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["To determine the prevalence of snoring in young children and to assess age, growth, previous surgery therapy, respiratory problems and sleep-related symptoms in relation to child's snoring, and to evaluate the relationship between child's snoring and parents' snoring and smoking.", "A cross-sectional study evaluated 2100 children 1-6 years of age in Helsinki, Finland. Child's frequency of snoring on a five-point scale (never to every night) and age, height, weight and body mass index, previous adenotonsillectomies, tympanostomies, allergic rhinitis and respiratory infections were determined as was frequency of parental snoring and smoking. Sleep problems were determined based on Finnish or Swedish modified version of the sleep disturbance scale for Children.", "Of the 2100 eligible children, 1471 (71%) returned questionnaires. Children always or often snoring numbered 92 (6.3%), sometimes snoring, 183 (12.4%), and never or occasionally snoring, 1196 (81.3%). No difference in age (p=0.06) or gender (p=0.39) existed between snorers and non-snorers. History of previous adenotonsillectomies (p<0.001), allergic rhinitis (p<0.001), recurrent respiratory infections (p<0.001), and otitis media (p<0.001) were more common among snorers than among occasional or never-snorers. Nocturnal symptoms such as breathing problems, sleep hyperhydrosis, sleep-wake transition disorders, and daytime somnolence were associated with children's snoring. Frequency of children's snoring was also associated with parental snoring (p<0.001) and smoking (p<0.001)."] Is all snoring adenoids in young children?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -0.7283252477645874, -0.9909077286720276, 0.7876035571098328 ]
['We investigated the time course and prognostic value of fibrinogen (Fib), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ceruloplasmin (CP) in patients with severe unstable angina.', "All 4 substances were measured on admission and after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and after 7 days and 6 months in 40 patients with Braunwald's classification class IIIB unstable angina.", 'All recorded substances increased significantly; 15 patients had cardiovascular events during hospitalization and 11 patients during follow-up. The time course and the mean values of Fib, CRP, and IL-6 were similar in patients with and without complications both during hospitalization and follow-up. However, CP levels from 6 hours until 6 months were significantly higher in patients with complications during follow-up (P < .05).'] Is ceruloplasmin a better predictor of the long-term prognosis compared with fibrinogen , CRP , and IL-6 in patients with severe unstable angina?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.562606692314148, -1.3439247608184814, 1.887507438659668 ]
['Misreporting of circumcision status may affect observed relationships between circumcision status and HIV or other sexually transmissible infections. As no data exist on the validity of self-reported circumcision status among homosexual men, we investigated the agreement between self-report and examination findings in a subgroup of participants in the Health in Men (HIM) study in Sydney, Australia.', 'A subgroup of 240 participants in the community based HIM cohort study attending annual interview agreed to a brief genital examination by a trained study nurse who was unaware of their previous self-reported circumcision status.', "Five participants reported being uncircumcised at baseline but were classified as circumcised on examination. All participants who self-reported being circumcised were found on examination to be circumcised. Three cases in which the examining study nurse was unsure of participants' circumcision status were excluded. Of the remaining 237 participants, 155 (65.4%) were classified as circumcised on examination, including five men who self identified as uncircumcised. Compared with examination, self-reported circumcision status resulted in a sensitivity of 96.8%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 94.3%. The overall agreement between circumcision status on examination and self-report was 97.9% (kappa score, 0.95; p<0.001)"] Is self-report a valid measure of circumcision status in homosexual men?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -0.7638884782791138, -0.8664595484733582, 0.6911243796348572 ]
["To investigate the effect of father's social class on central and general obesity in adulthood. To test the role of educational attainment and adult health behaviours as mediators in this association.", "BMI, Waist-hip-ratio, smoking status, alcohol consumption, leisure-time physical activity and dietary intake (semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire) were assessed at phase 5 (1997-1998) of the Whitehall II cohort study. We used retrospective data on educational attainment and father's social class. Our study sample was 4598 participants (3364 men, 1234 women) aged 44-69, with a valid obesity measure and information on father's social class and educational attainment.", "Father's social class was inversely associated with adult life central (Waist-hip-ratio) and general (BMI) obesity in women but not in men. For example, mean BMI difference between the highest and lowest childhood social class was 2.04 kg/m(2) (95% confidence intervals: 0.90; 3.18). These associations remained robust to adjustment for adult life socioeconomic position. Adjusting for educational attainment resulted in a reduction of 10-15% in the difference in mean obesity measures between lowest and highest father's social class. In our fully adjusted model, adult life health behaviours did not provide further attenuation of the effect of father's social class on adult obesity."] Is the association between father 's social class and adult obesity explained by educational attainment and an unhealthy lifestyle in adulthood?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4276185035705566, 0.30303165316581726, 1.3163700103759766 ]
['Much remains to be known about the mechanisms by which O(2)-dependent host defenses mediate broad antimicrobial activity.', 'We show herein that reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generated by inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) account for the anti-Burkholderia mallei activity of IFNgamma-primed macrophages. Inducible NOS-mediated intracellular killing may represent direct bactericidal activity, because B. mallei showed an exquisite sensitivity to NO generated chemically. Exposure of B. mallei to sublethal concentrations of NO upregulated transcription of [Fe-S] cluster repair genes, while damaging the enzymatic activity of the [Fe-S] protein aconitase. To test whether [Fe-S] clusters are critical targets for RNS-dependent killing of B. mallei, a mutation was constructed in the NO-induced, [Fe-S] cluster repair regulator iscR. Not only was the iscR mutant hypersusceptible to iNOS-mediated killing, but its aconitase pool was readily oxidized by NO donors as compared to wild-type controls. Although killed by authentic H(2)O(2), which also oxidizes [Fe-S] clusters, B. mallei appear to be resilient to NADPH oxidase-mediated cytotoxicity. The poor respiratory burst elicited by this bacterium likely explains why the NADPH oxidase is nonessential to the killing of B. mallei while it is still confined within phagosomes.'] Does inactivation of [ Fe-S ] metalloproteins mediate nitric oxide-dependent killing of Burkholderia mallei?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.5401394367218018, -1.1335055828094482, 2.737333059310913 ]
['Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is a member of the IRF family of transcription factors, which regulate the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Polymorphisms in the IRF5 gene have been associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) in Caucasian and Asian populations, but their involvement in other autoimmune diseases is still uncertain. Here, we assessed the genetic role of IRF5 in susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japanese subjects.', 'We selected 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a CGGGG insertion-deletion polymorphism in the IRF5 gene. We performed 2 sets of case-control comparisons using Japanese subjects (first set: 830 patients with RA and 658 controls; second set: 1112 patients with RA and 940 controls), and then performed a stratified analysis using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 shared epitope (SE) status. We genotyped the SNPs using TaqMan assays.', 'A significant association of the rs729302 A allele with RA susceptibility was found in both sets (odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.35, p<0.001 in the combined analysis). When the patients were stratified by the SE, the rs729302 A allele was found to confer increased risk to RA in patients that were SE negative (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.92, p = 0.001) as compared with patients carrying the SE (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.33, p = 0.24). In both sets, no genotyped polymorphisms were significantly associated with RA susceptibility, but rs729302 was significantly associated.'] Is a single nucleotide polymorphism in the IRF5 promoter region associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in the Japanese population?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.5311622619628906, -1.5579289197921753, 2.0527119636535645 ]
['Recently, it has been shown that stem/progenitor cells may repair damaged/lost endothelial cells in vein grafts and wire-injured arteries. In the present study, we investigated endothelial cell turnover and regeneration in apolipoprotein E (apoE)(-/-)/transgenic mice carrying LacZ genes driven by an endothelial TIE2 promoter.', 'To assess cell proliferation on the surface of aortas in apoE(-/-) mice and wild-type controls, BrdU was injected into the tail vein and labeled on en face preparation. BrdU-positive cells on the aortas were observed occasionally in wild-type mice and frequently at sites prone to lesion development in apoE(-/-) mice (0.18+/-0.1% versus 1.12+/-0.2%; P<0.001). Endothelial integrity tests demonstrated that the areas with high rate of cell turnover displayed Evans blue leakage, low levels of VE-cadherin expression, and increased cell attachment, as evidenced by Evans blue dye injection, immunostaining, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, immunostaining for CD34, Sca-1, Flk-1, and CD133 indicated that approximately 3% to 5% of total cells on the aorta were positive in apoE(-/-) mice. En face double labeling using Ki-67 and progenitor markers revealed that 30% to 50% of progenitor(+) cells expressed Ki-67, indicating a state of proliferation. To clarify the origin of endothelial progenitor cells participating in endothelial repair in apoE(-/-) mice, a chimeric mouse model was created by bone marrow transplantation between apoE(-/-) and LacZ(+/+)/apoE(-/-) mice. Ten months after bone marrow transplantation, approximately 3% to 4% of total cells in the lesion-prone areas were beta-gal positive in apoE(-/-) with apoE(-/-)/TIE2-LacZ bone marrow mice. When cells of aortas from chimeric mice were cultivated on Matrigel-coated plates, a capillary-like structure was found, which showed beta-gal/CD31 or beta-gal/von Willebrand factor double positivity. By a combined analysis of laser dissection microscopy and nest reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, it was found that beta-gal(+) cells were mainly expressing CD31 and CD144.'] Does rapid endothelial turnover in atherosclerosis-prone areas coincide with stem cell repair in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.242173910140991, -1.4250211715698242, 2.7377490997314453 ]
['Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum via the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) activates cardiac myocyte contraction. An important regulator of RyR2 function is FKBP12.6, which stabilizes RyR2 in the closed state during diastole. Beta-adrenergic stimulation has been suggested to dissociate FKBP12.6 from RyR2, leading to diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) leakage and ventricular tachycardia (VT). We tested the hypothesis that FKBP12.6 overexpression in cardiac myocytes can reduce susceptibility to VT in stress conditions.', 'We developed a mouse model with conditional cardiac-specific overexpression of FKBP12.6. Transgenic mouse hearts showed a marked increase in FKBP12.6 binding to RyR2 compared with controls both at baseline and on isoproterenol stimulation (0.2 mg/kg i.p.). After pretreatment with isoproterenol, burst pacing induced VT in 10 of 23 control mice but in only 1 of 14 transgenic mice (P<0.05). In isolated transgenic myocytes, Ca(2+) spark frequency was reduced by 50% (P<0.01), a reduction that persisted under isoproterenol stimulation, whereas the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) load remained unchanged. In parallel, peak I(Ca,L) density decreased by 15% (P<0.01), and the Ca(2+) transient peak amplitude decreased by 30% (P<0.001). A 33.5% prolongation of the caffeine-evoked Ca(2+) transient decay was associated with an 18% reduction in the Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger protein level (P<0.05).'] Does conditional FKBP12.6 overexpression in mouse cardiac myocytes prevents trigger ventricular tachycardia through specific alterations in excitation-contraction coupling?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.9145057201385498, -1.5685272216796875, 2.4248807430267334 ]
["To explore the benefits and shortcomings of cochlear implants as perceived by a cochlear implant user's significant other in the context of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).", 'An open-ended questionnaire concerning the perceived shortcomings and benefits of the implant was completed by the significant others of cochlear implants users.', 'The study involved the participants of an adult cochlear implant program.', 'Significant others as selected by the cochlear implant user.', 'Nature of effects reported by the significant other relating to both the cochlear implant user and the significant other using the ICF domains.', 'Benefits experienced by the significant others included a decrease in communication burden and an increased participation in life activities. Those affecting the cochlear implant user were related to psychological issues, particularly an increase in confidence. Improved quality of life was reported for both partners. Reported shortcomings predominantly involved the cochlear implant user and were device related.'] Do the impact of cochlear implants from the perspective of significant others of adult cochlear implant users?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
1
[ -3.131423234939575, 1.1971291303634644, 1.1280174255371094 ]
