(L). We investigated whether this molecule plays any role in breast cancer. Our studies were prompted by interesting observations we made regarding the expression of MRJ in breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tissue microarrays, as described below.", 'Expression of MRJ(L) from several breast cancer cell lines was evaluated using real-time PCR. Relative levels of the small and large isoforms in breast cancer cell lines were studied using Western blot analysis. A breast cancer progression tissue microarray was probed using anti-MRJ antibody. MRJ(L) was ectopically expressed in two breast cancer cell lines. These cell lines were evaluated for their in vitro correlates of tumor aggressiveness, such as invasion, migration, and anchorage independence. The cell lines were also evaluated for in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. The secreted proteome of the MRJ(L) expressors was analyzed to elucidate the biochemical changes brought about by re-expression of MRJ(L).', 'We found that MRJ(L) is expressed at a significantly lower level in aggressive breast cancer cell lines compared with normal breast. Furthermore, in clinical cases of breast cancer expression of MRJ is lost as the grade of infiltrating ductal carcinoma advances. Importantly, MRJ staining is lost in those cases that also had lymph node metastasis. We report that MRJ(L) is a protein with a functional nuclear localization sequence. Expression of MRJ(L) via an exogenous promoter in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and in MDA-MB-435 (a cell line that metastasizes from the mammary fat pad) decreases their migration and invasion, reduces their motility, and significantly reduces orthotopic tumor growth in nude mice. Moreover, the secreted proteome of the MRJ(L)-expressing cells exhibited reduced levels of tumor progression and metastasis promoting secreted proteins, such as SPP1 (osteopontin), AZGP1 (zinc binding alpha2-glycoprotein 1), SPARC (osteonectin), NPM1 (nucleophosmin) and VGF (VGF nerve growth factor inducible). On the other hand, levels of the secreted metastasis-suppressor KiSS1 (melanoma metastasis suppressor) were increased in the secreted proteome of the MRJ(L)-expressing cells. We confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR analysis that the secreted profile reflected altered transcription of the respective genes.'] Does large isoform of MRJ ( DNAJB6 ) reduce malignant activity of breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3455188274383545,
-1.272291898727417,
2.663266658782959
] |
['Serrated adenomas (SA) are histologically defined by the presence of both hyperplastic and adenomatous features. These uncommon polyps are thought to play an important role in the development of sporadic colorectal cancers (CRC) with microsatellite instability (MSI). There is paucity of data on the risk of progression of SA to CRC. This study was undertaken to define the relationship between SA and the future development of adenomatous polyps.', 'Colonoscopic biopsies that contained a pathologic diagnosis of SA were identified from a pathology database of a major urban academic medical center. Those patients with absence of concomitant malignancy, complete colonoscopy, good or adequate prep and presence of at least one follow-up procedures were identified. These were matched to controls by age, sex, indication for colonoscopy, polyp type and number and duration of follow-up. Outcomes of the follow-up procedures were compared.', 'Between January 1997 and June 2005 17,226 colonoscopic biopsies and polypectomies were performed. Of these, 80 patients (0.5%) with SA were found, and of these SA, 80% were found in the left colon. The average age of patients undergoing colonoscopy was 58.5 years, and the average age of patients with SA was 68 years (P = 0.004). Of all patients with SA, 7 (9%) had concomitant CRC. The final groups contained 17 patients and 17 controls, respectively, and were well matched. The mean follow-up interval in the patient group was 29 months vs. 31 months in the control group (P = 0.82). On follow-up examination four patients (24%) and no controls had adenomatous polyps (P = 0.01).'] Is serrated adenoma a risk factor for subsequent adenomatous polyps? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5822032690048218,
-1.61961030960083,
2.1214184761047363
] |
['We reviewed our experience from 1990 to 2005 to examine whether control of myasthenia gravis (MG) with steroid therapy before surgery could stabilize postoperative respiratory conditions, compared with the nonsteroid treatment.', 'Records of 43 consecutive patients with MG who underwent extended thymectomy at Kansai Medical University Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups, a steroid group (n = 28) and a nonsteroid group (n = 15) were compared.', 'In the steroid group, steroid doses ranged from 10 to 100 mg every other day, or 40-60 mg daily. The patients showed significantly less thymus hyperplasia in the pathological findings (P = 0.023). Whereas 3 of 28 (7%) in the steroid group suffered respiratory insufficiency within 3 days of surgery, 5 of 15 (33%) in the nonsteroid group exhibited the same problem (P = 0.030). Univariate analysis showed that steroid treatment was the only significant factor (P = 0.041) affecting respiratory insufficiency. Patients in the steroid group achieved palliation of MG more quickly after surgery than patients in the nonsteroid group (86% vs. 57% within 6 months, P = 0.059; 84% vs. 42% within 1 year, P = 0.042).'] Does preoperative steroid therapy stabilize postoperative respiratory conditions in myasthenia gravis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3763600587844849,
-1.0341520309448242,
1.478424072265625
] |
['Previous studies have revealed that functional impairment of innate immune cells, including natural killer (NK) and natural killer T (NKT) cells, might be associated with the persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the involvement of innate immune cells, which predominate in the liver, in therapeutic HCV clearance is still unclear.', 'To clarify the role of intrahepatic innate immune cells in the clinical outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with interferon-alpha plus ribavirin (IFN/RBV), we prospectively investigated the status of NK and NKT cells in paired liver biopsy and peripheral blood (PB) samples obtained from 21 CHC patients before and immediately after IFN/RBV treatment by flow cytometry. Normal liver and PB samples were obtained from 10 healthy donors for living donor liver transplantation.', 'Before treatment, intrahepatic NK and NKT cells constituted a significantly lower proportion in CHC patients than in healthy individuals (P < 0.05). After IFN/RBV treatment, the proportions and absolute numbers of CD3(-)CD161(+) NK and CD3(+)CD56(+) NKT cells in the liver, but not in PB, were significantly increased in sustained responders (SR) as compared with poor responders (P < 0.05). The proportion of CD3(+)CD161(+) NKT cells was also increased in the liver of SR after the treatment. Moreover, there was a striking increase of activated CD152(+) cells among CD3(+)CD56(+) NKT cells in the liver of SR (P = 0.041).'] Is sustained response to interferon-alpha plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C closely associated with increased dynamism of intrahepatic natural killer and natural killer T cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.116375207901001,
-1.435389757156372,
2.5775983333587646
] |
['In men with prostate cancer, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity (PSAV) has been demonstrated as a predictor of biochemical and survival outcomes in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). The utility of pretreatment PSAV in predicting outcomes after radiotherapy (RT), with or without androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), is less certain. This study was undertaken to determine whether pretreatment PSAV is associated with biochemical disease-free survival, patterns of recurrence, and survival outcomes in men treated with radiation therapy and ADT.', 'Two hundred seventy-seven patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer treated with RT and ADT formed the study cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate whether PSAV was associated with disease outcomes.', 'The median age of diagnosis was 70 years, and the median follow-up was 6.8 years. Men with a PSAV in the highest quartile tended to have higher risk disease at presentation (P = .028). After adjustment for known prognostic factors and duration of ADT, men who had a PSAV in the highest quartile had an increased risk of distant metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 4.0; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.61-9.9 [P = .003]) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.27-5.95 [P = .01]) compared with men who had a lower PSAV, but had no increase in the risk of local recurrence (P = .76).'] Is pretreatment prostate-specific antigen velocity associated with development of distant metastases and prostate cancer mortality in men treated with radiotherapy and androgen-deprivation therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.781960129737854,
-1.5976884365081787,
2.3375566005706787
] |
['We evaluated the predictive value of baseline plasma connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in a prospective study of patients with type 1 diabetes.', 'Subjects were 198 type 1 diabetic patients with established diabetic nephropathy and 188 type 1 diabetic patients with persistent normoalbuminuria. Follow-up time was 12.8 years. Prediction of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and mortality by plasma CTGF was analyzed in conjunction with conventional risk factors.', 'Plasma CTGF was higher in patients with nephropathy than in patients with normoalbuminuria (median 381 [interquartile range 270-630] vs. 235 [168-353] pmol/l). In patients with nephropathy, elevated plasma CTGF was an independent predictor of ESRD (covariate-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.6 [95% CI 1.1-2.5]) and correlated with the rate of decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (cumulative R = 0.46). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction of ESRD was 0.72. Plasma CTGF above a cutoff level of 413 pmol/l predicted ESRD with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 63% and was associated with a higher rate of decline in GFR (mean +/- SD 5.4 +/- 4.9 vs. 3.3 +/- 3.5 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) per year). Moreover, in patients with nephrotic range albuminuria (>3 g/day), plasma CTGF was the only predictor of ESRD (covariate-adjusted HR 4.5 [2.0-10.4]). Plasma CTGF was an independent predictor also of overall mortality (covariate-adjusted HR 1.4 [1.1-1.7]). In contrast, in normoalbuminuric patients, plasma CTGF did not correlate with clinical parameters and did not predict outcome.'] Is plasma connective tissue growth factor an independent predictor of end-stage renal disease and mortality in type 1 diabetic nephropathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5288323163986206,
