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['Panitumumab, a fully human antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has activity in a subset of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Although activating mutations in KRAS, a small G-protein downstream of EGFR, correlate with poor response to anti-EGFR antibodies in mCRC, their role as a selection marker has not been established in randomized trials.', 'KRAS mutations were detected using polymerase chain reaction on DNA from tumor sections collected in a phase III mCRC trial comparing panitumumab monotherapy to best supportive care (BSC). We tested whether the effect of panitumumab on progression-free survival (PFS) differed by KRAS status.', 'KRAS status was ascertained in 427 (92%) of 463 patients (208 panitumumab, 219 BSC). KRAS mutations were found in 43% of patients. The treatment effect on PFS in the wild-type (WT) KRAS group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.45; 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.59) was significantly greater (P < .0001) than in the mutant group (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.36). Median PFS in the WT KRAS group was 12.3 weeks for panitumumab and 7.3 weeks for BSC. Response rates to panitumumab were 17% and 0%, for the WT and mutant groups, respectively. WT KRAS patients had longer overall survival (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.82; treatment arms combined). Consistent with longer exposure, more grade III treatment-related toxicities occurred in the WT KRAS group. No significant differences in toxicity were observed between the WT KRAS group and the overall population.'] Is wild-type KRAS required for panitumumab efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.804311752319336,
-1.6127948760986328,
2.4242734909057617
] |
['We evaluate the usefulness of pretreatment (111)Indium capromab pendetide (ProstaScint) planar imaging (immunoscintigraphy) plus single photon emission tomography co-registration with computerized tomography scans to detect occult metastatic disease and predict for biochemical failure, in a cohort of patients with a clinical diagnosis of localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate referred for primary radiotherapy.', 'Patients were followed after radiotherapy for evidence of biochemical failure using 2 criteria of prostate specific antigen clinical nadir +2 ng/ml and American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology Consensus definitions. Median followup was 58.8 months (mean 64.8). Clinical risk factors defined 3 risk groups of high (51), intermediate (72) and low (116).', 'Overall biochemical failure was 18.3% vs 11.8% by the 2-BFC at 8-year actuarial analysis with 58.8 months median followup. By the CN +2 definition the control date for the cohort is 34.8 months. Pretreatment SPECT/CT suggested prostate cancer metastasis (22), seminal vesicle extension (20) and organ confined disease (197). Biochemical failure in patients having extra-periprostatic metastatic prostate cancer, seminal vesicle extension and organ confined disease uptake on SPECT/CT was 43.2%, 16.0% vs 14.7% (p = 0.0006); and 33.3%, 15.0% vs 8.7% (p = 0.0017) by the 2-BFC, respectively. Cox multiple regression analysis demonstrated that a finding of extra-periprostatic metastatic prostate on SPECT/CT significantly predicted a 4.2-fold greater risk (p = 0.0012) and a 4.5-fold greater risk (p = 0.0011) of failure by the 2-BFC than organ confined disease adjusting for treatment and risk group.'] Does single photon emission computerized tomography with capromab pendetide plus computerized tomography image set co-registration independently predict biochemical failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1535964012145996,
-1.5292651653289795,
2.754744529724121
] |
['Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer, and the oral cavity is likely to serve as a reservoir for this pathogen. We investigated the binding of H. pylori to the mucins covering the mucosal surfaces in the niches along the oral to gastric infection route and during gastric disease and modeled the outcome of these interactions.', 'A panel of seven H. pylori strains with defined binding properties was used to identify binding to human mucins from saliva, gastric juice, cardia, corpus, and antrum of healthy stomachs and of stomachs affected by gastritis at pH 7.4 and 3.0 using a microtiter-based method.', 'H. pylori binding to mucins differed substantially with the anatomic site, mucin type, pH, gastritis status, and H. pylori strain all having effect on binding. Mucins from saliva and gastric juice displayed the most diverse binding patterns, involving four modes of H. pylori adhesion and the MUC5B, MUC7, and MUC5AC mucins as well as the salivary agglutinin. Binding occurred via the blood-group antigen-binding adhesin (BabA), the sialic acid-binding adhesin (SabA), a charge/low pH-dependent mechanism, and a novel saliva-binding adhesin. In the healthy gastric mucus layer only BabA and acid/charge affect binding to the mucins, whereas in gastritis, the BabA/Le(b)-dependent binding to MUC5AC remained, and SabA and low pH binding increased.'] Are four modes of adhesion used during Helicobacter pylori binding to human mucins in the oral and gastric niches? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4735262393951416,
-1.2549934387207031,
2.820991039276123
] |
['To evaluate the best combination of clinical parameters and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), to predict diastolic dysfunction (DD) in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HF-PLEF) as determined by Doppler-echocardiography.', 'HF patients with EF >40% in the CHARM Echocardiographic Substudy were included and classified to have normal diastolic function, or mild, moderate or severe diastolic dysfunction. Plasma BNP and NT-proBNP levels were measured and relevant clinical characteristics recorded. 181 participants were included in this analysis, 72 (40%) had moderate to severe DD. A model including age, sex, BNP, body mass index, history of atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and left atrial volume was highly predictive of moderate to severe DD; AUC 0.81 (0.73-0.88; p<0.0001). Similarly, substitution of BNP with NT-proBNP resulted in an AUC 0.79 (0.72-0.87; p<0.0001). In these models; BNP>100 pg/ml (OR 6.24 CI 2.42-16.09, p=0.0002), history of diabetes (OR 3.52 CI 1.43-8.70, p=0.006) and NT-proBNP >600 pg/ml (OR 5.93 CI 2.21-15.92, p=0.0004), history of diabetes mellitus (OR 2.75 CI 1.12-6.76, p=0.03) respectively remained independent predictors of DD in HF-PLEF.'] Do bNP and NT-proBNP predict echocardiographic severity of diastolic dysfunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1115528345108032,
-1.816351294517517,
1.921237826347351
] |
['Variceal bleeding carries a high-mortality rate in patients with liver cirrhosis. Since coagulation and fibrinolysis are abnormal in these patients we evaluated whether or not abnormalities of these haemostasis systems were independently related to mortality.', 'Global coagulation, coagulation activation and fibrinolysis measurements were performed in 43 cirrhotics bleeding from esophageal varices at baseline and during follow-up and in 43 non-bleeding cirrhotic patients at baseline only.', 'Baseline measurements of coagulation activation and fibrinolysis were more impaired in bleeders. In bleeders, prothrombin time, tissue type plasminogen activator antigen and D-dimer plasma levels were persistently more abnormal in patients who died. High-D-dimer, infection, Child-Pugh C class and MELD score >or=17 were the significant predictors of death at univariate analysis. Two different multivariate analyses to assess the independent prognostic value of these variables, one including the Child-Pugh class, the other including MELD, were performed. Independent predictors of death were high-D-dimer and infection, but not Child-Pugh class, in the former; MELD and infection, but not D-dimer, in the latter.'] Do high-D-dimer plasma levels predict poor outcome in esophageal variceal bleeding? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.149995803833008,
-1.3894057273864746,
2.5975732803344727
] |
['To determine if a relationship exists between the clinical features of Rett syndrome, an X-linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder, and specific mutations in MECP2.', 'Cross-sectional study of 245 girls and women with typical Rett syndrome seen between 1990 and 2004 in tertiary academic outpatient specialty clinics and who had complete MECP2 mutation analysis. A structured clinical evaluation was completed for each participant. The results were grouped by MECP2 mutation and compared.', 'Participants with the R133C mutation are less severely affected than those with R168X or large DNA deletions (p < 0.05). Likewise, individuals with the R168X mutation are more severely affected than those with R294X and late carboxy-terminal truncating mutations (p < 0.05). Clinical differences are notable in ambulation, hand use, and language (p < 0.004), three cardinal features of Rett syndrome. Individuals with R168X are less likely to walk (p = 0.008), retain hand use (p = 0.002), or use words (p = 0.001). In contrast, those with carboxy-terminal truncations are more likely to walk (p = 0.007) and use words (p < 0.001). The R306C mutation, previously found to confer milder features, adversely affects only one clinical feature, language (p < 0.05).'] Do specific mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 confer different severity in Rett syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3480422496795654,
-1.0044569969177246,
2.402210235595703
] |
['CYR61 (cysteine-rich 61) belongs to the CCN (CYR61/CTGF/NOV) protein family and is involved in tumorigenesis. We have previously confirmed that the level of CYR61 protein is decreased in gastric carcinoma compared with nontumoral mucosa, by conducting proteome-based analyses. In this study, we examine the relationship between CYR61 expression and clinicopathological data of MMP-7 expression in human gastric mucosae and tumors.', 'Immunohistochemical and/or immunofluorescence analyses were performed to examine the histological expression of CYR61 in normal gastric mucosa, intestinal metaplasia, 33 adenomas, and 127 carcinomas. Seven gastric carcinoma cell lines were used to examine the expression of CYR61 and MMP-7 by Western blotting.', 'The CYR61-expressing cells mostly coincided with the serotonin-containing cells, not only in nontumoral epithelia, but also among tumor cells. CYR61 expression was positive (labeling index: >2%) in 43 of 49 early gastric carcinomas (87.8%) and in 19 of 78 advanced gastric carcinomas (24.4%), the frequency being significantly lower in the latter (p < 0.001). All the normal mucosae, intestinal metaplasias and adenomas were in the positive group. The reduction in CYR61 expression correlated significantly with histological differentiation (p < 0.05), depth of invasion (p < 0.001), lymphatic invasion (p < 0.001), venous invasion (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) and clinical stage (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed the expression of CYR61 to be inversely correlated with that of MMP-7 (p < 0.001).'] Does cYR61 downregulation correlate with tumor progression by promoting MMP-7 expression in human gastric carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.038339138031006,
-1.4619033336639404,
2.5097010135650635
] |
['To characterize the clinicopathological features of sporadic Burkitt lymphoma (BL).', 'A retrospective study of 17 paediatric and 14 adult BLs with history and histopathology review, immunohistochemistry, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in situ hybridization (EBER) and fluorescence in situ hybridization. There was no statistically significant difference in gender, frequency of central nervous system (CNS) involvement and leukaemic change at presentation, or frequency of CD10+/Bcl-2-/Bcl-6+ (88% versus 86%), Ki67 labelling index, EBER (24% versus 21%), or C-MYC translocation (100% versus 92%) between paediatric and adult tumours. Correct pretreatment diagnoses were made in 13/17 (76%) paediatric and in 9/14 (64%) adult tumours. Twenty-eight patients received chemotherapy including 13/16 (81%) paediatric and 3/12 (25%) adult patients with appropriate regimens; 16 (57%) received CNS prophylaxis. The 1- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for paediatric patients were 80% and 50%, respectively, whereas 1-year OS for adults was 15%.'] Do sporadic paediatric and adult Burkitt lymphomas share similar phenotypic and genotypic features? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2189865112304688,
-1.3706238269805908,
2.6767404079437256
] |
['The dopamine D(3) receptor (DRD(3)) is suspected to modulate prepulse inhibition (PPI) in animals and humans, but definite conclusions cannot be drawn due to lack of selective DRD(3) ligands. The Ser9Gly polymorphism is a common variant of the DRD(3) gene and determines the gain of function of the D(3) receptor. This is the first study to examine the influence of the DRD(3) Ser9Gly polymorphism on human PPI.', 'Prepulse inhibition was measured in 101 healthy male subjects presented with 75-dB and 85-dB prepulses at 30-, 60-, and 120-msec prepulse-pulse intervals. Subjects were grouped according to their DRD(3) status into a Gly/Gly, a Ser/Gly, and a Ser/Ser group.', 'Analyses of variance showed that at all prepulse and interval conditions, Gly/Gly individuals had the lowest PPI and the greatest onset latency facilitation and Ser/Ser individuals had the highest PPI and the lowest onset latency facilitation, while Ser/Gly individuals were intermediate.'] Does the dopamine D ( 3 ) receptor Ser9Gly polymorphism modulate prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2549707889556885,
-1.186469316482544,
2.428287982940674
] |
['Recent studies have reported deficits in measures of decision making in pathologic gamblers (PGs) suggesting an involvement of the prefrontal cortex in the pathophysiology of this disorder. As only 7% to 12% of PGs are thought to seek treatment, most of the studies have relied on few specifically selected groups of PGs recruited from psychiatric units who were undergoing or seeking treatment and therefore their results are poorly representative of the general PG population.', 'The present study compared decision making and executive functions among 11 PGs who were selected from an ecologic setting and 11 healthy controls.', 'The PG group selected fewer advantageous cards on a decision-making task, the Iowa Gambling Task, and made more commission errors on the Go-No Go task, a test of inhibitory control, compared with controls.'] Does executive function in pathologic gamblers selected in an ecologic setting? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.125885248184204,
1.0006604194641113,
0.34604281187057495
] |
['To investigate whether fatty liver per se is an independent risk factor of incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Koreans.', 'We examined the clinical and laboratory data of 5372 non-diabetic participants (3670 men and 1702 women; age 46.8 +/- 8.4 years, range 20-79 years) who underwent voluntary medical check-ups in 2000 and follow-up examinations in 2005.', 'Two hundred and thirty-three participants (4.3%) developed T2DM after 5 years. Univariate analysis showed that the development of diabetes was associated with: male sex; family history of diabetes; smoking; older age; higher body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hepatic enzymes, total cholesterol and triglycerides; lower HDL cholesterol; and the presence of fatty liver on ultrasonography at baseline. In multiple logistic regression models, after adjusting for age, sex and alcohol consumption, patients with fatty liver were at significantly higher risk of developing T2DM compared to those without fatty liver [relative risk (RR) 3.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.89-5.31]. After further adjustment for smoking, BMI, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, FPG, alanine aminotransferase and ultrasonographer, fatty liver remained significantly associated with the development of T2DM (RR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.20). Patients with moderate to severe fatty liver had higher risk ratios than patients with mild fatty liver. Exclusion of frequent drinkers did not attenuate the association.'] Is fatty liver an independent risk factor for the development of Type 2 diabetes in Korean adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6602243185043335,
-1.4877835512161255,
2.048844814300537
] |
['To evaluate and compare in vivo expression of T helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines in the peri-implantation endometrium of infertile patients between natural and stimulated cycles.', 'An observational study.', 'A tertiary assisted reproduction center.', 'Infertile patients.', 'Uterine flushings and endometrial biopsies were collected 7 days after LH surge in natural cycles or after hCG injection in stimulated cycles.', 'T helper type 1 cytokines were determined by immunolocalization and by ELISA.', 'Natural cycles were classified as group A (n = 17), whereas stimulated cycles with peak serum E(2) of <or=20,000 pmol/L (moderate responders) and with peak serum E(2) of >20,000 pmol/L (excessive responders) were classified as group B (n = 32) and group C (n = 32), respectively. Higher serum E(2) concentration was associated with increased expressions of interleukin (IL)-2 in the endometrium and uterine flushing. Group C demonstrated a statistically significantly higher IL-2 expression in endometrial biopsies by glandular and stromal immunostaining and by ELISA, compared with group A and group B. There was no difference in IL-2 concentration between group A and group B. Interferon-gamma protein concentration was comparable for the three groups.'] Is excessive ovarian response associated with increased expression of interleukin-2 in the periimplantation endometrium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.267174005508423,
-1.4093637466430664,
2.7222814559936523
] |
