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['Serum sodium has been suggested to incorporate into the model for end-stage liver disease to enhance its prognostic ability for cirrhosis. A mathematical equation based on model for end-stage liver disease and sodium, known as "MELD-Na", was developed for outcome prediction for cirrhosis. The severity of liver cirrhosis is a key component to predict survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study investigated the prognostic role of MELD-Na for hepatocellular carcinoma.', 'A total of 535 unselected hepatocellular carcinoma patients were prospectively enrolled to evaluate the performance of MELD-Na.', 'The MELD-Na was better than model for end-stage liver disease in predicting 6-month mortality by comparing the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (0.782 vs. 0.761, p=0.101). MELD-Na, but not model for end-stage liver disease, was an independent predictor associated with 6-month mortality in multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio: 1.14, p=0.001). In the survival analysis, MELD-Na also independently predicted mortality, with an additional risk of 4.3% per unit increment of the score (p<0.001). Patients with MELD-Na scores between 10 and 20 and scores >20 had 2.1-fold (p<0.001) and 7.5-fold (p<0.001) risk of mortality, respectively, compared to patients with a score <10 in the Cox proportional hazard model.'] Is the MELD-Na an independent short- and long-term prognostic predictor for hepatocellular carcinoma : a prospective survey? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3777451515197754,
-1.6132632493972778,
2.0124831199645996
] |
['To evaluate p27 protein expression in the endometrium of women with endometriosis.', 'Transversal case-control study.', 'Endometriosis Unit, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.', 'Thirteen patients with stage I/II endometriosis, five with stage III/IV endometriosis, and 11 control subjects.', 'Endometrial biopsies were obtained from patients with proven endometriosis and women without disease at laparoscopy. P27 protein was immunolocalized in the biopsy tissues and quantified by light microscopy.', 'Immunostaining scores of glandular and stromal cells in endometrial biopsies obtained from patients with confirmed endometriosis compared with those of healthy control women with normal pelvis at laparoscopy. The staining scores of stage I/II and stage III/IV patients and of both patient groups and the control group were compared.', 'The level of p27 protein expression observed in the control group, both in the stroma and in the endometrial glands, was significantly different from that observed in the endometriosis patient groups. Significant differences in p27 protein expression levels in the glandular epithelium and stroma were not observed among groups of patients with endometriosis.'] Is p27Kip1 down-regulated in the endometrium of women with endometriosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3869857788085938,
-1.1346290111541748,
2.5980448722839355
] |
['To evaluate the association of FSH receptor polymorphism and ovarian response.', 'Retrospective study.', 'Academic research institute and private IVF clinic.', 'Fifty women were recruited in an assisted reproductive technology program (ART) and 100 proven fertile women of Indian origin.', 'Polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment-length polymorphism for detecting polymorphisms at T(307)A and N(680)S.', 'FSH receptor polymorphisms, serum FSH, and estradiol levels, amount of FSH administered, occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).', 'Prevalence of polymorphism at 307 position was 24%, 53%, and 23% in controls and 24%, 62%, and 14% in ART subjects for TT, TA, and AA, respectively, whereas at position 680, it was 31%, 56%, and 13% in controls and 42%, 46%, and 12% in ART subjects for NN, NS, and SS, respectively. The amount of FSH required for ovulation induction was low in AA compared with TT and TA subjects; the estradiol levels before and on the day of hCG administration were significantly higher. Eighty-five percent of the subjects with AA genotype developed OHSS.'] Is follicle-stimulating hormone receptor polymorphism ( Thr307Ala ) associated with variable ovarian response and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in Indian women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3200604915618896,
-1.3741815090179443,
2.69181227684021
] |
['The membrane-type frizzled-related protein (MFRP) gene is selectively expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium and ciliary body, and mutations of this gene cause nanophthalmos. The MFRP gene may not be essential for retinal function but has been hypothesized to play a role in ocular axial length regulation. The involvement of the MFRP gene in moderate to high hyperopic, isolated microphthalmic/anophthalmic, and high myopic patients was tested in two phases: a mutation screening/sequence variant discovery phase and a genetic association study phase.', 'Eleven hyperopic, ten microphthalmic/anophthalmic, and seven non-syndromic high-grade myopic patients of varying ages and 11 control subjects participated in the mutation screening phase. Sixteen primer pairs were designed to amplify the 13 exons of the MFRP gene including intron/exon boundaries. Polymerase chain reactions were performed, and amplified products were sequenced using standard techniques. Normal and affected individual DNA sequences were compared alongside the known reference sequence (UCSC genome browser) for the MFRP gene. The genetic association study included 146 multiplex non-syndromic high-grade myopia families. Seventeen intragenic and flanking single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were chosen for the MFRP gene and genotyped in the large data set using the Taqman allelic discrimination assay. The family-based association Pedigree Disequilibrium Test (PDT) and GenoPDT were performed.', 'The average spherical refractive error of the hyperopic patient cohort was +4.21 diopters (D; range +2.00 to +9.25 D) and of the myopic patient cohort was -12.36 D (range -8.25 to -14.50 D). A total of 16 SNPs were identified by direct sequencing. No significant association was determined between the 16 MFRP gene SNPs and the moderate to high hyperopia, microphthalmia/anophthalmia affection status, and high myopia. Family based association analysis did not reveal any association between the 17 SNPs genotyped in the larger family data set for any refractive error type.'] Are common MFRP sequence variants associated with moderate to high hyperopia , isolated microphthalmia , and high myopia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2959885597229004,
-1.4614334106445312,
2.790846586227417
] |
['Stress and central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) are contributing factors to the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has been shown that restraint stress and central CRF stimulate colonic motility in rats. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by bacterial fermentation from dietary fibers. It is controversial whether daily intake of dietary fiber is beneficial for patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS. We studied whether dietary fiber intake affects colonic transit and motility stimulated by restraint stress and central CRF in rats.', 'Corn starch is digested almost completely in the small intestine, while potato starch shows substantial resistance to alpha-amylase and its consumption leads to stimulation of large-bowel fermentation. Four weeks after a corn starch, potato starch, or usual diet (rat chow), colonic transit and motility stimulated by restraint stress and intracisternal (ic) injection of CRF were studied. Fecal concentration of SCFAs in the cecum was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).', 'Four-week treatment with potato starch diet significantly increased cecal concentrations of SCFAs, compared to treatment with corn starch diet. Accelerated colonic transit induced by stress and ic injection of CRF (1 microg) were significantly attenuated in rats receiving potato starch diet compared to rats receiving corn starch diet. The incidence of unformed stool (diarrhea) induced by stress and CRF was also reduced in rats receiving potato starch diet compared to rats receiving corn starch diet and usual diet.'] Does daily intake of high dietary fiber slow accelerated colonic transit induced by restrain stress in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2896809577941895,
-1.246105670928955,
2.47798752784729
] |
['Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha (HNF4alpha; NR2A1) is an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily expressed in liver and intestine. While HNF4alpha expression is critical for liver function, its role in the gut and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown.', 'Human intestinal biopsies from control and IBD patients were examined for expression of mRNAs encoding HNF4alpha and other nuclear receptors. An intestine-specific HNF4alpha null mouse line (Hnf4alpha(DeltaIEpC)) was generated using an Hnf4alpha-floxed allele and villin-Cre transgene. These mice and their control floxed counterparts (Hnf4alpha(F/F)), were subjected to a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD colitis protocol and their clinical symptoms and gene expression patterns determined.', "In human intestinal biopsies, HNF4alpha was significantly decreased in intestinal tissues from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. HNF4alpha expression was also suppressed in the intestine of DSS-treated mice. In Hnf4alpha(DeltaIEpC) mice, disruption of HNF4alpha expression was observed in the epithelial cells throughout the intestine. In the DSS-induced colitis model Hnf4alpha(DeltaIEpC) mice showed markedly more severe changes in clinical symptoms and pathologies associated with IBD including loss of body weight, colon length, and histological morphology as compared with Hnf4alpha(F/F) mice. Furthermore, the Hnf4alpha(DeltaIEpC) mice demonstrate a significant alteration of mucin-associated genes and increased intestinal permeability, which may play an important role in the increased susceptibility to acute colitis following an inflammatory insult."] Does hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha in the intestinal epithelial cells protect against inflammatory bowel disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3919458389282227,
-1.328744649887085,
2.7748677730560303
] |
["Ileal lesions in Crohn's disease patients are colonized by pathogenic adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) that harbor various virulence factors involved in adhesion to and invasion of intestinal epithelial cultured cells. We investigated in a mouse model of colonic inflammation the behavior of virulent AIEC reference bacteria LF82 compared to that of nonflagellated LF82 mutants.", 'BALBc/J mice with intact or dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-injured colon were orally challenged daily with 10(8) bacteria. The severity of colitis was assessed by determining disease activity index, colonic histological score, and myeoloperoxidase activity. Flagellin receptor and cytokine expression was measured by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in colonic tissue.', 'In contrast to nonpathogenic E. coli, virulent LF82 bacteria exacerbated colitis in DSS-treated mice, substantially reducing survival rate, greatly lowering stool consistency, inducing marked weight loss and increased rectal bleeding, and significantly increasing erosive lesions and mucosal inflammation. Nonflagellated LF82 mutants behaved like nonpathogenic E. coli K-12. Interestingly, oral infection with LF82 virulent bacteria, but not with a nonvirulent LF82 mutant, induced a 7.0-fold increase in the levels of TLR5 and a 3.1-fold increase in those of ipaf mRNA, which encode respectively membrane and cytosolic receptors involved in the recognition of flagellin. Hence, a 5.6-fold increase in IL-1beta and a 5.3-fold increase in mRNA of IL-6 were observed in mice challenged with AIEC LF82 bacteria.'] Does crohn 's disease-associated Escherichia coli LF82 aggravate colitis in injured mouse colon via signaling by flagellin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3663246631622314,
-1.37797212600708,
2.79226016998291
] |
['A recent genome-wide association study identified the SLC30A8 rs13266634 polymorphism encoding an Arg325Trp polymorphism in the zinc transporter protein member 8 (ZnT-8) to be associated with type 2 diabetes. Here, we investigate whether the polymorphism is related to altered insulin release in response to intravenous and oral glucose loads in non-diabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic patients.', 'We genotyped SLC30A8 rs13266634 in 846 non-diabetic offspring of type 2 diabetic patients from five different white populations: Danish (n = 271), Finnish (n = 217), German (n = 149), Italian (n = 109) and Swedish (n = 100). Participants were subjected to both IVGTTs and OGTTs, and measurements of insulin sensitivity.', 'Homozygous carriers of the major type 2 diabetes C risk-allele showed a 19% decrease in first-phase insulin release (0-10 min) measured during the IVGTT (CC 3,624 +/- 3,197; CT 3,763 +/- 2,674; TT 4,478 +/- 3,032 pmol l(-1) min(-1), mean +/- SD; p = 0.007). We found no significant genotype effect on insulin release measured during the OGTT or on estimates of insulin sensitivity.'] Is the common SLC30A8 Arg325Trp variant associated with reduced first-phase insulin release in 846 non-diabetic offspring of type 2 diabetes patients -- the EUGENE2 study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7500945329666138,
-1.4249093532562256,
2.2708382606506348
] |
['We have recently shown that the level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), which is associated with the immune status of HIV-infected patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), correlates with the insulin action of such patients. Here we extend these findings by investigating the association of suPAR to glucose metabolic insufficiency during an oral glucose challenge (OGTT).', 'In 16 HIV-infected patients with lipodystrophy and 15 HIV-infected patients without lipodystrophy, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity (ISI(composite)), prehepatic insulin secretion, proinsulin level and suppression of free fatty acids (FFA) were determined during an OGTT. Stability of suPAR was tested in 6 HIV-infected patients during a 3h OGTT.', 'Lipodystrophy was associated with a 70% increase in plasma suPAR (P<0.05). During the OGTT, plasma suPAR correlated inversely with ISI(composite) and positively with 2h plasma glucose, fasting insulin secretion, fasting intact proinsulin and FFA level during the OGTT (all P<0.05). In multiple regression analyses, in which anthropometric measures (BMI, limbadiposity and fat mass), immune markers (CD4, HIV-RNA, duration of HIV infection), and dyslipidemia (plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid level during the OGTT) were included, suPAR remained a significant marker of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Plasma suPAR exhibited a small CV (11%) during the 3h OGTT.'] Does suPAR associate to glucose metabolic aberration during glucose stimulation in HIV-infected patients on HAART? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3418495655059814,
-1.383107304573059,
2.771855115890503
] |
['The impact of Quilty (sub-endocardial infiltration of lymphocytes) on the development of stenotic microvasculopathy and outcome after heart transplantation has not yet been evaluated.', 'Biopsies (n = 9,713) obtained within the first post-transplant year from 873 patients (722 men, age 49.3 +/- 0.3 years) were evaluated by light microscopy (hematoxylin-eosin) for Quilty and cellular rejection (ISHLT), stenotic microvasculopathy (luminal radius:medial thickness ratio <1) and endothelial disease (core diameter:cell diameter ratio < or =1). Risk factors for stenotic microvasculopathy were analyzed by logistic regression. Overall survival and freedom from graft failure (cardiac re-transplantation, myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and tested using a Cox proportional hazard model.', 'We found 1,830 (19%) Quilty-positive biopsies in 481 (55%) Quilty-formers and stenotic microvasculopathy in 866 (9%) biopsies of 379 (43%) patients. Evidence of Quilty (odds ratio [OR] 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26 to 2.57) and endothelial disease (OR 4.98; 95% 95% CI 3.31 to 7.49) indicated higher risk, whereas post-transplant statin therapy was associated with lower risk for stenotic microvasculopathy (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.97). Freedom from graft failure was lower in Quilty-formers (p = 0.0060) and even worse if patients suffered from both Quilty and stenotic microvasculopathy (p = 0.0017). Both factors were confirmed in multivariate regression analysis (stenotic microvasculopathy risk ratio [RR] 1.90, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.95; Quilty RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.82, p = 0.0430).'] Does quilty indicate increased risk for microvasculopathy and poor survival after heart transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.706133246421814,
-1.6269404888153076,
2.3523294925689697
] |
['While sensitive to internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, carotid ultrasound can produce false-positive results. CT angiography (CTA) has a high specificity for ICA occlusion and is safer and cheaper than catheter angiography, although less accurate. We determined the cost-effectiveness of CTA versus catheter angiography for confirming an ICA occlusion first suggested by carotid ultrasound.', 'A Markov decision-analytic model was constructed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CTA compared with catheter angiography in a hypothetical cohort of symptomatic patients with a screening examination consistent with an ICA occlusion. Costs in 2004 dollars were estimated from Medicare reimbursement. Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life years.', 'The 2-year cost in the CTA scenario was $9,178, and for catheter angiography, $11,531, consistent with a $2,353 cost-savings per person for CTA. CTA resulted in accrual of 1.83 quality-adjusted life years while catheter angiography resulted in 1.82 quality-adjusted life years. CTA was less costly and marginally more effective than catheter angiography. In sensitivity analyses, when CTA sensitivity and specificity were allowed to vary across a plausible range, CTA remained cost-effective.'] Is cT angiography cost-effective for confirmation of internal carotid artery occlusions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7251983880996704,
-1.4644203186035156,
2.2328243255615234
] |
['Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide. Although the aetiology of psoriasis is poorly understood, patients with disease of early onset (Type I, age of onset<or=40 years) usually have a strong genetic component to the disease.', 'The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene region in susceptibility to Type I psoriasis.', 'Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) mapping to the PTPN22 region were genotyped in 647 patients with Type I psoriasis and 566 normal controls.', 'The rs2476601 (R620W) SNP, widely associated with other inflammatory autoimmune diseases, showed no evidence of association with susceptibility to Type I psoriasis. Two SNPs (rs1217414 and rs3789604) demonstrated significant association with Type I psoriasis and were subsequently genotyped in a further 253 unrelated patients and 2024 normal controls. rs1217414 and rs3789604 were also significantly associated with Type I psoriasis in the combined datasets (P=0.003 and P=0.0002, respectively); furthermore carriage of both risk alleles was also significantly associated (P=0.002).'] Are polymorphisms in the PTPN22 region associated with psoriasis of early onset? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1168901920318604,
-1.1618492603302002,
2.3291077613830566
] |