-1.6702349185943604,
2.202208995819092
] |
['To investigate relationships between acute intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced optic nerve head surface deformation and corneal hysteresis and thickness in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous human eyes.', 'This was a prospective experimental study of 100 subjects (38 with glaucoma, 62 without glaucoma). Data collected included spherical equivalent, optic disc diameter, central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length, cylinder, Goldmann IOP, Pascal IOP, and ocular pulse amplitude and ocular response analyzer (ORA) measurements of corneal hysteresis (CH). Elevation of IOP was induced in the right eye of each subject with a modified LASIK suction ring to an average of 64 mm Hg for less than 30 seconds. Heidelberg Retina Tomography II (HRT) was used to map the optic nerve surface before and during IOP elevation. Mean cup depth was calculated using built-in HRT data analysis software. Change in optic disc depth during IOP elevation was calculated for all right eyes, and tests for correlation with the parameters listed were performed.', 'Both CH and CCT were lower in the glaucoma group (8.8 mm Hg and 532 microm) than in the control group (9.6 mm Hg, P = 0.012; 551 microm, P = 0.011, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in spherical equivalent, cylinder, axial length, optic disc size, or ocular pulse amplitude between the glaucoma and the control groups. There was no difference between the amount of IOP elevation between the two groups (P = 0.41), and the average difference in mean cup depth between baseline (mean cup depth, 247 microm) and during IOP elevation was 33 microm (29.8 microm in glaucoma and 36.1 microm in control; P = 0.5). Multiple variable analysis, controlling for age and sex, showed that CH was correlated with mean cup depth increase (P = 0.032). This relationship persisted (P = 0.032) after controlling for glaucoma status in addition to age and sex. Other factors, including CCT (P = 0.3), axial length (P = 0.9), ocular pulse amplitude (P = 0.22), and spherical equivalent (P = 0.38), were not significant in this model.'] Does corneal hysteresis but not corneal thickness correlate with optic nerve surface compliance in glaucoma patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.529555082321167,
-1.642554521560669,
2.1900153160095215
] |
['Intrauterine sensitization has been suggested to play a role in the development of atopic disease in children, and this has led to current guidelines recommending allergen avoidance during pregnancy.', 'To investigate the relevance of allergen-specific IgE in cord blood to sensitization in early infancy and the origin of such IgE.', 'Inhalant and food allergen-specific IgE in cord blood was analyzed and compared with specific IgE in infant blood at 6 months of age and in parental blood. Cord blood IgA was measured to detect maternal blood contamination of cord blood.', 'Allergen-specific IgE, primarily against inhalant allergens, was detected in 14% of cord blood samples. However, corresponding specific IgE was not found in infant blood at 6 months of age. Specific IgE in cord blood completely matched specific IgE in maternal blood with respect to allergen specificity, level of specific IgE, and ratio of total IgE/specific IgE. Finally, there was a correlation between specific IgE and IgA in cord blood.'] Does sensitization develop in utero? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6523959636688232,
-0.6101184487342834,
2.3019237518310547
] |
['Radical prostatectomy (RP) is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). A single, placebo-controlled, human study has assessed the effects of regular sildenafil use after RP and demonstrated an increased chance of preservation of preoperative erectile function. Aim. This study was undertaken to define the effects of such a regimen in an animal model.', 'Using the cavernous nerve (CN) crush injury model, animals were divided into a number of groups: no CN injury (sham), bilateral CN injury exposed to either no sildenafil (control) or sildenafil at two doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) subcutaneously daily for three different durations (3, 10, 28 days).', "At these time points, CN electrical stimulation was used to assess erectile function by mean intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio. For the structural analyses, whole rat penes were harvested. Staining for Masson's trichrome was utilized to calculate the smooth muscle-collagen ratio. Immunohistochemical antibody staining was performed for endothelial (CD31 and eNOS) and neural (GAP43, NGF, and nNOS) factors and immunoblotting was performed to analyze the AKT/eNOS pathway. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used for the assessment of apoptotic indices and the CN architecture was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).", 'Erectile function was improved with sildenafil in a time- and dose-dependent fashion with maximization of erectile function recovery occurring with daily 20 mg/kg at the 28-day time point. Sildenafil use resulted in smooth muscle-collagen ratio protection and CD31 and eNOS expression preservation. Sildenafil reduced apoptotic indices significantly compared with control. Animals exposed to sildenafil had increased phosphorylation of akt and eNOS. Tem demonstrated distinct differences in architecture between control and sildenafil groups toward an increased amount of myelinized nerve fibers.'] Are the functional and structural consequences of cavernous nerve injury ameliorated by sildenafil citrate? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.429248094558716,
-1.379407525062561,
2.8612804412841797
] |
['Thymol, a major component of thyme and oregano, has medical uses in oral care products as an astringent and antibiotic. Its distinctive sharp odour and pungent flavour are considered aversive properties. The molecular basis of these aversive properties is not well understood.', 'The ability of thymol to activate human transient receptor potential channel A1 (hTRPA1) expressed in stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells was measured by membrane potential and calcium-sensitive dyes in a fluorescence-imaging plate reader (FLIPR) assay. Direct activation of hTRPA1 currents was measured by whole-cell voltage clamp recording. Intracellular calcium changes were measured using fura-2 dye. The FLIPR assay was also used to measure membrane potential changes elicited by thymol after pretreatment with camphor, a known TRPA1 inhibitor. The ability of related alkyl phenols to activate hTRPA1 was also determined.', 'Thymol potently activated a membrane potential response and intracellular calcium increase in hTRPA1-expressing HEK293 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Activation by thymol desensitized hTRPA1 to further exposure to thymol or the known ligand allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). The related phenols 2-tert-butyl-5-methylphenol, 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol) and carvacrol also activated hTRPA1. Phenols with less bulky carbon substitutions and lower logP values were less potent in general. The response to thymol was blocked by camphor.'] Do thymol and related alkyl phenols activate the hTRPA1 channel? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4864766597747803,
-1.2718315124511719,
2.8006250858306885
] |
['To index the extent to which treatment response in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is predicted by rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) volume.', 'We used structural magnetic resonance imaging in a 1.5 T scanner to examine subjects with PTSD (n = 13), traumatized control subjects (n = 13) and nontraumatized control subjects (n = 13). Subjects with PTSD then participated in 8 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy, after which we reassessed them for PTSD.', 'According to voxel-based morphometry, treatment responders had larger rACC volume than nonresponders. Further, symptom reduction was associated with larger rACC volume.'] Does rostral anterior cingulate volume predict treatment response to cognitive-behavioural therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4409828186035156,
-0.9638441205024719,
2.4774675369262695
] |
['Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) correlate with worse prognosis in patients with metastatic breast cancer, but there are little data on CTCs in operable patients. We hypothesized that primary tumor characteristics would predict the likelihood of identifying CTCs in patients with operable breast cancer.', 'Clinical and pathological data from 92 patients with operable breast cancer were collected. The CellSearch system was used to detect CTCs in 30 ml of peripheral blood. CTCs were defined as nucleated cells lacking CD45 but expressing cytokeratins 8, 18, or 19. Univariate analysis was performed to determine if the presence of any primary tumor characteristic was predictive of CTCs. As a secondary objective we evaluated if nodal or bone marrow status was predictive of CTCs.', 'Thirty-eight percent of patients (35/92) had evidence of CTCs, with a median number of 1.0 CTC per CTC positive patient (range 1-22). HER2 status was the sole primary tumor characteristic that reliably predicted the presence of CTCs (P = 0.01, risk ratio = 3.66). No significant association was found between the presence of CTCs and tumor size (T), estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status, grade, histologic type, degree of nodal involvement (N), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) or Ki-67 proliferation. Bone marrow micrometastases were found in 17/64 (26.6%) of the patients but did not correlate with the presence of CTCs.'] Does hER2 status predict the presence of circulating tumor cells in patients with operable breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.999975562095642,