['Sex hormones exhibit predictable changes in their physiologic patterns during critical illness. Endogenous estrogens are elevated in both genders as a result of the peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogens by the aromatase enzyme. Elevated endogenous estrogens have been associated with death in medical and mixed surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Our objective was to determine the relationship between endogenous estrogens and outcomes in critically injured patients.', 'A prospective cohort of injured patients remaining in the ICU for at least 48 hours at two trauma centers was enrolled. Sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate) were assayed and mortality was assessed. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association between estradiol and death. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to estimate the accuracy of estradiol in predicting death.', 'Nine hundred ninety-one patients were enrolled with a 13.4% mortality rate. Despite no detectable difference in mortality among genders, estradiol was significantly elevated in nonsurvivors (16 pg/mL vs. 35 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Estradiol was a marker for injury severity with the most severely injured patients exhibiting the highest levels. The ability of estradiol to predict death (AUROC = 0.65) was comparable with Trauma and Injury Severity Score (AUROC = 0.65) and superior to Injury Severity Score (AUROC = 0.54) in this cohort.'] Are high levels of endogenous estrogens associated with death in the critically injured adult? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6329351663589478,
-1.458112359046936,
2.0957276821136475
] |
['An important and persistent laboratory finding has been that males and females respond differently after traumatic injury and hemorrhagic shock. We have previously presented clinical data showing that male gender is independently associated with a 40% higher rate of multiple organ failure (MOF) and a 25% higher rate of nosocomial infection (NI) after injury; however, the mechanism responsible for this dimorphic response after injury has not been adequately characterized clinically.', 'Data were obtained from a multicenter prospective cohort study evaluating clinical outcomes in severely injured adults with blunt hemorrhagic shock. Proteomic analysis of serum inflammatory cytokines, on days 0, 1, and 4 postinjury, was performed on 46 males and 34 females. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to compare serial IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 serum levels across gender, while controlling for important confounders. Logistic regression modeling was then used to analyze the independent risk of MOF and NI associated with gender.', 'IL-6 serum levels were statistically higher in males relative to females (p = 0.008). This higher level of IL-6 expression in males remained statistically significant over time even after controlling for differences in age, initial base deficit, ISS, and 12-hour blood transfusion requirements (p = 0.025). No differences in IL-1beta serum levels (p = 0.543), TNF-alpha, (p = 0.200) IL-8 (p = 0.107), and IL-10 (p = 0.157) were found. Males had a higher crude incidence of MOF and an 11-fold higher independent risk of MOF.'] Is male gender associated with excessive IL-6 expression following severe injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8334909677505493,
-1.5144991874694824,
2.293630599975586
] |
['The 14-3-3 protein is a physiological cellular protein expressed in various tissues, and its release to CSF reflects extensive neuronal damage as in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), but also in other neurological diseases. 14-3-3 protein in CSF in the proper clinical context is a reliable diagnostic tool for sporadic CJD. However, the sensitivity varies across molecular CJD subtypes.', 'We determined the level of the 14-3-3 protein in CSF from 70 sporadic CJD patients with distinct molecular subtypes using an improved enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) protocol technique.', 'The 14-3-3 levels varied markedly across various molecular subtypes. The most elevated levels of 14-3-3 protein were observed in the frequently occurring and classical subtypes, whereas the levels were significantly lower in the subtypes with long disease duration and atypical clinical presentation. PRNP codon 129 genotype, PrP(sc) isotype, disease stage and clinical subtype influenced the 14-3-3 level and the test sensitivity.'] Do 14-3-3 CSF levels in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease differ across molecular subtypes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1880128383636475,
-1.2500536441802979,
2.581026077270508
] |
['To test whether the saffron extract (Crocus sativus L.) given as a dietary supplement counteracts the effects of continuous light exposure in the albino rat retina.', 'Three experimental groups of Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Experimental animals were prefed either saffron or beta-carotene (1 mg extract/kg/d) before they were exposed to bright continuous light (BCL) for 24 hours. Flash electroretinograms (fERGs) were recorded in control and treated rats the day before and 1 week after light exposure. At the end of the second recording session, the animals were killed and the retinas were quickly removed, fixed, cryosectioned, and labeled so that the thickness of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) could be analyzed. Changes in protein level and cellular localization of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 were determined by Western blot analysis and retinal immunohistochemistry, respectively. In a second series of experiments, rats were killed at the end of light exposure, and the amount of apoptotic figures in the ONL was assessed by terminal transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (d-UTP)-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL). BCL induced DNA fragmentation, characteristic of dying cells, almost exclusively in the photoreceptor layer. The rate of photoreceptor death induced by BCL is expressed as the frequency of TUNEL-positive profiles per millimeter.', 'The photoreceptor layer was largely preserved in saffron-treated animals because it was the fERG response. In addition, the rate of photoreceptor death induced by BCL appeared drastically reduced in treated animals. In beta-carotene prefeeding experiments, morphologic analysis showed preservation of the ONL similar to that obtained with saffron prefeeding, whereas the fERG response was unrecordable. Western blot analysis showed that exposure to light induced a strong upregulation of FGF2 in control and beta-carotene-treated rats, but s no change was noted in saffron-treated rats.'] Does saffron supplement maintain morphology and function after exposure to damaging light in mammalian retina? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4196131229400635,
-1.2916245460510254,
2.7925989627838135
] |
['The molecular pathways involved in the progression of intracranial large artery atherosclerosis (ILA) are largely unknown. Our objective was to prospectively study the relationship between circulating levels of inflammatory markers and fibrinolysis inhibitors, and the risk of progression of symptomatic ILA.', 'Seventy-five consecutive patients with first-ever symptomatic intracranial atherostenosis were studied. Blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), E-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and 13, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and lipoprotein(a) were measured 3 months after the qualifying stroke or transient ischemic attack. Thereafter, patients underwent long-term transcranial Doppler follow-up to detect progression of ILA.', 'During a median follow-up time of 23 months, 25 (33%) patients showed ILA progression. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models and Kaplan-Meier curves showed that high baseline level of CRP, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, matrix metalloproteinase 9, PAI-1, and lipoprotein(a) predicted ILA progression independently of vascular risk factors. Of them, only CRP (CRP>5.5 mg/L; HR, 5.4 [2.3 to 12.7]; P=0.0001) and PAI-1 (PAI-1>23.1 ng/mL; HR, 2.4 [1.0 to 5.8]; P=0.05) predicted ILA progression also independently of the other studied molecules.'] Is progression of symptomatic intracranial large artery atherosclerosis associated with a proinflammatory state and impaired fibrinolysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1417593955993652,
-1.5471100807189941,
2.6917307376861572
] |
['The Spartathlon ultra distance running race (246 kilometres) is an exhausting physical exercise leading to a state of systemic inflammation associated with dramatic elevation of interleukin-6 and acute-phase reactants to levels seen only in critically ill or patients near death. We sought to study the effect of this severe inflammatory response on the levels of serum procalcitonin.', 'Fifteen healthy endurance-trained runners who participated in the 2006 Spartathlon were studied. Blood samples were taken the day before the race, within 15 min after the end of the race and 48 h after the end of the race. Serum interleukin-6, serum amyloid A protein, C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and procalcitonin concentrations were determined.', 'Serum interleukin-6, serum amyloid A protein and C-reactive protein were dramatically increased after the end of the race (150-, 116- and 10,470- fold increase of the mean values, respectively). Procalcitonin levels remained within normal range (mean +/- standard error of mean, 0.27 +/- 0.02 microg L(-1), 0.26 +/- 0.02 microg L(-1) and 0.27 +/- 0.02 microg L(-1) before, at the end, and 48 h after the race, respectively). Tumour necrosis factor-alpha measurements revealed no significant changes.'] Does severe aseptic inflammation caused by long distance running ( 246 km ) increase procalcitonin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6018426418304443,
-1.086059331893921,
1.70420503616333
] |
['Secretory type-II phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-II) is a cardiovascular risk marker since higher levels of this acute phase protein imply an increased risk for coronary artery disease. Moreover, it is hypothesized that local activity of sPLA(2)-II in the atherosclerotic plaque facilitates an inflammatory response to induce plaque instability or rupture. We have studied the presence of sPLA(2)-II in culprit lesions in the coronary arteries of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or angina pectoris.', 'We performed a histological examination of culprit lesions in 41 patients with stable (SAP) or unstable angina pectoris (UAP), or AMI using directed coronary atherectomy (DCA). Frozen slides were analysed immuno-histochemically for the presence of sPLA(2)-II, macrophages and smooth muscle cells. Immunopositive areas were calculated as a percentage of the total tissue area using image analysis software.', 'Intracellular sPLA(2)-II was found in atherosclerotic lesions in the macrophages of the intima as well as in vascular smooth muscle cells. Next to this, extracellular sPLA(2)-II depositions were also found. These depositions were significantly more extensive in patients with AMI, i.e. 26%(median)[6%(25th(percentile))-44%(75th(percentile))] of the intima area, than in patients with SAP 0%(median) (0%(25th)-10%(75th); P = 0.013) or UAP 0%(median) (0%(25th)-0%(75th); P = 0.04).'] Is secretory type II phospholipase A2 in culprit coronary lesions associated with myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8869413137435913,
-1.5953668355941772,
2.4690935611724854
] |
["Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in chronic hepatitis in more than 70% of cases. Alterations in the maturation of dendritic cells (DC) might play a role in the immune system's inability to eliminate the virus, although viral factors that could be involved have not been identified. This study in vitro investigated whether HCV structural proteins affect maturation of monocyte-derived DC.", 'HCV proteins (core, E1, E2) were expressed by transduction with recombinant adenoviruses of immature DC. The ability of these transduced DC to respond to a maturation stimulus was evaluated by measuring cell surface markers, allogenic lymphocyte stimulation and interleukin (IL)-12 production.', 'Expression of HCV structural proteins did not modify DC maturation in the presence of lipopolysaccharide, as determined by their phenotype and stimulatory functioning. IL-12 secretion was not affected by HCV protein expression in mature DC.'] Do hepatitis C virus structural proteins prevent human dendritic cell maturation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.699455499649048,
-0.8263081908226013,
2.630978584289551
] |
['To evaluate serum hemoglobin, baseline serum creatinine, serum creatinine at the diagnosis of obstructive hydronephrosis, and the increase in serum creatinine greater than baseline to predict for success in retrograde ureteral stent placement in patients with pelvic malignancies.', 'In a retrospective chart review, we identified 57 patients at our institution with obstructive hydronephrosis secondary to pelvic malignancies in which retrograde ureteral stent placement was attempted from January 2002 to May 2005. The patient charts were reviewed for the baseline serum creatinine, preoperative serum creatinine and hemoglobin, and serum creatinine at presentation of obstructive hydronephrosis. This population was divided into group 1 (n = 31, 54%), in which retrograde stent placement was successful, and group 2 (n = 26, 46%), in which stent placement failed and subsequent percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement was required. The Student t test was used to determine whether a significant difference existed between the two groups for each laboratory parameter.', 'The serum hemoglobin and baseline creatinine were not significantly different between the two groups and could not be used to predict for the success or failure of stent placement (P = 0.10 and P = 0.59, respectively). However, the average serum creatinine at presentation of obstructive hydronephrosis was significantly different between group 1 (2.4 +/- 1.4 ng/dL) and group 2 (5.3 +/- 6.3; P = 0.014), as was an increase in serum creatinine greater than baseline (P = 0.002).'] Does serum creatinine predict success in retrograde ureteral stent placement in patients with pelvic malignancies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4910391569137573,
-1.6559150218963623,
2.113267183303833
] |
['Autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (ARHSP) with thin corpus callosum (TCC) is a common form of complex hereditary spastic paraplegia. The genetic lesion underlying ARHSP-TCC was localized to chromosome 15q13-q15 and given the designation SPG11. Recently, the gene encoding spatacsin (KIAA1840) has been shown to contain mutations that underlie the majority of ARHSP-TCC cases.', 'We present a complete analysis of the 40 coding exons of this gene in patients with sporadic (n = 25) or familial (20 probands) complex hereditary spastic paraplegia with and without thinning of the corpus callosum.', 'We identified seven mutations, including deletions, insertions, and nonsense mutations, which were all predicted to lead to premature truncation of the protein.'] Are sPG11 mutations common in familial cases of complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3908331394195557,
-1.061974048614502,
2.435662269592285
] |
['Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutations are the most common cause of Parkinson disease (PD). Several dominantly inherited pathogenic substitutions have been identified in different domains of the Lrrk2 protein. Herein, we characterize the clinical and genetic features associated with Lrrk2 p.R1441C.', 'We identified 33 affected and 15 unaffected LRRK2 c.4321C>T (p.R1441C) mutation carriers through an international consortium originating from three continents. The age-specific cumulative incidence of PD was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.', 'The clinical presentation of Lrrk2 p.R1441C carriers was similar to sporadic PD and Lrrk2 p.G2019S parkinsonism. The mean age at onset for parkinsonism was 60 years, range 30-79 years; fewer than 20% of the patients had symptoms before the age 50 years, while by 75 years >90% of them had developed symptoms. Haplotype analysis suggests four independent founders for the p.R1441C mutation.'] Is lrrk2 R1441C parkinsonism clinically similar to sporadic Parkinson disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0842459201812744,
-1.1182453632354736,
2.2333130836486816
] |
['The frequency of synonymous codon usage varies widely between organisms. Suboptimal codon content limits expression of viral, experimental or therapeutic heterologous proteins due to limiting cognate tRNAs. Codon content is therefore often adjusted to match codon bias of the host organism. Codon content also varies between genes within individual mammalian species. However, little attention has been paid to the consequences of codon content upon translation of host proteins.', 'In comparing the splicing repressor activities of transfected human PTB and its two tissue-restricted paralogs-nPTB and ROD1-we found that the three proteins were expressed at widely varying levels. nPTB was expressed at 1-3% the level of PTB despite similar levels of mRNA expression and 74% amino acid identity. The low nPTB expression was due to the high proportion of codons with A or U at the third codon position, which are suboptimal in human mRNAs. Optimization of the nPTB codon content, akin to the "humanization" of foreign ORFs, allowed efficient translation in vivo and in vitro to levels comparable with PTB. We were then able to demonstrate that all three proteins act as splicing repressors.'] Is expression of human nPTB limited by extreme suboptimal codon content? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3935930728912354,
-0.32488223910331726,
1.808018445968628
] |
['The D1 dopamine receptor has been involved in a number of brain functions, including motor control, inattentive symptoms and reward and reinforcement mechanisms. Indeed, DRD1 antagonists may reduce cocaine-seeking behavior and the acquisition of cocaine-cue associations. The D1.1/r4532 marker of the DRD1 gene has been associated with a large set of phenotypes including addictive behaviors, but none with alcohol dependence per se.', 'We analyzed a population of 134 patients with alcohol dependence, also assessing more homogeneous (severe) phenotypes, comparing this sample with a healthy control population, assessing two SNPs within the DRD1 gene in order to depict the role of DRD1 polymorphisms and haplotypes.', 'The T allele of the rs686 polymorphism within DRD1 gene was significantly more frequent in patients with alcohol dependence (p = 0.0008), with a larger excess for patients with severe dependence (p = 6 x 10(-6)), and even more for patients with severe complications such as withdrawal seizures (p = 7 x 10(-7)). A specific haplotype rs686*T-rs4532*G within the DRD1 gene was significantly more precisely associated with alcohol dependence in our sample (p = 5 x 10(-6)).'] Is a haplotype of the DRD1 gene associated with alcohol dependence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.828368067741394,
-1.3565726280212402,
2.2083117961883545
] |