['We determined whether adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) would be associated with improved survival after lymph node dissection (LND) for patients with penile cancer (PeCa) who have positive pelvic lymph nodes (PPLNs).', 'We retrospectively identified patients across 4 centers with penile squamous cell carcinoma who underwent LND from 1978 to 2013 and were found to have PPLNs. Patients who received chemotherapy before surgery or in the presence of recurrent disease were excluded. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of AC with overall survival (OS), which was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Differences in OS were determined with the log-rank test.', 'During the study period, 141 patients who underwent LND for PeCa had PPLNs, and 84 of them met inclusion criteria. Median number of PPLNs was 2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 4-7), with 10% of cases occurring bilaterally and 55% having pelvic extranodal extension. AC was used in 36 (43%) patients. Patients who received AC were younger (P = 0.014), had less-aggressive penile tumor pathology (P<0.01), were less likely to receive adjuvant radiation (P<0.01), had less bilateral inguinal disease (P = 0.019), and had more inguinal extranodal extension (P = 0.042). Median follow-up was 12.1 months. Estimated median OS was 21.7 months (IQR: 11.8-104) in patients who received AC vs. 10.1 (IQR: 5.6-48.1) in those who did not (P = 0.048). AC was independently associated with improved OS on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.87; P = 0.021).'] Is adjuvant chemotherapy associated with improved overall survival in pelvic node-positive penile cancer after lymph node dissection : a multi-institutional study?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.6169644594192505, -1.607365369796753, 2.2077744007110596 ]
['To overcome antibiotic resistance in biofilms, enzymes aimed at biofilm dispersal are under investigation. In the present study, applicability of an Aeromonas punctata derived depolymerase capable of degrading the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of Klebsiella pneumoniae, in disrupting its biofilm and increasing gentamicin efficacy against biofilm was investigated.', 'Intact biofilm of K. pneumoniae was recalcitrant to gentamicin due to lack of antibiotic penetration. On the other hand, gentamicin could not act on disrupted biofilm cells due to their presence in clusters. However, when depolymerase (20 units/ml) was used in combination with gentamicin (10\xa0μg/ml), dispersal of CPS matrix by enzyme facilitated gentamicin penetration across biofilm. This resulted in significant reduction (p\u2009<\u20090.05) in bacterial count in intact and disrupted biofilms. Reduction in CPS after treatment with depolymerase was confirmed by confocal microscopy and enzyme linked lectinosorbent assay. Furthermore, to substantiate our study, the efficacy of bacterial depolymerase was compared with a phage borne depolymerase possessing similar application against K. pneumoniae. Although both were used at same concentration i.e. 20 units/ml, but a higher efficacy of bacterial depolymerase particularly against older biofilms was visibly clear over its phage counterpart. This could be explained due to high substrate affinity (indicated by Km value) and high turnover number (indicated by Kcat value) of the bacterial depolymerase (Km\u2009=\u200989.88\xa0μM, Kcat\u2009=\u2009285\xa0s(-1)) over the phage derived one (Km\u2009=\u2009150\xa0μM, Kcat\u2009=\u2009107\xa0s(-1)).'] Does aeromonas punctata derived depolymerase improve susceptibility of Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm to gentamicin?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.9829875230789185, -1.5214176177978516, 2.552804946899414 ]
['Studies showed the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease as it alleviated the symptoms and promoted better mucosal integrity. The objective of this study was to determine whether a diet with the addition of n-3 FA helps control the inflammation observed in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced mucositis.', 'BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups as follows: 1: control (CTL), fed a standard chow diet; 2: CTL + n-3 FA - n-3 FA, fed a diet with n-3; 3: mucositis (MUC), fed a standard chow diet and subjected to mucositis; and 4: MUC+ n-3 FA, fed a diet with n-3 FA and subjected to mucositis. On the 8th day, the animals of the MUC and MUC + n-3 FA groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg 5-FU for mucositis induction. After 24 h or 72 h, all mice were euthanized and evaluated for intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, intestinal histology and apoptosis.', 'Mice that received the diet with n-3 FA and a 5-FU injection showed less weight loss compared to the animals of the MUC group (p < 0.005). Decreased intestinal permeability and bacterial translocation were also observed in animals fed n-3 FA, and these mice underwent mucositis compared to the MUC group (p < 0.005). These data were associated with mucosal integrity and a reduced number of apoptotic cells in the ileum mucosa compared to the mice that received the control diet and 5-FU injection.'] Does dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid attenuate 5-fluorouracil induced mucositis in mice?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.931658387184143, -1.4650299549102783, 2.336306095123291 ]
['The relationship between metabolic disease and the non-modifiable risk factors sex, age and ethnicity in Africans is not well-established.', 'This study aimed to describe sex, age and ethnicity differences in blood pressure (BP) and lipid status in rural Kenyans.', 'A cross-sectional study was undertaken among rural Kenyans. BP and pulse rate (PR) were measured while sitting and fasting blood samples were taken for analysis of standard lipid profile. Standard anthropometric measurements were collected. Physical activity energy expenditure was obtained objectively and lifestyle data were obtained using questionnaires.', 'In total, 1139 individuals (61.0% women) participated aged 17-68 years. Age was positively associated with BP and plasma cholesterol levels. Sitting PR was negatively associated with age in women only (sex-interaction p\u2009<\u20090.001). Ethnicity did not modify any of the age-associations with haemodynamic or lipid outcomes. Differences in intercept between women and men were found in all parameters except for diastolic BP (p\u2009=\u20090.154), with men having lower HDL-C but higher values in all other cardiovascular risk factors.'] Are cardiovascular risk factors in rural Kenyans associated with differential age gradients , but not modified by sex or ethnicity?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.5829275846481323, -0.641817033290863, 1.3140287399291992 ]
['In light of interpersonal difficulties and their relation to alexithymia in patients with somatoform disorder, the primary aim of this study was to explore the association between two insecure attachment strategies (deactivation and hyperactivation strategies), and affective and cognitive alexithymia in a sample of 128 patients with severe somatoform disorder, over and above the levels of negative affectivity and personality pathology.', 'In a cross-sectional study among patients with somatoform disorder, self-report data were obtained using measures for alexithymia (Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire), attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire), personality pathology (Inventory of Personality Organization), and negative affectivity (Dutch Short Form of the MMPI). We used hierarchical regression analyses to test main effects of attachment deactivation and hyperactivation strategies in the prediction of both cognitive and affective alexithymia, while controlling for the levels of negative affectivity and personality pathology.', 'Only cognitive alexithymia, i.e., the inability to analyze, identify, and verbalize emotions, was associated with personality dysfunction, in particular insecure attachment strategies. Affective alexithymia, i.e., the inability to fantasize and to experience emotions, was associated (negatively) with negative affectivity but not with the personality variables.'] Are insecure attachment strategies associated with cognitive alexithymia in patients with severe somatoform disorder?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.816365957260132, -0.4546954035758972, 2.3523478507995605 ]
['Differences in contrast agent diffusion reflect changes in composition and structure of articular cartilage. However, in clinical application the contrast agent concentration in the joint capsule varies, which may affect the reliability of contrast enhanced cartilage tomography (CECT). In the present study, effects of concentration of x-ray contrast agents on their diffusion and equilibrium distribution in cartilage were investigated.', 'Full-thickness cartilage discs (d = 4.0 mm, n = 120) were detached from bovine patellae (n = 24). The diffusion of various concentrations of ioxaglate (5, 10, 21, 50 mM) and iodide (30, 60, 126, 300 mM) was allowed only through the articular surface. Samples were imaged with a clinical peripheral quantitative computed tomography scanner before immersion in contrast agent, and after 1, 5, 9, 16, 25, and 29 hours in the bath.', 'Diffusion and partition coefficients were similar between different contrast agent concentrations. The diffusion coefficient of iodide (473 ± 133 µm(2)/s) was greater (P ≤ 0.001) than that of ioxaglate (92 ± 46 µm(2)/s). In full-thickness cartilage, the partition coefficient (at 29 h) of iodide (71 ± 5%) was greater (P ≤ 0.02 with most concentrations) than that of ioxaglate (62 ± 6%).'] Does bath Concentration of Anionic Contrast Agents Affect Their Diffusion and Distribution in Articular Cartilage In Vitro?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.3099843263626099, -1.6257377862930298, 2.049454689025879 ]
['The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of bleeding complications after dental implant placement in patients in treatment by the anticoagulant oral rivaroxaban without interrupting its administration or modifying dosage.', 'About 57 patients were divided into two groups: 18 had been in treatment by rivaroxaban for over 6\xa0month before implant surgery and a control group consisted of 39 healthy subjects. All subjects received dental implants in different positions, without interrupting or modifying rivaroxaban dosage. Patients were treated in an outpatient setting. Non-absorbable sutures were used, and all patients were given gauze impregnated with tranexamic acid 5%, to bite on for 30-60\xa0min.', 'One rivaroxaban patient presented moderate bleeding the day after surgery, and two control patients presented moderate bleeding the day after and on the second day. Bleeding was managed with gauzes impregnated with tranexamic acid. No statistically significant differences (P\xa0=\xa00.688) were found in relation to bleeding episodes between the groups, with a relative risk\xa0=\xa00.919 based on the pooled groups and 95% confidence interval of 0.078-10.844.'] Do dental implant surgery in patients in treatment with the anticoagulant oral rivaroxaban?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.641923189163208, -1.4465396404266357, 2.0691380500793457 ]
['Inflammation is an important component of the response to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Progesterone has been shown to inhibit neuroinflammation following (TBI) and may do so through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated pathways. In vitro studies indicate that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (VDH) may also modulate the inflammatory response through the TLR4 pathway. This study tested the hypothesis that PROG and VDH would exert additive and synergistic neuroprotective effects compared with individual treatment by modulating TLR4/NF-κB-mediated inflammation pathways after TBI in rats.', 'Bilateral medial frontal cortical impact injury was induced in young adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Progesterone (i.p., 16\u2009mg\u2009kg', 'TLR4, phosphorylation of NF-κB, neuronal loss and astrocyte activation were significantly reduced with combination treatment after TBI compared to each agent given individually.'] Does progesterone and vitamin D combination therapy modulate inflammatory response after traumatic brain injury?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.393728017807007, -1.3338723182678223, 2.7391200065612793 ]
['To determine whether the severity of lower limb spasticity had a differential effect on mobility following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to investigate whether the distribution of lower limb spasticity influenced compensation strategies when walking.', 'Ninety-three people attending physiotherapy for mobility limitations following TBI participated in this study. Participants were grouped according to the presence and distribution of lower limb spasticity for comparison.', 'Mobility was measured using a 10-metre walk test and the high level mobility assessment tool. Three dimensional gait analysis was used to measure power generation and spasticity was assessed using the Tardieu scale. No significant relationship was found between the severity of lower limb spasticity and mobility limitations. There was a strong relationship between ankle power generation and mobility performance. Proximal compensation strategies did not vary significantly between groups with different distributions of lower limb spasticity.'] Does severity and distribution of spasticity limit mobility or influence compensatory strategies following traumatic brain injury?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.0462799072265625, 0.37518590688705444, 0.9207086563110352 ]
["The clinical pattern of neuropathic pain, diagnosed using the quantitative sensory testing (QST) battery (German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain), could be partly mimicked in healthy volunteers after topical capsaicin application. However, similar to clinical neuropathic pain that develops in only a subgroup of patients who have a neurologic lesion, this attempt to mimick a neuropathic pain pattern succeeded only in a small fraction (18%) of healthy individuals. In the present assessment, we pursued the hypothesis that the inducible subgroup differed from the other healthy participants with respect to their psychological phenotype. Therefore, in an observational study, participants were assessed using a comprehensive set of psychological variables comprising general psychological and pain-related cognitive-emotional mechanisms. The sum scores of the questionnaires were significantly linearly correlated with each other. Principal component analysis indicated that a major source of variance (46%) could be attributed to dispositional optimism examined via the Life Orientation Test (LOT). The LOT score significantly differed between the groups of participants, either those in whom a neuropathy-like pattern of pain assessed via QST could be partly (50-60% of the 11 QST parameters) induced (n\xa0=\xa020) or not (n\xa0=\xa090; P\xa0=\xa0.0375). It emerged again as the main selection criterion in a classification and regression tree predicting a participant's group assignment (inducible neuropathy-like QST pattern versus noninducible neuropathy-like QST pattern) at a cross-validated accuracy of 95.5\xa0±\xa02.1%. Thus, the few participants in a random sample of healthy volunteers who, after topical capsaicin application, partly resemble (to a degree of about 60%) the clinical pattern of neuropathic pain in the QST test battery, are preselectable on the basis of psychological factors, with a particular emphasis on pessimistic life attitudes."] Is a more pessimistic life orientation associated with experimental inducibility of a neuropathy-like pain pattern in healthy individuals?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.3909791707992554, -1.456071138381958, 1.8852288722991943 ]