['Obesity is associated with macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue, which may link adipose inflammation to insulin resistance. However, the impact of inflammatory cells in the pathophysiology of obesity remains unclear. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is an enzyme expressed by subsets of macrophages and osteoclasts that exists either as an enzymatically inactive monomer or as an active, proteolytically processed dimer.', 'Using mice over expressing TRAP, we show that over-expression of monomeric, but not the dimeric form in adipose tissue leads to early onset spontaneous hyperplastic obesity i.e. many small fat cells. In vitro, recombinant monomeric, but not proteolytically processed TRAP induced proliferation and differentiation of mouse and human adipocyte precursor cells. In humans, monomeric TRAP was highly expressed in the adipose tissue of obese individuals. In both the mouse model and in the obese humans the source of TRAP in adipose tissue was macrophages. In addition, the obese TRAP over expressing mice exhibited signs of a low-grade inflammatory reaction in adipose tissue without evidence of abnormal adipocyte lipolysis, lipogenesis or insulin sensitivity.'] Does monomeric tartrate resistant acid phosphatase induce insulin sensitive obesity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.536912202835083,
-0.9915204644203186,
2.614839553833008
] |
['To determine if olfactory analysis of toxin proxies aid in the identification of poisons when compared to case histories alone.', 'A convenience sample of 42 emergency medicine residents participated in a prospective single-blind observational study using a sniffing bar designed with the technique described by Goldfrank et.al. Each subject received 12 written cases describing a patient with a chemical exposure. Ten chemicals with odors corresponding to a specific case history and 2 chemical case controls with no odor comprised the sniffing bar. Each subject was asked to identify the toxin first by reading the case history alone, then again after smelling the corresponding odor. All subjects were asked to record their level of confidence for each case before and after the addition of the sniffing bar using a 5-point Likert scale. Percentages correct before and after the sniffing bar intervention were calculated and two-tailed p-values and 95% confidence intervals were measured. Continuous comparative variables such as the means of the Likert scale confidence measurements were analyzed with the two-tailed t-test.', 'Median percentage of toxins correctly identified was 64.3% (range 9.5-97.6) when based on case description alone and 86.9% (range 9.5-95.2) with addition of the sniffing bar. The percentage of initially incorrect identification reversed after additional data provided by the sniffing bar was 11.5% (range 0-14). Of the 10 actual toxins, correct identification of 6 achieved statistical significance after introduction of the sniffing bar (p=0.0017; 95% CI 4.6-11.4). There was no association between level of training and improved accuracy with use of the sniffing bar, and overall confidence did not improve significantly after addition of the sniffing bar.'] Does a modified goldfrank sniffing bar improve accuracy in identifying simulated toxins in a case-based teaching model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8745836019515991,
-1.4641759395599365,
1.4431219100952148
] |
['We recently reported that serum levels of pentosidine, one of the well-defined advanced glycation end products (AGE), was an independent prognostic factor for heart failure. Receptor for AGEs (RAGE) is expressed in a variety of tissues, and RAGE has a C-truncated secretory isoform of the receptor protein, termed soluble RAGE. In the present study, we measured serum soluble RAGE levels in patients and examined whether serum soluble RAGE predicts prognosis in patients with heart failure.', 'Serum soluble RAGE concentration was measured in 160 patients with heart failure by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were prospectively followed during a median follow-up period of 872 days with end points of cardiac death or rehospitalization. Serum soluble RAGE level increased with advancing New York Heart Association functional class. Serum soluble RAGE level was also higher in patients with cardiac events than in event free patients. From the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff value of serum soluble RAGE level was determined as 1220 pg/mL. Kaplan-Meier analysis clearly demonstrated that the high soluble RAGE group had a significantly higher incidence of cardiac events than occurred in the low serum soluble RAGE group (P = .0004). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, soluble RAGE and serum pentosidine were independent risk factors for cardiac events (soluble RAGE: HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.16-3.09, P = .010; pentosidine: HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11-2.29, P = .012).'] Is soluble Receptor for advanced glycation end products ( RAGE ) a prognostic factor for heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.915318489074707,
-1.4838062524795532,
2.4781711101531982
] |
['A correctly sized radial head implant helps restore more normal elbow motion and load distribution and allows the collateral ligaments to heal in an anatomic position. No single method of measurement has been agreed on. We hypothesized that plain radiographs could be used to evaluate the appropriate length of a radial head prosthesis when we simulated different patterns of ligament disruption.', "Osteotomies of the medial and lateral condyles were created in 6 cadaver specimens to simulate 4 conditions: ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) intact, UCL intact, LUCL intact, and UCL and LUCL disrupted. Radial heads were resected and replaced with correctly or incorrectly sized monopolar radial head implants. Radiographs were taken after simulated ligament injury with a radial head prosthesis that was either 2 mm too short, the appropriate length, or too long by either 2 or 4 mm. Measurements were recorded between radiographic markers to determine ulnohumeral joint displacement. A 4 x 4 x 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed, as well as post hoc analyses using Tukey's honest significant difference test, to determine statistically significant changes in our radiographic measurements.", 'Results showed that disruption of at least 1 ligament alters the ulnohumeral joint separation on the lateral but not on the anteroposterior radiograph. Overlengthening the radial head did not result in a statistically significant change in ulnohumeral space.'] Are plain radiographs inadequate to identify overlengthening with a radial head prosthesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.330660343170166,
-1.2664798498153687,
2.710477828979492
] |
['To verify the sensitivity of the conventional subtests of the Behavioral Inattention Test (BIT) in the diagnosis of hemineglect after stroke.', 'One hundred and two patients with cerebral infarct or hemorrhage were prospectively evaluated. In 22, hemineglect was diagnosed using standard BIT criteria. The frequency of hemineglect using 6 commonly used screening subtests of this battery was assessed.', 'Hemineglect would not be recognized in 10 patients if they were only screened using the line crossing test; this would be the case in 2 patients with the letter cancellation test; and in 4 patient with the line bisection test. Three patients would not be diagnosed even if both line crossing and line bisection tests were used.'] Are screening tests enough to detect hemineglect? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9966754913330078,
-1.0578974485397339,
1.0814988613128662
] |
['Repetitive hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) exposures as preconditioning methods produce ischemic tolerance, but may increase the risk of convulsions in patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms in increased sensitivity to convulsions and the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its synthases after repetitive HBO exposures.', 'Mice were randomly assigned into three groups: HBO group, hyperbaric air (HBA) group and normobaric air (NBA) group. Mice in HBO or HBA group were exposed to hyperbaric oxygen or hyperbaric air respectively for 60 min twice daily for 3 consecutive days (2.5 atmosphere absolute [ATA]). 24 h after the last exposure, mice were exposed to HBO (100% O2, 6 ATA). The latency of convulsions was recorded. In addition, the levels of NO, NADPH-diaphorase, mRNA and protein expressions of NOS isoforms in hypothalamus and hippocampus were determined.', 'Latency to seizures was significantly shortened in mice after six HBO pre-exposures. The level of NO in hypothalamus in HBO group was increased. The number of NADPH-d positive cells and the levels of protein and mRNA of eNOS and nNOS in hypothalamus and hippocampus were increased.'] Do repetitive hyperbaric oxygen exposures enhance sensitivity to convulsion by upregulation of eNOS and nNOS? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3334577083587646,
-1.2212775945663452,
2.536743640899658
] |
['Fomepizole is available intravenously (i.v.) for the treatment of methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. Few studies demonstrate that fomepizole achieves effective serum concentrations after i.v. or oral (p.o.) use. The objective was to describe the comparative pharmacokinetics of fomepizole after a single p.o. and i.v. dose.', 'This was a prospective, randomized, crossover trial in 10 healthy volunteers. Each received 15 mg/kg fomepizole, p.o. and by 30 minute i.v. infusion. Serum was collected at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours (h) and stored at -70 degrees C. Candidate models were fit to the i.v. and p.o. data, simultaneously, using iterative 2-stage analysis weighted by the estimated inverse observation variance. Time above the MEC (T>MEC) was determined by numeric integration of the fitted functions using 10 micromoles/L as the minimum effective concentration (MEC).', 'Seven females and 3 males were enrolled. Sole complaints included headache and dizziness in 3 subjects and 10/10 reported an unpleasant taste. The final PK model was 2-compartment with 0-order i.v. and 1(st)-order p.o. input (following a fitted TLag) and Michaelis-Menten elimination. p.o. fomepizole was rapidly absorbed with a bioavailability of approximately 100%. The Km was 0.935+/-0.98 micromoles/L and the Vmax was 18.57+/-9.58 micromoles/L/h. T>MEC was 32 h with agreement between p.o. and i.v. dosing.'] Does oral administration of fomepizole produce similar blood levels as identical intravenous dose? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7827750444412231,
-1.6393992900848389,
2.4801313877105713
] |
['Little is known about the prevalence of indoor tanning among the US general adult population.', 'This study sought to: (1) describe the prevalence of indoor tanning throughout adulthood; (2) identify demographic and psychosocial correlates of indoor tanning; and (3) determine whether these correlates vary by age group.', 'This study used data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, an annual health survey of the US adult population.', 'Indoor tanning rates were higher among individuals who were young, white, and female. Rates of indoor tanning in the last year varied from 20.4% for those aged 18 to 29 years to 7.8% for those aged 65 years and older. A variety of demographic, health, and behavioral health risk factors correlated with indoor tanning.'] Does prevalence and correlate of indoor tanning among US adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.7187751531600952,
2.393845319747925,
-1.201753854751587
] |
['The purpose of this study was to identify how different degrees of cholesterol synthesis inhibition affect human hepatic cholesterol metabolism.', 'Thirty-seven normocholesterolemic gallstone patients randomized to treatment with placebo, 20 mg/d fluvastatin, or 80 mg/d atorvastatin for 4 weeks were studied. Based on serum lathosterol determinations, cholesterol synthesis was reduced by 42% and 70% in the 2 groups receiving statins. VLDL cholesterol was reduced by 20% and 55%. During gallstone surgery, a liver biopsy was obtained and hepatic protein and mRNA expression of rate-limiting steps in cholesterol metabolism were assayed and related to serum lipoproteins. A marked induction of LDL receptors and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG) coenzyme A (CoA) reductase was positively related to the degree of cholesterol synthesis inhibition (ChSI). The activity, protein, and mRNA for ACAT2 were all reduced during ChSI, as was apoE mRNA. The lowering of HDL cholesterol in response to high ChSI could not be explained by altered expression of the HDL receptor CLA-1, ABCA1, or apoA-I.'] Does cholesterol synthesis inhibition elicit an integrated molecular response in human livers including decreased ACAT2? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4375526905059814,
-1.349537968635559,
2.8363144397735596
] |
['Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are known to stimulate angiogenesis, but the mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. Because EphB4 is involved in vascular development, the aim of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, EphB4 is part of the signaling cascade that results in CYP2C9-mediated angiogenesis.', 'CYP2C9 overexpression as well as stimulation with 11,12-EET (up to 48 hours) time-dependently increased EphB4 expression in endothelial cells. This effect and the activation of the EphB4 promoter were mediated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (P13-K)/Akt pathway and sensitive to the P13-K inhibitor LY 294002 as well as to simultaneous transfection with dominant-negative Akt. 11,12-EET treatment also increased EphB4 expression in isolated mouse mesenteric arteries as well as in the vessels that developed in 11,12-EET-impregnated Matrigel plugs. Moreover, the CYP2C9-stimulated formation of capillary-like structures in a modified spheroid assay was markedly attenuated by EphB4 downregulation (antisense oligonucleotides). Using a parallel approach in vivo, the inclusion of siRNA directed against EphB4 in EET-impregnated Matrigel plugs prevented endothelial cell invasion and vascularization.'] Is cytochrome P450 2C9-induced angiogenesis dependent on EphB4? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.40030837059021,
-1.3586828708648682,
2.7807211875915527
] |
["In primary breast cancer, breast conserving surgery and mastectomy are equal options with regard to patient survival. We therefore investigated whether and how the type of surgery has impact on the patients' quality of life (QoL) in order to support individualized surgical concepts in treatment of breast cancer. 3 types of surgery are compared: breast-conserving surgery; modified radical mastectomy with or without primary reconstruction.", '91 out of 114 consecutive patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed primary breast cancer agreed to answer the QoL questionnaires within the first 2 years of their follow-up care. 2 recognized questionnaires on sense of well-being and QoL were used: Multidimensional Mood Questionnaire and QoL SF-12.', 'No significant correlation between sense of well-being and type of operation or tumor stage was found. With regard to health-related QoL, we saw no significant correlation with type of surgery. However, low tumor stage was significantly correlated with better physical (p = 0.012) but not psychological well-being.'] Do postoperative sense of well-being and quality of life in breast cancer patients depend on type of primary surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0300066471099854,
-0.618888258934021,
1.6360447406768799
] |
['Human monocytes express two naturally occurring forms of circulating tissue factor (TF) - full-length TF, a membrane-spanning protein, and alternatively spliced TF, a soluble molecule. Presence of the variable exon 5 in TF mRNA determines whether the encoded TF protein is transmembrane, or soluble. Recently, an essential SR protein ASF/SF2 was implicated in TF pre-mRNA processing in human platelets.', 'To examine molecular mechanisms governing regulated processing of TF pre-mRNA in human monocytic cells.', 'In silico analysis of the human TF exon 5, present only in full-length TF mRNA, revealed putative binding motifs termed exonic splicing enhancers (ESE) for the SR proteins ASF/SF2 and SRp55, which were found to be abundantly expressed in monocytic cell lines THP-1 and SC, as well as monocyte-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Using a splice competent mini-gene reporter system transiently expressed in monocytic cells, it was determined that weakening of either five closely positioned ASF/SF2 ESE (bases 87-117) or a single conserved SRp55 ESE (base 39) results in severe skipping of exon 5. ASF/SF2 and SRp55 were found to physically associate with the identified ESE.'] Do sR proteins ASF/SF2 and SRp55 participate in tissue factor biosynthesis in human monocytic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4130752086639404,
-1.0642738342285156,
2.540921449661255
] |
['Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) predicts the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease in Caucasian subjects.', 'This study aimed to determine the incidence of an elevated ALT and its relationship to metabolic and atherothrombotic risk factors in a healthy British South Asian population.', 'One hundred and forty-three participants from the West Yorkshire community were recruited randomly from general practice registers and were grouped according to whether their ALT was above or within the normal range (cut-off 35 IU L(-1)) and examined for differences in metabolic and atherothrombotic risk factors. All participants were originally from South Asia, with their grandparents being born in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh.', 'The incidence of a raised ALT was 24%. Those with a raised ALT had a more adverse metabolic profile, with significantly higher body mass index, waist/hip ratio, fasting insulin, glucose, homeostasis model assessment homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Fifty per cent had the metabolic syndrome [International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria]. They also had a more adverse atherothrombotic profile, with higher tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen. In accordance, the group as a whole showed a positive correlation of ALT (age-adjusted) with waist/hip ratio, insulin, glucose, triglycerides, PAI-1 antigen, factor XIII B subunit, and FXII, and a negative correlation with HDL cholesterol.'] Is alanine aminotransferase associated with atherothrombotic risk factors in a British South Asian population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1927497386932373,
-1.2711081504821777,
2.5431394577026367
] |
["Stewart's and Fencl's methods have recently been proposed to interpret acid-base disorders where traditional theory has proven inadequate. Our objectives were to evaluate: (1) the occurrence of acid-base disturbances in critically ill patients and their trend over the first 3 intensive care unit days, (2) whether Stewart's theory offers advantages over the traditional theory in the diagnosis of acid-base metabolic disturbances and (3) whether variables derived from Stewart's and Fencl's methods offer advantages over the traditional method to predict patient mortality.", "A prospective cohort study in a general intensive care unit. Blood samples were analysed for arterial blood gases, electrolytes and proteins. PaCO2, pH, bicarbonate, base excess, standard base-excess, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and lactate were measured. Anion gap, Stewart's and Fencl's variables were calculated.", "When using Stewart's method, metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis were found in 92.9% and 93.4% of samples, respectively. Corresponding figures obtained with the traditional method were 15% and 18.7%. In 245 (64.5%) samples, Stewart's method revealed that metabolic acidosis and alkalosis were simultaneously present, whereas the traditional method revealed a normal acid-base status. Strong ion gap increased significantly over the first 3 intensive care unit days. Strong ion gap and lactate were independent predictors of 28-day mortality."] Is the early phase of critical illness a progressive acidic state due to unmeasured anions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.615023374557495,
-0.46813949942588806,
2.1993346214294434
] |
['Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) causes human myocarditis, which can result in cardiac damage, maladaptive remodeling, and heart failure. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-8 and -9 have been identified in virus-infected myocardium, but their particular roles and underlying mechanisms of effect are unknown. For the first time, we examine the severity of CVB3-induced myocarditis in MMP-8-and MMP-9-deficient mice.', 'CVB3-infected MMP-8 and MMP-9 knockout (KO) mice and corresponding wild-type (WT) mice were euthanized and harvested at 9 days after infection. Expression of MMP-2, -8, -12, and -13 and tissue inhibitors of MMPs was assessed by zymography or immunoblotting on harvested hearts, and in situ hybridization was performed to detect active infection. Infected MMP-9 KO mice had greater myocardial injury and foci of infection than WT mice despite similar pancreatic infection. Increased fibrosis (10.6+/-2.7% versus 7.1+/-2.6%, P=0.04), viral titer, as well as decreased cardiac output, were evident in MMP-9 KO compared with WT mice as assessed by picrosirius red staining, plaque assay, and echocardiography, respectively. Immune infiltration was also greatly increased in MMP-9 KO compared with WT mice (15.2+/-12.6% versus 2.0+/-3.0%, P<0.002). Myocardial interferon-beta1, interferon-gamma, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha expression was elevated in MMP-9 KO mice as measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. In contrast, MMP-8 KO mice had the same degree of cardiac injury, fibrosis, and viral infection as their WT counterparts.'] Does ablation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 increase severity of viral myocarditis in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9088255167007446,
-1.5841890573501587,
2.453685760498047
] |
['Survivin inhibits apoptosis and regulates cell division in many organs, but its function in the heart is unknown.', 'We show that cardiac-specific deletion of survivin resulted in premature cardiac death. The underlying cause was a dramatic reduction in total cardiomyocyte numbers as determined by a stereological method for quantification of cells per organ. The resulting increased hemodynamic load per cell led to progressive heart failure as assessed by echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and invasive catheterization. The reduction in total cardiomyocyte number in alpha-myosin heavy chain (MHC)-survivin(-/-) mice was due to an approximately 50% lower mitotic rate without increased apoptosis. This occurred at the expense of DNA accumulation because survivin-deficient cardiomyocytes displayed marked DNA polyploidy indicative of consecutive rounds of DNA replication without cell division. Survivin small interfering RNA knockdown in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes also led to polyploidization and cell cycle arrest without apoptosis. Adenoviral overexpression of survivin in cardiomyocytes inhibited doxorubicin-induced apoptosis, induced DNA synthesis, and promoted cell cycle progression. The phenotype of the alphaMHC-survivin(-/-) mice also allowed us to determine the minimum cardiomyocyte number sufficient for normal cardiac function. In human cardiomyopathy, survivin was potently induced in the failing heart and downregulated again after hemodynamic support by a left ventricular assist device. Its expression positively correlated with the mean cardiomyocyte DNA content.'] Does survivin determine cardiac function by controlling total cardiomyocyte number? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4389398097991943,
-1.3497037887573242,
2.824859142303467
] |
['Stem cell labeling with iron oxide (ferumoxide) particles allows labeled cells to be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and is commonly used to track stem cell engraftment. However, the validity of MRI for distinguishing surviving ferumoxide-labeled cells from other sources of MRI signal, for example, macrophages containing ferumoxides released from nonsurviving cells, has not been thoroughly investigated. We sought to determine the relationship between the persistence of iron-dependent MRI signals and cell survival 3 weeks after injection of syngeneic or xenogeneic ferumoxides-labeled stem cells (cardiac-derived stem cells) in rats.', 'We studied nonimmunoprivileged human and rat cardiac-derived stem cells and human mesenchymal stem cells doubly labeled with ferumoxides and beta-galactosidase and injected intramyocardially into immunocompetent Wistar-Kyoto rats. Animals were imaged at 2 days and 3 weeks after stem cell injection in a clinical 3-T MRI scanner. At 2 days, injection sites of xenogeneic and syngeneic cells (cardiac-derived stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells) were identified by MRI as large intramyocardial signal voids that persisted at 3 weeks (50% to 90% of initial signal). Histology (at 3 weeks) revealed the presence of iron-containing macrophages at the injection site, identified by CD68 staining, but very few or no beta-galactosidase-positive stem cells in the animals transplanted with syngeneic or xenogeneic cells, respectively.'] Does magnetic resonance imaging overestimate ferumoxide-labeled stem cell survival after transplantation in the heart? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3950979709625244,
-1.3194060325622559,
2.8185107707977295
] |
['The hallmarks of diabetic cardiomyopathy are cardiac oxidative stress, intramyocardial inflammation, cardiac fibrosis, and cardiac apoptosis. Given the antioxidative, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic potential of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), we evaluated the hypothesis that increased HDL via gene transfer (GT) with human apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the principal apolipoprotein of HDL, may reduce the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.', 'Intravenous GT with 3x10(12) particles/kg of the E1E3E4-deleted vector Ad.hapoA-I, expressing human apoA-I, or Ad.Null, containing no expression cassette, was performed 5 days after streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Six weeks after apoA-I GT, HDL cholesterol levels were increased by 1.6-fold (P<0.001) compared with diabetic controls injected with the Ad.Null vector (STZ-Ad.Null). ApoA-I GT and HDL improved LV contractility in vivo and cardiomyocyte contractility ex vivo, respectively. Moreover, apoA-I GT was associated with decreased cardiac oxidative stress and reduced intramyocardial inflammation. In addition, compared with STZ-Ad.Null rats, cardiac fibrosis and glycogen accumulation were reduced by 1.7-fold and 3.1-fold, respectively (P<0.05). Caspase 3/7 activity was decreased 1.2-fold (P<0.05), and the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax was upregulated 1.9-fold (P<0.005), translating to 2.1-fold (P<0.05) reduced total number of cardiomyocytes with apoptotic characteristics and 3.0-fold (P<0.005) reduced damaged endothelial cells compared with STZ-Ad.Null rats. HDL supplementation ex vivo reduced hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by 3.4-fold (P<0.005). The apoA-I GT-mediated protection was associated with a 1.6-, 1.6-, and 2.4-fold induction of diabetes-downregulated phospho to Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and glycogen synthase kinase ratio, respectively (P<0.005).'] Does human apolipoprotein A-I gene transfer reduce the development of experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0161678791046143,
-1.5771504640579224,
2.5745980739593506
] |
['We conducted a randomized study to compare the effect of direct stenting (DS) and conventional stenting (CS) on post-procedural index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) values.', 'Direct stenting has been suggested to reduce periprocedural microcirculatory injury compared with stenting that follows pre-dilation (CS). The index of microcirculatory resistance is a sensitive invasive marker of coronary microvascular resistance.', 'Fifty patients admitted for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included. All patients had stable angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class <IV) related to a lesion suitable for DS and were randomized to DS (n = 25) or CS (n = 25). Baseline demographics and clinical and procedural data were comparable in both groups. An intracoronary pressure/temperature sensor-tipped guide wire was used. Thermodilution curves were obtained at baseline and during maximal hyperemia achieved by infusion of intravenous adenosine. The index of microcirculatory resistance was calculated from the ratio of the mean distal coronary pressure at maximal hyperemia to the inverse of mean hyperemic transit time.', 'After otherwise-uneventful PCI, patients treated with CS had significantly greater IMR (DS 13 +/- 3, CS 24 +/- 14; p < 0.01) and tended to have greater post-PCI troponin T values (DS 0.035 +/- 0.04, CS 0.17 +/- 0.02; p = 0.07). In the whole sample, 20% of patients had post-PCI troponin release (troponin T >0.03 ng/ml). Patients with troponin elevation had significantly greater post-PCI IMR values than patients without troponin elevation: 24.7 +/- 13.2 versus 16.9 +/- 10.2; p = 0.04.'] Is direct stenting for stable angina pectoris associated with reduced periprocedural microcirculatory injury compared with stenting after pre-dilation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5997132062911987,
-1.6779084205627441,
2.2244062423706055
] |
['To compare high-definition (HD) spectral-domain optical coherence tomography [SD-OCT] (Cirrus HD-OCT; Carl Zeiss, Dublin, California, USA) with time-domain optical coherence tomography [TD-OCT] (Stratus version 4; Carl Zeiss) for imaging macula in patients of uveitis.', 'Interventional case series.', 'Thirty consecutive patients (51 eyes) with uveitis of various causes with vitreous haze of 1+ or worse were treated in an institutional setting. All patients had their vitreous haze graded and OCT scans both on TD-OCT (Stratus) and SD-OCT (Cirrus). Information obtained from Cirrus OCT scans was compared with that obtained from Stratus OCT scans.', 'Overall, for all grades of media clarity, the macula was interpreted as normal in 30 eyes (58.8%) on Stratus OCT and 26 eyes (50.9%) on Cirrus OCT and abnormal in 15 eyes (29.4%) on Stratus OCT and 24 eyes (47.0%) on Cirrus OCT, whereas poor scan quality deterred any interpretation in six eyes (10.0%) on Stratus OCT and only in one eye (1.8%) on Cirrus OCT. Additional information on Cirrus OCT could be obtained in nine (21.9%) of 41 eyes with grade 1+ vitreous haze, six (75%) of eight eyes with grade 2+ vitreous haze, and one eye (50%) with vitreous haze of 3+.'] Is spectral-domain Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography better than time-domain Stratus optical coherence tomography for evaluation of macular pathologic features in uveitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5333045721054077,
-1.5751781463623047,
2.193275213241577
] |
['The restrictive filling pattern seen with severe heart failure (HF) may be due to diastolic dysfunction with elevated left ventricular (LV) diastolic pressure or may be merely a manifestation of an overfilled LV as a result of increased left atrial (LA) pressure. We investigated whether the LV restrictive filling pattern is due to elevated LA pressure alone.', "We studied conscious dogs instrumented to measure LA pressure, LV pressure, and 3 LV diameters. LV filling dynamics were evaluated in 2 situations with similar elevations of LA pressure: in normal animals after rapid volume loading with dextran 500 mL and in animals with pacing-induced HF with restrictive filling. With HF, there was increased LV chamber stiffness and slow relaxation. Volume loading and HF had similar heart rates (129+/-19 versus 131+/-15 bpm) and LA pressure (22.1+/-5.8 versus 22.6+/-3.3 mm Hg). The peak early filling rate (E) was increased with both HF and volume loading. However, in HF, the peak mitral annular velocity (E') was decreased and delayed, and the E deceleration time was shorter. In contrast, with volume loading, E' was increased and not delayed."] Does restrictive left ventricular filling pattern result from increased left atrial pressure alone? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9653903245925903,
-1.2776358127593994,
2.28438663482666
] |
['To evaluate the validity of the standard tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty technique for different kinds of hypospadia.', 'From June 2002 to December 2003 and from March 2006 to October 2007 38 patients aged 1-22 years (average 7.34) were operated using the concept of TIP urethroplasty. The hypospadiac meatus were subcoronal in 28 patients (73.68%), midshaft in six (15.78%), and penoscrotal in four (10.52%). Standard TIP urethroplasty in conjunction with double-layer covering of the neourethra with dorsal dartos flap were used in the primary cases (28 patients). In the secondary cases (four patients) and in boys who were circumcised before admission (six patients), modified TIP urethroplasty was used. The mean periods of hospitalization and follow-up were 0.92 days and 4.19 months, respectively.', 'No fistulas were observed in boys who underwent primary reconstruction using standard TIP urethroplasty. Fistulas were observed in two patients (5.26%)-one patient with penoscrotal hypospadias who underwent two-stage repair and another who was circumcised before admission. One patient had meatal stenosis at the early postoperative period which was corrected by dilatation of the external meatus at intervals up to 2 months postoperatively.'] Is standard Snodgrass technique in conjunction with double-layer covering of the neourethra with dorsal dartos flap the therapy of first choice for hypospadias? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3893826007843018,
-1.240168571472168,
2.713104009628296
] |
['To determine if gender influences clinical outcomes and durability of repair after carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) or carotid endarterectomy (CEA), an analysis of patient records was performed.', 'This study included 89 CAS patients (47 men and 42 women) and 93 CEA patients (53 men and 40 women). Patients underwent duplex scans 6, 12, 24 months post procedure. The outcomes of periprocedural mortality, major adverse events, strokes, and myocardial infarctions were assessed. Incidence of critical restenosis and recurrence of symptoms was also assessed.', 'No significant differences were noted between men and women who had undergone either CAS or CEA (P > .05) for clinical outcomes and durability of repair. No differences for periprocedural mortality, major adverse events, critical restenosis, recurrent neurologic symptoms, and adverse event free survival were found.'] Does no gender influence on clinical outcomes or durability of repair following carotid angioplasty with stenting and carotid endarterectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.361372232437134,
-0.8071954846382141,
2.2951319217681885
] |
['Parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is expected to trigger an improvement in the quality of life. This has been demonstrated previously by using the SF-36 questionnaire, whose interpretation is difficult in routine clinical practice. As an alternative, the 13-item questionnaire developed by Pasieka et al. can be used to assess the severity of symptoms on a visual analogue from which a parathyroid assessment of symptoms score (PAS) can be calculated. The purpose of this study was to correlate results of these two assessment tools.', "Prospective case-series study recruiting consecutive unselected patients who underwent successful parathyroidectomy for PHPT. SF-36(v2) and Pasieka's questionnaires were collected before parathyroidectomy and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.", "Between November 2005 and December 2006, 101 patients were diagnosed with PHPT (30 men; aged 18-89 years). Preoperative PAS ranged 0-1040 and did not correlate with the severity of hypercalcemia (2.91+/-0.25; range, 2.56-3.4 mmol/l). Scores from the SF-36 questionnaire were under the 50th percentile for the normal population in three domains (vitality, emotional role, and physical role). Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy was performed in 69 patients and bilateral cervical exploration in 32 patients. All were found to have a single parathyroid adenoma and were normocalcemic at 3-12 months after parathyroidectomy. At follow-up, there was a significant reduction of PAS from 460+/-257 preoperatively to 254+/-234 at 3 months postoperatively (n=72), to 245+/-215 at 6 months (n=50), and 249+/-212 at 12 months (n=63) (p<0.05, Student's t-test). There was a significant and persistent improvement in five domains of SF-36 questionnaire: bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health. Overall analysis of 244 assessments using both questionnaires demonstrated a negative correlation between increasing PAS and decreasing mental component scores and physical component scores of the SF-36 assessment (r2=0.372 and 0.301, respectively)."] Do pasieka 's parathyroid symptoms scores correlate with SF-36 scores in patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7732782363891602,
-1.5139780044555664,
2.2398452758789062
] |
['Low-level developmental lead exposure is linked to cognitive and neurological disorders in children. However, the long-term effects of gestational lead exposure (GLE) have received little attention.', 'Our goals were to establish a murine model of human equivalent GLE and to determine dose-response effects on body weight, motor functions, and dopamine neurochemistry in year-old offspring.', 'We exposed female C57BL/6 mice to water containing 0, 27 (low), 55 (moderate), or 109 ppm (high) of lead from 2 weeks prior to mating, throughout gestation, and until postnatal day 10 (PN10). Maternal and litter measures, blood lead concentrations ([BPb]), and body weights were obtained throughout the experiment. Locomotor behavior in the absence and presence of amphetamine, running wheel activity, rotarod test, and dopamine utilization were examined in year-old mice.', 'Peak [BPb] were < 1, < or = 10, 24-27, and 33-42 microg/dL in control, low-, moderate- and high-dose GLE groups at PN0-10, respectively. Year-old male but not female GLE mice exhibited late-onset obesity. Similarly, we observed male-specific decreased spontaneous motor activity, increased amphetamine-induced motor activity, and decreased rotarod performance in year-old GLE mice. Levels of dopamine and its major metabolite were altered in year-old male mice, although only forebrain utilization increased. GLE-induced alterations were consistently larger in low-dose GLE mice.'] Does low-level human equivalent gestational lead exposure produce sex-specific motor and coordination abnormalities and late-onset obesity in year-old mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0085489749908447,
-1.337289810180664,
2.3270726203918457
] |
['To determine the efficacy of a targeted multifactorial falls prevention programme in elderly care wards with relatively short lengths of stay.', 'Cluster randomised trial.', '24 elderly care wards in 12 hospitals in Sydney, Australia.', '3999 patients, mean age 79 years, with a median hospital stay of seven days.', 'A nurse and physiotherapist each worked for 25 hours a week for three months in all intervention wards. They provided a targeted multifactorial intervention that included a risk assessment of falls, staff and patient education, drug review, modification of bedside and ward environments, an exercise programme, and alarms for selected patients.', 'Falls during hospital stay.', 'Intervention and control wards were similar at baseline for previous rates of falls and individual patient characteristics. Overall, 381 falls occurred during the study. No difference was found in fall rates during follow-up between intervention and control wards: respectively, 9.26 falls per 1000 bed days and 9.20 falls per 1000 bed days (P=0.96). The incidence rate ratio adjusted for individual lengths of stay and previous fall rates in the ward was 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.72 to 1.28).'] Does cluster randomised trial of a targeted multifactorial intervention to prevent fall among older people in hospital? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6746272444725037,
-0.6246699690818787,
0.3788139820098877
] |