['The relationship between inflammation, destruction and new tissue formation leading to ankylosis, determines the severity and prognosis of patients with SpA. Recent data in mice and men suggest that new cartilage and bone formation and subsequent ankylosis are uncoupled from chronic inflammation. These data challenge the hypothesis that inflammation and tissue damage trigger an excessive repair response in SpA. We tested whether inhibition of bone erosion by targeting osteoclasts, would prevent or influence joint ankylosis in a mouse model.', 'Male DBA/1 mice from different litters were caged together at the age of 8 weeks. Treatment with zoledronic acid (ZA) (100 ng/g) or placebo was started at the age of 10 weeks and administered every 2 weeks. Clinical incidence and severity of arthritis were evaluated twice a week until the age of 26 weeks. At this point, bone density measurements were performed, mice were sacrificed and severity of arthritis was evaluated by histology.', 'Treatment with ZA did not affect incidence or clinical severity of arthritis in male DBA/1 mice. ZA treatment significantly increased bone mineral density and content as demonstrated by dual X-ray densitometry and peripheral quantitative CT. However, the treatment did not affect histomorphological appearance of arthritis or ankylosis.'] Does inhibition of osteoclasts prevent joint ankylosis in a mouse model of spondyloarthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3007256984710693,
-1.328816294670105,
2.6847360134124756
] |
['Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with enhanced aortic calcification. The aim of this study was to determine if the administration of indoxyl sulphate (IS), a uraemic toxin, stimulates the progression of aortic calcification.', 'The rat groups consisted of (i) Dahl salt-resistant normotensive rats (DR) with intake of 0.3% salt, (ii) Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats (DS) with intake of 2.0% salt and (iii) Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive IS-administered rats (DS-IS) with intake of 2.0% salt and 200 mg/kg of IS in water. After 30 weeks, their aortic and kidney tissues were excised for histological and immunohistochemical analyses.', "Severe vascular calcification was observed by von Kossa staining in the arcuate aorta of all the DS-IS rats, but hardly in DS or DR rats. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that osteopontin, core binding factor 1 (Cbfal), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin, IS and organic anion transporter (OAT) 3 were colocalized in the cells embedded in the aortic calcification area of DS-IS rats. Wall thickness was significantly increased in arcuate, thoracic and abdominal aortas of DS-IS rats compared with DS and DR rats. DS-IS rats showed significantly increased extent of glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion, Masson's trichrome-positive tubulointerstitial area and glomerular and tubulointerstitial expression of transforming growth factor-ssl as compared with DS and DR rats."] Does indoxyl sulphate promote aortic calcification with expression of osteoblast-specific proteins in hypertensive rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3722445964813232,
-1.3791853189468384,
2.75325608253479
] |
['We investigated the effects of whey protein (WP), pea protein hydrolysate (PPH), a combination of WP+PPH and control (milk protein (MP) which consists of 80% casein and 20% WP) on appetite ratings, postprandial changes in hunger/satiety hormones and energy intake (EI).', 'A randomized, crossover design which consisted of 2 parts (experiment 1 and 2). The peptides to be tested were provided as part of a shake (1024 kJ; en% P/F/C: 25/33/42) which contained either 15 g WP, 15 g PPH, a combination of 7.5 g WP and 7.5 g PPH (WP+PPH) or 15 g MP.', '39 subjects (BMI: 27.6+/-1.7 kg m(-2); age: 42.3+/-13.8 years).', 'In experiment 1 (duration 4 h), appetite profile was measured and blood samples were taken for analysis of hunger/satiety hormones and glucose. In experiment 2 (duration 7 h), appetite profile and EI (180 min after consumption of the shake) were measured.', 'Some indications of lower hunger (experiment 1), desire to eat (experiment 2) and thirst (experiment 1 and 2) were shown after consumption of PPH compared to MP or WP+PPH (P<0.05). A longer intermeal interval and a higher satiety index were suggested after consumption of PPH. Both PPH and WP lead to greater satiety (experiment 2) and fullness (experiment 2) compared to MP and WP+PPH (P<0.05). For WP, a positive correlation between insulin and both cholecystokinine (CCK) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was observed (P<0.05). However, both CCK and GLP-1 were increased by MP (P<0.05), peptide YY (PYY) was stimulated by WP+PPH, while the decline in ghrelin was larger (P<0.05). No effect on EI was seen.'] Do different proteins and biopeptides differently affect satiety and anorexigenic/orexigenic hormones in healthy humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4771329164505005,
-1.4913196563720703,
1.980940580368042
] |
['The clinical use of arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)), a potent antineoplastic agent, is limited by its severe cardiotoxic effects. QT interval prolongation and apoptosis have been implicated in the cardiotoxicity of As(2)O(3). The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol on As(2)O(3)-induced apoptosis and cardiac injury.', 'In a mouse model of As(2)O(3)-induced cardiomyopathy in vivo, QT intervals and plasma enzyme activities were measured; cardiac tissues were examined histologically and apoptosis assessed. In H9c2 cardiomyocyte cells, viability, apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular calcium levels were measured.', 'In the mouse model, resveratrol reduced As(2)O(3)-induced QT interval prolongation and cardiomyocyte injury (apoptosis, myofibrillar loss and vacuolization). In addition, increased lactate dehydrogenase activity and decreased activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were observed in the plasma of As(2)O(3)-treated mice; these changes were prevented by pretreatment with resveratrol. In As(2)O(3)-treated H9c2 cardiomyocytes, resveratrol significantly increased cardiomyocyte viability and attenuated cell apoptosis as measured by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assay and caspase-3 activity. As(2)O(3)-induced generation of ROS and intracellular calcium mobilization in H9c2 cells was also suppressed by pretreatment with resveratrol.'] Does resveratrol protect against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in vitro and in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.442042112350464,
-1.3360289335250854,
2.838538646697998
] |
['Toxic shock syndrome has been shown previously to be associated with hyperamylasaemia. However, serum amylase levels do not usually exceed three times upper limit of normal in these cases.', 'We report a case of a young girl of 17 years who presented with upper abdominal pain, severe shock and raised serum amylase level of 3,898 U/L, giving an impression of severe acute pancreatitis. It was only after finding a tampon in her vagina, and subsequently growing Staphylococcus aureus in her blood cultures, did the diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome become apparent. She recovered fully with supportive treatment and appropriate antibiotics.'] Is biochemical investigation no substitute for clinical examination? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6628854274749756,
-0.9860065579414368,
2.7850828170776367
] |
['It has been hypothesized that people with subjective hypersensitivity to chemicals may indeed suffer from neuronal damage due to widely distributed environmental toxins and that such deficits of diagnostic importance can be demonstrated with the help of functional neuroimaging even in single cases. In this study, a small group of well-characterized patients with idiopathic environmental intolerance were examined in order to identify such changes.', 'Twelve patients with idiopathic environmental intolerance were investigated neuropsychologically and underwent cerebral F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). The imaging results were compared with findings from 17 healthy controls.', 'Six patients showed deficits in verbal learning and memory, three of them also had a reduced information processing speed. In the individual analyses, 11 patients showed normal cerebral glucose metabolism. In the group analysis of the patients, no areas with significantly reduced glucose metabolism could be found.'] Does neuropsychological and positron emission tomography correlate in idiopathic environmental intolerances? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4044649600982666,
-0.9029194712638855,
2.3697361946105957
] |
['Previous studies showed that adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD; 20 mg, twice daily) provides significant clinical benefits to scaling and root planing (SRP). A modified-release SDD formulation containing 40 mg doxycycline (SDD-40) to be taken once daily has been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of SDD-40 when used as an adjunct to SRP for the treatment of periodontitis.', 'A 9-month, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study was conducted to test the efficacy of adjunctive SDD-40 in 266 subjects with periodontitis. Subjects were treated by SRP and randomized to receive SDD-40 or placebo for 9 months with evaluations at 3, 6, and 9 months.', 'Adjunctive SDD-40 provided significantly greater clinical benefits than placebo at all time points. At month 9, at sites with baseline probing depths (PD) > or =6 mm, 72% to 76% of sites in the SDD-40 group demonstrated clinically significant PD reductions and clinical attachment level (CAL) gains > or =2 mm compared to 56% to 58% of sites in the placebo group (P <0.0001); 48% to 52% of sites in the SDD-40 group demonstrated PD reductions and CAL gains > or =3 mm compared to 32% of sites in the placebo group (P <0.0001). In moderate sites (baseline PD 4 to 6 mm), adjunctive SDD-40 provided significant clinical benefits compared to placebo for mean CAL (all time points: P <0.05), PD (3 months: P = 0.002; 6 and 9 months: P = 0.001), and bleeding on probing (BOP) (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.02; 9 months: P <0.05). In deep sites (baseline PD > or =7 mm), SDD-40 provided significant benefits over control for mean CAL (3 months: P <0.05; 6 and 9 months: P <0.01), PD (all time points: P <0.001), and BOP (3 months: P <0.05; 6 months: not statistically significant; 9 months: P <0.05). Compliance with study medication was high (>92%) with no significant differences in adverse events between groups and no evidence of microbiologically significant changes or development of antibiotic resistance in the subgingival flora in either group.'] Does modified-release subantimicrobial dose doxycycline enhance scaling and root planing in subjects with periodontal disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4451347589492798,
-1.6889787912368774,
2.141578197479248
] |
['The purposes of this study are to evaluate the outcome of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a subgroup of patients with Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome who had a predicted mortality of 100% and to assess the complications associated with this treatment modality and with different cannulation techniques.', 'Thirty-eight patients with severe Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between April 1994 and June 2006. Cannulation of the femoral vessels was performed on an emergency basis by a percutaneous approach in 15 (39.5%) and by an open technique in 23 (60.5%) patients. Duration of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation averaged 132 hours (range: 5-276 hours).', 'Complications from percutaneous cannulation occurred in 4 (26.6%) of 15 patients: retroperitoneal hematoma in 2 (13.3%) and lower extremity ischemia in 2 (13.3%) patients, which resolved after insertion of a distal perfusion cannula. Complications from open femoral cannulation occurred in 8 (34.8%) of 23 patients: severe bleeding in 7 (30.4%) patients and lower extremity ischemia in 1 (4.3%) patient who required a leg amputation. The overall survival was 60.5% (23/38 patients). Six (40%) of the 15 patients cannulated percutaneously and 9 (39.1%) of 23 patients who had open cannulation died. All survivors recovered completely and were discharged from the hospital after a mean hospital stay of 20.8 days (range: 10-39 days).'] Does extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support improve survival of patients with severe Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.598751425743103,
-1.4088108539581299,
1.9136687517166138
] |
['In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, cell growth takes place exclusively at both ends of the cylindrical cell. During this highly polarized growth, microtubules are responsible for the placement of the cell-end marker proteins, the Tea1-Tea4/Wsh3 complex, which recruits the Pom1 DYRK-family protein kinase. Pom1 is required for proper positioning of growth sites, and the Deltapom1 mutation brings about monopolar cell growth.', 'Pom1 kinase physically interacts with Rga4, which has a GAP (GTPase-activating protein) domain for Rho-family GTPase. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicates that Rga4 functions as GAP for the Cdc42 GTPase, an evolutionarily conserved regulator of F-actin. CRIB (Cdc42/Rac interactive binding)-GFP microscopy has revealed that GTP-bound, active Cdc42 is concentrated to growing cell ends accompanied by developed F-actin structures, where the Rga4 GAP is excluded. The monopolar Deltapom1 mutant fails to eliminate Rga4 from the nongrowing cell end, resulting in monopolar distribution of GTP-Cdc42 to the growing cell end. However, mutational inactivation of Rga4 allows Cdc42 to be active at both ends of Deltapom1 cells, suggesting that mislocalization of Rga4 in the Deltapom1 mutant contributes to its monopolar phenotype.'] Does pom1 DYRK regulate localization of the Rga4 GAP to ensure bipolar activation of Cdc42 in fission yeast? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3114864826202393,
-0.9853659868240356,
2.321335792541504
] |
['Safer care is a strategic priority for health care organizations worldwide. Yet, the measurement and evaluation of key processes and outcomes associated with safer care remains challenging, even with existing performance measurement indicators. The multi-national Quality Indicator Project (QI Project) data are analysed to [1] document the patterns of safety indicators used between 1999 and 2006 among hospitals in Asia, Europe and the USA; and [2] to identify trends in using both organization-level and patient-level data in hospital performance improvement.', "Retrospective data are used to ascertain how the use of safety indicators has changed in comparison to other QI Project indicators. 'Continent' rather than 'hospital' is used as the unit of analysis and P-values of the differences in use percentages across Asia, Europe and the USA are calculated.", "There was a significant increase in the use of QI Project indicators in Asia between 1999 and 2006. Measured as the mean percentage of usage, the safety versus 'all other' indicators' increase in Asia was 43.7% versus 27% (P < 0.05) and 37.2% versus 24.4% (P < 0.05), respectively, during the study's time period. The European participants used both safety and all other indicators less frequently, 14.7% versus 18% (P < 0.05) and 9.5% versus 19.8% (P < 0.05), respectively. Finally, USA hospitals demonstrated a larger difference in the decrease of QI Project indicator use than European hospitals between the 'safety' and 'all other' indicators, 12.7% decrease for safety indicators and 7.1% for all others (P < 0.05). These findings are consistent with trends reported in a previous study."] Is safety part of quality : a proposal for a continuum in performance measurement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.7541191577911377,
0.06367997080087662,
-0.05505402013659477
] |
['Correction of hallux valgus deformity with distal chevron osteotomy is limited by the amount of lateral translation achieved. Since 1999, the senior author has performed a modified technique referred to as increased displacement distal chevron osteotomy in which the distal fragment is translated laterally as far as necessary to obtain correction. This technique can be applied to a deformity with an intermetatarsal angle of up to 18 degrees. The surgical technique and results of this modified procedure are reported.', "The senior author's (JLB) database was searched for correction of hallux valgus deformity by distal chevron osteotomy performed over a 2-year period. Patients having undergone lateral displacement greater than 50% of the width of the head were studied. At a minimum of two years after surgery, patients were invited to participate in a telephone interview and a final followup office visit.", 'Sixty-two patients underwent 72 procedures during the investigation period. Thirty-three patients having undergone 39 procedures completed comprehensive followup at an average of 34 (range, 24 to 47) months. No patients were dissatisfied and all patients would have surgery again under similar circumstances. AOFAS score averaged 93 with a standard deviation of 8.7 (range, 65 to 100). Radiographic union occurred in all 39 feet. Lateral translation averaged 8.2 mm (60%). No cases of radiographic avascular necrosis or advancement of degenerative joint disease were noted. Correction of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) averaged 22.2 degrees, intermetatarsal angle (IMA) 7.9 degrees, and sesamoid position 1.6 stages. Nine complications were identified in nine feet, two of which required additional surgery.'] Does increased displacement maximize the utility of the distal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity correction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6152914762496948,
-1.5950164794921875,
2.2299370765686035
] |
['Prolonged denervation of skeletal muscles results in atrophy and poor recovery of motor function following delayed reinnervation. Electrical stimulation reduces denervation atrophy. We hypothesized that electrical stimulation of denervated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles during a prolonged period between nerve axotomy and opportunity for reinnervation by motoneurons after nerve-repair would enhance the recovery of muscle mass, force and motor-function.', 'The EDL muscles of rats were denervated for 3.5 months by peroneal nerve axotomy, then repaired with an end-to-end neurorrhaphy, and allowed to recover for 6.5 months. During the period of denervation, some of the rats received a protocol of electrical stimulation that had previously been shown to dramatically attenuate the effects of denervation atrophy through 4 months. Other experimental groups included unoperated control muscles, denervated muscles, and axotomy followed immediately by nerve-repair. Final evaluations included walking track analysis, maximum force measured in situ by indirect stimulation of the nerve, and muscle mass.', 'The hypothesis was not supported. Electrical stimulation during the period of denervation did not enhance recovery of muscle mass, force or motor function.'] Does electrical stimulation prior to delayed reinnervation enhance recovery in muscles of rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6735992431640625,