['Gallstone removal preserving the gallbladder is a therapeutic option in cholelithiasis. Our group has made use of this technique for twenty-five years in pediatric patients. The purpose of this review was to study gallstone recurrence and gallbladder motility.', 'Patients who had gallstones removed with this technique from 1989 until 2013 were contacted and asked about digestive or other health problems. A sonographic assessment was made in order to look for gallstone recurrence and to measure gallbladder volumes and contraction after fasting and after consuming a fatty meal.', 'All patients are asymptomatic except a girl who suffered colic pain and who had a gallstone recurrence. The median of volume after fasting was 18.37 cc and after consuming the meal 7.16 cc. The median of gallbladder contraction was 57.63%.'] Does [ Gallbladder motility and long term result in cholecystolithotomy ]?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.482396125793457, -0.8372681736946106, 2.4416770935058594 ]
['To measure both fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the corticospinal tracts (CSTs) and volume of the thalami in preterm infants with cystic periventricular leukomalacia (c-PVL) and to compare these measurements with control infants.', 'Preterm infants with c-PVL and controls with magnetic resonance imaging data acquired between birth and term equivalent age (TEA) were retrospectively identified in 2 centers. Tractography of the CST and segmentation of the thalamus were performed, and values from infants with c-PVL and controls were compared.', 'Thirty-three subjects with c-PVL and 31 preterm controls were identified. All had at least 1 scan up to TEA, and multiple scans were performed in 31 infants. A significant difference in FA values of the CST was found between cases and controls on the scans both before and at TEA. Absolute thalamic volumes were significantly reduced at TEA but not on the earlier scans. Data acquired in infancy showed lower FA values in infants with c-PVL.'] Does corticospinal Tract Injury precede Thalamic Volume Reduction in Preterm Infants with Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.0401499271392822, -1.0931930541992188, 2.14884614944458 ]
['Intravenous fluid administration is an essential component of sepsis management, but a positive fluid balance has been associated with worse prognosis. We analyzed whether a positive fluid balance and its persistence over time was an independent prognostic factor in septic patients.', 'We prospectively studied fluid intake and output for 7 days in 173 consecutive adult patients treated for sepsis in our Department of Intensive Care.', 'Of the 173 patients, 59 died (34 %). Mean daily fluid intake was higher in non-survivors than in survivors (59 ± 24 ml/kg vs. 48 ± 23 ml/kg, p = 0.03), but output volumes were similar. As a result, the daily fluid balance was more than twice as large in the non-survivors as in the survivors (29 ± 22 vs. 13 ± 19 ml/kg, p <0.001). Persistence of a positive fluid balance over time was associated with increased mortality. Using a multivariable time-dependent Cox model, a positive fluid balance was independently associated with higher mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.014 [1.007-1.022] per ml/kg increase, p <0.001).'] Is a positive fluid balance an independent prognostic factor in patients with sepsis?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -0.9139883518218994, -1.5589441061019897, 1.5620845556259155 ]
['Some environmental insults, such as fine particulate matter (PM) exposure, significantly impair the function of stem cells. However, it is unknown if PM exposure could affect the population of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). The present study was to investigate the effects of PM on BMSCs population and related mechanism(s).', 'PM was intranasally distilled into male C57BL/6 mice for one month. Flow cytometry with antibodies for BMSCs, Annexin V and BrdU ware used to determine the number of BMSCs and the levels of their apoptosis and proliferation in vivo. Phosphorylated Akt (P-Akt) level was determined in the BM cells with western blotting. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was quantified using flow cytometry analysis. To determine the role of PM-induced ROS in BMSCs population, proliferation, and apotosis, experiments were repeated using N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-treated wild type mice or a triple transgenic mouse line with overexpression of antioxidant network (AON) composed of superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, SOD3, and glutathione peroxidase-1 with decreased in vivo ROS production.', 'PM treatment significantly reduced BMSCs population in association with increased ROS formation, decreased P-Akt level, and inhibition of proliferation of BMSCs without induction of apoptosis. NAC treatment or AON overexpression with reduced ROS formation effectively prevented PM-induced reduction of BMSCs population and proliferation with partial recovery of P-Akt level.'] Does ambient Fine Particulate Matter suppress In Vivo Proliferation of Bone Marrow Stem Cells through Reactive Oxygen Species Formation?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.49311900138855, -1.328117847442627, 2.8734989166259766 ]
['The trapping mechanisms of the PET hypoxia imaging agent copper(II)-diacetyl-bis(N (4)-methylthiosemicarbazone) ((64)Cu(ATSM)) remain unresolved, although its reduction prior to dissociation may be mediated by intracellular thiols. Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant intracellular thiol, and its redox status changes in cancer cells and ischaemic myocardium (two prime applications for (64)Cu(ATSM) PET). We therefore investigated whether modification of intracellular GSH content affects the hypoxia selectivity of (64)Cu(ATSM).', 'Isolated rat hearts (n\u2009=\u2009five per group) were perfused with aerobic buffer (equilibrated with 95%O2/5%CO2) for 15\xa0min, then hypoxic buffer (95%N2/5%CO2) for 20\xa0min. Cardiac glutathione was depleted by buthionine sulphoximine (BSO, 4\xa0mmol/kg/ 48\xa0h intraperitoneal), or augmented by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 4\xa0mmol/L) in the perfusion buffer. Cardiac (64)Cu retention from three 2-MBq bolus injections of (64)Cu(ATSM) before and during hypoxia was then monitored by NaI detectors.', 'Cardiac GSH content was elevated by NAC and depleted by BSO (from 7.9\u2009±\u20092.0 to 59.3\u2009±\u20098.3\xa0nmol/mg and 3.7\u2009±\u20091.0\xa0nmol/mg protein, respectively; p\u2009<\u20090.05). Hypoxia did not affect cardiac GSH content in any group. During normoxia, tracer washed out bi-exponentially, with 13.1%\u2009±\u20091.7% injected dose being retained; this was not affected by GSH augmentation or depletion. Hypoxia significantly increased tracer retention (to 59.1%\u2009±\u20096.3%, p\u2009<\u20090.05); this effect was not modified by GSH augmentation or depletion.'] Does modification of intracellular glutathione status change the cardiac trapping of ( 64 ) Cu ( ATSM )?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.963958740234375, -1.6153194904327393, 2.615325450897217 ]
['The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) predisposes 500\u2009000 women to cervical cancer. Host genetic background may facilitate virus persistence in the uterine cervix. Polymorphisms in regulatory and coding regions of cytokine genes have been associated with susceptibility to some human diseases.', 'This study aims at investigating whether TNFA -308 G/A and IL18 -137 G/C and -607 C/A polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to HPV infection/progression to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL).', 'One hundred and twenty-two HPV infected and 132 HPV negative women (the latter used as healthy controls) were analysed. TNFA -308 G/A and IL18 (-137G/C and -607 C/A) polymorphisms were analysed using specific sequence polymorphism PCR (SSP-PCR). Univariate statistical analysis and a logistic regression were performed.', 'The TNFA -308A allele was associated with susceptibility to HPV infection (p\u2009=\u20090.0008), while the IL18 -607A allele conferred protection against HPV infection (p\u2009=\u20090.0043). TNFA -308 G/A and IL18 (-137G/C and -607 C/A) polymorphisms were not associated with development of cervical lesions (p\u2009>\u20090.05). An association was also observed between smoking and susceptibility to the development of HSIL.'] Are tumor necrosis factor ( TNF ) alpha and interleukin ( IL ) 18 genes polymorphisms correlated with susceptibility to HPV infection in patients with and without cervical intraepithelial lesion?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.1710774898529053, -1.4178836345672607, 2.65242075920105 ]
['To explore the effects of different fluid resuscitation regimens on vascular permeability during burn stage in swines.', "A total of 24 Guangxi-BAMA miniature swines were numbered from 1 to 24 and randomly divided by EXCEL 2007 into 4 groups of succinylated gelatin, hydroxyethyl starch (HES 130/0.4), Parkland (lactated Ringer's solution) and allogeneic plasma (n = 6 each). The model of severe burn shock was established. And fluid resuscitation therapy was applied according to the established regimens of burn shock fluid resuscitation. The parameters of heart rate, blood pressure, urine volume, central venous pressure (CVP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were recorded. Blood samples were collected prior to burns and at intervals of 4, 8, 24 and 48 h post-burns. The plasma colloidal osmotic pressure was measured. Evens blue was intravenously injected at 30 min before sacrificing. Then lung tissue samples were obtained and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PMPI) was measured. Statistical analyses were performed.", 'All swines survived shock stage. The inter-group comparison revealed no statistical difference in heart rate, blood pressure, urine volume, CVP or PCWP. The plasma colloidal osmotic pressures (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) of four groups at each interval were as follows: (1) pre-burn: 25.4 ± 1.0, 25.9 ± 0.9, 25.5 ± 1.1, 25.0 ± 1.0; (2) 4 h: 24.3 ± 1.0, 25.6 ± 0.9, 13.2 ± 0.5, 25.0 ± 1.1; (3) 8 h: 23.3 ± 0.8, 25.2 ± 1.2, 12.7 ± 0.5, 24.0 ± 0.9; (4) 24 h: 22.0 ± 0.8, 23.1 ± 1.0, 12.4 ± 0.4, 23.3 ± 0.8; (5) 48 h: 22.3 ± 0.8, 24.1 ± 0.8, 18.1 ± 0.4, 23.5 ± 0.9. No statistically significant differences existed at the intervals of pre-burn between four groups (all P > 0.05). The HES 130/0.4 group at 8 h was significantly higher than that of allogeneic plasma group at the same interval (P < 0.05). The Parkland group at 4, 8, 24, 48 h were significantly lower than those of allogeneic plasma group (all P < 0.05). The succinylated gelatin group at 8, 24, 48 h, the HES 130/0.4 group at 8, 24, 48 h, the Parkland group at 4, 8, 24, 48 h and allogeneic plasma at 8, 24, 48 h decreased versus those at pre-burns (all P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences existed in pulmonary vascular permeability between the groups of succinylated gelatin (7.6 ± 0.9) µg/g, HES 130/0.4 (7.9 ± 1.8) µg/g, and allogeneic plasma (7.6 ± 1.2) µg/g, but all lower than the Parkland group (26.1 ± 2.3) µg/g (all P < 0.05).'] Do [ Effects on vascular permeability with different fluid resuscitation regimens during burn stage in swines ]?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.657145619392395, -1.6242731809616089, 2.3053741455078125 ]
['To investigate whether metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 (MACC1) expression is a prognostic marker in breast cancer and to demonstrate the potential correlation between MACC1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression.', 'Immunohistochemical staining with anti-MACC1 and phospho-p44/42 MAPK antibodies was performed in 198 invasive breast carcinomas using tissue microarray.', 'Expression of MACC1 was detected in 109 (55.1%) of 198 invasive breast carcinomas. MACC1 expression was significantly higher in the metastatic relapse-positive group (87.8%, 36/41) than in the metastatic relapse-negative group (46.5%, 73/157) (p < 0.001). MACC1 expression was significantly correlated with phospho-p44/42 MAPK expression (p < 0.05). On univariate analysis a significant association was observed between MACC1 expression and decreased disease-free survival (p < 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis MACC1 expression was one of the statistically significant independent risk factors for disease-free survival (p = 0.001).'] Does metastasis associated in colon cancer 1 predict poor outcomes in patients with breast cancer?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.060861825942993, -1.369689702987671, 2.4468154907226562 ]
['HIV eradication strategies are now being evaluated in vitro and in vivo. A cornerstone of such approaches is maximal suppression of viral replication with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). Since many antiretroviral agents have off target effects, and different classes target different components of the viral life cycle, we questioned whether different classes of ART might differentially affect the survival and persistence of productively HIV-infected CD4 T cells.', 'In vitro infections of primary CD4 T cells using clinical isolates of HIV-1 that were either protease inhibitor susceptible (HIV PI-S), or resistant (HIV PI-R) were treated with nothing, lopinavir, efavirenz or raltegravir. Cell viability, apoptosis, and the proportion of surviving cells that were P24 positive was assessed by flow cytometry.', 'In HIV PI-S infected primary cultures, all three antiretroviral agents decreased viral replication, and reduced the total number of cells that were undergoing apoptosis (P\u2009<\u20090.01) similarly. Similarly, in the HIV PI-R infected cultures, both efavirenz and raltegravir reduced viral replication and reduced apoptosis compared to untreated control (P\u2009<\u20090.01), while lopinavir did not, suggesting that HIV replication drives T cell apoptosis, which was confirmed by association by linear regression (P\u2009<\u20090.0001) . However since HIV protease has been suggested to directly induce apoptosis of infected CD4 T cells, and HIV PI are intrinsically antiapoptotic, we evaluated apoptosis in productively infected (HIV P24+) cells. More HIV p24 positive cells were apoptotic in the Efavirenz or raltegravir treated cultures than the lopinavir treated cultures (P\u2009=\u20090.0008 for HIV PI-R and P\u2009=\u20090.06 for the HIV PI-S), indicating that drug class impacts survival of productively infected CD4 T cells.'] Does choice of antiretroviral therapy differentially impact survival of HIV-infected CD4 T cells?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.2189135551452637, -1.1952377557754517, 2.4599552154541016 ]