-1.4976892471313477,
2.538147449493408
] |
['To assess whether patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and unrecognized peripheral arterial disease (PAD), detected by the ankle-brachial index (ABI), have poorer cardiovascular risk factor management (CVRFs) and receive fewer medications than patients previously diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) or cerebrovascular disease (CVD).', 'In 31 diabetes centres throughout Spain, 1303 patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were screened for PAD using the ABI. Patient history of CHD and CVD and treatment and control of CVRFs were recorded.', 'Forty-one patients had an ABI > 1.30 and were excluded, leaving 1262 patients (age 65.3 +/- 7.7 years) for the study. Of those screened, 790 patients had a normal ABI (ABI > 0.9) and no known history of CHD or CVD (no CHD/CVD/PAD group), 194 had unrecognized PAD (ABI < or = 0.9) with no known history of CHD or CVD (undiagnosed PAD group) and 278 had a known history of CHD and/or CVD (CHD/CVD group). The undiagnosed PAD group had higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (2.9 +/- 0.83 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.84 mmol/l; P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (150 +/- 20 vs. 145 +/- 21 mmHg; P < 0.001) compared with the CHD/CVD group. They were less likely to take statins (56.9 vs. 71.6%; P < 0.001), anti-hypertensive agents (75.9 vs. 90.1%, P = 0.001), and anti-platelet agents (aspirin, 28.7 vs. 57.2%; P < 0.001; clopidogrel, 5.6 vs. 20.9%; P < 0.001) and more likely to smoke (21.0 vs. 9.2%; P < 0.001). Higher LDL in the undiagnosed PAD group was associated with the underutilization of statins.'] Is cardiovascular risk factor management poorer in diabetic patients with undiagnosed peripheral arterial disease than in those with known coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease . Results of a nationwide study in tertiary diabetes centres? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.436869502067566,
-1.6347407102584839,
1.9990885257720947
] |
['The objectives of this prospective investigation in patients after bypass graft surgery were (1) to estimate radiation dose for routine bypass graft computed tomography (CT) angiography, (2) to study the impact of anatomically adapted and ECG-controlled tube current modulation on radiation dose estimates, and (3) effects on qualitative and quantitative image quality parameters.', 'Radiation dose was estimated for 194 consecutive patients undergoing 64-slice CT angiography (Somatom Sensation 64 Cardiac, Siemens Medical Solutions). The impact of anatomically adapted tube current modulation was studied in 2 consecutive patients groups. Furthermore, the impact of ECG-controlled tube current modulation, applied as indicated, was evaluated in both groups.', 'Mean radiation dose estimate for a 64-slice CT bypass graft study was 18.9 +/- 6.0 mSv (CTDIvol 42.3 +/- 12.9 mGy). The application of anatomically adapted tube current modulation had no effect on dose parameters (CTDIvol 43.3 +/- 13.2 vs. 40.1 +/- 12.1 mGy for those with versus those without anatomically adapted tube current modulation, P = 0.1). Additional implementation of ECG-controlled tube current modulation resulted in reduced dose parameters (CTDIvol of 32.9 +/- 2.6 vs. 58.9 +/- 3.9 mGy and radiation dose estimates: 14.7 +/- 1.9 mSv vs. 26.5 +/- 2.1 mSv for those with versus those without ECG pulsing, both P < 0.01). There was no deterioration in image quality with use of tube current modulation algorithms.'] Does reduction of radiation dose estimate in cardiac 64-slice CT angiography in patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5347026586532593,
-1.6508744955062866,
2.2476987838745117
] |
['Folate-based radiopharmaceuticals can be used as imaging agents and for potential radiotherapy of folate receptor (FR)-positive malignant tissue (e.g., ovarian carcinomas). However, substantial FR expression in the kidneys results in undesired renal retention of radioactivity. Recently, we found that the preinjection of an antifolate significantly improved tumor selectivity of organometallic 99mTc-radiofolates in mice. The aim of this study was to corroborate the effect of pemetrexed with the clinically tested 111In-DTPA-folate (DTPA is diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) in a human ovarian cancer xenografted mouse model.', 'In vivo studies were performed in female athymic nude mice bearing subcutaneous FR-positive ovarian tumors (IGROV-1 and SKOV-3) or metastases (after intraperitoneal SKOV-3 cell inoculation). Biodistribution studies were performed 1, 4, and 24 h after administration of 111In-DTPA-folate (0.7 MBq/mouse, 0.35 mug) with or without preinjection of pemetrexed (PMX, 400 microg) 1 h before the radiofolate. Images were acquired with a high-resolution, high-sensitivity SPECT/CT camera, 4 and 24 h after injection of the radiotracer (30-50 MBq/mouse, 4.5-10 microg).', 'In biodistribution studies the tumor uptake of 111In-DTPA-folate (IGROV-1: 9.79 +/- 3.21 %ID/g [percentage injected dose per gram]; SKOV-3: 7.57 +/- 0.61 %ID/g, 4 h after injection) was high and retained over the time of investigation. However, considerable retention of radioactivity was found in kidneys (85-105 %ID/g, 4 h after injection), resulting in unfavorably low tumor-to-kidney ratios ( approximately 0.10). Preinjection of PMX resulted in a significant reduction of renal uptake (20%-30% of control values, P < 0.03) at all time points after injection of 111In-DTPA-folate, whereas the tumor uptake was retained. Thus, the tumor-to-kidney ratio was significantly increased to approximately 0.50. SPECT/CT images confirmed the superior tumor-to-background ratio in mice injected with PMX. These findings were particularly evident in mice with SKOV-3 metastases that could be visualized only when 111In-DTPA-folate was administered in combination with PMX.'] Does pemetrexed improve tumor selectivity of 111In-DTPA-folate in mice with folate receptor-positive ovarian cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.044827699661255,
-1.548779010772705,
2.6248605251312256
] |
['To examine the association of pregnancy and intent to quit smoking with perception of the somatic health risk of smoking and the effect on risk of quitting smoking.', 'Pregnant and non-pregnant women, intending and not intending to quit smoking, (n = 80) over a two-week period rated the probability for smoking-related health consequences to occur, given both conditions of not quitting smoking and of quitting smoking.', 'Groups were the determining variable accounting for differences in risk perception. For pregnant women who did not intend to quit smoking, the estimated probability for the consequences to occur was generally low given the condition of continuing to smoke. There was no effect for time. The estimated effect of quitting smoking was statistically significant.'] Is quitting smoking perceived to have an effect on somatic health among pregnant and non-pregnant women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.0555098056793213,
1.515017032623291,
-0.2442866414785385
] |
["To determine if physical activity delivered by an infant's mother would be as effective in promoting bone mineral acquisition in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants as the same intervention administered by a trained therapist.", "Preterm VLBW infants were randomized to receive daily physical activity administered by the infant's mother (MOM, n=11) or a trained therapist (OT, n=11), or control (n=11). Physical activity consisted of range of motion movements against passive resistance to all extremities for 5 to 10 min daily. All infants were fed mother's milk with fortification to 24 kcal oz(-1). Dual energy x-ray of the forearm bone area (BA, cm(2)), mineral content (BMC, g), and density (BMD, g/cm(2)) and measurement of bone formation (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, BAP) and resorption (urine pyridinium crosslinks of collagen, Pyd) were obtained at study entry and at 2.0 kg of body weight.", 'Forearm BA and BMC gains were greater in MOM and OT infants compared to the control infants despite similar postnatal growth rate and nutrient intake. Serum BAP levels decreased in controls but remained unchanged in MOM and OT infants. Urine Pyd levels were similar at baseline to 2.0 kg for all groups. These findings suggest greater bone growth and mineral acquisition in MOM and OT infants than control infants.'] Does maternal-administered physical activity enhance bone mineral acquisition in premature very low birth weight infants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.254098892211914,
-1.1803412437438965,
2.525869846343994
] |
['A comparison of the effects of early (<2 h) and late (>or=2 h) discontinuation of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), on systemic oxygenation following a successful balloon atrial septostomy (BAS), in neonates with confirmed diagnosis of d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA).', 'Neonates with a postnatal diagnosis of d-TGA who were admitted to a quaternary neonatal intensive care unit between January 1999 and December 2004 were identified from the local database. The effects of time of discontinuation of PGE1 on oxygen saturations, oxygen requirement, need for reinstitution of prostaglandin infusion and postoperative stability were analyzed.', 'Sixty neonates with a diagnosis of d-TGA were identified, 45 of whom had a BAS performed. Of these, 25 cases had early (<2 h) discontinuation of PGE1 whereas in the remaining 20 discontinuation was late (>or=2 h). PGE1 infusion was recommenced in 20 neonates (20/45 (44%)) after a successful BAS due to rebound hypoxemia. Of these, there was a threefold increase in the need for reinstitution of prostaglandin in the early compared to late discontinuation group (16/25 (64%) vs 4/20 (20%), P<0.006). There was no difference in postoperative cardiorespiratory stability.'] Is early discontinuation of intravenous prostaglandin E1 after balloon atrial septostomy associated with an increased risk of rebound hypoxemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6445626020431519,