['Imaging agents capable of providing cell compartment-specific information will facilitate studies of pathophysiological mechanisms, natural history of diseases, and therapeutic development. To demonstrate the effects of liver injury on the disposal of the organic anion mebrofenin, we performed animal studies.', 'Acute liver injury was induced in Fischer 344 rats with 0.25-1 ml/kg single doses of carbon tetrachloride followed by studies of animals over 4 weeks. The liver injury was analyzed by blood tests and histological grading. Additional rats were treated with lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-6 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha to activate inflammatory events. Hepatic clearance of Tc-mebrofenin was studied with dynamic imaging and fractional retention after 60 min of peak hepatic mebrofenin activity was determined.', 'In healthy rats, only 24+/-2% of peak mebrofenin activity was retained in the liver after 60 min. By contrast, 24 h after carbon tetrachloride, virtually all mebrofenin activity was retained in the liver (P<0.001). Three weeks were required for mebrofenin excretion to become normal after carbon tetrachloride administration. In this situation, we found that Kupffer cell activity was increased. In addition, the abnormality in mebrofenin excretion was reproduced by lipopolysaccharide, which activates Kupffer cells. Moreover, mebrofenin excretion was highly sensitive to interleukin-6 and/or tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which help mediate the Kupffer cell response.'] Does systemic and local release of inflammatory cytokines regulate hepatobiliary excretion of 99mTc-mebrofenin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.306248664855957,
-1.4219626188278198,
2.7925422191619873
] |
['Use of 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-3 coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) inhibitors, or statins, reduces cardiovascular disease risk by lowering plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations. However, LDL-C response is variable and influenced by many factors, including racial ancestry, with attenuated response in blacks compared with whites. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding HMGCR, a rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis and the direct enzymatic target of statins, contribute to variation in statin response.', 'Genomic resequencing of HMGCR in 24 blacks and 23 whites identified 79 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected to tag common linkage disequilibrium clusters. These single nucleotide polymorphisms and the common haplotypes inferred from them were tested for association with plasma LDL-C and LDL-C response to simvastatin treatment (40 mg/d for 6 weeks) in 326 blacks and 596 whites. Black carriers of H7 and/or H2 had significantly lower baseline LDL-C (P=0.0006) and significantly attenuated LDL-C response compared with black participants who did not carry either haplotype as measured by absolute response (-1.23+/-0.04 mmol/L, n=209, versus -1.45+/-0.06 mmol/L, n=117; P=0.0008) and percent response (-36.9+/-1.0% versus -40.6+/-1.3%; P=0.02), but no haplotype effect was observed in whites. Percent LDL-C response was lowest in carriers of both H2 and H7, all but one of whom were black (-28.2+/-4.9%, n=12 H2+H7 carriers, versus -41.5+/-0.5%, n=650 H2/H7 noncarriers; P=0.001). LDL-C responses in H7 and/or H2 noncarriers were indistinguishable between blacks and whites.'] Is variation in the 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme a reductase gene associated with racial differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol response to simvastatin treatment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3071352243423462,
-1.7239338159561157,
1.9283831119537354
] |
['Previous reports on the prognosis of white coat hypertension are ambiguous. We aimed to determine the prognostic implications of the white coat phenomenon in treated patients.', 'Our 14-year hospital-based ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring prospective database was analyzed for all-cause mortality. The relationships of the white coat and masking effects with mortality were assessed both categorically (controlled awake versus clinic BP) and in a continuous mode (clinic-awake BP difference).', 'During the follow-up period, 2285 treated patients (aged 61 +/- 13 years, 57% women) were monitored (17621 patient-years, 286 deaths). Mean BMI was 27.8 +/- 4.5 kg/m2 and 13% were treated for diabetes. Controlled hypertension (normal clinic and awake BP) was found in 15.8%, high clinic BP (with controlled awake BP; namely, white coat uncontrolled hypertension) in 12.1%, awake hypertension (with controlled clinic BP; namely, masked uncontrolled hypertension) in 11.8%, and sustained hypertension (both clinic and awake) in 60.3%. Compared with white coat uncontrolled hypertension, age-adjusted Cox-proportional all-cause mortality hazard ratios were 1.42 (0.81-2.51) for controlled hypertension, 1.88 (1.08-3.27) for masked uncontrolled hypertension, and 2.02 (1.30-3.13) for sustained hypertension. Hazards ratios per 1% increase in the clinic-awake BP difference were 0.992 (0.983-1.002) for systolic BP and 0.981 (0.971-0.991) for diastolic BP, adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, and either systolic or diastolic awake BP, respectively.'] Is the white coat phenomenon benign in referred treated patients : a 14-year ambulatory blood pressure mortality study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8865110874176025,
-1.641707181930542,
1.5633641481399536
] |
['To compare the outcomes of patients treated for upper tract urothelial carcinoma with either immediate nephroureterectomy (NU) or initial endoscopic management.', "The treatments of 108 patients (120 renal units) at the authors' institution were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups, i.e. those who received immediate NU and those who had conservative initial therapy, which included renal units solely treated with endoscopy with or without delayed NU. Overall and disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared between the treatment groups.", 'There were 48 low-grade tumours, of which 27 (56%) were managed conservatively and 21 (44%) by immediate NU. Seven patients treated conservatively had stage or grade progression and had delayed NU. The mean (sd) DSS at 5 years in patients with low-grade disease was equally good for conservative treatment and immediate NU, at 86.2 (9.1)% vs 87.4 (8.4)% (P = 0.909). There were 68 high-grade tumours, of which 12 (18%) patients had conservative management and 56 (82%) had immediate NU. Among the former, seven of 12 had a solitary kidney and three had bilateral disease. In patients managed endoscopically, four of 30 (13%) required delayed NU. The DSS for the conservative and immediate NU groups were 68.6 (18.6)% vs 75.0 (8.1)% (P = 0.528).'] Does conservative management in selected patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma compare favourably with early radical surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4753531217575073,
-0.9935664534568787,
1.4804699420928955
] |
['Pre-operative fasting is assumed to cause a deficit in intravascular blood volume (BV), as a result of ongoing urine production and insensible perspiration. Standard regimes consist of volume loading prior or simultaneous to any anaesthetic procedure to minimise the risk of hypotension. However, fluid overload in the context of major abdominal surgery has been shown to deteriorate patient outcome. Our study aimed to quantify total intravascular BV after fasting by direct measurements and to compare it with calculated normal values in comparable non-fasted patients.', 'After 10 h of fasting, total plasma volume (PV) and red cell volume (RCV) were measured via the double-label technique (indocyanine green dilution and erythrocytes labelled with fluorescein, respectively) following induction of general anaesthesia in 53 gynaecological patients suffering from malignoma of the cervix. The corresponding normal values were calculated individually from age, body height and body weight.', 'Measured BV, RCV and PV after fasting were 4123+/-589, 1244+/-196 and 2879+/-496 ml, respectively. The differences to the corresponding calculated normal values were not significant (3882+/-366, 1474+/-134 and 2413+/-232 ml, respectively). The measured haematocrit reflected a slight anaemic state (0.35+/-0.03).'] Is blood volume normal after pre-operative overnight fasting? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.119616150856018,
-1.7401573657989502,
1.8761405944824219
] |
['Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Up-regulation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), a member of the chemokine CXC subfamily, mediating recruitment of BMDC has been documented in infarcted myocardium; however, it remains unknown whether SDF-1 plays a role in cardiomyogenesis of BMDC.', 'Adherent BMDCs were cultured with SDF-1, or specific inhibitor for PI3K, CXCR4 or Akt with SDF-1, respectively. After 2 weeks, mRNAs and proteins from BMDCs were examined.', 'Two weeks after supplementation with SDF-1, either murine or human adherent BMDC cultured in vitro expressed cardiac specific mRNAs (NKX2.5, atrial natriuretic factor and heavy chain beta-myosin) and proteins (troponin I and heavy chain cardiac myosin), and expression levels were partly decreased by combined treatment of CXCR4, PI3K or Akt inhibitor, with SDF-1.'] Does stromal cell-derived factor-1 promote bone marrow-derived cells differentiation to cardiomyocyte phenotypes in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4884822368621826,
-1.214332938194275,
2.7491097450256348
] |
['To compare FSH, inhibin B (INHB), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as predictors of the recovery of sperm in testicular fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) performed in men with azoospermia.', 'Cross-sectional, clinical study.', 'Academic Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology.', 'Fifty-one men with azoospermia and 31 controls.', 'Testicular FNA.', 'Serum FSH, INHB, and AMH levels.', 'Clinical diagnoses in men with azoospermia were idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia (n = 34, 67%), cryptorchidism (n = 4, 8%), varicocele (n = 3, 6%), and other diagnoses (n = 10, 16%). In pairwise comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves, none of FSH (area under curve 0.716), INHB (0.610), AMH (0.565), or volume of the larger testis (0.693) was proved to be superior to the others as predictor of sperm retrieval during an FNA procedure. Similarly, in a logistic regression analysis, none of FSH, AMH, INHB, or volume of the larger testis could predict presence of sperm in FNA.'] Are serum inhibin B and anti-Müllerian hormone superior to follicle-stimulating hormone as predictors of the presence of sperm in testicular fine-needle aspiration in men with azoospermia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0679333209991455,
-1.4323673248291016,
2.5571513175964355
] |
['The prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a malignant salivary gland tumour, depends on clinicopathological parameters. To decipher the biological behaviour of ACC, and to identify patients at risk of developing metastases, additional markers are needed.', 'Expression of the cell cycle proteins p53, cyclin D1, p16(INK4a), E2F1 and Ki-67, together with the Polycomb group (PcG) proteins BMI-1, MEL-18, EZH2 and EED was investigated immunohistochemically 21 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary ACCs in relation to tumour characteristics.', 'ACC revealed significantly increased expression of the cell cycle proteins compared to normal salivary tissue (n = 17). Members of the two PcG complexes displayed mutually exclusive expression in normal salivary gland tissue, with BMI-1 and MEL-18 being abundantly present. In ACC, this expression pattern was disturbed, with EZH2 and EED showing significantly increased expression levels. In univariate analysis, presence of recurrence, poor differentiation and high EZH2 levels (>25% immunopositivity) significantly correlated with unfavourable outcome. ACCs with high proliferative rate (>25% Ki-67 immunopositivity) significantly correlated with high levels of EZH2 and p16. Only the development of recurrence was an independent prognostic factor of survival in multivariate analysis.'] Does high expression of Polycomb group protein EZH2 predict poor survival in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.402837038040161,
-1.3130415678024292,
2.807131052017212
] |
["Mitochondrial dysfunction has been identified in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, where accumulation of beta-amyloid (Abeta) and oxidative stress seem to play central roles in the pathogenesis, by probably directly leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.", 'In order to study the in vivo effect of Abeta load during aging, we evaluated the mitochondrial function of brain cells from transgenic mice bearing either mutant amyloid precursor protein (tgAPP) or mutant amyloid precursor protein and mutant PS1 (tgAPP/PS1) as well as from nontransgenic wild-type littermates. tgAPP mice exhibit onset of Abeta plaques at an age of 6 months, but the intracellular soluble Abeta load is already increased at 3 months of age. In contrast, onset of Abeta plaques starts at an age of 3 months in tgAPP/PS1 mice. In addition, we investigated the effects of different Abeta preparations on mitochondrial function of brain cells from tau transgenic mice.', 'Of note, mitochondrial damage such as reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels can already be detected in the brains from these mice before the onset of plaques. In agreement with our findings in tgAPP mice, soluble Abeta induced mitochondrial dysfunction in brain cells from tau transgenic mice.'] Does soluble beta-amyloid lead to mitochondrial defects in amyloid precursor protein and tau transgenic mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.642704725265503,
-0.7064086198806763,
2.3699698448181152
] |
['The homozygous c.34C>T mutation in the AMPD1 gene encoding the muscle-specific isoform of AMP deaminase (AMPD) accounts for the vast majority of inherited skeletal muscle AMPD deficiencies. It is controversial (i) whether AMPD deficiency is associated with exercise-induced complaints and (ii) whether an acquired form exists in which an underlying neuromuscular disorder additionally lowers the AMPD activity.', 'c.34C>T mutation (homozygous- TT, heterozygous-CT,wildtype-CC) was screened in 107 healthy blood donors and 294 patients with skeletal muscle biopsy including 200 with exercise-induced complaints. Additional screening for c.468G > T and c.860A > T mutations was performed in all CT.AMPD was analysed histochemically and biochemically.', 'The mutant allele frequency (MAF) was not different in blood donors, patients with muscle biopsy, and the subgroup with exercise-induced complaints (12.9-16.8 %). CT was found in 63 and TT in 13 patients. The c.468G>T mutation was not detected. The c.860A > T mutation was found in 2.8 % blood donors and 1.6% CT. AMPD activities showed a substantial overlap in CC and CT, but not with TT. AMPD activities in TT, CT, and CC did not differ in patients with a defined neuromuscular disorder and those with only exercise-induced complaints. In TT, CT, and CC there were no differences in the frequency of signs and symptoms, hyperCKemia, or myopathological biopsy pattern.'] Is aMP deaminase deficiency in skeletal muscle unlikely to be of clinical relevance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.257324457168579,
-1.2774169445037842,
2.563908338546753
] |
['To evaluate the safety and tolerability of a new oral solution formulation of tolevamer potassium sodium, a nonantibiotic polymer that binds Clostridium difficile toxins A and B.', 'This phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated four doses of tolevamer potassium sodium in 40 healthy volunteers using a sequential dose escalation paradigm and doses of 6, 9, 12 and 15 g day(-1) for 9 days. Within each 10 patient cohort, eight patients received active treatment and two matching placebo. Placebo subjects were pooled to provide eight per arm. All subjects received three times daily dosing on days 2-8 as well as a loading dose (a single dose equal to the total daily dose) either on day 1 or day 9.', 'All 40 subjects completed the study per protocol. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were generally mild, transient, and resolved without sequelae. There were no serious AEs or deaths. There was no relationship detected between dose and the incidence of TEAEs, whether drug-related (all gastrointestinal disorders) or not. No clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters, including serum and urinary potassium concentrations, vital signs, and results of physical examination, were observed. A small but statistically significant reduction in 24 h urine potassium excretion was seen in the 15 g day(-1) dose group, and on day 10 in the 6 g day(-1) group.'] Is a new formulation of tolevamer , a novel nonantibiotic polymer , safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers : a randomized phase I trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3087565898895264,
-1.311224102973938,
2.764313220977783
] |
['A sympatho-inhibitory effect of ACE-inhibitors and AT(1) receptor antagonists has been widely demonstrated in animal models, but in humans this effect tends only to be present during chronic treatment in conditions with pre-existing high levels of sympathetic activity. Sodium restriction increases renal sympathetic nerve activity and the activity of the renin-angiotensin system and may be a favourable condition to demonstrate sympatho-inhibition as a short-term effect of the AT(1) receptor antagonist eprosartan in healthy humans.'] Does eprosartan modulate the reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system in sodium restricted healthy humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6388399600982666,
-0.93165522813797,
2.5923051834106445
] |
['The atherosclerotic process is associated with both morphological and functional changes in the carotid artery. We evaluated the relationship between these parameters of the carotid artery and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with preserved left ventricular function.', 'The study population consisted of 104 stable patients with CAD who had preserved left ventricular function (left ventricular ejection fraction >or=45%). All patients underwent carotid ultrasound for evaluation of carotid artery plaque score defined by the sum of plaque thickness, maximum percent area stenosis, and carotid arterial stiffness index beta calculated by a combination of changes in carotid arterial diameter and blood pressure.', 'Plaque score and percent area stenosis correlated with the extent of CAD defined as the number of diseased coronary vessels (P<0.001 and 0.002, respectively), but arterial stiffness beta did not (P=0.39). Using logistic regression analyses adjusting for confounding coronary risk factors and arterial stiffness beta, plaque score and percent area stenosis were independently correlated with multivessel CAD (P=0.001 and 0.004, respectively).'] Are morphological but not functional changes of the carotid artery associated with the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with preserved left ventricular function? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.891394853591919,
-1.329951524734497,
2.307173013687134
] |
['Recently independent studies reported an association between coronary heart disease and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at chromosome 9p21, near CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes. Given that stroke is a common complication after myocardial infarction, we investigated if the same SNPs were associated with ischemic stroke in our population.', 'We recently initiated a whole genome analysis of ischemic stroke and published the first stage of a case control study using >400,000 SNPs from Illumina Infinium Human-1 and HumanHap300 assays. We focused on SNPs recently associated with heart disease by Helgadottir and colleagues and SNPs from the same haplotype block.', 'In analyses both unadjusted and adjusted for stroke risk factors, significant associations with ischemic stroke were observed for SNPs from the same haplotype block previously associated with myocardial infarction. Significant association was also seen between disease and haplotypes involving these SNPs, both with and without adjustment for stroke risk factors (odd ratios: 1.01 to 2.65).'] Do whole genome analyses suggest ischemic stroke and heart disease share an association with polymorphisms on chromosome 9p21? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0712921619415283,