-0.6090837121009827,
2.332937240600586
] |
['The heavy-chain V4-34 germline gene segment is mandatory for pathologic cold-reacting autoantibodies with anti-I/i specificity (cold agglutinins) and is also preferentially used by monoclonal immunoglobulin M alloantibodies against D and other Rh antigens. The use of the V4-34 segment by monoclonal anti-D has previously been shown to also confer anti-I/i reactivity (cold agglutinin activity), which has implications for the use of such antibodies for Rh blood typing. V4-34 framework 1 (FR1) sequence is believed to be critical for cold agglutinin activity of cold agglutinins.', 'The aim of this investigation was to use site-directed mutagenesis of a recombinant V4-34-encoded anti-D to determine the contribution of V4-34 FR1 sequence to anti-D activity and whether mutational modifications in the FR1 region could separately alter anti-D and anti-i activities.', 'The results show that amino acid changes in V4-34 FR1 at W7, A23, and Y25 have a profound effect on anti-D activity as well as on anti-i activity. It was not possible to substantially reduce or remove anti-i activity without reducing anti-D activity to a comparable extent.'] Are anti-D and anti-i activities inseparable in V4-34-encoded monoclonal anti-D : the same framework 1 residues are required for both reactivities? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3369948863983154,
-1.3007142543792725,
2.7210843563079834
] |
['There are few data available regarding regulation of prostaglandin (PG) generation by equine gastric mucosae and the role of the cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in their production.', 'To: 1) characterise and quantify PGE2 output in vitro; 2) examine the sensitivity of PGE2 production to exogenous bradykinin (BK) exposure; 3) determine the contribution of the COX-1 and COX-2 pathways to basal and BK-stimulated PGE2 production; and 4) measure if BK influences electrogenic ion transport in equine gastric mucosae in vitro.', 'Full thickness gastric sheets were obtained from horses at post mortem, stripped of muscle layers and mounted in Ussing chambers. Tissues were exposed to bradykinin (BK, 0.1 micromol/l) either alone, or following pretreatment with a selective COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398, 1 micromol/l) or a nonselective COX inhibitor (piroxicam, 1 micromol/l), or were untreated.', 'BK administration increased PGE2 output from the basolateral but not the apical faces of both tissue types. Piroxicam, but not NS-398, reduced basolateral PGE2 release below control levels in both tissue types. Both piroxicam and NS-398 pretreatment inhibited BK-stimulated PGE2 release. In separate experiments, BK was without effect upon electrophysiological parameters of tissues mounted in Ussing chambers.'] Does bradykinin stimulate prostaglandin E2 production and cyclooxygenase activity in equine nonglandular and glandular gastric mucosa in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.471597909927368,
-1.3117575645446777,
2.836777925491333
] |
['Polyene antifungal drugs, including amphotericin B or nystatin, target ergosterol in the fungal plasma membrane and are used to treat systemic, vaginal and oral fungal infections. In the oral cavity, the available nitrogen sources are primarily in the form of proteins, which are poor nitrogen sources. This study evaluates the effect of protein as a nitrogen source on drug susceptibilities.', 'Candida albicans was grown in protein [bovine serum albumin (BSA) or casein (CSN)] as a sole nitrogen source, in ammonium sulphate (AS) as a nitrogen source, or in both protein and AS.', 'Cells grown in BSA or CSN were 4- to 16-fold less susceptible to amphotericin B and nystatin than those grown in AS. Similar results were observed for cycloheximide, but not for fluconazole or caspofungin, and were observed for many C. albicans clinical isolates. The results were observed in two different media, and in broth and on agar. Cells grown under these nitrogen-poor conditions have a reduction in ergosterol sterol levels and a reduction in overall sterol synthesis. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis shows that some genes involved in sterol biosynthesis are induced under nitrogen-limiting conditions, consistent with the lower sterol levels.'] Is polyene susceptibility dependent on nitrogen source in the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.569566011428833,
-1.0979764461517334,
2.8046226501464844
] |
['In adult men, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are higher in semen than in serum, but the significance and control of its seminal secretion are still unknown. This study evaluated seminal and serum AMH levels during long-term gonadotropin therapy in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH).', 'A total of 20 men with never treated prepubertal-onset HH received i.m. hCG to normalize testosterone (T) and induce puberty. Afterwards, 11 of them, requiring fertility, were treated with HCG plus recombinant FSH (rFSH) (75 IU) twice a week, whereas 9 continued to receive hCG alone for 12 months. Before and during therapy, serum AMH, inhibin B and T levels were assessed. Semen samples were also collected during therapy for sperm count and seminal AMH assay.', 'HCG alone decreased basal high serum AMH and stimulated T and inhibin B levels. rFSH plus hCG increased seminal AMH levels, which were consequently significantly higher than with hCG alone, and positively correlated to sperm densities and testicular volumes at 3 and 12 months (P < 0.001).'] Is seminal anti-Müllerian hormone level a marker of spermatogenic response during long-term gonadotropin therapy in male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.198463201522827,
-1.2838549613952637,
2.5224075317382812
] |
['Despite the fact that uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, their etiology is poorly understood. We have previously shown that multiple members of the retinoic acid (RA) pathway have altered expression in fibroids compared with normal myometrium. The aims of the present study were: to investigate regulation of genes involved in the RA pathway in vitro; and to identify genes that can be used as markers to distinguish myometrial and fibroid smooth muscle cells in culture.', 'We demonstrate here for the first time that differential expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) between fibroids and myometrium is maintained in cell culture (without endothelial cells), and that this gene is differentially regulated by retinoids in myometrial compared with fibroid cells. RA and retinol also regulate expression of ADH1, cellular retinol binding protein 1 and cellular RA binding protein 2 in fibroid and myometrial cells. We show that many of the RA pathway genes tested maintain expression levels and differences in vitro. We also identify nine genes that are differentially expressed between myometrium and fibroids and maintain these differences and expression levels in cultured cells isolated from the same tissues. These genes can be used as markers to distinguish myometrial and fibroid cells in culture.'] Do retinoids regulate genes involved in retinoic acid synthesis and transport in human myometrial and fibroid smooth muscle cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.8067944049835205,
-0.33821985125541687,
2.1715564727783203
] |
['To investigate the hepatitis B virus (HBV)x gene (HBx) state in the tissues of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese patients and whether there were particular HBx mutations.', 'HBx gene was amplified and direct sequencing was used in genomic DNA samples from 20 HCC and corresponding non-cancerous liver tissues from HBsAg-positive patients. HBV DNA integration and HBx deleted mutation were validated in 45 HCC patients at different stages by Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction methods.', 'The frequencies of HBx point mutations were significantly lower in HCC than their corresponding non-cancerous liver tissues (11/19 vs 18/19, P=0.019). In contrast, deletions in HBx gene were significantly higher in HCC than their non-cancerous liver tissues (16/19 vs 4/19, P<0.001). The deletion of HBx COOH-terminal was detected in 14 HCC tissues. A specific integration of HBx at 17p13 locus was also found in 8 of 16 HCC, and all of them also exhibited full-length HBx deletions. Integrated or integrated coexistence with replicated pattern was obtained in 45.5% (20/45)-56.8% (25/45) tumors and 40.9% (18/45)-52.3% (23/45) non-tumor tissues.'] Is cOOH-terminal deletion of HBx gene a frequent event in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9420900344848633,
-1.441490888595581,
2.434760332107544
] |
['Adherence to antiepileptic drug therapy plays an important role in the effectiveness of pharmacologic treatment of epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to use an objective measure of adherence to (1) document patterns of adherence for the first month of therapy for children with new-onset epilepsy, (2) examine differences in adherence by demographic and epilepsy variables, and (3) determine whether treatment adherence improves for a short time before a clinic visit (eg, "white-coat compliance").', 'Participants included 35 children with new-onset epilepsy (mean age: 7.2 years; 34% female; 66% white) and their caregivers. Children had a diagnosis of partial (60%), generalized (29%), or unclassified (11%) epilepsy. Adherence to treatment was electronically monitored with Medication Event Monitoring System TrackCap, starting with the first antiepileptic drug dose. Adherence was calculated across a 1-month period and for the 1, 3, and 5 days before and 3 days after the clinic appointment.', "Adherence for the first month of treatment in children with new-onset epilepsy was 79.4%. One-month adherence was higher in children of married parents and those with higher socioeconomic status but did not correlate with child's gender, age, epilepsy type, prescribed medication, seizure frequency, or length of time since seizure onset. Adherence across the entire 1-month period was not different from adherence for the 1, 3, or 5 days before or 3 days after the clinic visit."] Does one-month adherence in children with new-onset epilepsy : white-coat compliance occur? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3594502210617065,
-1.0095493793487549,
1.4577230215072632
] |
['Nitric oxide (NO), produced by the polymorphic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), plays an important role in endothelial function. The aim was to determine the effect of NOS3 polymorphisms on hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in renal allograft recipients.', 'Three polymorphisms of NOS3 were examined in 168 renal allograft recipients. A 27 base pair repeat sequence in intron 4 (NOS3 a/b), a single G-->T substitution in exon 7 at nucleotide 894 and a T-786C substitution in the promoter region were studied.', 'Significant differences in the frequencies of the 894T and -786C alleles between allograft recipients and controls (n = 141) were demonstrated (894T: 40.5% vs 30.1%, P < 0.01; -786C: 45.2% vs 34.4%, P < 0.01). There was a significant excess of both the 894T and -786C alleles in hypertensive allograft recipients compared with normotensive allograft recipients and controls (894T: 41.7%, 35.7% and 30.1%, respectively, P < 0.025; -786C: 47.4%, 37.1% and 34.4%, respectively, P < 0.01), and in allograft recipients with CVD compared with those without CVD and controls (894T: 47.2%, 38.6% and 30.1%, respectively, P < 0.025; -786C: 54.2%, 42.8% and 34.4%, respectively, P < 0.01).'] Are endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease in renal transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6895629167556763,
-1.5882456302642822,
2.211885452270508
] |
['Aim of this study was to investigate the number of circulating progenitor cells, systemic inflammatory mediators, and myocardial necrosis in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation by radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Radiofrequency ablation generates a localized myocardial necrosis that might result in a release of inflammatory mediators enhancing progenitor cell mobilization and improving tissue repair.', 'Blood samples were collected in patients with paroxysmal AF before and after PV isolation. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12, and stromal derived factor (SDF)-1 were measured by immunoassay. CD34+CD133+, CD117+, and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were analysed by flow cytometry and culture assay. After ablation procedure, a rise in creatine kinase and troponin T levels indicated myocardial necrosis. Leukocyte counts and C-reactive protein and IL-6 levels increased significantly. Myocardial necrosis and inflammatory response correlated with an increase in IL-6 (P = 0.007). In contrast, SDF-1 levels decreased after RF ablation (P = 0.004). Yet, no significant changes were observed in IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-8, IL 10, and IL-12 plasma levels or in the number of circulating CD34+CD133+ and CD117+ progenitor cells, whereas EPCs decreased by trend.'] Do systemic inflammatory changes after pulmonary vein radiofrequency ablation alter stem cell mobilization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3210833072662354,
-1.3933218717575073,
2.737562417984009
] |
['Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent neurological complication in diabetic patients. The diagnosis is established by both clinical neurological examination and demonstration of reduced epidermal nerve fibers in skin biopsies (1). Whereas the decrease of free nerve endings has been extensively studied in diabetic patients (2,3), no data are available on possible changes of terminal Schwann cells. Besides their role as scaffold for peripheral nerves, they also play an important role in supporting survival and function of peripheral nerves (4).', 'We analyzed the subepidermal nerve plexus in dermal sheet preparations of deceased diabetic and nondiabetic patients by immunostaining for detection of the neural cell adhesion molecule and quantification of the subepidermal nerve plexus.'] Is rarefaction of the peripheral nerve network in diabetic patients associated with a pronounced reduction of terminal Schwann cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6930460929870605,
-0.9000279307365417,
2.7693405151367188
] |
['Inflammation may have a major role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of critical illness. Hyperglycemia increases levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality. Because hypoglycemia is also associated with adverse outcomes, we tested the hypothesis that hypoglycemia increases IL-6.', 'Seventeen healthy men and women participated in hypoglycemic and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies (target blood glucose levels 2.7 and 5.0 mmol/l, respectively), separated by 1-3 months. IL-6, ACTH, and cortisol were measured at baseline and at 45, 75, 105, and 135 min after initiation of the insulin infusion.', 'IL-6, ACTH, and cortisol levels increased significantly (P < 0.0001) during hypoglycemia but not euglycemia. IL-6 increased from mean +/- SEM 1.0 +/- 0.2 pg/ml at baseline to 2.6 +/- 0.2 pg/ml after 135 min of hypoglycemia, whereas IL-6 levels were unchanged during euglycemia.'] Does hypoglycemia increase serum interleukin-6 levels in healthy men and women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3695969581604004,
-1.3572609424591064,
1.7270011901855469
] |
['Ambient particulate matter and nanoparticles have been shown to translocate to the brain, and potentially influence the central nervous system. No data are available whether this may lead to functional changes in the brain.', 'We exposed 10 human volunteers to dilute diesel exhaust (DE, 300 mug/m3) as a model for ambient PM exposure and filtered air for one hour using a double blind randomized crossover design. Brain activity was monitored during and for one hour following each exposure using quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) at 8 different sites on the scalp. The frequency spectrum of the EEG signals was used to calculate the median power frequency (MPF) and specific frequency bands of the QEEG.', 'Our data demonstrate a significant increase in MPF in response to DE in the frontal cortex within 30 min into exposure. The increase in MPF is primarily caused by an increase in fast wave activity (beta2) and continues to rise during the 1 hour post-exposure interval.'] Does exposure to diesel exhaust induce changes in EEG in human volunteers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.292534112930298,
-0.8097133636474609,
2.1568713188171387
] |
['To identify the most important epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligand in the LH or hCG signal pathway in human ovary.', 'A retrospective clinical study.', 'Tertiary university hospital.', 'Ninety-eight infertile patients who underwent IVF-embryo transfer.', 'Sera and follicular fluid were collected at the time of oocyte retrieval. The levels of EGF, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha), and amphiregulin (AR) were measured in follicular fluid and sera by using ELISA.', 'The relationships between the level of AR and level of hCG, fertilization rate, and embryo quality.', 'Amphiregulin was abundantly expressed in follicular fluid after hCG stimulation. Although large differences were found between AR and both EGF and TGFalpha in follicular fluid, no significant difference was detected in the levels of the three EGF receptor ligands in sera. The level of AR was inversely correlated with the fertilization rate and hCG level, whereas little significant association was observed between the level of AR and embryo quality.'] Is amphiregulin much more abundantly expressed than transforming growth factor-alpha and epidermal growth factor in human follicular fluid obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.272479295730591,
-1.1907949447631836,
2.5225489139556885
] |