-1.6197574138641357,
2.258286714553833
] |
['The possible cause of chronic hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been reported to be meningeal fibrosis. We examined whether the induction of tenascin-C (TN-C), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein known to promote tissue fibrosis, was associated with chronic hydrocephalus after SAH.', 'We prospectively measured cerebrospinal fluid TN-C levels in 7 control patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms and in 29 consecutive patients with aneurysmal SAH on days 1 to 12.', 'Cerebrospinal fluid TN-C levels were less than the diagnostic threshold level in control patients but markedly increased after SAH. Higher TN-C levels were observed in patients with more severe SAH on admission CT, ventricular drainage for acute obstructive hydrocephalus, and a worse outcome. Independent of these factors, however, cerebrospinal fluid TN-C levels were significantly higher in patients with than without subsequent chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus on days 1 to 9.'] Does cerebrospinal fluid tenascin-C increase preceding the development of chronic shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3341805934906006,
-1.3254978656768799,
2.7011799812316895
] |
['Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a recognized risk factor for stroke, but it is unclear whether MetS is also related to subclinical ischemic lesions. We examined the association of MetS with the prevalence of silent brain infarction, periventricular hyperintensity, and subcortical white matter lesions in healthy adults.', 'We conducted a cross-sectional study in 1151 Japanese healthy subjects. Three types of silent lesions were assessed by MRI scans. MetS was diagnosed using the criteria by the National Cholesterol Education Adult Treatment Panel III.', 'After adjusting for age and other factors, MetS was significantly associated with silent brain infarction, periventricular hyperintensity and subcortical white matter lesions. Among the MetS components, elevated blood pressure was commonly associated with all types of lesions. Dyslipidemia and elevated fasting glucose levels were associated with subcortical white matter lesions and periventricular hyperintensities, respectively. Positive trends were observed between the number of MetS components and prevalence of silent lesions.'] Is metabolic syndrome associated with silent ischemic brain lesions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.383669137954712,
-1.0253639221191406,
2.514138698577881
] |
['The type-5 PDE inhibitor vardenafil reduces myocardial infarct size in situ, following ischemia/reperfusion, when applied at reperfusion in animal models. Little is known about the underlying protective signaling. Here, we test whether vardenafil is protective in rat isolated hearts and in a cell model of calcium stress.', 'Infarct size in rat isolated hearts was measured after a 30 min regional ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. Vardenafil (1 nM-1 microM) was infused during reperfusion. HL-1 cardiomyocytes were loaded with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE), a fluorescent marker of mitochondrial membrane potential (psi m).', 'Vardenafil at reperfusion reduced infarct size as percentage of the ischemic zone from 45.8+/-2.0% in control hearts to 26.2+/-2.7% (P<0.001) only at 10 nM, whereas higher or lower dosages failed to protect. This protective effect was blocked by co-administration of either the GC inhibitor, 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), or the PKG inhibitor, KT-5823. HL-1 cardiomyocytes, loaded with TMRE, were treated for 80 min with the calcium ionophore, calcimycin, to induce calcium stress. This reduced the mean cell fluorescence to 63.3 +/- 3.8% of baseline values and vardenafil protected against this fall (78.6 +/- 3.6%, P<0.01). The vardenafil-induced protection of HL-1 cells was blocked by ODQ, KT-5823 or the PKG-inhibiting peptides DT-2 and DT-3, confirming a role for GC and PKG.'] Does vardenafil protect isolated rat hearts at reperfusion dependent on GC and PKG? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.140496015548706,
-1.5041773319244385,
2.6791160106658936
] |
['The Na(+)/H(+) exchange (NHE) inhibitor cariporide is known to ameliorate ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by reduction of cytosolic Ca(2+) overload. Leukocyte activation and infiltration also mediates I/R injury but whether cariporide reduces I/R injury by affecting leukocyte activation is unknown. We studied the effect of cariporide on thrombin and I/R induced leukocyte activation and infiltration models and examined P-selectin expression as a potential mechanism for any identified effects.', 'An in vivo rat mesenteric microcirculation microscopy model was used with stimulation by thrombin (0.5 micro ml(-1)) superfusion or ischaemia (by haemorrhagic shock for 60 min) and reperfusion (90 min).', 'Treatment with cariporide (10 mg kg(-1) i.v.) significantly reduced leukocyte rolling, adhesion and extravasation after thrombin exposure. Similarly, cariporide reduced leukocyte rolling (54+/-6.2 to 2.4+/-1.0 cells min(-1), P<0.01), adherence (6.3+/-1.9 to 1.2+/-0.4 cells 100 microm(-1), P<0.01) and extravasation (9.1+/-2.1 to 2.4+/-1.1 cells per 20 x 100 microm perivascular space, P<0.05), following haemorrhagic shock induced systemic ischaemia and reperfusion. The cell adhesion molecule P-selectin showed a profound decrease in endothelial expression following cariporide administration in both thrombin and I/R stimulated groups (35.4+/-3.2 vs 14.2+/-4.1% P-selectin positive cells per tissue section, P<0.01).'] Does sodium/hydrogen exchange inhibition with cariporide reduce leukocyte adhesion via P-selectin suppression during inflammation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9655882120132446,
-1.53375244140625,
2.5237412452697754
] |
['We characterized the clinicopathological features and the prognosis of small solid renal tumors defined as tumors 4 cm or smaller.', 'We identified 1,208 patients who were treated with nephrectomy at 5 international academic centers for small solid renal tumors. Clinicopathological parameters and outcome data were collected for each patient and analyzed.', 'Of the tumors 88% were renal cell carcinoma and 12% were benign. Of those with renal cell carcinoma 995 (93%) were localized (N0M0) and 72 (7%) presented with metastatic disease. Tumor size did not predict synchronous metastatic disease. The incidence of metastatic disease in the tumor size ranges 0.1 to 1.0, 1.1 to 2.0, 2.1 to 3.0 and 3.1 to 4.0 cm was 7%, 6%, 5% and 8%, respectively (p = 0.322). Survival rates were excellent. The majority of patients who died of renal cell carcinoma (54%) presented with synchronous metastatic disease, but 3% of patients with localized disease also died of renal cell carcinoma. In patients with localized disease there was a 7% chance of recurrence post nephrectomy at 5 years. Progression-free survival (28 months) was better than for patients with metastatic disease having a primary tumor greater than 4 cm (8 months). Tumor size was not retained as an independent prognostic factor of survival in multivariate analyses. The University of California Integrated Staging System and the Karakiewicz nomogram were the best predictors of cancer specific survival for all renal cell carcinoma stages (c-index 0.87).'] Does tumor size predict risk of metastatic disease or prognosis of small renal cell carcinomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7501038312911987,
-1.4137901067733765,
2.2799646854400635
] |
['Gleason sum 7 prostate cancers are a heterogeneous group with diverse tumor behaviors and disease outcomes. Tertiary Gleason patterns are reported with increasing frequency, particularly in prostatectomy pathology reports. We studied the pathological and biochemical outcome following radical prostatectomy in men with Gleason sum 7 and tertiary Gleason pattern 5.', 'We reviewed 1,110 cases of clinically localized prostate cancer treated with primary radical prostatectomy between January 1998 and August 2006 through a prospectively collected prostate cancer database. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormonal deprivation, radiation or systemic chemotherapy were excluded.', 'Of the 1,110 patients 509 had Gleason sum 7 cancer. Tertiary Gleason pattern was present in 66 of 509 cases (13%) and it was absent in 443 (87%). On multivariate analysis tertiary Gleason pattern 5 was associated with higher pT stage (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.40-4.65) and biochemical recurrence (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.00-3.17). On subgroup analysis when patients with Gleason sum 3 + 4 + 5 and 4 + 3 + 5 were compared to their respective referent groups without the tertiary Gleason pattern, the 2 groups showed a trend toward higher pathological stage and prostate specific antigen progression. Patients with Gleason sum 3 + 4 with no tertiary pattern had higher PSA recurrence-free probability than those with Gleason sum 3 + 4 + 5 or 4 + 3 and patients with Gleason sum 4 + 3 + 5 had the lowest PSA recurrence-free probability.'] Does tertiary Gleason pattern 5 in Gleason 7 prostate cancer predict pathological stage and biochemical recurrence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2162808179855347,
-1.6523756980895996,
1.8878117799758911
] |