-0.9673431515693665,
2.068134307861328
] |
['Montelukast is a potent cysteinyl leukotriene-1 receptor antagonist possessing some anti-inflammatory effects although the molecular mechanism of these anti-inflammatory effects is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of montelukast on nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB-associated histone acetylation activity in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-differentiated U937 cells.', 'We examined the inhibitory effects of montelukast on TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 production in PMA-differentiated U-937 cells. U-937 cells were exposed to PMA (50 ng/mL) for 48 h to allow differentiation to macrophages. Macrophages were then exposed to TNF-alpha (10 ng/mL) in the presence or absence of montelukast (0.01-10 microm) for 24 h. After this time, the concentration of IL-8 in the culture supernatant was measured by sandwich-type ELISA kit. The effect of signalling pathways on TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 release was examined pharmacologically using selective NF-kappaB/IKK2 (AS602868, 3 microm), (PD98059, 10 microm) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) (SB203580, 1 microm) inhibitors. NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was measured by a DNA-binding ELISA-based assay. NF-kappaB-p65-associated histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity was measured by immunoprecipitation linked to commercial fluorescent HAT.', 'TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 release was suppressed by an NF-kappaB inhibitor but not by MEK or p38 MAPK inhibitors. Montelukast induced a concentration-dependent inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 release and mRNA expression that reached a plateau at 0.1 microm without affecting cell viability. Montelukast did not affect NF-kappaB p65 activation as measured by DNA binding but suppressed NF-kappaB p65-associated HAT activity.'] Does montelukast inhibit tumour necrosis factor-alpha-mediated interleukin-8 expression through inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB p65-associated histone acetyltransferase activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.290497064590454,
-1.3687548637390137,
2.69838809967041
] |
['To examine a possible relationship between plasma adiponectin levels and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Adiponectin, a cytokine secreted by adipocytes, is a potent antiangiogenic factor. Plasma levels of adiponectin in patients with RCC and tumor adiponectin receptors R1 and R2 (AdipoR1&2) expression levels were measured and correlated with disease characteristics.', 'Preoperative plasma samples from 42 patients were analyzed in triplicate for adiponectin levels with a specific ELISA assay. All patients had clear-cell RCC, including 15 with metastatic disease. Diabetic patients were excluded; all had normal renal function. The RCC and surrounding normal renal tissue were comparatively analyzed for AdipoR1&2 expressions (immunoblotting) in 15 patients.', "Mean, median, and range of plasma adiponectin levels were 6.33, 5.84, and 1-25.2 microg/ml, respectively. A strong inverse correlation was found between plasma adiponectin levels and tumor size with significantly lower levels of adiponectin in tumors > or =4 cm (p<0.01). The median adiponectin levels in metastatic and nonmetastatic patients were 4.08 and 7.4 microg/ml, respectively (p=0.029). A trend toward significant lower adiponectin levels in high versus low Fuhrman grade (3 and 4 vs. 1 and 2) was noted (p=0.057). Expression of AdipoR1&R2 was found to be lower in tumor tissue compared with the patient's normal surrounding kidney tissues in 40% of the cases. Metastatic tumors expressed lower levels of AdipoR2. Body mass index was not inversely correlated with adiponectin levels."] Are lower plasma adiponectin levels associated with larger tumor size and metastasis in clear-cell carcinoma of the kidney? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6990433931350708,
-1.5908606052398682,
2.268953323364258
] |
['Catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Previous studies have identified a predominance of gram-positive organisms causing CRBSI but they included both neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients with solid organ and hematological malignancies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence and microbiological profile of CRBSIs in a specific cohort of patients with hematological malignancies in their non-neutropenic phase of illness.', 'A detailed retrospective review was done from January 2003 to December 2005 on all patients with hematological malignancies who had double-lumen non-antibiotic impregnated tunneled CVCs (Hickman catheters) inserted in our hospital to identify those fulfilling our criteria for CRBSI episodes.', 'Amongst 273 evaluable patients, 61 developed CRBSI on 70 occasions. In contrast to previous studies, there was a predominance of gram-negative infections (68%). The majority (73%) of initial CRBSI episodes required catheter removal within 7 days of onset. Vancomycin and cefepime was the most common initial antibiotic regimen used.'] Do gram-negative organisms predominate in Hickman line-related infections in non-neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4147865772247314,
-1.1579461097717285,
2.696096897125244
] |
['To elucidate the basis of the autosomal dominant congenital nuclear cataracts caused by the connexin50 mutant, CX50R23T, by determining its cellular distribution and functional behavior and the consequences of substituting other amino acids for arginine-23.', 'Connexin50 (CX50) mutants were generated by PCR and transfected into HeLa or N2a cells. Expressed CX50 protein was detected by immunoblot analysis and localized by immunofluorescence. Intercellular communication was assessed by microinjection of neurobiotin or by double whole-cell patch-clamp recording.', 'HeLa cells stably transfected with CX50R23T or wild-type CX50 produced immunoreactive CX50 bands of identical electrophoretic mobility. Whereas HeLa cells stably expressing CX50 contained abundant gap junction plaques, CX50R23T localized predominantly in the cytoplasm. HeLa cells expressing wild-type CX50 showed large gap junctional conductances and extensive transfer of neurobiotin, but those expressing CX50R23T did not show significant intercellular communication by either assay. Moreover, CX50R23T inhibited the function of coexpressed wild-type CX50. Three CX50R23 substitution mutants (CX50R23K, CX50R23L, and CX50R23W) formed gap junction plaques, whereas two mutant substitutions with negatively charged residues (CX50R23D, CX50R23E) did not form detectable plaques. Only the mutant with a positive charge substitution (CX50R23K) allowed neurobiotin transfer at levels similar to those of wild-type CX50; none of the other mutants induced transfer.'] Are cataracts caused by alterations of a critical N-terminal positive charge in connexin50? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1255617141723633,
-1.4098827838897705,
2.512101650238037
] |
['Age of onset of major depression seems to be dropping in Western nations. Early onset usually predicts a more serious illness with a relatively poor prognosis. Since depression is associated with suicide, this begs the question of whether early onset of depression is associated with the degree of intent of suicidal behaviour, and whether this relationship differs according to gender.', 'Relevant responses from 9,282 residents of the United States were drawn from a nationally representative community survey conducted in 2001 through 2003 using the W.H.O. version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The primary outcome measure was the retrospectively determined age of first major depressive episode.', 'Younger age of onset for depression was associated with higher levels of suicidal intent, irrespective of age at the time of interview. A significant interaction between level of intent and age at interview appeared to be accounted for by the later onset among those in the eldest cohort who reported an absence of suicidal behaviour. The influence of suicidal intent on onset of depression was greater for women than for men.'] Is younger onset of depression associated with greater suicidal intent? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.3305699825286865,
1.0634163618087769,
0.4319365620613098
] |
['Alcohol abuse independently increases the risk of developing the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a disease characterized by diffuse alveolar epithelial damage, lung edema, and consequent severe hypoxemia. Chronic alcohol abuse increases alveolar epithelial permeability both in vitro and in vivo, in part due to altered tight junction formation. However, both alcohol-fed animals and otherwise healthy alcoholic humans do not have pulmonary edema at baseline, even though their lungs are highly susceptible to acute edematous injury in response to inflammatory stresses. This suggests that active fluid transport by the alveolar epithelium is preserved or even augmented in the alcoholic lung. Chronic alcohol ingestion increases expression of apical sodium channels in the alveolar epithelium; however, its effects on the Na,K-ATPase complex that drives sodium and fluid transport out of the alveolar space have not been examined.', 'Age- and gender-matched Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing either alcohol or an isocaloric substitution (control diet) for 6 weeks. Gene and protein expression of lung Na,K-ATPase alpha1, alpha2, and beta1 subunits were quantified via real-time PCR and immunobiological analyses, respectively. Alcohol-induced, Na,K-ATPase-dependent epithelial barrier dysfunction was determined by calculating lung tissue wet:dry ratios following an ex vivo buffer-perfused challenge for 2 hours in the presence of ouabain (10(-4) M), a Na,K-ATPase inhibitor.', 'Chronic alcohol ingestion significantly increased gene and protein expression of each Na,K-ATPase subunit in rat lungs. Immunohistochemical analyses of the alcoholic lung also revealed that protein expression of the Na,K-ATPase alpha1 subunit was increased throughout the alveolar epithelium. Additionally, lungs isolated from alcohol-fed rats developed more edema than comparably treated lungs from control-fed rats, as reflected by increased lung tissue wet:dry ratios.'] Is na , K-ATPase expression increased in the lungs of alcohol-fed rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5419280529022217,
-1.2471263408660889,
2.860243558883667
] |
['Keratocytes, mesenchymal cells populating the corneal stroma, secrete the unique transparent connective tissue of the cornea as well as opaque scar tissue after injury. Previous studies identified factors mediating keratocyte phenotype in vitro, particularly the expression of the keratan sulfate proteoglycans, which are essential for vision. Whereas earlier work emphasized effects of cytokines, the current study examines the effects of substratum attachment on keratocyte phenotype.', 'Primary keratocytes from collagenase digestion of bovine corneas were cultured on tissue-culture plastic or on poly (2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)(polyHEMA)-coated, non-adhesive surfaces. Secreted proteoglycans from culture media and cell-associated proteins were characterized using western blotting or isotopic labeling. Gene expression was characterized with quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Secreted matrix was examined with immunostaining.', 'We observed that virtually all primary keratocytes participate in the formation of spheroidal aggregates, remaining viable for at least four weeks in vitro. Spheroid keratocytes secrete more keratan sulfate and keratocan than attached cells in the same culture medium. In spheroids, keratocytes accumulate substantial matrix in intercellular spaces, including keratan sulfate, lumican, keratocan, and collagens V and VI. The unattached cells undergo limited cell division and do not differentiate into myofibroblasts in response to transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), which is based on the expression of extra domain A (EDA) fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Similarly, the platelet derived growth factor, a cytokine initiating the fibroblastic phenotype in attached keratocytes, had a limited effect on the spheroid-associated keratocytes. Ascorbate-2-phosphate was the only agent stimulating keratan sulfate secretion in the spheroid keratocytes.'] Is keratocyte phenotype enhanced in the absence of attachment to the substratum? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.480849027633667,
-1.337052822113037,
2.924382209777832
] |
['High-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) has recently been identified as an endogenous mediator of arthritis. TNF and IL-1beta, pivotal cytokines in arthritis pathogenesis, both have the ability to induce the release of HMGB1 from myeloid and dendritic cells. It was, therefore, decided to investigate whether treatment based on TNF blockade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the expression of synovial HMGB1.', "Repeated arthroscopy-guided sampling of synovial tissue was performed in nine patients with RA before and nine weeks after initiation of anti-TNF mAb (infliximab) therapy. Synovial biopsy specimens were analysed for HMGB1 protein by immunohistochemical staining and for HMGB1 mRNA expression by real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Statistical evaluations were based on Wilcoxon's signed rank tests or Spearman rank sum tests.", 'Aberrant, extranuclear HMGB1 and constitutive nuclear HMGB1 expression, with histological signs of inflammation, were evident in all biopsies obtained before infliximab therapy. Signs of inflammation were still evident in the second biopsies obtained nine weeks after initiation of infliximab therapy. The cytoplasmic and extracellular expression of HMGB1 decreased in five patients, remained unchanged in one patient and increased in three patients, making the overall change in HMGB1 protein expression not significant. No correlation between the clinical response, as measured by disease activity score calculated for 28 joints (DAS28) or the American College of Rheumatology response criteria (ACR 20, 50, and 70), and the direction of change of HMGB1 expression in individual patients could be discerned. In addition, infliximab therapy did not alter HMGB1 mRNA synthesis.'] Does systemic TNF blockade modulate synovial expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator HMGB1 in rheumatoid arthritis patients -- a prospective clinical study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.408452272415161,
-1.40437650680542,
2.867213010787964
] |
['Prognosis of the patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma is still poor due to a recurrence, and liver metastasis is a distant metastasis that is foreboded the short survival period.', 'Between 1999 and 2005, 68 patients for pancreatic adenocarcinoma underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 17), a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 27), distal pancreatectomy (n = 22), or total pancreatectomy (n = 2) with an extensive lymph node dissection.', 'A tumor recurrence occurred to 55 patients (13 of the liver, 21 of the local recurrence, 16 of peritoneal dissemination, three of the lymph node, and two of lung). The low tumor grade and female demonstrated a risk factor for a liver metastasis (P = 0.043, P = 0.031). A logistic regression analysis demonstrated female (P = 0.02) and low tumor grade (P = 0.04) as independent risk factors for recurrence with liver metastasis. The median survival time (MST) was 13.6 months, and MST of patients with a liver metastasis as an initial recurrent site was 13.7 months; the liver metastasis as an initial recurrent site has no impact on the MST after pancreatic resection.'] Does liver metastasis as an initial recurrence have no impact on the survival of patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2106621265411377,
-1.2793679237365723,
2.5241010189056396
] |
["Protein cross-linking and aggregation are important molecular processes in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) catalyzes protein cross-linking.", 'To measure tTG, tTG enzyme activity and isopeptide, which is the product of tTG, in brain and to relate them to cognitive scores.', 'tTG and isopeptide levels were measured in frontal gray matter of 10 normal (NCI), 10 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 9 AD brains from the Religious Orders Study. tTG enzymatic activity was measured with a fluorescence assay.', 'tTG protein and enzyme activity were highest in AD, but not significantly greater than MCI or NCI. In contrast, isopeptide immunoreactivity in formic acid extracts was significantly greater in AD than NCI and MCI. The level of insoluble formic acid extractable isopeptide correlated with several measures of cognitive function, including word generation and perceptual speed. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that insoluble isopeptide immunoreactivity could be accounted for by a combination of factors in the formic acid extract, including Abeta, ubiquitin and tau.'] Does cognitive performance correlate with cortical isopeptide immunoreactivity as well as Alzheimer type pathology? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.468658208847046,
-1.2002744674682617,
2.716350555419922
] |
['MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene silencing, which are involved in multiple developmental processes in many organisms. Apart from miRNAs, mouse germ cells express another type of small RNA, piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Although it has been clear that piRNAs play a role in repression of retrotransposons during spermatogenesis, the function of miRNA in mouse germ cells has been unclear.', 'In this study, we first revealed the expression pattern of miRNAs by using a real-time PCR-based 220-plex miRNA expression profiling method. During development of germ cells, miR-17-92 cluster, which is thought to promote cell cycling, and the ES cell-specific cluster encoding miR-290 to -295 (miR-290-295 cluster) were highly expressed in primordial germ cells (PGCs) and spermatogonia. A set of miRNAs was developmentally regulated. We next analysed function of miRNA biogenesis in germ cell development by using conditional Dicer-knockout mice in which Dicer gene was deleted specifically in the germ cells. Dicer-deleted PGCs and spermatogonia exhibited poor proliferation. Retrotransposon activity was unexpectedly suppressed in Dicer-deleted PGCs, but not affected in the spermatogonia. In Dicer-deleted testis, spermatogenesis was retarded at an early stage when proliferation and/or early differentiation. Additionally, we analysed spermatogenesis in conditional Argonaute2-deficient mice. In contrast to Dicer-deficient testis, spermatogenesis in Argonaute2-deficient testis was indistinguishable from that in wild type.'] Is microRNA biogenesis required for mouse primordial germ cell development and spermatogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3715741634368896,
-1.070439100265503,
2.511582612991333
] |