['The evidence for a neuroprotective effect of estrogen in women remains controversial.', 'We studied the long-term risk of parkinsonism and of cognitive impairment or dementia in women who underwent oophorectomy before menopause.', 'We conducted a historical cohort study among all women residing in Olmsted County, Minn., USA, who underwent unilateral or bilateral oophorectomy before the onset of menopause for a noncancer indication from 1950 through 1987. Each member of the oophorectomy cohort was matched by age to a referent woman from the same population who had not undergone oophorectomy. In total, we studied 1,252 women with unilateral oophorectomy, 1,075 women with bilateral oophorectomy, and 2,368 referent women. Women were followed for a median of 25-30 years. Parkinsonism was assessed using screening and examination, through a medical records-linkage system, and through death certificates. Cognitive status was assessed using a structured questionnaire via a direct or proxy telephone interview.', 'The risk of parkinsonism and of cognitive impairment or dementia increased following oophorectomy. In particular, we observed significant linear trends of increasing risk for either outcome with younger age at oophorectomy.'] Are the long-term effects of oophorectomy on cognitive and motor aging age dependent? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.542124032974243,
-0.7790816426277161,
2.389690399169922
] |
['To evaluate the hypothesis that increased neuropsychiatric distress and cognitive impairment are associated with lower perceived health status in essential tremor (ET).', 'Many patients with ET experience nonmotor complications, including lower perceived health status and poor health-related quality of life, which are associated with tremor severity, age, and personality factors. No studies, however, have examined the potential contribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits to health status in ET.', 'Forty-five patients with ET underwent comprehensive neurologic and neuropsychologic evaluations, including self-report measures of physical and psychosocial health status (ie, the Sickness Impact Profile) and neuropsychiatric distress (ie, the Profile of Mood States).', 'A series of hierarchical multiple regressions showed that after considering the effects of ET disease severity, lower vigor, and deficits in executive functions were independently predictive of poorer physical health status, whereas increased symptoms of depression were uniquely associated with lower psychosocial health status.'] Do executive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms predict lower health status in essential tremor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5314881801605225,
0.12233147025108337,
1.5758891105651855
] |
['Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has recently gained popularity for use against intramucosal gastric neoplasms in Japan, but few studies have examined whether ESD is feasible for elderly patients. This study aims are to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ESD according to age in consecutive elderly patients treated with ESD.', 'Subjects comprised 116 patients (90 men, 26 women) with 125 lesions treated using ESD from November 2002 to March 2006 at Nagoya City University Hospital and Iwata Municipal Hospital, Japan. Patients were categorized into: Group A, <65-years-old (n=34); Group B, > or =65-years-old but <75-years-old (n=41); and Group C, > or = 75-years-old (n=41). En bloc resection rate and treatment time were examined according to age, tumour size and location, and frequency of complications was examined according to age.', 'Rate of concomitant disease was significantly higher in Group C than in the other groups. En bloc resection rates and median treatment times were 91.4% and 80 min in Group A, 91.1% and 97 min in Group B and 86.7% and 110 min in Group C, respectively. No significant differences were noted between groups, or for en bloc resection rate and treatment time according to tumour size and location, or between groups for frequency of complications.'] Is endoscopic submucosal dissection useful and safe for intramucosal gastric neoplasms in the elderly? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8841575384140015,
-1.0745131969451904,
1.9431873559951782
] |
['Progesterone, estrogen and the hormonal complex of pregnancy have been responsible for some degree of colon hypomotility in human pregnancy.', 'To find out if estrogen, progesterone and the hormonal complex of pregnancy decrease colon myoelectric activity.', 'The study was performed in 37 healthy female rats in which electrodes were implanted on the serosa of the proximal ascendent, distal ascendent, transverse, and descendent colon. We analyzed the records of colon myoelectric activity in vivo in five groups: control, ovariectomized, ovariectomized and treated with estrogen, ovariectomized and treated with progesterone, and pregnant rats.', 'We found a great variation in myoelectric activity in all groups studied. The mean of electric activity did not show statistical difference among the five groups, but pregnant rats had a statistically significant higher duration of maximum electric activity in all distances from the cecocolon junction.'] Do progesterone , estrogen and pregnancy decrease colon myoelectric activity in rats : an in vivo study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6068990230560303,
-0.4992544949054718,
2.141664505004883
] |
['Glutamate dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are G-protein-coupled receptors. GRM7, the gene that encodes mGluR7, is expressed in many regions of the human central nervous system. The GRM7 gene is located on human chromosome 3p26, which has been suggested by linkage analysis to contain a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia.', 'We screened for mutations in all exons, exon/intron junctions, and promoter regions of the GRM7 gene in Japanese patients with schizophrenia and evaluated associations between the detected polymorphisms and schizophrenia. We examined the influence of one polymorphism associated with schizophrenia on the expression of GRM7 by dual-luciferase assay in transfected cells.', 'Twenty-five polymorphisms/mutations were detected in GRM7. Case-control analysis revealed a potential association of a synonymous polymorphism (371T/C, rs3749380) in exon 1 with schizophrenia in our case-control study of 2293 Japanese patients with schizophrenia and 2382 Japanese control subjects (allelic p=0.009). Dual-luciferase assay revealed suppression of transcription activity by exon 1 containing this polymorphism and a statistically significant difference in the promoter activity between the T and C alleles.'] Is a polymorphism of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR7 ( GRM7 ) gene associated with schizophrenia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3263752460479736,
-1.216874122619629,
2.5699009895324707
] |
['To measure the color changes of indirect resin composites during curing cycle and to determine the influence of shade group on these changes.', 'One brand (belleGlass NG), divided into three shade groups (EN, OD and TL), was investigated. Resin composite was packed into a mold (BC) and was cured with a light-curing unit (C1). Secondary curing was performed in the proprietary curing chamber (C2). Color was measured at BC, C1 and C2 conditions. Changes in color and color coordinates were calculated and repeated measures three-way ANOVA was performed. Each pair of compared-condition in the curing cycle was set as a repeated variable.', 'Net curing color change (C2-BC) was in the range of 1.0-10.1DeltaEab* units. Based on ANOVA for the color changes, DeltaEab* was influenced by the compared-condition, the shade group and the shade designation (p<0.01). Changes in color coordinates varied by the shade group.'] Does changes in color and color coordinate of an indirect resin composite during curing cycle? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9878459572792053,
-0.3616362512111664,
0.5524524450302124
] |
['It is now considered that the major component of mucus, MUC5AC, is mainly produced by goblet cells but not submucosal glands, and the role of the submucosal glands in the production of MUC5AC is unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify whether human submucosal glands produce MUC5AC.', 'Immunohistochemical analysis with MUC5AC antibody of lower airways resected from six lung cancer patients and three patients with acute myocardial infarction was performed.', 'The submucosal glands contained both MUC5AC-positive cells and non-positive cells.'] Do submucosal gland cells in human lower airways produce MUC5AC protein? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.58843994140625,
-0.8318737149238586,
2.566030502319336
] |
['Previous studies have shown that LR-90, a new inhibitor of AGE formation, prevented the development of experimental type 1 diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we examined the effects of LR-90 in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat, a model of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and investigated the mechanisms by which it may protect against renal injury.', 'Male ZDF rats were treated without or with LR-90 from age 13 to 40 weeks. Metabolic and kidney functions and renal histology were evaluated. AGE accumulation and the production of the receptor for AGE (AGER) were measured. Profibrotic growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins and intracellular signalling pathways associated with glomerular and tubular damage were also analysed.', 'LR-90 dramatically reduced plasma lipids in ZDF rats, with only modest effects on hyperglycaemia. Renal AGE, AGER and lipid peroxidation were all attenuated by LR-90. LR-90 significantly retarded the increase in albuminuria and proteinuria. This was associated with reduction in glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, concomitant with marked inhibition of renal overproduction of TGF-beta1, connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin and collagen IV. Additionally, LR-90 downregulated the activation of key mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) in the renal cortex.'] Does lR-90 prevent dyslipidaemia and diabetic nephropathy in the Zucker diabetic fatty rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4346492290496826,
-1.2714200019836426,
2.7149925231933594
] |
['Our aim was to examine the association between change in physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE), total body movement (counts per day) and aerobic fitness (maximum oxygen consumption [VO2max] over 1 year and metabolic risk among individuals with a family history of diabetes.', 'Three hundred and sixty-five offspring of people with type 2 diabetes underwent measurement of energy expenditure (PAEE measured using the flex heart rate method), total body movement (daily activity counts from accelerometry data), [VO2max] predicted from a submaximal graded treadmill exercise test and anthropometric and metabolic status at baseline and 1 year (n = 321) in the ProActive trial. Clustered metabolic risk was calculated by summing standardised values for waist circumference, fasting triacylglycerol, insulin and glucose, blood pressure and the inverse of HDL-cholesterol. Linear regression was used to quantify the association between changes in PAEE, total body movement and fitness and clustered metabolic risk at follow-up.', 'Participants increased their activity by 0.01 units PAEE kJ kg(-1) day(-1) over 1 year. Total body movement increased by an average of 9,848 counts per day. Change in total body movement (beta = -0.066, p = 0.004) and fitness (beta = -0.056, p = 0.003) was associated with clustered metabolic risk at follow-up, independently of age, sex, smoking status, socioeconomic status and baseline metabolic score.'] Is increasing overall physical activity and aerobic fitness associated with improvements in metabolic risk : cohort analysis of the ProActive trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7066655158996582,
-1.197709560394287,
2.0410780906677246
] |
['To evaluate the effects the administration of myo-inositol (MYO) on hormonal parameters in a group of PCOS patients.', 'Controlled clinical study.', 'PCOS patients in a clinical research environment.', '20 overweight PCOS patients were enrolled after informed consent.', 'All patients underwent hormonal evaluations and an oral glucose tollerance test (OGTT) before and after 12 weeks of therapy (Group A (n = 10): myo-inositol 2 gr. plus folic acid 200 mug every day; Group B (n = 10): folic acid 200 mug every day). Ultrasound examinations and Ferriman-Gallwey score were also performed.', 'Plasma LH, FSH, PRL, E2, 17OHP, A, T, glucose, insulin, C peptide concentrations, BMI, HOMA index and glucose-to-insulin ratio.', 'After 12 weeks of MYO administration plasma LH, PRL, T, insulin levels and LH/FSH resulted significantly reduced. Insulin sensitivity, expressed as glucose-to-insulin ratio and HOMA index resulted significantly improved after 12 weeks of treatment. Menstrual cyclicity was restored in all amenorrheic and oligomenorrheic subjects. No changes occurred in the patients treated with folic acid.'] Does myo-inositol administration positively affect hyperinsulinemia and hormonal parameters in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.423738718032837,
-1.3222873210906982,
2.794919490814209
] |
['The study was conducted to determine whether the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 inhibitor ORG 9935 prevents the resumption of meiosis in primate oocytes during natural menstrual cycles.', 'Regularly cycling adult female macaques (n=8) were followed during the follicular phase and then started on a 2-day treatment regimen of human recombinant gonadotropins to control the timing of ovulation. Monkeys received no further treatment (controls) or ORG 9935. Oocytes were recovered by laparoscopic follicle aspiration 27 h after an ovulatory stimulus, cultured in vitro in the absence of inhibitor and inseminated. The primary outcome was the meiotic stage of the oocyte.', 'In six ORG 9935 cycles, five of the recovered oocytes were germinal vesicle (GV)-intact, and one exhibited GV breakdown (GVBD). In contrast, all three oocytes that recovered during control cycles were GVBD (p<.05). None of the ORG 9935-treated oocytes underwent fertilization compared with 2/3 (67%) from controls.'] Does the phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor ORG 9935 inhibit oocyte maturation in the naturally selected dominant follicle in rhesus macaques? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.652868390083313,
-1.5125049352645874,
2.094080924987793
] |
['Osteoporosis is a major health problem. It was hypothesized that isoflavone-containing products may be a potential alternative to hormone replacement therapy for preventing bone loss during the menopausal transition.', 'The objective was to investigate whether the consumption of isoflavone-enriched foods for 1 y affects bone mineral density, bone metabolism, and hormonal status in early postmenopausal women.', 'This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel, multicenter trial. Two hundred thirty-seven healthy early postmenopausal women [mean (+/-SD) age of 53 +/- 3 y and time since last menses of 33 +/- 15 mo] consumed isoflavone-enriched foods providing a mean daily intake of 110 mg isoflavone aglycones or control products for 1 y while continuing their habitual diet and lifestyle. Outcome measures included bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and total body, markers of bone formation and bone resorption, hormones, isoflavones in plasma and urine, safety variables, and adverse events.', 'Consumption of isoflavone-enriched products did not alter bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and total body or markers of bone formation and bone resorption. Hormone concentrations did not differ between the isoflavone and control groups. Consumption of isoflavone-enriched products resulted in increased isoflavone concentrations in plasma and urine, whereas control products did not. This finding indicated good compliance with treatment. Subgroup analysis did not support an effect of equol phenotype on bone density. The intervention had no effect on a range of safety variables and reported adverse events.'] Does long-term consumption of isoflavone-enriched foods affect bone mineral density , bone metabolism , or hormonal status in early postmenopausal women : a randomized , double-blind , placebo controlled study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4741125106811523,
-1.2301647663116455,
2.79553484916687
] |
['Several perilipin (PLIN) polymorphic sites have been studied for their potential use as markers for obesity and the metabolic syndrome.', 'We aimed to examine whether the presence of polymorphisms at the perilipin (PLIN) locus (PLIN1, 6209T-->C; PLIN4, 11482G-->A; PLIN5, 13041A-->G; and PLIN6, 14995A-->T) influence postprandial lipoprotein metabolism in 2 white populations.', 'Eighty-eight healthy Spanish men and 271 healthy US subjects (men and women) underwent an oral-fat-load test in 2 independent studies. Blood samples were taken in the fasting state and during the postprandial phase at regular intervals. Total cholesterol and triacylglycerol and triacylglycerol in triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins (TRL, large and small) were measured.', 'Carriers of the minor C allele at the PLIN1 variant displayed lower postprandial concentrations of large-TRL triacylglycerol (Spanish subjects: P = 0.024; US subjects: P = 0.005) than did subjects carrying the T/T genotype. The same pattern was observed in the Spanish population at the PLIN4 locus (P = 0.015), and both SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium. In both populations, subjects carrying the minor C and A alleles at PLIN1 and PLIN4, respectively, had significantly lower postprandial concentrations of plasma triacylglycerol (P < 0.05) and lower concentrations of small-TRL triacylglycerol than did those who were homozygous for the major alleles at PLIN1 and PLIN4 (Spanish subjects: P = 0.020 and 0.008, respectively; US subjects: P = 0.021 and 0.035, respectively).'] Is postprandial triacylglycerol metabolism modified by the presence of genetic variation at the perilipin ( PLIN ) locus in 2 white populations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9531115293502808,
-1.3858822584152222,
2.3132143020629883
] |
['To investigate the clinical role of Aurora kinases (essential for regulating mitosis) in human bladder pathogenesis, by quantifying Aurora kinase A and B, phospho-Aurora A, and phospho-Rb and p53 in bladder tumours, analysing the correlations between expression and clinicopathological features.', 'We evaluated levels of Aurora A, B, phospho-Aurora A, phospho-Rb and p53 in 73 superficial bladder tumours using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry, and correlated expression with pathological variables and clinical outcome.', 'None of the Aurora proteins, when analysed alone, significantly predicted either tumour recurrence or progression. In tumours with an aberrant G1 checkpoint, assessed by phospho-Rb and p53 status, expression of neither Aurora A nor its phosphorylated form predicted either tumour recurrence or progression. Surprisingly, high expression of Aurora B in tumours with an aberrant G1 checkpoint significantly protected from tumour recurrence. On multivariate analysis, Aurora B was the only significant factor that predicted tumour recurrence in the presence of either phospho-Rb or mutated p53. This difference was not evident in tumours with an intact G1 checkpoint.'] Is aurora kinase B an independent protective factor in superficial bladder tumours with a dysfunctional G1 checkpoint? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.506673812866211,