['Estimated average folate intake in Sweden is less than 55% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for women of childbearing age (Becker and Pearson in Riksmaten 1997-1998 Kostvanor och näringsintag i Sverige. National Food Administration, Uppsala, pp 34, 44, 121, 2002). Because a good folate status reduces the risk of neural tube defects, mandatory folic acid fortification is discussed in some European countries. This however, could lead to exposure to unintentionally high amounts of folic acid for some population groups, therefore targeted folic acid fortification could be an alternative.', 'To (1) determine natural folate content in three popular brands of orange juice sold in Sweden, (2) determine stability of natural folate and folic acid fortificant during shelf life in a folic acid/iron fortified orange juice, (3) determine folate stability in four juices during simulated household consumption for one week and (4) determine the in vitro bioaccessibility of natural folate in one brand of orange juice using the TNO gastroIntestinal Model (TIM).', 'Natural folate content in juices was determined using RP-HPLC-FL. To determine folic acid content and confirm RP-HPLC-FL values LCMS was used. Stability during shelf life was determined in unopened bottles of a folic acid/iron fortified juice and for one week in four popular juices under household consumption conditions with reopening of bottles daily. For an in vitro folate bioaccessibility experiment in orange juice the TNO TIM Model was used.', '5-CH(3)-H(4)folate was the dominant natural folate form in the juices with contents ranging from 16-30 microg/100 g. Shelf life losses of folic acid fortificant were 1-4%. During one week simulated household consumption 5-CH(3)-H(4)folate content decreased by up to 7% (n.s). Bioaccessibility of natural folate in orange juice was almost 100%. Most folate was released for absorption in jejunum between 60-120 min after trial start.'] Is orange juice a good folate source in respect to folate content and stability during storage and simulated digestion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7903094291687012,
-0.8644865155220032,
1.6527066230773926
] |
['alpha-Amino-beta-carboxymuconate-epsilon-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) is a key enzyme in NAD biosynthesis from tryptophan. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to suppress hepatic ACMSD activity and its mRNA level in rat. However the mechanism of the suppressive action has not been clarified yet. Although the phenomena that fatty acids suppress the expression of ACMSD in rat liver have been established in vivo experiment, it is still obscure whether the effect of fatty acids on the expression of the enzyme is caused by its direct or indirect action, because there have been very few investigations performed in vitro.', 'In this study, to examine whether down-regulation of ACMSD mRNA by PUFA involves peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha mediated mechanism or not, we investigated the effect of PUFA on the ACMSD expression by using primary cultured rat hepatocytes.', 'For this purpose we investigated the effect of PUFA (linoleic acid and eicosapentanoic acid) on the ACMSD mRNA level in primary-cultured rat hepatocytes and compared its effect with that of WY-14,643 (a PPARalpha agonist). After the incubation of hepatocytes with fatty acids, WY-14,643 and/or MK886 (a PPARalpha antagonist), mRNA levels of ACMSD and a peroxisome marker enzyme acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) were determined by competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.', 'ACMSD mRNA level in primary hepatocytes were decreased by the incubation with high concentrations of linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and WY-14,643. The appearance of ACO mRNA by WY-14,643 was remarkably increased, and those by linoleic acid and EPA were increased less than that by WY-14,643. Moreover, the suppression of ACMSD mRNA and the augmentation of ACO mRNA by WY-14,643 were inhibited by MK886, but the suppression by PUFA was not substantially affected by MK886.'] Is down-regulation of alpha-amino-beta-carboxymuconate-epsilon-semialdehyde decarboxylase by polyunsaturated fatty acids in hepatocytes mediated by PPARalpha? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4265475273132324,
-1.3164920806884766,
2.735814332962036
] |
['Based on in vitro studies, it has been hypothesized that 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25-vit D) may promote weight gain in humans, but previous studies have demonstrated conflicting results regarding the association between serum 1,25-vit D and body mass index (BMI).', 'To evaluate the relation between serum 1,25-vit D and BMI.', 'Two thousand one hundred and eighty-seven subjects, recruited from a metabolic and medical lifestyle management clinic, were included in a cross-sectional study. BMI, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-vit D) and 1,25-vit D were measured. The cohort was divided according to BMI in five groups (<25, 25-29.9, 30-34.9, 35-39.9 and >39.9 kg/m(2)). Statistical analyses were performed with multiple linear regression models. Age and gender were used as explanatory covariates.', 'With increasing BMI group, there was a significant decrease in both serum 25-OH-vit D and 1,25-vit D (P<0.001). Those with BMI >39.9 kg/m(2) had 24% lower serum 25-OH-vit D levels and 18% lower 1,25-vit D levels than those with BMI <25 kg/m(2).'] Is serum 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D inversely associated with body mass index? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3608375787734985,
-1.4799206256866455,
1.8866865634918213
] |
['We asked whether caffeinated coffee (CC) blunts the infarct size (IS)-limiting effects of atorvastatin (ATV).', 'Adenosine receptor activation is essential for mediating the IS-limiting effects of statins. Caffeine is a nonspecific adenosine receptor blocker, and thus drinking CC may block the myocardial protective effects of statins.', 'Rat received 3-day ATV (10 mg/kg/day) or water by oral gavage once daily. Drinking water was replaced by water + sugar (7.5 g/100 ml), CC with sugar, or decaffeinated coffee (DC) with sugar. On the 4th day, rats were anesthetized and underwent 30 min of coronary artery occlusion and 4 h reperfusion. Area at risk was assessed by blue dye and infarct size by TTC.', 'Body weight and area at risk was comparable among groups. IS was 25.1 +/- 3.9% of the area at risk in the control group. In rats not receiving ATV, CC (25.5 +/- 3.1%) and DC (34.0 +/- 2.8%) did not affect IS. IS was significantly reduced by ATV in the water + sugar (11.7 +/- 0.7%, p = 0.015) and DC (11.5 +/- 1.0%; p < 0.001) groups, but not in the CC group (32.3 +/- 3.0%; p = 0.719). ATV increased myocardial levels of Ser-473 phosphorylated Akt in the water + sugar and DC groups, but not in the CC group.'] Does caffeinated coffee blunt the myocardial protective effects of statins against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5112392902374268,
-1.6489312648773193,
2.1150126457214355
] |
['Array comparative genomic hybridization is an emerging test used clinically to identify the etiology of children with developmental delay, yet little data are available regarding how physicians use these results. This pilot study evaluated how positive test results were used to influence patient management.', 'We surveyed 14 physicians of 48 patients who had copy number changes detected by microarray technology.', "Of 48 patients, 34 (70.8%) had 65 management changes after receiving the test result (with individual patients having 1-3 changes). Most commonly, physicians provided patients' families with a recurrence risk for affected subsequent pregnancies (35% of patients). Patients avoided other forms of testing (35%) and had improved access to services (25%). In 27% of patients, physicians altered medical management by referring patients to a specialist or recommending medical screening. Patients with known syndromes had multiple changes, but patients with novel copy number changes also had recommendations made based on the array result."] Do how physicians use array comparative genomic hybridization results to guide patient management in children with developmental delay? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.8307443857192993,
1.2318261861801147,
-0.1627437174320221
] |
['To determine whether the main mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups of the Han people have an impact on long-term clinical outcome.', 'We prospectively studied 181 individuals who were sequentially admitted to the intensive care unit. Demographic and clinical data were recorded along with clinical outcome over 180 days. Follow-up was completed for all study participants. We then determined the mtDNA haplogroups of the patients and 570 healthy, age-matched Han people from Zhejiang province, Southeast China, by analyzing sequences of hypervariable mtDNA segments and testing diagnostic polymorphisms in the mtDNA coding region with DNA probes.', 'The frequency of the main subhaplogroups of the Han population in the study cohort did not differ significantly from the control group. mtDNA haplogroup R, one of the three main mtDNA haplogroups of the Han people, was a strong independent predictor for the outcome of severe sepsis, conferring a 4.68-fold (95% CI 1.903-10.844, P = 0.001) increased chance of survival at 180 days compared with those without the haplogroup R.'] Does mitochondrial DNA haplogroup R predict survival advantage in severe sepsis in the Han population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9457274675369263,
-0.3963340222835541,
0.40625378489494324
] |
['Arterial remodeling aims to maintain a constant circumferential wall stress (sigmac). A failing remodeling process is associated with stroke. Data on the relationship between chronic kidney disease and arterial remodeling are scarce.', 'We investigated the association between a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and microalbuminuria with arterial remodeling of the common carotid artery (CCA) in a population-based study of 806 patients. CCA properties including intima-media thickness and interadventitial diameter (IAD) were assessed. Lumen diameter, circumferential wall tension (CWT), and circumferential wall stress (sigmac) were calculated. GFR was estimated (eGFR) by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Albuminuria was expressed as urinary albumin/creatinine ratio.', 'Mean eGFR was 60.3 (+/-10.8) ml/min/1.73 m2; median urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was 0.57 (range 0.10-26.6 mg/mmol). After adjustment for age, sex, glucose tolerance status, and prevalent cardiovascular disease, eGFR was not independently associated with CCA properties. A greater urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (per quartile) was associated with a greater lumen diameter [regression coefficient beta with 95% confidence interval, 0.14 (0.08-0.20; P < 0.01)], IAD [0.15 (0.09-0.21; P < 0.01)], CWT [0.95 (0.52-1.38; P < 0.01)], and sigmac [1.7 (0.5-2.9; P < 0.01)] but not with a greater IMT [0.01 (-0.002-0.02; P = 0.12)]. Additional adjustments for mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, and eGFR did not change the results.'] Is albuminuria , but not estimated glomerular filtration rate , associated with maladaptive arterial remodeling : the Hoorn Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8602806329727173,