['Despite the conventional acceptance of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, as markers of invasion in glioblastoma (GBM), there is no large body of evidence supporting their role as prognostic markers. Since the co-expression of MMPs with p53 was noted to be prognostic in other cancers, we evaluated the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in GBM and explored their prognostic relevance with respect to p53 expression.', 'Tumor tissues from a uniformly treated cohort of 132 GBM patients were examined for MMP-2, MMP-9, and p53 protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survival analyses were performed by Cox-regression and Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis. P53 IHC-based stratification of all GBM cases was performed, and subgroup-specific expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 was correlated with survival.', 'MMP-2 and MMP-9 were expressed in p53 positive as well as p53 negative GBM tumors. MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expressions had no correlation with prognosis. MMP-9 expression, however, emerged as a strong independent predictor of poor survival in p53 positive GBMs on both Cox-regression analysis (P = 0.036) and KM survival analysis (P = 0.008). Further, even on multivariate analysis, MMP-9 remained strongly associated with poor prognosis (P = 0.010).'] Does p53 stratification reveal the prognostic utility of matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein expression in glioblastoma?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.849664568901062, -1.4277245998382568, 2.277862310409546 ]
['Chronic airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are characterized by airway remodeling. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, important components of airway remodeling. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is the principle receptor for many environmental toxicants, such as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which may contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the regulatory role of AhR on the expression of VEGF in bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) remains elusive. This study was conducted to determine the role of AhR in regulating bronchial epithelial VEGF expression, which might contribute to angiogenesis of airway remodeling. The plasma VEGF levels of asthmatic patients and healthy subjects were compared. By treating HBE-135, Beas-2B, and primary human BECs with AhR agonists, the mechanisms through which AhR modulated VEGF expression in human BECs were investigated. The plasma VEGF level was significantly higher in asthmatic patients than in healthy subjects. AhR agonists significantly upregulated VEGF secretion from human BECs, which promoted the migratory and tube-forming ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The secretion of VEGF was increased via a canonical AhR pathway, followed by the 15-LOX/15-HETE/STAT3 pathway. C57BL/6JNarl mice treated with TCDD intratracheally also showed increased VEGF expression in BECs. This hitherto unrecognized pathway may provide a potential target for the treatment of airway remodeling in many pulmonary diseases, especially those related to environmental toxicants.'] Do aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists upregulate VEGF secretion from bronchial epithelial cells?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4082319736480713, -1.3279962539672852, 2.7571451663970947 ]
['Interleukin (IL)-21 is a key cytokine in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by its regulation of autoantibody production and inflammatory responses. The objective of this study is to investigate the signaling capacity of IL-21 in T and B cells and assess its possible regulation by microRNA (miR)-155 and its target gene suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in SLE.', 'The signaling capacity of IL-21 was quantified by stimulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with IL-21 and measuring phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) in CD4+ T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Induction of miR-155 by IL-21 was investigated by stimulating purified CD4+ T cells with IL-21 and measuring miR-155 expression levels. The functional role of miR-155 was assessed by overexpressing miR-155 in PBMCs from SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs) and measuring its effects on STAT3 and IL-21 production in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.', 'Induction of pSTAT3 in CD4+ T cells in response to IL-21 was significantly decreased in SLE patients compared to HCs (p\u2009<\u20090.0001). Further, expression levels of miR-155 were significantly decreased and SOCS1 correspondingly increased in CD4+ T cells from SLE patients. Finally, overexpression of miR-155 in CD4+ T cells increased STAT3 phosphorylation in response to IL-21 treatment (p\u2009<\u20090.01) and differentially increased IL-21 production in SLE patients compared to HCs (p\u2009<\u20090.01).'] Does overexpression of microRNA-155 increase IL-21 mediated STAT3 signaling and IL-21 production in systemic lupus erythematosus?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.137014627456665, -1.2779290676116943, 2.4085540771484375 ]
["Observe the treatment effect on elderly people's waling and balance ability under the stimulation and intervention of waving dance combined with magnetic pulse.", "96 elderly people are Involved in the research and the random number table method is divided into observation group and control group; there are 48 people in each group. The control group on the basis of routine daily activities increase waving dance for training treatment; the observation group take training treatment together with the control group, plus magnetic pulse for stimulation treatment. Inspection and control shall be made to relevant indicators of subject's walk and balance ability at the time when they are selected and after they go through 6-month treatment.", 'after 6-month treatment, we found that indicators of walk and balance ability of these two groups of patients have been improved to different extent compared to those indicators when selected (all P<0.05). While the observation group have more significant improvement effect when compared to the improvement effect made by the contract group. Most of indicators are obviously superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). The differences have statistics significance.'] Does dance combined with magnetic pulse stimulate the ability of walk and balance in elder people?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
1
[ -1.1782525777816772, 0.48991650342941284, -0.11100324243307114 ]
['Sesamol is a lignan isolated from sesame seed oil. In recent years, it was found that sesamol could decrease lung inflammation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury in rats. In this study, we investigated whether sesamol exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated macrophages.', 'RAW 264.7 cells were treated with sesamol, then treated with LPS to induce inflammation. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines were analyzed with ELISA. The gene and protein expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were evaluated with real-time PCR and Western blots, respectively. We also examined inflammatory signaling pathways, including nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.', 'Sesamol inhibited production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and proinflammatory cytokines. Sesamol markedly suppressed mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Sesamol enhanced the protective antioxidant pathway represented by Nrf2 and HO-1. Moreover, sesamol suppressed NF-κB transport into the nucleus and decreased MAPK activation, but it promoted adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation.'] Does sesamol suppress the inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB/MAPK activation and upregulating AMP kinase signaling in RAW 264.7 macrophages?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3646247386932373, -1.2739415168762207, 2.7075271606445312 ]
['Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is involved in somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination processes in the antibody formation. The AID activity induces gene mutations and could be associated with transformation processes of B cells. Nevertheless, the relation between AID expression and the prognosis of B cell lymphoma patients remains uncharacterized.', 'We examined expression levels of the AID gene in 89 lymph node specimens from lymphoma and non-lymphoma patients with Northern blot analysis and investigated an association with their survival.', 'The AID gene was preferentially expressed in B cell lymphoma in particular in diffuse large B cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. We confirmed AID protein expression in the mRNA-positive but not in the negative specimens with Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Survival of the patients treated with cyclophosphamide-/doxorubicin-/vincristine-/prednisone-based chemotherapy demonstrated that the prognosis of diffuse large B cell patients was unfavorable in the mRNA-positive group compared with the negative group, and that AID expression levels were correlated with the poor prognosis. In contrast, AID expression was not linked with the prognosis of follicular lymphoma patients.'] Is expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase associated with a poor prognosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients treated with CHOP-based chemotherapy?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4115779399871826, -1.3149161338806152, 2.800291061401367 ]
['The mechanisms underlying the association between diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk are unclear. We aimed to assess this association by studying genetic variants that have been shown to associate with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). If the association between diabetes and CAD is causal, we expected to observe an association of these variants with CAD as well.', 'We studied all genetic variants currently known to be associated with T2DM at a genome-wide significant level (p\xa0<\xa05*10(-8)) in CARDIoGRAM, a genome-wide data-set of CAD including 22,233 CAD cases and 64,762 controls. Out of the 44 published T2DM SNPs 10 were significantly associated with CAD in CARDIoGRAM (OR>1, p\xa0<\xa00.05), more than expected by chance (p\xa0=\xa05.0*10(-5)). Considering all 44 SNPs, the average CAD risk observed per individual T2DM risk allele was 1.0076 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.9973-1.0180). Such average risk increase was significantly lower than the increase expected based on i) the published effects of the SNPs on T2DM risk and ii) the effect of T2DM on CAD risk as observed in the Framingham Heart Study, which suggested a risk of 1.067 per allele (p\xa0=\xa07.2*10(-10) vs. the observed effect). Studying two risk scores based on risk alleles of the diabetes SNPs, one score using individual level data in 9856 subjects, and the second score on average effects of reported beta-coefficients from the entire CARDIoGRAM data-set, we again observed a significant - yet smaller than expected - association with CAD.'] Are genetic variants primarily associated with type 2 diabetes related to coronary artery disease risk?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ 0.035036515444517136, -1.4813292026519775, 0.3982899487018585 ]
['In multiple sclerosis (MS) and its widely used animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), autoreactive T cells contribute importantly to central nervous system (CNS) tissue damage and disease progression. Promoting apoptosis of autoreactive T cells may help eliminate cells responsible for inflammation and may delay disease progression and decrease the frequency and severity of relapse. Programmed cell death 5 (PDCD5) is a protein known to accelerate apoptosis in response to various stimuli. However, the effects of recombinant human PDCD5 (rhPDCD5) on encephalitogenic T cell-mediated inflammation remain unknown.', 'We examined the effects of intraperitoneal injection of rhPDCD5 (10 mg/kg) on EAE both prophylactically (started on day 0 post-EAE induction) and therapeutically (started on the onset of EAE disease at day 8), with both of the treatment paradigms being given every other day until day 25. Repeated measures two-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis.', 'We showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of rhPDCD5 were due to a decrease in Th1/Th17 cell frequency, accompanied by a reduction of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ and IL-17A, and were observed in both prophylactic and therapeutic regimens of rhPDCD5 treatment in EAE mice. Moreover, rhPDCD5-induced apoptosis of myelin-reactive CD4+ T cells, along with the upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2, and with activated caspase 3.'] Is recombinant human PDCD5 ( rhPDCD5 ) protein protective in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3691201210021973, -1.362113118171692, 2.799652576446533 ]