['Although a number of cytokine or growth factor therapies for wound acceleration have been reported, few mentioned the quality of the outcome. The lower extremity is important in esthetics as well as in function, because it is exposed. Recently, a growth factor, namely basic growth factor (bFGF) is widely used for difficult wound healing with a porcine-derived bilayered artificial dermis for better wound closure. Thus, their combination use was tested clinically.', 'Sequential lower extremity reconstruction by an artificial dermis with or without bFGF administration and secondary split-thickness skin grafting was measured for hardness using a durometer, and the moisture parameters assessed such as effective contact coefficient, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), water content and thickness using a moisture meter for at least 6 months after the final procedure and compared with normal skin control.', 'There was significantly less skin hardness using a durometer in bFGF treatment compared with non-bFGF treatment (16.2 +/- 3.83 vs. 29.2 +/- 4.94, p < 0.01). Effective contact coefficient, TEWL, water content, and thickness in non-bFGF treatment were all significantly greater than those in bFGF treatment, whereas water content and thickness in bFGF treatment were comparable with those of the control.'] Does a basic fibroblast growth factor improve lower extremity wound healing with a porcine-derived skin substitute? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2279891967773438,
-1.331998348236084,
2.6017725467681885
] |
['The inter/intramolecular interactions between drugs (floxuridine, irinotecan) and excipients (copper gluconate, triethanolamine) in the dual-drug liposomal formulation CPX-1 were elucidated in order to identify the physicochemical properties that allow coordinated release of irinotecan and floxuridine and maintenance of the two agents at a fixed, synergistic 1:1 molar ratio.', 'Release of irinotecan and floxuridine from the liposomes was assessed using an in vitro-release assay. Fluorescence, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and UV-Vis were used to characterize the aggregation state of the drugs within the liposomes.', 'Coordinated release of the drugs from liposomes was disrupted by removing copper gluconate. Approximately 45% of the total irinotecan was detectable in the copper-containing CPX-1 formulation by NMR, which decreased to 19% without copper present in the liposomal interior. Formation of higher order, NMR-silent aggregates was associated with slower and uncoordinated irinotecan release relative to floxuridine and loss of the synergistic drug/drug ratio. Solution spectroscopy and calorimetry revealed that while all formulation components were required to achieve the highest solubility of irinotecan, direct drug-excipient binding interactions were absent.'] Do intra and inter-molecular interactions dictate the aggregation state of irinotecan co-encapsulated with floxuridine inside liposomes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4299252033233643,
-1.263297438621521,
2.7951087951660156
] |
['Oxidized LDL cholesterol and cytokines increase arginase and decrease nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression in human endothelial cells, leading to a decrease in NO production. In arteriosclerotic plaques, characterized by increased oxidized LDL and cytokine levels, a sustained local NO reduction might enhance sensitivity of the downstream guanylyl cyclase system towards an acute NO increase. We tested whether application of the NO synthase substrate l-arginine (l-arg, 150 micromol min(-1)) or the NO donor isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN; 0.3 mg) preferentially dilates stenotic coronary artery segments (CS) subsequently increasing poststenotic coronary blood flow (CBF) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).', 'Changes in coronary diameter and circumferential surface area were assessed by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) in a nonstenotic upstream segment, the CS, downstream the CS and in a reference vessel (n = 24). CBF was estimated in a subset of 13 patients by QCA and intracoronary Doppler.', 'CS ranged from 62% to 89% (77 +/- 5%). l-arg increased minimal luminal diameter of the stenotic segment from 0.98 +/- 0.06 to 1.14 +/- 0.07 mm (P < 0.05) without affecting other coronary segments. Poststenotic CBF increased by 24 +/- 3%. ISDN dilated all segments again with a predominance of CS (25 +/- 4%) and increased poststenotic CBF by 38 +/- 9%. In a multifactorial anova, a medication with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (decreasing inflammation and radical formation) and a ratio of LDL/HDL <3.5 were predictive for an l-arg-induced dilation.'] Does l-arginine preferentially dilate stenotic segments of coronary arteries thereby increasing coronary flow? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0109803676605225,
-1.5763274431228638,
2.6227006912231445
] |
['In previous work by the Northern New England Cardiovascular Study Group, risk factors for vascular access site complications in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were identified and a regional effort to reduce these complications was initiated. As part of this effort we considered making a regional recommendation that location of the femoral head as seen on fluoroscopy (fluoro) be used to help determine the site of femoral artery puncture. Therefore, we assessed the use of fluoro to determine whether it actually reduced the rate of vascular complications and shortened length of stay.', 'Data were collected prospectively on 2,651 consecutive PCIs at Eastern Maine Medical Center from 2000 to 2003 including use of fluoro, vascular access site complications (bleeding, pseudoaneurysm formation, hematoma, embolic event or thrombus, A-V fistula), and length of stay.', 'Use of fluoro among eight interventionists was variable: 3 < 20%, 3 35-50%, 2 > 70%. Among all interventions, 48% were performed with fluoro to guide vascular access. The use of fluoro was associated with a significantly lower incidence of pseudoaneurysms (0.3% vs. 1.1%, P = 0.017) and any arterial injury (0.7% vs. 1.9%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in bleeding (1.6% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.69). For each physician, there were fewer vascular injuries when fluoro was used. Average length of stay was significantly lower among patients in the fluoro group (2.1 days vs. 2.4, P < 0.01).'] Does fluoroscopy-guided femoral artery puncture reduce the risk of PCI-related vascular complications? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2314213514328003,
-1.6124480962753296,
1.7463175058364868
] |
["CDKN1C (also known as p57KIP2) is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor previously implicated in several types of human cancer. Its family members (CDKN1A/p21CIP1 and B/p27KIP1) have been implicated in breast cancer, but information about CDKN1C's role is limited. We hypothesized that decreased CDKN1C may be involved in human breast carcinogenesis in vivo.", 'We determined rates of allele imbalance or loss of heterozygosity (AI/LOH) in CDKN1C, using an intronic polymorphism, and in the surrounding 11p15.5 region in 82 breast cancers. We examined the CDKN1C mRNA level in 10 cancers using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and the CDKN1C protein level in 20 cancers using immunohistochemistry (IHC). All samples were obtained using laser microdissection. Data were analyzed using standard statistical tests.', "AI/LOH at 11p15.5 occurred in 28/73 (38%) informative cancers, but CDKN1C itself underwent AI/LOH in only 3/16 (19%) cancers (p = ns). In contrast, CDKN1C mRNA levels were reduced in 9/10 (90%) cancers (p < 0.0001), ranging from 2-60% of paired normal epithelium. Similarly, CDKN1C protein staining was seen in 19/20 (95%) cases' normal epithelium but in only 7/14 (50%) cases' CIS (p < 0.004) and 5/18 (28%) cases' IC (p < 0.00003). The reduction appears primarily due to loss of CDKN1C expression from myoepithelial layer cells, which stained intensely in 17/20 (85%) normal lobules, but in 0/14 (0%) CIS (p < 0.00001). In contrast, luminal cells displayed less intense, focal staining fairly consistently across histologies. Decreased CDKN1C was not clearly associated with tumor grade, histology, ER, PR or HER2 status."] Is cDKN1C/p57kip2 a candidate tumor suppressor gene in human breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6076740026474,
-1.5980144739151,
2.1803183555603027
] |
['To explore the morphologic and phenotypic changes of monocytess in response to the stimulation of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha.', 'Newly isolated monocytes from human PBMCs were treated with IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha or IFN-alpha. The phenotypic growth of monocytes with or without stimulation was observed by microscope. The surface expression of CD1a, CD14, CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR on the monocytes was assayed by flow cytometry.', 'After IFN-gamma stimulation, monocytes displayed the shape of fusiform or polygon and were more likely to adhere and cluster to form the distinct structure as "cell islet". IFN-gamma; also induced or up-regulated the surface expression of CD80, CD83, CD86, and HLA-DR on the monocytes and down-regulated the CD14 expression. IFN-gamma even induced the CD1a expression and changed the monocytes phenotype from CD14(+)CD1a(-)CD83(-) to CD14(+)CD1a(+)CD83(+) after stimulated for 5 days. Cytokines TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha; have the different impacts on monocytes from IFN-gamma.'] Does [ IFN-gamma promote human monocytes to differentiate to untypical mature DC ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6096417903900146,
-1.0030168294906616,
2.6836495399475098
] |
['In patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass, hypotension is a risk factor for developing acute pancreatitis. Hypotension in animal models can also induce pancreatitis. We sought to determine whether or not relative hypotension during ERCP is a risk factor for developing acute pancreatitis.', 'A nested, case-control study reviewed all cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis resulting from ERCPs performed at this institution between May 1993 and May 1998. Post-ERCP pancreatitis was defined as abdominal pain requiring hospitalisation and elevation of serum amylase or lipase more than four times the upper limit of normal 24 hours or more after ERCP. Non-invasive blood pressure measurements were recorded automatically at least every 5 min during ERCP. Hypotension was defined as any systolic blood pressure (SBP) <100 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <60 mmHg, or mean blood pressure (MBP) <80 mmHg. Controls were chosen randomly from ERCPs performed on the same or the nearest day as each index case.', 'In total, 1854 ERCPs were reviewed from the study period.There were 96 cases of post-ERCP pancreatitis,giving an incidence of 5.2%. The average age of cases was 48 years, while that of controls was 55 years (p < 0.003).There were no differences between the groups regarding gender, ERCP findings, need for sphincterotomy nor acinar filling on the pancreatogram (acinarisation). At least one episode of hypotension was recorded in 32% of cases and 30% of controls (p = 0.75). There were no differences between cases and controls comparing mean pre- and intra-procedure SBP, DBP and MBPs, or lowest procedure SBP, DBP and MBP.'] Is hypotension during ERCP common but not a risk factor for post-ERCP pancreatitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3591769933700562,
-1.66170334815979,
2.0084285736083984
] |
['Cardiovascular compromise is increasingly recognized in preterm infants. Currently, echocardiography is the best tool to assess myocardial contractility and guide management. Elevated levels of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N-terminal-pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NTpBNP) are associated with poor myocardial contractility and low cardiac output in adults.', 'To examine the range of cTnT and NTpBNP in preterm infants, to correlate NTpBNP and cTnT with echocardiographic markers of cardiac function and to assess the influence of antenatal and postnatal factors on these biochemical markers.', 'Plasma concentrations of cTnT and NTpBNP were measured in infants <1500 g at 12 h of age. These were correlated with simultaneous echocardiographic measures of myocardial function and output. Antenatal data, infant demographics and postnatal characteristics were prospectively recorded.', 'A total of 80 infant had samples taken and echocardiography performed. Their median (interquartile range) cTnT and NTpBNP values were 0.20 microg l(-1) (0.11 to 0.40) and 1273 pmol l(-1) (664 to 2798), respectively. There was a significant inverse correlation between cTnT and echocardiographic markers of myocardial function and stroke volume. NTpBNP significantly correlated with left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA:Ao). There was a weaker but significant negative correlation between NTpBNP and left ventricular (LV) function. The assays were not influenced by gestation, birth weight, gender or mode of delivery.'] Do cardiac troponin T and N-terminal-pro-B type natriuretic peptide reflect myocardial function in preterm infants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0582692623138428,
-1.4773426055908203,
2.582611560821533
] |
['The physiological mechanisms underlying auditory neuropathy (AN) remain unclear and it is likely that the multiple disruptions are classified under the broadly defined term. Cochlear implantation is being more widely used in this population to bypass the suspected site-of-lesion although a number of cases have been identified within the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre where this management strategy has been unsuccessful. It is likely that this relates to the different physiological mechanisms underlying AN.', 'To investigate the site-of-lesion in AN, frequency-specific round window electrocochleography (ECochG) was used to assess local hair-cell, dendritic, and axonal currents generated within the cochlea in 14 subjects with AN and compared with responses from two normally hearing subjects. ECochG results were then compared with electrically evoked auditory brain stem response (EABR) measured after cochlear implantation.', "The results of this study demonstrate that two dominant patterns of ECochG waveforms (produced by a high-frequency alternating tone burst) can be identified in this population of AN subjects: (a) gross waveform showing a prolonged summating potential (SP) latency that, in most cases, is followed by a small compound action potential; and (b) gross waveform showing a normal latency SP waveform followed by a broad negative potential [assumed to reflect the dendritic potential (DP) identified in anaesthetized guinea-pigs]. This study demonstrates that in most subjects (n = 7) with a prolonged latency SP but no DP, normal morphology EABR waveforms were elicited for all electrode channels. On the other hand, all subjects (n = 7) who showed a normal latency SP followed by a broad negative DP, showed EABR waveforms that were absent or having poor wave V morphology. The authors' interpretation of this is that ECochG results may provide a classification of AN into pre- and postsynaptic lesions."] Does frequency-specific electrocochleography indicate that presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of auditory neuropathy exist? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.41108775138855,
-1.2823500633239746,
2.7275354862213135
] |
['To investigate the music perception skills of adult cochlear implant (CI) users in comparison with hearing aid (HA) users who have similar levels of hearing impairment. It was hypothesized that the HA users would perform better than the CI recipients on tests involving pitch, instrument, and melody perception, but similarly for rhythm perception.', 'Fifteen users of the Nucleus CI system and 15 HA users participated in a series of music perception tests. All subjects were postlingually deafened adults, with the HA subjects being required to meet the current audiological criteria for CI candidacy. A music test battery was designed for the study incorporating four major tasks: (1) discrimination of 38 pairs of rhythms; (2) pitch ranking of one-octave, half-octave, and quarter-octave intervals; (3) instrument recognition incorporating three subtests, each with 12 different instruments or ensembles; and (4) recognition of 10 familiar melodies. Stimuli were presented via direct audio input at comfortable presentation levels. The test battery was administered to each subject on two separate occasions, approximately 4 mo apart.', "The results from the rhythm test were 93% correct for the CI group and 94% correct for the HA group; these scores were not significantly different. For the pitch test, there was a significant difference between the HA group and the CI group (p < 0.001), with higher mean scores recorded by the HA group for all three interval sizes. The CI subject group was unable to rank pitches a quarter-octave apart, only scoring at chance level for this interval size. In the instrument recognition test, although there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups, both groups obtained significantly higher scores for the subtest incorporating single instrument stimuli than those incorporating multiple instrumentations (p < 0.001). In the melody test, there was a significant difference between the implantees' mean score of 52% correct and the HA group's mean of 91% (p < 0.001)."] Do music perception of cochlear implant users compared with that of hearing aid users? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.24706894159317017,
-1.417818307876587,
0.7001659274101257
] |
['To evaluate the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the methylation status in the promoter region of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), RAS association domain family 1A (RASSF1-A) and p16 genes, and the expression of TSP-1, CD31, p16 and p53 proteins in patients diagnosed with penile cancer, and the possible associations between these variables and clinical and pathological features.', 'HPV types, gene promoter hypermethylation and protein expression were analysed by reverse line blot, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in 24 penile squamous cell carcinomas.', 'HPV infection was detected in 11 of 24 cases (46%), and TSP-1, RASSF1-A and p16 genes were hypermethylated in 46%, 42% and 38% of the tumours, respectively. TSP-1 hypermethylation was associated with unfavourable histological grade (grade 3; P = 0.033), vascular invasion (P = 0.023), weak expression of TSP-1 protein (P = 0.041), and shorter overall survival (P = 0.04). TSP-1 expression was not associated with microvessel density. However, RASSF1-A hypermethylation was more frequent in T1 tumours (P = 0.01), and p16 hypermethylation was not associated with any of the tested variables except for absence of p16 expression (P = 0.022).'] Is hypermethylation of the thrombospondin-1 gene associated with poor prognosis in penile squamous cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2272002696990967,
-1.4552359580993652,
2.7242681980133057
] |
['Bilateral deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improves motor function in Parkinson disease (PD). However, little is known about the quantitative effects on motor behavior of unilateral STN DBS.', 'In 52 PD subjects with STN DBS, we quantified in a double-blinded manner rigidity (n=42), bradykinesia (n=38), and gait speed (n=45). Subjects were tested in four DBS conditions: both on, left on, right on and both off. A force transducer was used to measure rigidity across the elbow, and gyroscopes were used to measure angular velocity of hand rotations for bradykinesia. About half of the subjects were rated using the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (part III) motor scores for arm rigidity and repetitive hand rotation simultaneously during the kinematic measurements. Subjects were timed walking 25 feet.', 'All subjects had significant improvement with bilateral STN DBS. Contralateral, ipsilateral and bilateral stimulation significantly reduced rigidity and bradykinesia. Bilateral stimulation improved rigidity more than unilateral stimulation of either side, but there was no significant difference between ipsilateral and contralateral stimulation. Although bilateral stimulation also increased hand rotation velocity more than unilateral stimulation of either side, contralateral stimulation increased hand rotation significantly more than ipsilateral stimulation. All stimulation conditions improved walking time but bilateral stimulation provided the greatest improvement.'] Does unilateral subthalamic nucleus stimulation have a measurable ipsilateral effect on rigidity and bradykinesia in Parkinson disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2202346324920654,
-1.1285145282745361,
2.374403953552246
] |