-1.5999665260314941,
2.4821176528930664
] |
['HMGA1 proteins are architectural transcription factors that are overexpressed by pancreatic adenocarcinomas. We previously have shown that RNA interference targeting the HMGA1 gene may represent a potential chemosensitizing strategy in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that HMGA1 promotes chemoresistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells.', 'Stable short hairpin RNA-mediated HMGA1 silencing in BxPC3 and MiaPaCa2 cells promoted chemosensitivity to gemcitabine, with reductions in gemcitabine IC(50) and increases in gemcitabine-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activation. In contrast, forced HMGA1 overexpression in MiaPaCa2 cells promoted chemoresistance to gemcitabine, with increases in gemcitabine IC(50) and reductions in gemcitabine-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activation. Dominant negative Akt abrogated HMGA1 overexpression-induced increases in chemoresistance to gemcitabine. Finally, HMGA1 silencing promoted chemosensitivity to gemcitabine in vivo in a nude mouse xenograft model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.'] Is hMGA1 a molecular determinant of chemoresistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.376893997192383,
-1.348463773727417,
2.7474465370178223
] |
['Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma, but a clinical response can be expected in only a small proportion of patients. The aim of this study was to define molecular markers of response to cetuximab therapy in a panel of urothelial carcinoma cell lines.', "Eleven cell lines were investigated for antiproliferative response to cetuximab based on [(3)H]thymidine incorporation. A variety of markers, including EGFR expression, phosphorylation, and gene amplification, as well as the expression of other growth factor receptors, their ligands, and markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition were investigated. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to estimate the agreement between response and expression of these markers. E-cadherin was silenced by small interfering RNA in two sensitive cell lines, and the effect on the response to cetuximab was measured.", 'We were able to identify a panel of relevant markers pertaining especially to alternate growth factor receptor expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition that predicted response to cetuximab. The data suggested that expression of intact HER-4 (kappa, 1.00; P = 0.008), E-cadherin (kappa, 0.81; P = 0.015), and beta-catenin (kappa, 0.81; P = 0.015) and loss of expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (kappa, 0.57; P = 0.167) were associated with response to cetuximab therapy. Silencing E-cadherin in two sensitive cell lines reduced responsiveness to cetuximab in both (P < 0.001).'] Does sensitivity to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor require E-cadherin expression in urothelial carcinoma cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.364711046218872,
-1.3854169845581055,
2.777068614959717
] |
['Human embryonic stem cells (HESC) readily differentiate into an apparently haphazard array of cell types, corresponding to all three germ layers, when their culture conditions are altered, for example by growth in suspension as aggregates known as embryoid bodies (EBs). However, this diversity of differentiation means that the efficiency of producing any one particular cell type is inevitably low. Although pancreatic differentiation has been reported from HESC, practicable applications for the use of beta-cells derived from HESC to treat diabetes will only be possible once techniques are developed to promote efficient differentiation along the pancreatic lineages.', 'Here, we have tested whether the transcription factor, Pax4 can be used to drive the differentiation of HESC to a beta-cell fate in vitro. We constitutively over-expressed Pax4 in HESCs by stable transfection, and used Q-PCR analysis, immunocytochemistry, ELISA, Ca(2+) microfluorimetry and cell imaging to assess the role of Pax4 in the differentiation and intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis of beta-cells developing in embryoid bodies produced from such HESC. Cells expressing key beta-cell markers were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting after staining for high zinc content using the vital dye, Newport Green.'] Does pAX4 enhance beta-cell differentiation of human embryonic stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5843372344970703,
-0.9394611716270447,
2.6598877906799316
] |
['Mild cold exposure and overfeeding are known to elevate energy expenditure in mammals, including humans. This process is called adaptive thermogenesis. In small animals, adaptive thermogenesis is mainly caused by mitochondrial uncoupling in brown adipose tissue and regulated via the sympathetic nervous system. In humans, skeletal muscle is a candidate tissue, known to account for a large part of the epinephrine-induced increase in energy expenditure. However, mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle has not extensively been studied in relation to adaptive thermogenesis in humans. Therefore we hypothesized that cold-induced adaptive thermogenesis in humans is accompanied by an increase in mitochondrial uncoupling in skeletal muscle.', 'The metabolic response to mild cold exposure in 11 lean, male subjects was measured in a respiration chamber at baseline and mild cold exposure. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling (state 4) was measured in muscle biopsies taken at the end of the respiration chamber stays. Mild cold exposure caused a significant increase in 24h energy expenditure of 2.8% (0.32 MJ/day, range of -0.21 to 1.66 MJ/day, p<0.05). The individual increases in energy expenditure correlated to state 4 respiration (p<0.02, R(2) = 0.50).'] Is human skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling associated with cold induced adaptive thermogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9296036958694458,
-0.9534863829612732,
1.9329283237457275
] |
['Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been recently reported as a mediator of myocardial fibrosis; however, the significance of plasma CTGF concentration has not been evaluated in patients with heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of plasma CTGF concentration for the diagnosis of heart failure.', "We evaluated fifty-two patients with chronic heart failure. The plasma concentration of CTGF and other markers of fibrosis were assessed and compared with clinical and echocardiographic data. Plasma CTGF was significantly elevated in symptomatic patients in proportion to their NYHA classes and was significantly correlated with plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration (r=0.395, P<0.01). Plasma CTGF was also correlated with plasma transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) (r=0.512, P<0.01), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 (r=0.391, P<0.05) and tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-2 (r=0.354, P<0.05) concentrations. Interestingly, plasma CTGF was correlated with E/E' value evaluated by tissue Doppler echocardiography (r=0.593, P=0.012), but not with systolic function and left ventricular mass."] Is plasma connective tissue growth factor a novel potential biomarker of cardiac dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.21132755279541,
-1.3868602514266968,
2.674722194671631
] |
['The completion of rice genome sequencing has made rice and its wild relatives an attractive system for biological studies. Despite great efforts, phylogenetic relationships among genome types and species in the rice genus have not been fully resolved. To take full advantage of rice genome resources for biological research and rice breeding, we will benefit from the availability of a robust phylogeny of the rice genus.', 'Through screening rice genome sequences, we sampled and sequenced 142 single-copy genes to clarify the relationships among all diploid genome types of the rice genus. The analysis identified two short internal branches around which most previous phylogenetic inconsistency emerged. These represent two episodes of rapid speciation that occurred approximately 5 and 10 million years ago (Mya) and gave rise to almost the entire diversity of the genus. The known chromosomal distribution of the sampled genes allowed the documentation of whole-genome sorting of ancestral alleles during the rapid speciation, which was responsible primarily for extensive incongruence between gene phylogenies and persisting phylogenetic ambiguity in the genus. Random sample analysis showed that 120 genes with an average length of 874 bp were needed to resolve both short branches with 95% confidence.'] Does analysis of 142 genes resolve the rapid diversification of the rice genus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.446213960647583,
0.811126708984375,
-1.1157093048095703
] |