-1.1216117143630981,
2.6666417121887207
] |
["Ocular neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness in ischemic retinopathies. Hypericin is an active ingredient in the medical herb St. John's Wort (SJW). Because hypericin inhibits intracellular signaling pathways that are believed to participate in the regulation of angiogenesis, we investigated the actions of hypericin and SJW in retinal neovascularization, using a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).", 'C57BL/6 neonatal mice were exposed to a 75% concentration of oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12 and returned to room air from P12 to P17 to induce retinal neovascularization. SJW (15 mg/kg/day), hypericin (15, 45, or 135 mug/kg/day), or vehicle was given by gavage once a day for five days from P12 to P17. To quantify the area of retinal neovascularization and vasoobliteration, we stained retinas with isolectin B4 at P17. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in ischemic retinas was determined by western blot analysis. To estimate retinal vascularization, we stained retinas with isolectin B4 at P7 after treatment with SJW, hypericin, or vehicle from P3 to P7.', 'Gavage administration of hypericin or SJW significantly inhibited the degree of retinal neovascularization, but did not affect the area of retinal vasoobliteration in a mouse model of OIR. Both SJW and hypericin had no effect on normal vascularization over the treatment time course. Treatment with SJW or hypericin reduced phosphorylation of ERK in the retina.'] Does hypericin inhibit pathological retinal neovascularization in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3622467517852783,
-1.3985114097595215,
2.802520751953125
] |
['Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by a rapid loss of hepatic function, with high mortality. Acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication and viral hepatitis are common causes of ALF. Several studies have shown the capacity of adult bone marrow cells to differentiate in hepatocytes, suggesting their use for treating ALF.', 'In the present study, we tested the use of adult derived mononuclear bone marrow fraction to improve the survival of Wistar rats with APAP-induced ALF.', 'Forty-eight female Wistar rats pre-induced with phenobarbital were given APAP in a single dose of 1g/kg via intraperitoneal injection. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were purified from male rats using FICOLL gradient and injected through the portal vein in a volume of 0.2mL containing 1x10(6) cells stained with DAPI. Treatment was administered 24h after APAP injection. The sham group (n=24), received 0.2mL of saline through the portal vein 24h after APAP administration. Survival, liver histology and ALT levels were observed.', 'Survival 72h post-APAP administration was 33% in the sham group and 70.8% in the group receiving bone marrow cells. Liver histology in treated animals showed less intense necrosis and the presence of DAPI-positive cells.'] Do adult derived mononuclear bone marrow cells improve survival in a model of acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.257452964782715,
-1.4322080612182617,
2.716637134552002
] |
['Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced chronic myocarditis in mice is accompanied by severe fibrosis and by sustained elevation of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A, -B, and -C levels in the cardiac tissue. To test if PDGF stimulation of resident fibroblasts causally contributes to fibrosis, we employed inhibition of PDGF receptor signalling with the orally available kinase inhibitor Imatinib.', 'Chronic myocarditis was induced by CVB3 infection of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II knockout (B6Aa(0)/Aa(0)) mice. The mice were treated with 100 mg/kg Imatinib or vehicle, respectively, twice daily for 34 days. Expression of PDGF-C and of inflammatory cytokines were analysed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. PDGFalpha receptor phosphorylation was detected by immunoblotting of cardiac tissue extracts and in situ by immunohistochemistry. Fibrosis formation was analysed by Sirius-Red staining and hydroxyproline (HP) determination. Fibronectin, and tenascin expression was analysed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was assessed with collagen, synthetic peptides, and gelatine as substrates. Imatinib significantly inhibited the myocarditis-related PDGFalpha receptor activation in the heart tissue. The virus titres in the hearts, inflammatory infiltrations, and elevated PDGF levels were unaffected by the Imatinib treatment. A significant attenuation of fibrosis occurred in Imatinib-treated animals. The Sirius Red-stained fibrotic area was reduced from 5.30 +/- 0.50 to 3.21 +/- 0.35%, and the HP content was reduced from 362 +/- 43 to 238 +/- 32 microMol/10 mg dry weight vs. 190 +/- 27 in uninfected controls. The expression of fibronectin, EIIIA+ fibronectin, and tenascin C were likewise reduced. The diminished matrix protein deposition was not caused by elevated MMP activity, since MMP activity was not changed or even reduced under Imatinib.'] Does imatinib mesylate attenuate fibrosis in coxsackievirus b3-induced chronic myocarditis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3587024211883545,
-1.4470465183258057,
2.837306499481201
] |
['Bartonella sp. are intracellular bacteria associated with an increasing number of clinical manifestations but with few published data on in vitro susceptibility testing of antibiotics. Our objective was to evaluate in vitro antibiotic susceptibilities of 20 new Bartonella isolates from animals in Australia.', 'MICs were determined using Etest assay on Columbia agar supplemented with 5% horse blood. The presence of mutations in the quinolone-resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA was searched for after PCR amplification and DNA sequencing using specific oligonucleotide primers.', 'Bartonella isolates from Australia were susceptible to rifampicin, tetracyclines, beta-lactam and macrolide compounds but were resistant to vancomycin. We found heterogeneity of susceptibility for fluoroquinolones with ciprofloxacin being more effective (MICs from 0.06 to 0.5 mg/L) than ofloxacin (MICs from 0.5 to 4 mg/L). This heterogeneity was linked to a natural mutation Ser-83-->Ala (Escherichia coli numbering) in the QRDR. Surprisingly, this mutation was also present in the QRDR of Bartonella henselae, Bartonella quintana and Bartonella bacilliformis.'] Does heterogeneity of susceptibility to fluoroquinolones in Bartonella isolates from Australia reveal a natural mutation in gyrA? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3628461360931396,
-1.3424781560897827,
2.797304391860962
] |
['Expression of neuronal neuropeptides in inflammatory conditions is altered. The changes in expression of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in ipsilateral and contralateral trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons were investigated by immunohistochemistry one week after unilateral ligature-induced periodontitis in rats.', 'A retrograde nerve tracer Fluorogold (FG) was applied into the gingival sulcus of the second maxillary molar to identify the neurons in TG that specifically innervate the inflamed gingivomucosa. In addition, neurons from the corresponding maxillary and the adjacent mandibular-ophthalmic regions in TG were analysed.', 'Statistically significantly higher frequencies of CGRP-positive neurons, regardless of their size, were found in TG ipsilateral to the periodontitis (83% and 73% in FG-labelled and maxillary regions, respectively) than in the control group without periodontitis (52% and 42% in FG-labelled and maxillary regions, respectively). The frequency of small FG-labelled SP-positive neurons in the ipsilateral TG (60%) was significantly higher than in the control TG (25%). In the contralateral TG the frequency of CGRP-positive neurons in maxillary region (66%) was significantly higher than in the control group. Surprisingly, the number of SP-positive neurons in all regions of contralateral TG decreased when compared to control and ipsilateral TGs.'] Does unilateral ligature-induced periodontitis influence the expression of neuropeptides in the ipsilateral and contralateral trigeminal ganglion in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0994651317596436,
-1.470301628112793,
2.5635757446289062
] |
['Studies of prostitution have focused largely on individuals involved in the commercial sex trade, with an emphasis on understanding the public health effect of this behavior. However, a broader understanding of how prostitution affects mental and physical health is needed. In particular, the study of prostitution among individuals in substance use treatment would improve efforts to provide comprehensive treatment.', 'To document the prevalence of prostitution among women and men entering substance use treatment, and to test the association between prostitution, physical and mental health, and health care utilization while adjusting for reported history of childhood sexual abuse, a known correlate of prostitution and poor health outcomes.', 'Cross-sectional, secondary data analysis of 1606 women and 3001 men entering substance use treatment in the United States who completed a semistructured intake interview as part of a larger study.', 'Self-reported physical health (respiratory, circulatory, neurological, and internal organ conditions, bloodborne infections) and mental health (depression, anxiety, psychotic symptoms, and suicidal behavior), and use of emergency department, clinic, hospital, or inpatient mental health services within the past year.', 'Many participants reported prostitution in their lifetime (50.8% of women and 18.5% of men) and in the past year (41.4% of women and 11.2% of men). Prostitution was associated with increased risk for bloodborne viral infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and mental health symptoms. Prostitution was associated with use of emergency care in women and use of inpatient mental health services for men.'] Does prevalence and health correlate of prostitution among patients entering treatment for substance use disorders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.7021775245666504,
1.7843353748321533,
0.2115316390991211
] |
["Very modest changes in mRNA stability can affect critical points in cellular energy pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of energy abundant substrates on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and PPAR-gamma coactivators (PGCs) mRNA's steady-state levels.", 'Quantitative RT-PCR study was performed to assess the effect of zero or normal (5 mmol/l) glucose and/or oleic acid (0.3 mmol/l) on mRNA levels of (PPARs) (PGCs) in HepG2 cells.', 'PGC-1alpha mRNA was significantly upregulated in glucose deprived cells (123 % of the control level; p < 0.05), while PGC-1beta mRNA was significantly enhanced in oleate-fed cells (134 % and 160 % of control levels for zero glucose plus oleate and normal glucose plus oleate, respectively; p < 0.05) during the 0.5 h incubation. Upon the 4 h incubation, PPAR-gamma1 and PGC-1alpha mRNAs were significantly elevated in cells lacking glucose (142 % and 163 % of control levels, respectively; p < 0.05). Oleate significantly suppressed PPAR-alpha and PGC-1beta mRNA levels in glucose-deprived cells (58 % and 49 % of control levels, respectively; p < 0.05). PPAR-gamma1 and -gamma2 mRNAs were significantly superinduced when the cells were treated with cycloheximide, whereas PPAR-alpha and PGC-1alpha and-1beta mRNAs were destabilized. Upon actinomycin D treatment, glucose shortage significantly stabilized PPAR-alpha mRNA, while PGC-1alpha mRNA was destabilized by oleate in glucose-deprived cells.'] Are mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and their coactivators affected by glucose deprivation and oleate in human hepatoma hepG2 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1121268272399902,
-1.3593672513961792,
2.4823057651519775
] |
['Chronic alcoholism leads to impaired visual and auditory processing of emotions, but the cross-modal (auditory-visual) processing of emotional stimuli has not yet been explored. Our objectives were to describe the electrophysiological correlates of unimodal (visual and auditory) impairments in emotion processing in people suffering from alcoholism, to determine whether this deficit is general or emotion-specific, and to explore potential deterioration in the specific cross-modal integration processes in alcoholism.', 'We used an emotion-detection task, with recording of event-related potentials (ERPs), in which 15 patients suffering from alcoholism and 15 matched healthy control subjects were asked to detect the emotion (angry, happy or neutral) displayed by auditory, visual or auditory-visual stimuli. Behavioural performance and ERP data recorded between June 2005 and April 2006 were analyzed.', 'ERPs demonstrated that the deficit in alcoholism originates earlier in the cognitive stream than has previously been described (mainly P300), namely, at the level of specific face (N170) and voice (N2) perceptive processing. Moreover, while patients with alcoholism did not show impaired processing of happy and neutral audio-visual stimuli, they did have a specific impairment in the cross-modal processing of anger. A source location analysis was used to confirm and illustrate the results.'] Is the auditory-visual integration of anger impaired in alcoholism : an event-related potentials study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7385003566741943,
-0.3193151354789734,
2.1907541751861572
] |
['To investigate whether variable antidepressant response may be influenced by an interaction between the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and antidepressant concentration.', 'Elderly subjects with depression treated with paroxetine (n = 110) were genotyped and assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD). A mixed-effect analysis of repeated measures was used.', 'There was an interaction between early paroxetine concentration and 5-HTTLPR genotype on symptomatic improvement over 12 weeks (F(18,59.5) = 1.8, p < 0.05), as well as main effects of both paroxetine concentration (F(68,55.3) = 2.4, p < 0.005) and genotype (F(2,74.2) = 5.7, p < 0.005). Paroxetine concentrations were correlated with change in HAMD scores after 2 weeks of treatment in subjects with the short (s) allele (r = 0.31, p < 0.05) but not in subjects homozygous for the long (l) allele.'] Does serotonin transporter genotype interact with paroxetine plasma levels to influence depression treatment response in geriatric patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1888275146484375,
-1.2621679306030273,
2.50134539604187
] |
['The financial climate for academic family medicine departments is increasingly threatened by reductions in federal funding and ever more competitive health care markets.', 'Our objective was to evaluate the financial status of US Departments of Family Medicine, comparing 1998 and 2004 data.', "In 1999 and 2005, family medicine department chairs were surveyed for the Association of Departments of Family Medicine. Information reported about departments' financial status for 1998 and 2004 included department size, faculty compensation, revenue sources, expenditures, residents' salary support, payer mix, and department reserves. The 2005 survey data were compared to the 1999 survey reports.", 'Eighty-five departments responded to the 2005 survey (69% of 124 departments). For 2004, the largest source of department revenue was clinical income; the median percent of revenue from clinical work increased from 32% in 1998 to 46% in 2004. The contributions of school/government support and hospital support decreased. Median expenditures for faculty salaries and fringe benefits increased (from 49% to 54%). Although the percentage of departments with reserves had increased (from 57% to 71%), 18% of departments reported debt in 2004.'] Do six-year update on the financial status of US Family Medicine Departments? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.7091488242149353,
2.209428548812866,
-1.9056845903396606
] |
['The goal of this study was to determine if clinical simulation improved resident confidence in performing critical care skills, neonatal resuscitation, and colonoscopy.', 'Residents participated in clinical simulations utilizing high-fidelity medical simulators in a realistic environment. We compared resident responses on pre- and post-experience surveys.', 'Residents reported satisfaction with quality of demonstrations and opportunity for hands-on learning and practice. Residents felt more confident in their ability to apply these skills independently and in the applied context.'] Does simulation enhance resident confidence in critical care and procedural skills? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.244100332260132,
1.5052034854888916,
0.01611820049583912
] |
['Certain cytokine genotypes are associated with acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The present study aimed to determine existing association between TGF-beta1 codon 10 polymorphism and aGVHD after HLA-identical sibling BMT in the Iranian population.', 'In a retrospective case-control study, 168 subjects including 84 Iranian HLA-identical sibling BMT donor/recipient pairs were recruited. All of the patients were affected by hematological malignancies (AML=39, ALL=23 and CML=22). PCR-SSP method was performed to determine TGF-beta1 codon 10 T/C polymorphism genotypes.', 'The frequency of TGF-beta1 codon 10 TT, TC and CC genotypes among all subjects were 26.8%, 33.3% and 39.9% respectively. Recipients with the T allele developed aGVHD significantly less than those without the T allele (odds ratio =0.334, P=0.026).'] Is transforming growth factor-beta1 codon 10 polymorphism associated with acute GVHD after allogenic BMT in Iranian population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.665772795677185,
-1.5288383960723877,
2.2206051349639893
] |