['Our aim was to detail revascularization results, including impact on outcome and mortality, in the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) II trial.', 'IMS II was designed to obtain estimates of the efficacy and safety of reduced-dose intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) followed by additional intra-arterial rtPA and low-energy sonography via the EKOS Primo Micro-Infusion Catheter at the occlusion in selected patients with ischemic stroke treated within 3 hours of onset. Revascularization outcomes were detailed and compared with modified Rankin Scale scores 0-2, mortality outcomes, and results from IMS I.', 'Complete recanalization at 60 minutes occurred in 12 of 29 (41.4%) sonography microcatheter-treated occlusions. Complete recanalization was achieved at 2 hours or procedure end in 20/29 (68.9%) in the ultrasound catheter-treated group, and final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) 2/3 reperfusion was achieved in 18/29 (62.0%) ultrasound-treated subjects. Fifteen-minute angiograms demonstrated some recanalization in 69/145 (46.7%) sonography microcatheter treatment intervals, compared with 39/111 (35.1%) in IMS I treatments in 23 subjects with reliable 15-minute angiograms (P = .046). Pooled IMS I-II data demonstrated that partial or complete recanalization occurred in 56/75 (74.6%) and good reperfusion (TICI 2/3) occurred in 46/75 (61.3%) of internal carotid artery T and M1 occlusions. Revascularization correlated with good outcome for TICI 2/3 reperfusion (P = .0004), TICI 2B/3 reperfusion (P = .0002), and arterial occlusive lesion 2/3 recanalization (P = .03).'] Does revascularization result in the Interventional Management of Stroke II trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9919871091842651,
-1.5580532550811768,
2.5744919776916504
] |
['To study the effect of dorzolamide on the preretinal oxygen tension (RPO(2)) in retinal areas affected by experimental branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in pigs.', 'Experimental BRVO was induced by diathermy close to the optic disc. RPO(2) was measured with an oxygen-sensitive electrode 0.5 mm above the BRVO-affected area, which was compared to the retinal areas not affected by BRVO. In one group of five pigs, RPO(2) was measured at baseline, 1 and 3 hours after BRVO, and after intravenous injection of 500 mg dorzolamide. In a second group of five pigs, RPO(2) was measured 1 week after the BRVO, both before and after intravenous injection of 500 mg dorzolamide.', 'The average baseline RPO(2) was 2.64 +/- 0.09 kPa (mean +/- SD). In the BRVO-affected areas, RPO(2) decreased significantly (by 0.67 +/- 0.29 and 0.94 +/- 0.13 kPa) at 1 hour and 3 hours after BRVO induction. In the non-BRVO areas RPO(2) increased significantly (by 0.51 +/- 0.14 kPa) 1 hour after BRVO induction, but subsequently decreased and reached baseline 3 hours after BRVO induction. One week after BRVO induction, RPO(2) was 0.67 +/- 0.29 kPa lower in affected areas when compared with the non-BRVO areas. In the BRVO-affected areas, dorzolamide increased RPO(2) significantly (by 0.36 +/- 0.21 kPa at 3 to 4 hours and by 0.67 +/- 0.40 kPa) 1 week after BRVO induction.'] Does dorzolamide increase retinal oxygen tension after branch retinal vein occlusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.972446858882904,
-1.74281644821167,
1.7477993965148926
] |
['To define rod and cone function further in terms of visual cycle mechanism, the retinal phenotype resulting from Rpe65 (retinoid isomerase I) deficiency in Nrl(-)(/)(-) mice having a single class of photoreceptors resembling wild-type cones was characterized and outcomes of retinoid supplementation evaluated.', 'Rpe65(-)(/)(-)/Nrl(-)(/)(-) mice were generated by breeding Rpe65(-)(/)(-) and Nrl(-)(/)(-) strains. Retinal histology, protein expression, retinoid content, and electroretinographic (ERG) responses were evaluated before and after treatment with 11-cis retinal by intraperitoneal injection. Results Retinas of young Rpe65(-)(/-)/Nrl(-)(/-) mice exhibited normal lamination, but lacked intact photoreceptor outer segments at all ages examined. Rpe65, Nrl, and rhodopsin were not detected, and S-opsin and M/L-opsin levels were reduced. Retinyl esters were the only retinoids present. In contrast, Nrl(-)(/)(-) mice exhibited decreased levels of retinaldehydes and retinyl esters, and elevated levels of retinols. ERG responses were elicited from Rpe65(-)(/-)/Nrl(-)(/-) mice only at the two highest intensities over a 4-log-unit range. Significant retinal thinning and outer nuclear layer loss occurred in Rpe65(-)(/-)/Nrl(-)(/-) mice with aging. Administration of exogenous 11-cis retinal did not rescue retinal morphology or markedly improve ERG responses.'] Do nrl-knockout mice deficient in Rpe65 fail to synthesize 11-cis retinal and cone outer segments? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1972663402557373,
-1.4345778226852417,
2.621016025543213
] |
['There is a perception that the training pathway for oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is unduly long and arduous, as consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons must be doubly qualified (that is, hold degrees in medicine and dentistry) and be holders of two higher fellowships.', 'We reviewed the data regarding the average age of National Training Number (NTN) holders and GMC data on the year of first registration and the year of entry onto a specialist surgical list for all 9 surgical specialties.', "The results showed the average age of the surgical SpR populations ranged from 33.5 to 38.2 years with an average age of 36.14 years. OMFS SpR's average age is 37.69 years. The GMC data showed the average number of months from full to specialist registration ranged from 90.83 months to 135.24 months, with OMFS surgeons having the lowest average."] Is maxillofacial training no longer than other surgical specialties? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6183202266693115,
-0.17077045142650604,
-0.046912819147109985
] |
['Despite some evidence that the wearing of rings may increase the microbial load, there is currently nothing to suggest that viable bacteria remain following a standard surgical scrub. The aim of the study was to examine the distribution and type of microbial flora seen on the hands of doctors following a standard surgical scrub.', "Ten surgeons and 10 anaesthetists, all of whom wore wedding rings on the fourth finger of their left hand, participated in the study. Each individual was asked to 'scrub-up' as for their normal first scrub of the day. Following completion of washing, the wedding ring was removed, its internal circumference swabbed and the swab placed in a culture medium. Volunteers placed each hand palm-down on separate agar plates. The plates were incubated and the number of colonies counted and classified.", 'The culture plates of one of the anaesthetists were damaged in transit leaving a total of 19 subjects for analysis. In all the palm imprint plates, coagulase-negative staphylococci were grown. One surgeon grew coagulase-negative staphylococci from the ring swab. A Candida spp. from the right hand of one surgeon was grown. There was no statistically significant difference between the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) cultured from the right and left (ring-wearing) hands of the surgeons (P = 0.260) and anaesthetists ( P = 0.345). There was no statistical difference in CFUs when surgeons were compared with anaesthetists (P = 0.383 for right hand and P = 0.234 for left).'] Are wedding rings a significant source of bacterial contamination following surgical scrubbing? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.821048378944397,
-1.460371971130371,
1.3174026012420654
] |
['During the past decades a rising trend of living alone can be observed in the population especially in urban areas. Living alone is considered a psychosocial risk factor. We studied the relationship between living alone, cardiovascular risk factors and mortality.', 'We analysed data from the population-based MONICA/KORA cohort study including 3596 men and 3420 women of at least one of three surveys carried out between 1984 and 1995 in the region of Augsburg, Germany. They were between 45 and 74 years old and were followed-up until 31 December 2002. During follow-up 811 men and 388 women died. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the association between living alone and mortality.', 'Altogether 260 men (7%) and 620 women (18%) were living alone at baseline. Men, who lived alone, were less well educated, had fewer children and friends, and they smoked significantly more than other men. Women, living alone, were also significantly more often current smokers and had less children and friends, but they were more often better educated than cohabitating women. The latter group showed a higher proportion of obese and hypertensive women. Men living alone had a twofold risk to die after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio = 1.96; p < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval 1.56-2.46). This was not the case for women.'] Is living alone a risk factor for mortality in men but not women from the general population : a prospective cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9980944395065308,
0.4497878849506378,
0.9105764627456665
] |
['A clone of CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli has recently been reported to be spreading through Europe and Africa. The aim of this work was to thoroughly characterize this clone.', 'Representative isolates of this clone were subjected to multilocus sequence typing, O typing, virulence gene detection, adhesion assay on human cells, biofilm production assay and mouse lethality assay.', 'The clone: (i) belongs to a unique B2 phylogenetic subgroup encompassing the pyelonephritogenic diffusely adhering EC7372 strain; (ii) exhibits a specific O25b molecular subtype; (iii) is identical to the E. coli clone O25:H4-ST131 producing CTX-M-15; (iv) produces biofilm; and (v) is highly virulent in mice despite lacking classical extraintestinal pathogenicity islands (except for high pathogenicity island) and the afa/dra gene.'] Does the CTX-M-15-producing Escherichia coli diffusing clone belong to a highly virulent B2 phylogenetic subgroup? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3825056552886963,
-0.9913401007652283,
2.5253443717956543
] |
['The common cold is a major cause of asthma exacerbation and chronic obstructive lung disease. Rhinovirus is reported to be responsible for more than 50% of cases of the common cold. In a previous study, we reported that rhinovirus infection of cultured airway cells induced MUC5AC mucin overproduction and hypersecretion by activating the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p44/42 MAPK) pathway. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of erythromycin on RV14-induced airway mucin overproduction and hypersecretion.', 'RV14-infected human tracheal epithelial cells were treated with erythromycin.', 'Erythromycin blocked RV14-induced MUC5AC protein overproduction and hypersecretion, and also blocked RV14-induced p44/42 MAPK activation in the cells.'] Does erythromycin attenuate MUC5AC synthesis and secretion in cultured human tracheal cells infected with RV14? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5212903022766113,
-1.0982258319854736,
2.683898448944092
] |
['To establish whether carotid intima-media wall thickness (IMT) may be a good predictor for the development of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).', 'A series of 47 RA patients who at the time of recruitment did not have traditional CV risk factors or CV disease were assessed by carotid ultrasonography. Carotid IMT and carotid plaques were measured in the right common carotid artery. Then, a prospective assessment of the CV outcome was performed over a 5-year period. Logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed to evaluate the ability of different variables to predict CV events.', 'Carotid IMT was greater in RA patients who over the extended follow-up experienced CV events (1.01 +/- 0.16 mm) compared with the remaining RA patients who did not have CV complications (0.74 +/- 0.12 mm) (P < 0.001). Also, carotid IMT categorized in quartiles was strongly associated with CV events. In this regard, none of the patients with carotid IMT less than 0.77 mm had CV events. However, 6 of the 10 patients with carotid IMT greater than 0.91 mm experienced CV events (P value for the trend <0.001). Carotid IMT yielded a high predictive power for the development of CV events over the 5-year follow-up period. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.93 for a model that only included carotid IMT and 0.90 for carotid plaque.'] Does carotid intima-media thickness predict the development of cardiovascular events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2114812135696411,
-1.6362991333007812,
1.8622702360153198
] |
['Overexpression of Topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A) has been implicated with gene amplification of the 17q21 amplicon and consecutively with ErbB2 overexpression and amplification. However, gene amplification does not necessarily correlate with RNA and protein expression. There is growing evidence that TOP2A protein expression is a strong prognostic and TOP2A gene amplification might be a predictive marker (particularly for the use of anthracyclines).', 'Large scale analysis was performed using Affymetrix microarray data from n = 1,681 breast cancer patients to evaluate TOP2A expression.', 'TOP2A expression showed a strong correlation with tumor size (chi(2)-test, P < 0.001), grading (P < 0.001), ErbB2 (P < 0.001) and Ki67 expression (P < 0.001) as well as nodal status (P = 0.042). Survival analysis revealed a significant prognostic value in ER positive (n = 994; log rank P < 0.001), but not in ER negative breast cancer patients (n = 369, P = 0.35). The prognostic impact of TOP2A expression was independent of Ki67 expression in ER positive tumors (P = 0.002 and P = 0.007 for high and low Ki67, respectively). Moreover a worse prognosis of high TOP2A expressing tumors was found in the subgroup of ErbB2 negative tumors (P < 0.001) and a trend among ErbB2 positive tumors (P = 0.11). The prognostic value of TOP2A was independent of whether the patients were untreated or had received adjuvant therapy. In multivariate Cox regression analysis including standard parameters TOP2A emerged to be the top prognostic marker (HR 2.40, 95% CI 1.68-3.43, P < 0.001).'] Is gene expression of topoisomerase II alpha ( TOP2A ) by microarray analysis highly prognostic in estrogen receptor ( ER ) positive breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8338340520858765,
-1.5628234148025513,
2.3852617740631104
] |
['Although knowledge concerning cortical reorganization related to upper limb function after ischemic stroke is growing, similar data for lower limb movements are limited. Previous studies with hand movement suggested increasing recruitment of motor areas in the unlesioned hemisphere with increasing disability. We used ankle movement as a lower limb analog to test for similarities and differences in recovery patterns.', 'Eighteen subjects were selected with chronic residual gait impairment due to a single subcortical ischemic stroke. Functional MRI scans were obtained at 3.0 T during active and passive ankle dorsiflexion in the patients (8 females, 10 males; mean age, 59.9+/-13.5 years; range, 32 to 74 years) and 18 age-matched healthy control subjects.', 'We observed substantial neocortical activity associated with foot movement both in the patients with stroke and in the healthy control subjects. Our primary finding was increased cortical activation with increasing functional impairment. The extent of activation (particularly in the primary sensorimotor cortex and the supplementary motor area of the unlesioned hemisphere) increased with disability. The changes were most prominent with the active movement task.'] Does functional MRI correlate of lower limb function in stroke victims with gait impairment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4381444454193115,
-0.8029249310493469,
2.3676962852478027
] |
['Adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) is a lipid droplet-associated protein that coats cytoplasmic lipid droplets. The present study evaluated whether alcohol feeding enhances ADRP expression and whether ADRP is a lipid droplet marker in alcoholic fatty liver of rats. Because medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) reduce alcoholic hepatosteatosis, their effects on ADRP were also evaluated.', 'Fatty liver was induced in rats by the consumption of the Lieber-DeCarli alcohol liquid diet with or without replacement of long-chain triglycerides (LCT) by MCT (32% of calories). Immunohistochemical staining for ADRP was performed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver sections. ADRP immunostaining was quantified by image analysis. Triacylglycerol was measured chemically. ADRP mRNA and protein were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. Double staining technique was performed to distinguish ADRP from glycogen in hepatocytes.', 'Alcohol feeding for 21 days increased ADRP staining in the centrilobular and mid zonal regions of the liver lobules coincident with fat deposition in the liver. Replacing LCT in the alcohol diet with MCT diminished ADRP immunostaining in parallel with reduced steatosis. MCT also attenuated the up-regulation of ADRP mRNA and protein after alcohol. In steatotic hepatocytes ADRP selectively stained the surface of macrovesicular and microvesicular lipid droplets. ADRP immunostaining quantitatively correlated with hepatic triacylglycerol levels, validating ADRP as a reliable lipid droplet marker. Compared with hematoxylin and eosin stains, ADRP was more sensitive in detecting microvesicular lipid droplets. ADRP immunostaining also distinguished lipid droplets from glycogen, as demonstrated by double staining for ADRP and glycogen.'] Is adipose differentiation-related protein a reliable lipid droplet marker in alcoholic fatty liver of rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3841264247894287,
-1.4033787250518799,
2.851011276245117
] |
['Brain imaging studies have revealed abnormal function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of alcoholics that may contribute to the impulsive behavior and lack of control over drinking that characterizes this disorder. Understanding how ethanol affects the physiology of PFC neurons may help explain this loss of control and lead to better treatments for alcohol addiction. In a previous study from this laboratory, we showed that ethanol inhibits complex patterns of persistent activity (known as "up-states") in medial PFC (mPFC) neurons in a reversible and concentration-dependent manner.', 'In the current study, whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to directly examine the effects of ethanol on the glutamatergic and GABAergic components that underlie persistent activity.', 'In deep-layer mPFC pyramidal neurons, ethanol reversibly attenuated electrically evoked N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated EPSCs. Significant inhibition was observed at concentrations as low as 22 mM, equivalent to a blood ethanol concentration (0.1%) typically associated with legal limits for intoxication. In contrast to NMDA responses, neither evoked nor spontaneous EPSCs mediated by alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid-type glutamate receptor were affected by ethanol at concentrations as high as 88 mM, a concentration that can be fatal to non-tolerant individuals. At similar concentrations, ethanol also had little effect on spontaneous or evoked IPSCs mediated by a-type gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor. Finally, mPFC neurons showed little evidence of GABAR-mediated tonic current and this was unaffected by ethanol.'] Does ethanol selectively attenuate NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission in the prefrontal cortex? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.472994565963745,
-1.224657416343689,
2.672396183013916
] |