['Prion infection results in progressive neurodegeneration of the central nervous system invariably resulting in death. The pathological effects of prion diseases in the brain are morphologically well defined, such as gliosis, vacuolation, and the accumulation of disease-specific protease-resistant prion protein (PrPSc). However, the underlying molecular events that lead to the death of neurons are poorly characterised.', 'In this study cDNA microarrays were used to profile gene expression changes in the brains of two different strains of mice infected with three strains of mouse-adapted scrapie. Extensive data was collected and analyzed, from which we identified a core group of 349 prion-related genes (PRGs) that consistently showed altered expression in mouse models. Gene ontology analysis assigned many of the up-regulated genes to functional groups associated with one of the primary neuropathological features of prion diseases, astrocytosis and gliosis; protein synthesis, inflammation, cell proliferation and lipid metabolism. Using a computational tool, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), we were able to build networks of interacting genes from the PRG list. The regulatory cytokine TGFB1, involved in modulating the inflammatory response, was identified as the outstanding interaction partner for many of the PRGs. The majority of genes expressed in neurons were down-regulated; a number of these were involved in regulatory pathways including synapse function, calcium signalling, long-term potentiation and ERK/MAPK signalling. Two down-regulated genes coding for the transcription regulators, EGR1 and CREB1, were also identified as central to interacting networks of genes; these factors are often used as markers of neuronal activity and their deregulation could be key to loss of neuronal function.'] Does comprehensive transcriptional profiling of prion infection in mouse models reveal networks of responsive genes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4700191020965576,
-1.0021649599075317,
2.560548782348633
] |
['L-arginine may play a role in regulation of protein metabolism. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of L-arginine supplementation on protein metabolism in skin wound and muscle in anesthetized rabbits.', 'L-[ring-(13)C(6)]phenylalanine was infused as a tracer on day 7 after ear injury, and the scalded ear and uninjured hindlimb were used as arteriovenous units to reflect protein kinetics in these two tissues. In study 1, an amino acid mixture (10% Travasol) was infused either alone at 1.5 ml/kg per h or at 0.75 ml/kg per h with supplemental L-arginine to deliver comparable amount of amino acid nitrogen. In study 2, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was infused to inhibit nitric oxide synthase during the stable isotope infusion.', 'In study 1, arginine supplementation increased (p<0.05) net protein balance in skin wound and muscle from -6.7+/-6.2 to -0.8+/-3.8 and from -4.4+/-2.4 to -1.9+/-1.5 micromol phenylalanine/100 g per h, respectively, indicating an anabolic effect. In study 2, the N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester infusion markedly reduced the blood flow rate in the scalded ear and increased (p<0.05) net protein balance in skin wound and in muscle from -8.6+/-3.4 to -1.0+/-5.7 and from -3.9+/-1.3 to -2.2+/-0.5 micromol phenylalanine/100 g per h, respectively.'] Is the anabolic effect of arginine on proteins in skin wound and muscle independent of nitric oxide production? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9101334810256958,
-1.4723930358886719,
2.4076569080352783
] |
['Increased pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence rates led to the development of a pressure ulcer prevention program.', 'To decrease pressure ulcer rates below national levels by implementing strategies to improve patient outcomes.', 'Patients admitted to the Stony Brook University Medical Center (SBUMC) are assessed for placement in the pressure ulcer prevention program. The central element of the program is an evidence-based Pressure Ulcer Prevention Bundle using the "Bundle" concept from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.', "The March 2006 Prevalence and Incidence Benchmarking Study demonstrates not only a decrease in institutional prevalence and incidence rates but also places SBUMC rates below last year's national benchmark rates."] Does creation and implementation of a pressure ulcer prevention bundle improve patient outcomes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.5835111141204834,
1.0941612720489502,
0.6552461385726929
] |
['Cognate immunity against neoplastic cells depends on a balance between effector T cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. Treg cells prevent immune attack against normal and neoplastic cells by directly suppressing the activation of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. We postulated that a recombinant interleukin 2/diphtheria toxin conjugate (DAB/IL2; Denileukin Diftitox; Ontak) may serve as a useful strategy to deplete Treg cells and break tolerance against neoplastic tumors in humans.', 'We administered DAB/IL2 (12 microg/kg; four daily doses; 21 day cycles) to 16 patients with metastatic melanoma and measured the effects on the peripheral blood concentration of several T cell subsets and on tumor burden.', 'We found that DAB/IL2 caused a transient depletion of Treg cells as well as total CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (< 21 days). T cell repopulation coincided with the de novo appearance of melanoma antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in several patients as determined by flow cytometry using tetrameric MART-1, tyrosinase and gp100 peptide/MHC conjugates. Sixteen patients received at least one cycle of DAB/IL2 and five of these patients experienced regressions of melanoma metastases as measured by CT and/or PET imaging. One patient experienced a near complete response with the regression of several hepatic and pulmonary metastases coupled to the de novo appearance of MART-1-specific CD8+ T cells. A single metastatic tumor remained in this patient and, after surgical resection, immunohistochemical analysis revealed MART1+ melanoma cells surrounded by CD8+ T cells.'] Does transient T cell depletion cause regression of melanoma metastases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.334731101989746,
-1.4544658660888672,
2.8493382930755615
] |
['Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) is the main enzyme responsible for catabolism of excess hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). GNMT is absent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), messenger RNA (mRNA) levels are significantly lower in livers of patients at risk of developing HCC, and GNMT has been proposed to be a tumor-susceptibility gene for liver cancer. The identification of several children with liver disease as having mutations of the GNMT gene further suggests that this enzyme plays an important role in liver function. In the current study we studied development of liver pathologies including HCC in GNMT-knockout (GNMT-KO) mice. GNMT-KO mice have elevated serum aminotransferase, methionine, and SAMe levels and develop liver steatosis, fibrosis, and HCC. We found that activation of the Ras and Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways was increased in liver tumors from GNMT-KO mice coincidently with the suppression of the Ras inhibitors Ras-association domain family/tumor suppressor (RASSF) 1 and 4 and the JAK/STAT inhibitors suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) 1-3 and cytokine-inducible SH2-protein. Finally, we found that methylation of RASSF1 and SOCS2 promoters and the binding of trimethylated lysine 27 in histone 3 to these 2 genes was increased in HCC from GNMT-KO mice.'] Does loss of the glycine N-methyltransferase gene lead to steatosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3702709674835205,
-1.2916088104248047,
2.661709785461426
] |
['The spread of drug-resistant HIV-1 might compromise the future success of current first-line regimens.', 'To analyse the extent and impact of transmission of drug-resistant HIV-1 variants in Europe.', 'The European prospective programme (SPREAD) collected demographic, clinical and virological data from 1245 HIV-1-infected individuals in 17 countries diagnosed in 2002-2003. The potential impact of transmitted drug resistance mutations (TDRMs) on therapy response was determined by using genotypic interpretation algorithms.', 'The overall prevalence of viruses with drug-resistance mutations was 9.1% [96/1050; 95% confidence interval: 7.5-11.1]. The majority (71%) harboured only a single amino acid substitution with limited effect on predicted drug susceptibility. Mutations associated with resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were observed most frequently [57/1050 (5.4%)], followed by mutations related to protease inhibitors [32/1050 (3.0%)] and mutations related to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) [27/1050 (2.6%)]. In some cases, however, resistance was quite extensive. Four individuals were infected with viruses with reduced susceptibility to all nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 3 to all protease inhibitors and 20 to both NNRTIs. Remarkably, in one individual, the resistance pattern was so extensive that none of the available current antiretroviral drugs was predicted to be fully active.'] Does transmission of drug-resistant HIV-1 in Europe remain limited to single classes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8993184566497803,
-1.2034296989440918,
2.2307822704315186
] |
['Podocyte injury with loss of cells into the urine seems to be an early factor in diabetic nephropathy. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are important mediators of structural and functional renal abnormalities in diabetic nephropathy. We and others have previously described that mice with a deletion in the gene for the cell cycle regulatory p27(Kip1) are protected from some features of diabetic nephropathy.', 'The present study investigates a potential influence of AGE-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) on podocyte growth and p27(Kip1) expression in culture. The p27(Kip1) expression was measured by western blots and real-time PCR. Cell cycle analysis, cell hypertrophy, proliferation and various markers of apoptosis and necrosis were assessed. The p27(Kip) expression was inhibited by siRNA or was overexpressed in podocytes with an inducible expression system.', 'AGE-BSA was actively taken up into the cell as determined by immunohistochemistry, western blots and HPLC. Incubation with AGE-BSA induced in differentiated podocytes, but not in tubular cells, p27(Kip1) mRNA and protein expression. This induction was associated with cell cycle arrest of podocytes, cell hypertrophy (as measured by increases in cell size and protein/cell number ratios) and an increase in necrotic, but not apoptotic cells. Inhibition of p27(Kip1) expression with siRNA halted the AGE-BSA-mediated cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy, but did not interfere with AGE uptake into podocytes. In contrast, overexpression of p27(Kip1) using an inducible expression system stimulated hypertrophy and cell cycle arrest of podocytes.'] Do advanced glycation end-products induce cell cycle arrest and hypertrophy in podocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4670064449310303,