['Aging is associated with a temporally dysregulated cellular response to ischemia as well as poor functional recovery. While environmental enrichment has been shown to improve the behavioral outcome of stroke in young animals, the effect of an enriched environment on behavioral and neuropathological recovery in aged animals is not known.', 'Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by electrocoagulation of the right middle cerebral artery in 3 month- and 20 month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The functional outcome was assessed in neurobehavioral tests conducted over a period of 28 days following surgery. Brain tissue was then immunostained for proliferating astrocytes and the infarct and scar tissue volumes were measured.', 'Aged rats showed more severe behavioral impairments and diminished functional recovery compared to young rats. Most infarcted animals had disturbances of sensorimotor function, with recovery beginning later, progressing more slowly, and reaching a lower functional endpoint in aged animals. However, the enriched environment significantly improved the rate and extent of recovery in aged animals. Correlation analysis revealed that the beneficial effect of the enriched environment on recovery, both in young and aged rats, correlated highly with a reduction in infarct size, in the number of proliferating astrocytes, and in the volume of the glial scar.'] Does environmental enrichment improve functional and neuropathological indices following stroke in young and aged rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.646698236465454,
-0.7614590525627136,
2.4390358924865723
] |
["The infusion of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the nigrostriatal pathway in rats is commonly used to produce an animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, most studies use male adult animals only. The present study focused on possible gender differences in vulnerability to 6-OHDA during the early pubertal period when the effects exerted by gonadal steroid hormones are unpronounced.", 'Young Sprague-Dawley rats, 35 days of age, were given a low vs. a higher dose of 6-OHDA in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Control rats received equivalent saline infusions. At 14 days post-surgery the rats were evaluated for forelimb akinesia.', 'For the higher dose of 6-OHDA the female rats were less impaired than males in making adjustment steps in response to a weight shift and in a vibrissae-evoked forelimb placing test. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity was significantly higher for the female rats.'] Are early pubertal female rats more resistant than males to 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxicity and behavioural deficits : a possible role for trophic factors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5868313312530518,
-1.010488748550415,
2.60801362991333
] |
['Integrins are transmembrane cell surface receptors that mediate cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is the binding partner of beta1 and beta3 integrins, and has been ascribed essential roles in development, angiogenesis and tumourigenesis. However, in vivo evidence for the latter is currently lacking.', 'The hypothesis that epithelial cell-specific deletion of ILK would impact on murine tumourigenesis was tested using a colitis-associated cancer model.', 'To create intestinal epithelial cell ILK knockout animals, Fabp/Cre mice (Cre recombinase expressed under the control of a modified Fabp promoter) were used, and they were mated with mice carrying a loxP-flanked (floxed) ILK gene (ILK(flox/flox)).', 'ILK intestinal knockout mice exhibited a reduction in the size of the caecum, and reduced crypt height in the colon. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that there was diminished ILK expression, and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) staining was significantly reduced in the knockout animals as compared with the wild-type animals in both the caecum and colon (p<0.001 for both). Following azoxymethane and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment, fewer total tumours were observed in the ILK knockout animals, which were mosaic with respect to ILK expression. Cyclin D1, Snail, fibronectin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) were all reduced, and active caspase 3 increased, in tumours from ILK knockout mice, as compared with wild-type mice, on immunohistochemical analysis. Using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down ILK in colonic cancer cell lines, it was confirmed that it is capable of regulating cyclin D1, Snail, MMP9 and fibronectin transcription.'] Does integrin-linked kinase regulate cell proliferation and tumour growth in murine colitis-associated carcinogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3404700756073,
-1.3821306228637695,
2.7810771465301514
] |
['Several conditions are considered in differential diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis. Of these the most important is extrahepatic biliary atresia (EHBA), while prompt diagnosis and surgical correction of obstruction can ameliorate clinical symptoms, provides long term survival for about one fourth of patients and serves as an important bridge to transplantation for many others. From histopathologic standpoint, features of EHBA overlaps with other diagnoses and so ancillary tests such as immunohistochemical staining for CD56 is suggested by some authors as a helpful tool in differential diagnosis.Hereby we wanted to examine this staining in our center which is a referral children hospital and to prove its efficacy in our problematic cases.', 'By retrospective review of pathology records during 2000 to 2006 in Markaze Tebbi Koodakan (children hospital related to Tehran University of Medical Sciences), we selected 17 cases of EHBA as patients and 12 cases with other diagnoses as controls, both with some degree of bile ductular proliferation in liver biopsies. EHBA cases were all proved by surgery. Four of control cases also underwent surgery but proved to have open ducts by intra-operative cholangiography. Long term follow up and other tests ruled out EHBA in other 8 cases. Hematoxylin-Eosin stains of paraffin blocks were studied again and freshly prepared sections were immunostained for CD56.', 'Bile ducts and proliferating bile ductules were strongly positive for CD56 in 6 of 17 cases of EHBA. In 7 out of 17, positivity were seen in more than two thirds of portal tracts. In controls, one case showed strong positivity and 6 out of twelve showed positivity in more than two thirds of portal tracts. The intensity and distribution of CD56 staining did not differ significantly between two groups.'] Does cD 56 staining in liver biopsies help in differentiating extrahepatic biliary atresia from other causes of neonatal cholestasis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2525880336761475,
-1.415802001953125,
2.659153938293457
] |
['To estimate the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years using a semi-structured interview process. With the increase in the pet population and popularity of dangerous breeds of dog and a high stray dog population combined with a dearth of information on the risk of dog attacks to children in Trinidad, a semi-structured interview process was used to determine risk factors associated with dog attacks.', 'A questionnaire survey of 1109 primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years was conducted in Trinidad from November 2002 to September 2003. The survey was conducted to determine the risk factors such as age, gender, size of dog and relationship of dog and victim, in dog bite incidents. The chi-square statistic and odds ratios were used to estimate risk factors for a bite incident.', "Twenty-eight percent of children were bitten at least once by a dog. Gender (male) and owning a dog were statistically significant risk factors (p = 0.003 and 0.008 respectively, chi2 df, 95% confidence). Most attacks occurred outside of the home (58.0%) followed by the victims' home (42.0%) and were by a dog known but not owned (54.6%) by the victim. Many victims (33.0%) were bitten without having any interaction with the dog and the majority (61.9%) of victims did not receive professional medical assistance. Overall, the lower leg or foot was most often injured (39.3%)."] Does an investigation into the prevalence of dog bite to primary school children in Trinidad? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.7556980848312378,
2.1514294147491455,
-0.9424440264701843
] |
['To investigate the anti-neoplastic effect of MK615, an anti-neoplastic compound isolated from Japanese apricot, against human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.', 'Three human pancreatic cancer cell lines PANC-1, PK-1, and PK45H were cultured with MK615 at concentrations of 600, 300, 150, and 0 microg/mL. Growth inhibition was evaluated by cell proliferation assay, and killing activity was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Expression of Aurora A and B kinases was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting. Cell cycle stages were evaluated by flow cytometry.', 'The growth inhibitory rates of MK615 at 150, 300, and 600 microg/mL were 2.3%+/-0.9%, 8.9%+/-3.2% and 67.1%+/-8.1% on PANC1 cells, 1.3%+/-0.3%, 8.7%+/-4.1% and 45.7+/-7.6% on PK1 cells, and 1.2+/-0.8%, 9.1%+/-2.1% and 52.1%+/-5.5% on PK45H cells, respectively (P<0.05). The percentage cytotoxicities of MK615 at 0, 150, 300, and 600 microg/mL were 19.6%+/-1.3%, 26.7%+/-1.8%, 25.5%+/-0.9% and 26.4%+/-0.9% in PANC1 cells, 19.7%+/-1.3%, 24.7%+/-0.8%, 25.9%+/-0.9% and 29.9%+/-1.1% in PK1 cells, and 28.0%+/-0.9%, 31.2%+/-0.9%, 30.4%+/-1.1% and 35.3+/-1.0% in PK45H cells, respectively (P<0.05). Real-time PCR and Western blotting showed that MK615 dually inhibited the expression of Aurora A and B kinases. Cell cycle analysis revealed that MK615 increased the population of cells in G2/M phase.'] Does mK615 inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth by dual inhibition of Aurora A and B kinases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2767914533615112,
-1.6921569108963013,
1.8738553524017334
] |
['A vaccine against Helicobacter pylori would be a desirable alternative to antibiotic therapy. Vaccination has been shown to be effective in animal models but the mechanism of protection is poorly understood. Previous studies investigating the gene expression in stomachs of vaccinated mice showed changes in adipokine expression correlated to a protective response. In this study, we investigate a well-characterized adipokine-leptin, and reveal an important role for leptin receptor signaling in vaccine-induced protection.', 'Leptin receptor signaling-deficient (C57BL/Ks Lepr(db)), wild-type C57BL/Ks m littermates and C57BL/6 mice were vaccinated, and then challenged with H. pylori. Levels of bacterial colonization, antibody levels, and gastric infiltrates were compared. The local gene expression pattern in the stomach of leptin receptor signaling-deficient and wild-type mice was also compared using microarrays.', 'Interestingly, while vaccinated wild-type lean C57BL/6 and C57BL/Ks m mice were able to significantly reduce colonization compared to controls, vaccinated obese C57BL/Ks Lepr(db) were not. All mice responded to vaccination, i.e. developed infiltrates predominantly of T lymphocytes in the gastric mucosa, and made H. pylori-specific antibodies. A comparison of expression profiles in protected C57BL/6 and nonprotected C57BL/Ks Lepr(db) mice revealed a subset of inflammation-related genes that were more strongly expressed in nonprotected mice.'] Is leptin receptor signaling required for vaccine-induced protection against Helicobacter pylori? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3038783073425293,
-1.2681248188018799,
2.634690046310425
] |
['Migratory ability of resident endothelial cells and their circulating progenitors, that is endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), represent a crucial event in vascular repairing processes. Although oxidants are known to counteract the migratory ability of resident endothelial cells, their possible role in modulating EPC motility is unknown. EPCs exhibit stronger resistance to oxidants than mature endothelial cells mainly because of higher expression of manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutase (SOD). As nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist known to enhance MnSOD expression in mature endothelial cells, we investigated the effects of nifedipine on MnSOD expression and motility in EPCs.', 'EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and cultured in fibronectin-coated flasks. Nifedipine improved both motility of cultured EPCs (+55% vs. control, P = 0.007) and their adhesion to tumor necrosis factor-alpha-activated mature endothelial cells (+33% vs. control, P = 0.03). Reduction of EPC dichlorofluorescein content (-32% vs. control, P = 0.009) and a parallel increase in nitrite plus nitrate concentration in EPC supernatants (+25% vs. control, P = 0.009) were also observed. The study of SOD showed a nifedipine-dependent upregulation of MnSOD in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. MnSOD expression blockade by RNA interference abolished nifedipine effect on EPC motility. Although nifedipine also increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release from EPCs, its effect on EPC motility was unaffected by an anti-VEGF antibody.'] Does nifedipine improve the migratory ability of circulating endothelial progenitor cells depending on manganese superoxide dismutase upregulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3221263885498047,
-1.394688606262207,
2.7412428855895996
] |
['The use of hydroxyapatite in reconstructive surgery has been hampered by the fact that it is very slowly invaded by host tissues, a process that is critical to graft incorporation. Implant compatibility may be augmented by providing cellular binding sites and by seeding cells before implantation.', 'Bone-forming cells were seeded onto hydroxyapatite disks, and precoated with fibronectin and fetal calf serum or phosphate-buffered saline. Cellular adhesion and proliferation was analyzed in vitro. For in vivo studies, experimental and control hydroxyapatite disks were seeded with green fluorescent protein-expressing cells and implanted into mice.', 'Fibronectin/fetal calf serum pretreatment improved cell attachment and cell growth significantly in vitro. After 48 hours, experimental disks (n = 5) contained 2.8 times more attached cells than controls (p < 0.001), and after 7 days this difference had increased further (4.2 times) (p < 0.001). In the in vivo part of the study, sections from implants (n = 4) harvested 3 days after implantation demonstrated an average of 122 +/- 50 green fluorescent protein-labeled cells/mm in the fibronectin/fetal calf serum group compared with 85 +/- 21 cells/mm in the phosphate-buffered saline controls. After 10 days, the cells had in general decreased in number in both groups, but the relation in cell density was similar to the first time point (19 +/- 11 versus 12 +/- 11 cells/mm).'] Does treatment of hydroxyapatite scaffolds with fibronectin and fetal calf serum increase osteoblast adhesion and proliferation in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.81426203250885,
-1.5827295780181885,
2.4188783168792725
] |
['Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in the medial layer of the vessel wall are responsible for vessel homeostasis, but also for pathologic vascular remodelling in diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Vascular remodelling in IPAH results in vessel stiffness, occlusion, and increased vascular resistance, but its underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, an inhibitor of the plasminogen activator system and target gene of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 signalling cascade, in PASMC in IPAH.', 'RNA and protein analysis from lung tissues of donors and patients with IPAH (n=7 each) revealed a significant downregulation of PAI-1 in IPAH lungs. Immunohistochemical analysis localised PAI-1 to the bronchial and alveolar epithelium, as well as to vascular and airway smooth muscle cells. PAI-1 was also downregulated in primary PASMC derived from IPAH lungs as compared with donor-derived PASMC. In order to elucidate PAI-1 function, primary PASMC were stimulated with active recombinant (r)PAI-1, or transfected with PAI-1-specific siRNA. Stimulation with rPAI-1 led to decreased PASMC proliferation and adhesion to vitronectin, and increased PASMC migration. In contrast, PAI-1 knock-down with siRNA increased PASMC proliferation and decreased PASMC migration.'] Does plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation in pulmonary arterial hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3824799060821533,
-1.3470383882522583,
2.769984245300293
] |
['A basic study using a spinal cord injury (SCI) model in rats.', 'The effect of mild hypothermic treatment on histological changes and motor function after a rat spinal cord compression injury was assessed.', 'Mild spinal cord compression was performed at the eleventh thoracic vertebral level by a 20 g weight for 20 min. Rats in the mild hypothermic model were kept at a body temperature of 33 degrees C and rats in the normothermic group were kept at 37 degrees C for 1 h from beginning of compression. Motor function was evaluated by measuring the frequency of standing. Microglia were stained by isolectin B4 and observed in the compressed portion of the spinal cord. The amount of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the compressed spinal cord was measured by the ELISA method.', 'In the normothermic rats, microglia proliferated up to 72 h after the compression. Proliferation was substantially inhibited at 48 and 72 h after compression in the hypothermic rats. The motor function of the hypothermic rats improved at 48 and 72 h after the compression, whereas no improvement was seen in the normothermic rats. The amount of TNF-alpha in the compressed portion of the spinal cord was lower in hypothermic rats compared with normothermic rats throughout the experiment.'] Is microglia inhibition a target of mild hypothermic treatment after the spinal cord injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.365652322769165,
-1.1230008602142334,
2.548884630203247
] |
['An abnormal expression of some matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is related with hemorrhagic transformation events after stroke. Our aim was to investigate MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the ischemic brain and its relation with blood-brain barrier breakdown after hemorrhagic transformation in human stroke.', 'We assessed 5 cases of fatal ischemic strokes with hemorrhagic complications; brain samples were obtained from infarct, hemorrhagic, and contralateral tissue. MMP-9 and MMP-2 content was analyzed by zymography and immunohistochemistry was performed to localize MMP-9 and to assess collagen IV integrity in the basal lamina. Laser capture microdissection was performed to isolate blood-brain barrier vessels to study these MMPs.', 'Overall, MMP-9 levels were higher both in hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic infarcted tissue compared to contralateral areas (P<0.0001 and P<0.05). Moreover, levels of the cleaved MMP-9 85kDa-form were significantly elevated in the hemorrhagic compared to nonhemorrhagic and contralateral areas (P=0.033 and P<0.0001). No changes were found for MMP-2 content. Immunostaining revealed a strong MMP-9-positive neutrophil infiltration surrounding brain microvessels associated with severe basal lamina type IV collagen degradation and blood extravasation. Microdissection confirmed that content of MMP-9 was similarly high in microvessel endothelium from hemorrhagic and infarcted areas compared to contralateral hemisphere vessels (P<0.05), pointing to neutrophils surrounding dissected microvessels as the main source of MMP-9 in hemorrhagic areas.'] Is mMP-9-positive neutrophil infiltration associated to blood-brain barrier breakdown and basal lamina type IV collagen degradation during hemorrhagic transformation after human ischemic stroke? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1942217350006104,