['We have previously shown that developing beta-endorphin neurons, in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus become increasingly apoptotic when exposed to ethanol. As in the previous study we have observed an involvement in transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1) in mediation of the apoptotic process, the present study was conducted to determine the ethanol-induced changes in this apoptotic regulatory peptide signaling in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus of neonatal rats.', 'Pups were exposed to 11.34% ethanol in a milk-based diet or control diet on postnatal day (PND) 3 to PND7. Two hours after the last daily feeding, brains were collected and frozen in liquid nitrogen for analysis of various apoptosis regulatory proteins in the arcuate tissue by Western blots. Some animals were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and analyzed immunohistochemically.', 'Ethanol exposure increased apoptotic death of beta-endorphin neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. The cell death was associated with an increase in the tissue levels of TGF-beta1 in the mediobasal hypothalamus. This was correlated with a reduction in the arcuate level of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) phosphorylation. The reduced level of Rb phosphorylation was associated with an increased protein level of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor p27/kip but with a decreased protein level of cyclin dependent kinase 4 and cyclin D3. In addition, the apoptotic cell death was positively correlated with the level of Bclxs but negatively correlated with the level of the Bcl2.'] Does ethanol induce apoptotic death of beta-endorphin neurons in the rat hypothalamus by a TGF-beta 1-dependent mechanism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.451817750930786,
-1.2087668180465698,
2.7122013568878174
] |
['Rising costs of pharmaceuticals are a challenge to the public health care system. In collaboration with a company health insurance with 3143 members we analysed the economic benefit of reduced prescription fees for generic drugs in a 12-month period.', 'Within the observation period 1 euro per prescription of a generic drug was reimbursed to the insurants. On the basis of 5 drug classes the prescribed proportion of generic drugs and the change in prescription pattern was computed. The acceptance of the intervention by the insurants was assessed using anonymous questionnaires.', '42,219 drug prescriptons for insurants of the health insurance company were registered, with an overall cost of euro 843,954.95. In the observation period there was a 45% increase of the proportion of overall costs spent for generic drugs, from euro 78,325.65 to euro 110,419.90, together with a 38% increase of prescriptions of generic drugs. The expenditures for reimbursements of prescription payments amounted to euro 9,984 (euro 1-74 to insurants). In the 5 selected drug classes the proportion of generic drugs increased from 23% before the observation period to 40%, whereby a cost reduction of euro 2.47 per prescription was achieved. Taking into account an overall increase of prescriptions of the selected drugs, a cost reduction from euro 188,811.45 to euro 173,677.15 was accomplished. This intervention was considered useful by 84% of all insurants.'] Does [ Partial reimbursement of prescription charges for generic drugs reduce costs for both health insurance and patients ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.157277911901474,
-0.8379502296447754,
-0.2870067358016968
] |
['Accumulation and precipitation of abnormal proteins are associated with many age-related diseases. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) is one of the protein quality control mechanisms that selectively degrade damaged or obsolete proteins. The other arm of the protein quality control mechanism is molecular chaperones, which bind to and help refold unfolded or misfolded proteins. We previously showed that the molecular chaperones and the UPP work in a competitive manner in eliminating the denatured proteins. To further investigate the interaction between the two protein quality control mechanisms, we determined the effects of the impairment of the UPP on the expression of molecular chaperones in human lens epithelial cells (HLEC).', 'K6W-ubiquitin, a dominant negative inhibitor of the UPP, was expressed in confluent HLEC via an adenoviral vector. The mRNA levels of cytoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones were determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Protein levels for these chaperones were determined by western blotting.', 'Expression of K6W-ubiquitin in HLEC increased the expression of a broad spectrum of molecular chaperones. Among the heat-shock proteins, mRNA for alphaB-crystallin, Hsp70, and Hsp90 increased 27 fold, 21 fold, and twofold, respectively, in response to K6W-ubiquitin expression. Among the ER chaperones and ER stress related factors, mRNA levels of protein disulfide isomerase, Grp75, Grp78, Grp94, and the CAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) increased from 1.7 fold to 3.7 fold. The mRNA for Hsp60 also increased 1.6 fold in response to the expression of K6W-ubiquitin. The expression pattern of these chaperones in response to the expression of K6W ubiquitin is similar to that obtained when cells were treated with proteasome inhibitors or heat-shock.'] Does expression of K6W-ubiquitin in lens epithelial cells lead to upregulation of a broad spectrum of molecular chaperones? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3549110889434814,
-1.2308380603790283,
2.6492819786071777
] |
['To compare an early switch from intravenous to oral antibiotics with the standard intravenous therapy in patients admitted to hospital with severe community acquired pneumonia.', 'Multicentre randomised prospective trial with follow-up at 28 days.', 'Patients with severe pneumonia who were admitted to hospital were randomised for 7 days intravenous antibiotic therapy (control group) or for an early switch to oral antibiotic therapy after 3 days of intravenous antibiotic therapy (intervention group). An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. The primary outcome measure was clinical cure. The length of hospital stay was a secondary outcome measure.', 'Out of the 302 patients included in the trial, data was analysed from 265 patients. The mortality rate in the intervention group did not differ significantly from that of the control group (mean difference: 2%; 95% CI: -3-8). After 28 days, 83% of the patients in the intervention group and 85% in the control group were clinically cured (mean difference: 2%; 95% CI: -7-10). The length of hospital stay was 1.9 days shorter in the intervention group (95% CI: 0.6-3.2 days).'] Is [ An early switch from intravenous to oral antibiotics equally effective as the standard intravenous therapy in severe community acquired pneumonia ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4141706228256226,
-1.16841721534729,
1.6722861528396606
] |
["If general practitioners (GPs) were better informed about patients' risks of long-term sickness absence (LTSA), they could incorporate these risk assessments into their patient management plans and cooperate more with occupational physicians to prevent LTSA.", 'To evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol helping GPs in recording risks of LTSA and in co-operating with occupational physicians (OPs).', "Twenty-six GPs (co-operating in four groups) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, participated in a controlled intervention study. Fourteen GPs were the protocol-supported intervention group and twelve GPs were the reference group. Outcome measures were consultations containing work-related information, information about two risk factors for LTSA, referrals to OPs and contacts of OPs with GPs and patients. Outcomes were identified through an electronic search in the GPs' information systems. Entries containing information were independently scored by two investigators. The proportions of patients with consultations documenting LTSA-pertinent items were compared between the groups, accounting for differences at baseline.", 'There was no increase in consultations containing work-related information. Recording of risk factor information increased in the intervention group; the difference was 4.5% [95% CI 1.5-7.6] and 1.8% (95% CI -0.8 to 4.4) for the two risk factors. The referral rate to the OP increased by 2.9% (95% CI 1.2-4.5). There was no effect on contacts of OPs with GPs or with patients.'] Does a protocol improve GP recording of long-term sickness absence risk factors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9200080633163452,
-0.3255305588245392,
1.3513498306274414
] |
['Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes events favouring carotid plaque instability: inflammatory chemoattraction, thrombogenesis, and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and cell adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to assess neovascularization, VEGF and its receptors in high-grade stable and unstable carotid plaques.', 'Immunohistochemical staining for CD34, VEGF, VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 and VEGFR2 was performed in 34 intact carotid endarterectomy specimens, and compared in sections demonstrating maximal histological instability (cap rupture/thinning) or, if stable, maximal stenosis.', 'VEGF staining was increased in 12 unstable compared with 22 stable plaques (median (interquartile range, i.q.r.) plaque score 4.0 (4.0-4.0) versus 3.0 (2.0-3.0); P = 0.002) with upregulation of VEGFR1 (plaque score 4.0 (2.0-4.0) versus 2.0 (1.0-3.0); P = 0.016). In unstable plaques this was associated with increased microvessel density in the cap (median (i.q.r.) 12.1 (4.0-30.0) versus 1.1 (0.0-7.3) microvessels/mm(2); P = 0.017) and shoulder regions (7.7 (3.4-21.4) versus 3.1 (0.4-10.8) microvessels/mm(2); P = 0.176).'] Is vascular endothelial growth factor associated with histological instability of carotid plaques? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0332539081573486,
-1.546987771987915,
2.6004531383514404
] |
['High-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) expression on blood dendritic cells reportedly correlates with serum IgE levels. Our studies demonstrate that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) following Fc epsilon RI stimulation - a mode of activation that simultaneously reduces expression of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). Whether or not TLR9 and/or Fc epsilon RI levels and their function on dendritic cells relate to allergic status is unknown.', 'The aim of this study is to compare the innate (TLR9-mediated) immune response of human pDCs to TLR9 and Fc epsilon RI alpha receptor expression in allergic and non-allergic subjects.', 'Basophil-depleted mononuclear cell fractions containing pDCs were prepared from peripheral blood of allergic and non-allergic subjects. Intracellular TLR9 and surface Fc epsilon RI alpha expression in blood dendritic cell antigen-2-positive cells were determined by flow cytometry. Activating anti-IgE antibody, anti-Fc epsilon RI alpha antibody, and TLR9 agonist were used to stimulate cell suspensions, with cytokine levels determined by ELISA.', 'No difference in the frequency of pDCs was detected among allergic (n=9) vs. non-allergic (n=11) subjects (P=0.261). While there was also no difference in the baseline expression of TLR9, pDCs from allergic subjects produced sixfold less IFN-alpha when stimulated with CpG (P=0.002). Conversely, there was higher Fc epsilon RI alpha expression (P=0.01) on the pDCs of allergic subjects.'] Do human blood dendritic cells from allergic subjects have impaired capacity to produce interferon-alpha via Toll-like receptor 9? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1136720180511475,
-1.4528796672821045,
2.5443472862243652
] |
['The mortality of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting after acute myocardial infarction remains high. This study compared the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing conventional and on-pump beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting and evaluated the efficacy of an on-pump beating-heart technique for the surgical treatment of these critically ill patients.', 'Between January 1999 and March 2005, 61 patients underwent emergency coronary artery bypass grafting for acute myocardial infarction. In the first 23 patients, the conventional cardioplegic method was performed. In the most recent 38 patients, the on-pump beating-heart procedure was used without cardioplegic arrest.', 'A significant reduction occurred in the observed mortality between the conventional and on-pump beating groups (21.7% vs 2.6%, P = .04), despite a higher predicted mortality risk calculated by using EuroSCORE (9.0 +/- 1.6 vs 9.6 +/- 1.6, P = .048) and a greater use of a preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (43.5% vs 78.9%, P = .005). On-pump beating-heart patients received fewer bypass grafts than conventional patients (2.0 vs 2.9, P = .001), but the internal thoracic artery was used more often in on-pump beating-heart patients (P = .014). Three patients in the conventional coronary artery bypass grafting group required new insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump, whereas no patients required this in the on-pump beating-heart group (P = .220). Postoperative renal failure requiring hemodialysis occurred in 2 patients in the conventional coronary artery bypass grafting group but in no patients in the on-pump beating-heart group (P = .138).'] Does on-pump beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting after acute myocardial infarction have lower mortality and morbidity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4377375841140747,
-1.4683921337127686,
1.8106989860534668
] |
['The aim of the present study was to examine whether maternal attitudes to pregnancy and infant caregiving predict drinking initiation in adolescence.', 'Data were used from the Mater University Study of Pregnancy, an Australian longitudinal study of mothers and their children from pregnancy to when the children were 14 years. Logistic regression analyses examined whether maternal attitudes to pregnancy and infant caregiving at birth and 6 months contributed to the prediction of drinking initiation at age 14, after controlling for a range of confounding covariates.', "Mother's negative feelings about being pregnant and not planning/wanting the pregnancy predicted adolescent alcohol initiation at the 14 year follow up. Negative maternal attitudes to infant caregiving at birth and 6 months did not predict adolescent alcohol initiation."] Do maternal attitudes in pregnancy predict drinking initiation in adolescence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.2038795948028564,
2.422956705093384,
-0.8966079950332642
] |
['BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS: Lipids with platelet activating factor (PAF)-like activity in supernatant of packed red blood cells (PRBC) cause priming of the neutrophil respiratory burst. This effect increases with length of storage. Washing of PRBC has been considered as a means to eliminate this effect; however, the role of the cellular component was not evaluated independently of the supernatant. The source of the inflammatory lipids of the supernatant is likely to be cell membranes altered during ageing in storage and therefore, washing will not eliminate neutrophil priming caused by transfusion of aged PRBC units. The ability of washed PRBC to prime mononuclear cells for another known effect of PAF, the production of IL-8, and the probability that this lipid activity is present on microparticles in PRBC supernatant were also investigated.', 'At collection 10 units of whole blood were split into two equal aliquots one filtered and one unfiltered. PRBC were prepared and stored at 4 degrees C in CPD-AS5. Each week, fresh neutrophils were incubated with samples of washed PRBC and fixed. Change in CD11b, a marker known to increase on the surface of primed neutrophils, was determined by flow cytometry. To determine whether neutrophil priming ability of PRBC supernatant is contained on microvesicles, centrifuged and uncentrifuged supernatant samples were incubated with fresh neutrophils and change in CD11b expression was determined. Plasma IL-8 levels were also measured after exposure of monocytes from fresh whole blood to filtered and unfiltered washed PRBC with and without the addition of fMLP.', 'Washed PRBC caused a 50-116% increase in CD11b neutrophil surface expression over baseline expression. Filtration of whole blood at collection reduced this CD11b up-regulation by 25-34%. Reduction of priming ability by filtration began on the day of collection and persisted for the storage life of the units. Centrifugation resulted in a reduction of CD11b up-regulation of 11-28% compared with unspun supernatant. Incubation of unfiltered PRBC resulted in priming of mononuclear leukocytes for IL-8 production with a 73-109% increase over baseline, but no increase over baseline was seen for incubation with filtered blood.'] Is neutrophil priming , caused by cell membranes and microvesicles in packed red blood cell units , abrogated by leukocyte depletion at collection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2099556922912598,
-1.495406985282898,
2.7369189262390137
] |
['Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, such as soluble E-selectin, and von Willebrand factor (vWf) are elevated in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on these biomarkers, and their relation to prognosis remains unknown.', 'to investigate the impact of DM on plasma levels and the prognostic value of E-selectin and vWf in patients with CHF.', 'Plasma levels of E-selectin and vWf were measured in 195 CHF patients with (n=48, 24.5%), and without DM, and in 116 age-matched healthy controls. Compared with controls, median plasma E-selectin levels were higher in CHF patients with DM (P=0.012), but not in CHF patients without DM (P=0.45); vWf levels were also higher in CHF patients with DM (P<0.001), but not without DM (P=0.108). E-selectin was associated with risk of recurrent ischaemic cardiovascular events among CHF patients with DM (HR 2.60; P=0.009), but not among patients without DM (HR 1.09; P=0.60) per 1 SD increment in log transformed variable. vWf was not related with outcome in CHF patients with or without DM.'] Are biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction elevated and related to prognosis in chronic heart failure patients with diabetes but not in those without diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1158382892608643,
-1.269095778465271,
2.450244426727295
] |
['Alcoholic liver disease remains a major cause of liver failure worldwide with no available curative or prophylactic therapy as at present. High dose metformin is reported to ameliorate liver injuries in both human and animal models of acute and chronic alcoholic liver injuries.', 'The aim of the present in vivo animal study was to determine whether metformin-ascorbic acid co-administration also prevents alcoholic hepatotoxicity in chronic alcohol exposure.', 'In the present study, ameliorating effect of 200 mg/ kg/day of ascorbic acid (Asc), 500 mg/kg/day of metformin (Met) and their co-administration (Met-Asc) were investigated in 5 groups of 50% ethanol-treated male Wistar rats for 2 weeks of the experiment. The body weight of each rat was taken on days 1, 7, and 14 of the experiment, respectively. On day 15, fasted blood samples for plasma lipids and liver enzyme markers were collected via cardiac puncture from the rats under diethyl ether anaesthesia.', 'Results showed that administration of graded oral doses of 50% ethanol for 14 days significantly (p<0.001) elevated the plasma liver enzymes--aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotansferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Two weeks of ethanol treatment also induced alterations in the plasma triglycerides (PTG), total cholesterol (PTC), high density lipoprotein (HDL-c), and low density lipoprotein (LDL-c). However, these elevations were significantly (p<0.05) attenuated by Asc, Met, and Met-Asc after 14 days of oral treatment, with Met-Asc having higher significant (p<0.001) ameliorating effect than Asc alone but with comparative effect to that of Met alone.'] Does oral metformin-ascorbic acid co-administration ameliorate alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.13316011428833,
-1.4369440078735352,
2.566786766052246
] |
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