['Effective communication between pharmacists and patients is a crucial factor in ensuring that medications are used properly. However, few studies have examined the contents of actual on-site communications between pharmacists and patients.', 'To identify the characteristics of and problems with routine communications between pharmacists and patients using the Roter Method of Interaction Process Analysis System (RIAS).', 'Conversations between pharmacists and simulated patients (SPs) were recorded and transcribed. Using the RIAS technique, their utterances were classified into 42 categories, and these were further divided into 11 clusters, such as open- and closed-ended questions, and analyzed. Furthermore, the influence that the different scenarios performed by the pharmacists may have had on the structure of their communication was investigated. All of the transcripts were double-coded by two certified coders.', "A total of 57 pharmacists took part in the study. The mean ratio of utterances made by SPs and pharmacists were 44% and 56%, respectively. The percentage of pharmacists' questions was more than double that of SPs' for both open- and closed-ended questions. In the influence that the different scenarios, the scenarios for patients with cancer was significantly higher ratio of utterances by the pharmacists."] Do analysis of pharmacist-patient communication using the Roter Method of Interaction Process Analysis System?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.2963087558746338, -0.05411762371659279, 0.522178590297699 ]
['Blood stream infections (BSIs) are a common source of morbidity and death in hospitalized patients. We hypothesized that the proportions of bacteremia from gram-positive and fungal pathogens have decreased over time, whereas rates of gram-negative bacteremia have increased as a result of better central venous catheter management.', 'All U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-defined BSIs in patients treated on the general surgery and trauma services at our institution between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2009 were identified prospectively. These cases were analyzed on a yearly basis to compare rates of various infections over time. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to evaluate categorical data, whereas the Jonckheere-Terpstra test for ordered values was used to analyze continuous data.', 'A total of 1,040 patients had 1,441 episodes of BSI caused by 1,632 strains of bacteria or fungi. There was no difference over time in the proportion of BSI among overall infections. Rates of BSI for gram-negative and fungal pathogens increased over time (p=0.03 and<0.0001, respectively), whereas rates of gram-positive BSI decreased (p<0.0001). Positive changes in anaerobic BSI approached statistical significance.'] Does temporal Trends in Blood Stream Infection isolate from Surgical Patients?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.115851640701294, -0.6206013560295105, 1.8672542572021484 ]
['Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide (NO) show their mechanism of action reciprocally, the balance between these molecules contributes to the tight regulation of airways tone and function.', 'The aim of this study to determine the serum levels of ADMA and NO in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and establish whether their level vary in relation to forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV', 'This study consisted of 58 patients with COPD and 30 healthy subjects. Serum ADMA and NO levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the colorimetric method, respectively.', 'Serum ADMA levels were significantly higher, however, NO levels were lower in patients with COPD compared with controls. ADMA levels were inversely correlated with NO levels. Serum ADMA and NO were significantly correlated with FEV'] Does asymmetric dimethylarginine contribute to airway nitric oxide deficiency in patients with COPD?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3025596141815186, -1.13713800907135, 2.5442323684692383 ]
['Cirrhosis is the main cause of portal hypertension worldwide but schistosomiasis dominates in much of the tropics. The seroprevalence of Schistosoma mansoni is up to 77% in endemic parts of Zambia. Morbidity is attributed to portal hypertension causing variceal bleeding which can be fatal. Bacterial translocation is associated with portal hypertension in cirrhosis but this is almost unexplored in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Liver biopsy is usually used to assess fibrosis although it is invasive and prone to sampling error. We aimed to investigate translocation, fibrosis and inflammatory makers in a case-control study of schistosomiasis at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.', 'Patients had oesophageal varices, but were negative for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses. Plasma lipopolysaccharide binding protein was used as a marker of translocation while hyaluronan and laminin measured liver fibrosis. Inflammatory markers were measured in blood. Controls were patients with non-specific abdominal pain who had normal endoscopy.', 'Median (interquartile range) lipopolysaccharide binding protein was elevated in patients [44.3 ng/ml (35.7, 57.1)] compared to controls [30.7 ng/ml (30.4, 35.5), P < 0.0001]. Hyaluronan was higher in patients [111.6 ng/ml (39.1, 240.3)] compared to controls [21.0 ng/ml (12.4, 37.6), P < 0.0001] and so was laminin [2.2 μg/ml (1.0, 3.7)] compared to controls [0.9 μg/ml (0.7, 1.2), P = 0.0015]. Inflammatory markers, except C-reactive protein, were elevated in patients.'] Is hepatosplenic schistosomiasis characterised by high blood markers of translocation , inflammation and fibrosis?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.7432793378829956, -1.5973896980285645, 2.31735897064209 ]
['Artesunate (ART), a wildly used agent to treat severe malarial around the world, also has the power to inhibit growth of different types of tumor. However, the exact molecular mechanisms keep unknown.', 'In this study, we used myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cells (SKM-1 cells) with differential ART concentrations treatment at multiple time points to observe the subsequence cell function alteration and the possible involved pathway genes.', 'We found that ART demonstrated the ability to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in SKM-1 in a dose and time-dependent manner. Demethylase recovered CDH1 gene expression may be involved in the apoptosis process. The β-catenin protein translocated from the nucleus and cytoplasm to the membrane result in inactivation of β-catenin signaling pathway.'] Does artesunate induce SKM-1 Cells Apoptosis by Inhibiting Hyperactive β-catenin Signaling Pathway?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.648177146911621, -0.9848510026931763, 2.7017693519592285 ]
['Pairing of Schistosoma males and females leads to and maintains female sexual maturation. However, the mechanism by which pairing facilitates sexual maturation of females is not clear. An increasing body of evidence suggests that ribosomal proteins have regulatory rather than constitutive roles in protein translation.', 'To investigate the effect of ribosome regulation on female sex maturation, Solexa and iTRAQ techniques were used to analyze the relationship between ribosomal gene or protein expression and sexual development of Schistosoma females. In the present study, considerably higher number of ribosomal genes or proteins were found to be differentially expressed in paired 23-day-old females. Moreover, mature female-specific proteins associated with egg production, such as ferritin-1 heavy chain and superoxide dismutase, were selectively highly expressed in paired females, rather than higher level of protein synthesis of all transcripts compared with those in unpaired 23-day-old females. Furthermore, other developmental stages were utilized to investigate different expression pattern of ribosomal proteins in females by analysing 18-day-old female schistosomula from single- or double-sex infections to determine the relationship between ribosomal protein expression pattern and development. Results showed that undeveloped 18-day-old females from single- and double-sex infections, as well as 23-day-old unpaired females, possessed similar ribosomal protein expression patterns, which were distinct from those in 23-day-old paired females.'] Does the Up-Regulation of Ribosomal Proteins Further regulate Protein Expression Profile in Female Schistosoma japonicum after Pairing?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.6766810417175293, -0.4976198971271515, 2.2131969928741455 ]
['Idiopathic epilepsies are considered to have relatively good prognoses and normal or near normal developmental outcomes. Nevertheless, accumulating studies demonstrate memory and psychosocial deficits in this population, and the prevalence, severity and relationships between these domains are still not well defined. We aimed to assess memory, psychosocial function, and the relationships between these two domains among children with idiopathic epilepsy syndromes using an extended neuropsychological battery and psychosocial questionnaires.', 'Cognitive abilities, neuropsychological performance, and socioemotional behavior of 33 early adolescent children, diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, ages 9-14years, were assessed and compared with 27 age- and education-matched healthy controls.', 'Compared to controls, patients with stabilized idiopathic epilepsy exhibited higher risks for short-term memory deficits (auditory verbal and visual) (p<0.0001), working memory deficits (p<0.003), auditory verbal long-term memory deficits (p<0.0021), and more frequent psychosocial symptoms (p<0.0001). The severity of auditory verbal memory deficits was related to severity of psychosocial symptoms among the children with epilepsy but not in the healthy controls.'] Are auditory verbal memory and psychosocial symptoms related in children with idiopathic epilepsy?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.5628435611724854, -0.3553076684474945, 1.9982504844665527 ]
['Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (bmMSCs) have been used as a cellular therapeutic option for treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. However, use of bmMSCs as a treatment adjuvant for orthopaedic disorders in general has achieved limited success. Adipose-derived MSCs (aMSCs) may be a more-efficient regenerative cell source given their greater quantity and protection from physiologic stress.', 'We asked the following questions in a paired analysis of MSCs from patients with osteonecrosis: (1) Is there a difference in proliferation potential between aMSCs and bmMSCs? (2) Is there a difference in osteogenic differentiation potential between aMSCs and bmMSCs? (3) Are genetic pathways differentially expressed between aMSCs and bmMSCs that may govern functional phenotypic discrepancies?', 'Periarticular samples of adipose tissue and bone marrow from the femoral canal were obtained from 15 patients undergoing hip replacement for late-stage (Steinberg Stages III-VI) osteonecrosis. MSCs were isolated from both tissue sources and taken through a standardized 20-day cell division protocol to establish cumulative cell count. They also were grown in osteogenic differentiation media for 14 days with subsequent measurement of alkaline phosphatase in units of optical density. RNA was isolated from aMSCs and bmMSCs in five patients to assess differentially expressed genetic pathways using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 platform.', 'Proliferation capacity was increased by fourfold in aMSCs compared with bmMSCs after 20 days in culture. The mean difference in cumulative cell count was 3.99 × 10(8) cells (SD = 1.67 × 10(8) cells; 95% CI, 3.07 × 10(8)-4.92 × 10(8) cells; p < 0.001). Bone differentiation efficiency as measured by optical density was increased by 2.25-fold in aMSCs compared with bmMSCs. The mean difference in optical density was 1.27 (SD = 0.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.46; p < 0.001). RNA transcriptome analysis showed 284 genes that met statistical (p < 0.05) and biological (fold change > 1.5) significance cutoffs for differential expression between cell populations. Subsequent network topology of differentially expressed genes showed alterations in pathways critical for musculoskeletal tissue development in addition to many nonspecific findings.'] Do adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Phenotypically Superior for Regeneration in the Setting of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.938977599143982, -1.552870750427246, 2.4940037727355957 ]
['We evaluated the neurodevelopment and growth of five- to seven-year-old children who had participated in a randomised trial of early low-dose hydrocortisone treatment to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia.', 'The 51 infants in the original study had birthweights of 501-1250 g and gestational ages of 23-30 weeks, required mechanical ventilation during the first 24 hours and received hydrocortisone or a placebo for 10 days. The majority (80%) of the 90% who survived to five- to seven years of age participated in this follow-up study and their growth, neuromotor, cognitive and speech development were evaluated.', 'Some neurodevelopment impairment was observed in 61% of the hydrocortisone group and 39% of the placebo group, ranging from minor neurological dysfunction to severe neurological conditions (p = 0.182). The mean full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was 87.8 (15.3) in the hydrocortisone group and 95.7 (15.0) in the placebo group (p = 0.135), and the mean performance IQ was 88.3 (14.5) and 99.1 (14.0) (p = 0.034), respectively. A fifth (22%) of the hydrocortisone group required physiotherapy, but none of the placebo group did (p = 0.034). The age-standardised growth was comparable between both groups.'] Does randomised trial of early neonatal hydrocortisone demonstrate potential undesired effects on neurodevelopment at preschool age?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.5215024948120117, -1.356827974319458, 1.9621574878692627 ]
['Iron is an essential micronutrient for all organisms and its uptake, translocation, distribution and utilization are regulated in a complex manner in plants. FER, isolated from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), was the first transcription factor involved in the iron homeostasis of higher plants to be identified. A FER defect in the T3238fer mutant drastically downregulates the expression of iron uptake genes, such as ferric-chelate reductase 1 (LeFRO1) and iron-regulated transporter 1 (LeIRT1); however, the molecular mechanism by which FER regulates genes downstream remains unknown. The aim of this work was therefore to identify the gene that interacts with FER to regulate the iron-deficiency response in tomato.', 'The homologue of the Arabidopsis Ib subgroup of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins, SlbHLH068, was identified by using the program BLASTP against the AtbHLH39 amino acid sequence in the tomato genome. The interaction between SlbHLH068 and FER was detected using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. In addition, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) was used to generate tomato plants in which SlbHLH068 expression was downregulated. The expression of genes was analysed using northern blot hybridization and multiple RT-PCR analysis. Seedlings of wild-type and mutant plants were grown under conditions of different nutrient deficiency.', 'SlbHLH068 is highly upregulated in roots, leaves and stems in response to iron deficiency. An interaction between SlbHLH068 and FER was demonstrated using yeast two-hybrid and BiFC assays. The heterodimer formed by FER with SlbHLH068 directly bound to the promoter of LeFRO1 and activated the expression of its reporter gene in the yeast assay. The downregulation of SlbHLH068 expression by VIGS resulted in a reduction of LeFRO1 and LeIRT1 expression and iron accumulation in leaves and roots.'] Does slbHLH068 interact with FER to regulate the iron-deficiency response in tomato?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4745097160339355, -1.0062819719314575, 2.4612555503845215 ]
['Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic and multifunctional neuropeptide, widely distributed throughout the body. It is involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathophysiological processes. Numerous studies have shown that PACAP is involved in the development of the central nervous system and has neuroprotective effects. Environmental enrichment is also protective in various injuries, partially through involvement of trophic factors. The interaction between PACAP levels in the brain and environmental effects has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether environmental enrichment influences PACAP levels of different brain areas in rats.', 'Wistar rats were exposed to enriched environment in adulthood for 3 weeks. PACAP27- and PACAP38-like immunoreactivities were measured with a specific and sensitive radioimmunoassay in homogenates of different brain areas: brainstem, cerebellum, diencephalon and telencephalon.', 'We found that levels of both PACAP27- and PACAP38-like immunoreactivities showed significant increases in most brain areas after a 3-week-long exposure to enriched conditions. Thus, similarly to several other CNS injuries, enriched environment induced elevation in PACAP levels.'] Does environmental enrichment increase PACAP levels in the CNS of adult rats?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.546649932861328, -0.9732996821403503, 2.554957866668701 ]
['Local estrogen production in the brain regulates critical functions including neuronal development, gonadotropin secretion and sexual behavior. In the mouse brain, a 36 kb distal promoter (l.f) regulates the Cyp19a1 gene that encodes aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis. In vitro, promoter l.f interacts with estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) to mediate Cyp19a1 mRNA expression and enzyme activity in mouse hypothalamic neuronal cell lines. The in vivo mechanisms that control mammalian brain aromatase expression during fetal and adult development, however, are not thoroughly understood. Our aim was to elucidate the basis of the in vivo connection between Esr1 and Cyp19a1.', 'Pregnant mice were sacrificed at gestational days 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 19, 21 and the brain tissues of the fetuses were harvested along with five newborns at the age of postnatal day 2. Esr1KO (female) were also sacrificed and their hypothalamus were excised out. Then both fetuses and adults RNA were isolated, reverse transcribed and amplified employing primers specific for Esr1 and Cyp19a1 with Real time PCR.', 'In the fetal mouse brain, Cyp19a1 mRNA levels are inversely correlated with estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) mRNA levels in a temporal manner. Moreover, Cyp19a1 mRNA levels increased in the hypothalamus of estrogen receptor-alpha knockout female mice (Esr1KO).'] Does estrogen receptor alpha ( Esr1 ) regulate aromatase ( Cyp19a1 ) expression in the mouse brain?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4167892932891846, -0.9953858256340027, 2.4430088996887207 ]
['Insulin resistance is a major factor in the development of metabolic syndrome and is associated with central obesity and glucose intolerance. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in fruits, has been shown to improve metabolic conditions. Although it has been widely studied how resveratrol affects metabolism, little is known about how resveratrol regulates lipogenesis with insulin signaling in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.', 'We treated differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with resveratrol to observe whether resveratrol is effective at reducing lipid accumulation.', 'Resveratrol treatment after mitotic clonal expansion resulted in decreased lipid accumulation accompanied by reduced fatty acid synthase expression. Decreased glucose uptake was observed with inhibited GLUT4 translocation in cells treated with 100 μM resveratrol, suggesting that high doses of resveratrol block insulin signaling in adipocytes. Insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation is also dose-dependently reduced with resveratrol treatment. Interestingly, Akt phosphorylation is upregulated when cells are treated with long-term low doses of resveratrol, suggesting that only low doses of resveratrol improve metabolic conditions.'] Does high-dose Resveratrol inhibit Insulin Signaling Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.547879934310913, -1.0002697706222534, 2.5880887508392334 ]
['Idiopathic testicular/groin pain can be a difficult entity for children, their families, and caregivers. The role of interdisciplinary pain management has previously been demonstrated in treating chronic orchialgia at the present pediatric pain clinic.', 'To evaluate the role of interdisciplinary pain management in managing refractory orchialgia. It was hypothesized that children with refractory orchialgia might respond well. Interdisciplinary care was defined as that which crosses two medical disciplines such as a surgical specialty and specialist in analgesia.', 'Pediatric patients were identified who were: ≥ 10 years old; evaluated in the pediatric urology clinic between 2002 and 2012; were diagnosed wtih ICD code 608.9 or had the diagnosis of male genital disorder NOS. Children were included if they presented with orchialgia without an identifiable cause and failed conservative management (rest, scrotal support, Sitz bath, timed voiding, constipation avoidance) including conventional anti-nociceptive analgesics (acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids). Patient electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively.', 'Twenty-two children met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 13.7 years (range 10-17). Nearly half (45%) of the children had chronic medical conditions such as asthma, allergies, and obesity. Twenty-one of the 22 children were referred to the pediatric pain clinic; 15 were evaluated, and one refused treatment. All children evaluated in the pediatric pain clinic were initially offered an empiric anti-neuropathic anti-convulsant (i.e. gabapentin) and/or an anti-depressant (i.e. amitriptyline) before being offered a nerve block. Of the 14 children accepting treatment in the pediatric pain clinic, six were treated solely with an empiric anti-neuropathic anti-convulsant and/or anti-depressant; eight received medications followed by nerve block (seven ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric blocks, one spinal and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block) (see Fig. 1). A total of eight of the 14 children (57%) treated by the pain clinic had resolution of pain, with 50% of those treated with medications alone (three out of six children) responding (two responding to gabapentin and a tricyclic antidepressant, one to gabapentin alone); and five out of eight (63%) treated with medications and then nerve block (ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block) responding. Of the eight children undergoing nerve block, five required more than one block. The time between each block ranged from 4 to 22.6 weeks. Response to nerve block required an average of 1.4 procedures (range 1-2); mean follow-up after nerve block was 2.4 months (range 0.1-4.8).'] Is interdisciplinary pain management beneficial for refractory orchialgia in children?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.6932796239852905, -1.1279181241989136, 1.836398720741272 ]
["Human milk provides a multitude of glycoproteins, including highly glycosylated α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), which elicits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The milk AGP glycoforms may provide the breastfed infant with a wide range of biological benefits. Here, we analyzed the reactivity of O-linked sugar-specific lectins with human milk AGP over the process of lactation and compared the results with those of the lactating mother's plasma.", 'Relative amounts of human skim milk AGP O-glycans were analyzed in early colostrum, colostrum, and transitional and mature milk samples of 127 healthy mothers by lectin-AGP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using sialyl T (sialyl-α2,3/α2,6 Galβ1,3GalNAc-), asialyl T (Galβ1,3GalNAc-), and Tn (GalNAc-) antigen-specific biotinylated Artocarpus integrifolia (Jacalin), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), and Vicia villosa (VVA) lectins, respectively.', 'Milk AGP elicited high expression of Jacalin- and PNA-reactive glycotopes and low expression of VVA-reactive glycotopes, which were absent on plasma AGP of lactating mothers and healthy individuals. The expression of sialyl, asialyl T, and Tn glycotopes of human milk AGP was lactation stage related. The relative amount of Jacalin-reactive AGP glycotope was highest in the colostrum samples and then decreased starting from Day 8 of lactation. In contrast, an increase of the relative amount of PNA-reactive glycotope with milk maturation was observed. The relative amount of VVA-reactive glycotope remained almost constant over the development of lactation.'] Is o-glycosylation of α-1-acid glycoprotein of human milk lactation stage related?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.365471124649048, -1.3748341798782349, 2.7706494331359863 ]
['Untreated celiac disease has traditionally been linked to a greater risk for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, but the existing evidence is inconclusive.', 'To compare the prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in subjects with celiac disease compared with control subjects and patients with irritable bowel syndrome.', 'The study included 15 untreated celiac disease patients, 15 subjects with irritable bowel syndrome, and 15 healthy controls. All enrolled patients underwent a lactulose breath test measuring hydrogen and methane. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was defined according to previously published criteria.', 'No differences were found in relation to age or sex. The prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth was similar between the celiac disease patients and the controls (20 vs. 13.33%, P=NS), whereas it was higher in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (66.66%, P<05).'] Is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth prevalence in celiac disease patients similar in healthy subjects and lower in irritable bowel syndrome patients?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.7682409286499023, -0.765140950679779, 1.6273839473724365 ]
['Although 2% to 4% of the population develop gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) annually, factors associated with the onset of GERD are scarcely known.', 'To assess whether such factors include weight gain and psychological distress.', 'Two cohorts (first: N=222; second N=754) drawn from 2 case-control studies were followed up for around 5 years. In 2004, all participants were directly interviewed using a validated questionnaire to collect data on body weight, height, GERD symptoms, and psychological distress. In 2009 to 2010, these same participants were again interviewed using the same methodology.', 'The response rate was 83.3% in cohort 1 and 39.1% in cohort 2, after a follow-up of 4.3±0.7 and 5.6±0.3 years, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed only weight gain and psychological distress as being independently associated with the onset of GERD in both cohorts. Weight gain per kilogram showed an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.21 (1.01-1.44) in the first cohort, and a gain of 5 kg or more showed an adjusted OR of 4.65 (1.72-12.53) in the second. Somatization scores showed an adjusted OR of 1.09 (1.04-1.15) in the first cohort (measured as Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 2 hypochondriasis score) and 2.88 (1.04-8.02) in the second (measured as psychosomatic symptoms score). Body mass index on attaining overweight or obese status was associated with the onset of GERD in the unadjusted but not in the adjusted analysis.'] Are weight Gain and Somatization Associated With the Onset of Gastroesophageal Reflux Diseases : Results of Two 5-year Follow-up Studies?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -0.8797245621681213, -1.2832834720611572, 1.2112255096435547 ]
['Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a clinical entity characterized by higher cortical dysfunctions associated with asymmetric onset of levodopa-resistant parkinsonism, dystonia and myoclonus. One of the most typical and distressful features of CBS is limb apraxia, which affects patients in their everyday life. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive procedure of cortical stimulation, which represents a promising tool for cognitive enhancement and neurorehabilitation. The present study investigated whether anodal tDCS over the parietal cortex (PARC), would improve ideomotor upper limb apraxia in CBS patients.', 'Fourteen patients with possible CBS and upper limb apraxia were enrolled. Each patient underwent two sessions of anodal tDCS (left and right PARC) and one session of placebo tDCS. Ideomotor upper limb apraxia was assessed using the De Renzi ideomotor apraxia test that is performed only on imitation.', 'A significant improvement of the De Renzi ideomotor apraxia test scores (post-stimulation versus pre-stimulation) after active anodal stimulation over the left PARC was observed (χ(2) = 17.6, P = 0.0005), whilst no significant effect was noticed after active anodal stimulation over the right PARC (χ(2) = 7.2, P = 0.07). A post hoc analysis revealed a selective improvement in the De Renzi ideomotor apraxia score after active anodal stimulation over the left PARC compared with placebo stimulation considering both right (P = 0.03) and left upper limbs (P = 0.01).'] Does left parietal cortex transcranial direct current stimulation enhance gesture processing in corticobasal syndrome?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.2680327892303467, -1.387925386428833, 2.6734273433685303 ]