-1.4835288524627686,
2.6957499980926514
] |
['Genetic variation in the EPHX2 gene region has been reported to influence susceptibility to ischemic stroke in blacks. We assessed the role of this gene region in white Europeans and performed analyses with regard to stroke subtypes.', 'Twenty-six single nucleotide polymorphisms in the EPHX2 gene region were genotyped in 601 patients with ischemic stroke and 736 matched controls. Cases were subtyped according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification system. Analyses were done on single markers and haplotypes using a sliding-window approach.', 'Three single nucleotide polymorphisms showed associations with an increased risk for ischemic stroke (allelic models; all P<or=0.01). One of them retained statistical significance after correction for multiple testing. Associations were observed with large-vessel stroke and stroke of undetermined etiology but not with other stroke subtypes.'] Is genetic variation in soluble epoxide hydrolase ( EPHX2 ) associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in white Europeans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3075785636901855,
-1.154413104057312,
2.557328224182129
] |
['Improvements in cardiac surgery mortality and morbidity have focused interest on the neurological injury such as stroke and cognitive decline that may accompany an otherwise successful operation. We aimed to investigate (1) the rate of stroke, new ischemic change on MRI, and cognitive impairment after cardiac valve surgery; and (2) the controversial relationship between perioperative cerebral ischemia and cognitive decline.', 'Forty patients (26 men; mean [SD] age 62.1 [13.7] years) undergoing intracardiac surgery (7 also with coronary artery bypass grafting) were studied. Neurological, neuropsychological, and MRI examinations were performed 24 hours before surgery and 5 days (MRI and neurology) and 6 weeks (neuropsychology and neurology) after surgery. Cognitive decline from baseline was determined using the Reliable Change Index.', 'Two of 40 (5%) patients had perioperative strokes and 22 of 35 (63%) tested had cognitive decline in at least one measure (range, 1 to 4). Sixteen of 37 participants (43%) with postoperative imaging had new ischemic lesions (range, 1 to 17 lesions) with appearances consistent with cerebral embolization. Cognitive decline was seen in all patients with, and 35% of those without, postoperative ischemic lesions (P<0.001), and there was an association between the number of abnormal cognitive tests and ischemic burden (P<0.001).'] Are cerebral ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging associated with neurocognitive decline after cardiac surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8645788431167603,
-0.9834898114204407,
1.9157748222351074
] |
['Interplay between wound resistance factors and bacterial innoculum determines the risk of surgical infection. Since cautery causes more damage than the scalpel, our hypothesis is that lower numbers of bacteria are required to infect wounds made by electric cautery than to infect wounds made with a scalpel.', 'Abdominal fascia was incised in 375 rats by cold knife, cutting current, or coagulation current. Wounds were innoculated with increasing numbers of bacteria and histologically scored at 7 days for necrosis, inflammation, and abscess.', 'Coagulation current causes more inflammation, necrosis, and abscesses than the scalpel at all bacterial levels. Electric cutting current is intermediate, causing more damage than the scalpel only after contamination reached 10(5). Above this threshold most wounds were infected in all groups.'] Does electric cautery lower the contamination threshold for infection of laparotomies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5844781398773193,
-0.13927330076694489,
1.7942246198654175
] |
['To review and summarize the literature from nursing, medical, and ancillary fields on falls among the elderly. Major injuries from falls are associated with mortality, especially among the elderly. Researchers indicate that, in many cases, falls can be prevented. A summary of the available literature provides information which can be used to plan interventions.', 'Over 100 publications, 1979-1996 related to falls by elderly were reviewed. Descriptive terms used for searching MEDLINE were falls, elderly, and accidents. Literature from several disciplines was reviewed.', 'Fall risk can be predetermined and nursing actions can be taken to reduce the occurrence and severity of falls.'] Does review of the literature on fall among the elderly? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.441218852996826,
2.2430527210235596,
-0.4883773922920227
] |
['To determine the effect of resistance exercise training (ET) on glucocorticoid-induced myopathy in heart transplant recipients (HTR), 14 male HTR were randomly assigned to a ET group that trained for 6 months (54 +/- 3 yr old; mean +/- SD) or a control group (51 +/- 8 yr old; mean +/- SD).', 'Fat mass, fat-free mass, and total body mass were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before and 2 months after transplantation (Tx), and after 3 and 6 months of ET or control period. The exercise regimen consisted of lumbar extension (MedX) performed 1 d.wk-1 and variable resistance exercises (Nautilus) performed 2 d.wk-1. PreTx body composition did not differ between groups.', 'At 2 months after Tx, fat-free mass was significantly decreased below baseline in both control (-3.4 +/- 2.1%) and ET groups (-4.3 +/- 2.4%). Fat mass was significantly increased at 2 months after Tx in both the control (+8.3 +/- 2.8%) and ET groups (+7.3 +/- 4.0%). Six months of ET restored fat-free mass to levels 3.9 +/- 2.1% greater (P < or = 0.05) than before Tx. Fat-free mass of the control group decreased progressively to levels that were 7 +/- 4.4% lower than preTx values (P < or = 0.05). Both groups increased knee extension, chest press, and lumbar extensor strength, but improvements in the ET group were four- to six-fold greater (P < or = 0.05).'] Does resistance exercise prevent glucocorticoid-induced myopathy in heart transplant recipients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.43267199397087097,
-1.7572554349899292,
1.160546064376831
] |
['Meperidine is frequently used in general anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. In addition to its opioid action, meperidine possesses some local anesthetic properties. A preliminary study using the tourniquet venous retention technique found meperidine to be more effective in reducing propofol injection pain than fentanyl or morphine, both of which were slightly better than placebo. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether this peripheral analgesic effect of meperidine is affected by naloxone.', 'In a randomized, double-blind manner, after venous occlusion with a tourniquet, meperidine 40 mg was given intravenously to patients in group A (n = 31), meperidine 40 mg followed by naloxone 0.04 mg to group B (n = 32), meperidine 40 mg followed by naloxone 0.2 mg to group C (n = 30), and normal saline placebo to group D (n = 30). The venous retention of drug(s) was maintained for 1 minute, followed by tourniquet release and intravenous administration of propofol 100 mg. Pain assessment was made immediately after the propofol injection.', 'All three groups given meperidine had significantly less propofol injection pain (P < .01 ) than the group given saline placebo, and there was no difference among groups A, B, and C.'] Is the peripheral analgesic effect of meperidine in reducing propofol injection pain naloxone-reversible? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.134962558746338,
-1.4297055006027222,
2.6207196712493896
] |
['This study aimed to assess the natural history of eyes after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI), a nonperforating glaucoma-filtering surgery.', 'The design was a prospective, longitudinal, observational, and nonrandomized study.', 'Forty-five eyes of 41 patients with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma were studied.', 'Deep sclerectomy with collagen implant was performed.', 'Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) of the sclerectomy site was performed 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after surgery. The following parameters were assessed: length and height of the collagen implant, thickness of the residual trabeculodescemetic membrane, and bleb appearance.', 'Mean intraocular pressure decreased from a preoperative value of 26.3 +/- 3.5 mmHg (mean +/- standard deviation) to a postoperative value of 16.6 +/- 3.1 mmHg (mean +/- standard deviation) at 18 months (P < 0.001). The UBM findings showed a subconjunctival filtration with a nonperforated thin trabeculodescemetic membrane. In 23 eyes (51%), a hypoechoic area in the suprachoroidal space was observed. The thickness of the trabeculodescemetic membrane was stable throughout the study with a mean value of 0.13 mm +/- 0.02 (mean +/- standard deviation) at 18 months. The collagen implant dissolved slowly within 6 to 9 months, leaving a tunnel in the sclera.'] Do an ultrasound biomicroscopic study of eyes after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.039376974105835,
-1.5253527164459229,
2.62060546875
] |
['Glomerular accumulation of macrophages/monocytes (M/M) is a typical early feature in the course of anti-thymocyte serum (ATS)-induced nephritis. We have previously shown that glomerular synthesis and expression of monocyte-chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) occurs before influx of M/M and a neutralizing anti-MCP-1 antibody reduced this cell infiltrate by one third. The present study was undertaken to test the effect of two angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists, losartan and irbesartan, on ATS-stimulated MCP-1 expression as well as glomerular influx of M/M.', 'Treatment of rats with either losartan or irbesartan was started 24 h before administration of ATS. After 24 h, MCP-1 mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR and Northern blots. MCP-1 protein was determined by Western blots and chemotactic factors released from isolated glomeruli were measured by chemotactic assay. Kidney sections were stained for rabbit IgG, complement C3, and M/M (ED1 antigen).', 'Both AT1-receptor antagonists caused a significant, but not total reduction in MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression 24 h after injection of ATS. Treatment with losartan or irbesartan also reduced the chemotactic activity of isolated glomeruli from nephritic animals. Quantification of ED1-positive cells revealed that losartan as well as irbesartan reduced glomerular M/M invagination in nephritic rats by approximately 30-50%. However, treatment with AT1-receptor antagonists did not influence binding of ATS to mesangial cells and subsequent complement activation indicating that the attenuated MCP-1 expression is not due to differences in delivery and binding of ATS to mesangial cells.'] Do aT1-receptor antagonists abolish glomerular MCP-1 expression in a model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3257687091827393,
-1.4174599647521973,
2.7477211952209473
] |
['Biliary fistulae may occur following surgical injury, abdominal trauma, or inadequate closure of a cystic duct stump. These leaks are most often managed by drainage of the associate biloma and either endoscopic sphincterotomy or placement of a biliary endoprosthesis to decrease the pressure gradient between the bile duct and the duodenum created by the muscular contraction of the ampullary sphincter. In a previous study, we demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in ductal pressures following stent placement as compared to sphincterotomy. The goal of this present study was to determine if reduction in ductal pressures correlates clinically with the resolution of biliary leaks in an animal model.', "Fourteen mongrel dogs underwent laparotomy, cholecystectomy without closure of the cystic stump, and a lateral duodenotomy to identify the major papilla. The dogs were then randomized into three groups. Group I (n = 5) was a control group undergoing closure of the duodenotomy only. Group II (n = 4) underwent sphincterotomy. Group III (n = 5) underwent placement of a 7 Fr x 5 cm biliary endoprosthesis prior to duodenotomy closure. A drain was placed adjacent to the cystic duct stump in all groups. Drain output was recorded daily. The biliary leak was considered resolved when the output was < 10 cc/day. Regardless of suspected fistula closure, the drains were not removed until 2 weeks postprocedure. Necropsy was performed to identify undrained intraperitoneal bile. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's paired t test.", 'All dogs had bile leaks identified on postoperative day 1. The number of days required for resolution of bile leak in group I (mean +/- SEM) was 7.60 +/- 0.87 days, as compared to 6.75 +/- 0.80 days for group II and 2.60 +/- 0.24 days for group III. There was no significant difference in the duration of bile leak between groups I and II (p = 0.445). Group III, however, had a significant reduction in the duration of biliary fistulae as compared to both groups I and II (p < 0.005). At autopsy, persistent bilomas were identified in 80% of group I, 25% of group II, and 0% of group III. None of the dogs showed evidence of dehisence of the duodenotomy closure site as a source of bile leak.'] Is biliary stenting more effective than sphincterotomy in the resolution of biliary leaks? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0074565410614014,
-1.5150361061096191,
2.499420404434204
] |
['To determine whether an aerobic endurance training program (AET) in comparison to normal daily activities improves exercise capacity in lung transplant recipients.', 'Nine lung transplant recipients (12+/-6 months after transplant) were examined. All patients underwent incremental bicycle ergometry with the work rate increased in increments of 20 W every 3 min. Identical exercise tests were performed after 11+/-5 weeks of normal daily activities and then after a 6-week AET. The weekly aerobic training time increased from 60 min at the beginning to 120 min during the last week. Training intensity ranged from 30 to 60% of the maximum heart rate reserve.', 'Normal daily activities had no effect on exercise performance. The AET induced a significant decrease in resting minute ventilation from 14+/-5 to 11+/-3 L/min. At an identical, submaximal level of exercise, a significant decrease in minute ventilation from 47+/-14 L/min to 39+/-13 L/min and heart rate from 144+/-12 to 133+/-17 beats/min, before and after the AET, was noted. The increase in peak oxygen uptake after AET was statistically significant (1.13+/-0.32 to 1.26+/-0.27 L/min).'] Does aerobic endurance training program improve exercise performance in lung transplant recipients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.4636233150959015,
-0.8772062659263611,
0.500746488571167
] |
['Recent clinical reports suggest that early femoral intramedullary rod (IMR) fixation in patients with multiple injuries increases the risk of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We have shown that lipid-mediated neutrophil (PMN) priming and elevated circulating levels of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) within the first 24 hours after injury correlate with the development of ARDS. We thus hypothesized that circulating lipid products, generated by sPLA2 cleavage of intravasated bone marrow, prime PMNs for enhanced superoxide anion (O2-) production.', 'Isolated PMNs from healthy volunteers were incubated for 5 minutes with buffer or sPLA2-lysed bone marrow (100 U/mL) collected from trauma patients. After formyl-methionyleucylphenylalanine (fMLP) activation, O2- production was quantified by the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of cytochrome c. Blood samples were also drawn from five injured patients before and 24 hours after femoral IMR fixation. PMNs were isolated and assessed for in vivo priming.', 'PMNs incubated with sPLA2-lysed bone marrow were primed for more than 3.5 times greater fMLP-induced O2- production. Furthermore, in patients with femoral fractures, PMN O2- release in response to fMLP after IMR fixation was more than 2.5 times higher than before fixation.'] Does secretory phospholipase A2 cleavage of intravasated bone marrow prime human neutrophils? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1693475246429443,
-1.4399917125701904,
2.6133577823638916
] |
['Although the use of a left-ventricular assist system (LVAS) provides circulatory support for end-stage heart failure patients awaiting heart transplantation, this procedure is accompanied by a relatively high perioperative mortality. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify those patients preoperatively which have the highest perioperative mortality.', 'Forty-five consecutive patients undergoing LVAS implantation were evaluated for preoperative risk factors, including body mass index, hemodynamic data, and blood chemistry studies by multivariate analysis. They were divided into (1) patients who were successfully transplanted (n = 25) and (2) patients who died before transplantation (n = 20). The nonsurvivors were subclassified into patients who died within 14 days after surgery (n = 11) and patients who died after 2 weeks of device implantation (n = 9). Hemodynamic parameters were the same in both groups, but total cholesterol was significantly lower in the nonsurvivors than in the survivors (90 +/- 7 vs. 144 +/- 8 mg/dl, respectively, p < 0.0001). The sensitivity of predicting perioperative death with a serum cholesterol below 100 mg/dl was 100%, the specificity of predicting survival with a serum cholesterol above 120 mg/dl was 87%.'] Do low serum cholesterol levels predict high perioperative mortality in patients supported by a left-ventricular assist system? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.526167392730713,
-1.3522825241088867,
1.8611867427825928
] |
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