-1.26576828956604,
2.8229832649230957
] |
['Large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channels regulate vascular tone in different vascular systems. Moreover, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) contain BK(Ca) channels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of BK(Ca) channels in the regulation of vascular tone in control (CT) and carbon tetrachloride-cirrhotic (CH) rat livers.', 'Changes in intrahepatic vascular resistance were assessed by evaluating the portal perfusion pressure (PP) response to methoxamine (Mtx) in the presence of Iberiotoxin (Ibtx; a BK(Ca) channel blocker), NS1619 (a BK(Ca) channel opener), Ibtx plus the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or L-NNA alone. In addition, in CH livers, PP dose-response curves to the NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP), were performed after pre-incubation with Ibtx or its vehicle. BK(Ca) mRNA expression was assessed in liver homogenates, and BK(Ca) protein expression in HSC isolated from CT and CH livers.', 'In CH livers, Ibtx significantly increased baseline PP and exacerbated the PP response to Mtx. Conversely, NS1619 induced a mild nonsignificant decrease of baseline PP and attenuated the hyperresponse to Mtx. CH livers exhibited an upregulation of both mRNA and protein of the alpha-subunit of BK(Ca).'] Do large-conductance calcium-activated potassium channels modulate vascular tone in experimental cirrhosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4395222663879395,
-1.3791677951812744,
2.8287763595581055
] |
['Various studies have suggested the involvement of infectious agents in chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. By using a novel subtraction broad-range PCR approach, we defined bacterial DNA signatures in surgically removed sterile abdominal aorta samples of patients with aortic atherosclerosis.', 'Partial bacterial 16S rDNA nucleotide sequences were determined using broad-range PCR from aortic samples of 20 patients, and from appropriate methodological controls. In all, 160 sequences from 16 clone libraries were studied.', 'After subtraction analysis 16 clinically relevant bacterial sequence-types were identified among the patient samples, whereas 29 were discarded as potential methodological contaminants. On average 2.2+/-1.2 different bacterial sequence-types were present in the nine true PCR-positive atheroma samples.'] Do bacterial signatures in atherosclerotic lesions represent human commensals and pathogens? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0473108291625977,
-1.3094557523727417,
2.4679110050201416
] |
['Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, symmetric polyarticular joint disease and serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein that is upregulated during the course of RA. We investigated the role of SAA in the pathogenesis of RA.', 'Fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) were established from RA joints. SAA-stimulated expression of cytokines from FLS was evaluated by ELISA. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation by SAA was evaluated by luciferase assay. NF-kappaB activation and IkappaBalpha degradation were evaluated by Western blotting and nuclear localization of p65 subunit of NF-kappaB in FLS. Expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in synovial tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical study. Effects of preincubation of soluble RAGE on NF-kappaB activation by SAA was evaluated by Western blotting of IkappaBalpha.', 'SAA stimulated the transcriptional activation by NF-kappaB in a dose-dependent manner and induced expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8. Higher expression of RAGE in synovial tissue from patients with RA was noted. SAA induced IkappaBalpha degradation, with the peak effect around 30 minutes. Preincubation of SAA with soluble recombinant RAGE protein prevented SAA-induced IkappaBalpha degradation. SAA stimulation promoted nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB, whereas preincubation of SAA with RAGE inhibited nuclear translocation.'] Does serum amyloid A activate nuclear factor-kappaB in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts through binding to receptor of advanced glycation end-products? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.419520616531372,
-1.374141812324524,
2.8095664978027344
] |
['Cough is an important defense mechanism, whose main function is to remove mucus and/or foreign bodies from the airways. In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), respiratory muscle function may be affected and cough may be impaired.', "Respiratory muscle strength and voluntary cough efficacy were determined in MS patients and controls, and the relationship between cough efficacy and patients' degree of disability was investigated.", 'We recruited 27 MS patients (age: 41 +/- 11 years; 18 females) with mild-to-moderate disability, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score range: 1-7, and 20 healthy controls (age: 37 +/- 11 years; 12 females). The maximal inspiratory (PIMAX) and expiratory (PEMAX) pressures, maximal whistle mouth pressures (PMOW), cough peak flows (CPF), cough expiratory volumes (CEV) and cough gastric pressures (PGA) were measured in all subjects.', 'In MS patients, the EDSS score was significantly related to CPF, PEMAX, PMOW, cough PGA, PIMAX and CEV (p < 0.01, each correlation). The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that an EDSS score > or =5.5 was consistent with impaired cough (CPF < or =5.6 l/s), with a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.95 (area under curve 0.90, p < 0.001). CPF was related to and predicted by PEMAX, PMOW, cough PGA and PIMAX in MS patients (p < 0.01 each correlation), but not in controls.'] Is cough efficacy related to the disability status in patients with multiple sclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2829269170761108,
-1.4923722743988037,
1.8533403873443604
] |
['Diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) displays a high sensitivity to white matter changes, even in areas where no lesions are visible. Correlation with vascular risk factors and cognitive dysfunction seems to be feasible using this technique. We aimed to test relations between age, blood pressure and cognitive function,with lesion load and average Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) values in lesioned (LWM) and in normal appearing white matter (NAWM), in patients with age related white matter lesions (ARWML).', "Subjects were 29 patients (mean age 72.6 +/- 5.2 years) with different severity of ARWML on MRI and no (or mild) disability assessed by the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Imaging lesion load was quantified in bilateral frontal, temporal, parieto-occipital, basal ganglia and infratentorial regions, using a simple visual rating scale; ADC was measured bilaterally in Regions of Interest in parieto-occipital and frontal NAWM, and in frontal periventricular LWM. Neuropsychological examination consisted of Raven Colored Progressive Matrices, Rey's Complex Figure, Digit Canceling. Symbol digit Substitution, Inverse Digit Repetition and Verbal Fluency tests.", 'Visual scales scores and ADC were significantly higher in frontal and parieto-occipital regions. Both were significantly correlated to age and blood pressure, in frontal (visual scale scores and ADC) and parieto-occipital regions (ADC). Attention skills were negatively correlated to ADC in LWM and NAWM in frontal regions and with frontal region visual scale scores.'] Does cognitive function correlate with frontal white matter apparent diffusion coefficients in patients with leukoaraiosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2541861534118652,
-1.2903084754943848,
2.629582166671753
] |
['Lytic bone disease is a hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM) and is caused by osteoclast activation and osteoblast inhibition. Secretion of Dickkopf (DKK)-1 by myeloma cells is a major factor which causes inhibition of osteoblast precursors. So far, there is no study showing a significant difference in serum DKK-1 levels in MM patients with or without lytic bone lesions.', 'DKK-1 serum levels were quantified in 184 untreated MM patients and 33 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients by ELISA, using a monoclonal anti-DKK-1 antibody.', 'Serum DKK-1 was elevated in MM as compared with MGUS (mean 11 963 pg/mL vs. 1993 pg/mL; P < 0.05). Serum DKK-1 levels significantly correlated with myeloma stage according to Durie and Salmon (mean 2223 pg/mL vs. 15 209 pg/mL in stage I and II/III, respectively; P = 0.005). Importantly, myeloma patients without lytic lesions in conventional radiography had significantly lower DKK-1 levels than patients with lytic bone disease (mean 3114 pg/mL vs. 17 915 pg/mL; P = 0.003). Of interest, serum DKK-1 correlated with the number of bone lesions (0 vs. 1-3 vs. >3 lesions: 3114 pg/mL vs. 3559 pg/mL vs. 24 068 pg/mL; P = 0.002).'] Do serum concentrations of DKK-1 correlate with the extent of bone disease in patients with multiple myeloma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1477227210998535,
-1.754640817642212,
1.850372314453125
] |
["Herba Cistanches (Roucongrong) is effective in treating Shenxu Zheng ('kidney-deficiency syndrome'). However, the mechanisms and systemic metabolic responses to the herbal intervention are unclear.", "Using GC-MS-based metabolic profiling, we investigated the metabolic responses to Herba Cistanches intervention in a rat model of the hydrocortisone-induced 'kidney-deficiency syndrome'.", 'The metabolic profiles of the rats after hydrocortisone injection deviated from the pre-dose metabolic state at different time points, ranging from day 1 to day 10, whereas the metabolic profiles of the rats treated with both hydrocortisone and water extract of Herba Cistanches returned to the pre-dose state on day 10.'] Does metabolic profiling reveal therapeutic effects of Herba Cistanches in an animal model of hydrocortisone-induced 'kidney-deficiency syndrome '? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.612039089202881,
-0.8985238671302795,
2.6400461196899414
] |
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