['Plasma exchange (PE) is the first-line treatment for primary acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) with severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC). Some patients are poor responders to PE, raising concern over multiple pathogenetic pathways.', 'Based on 52 aTTP patients in our national cohort study, we monitored plasma levels of ADAMTS13, clinical and laboratory findings, and outcomes. In a representative poor responder to PE, we examined an ADAMTS13 inhibitor (ADAMTS13:INH) complex in plasma milieu, by means of a large-pore isoelectric focusing (IEF) analysis.', 'Of 52 aTTP patients, 20 were good responders and 32 were poor responders. In the latter group, plasma ADAMTS13:AC levels never increased to more than 10% of normal during 14 days after PE initiation. Mean (±SD) plasma ADAMTS13:INH titers (Bethesda unit/mL) were 5.7 (±4.5) before PE, but decreased to 1.4 (±0.8) on the fourth PE day and then remarkably increased to 14.8 (±10.0) on the 10th PE day, termed "inhibitor boosting," and then slowly decreased to undetectable level over 1 month. On admission, none of the routinely available clinical and laboratory markers differentiated these two groups. However, elevated pre-PE levels of ADAMTS13:INH were correlated with a poor response. We visualized an ADAMTS13:INH (immunoglobulin G) complex in a patient plasma by an IEF analysis and found proteolytic fragment of ADAMTS13 antigen by a two-dimensional IEF and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis.'] Is poor responder to plasma exchange therapy in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with ADAMTS13 inhibitor boosting : visualization of an ADAMTS13 inhibitor complex and its proteolytic clearance from plasma?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.2973616123199463, -1.4435968399047852, 2.832151412963867 ]
['The therapeutic benefit of physical activity to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes is commonly accepted. However, the impact of the disease on the acute metabolic response is less clear. To this end, we investigated the effect of type 2 diabetes on exercise-induced plasma metabolite changes and the muscular transcriptional response using a complementary metabolomics/transcriptomics approach.', 'We analysed 139 plasma metabolites and hormones at nine time points, and whole genome expression in skeletal muscle at three time points, during a 60 min bicycle ergometer exercise and a 180 min recovery phase in type 2 diabetic patients and healthy controls matched for age, percentage body fat and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2).', 'Pathway analysis of differentially regulated genes upon exercise revealed upregulation of regulators of GLUT4 (SLC2A4RG, FLOT1, EXOC7, RAB13, RABGAP1 and CBLB), glycolysis (HK2, PFKFB1, PFKFB3, PFKM, FBP2 and LDHA) and insulin signal mediators in diabetic participants compared with controls. Notably, diabetic participants had normalised rates of lactate and insulin levels, and of glucose appearance and disappearance, after exercise. They also showed an exercise-induced compensatory regulation of genes involved in biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids (PSPH, GATM, NOS1 and GLDC), which responded to differences in the amino acid profile (consistently lower plasma levels of glycine, cysteine and arginine). Markers of fat oxidation (acylcarnitines) and lipolysis (glycerol) did not indicate impaired metabolic flexibility during exercise in diabetic participants.'] Does type 2 diabetes alter metabolic and transcriptional signatures of glucose and amino acid metabolism during exercise and recovery?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.488515615463257, -1.1935458183288574, 2.7759249210357666 ]
['During pregnancy, adipose tissue (AT) must expand to support the growing fetus and the future nutritional needs of the offspring. Limited expandability of AT is associated with insulin resistance, attributed to ectopic lipid deposition. This study aimed to investigate human AT expandability during pregnancy and its role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).', 'This cross-sectional study of omental (OM) and subcutaneous (SQ) AT collected at Caesarean delivery included 11 pregnant and three non-pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), five with GDM, three with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Adipocyte size, capillary density, collagen content and capillary growth were measured. Affymetrix arrays and real-time PCR studies of gene expression were performed.', 'Mean OM adipocyte size was greater in women with GDM than in those with NGT (p\u2009=\u20090.004). Mean OM and SQ capillary density was lower in GDM compared with NGT (p\u2009=\u20090.015). Capillary growth did not differ significantly between groups. The most differentially expressed AT transcript when comparing non-pregnant and pregnant women corresponded to the IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-5, the expression levels of which was found by subsequent quantitative real-time PCR to be lower in women with GDM vs women with NGT (p\u2009<\u20090.0001).'] Is human adipose tissue expansion in pregnancy impaired in gestational diabetes mellitus?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.9984880685806274, -1.4383196830749512, 2.4716134071350098 ]
['Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a highly oxidative enzyme secreted by leukocytes has been implicated in human and experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated how MPO contributes to progression from steatosis to NASH.', 'In C57Bl/6J mice fed a diet deficient in methionine and choline to induce NASH, neutrophils and to a lesser extent inflammatory monocytes are markedly increased compared with sham mice and secrete abundant amounts of MPO. Through generation of HOCl, MPO directly causes hepatocyte death in vivo. In vitro experiments demonstrate mitochondrial permeability transition pore induction via activation of SAPK/JNK and PARP. MPO also contributes to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the most important source of collagen in the liver. In vitro MPO-activated HSCs have an activation signature (MAPK and PI3K-AKT phosphorylation) and upregulate COL1A1, α-SMA, and CXCL1. MPO-derived oxidative stress also activates transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in vitro, and TGF-β signaling inhibition with SB-431542 decreased steatosis and fibrosis in vivo. Conversely, congenital absence of MPO results in reduced hepatocyte injury, decreased levels of TGF-β, fewer activated HSCs, and less severe fibrosis in vivo.'] Does myeloperoxidase-Hepatocyte-Stellate Cell Cross Talk promote Hepatocyte Injury and Fibrosis in Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.39521861076355, -1.3235305547714233, 2.7299461364746094 ]
['Overweight/obesity has been implicated to play a role in cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder (BD). This study aims to identify the relationship between body fat distribution and different domains of cognition in BD during euthymia.', 'A sample of 100 euthymic individuals with BD was measured with a cognitive test battery (i.e., Trail Making Test-A-B/TM-A/B, d2 Test of Attention, Stroop test, California Verbal Learning Test/CVLT) and an anthropometric measures set (body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip-ratio, waist-to-height-ratio, and lipometry). Patient data were compared with a healthy control group (n = 64).', 'Results show that overweight patients with BD exhibit lower performance in the TMT-A/B as well as in the free recall performance of the CVLT compared to normal-weight patients with BD and controls. In bipolar individuals, (abdominal) obesity was significantly associated with a poor cognitive performance. In bipolar females, associations with measures of verbal learning and memory were found; in bipolar males, associations with poor performance in the TMT-A/B and in the Stroop interference task were demonstrated. In controls, no associations were found.'] Is abdominal obesity associated with impaired cognitive function in euthymic bipolar individuals?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3896801471710205, -0.9037414193153381, 2.291994333267212 ]
['Glucose metabolic activity measured by [(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has shown prognostic value in multiple malignancies, but results are often confounded by the inclusion of patients with various disease stages and undergoing various therapies. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of tumor FDG uptake quantified by maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in a large group of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using consistent treatment techniques.', 'Two hundred nineteen lesions in 211 patients treated with definitive SBRT for stage I NSCLC were analyzed after a median follow-up of 25.2 months. Cox regression was used to determine associations between SUVmax and overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and freedom from local recurrence (FFLR) or distant metastasis (FFDM).', 'SUVmax >3.0 was associated with worse OS (p<0.001), FFLR (p=0.003) and FFDM (p=0.003). On multivariate analysis, OS was associated with SUVmax (HR 1.89, p=0.03), gross tumor volume (GTV) (HR 1.94, p=0.005) and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) (HR 0.51, p=0.008). DSS was associated only with SUVmax (HR 2.58, p=0.04). Both LR (HR 11.47, p=0.02) and DM (HR 3.75, p=0.006) were also associated with higher SUVmax.'] Is fDG-PET maximum standardized uptake value prognostic for recurrence and survival after stereotactic body radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.7328346967697144, -1.6672379970550537, 2.392566680908203 ]
['Epidemiological data suggests a close link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-metastatic colorectal cancer (NMCRC). However, the relationship between MetS and the outcome of NMCRC is less well understood. We aim to evaluate the impact of MetS on the prognosis in NMCRC patients.', 'We performed a large cohort study of 1069 NMCRC patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the cumulative survival rate. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the prognosis associated with MetS adjusting for clinicopathologic variables.', 'MetS was identified in 20.7% of NMCRC patients. Patients with MetS were more likely to be older, higher levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein, and uric acid than patients without MS (P < 0.05 for all). During a mean period of 59.6 months follow-up, patients with MetS had a statistically significantly lower rate of disease-free survival (DFS) than the patients without MetS (P = 0.014), especially local recurrence (P = 0.040). However, there was no difference in overall survival (P = 0.116). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of MetS was an independent risk factor for DFS (HR = 0.733, 95%CI 0.545-0.987, P = 0.041), but not for OS (P = 0.118).'] Does metabolic syndrome contribute to an increased recurrence risk of non-metastatic colorectal cancer?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.7189189195632935, -1.5182220935821533, 2.2710843086242676 ]
['This study determined the cognitive outcomes of Finnish children born with an extremely low birth weight (ELBW) and assessed the agreement between their neuropsychological assessment and how their parents evaluated their cognitive difficulties.', 'The study focused on 121 children from an ELBW cohort with a mean age of 11.6 years (range 10.3-13.8) and assessed them using a standardised test of intelligence, a neuropsychological test battery and a parental developmental questionnaire. The results were compared with the test norms.', 'ELBW children exhibited global cognitive impairment compared to the test norms, with no differences between children who were small or appropriate for gestational age. Children with average intelligence displayed specific impairment in executive, sensorimotor and visuospatial functions. Corresponding functions in the parental evaluation and neuropsychological assessment were associated, but 16-26% of children scoring under the clinical cut-off value in the neuropsychological test domains were not detected by the parental evaluations.'] Do parents tend to underestimate cognitive deficits in 10- to 13-year-olds born with an extremely low birth weight?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
1
[ -1.5103987455368042, 0.7461081147193909, 0.010301521047949791 ]
['There is scanty information concerning multiple aortic aneurysms. Thus, we verified if clinical or pathological characteristics are different in patients with multiple (two or more) aortic aneurysms in comparison with those with only one.', "We selected at the necropsy files of the Heart Institute, São Paulo University School of Medicine, the last 100 cases with aortic aneurysms, comparing between the two groups: sex, age, presence of systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipedemia, history of smoking habit, cause of the aneurysm, cause of death, and if the diagnosis was reached during life. Age was analysed by Mann-Whitney test, and the other variables by chi-square or Fisher's exact test.", 'Multiple aneurysms corresponded to 14% of cases. The proportion of women among patients with multiple aneurysms was higher than among those with single aneurysm (64.3% versus 20.9%, P<.01), even if only cases with atherosclerosis were taken into consideration (women among multiple-6/10, 60.0%; among single-14/70, 20.0%; P=.01). Smoking was less reported in cases with multiple (4/14, 28.6%) than with single aneurysm (53/86, 61.6%; P=.04); considering cases with atherosclerosis, such difference decreases (40.0% of multiple versus 68.6% of single, P=.09).'] Are male gender and smoking related to single , but not to multiple , human aortic aneurysms?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
0
[ 0.6041781902313232, -1.504786491394043, 0.0497850626707077 ]
['Genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are distributed differently across the world. There is a paucity of such data in a multi-ethnic Asian population like Malaysia. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes between major ethnic groups and to ascertain their association with basic demographic variables like age and gender.', 'This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted from September 2007 to September 2013. Consecutive patients who were detected to have anti-HCV antibodies in the University of Malaya Medical Centre were included and tested for the presence of HCV RNA using Roche Cobas Amplicor Analyzer and HCV genotype using Roche single Linear Array HCV Genotyping strip.', 'Five hundred and ninety-six subjects were found to have positive anti-HCV antibodies during this period of time. However, only 396 (66.4%) were HCV RNA positive and included in the final analysis. Our results showed that HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype with overall frequency of 61.9% followed by genotypes 1 (35.9%), 2 (1.8%) and 6 (0.5%). There was a slightly higher prevalence of HCV genotype 3 among the Malays when compared to the Chinese (P=0.043). No other statistical significant differences were observed in the distribution of HCV genotypes among the major ethnic groups. There was also no association between the predominant genotypes and basic demographic variables.'] Is genotype 3 the predominant hepatitis C genotype in a multi-ethnic Asian population in Malaysia?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.3860087394714355, -0.5118709802627563, 1.1026915311813354 ]
['Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease. In the skin, the antimicrobial proteins koebnerisin (S100A15) and psoriasin (S100A7) are overexpressed in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions and mediate inflammation as chemoattractants for immune cells. Their role for systemic inflammation in circulating leukocytes is unknown.', 'The aim of the study was to identify circulating leukocyte populations as a source of koebnerisin and psoriasin. Further, immune-stimulatory effects of these S100A proteins on circulating leukocytes were evaluated and their role as therapeutic response markers in patients with psoriasis was analyzed upon UVB treatment.', 'The expression and production of koebnerisin and psoriasin by leukocytes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunoblotting. The S100A protein mediated regulation of proinflammatory cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was measured with qRT-PCR and cytometric bead assay.', "We identified circulating leukocytes as novel sources of koebnerisin (S100A15) and psoriasin (S100A7). Circulating leukocytes (PBMCs) of patients with psoriasis produced increased levels of koebnerisin and psoriasin compared to healthy individuals. Both S100A proteins further acted as 'alarmins' on PBMC to induce proinflammatory cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Koebnerisin levels were suppressed in PBMC of psoriatic patients when effectively treated with narrow-band UVB."] Are leukocyte-derived koebnerisin ( S100A15 ) and psoriasin ( S100A7 ) systemic mediators of inflammation in psoriasis?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.44245982170105, -1.3388687372207642, 2.833026885986328 ]
['Recently, we showed that outdoor air pollution exposure from traffic and industry is associated with an increased risk of skin aging in Caucasian women. In China, indoor air pollution exposure caused by the use of solid fuels like coal is a major health problem and might also increase the risk of skin aging in Chinese women.', 'As cooking with solid fuels is a major source of indoor air pollution exposure in China, we aimed to test if cooking with solid fuels is associated with more pronounced skin aging in Chinese women.', 'We conducted two cross-sectional studies in China to assess the association between cooking with solid fuels and signs of skin aging. In Pingding (in northern China) we assessed N=405 and in Taizhou (in southern China) N=857 women between 30 and 90 years of age. Skin aging was evaluated by the SCINEXA score. Indoor air pollution exposure, sun exposure, smoking and other confounders were assessed by questionnaires. Associations were then tested by linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for further confounders.', 'The analysis showed that cooking with solid fuels was significantly associated with a 5-8% more severe wrinkle appearance on face and an 74% increased risk of having fine wrinkles on back of hands in both studies combined, independent of age and other influences on skin aging.'] Does epidemiological evidence that indoor air pollution from cooking with solid fuels accelerate skin aging in Chinese women?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.318352460861206, 0.6012568473815918, 0.8849276900291443 ]
["In assessing Crohn's disease (CD) activity, C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important indicator of inflammation; however, it is not necessarily associated with the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), particularly in patients with low CRP. Recently, platelet activation factors have been recognized due to their importance in the inflammatory response. In this study, we examined associations between the CDAI and platelet factor 4 (PF-4), β-thromboglobulin (β-TG), and other coagulation and fibrinolysis factors.", 'We aimed to find a new marker for evaluating disease activity in patients with CD and low CRP.', 'Nine markers, including CRP, platelet count, white blood cell count, fibrin and fibrinogen degradation product, fibrinogen, thrombin-antithrombin complex, prothrombin fragments 1 + 2, PF-4, and β-TG were evaluated in 47 patients with CD and low CRP (<1.0 mg/dl). Patients were assigned to high or low disease activity groups, CDAI-H (CDAI ≥ 150) and CDAI-L (CDAI < 150), respectively.', 'CDAI-H exhibited significantly higher PF-4 and β-TG levels than CDAI-L (P < 0.01). Other markers were not significantly different between groups. CDAI was positively correlated with the levels of PF-4 and β-TG (P = 0.0033 and 0.0024; r = 0.4202 and 0.4321, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of PF-4 and β-TG showed high sensitivity (61.9 and 81%, respectively) and specificity (84.7 and 69.2%, respectively) for diagnosing active CD.'] Do platelet Activation Markers Are Associated with Crohn 's Disease Activity in Patients with Low C-Reactive Protein?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.8320890665054321, -1.544205904006958, 2.2932636737823486 ]
['To explore the effect of shifting in vitro culture conditions regarding cellular passage and onset of loading within matrix-associated bovine articular chondrocytes cultured under free-swelling and/or dynamical loading conditions on general chondrocyte maturation.', 'Primary or passage 3 bovine chondrocytes were seeded in fibrin-polyurethane scaffolds. Constructs were cultured either free-swelling for 2 or 4 weeks, under direct mechanical loading for 2 or 4 weeks, or free swelling for 2 weeks followed by 2 weeks of loading. Samples were collected for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) quantification, mRNA expression of chondrogenic genes, immunohistochemistry, and histology.', 'Mechanical loading generally stimulated GAG synthesis, up-regulated chondrogenic genes, and improved the accumulation of matrix in cell-laden constructs when compared with free-swelling controls. Primary chondrocytes underwent more effective cartilage maturation when compared with passaged chondrocytes. Constructs of primary chondrocytes that were initially free-swelling followed by 2 weeks of mechanical load (delayed) had overall highest GAG with strongest responsiveness to load regarding matrix synthesis. Constructs that experienced the delayed loading regime also demonstrated most favorable chondrogenic gene expression profiles in both primary and third passage cells. Furthermore, most intense matrix staining and immunostaining of collagen type II and aggrecan were visualized in these constructs.'] Does bioreactor-Induced Chondrocyte Maturation be Dependent on Cell Passage and Onset of Loading?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.570897340774536, -1.1514346599578857, 2.8290767669677734 ]
['The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution to hyaline cartilage regeneration of dexamethasone intraarticular administration after autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) implantation into a preestablished knee full-thickness chondral defect.', 'Full-thickness chondral defects of 4.5 × 4.5 mm(2) were surgically made in both medial femoral condyles of adult male New Zealand rabbits. Two weeks later, autologous ex vivo expanded bone marrow-derived MSCs were embedded in hyaluronic acid and implanted into the chondral defects. Immediately and every week after the intervention, dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg was intraarticularly administered (MSC/dexa-treated group). Six weeks after MSC transplantation, the animals were euthanized and condyles were characterized molecularly according to aggrecan, collagen type II, and collagen type I gene expression (quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) and histologically (hematoxylin-eosin staining). Data of MSC/dexa-treated condyles were compared with untreated, dexa-treated, MSC-treated, or normal unlesioned condyles.', 'The ratio between collagen type II expression versus collagen type I expression in MSC/dexa-treated condyles was higher than one, even though the group mean value was not statistically different from that of untreated defects. Histological changes were observed between MSC/dexa-treated and untreated defects mainly in surface regularity and in hyaline matrix abundance. However, International Cartilage Repair Society score analysis did not support robust differences between those groups.'] Does intraarticular Administration of Dexamethasone after Mesenchymal Stem Cells Implantation Improve Significantly the Treatment of Preestablished Full-Thickness Chondral Defect in a Rabbit Model?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.254365921020508, -1.5048173666000366, 2.7778000831604004 ]
['Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is an E3 ligase participated in the cellular defense response against oxidative stress through nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, the role of Keap1 in regulating cancer motility is still controversial. We investigated the contribution of the Keap1-Nrf2 axis in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).', 'The expression of Keap1 and Nrf2 was examined via immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis in a cohort of NSCLC tissues and cells. A series of in vivo and in vitro assays was performed to elucidate the contribution of the Keap1-Nrf2 axis in lung cancer mobility and progression.', 'Keap1 expression was decreased in specimens from NSCLC patients with lymph node metastasis compared with patients without metastasis. Higher Keap1 expression levels were correlated with the survival of NSCLC patients. Moreover, manipulation of Keap1 expression affected cell migration/invasion abilities. Depletion of Nrf2 relieved the migration promotion imposed by Keap1 suppression. Mechanistic investigations found that S100P was downregulated in both Keap1-overexpressing and Nrf2-knockdown NSCLC cells. Overexpression of Keap1 and knockdown of Nrf2 both suppressed S100P expression in NSCLC cells. Knockdown of S100P inhibited cell migration in highly invasive NSCLC cells and also relieved the migration promotion imposed by Keap1 suppression in weakly invasive NSCLC cells.'] Does keap1-Nrf2 Interaction suppress Cell Motility in Lung Adenocarcinomas by Targeting the S100P Protein?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3793485164642334, -1.297969937324524, 2.6900017261505127 ]
['There is marked variability in weight loss achieved after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) with little ability to predict pre-operatively poor weight-loss outcomes. In this study, we categorize the patterns of post-operative weight loss after LRYGB by using a novel method of measurement based on the time to weight-loss steady state (SS).', 'A bariatric database was retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent a LRYGB from 01/2001-12/2010. SS was defined as the month when the patient had ≤3% excess weight loss (%EWL) or weight gain from the prior visit. Percent total weight loss (%TWL) and %EWL were compared based on time to SS.', 'The average time to SS was 15.5 months (n\u2009=\u2009178). A percentage of 7.3 of patients lost >5%EWL after achieving their SS weight. Patients with SS <12 months (n\u2009=\u200947) had a significantly lower %TWL and %EWL at SS and a 3-4-year follow-up compared to SS ≥12 months (n\u2009=\u2009131, p\u2009<\u20090.05 for all). Initial weight loss velocity (IWLV) and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly associated with the time to SS. Patients with a SS <12 months were significantly older than patients with SS ≥months (42.7\u2009±\u200910.5 versus 46.5\u2009±\u200911.8 years, p\u2009=\u20090.05).'] Does the Time to Weight-Loss Steady State After Gastric Bypass predict Weight-Loss Success?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -0.36704468727111816, -1.890425682067871, 1.2299563884735107 ]
['To study the effect of flavonoids isolated from aerial parts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSF) on cerebral damage induced by okadaic acid (OA) in rats.', "OA was microinjected into the right lateral ventricle of male rats at a dose of 200 ng kg(-1) twice with a 3-day interval between injections to establish a model of Alzheimer's-disease-like cerebral damage. Neuronal morphology was observed with thionin staining and the expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and β-amyloid peptide 1-40 (Aβ1-40) were monitored via immunohistochemistry. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using spectrophotometry.", 'The results showed that OA-treated rats exhibited marked neuronal damage accompanied by increased levels of Aβ1-40 peptide and MDA accumulation, decreased GFAP protein expression and reduced GSH-Px and LDH activity in the brain. SSF at three doses (25, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1)) dramatically reversed the OA-induced changes in the brains of rats.'] Do flavonoids from Scutellaria attenuate okadaic acid-induced neuronal damage in rats?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.379737138748169, -1.333359956741333, 2.7475762367248535 ]
['Shock wave therapy (SWT) is an acoustic technology clinically used for the non-invasive treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) has more recently been developed for the same indication, although its effects on reperfusion and angiogenesis have yet to be directly compared to those of SWT.', 'TUS and SWT acoustic parameters were matched, and their ability to promote angiogenesis and reperfusion in a rat hindlimb ischemia model was compared. After left femoral artery excision, 3-weekly TUS, SWT or sham treatments (n=10 rats each) of the left hindlimb were performed for 2 weeks. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging demonstrated improved perfusion with TUS (66±4% L:R hindlimb perfusion, mean±SEM, P=0.02), but not with SWT (59±4%, P=0.13) compared with sham (50±4%). Immunohistochemistry of CD31 demonstrated increased microvascular density with TUS (222.6 vessels/high-power field, P=0.001) and SWT (216.9, P=0.01) compared to sham-treated rats (196.0). Tissue vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA levels were elevated in the left hindlimb of TUS-, but not SWT- or sham-treated rats.'] Does therapeutic Ultrasound promote Reperfusion and Angiogenesis in a Rat Model of Peripheral Arterial Disease?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.15751051902771, -1.4503498077392578, 2.6870293617248535 ]
['This study was designed to evaluate vitamin D status with separate determination of 25-OH D2 and 25-OH D3 and its relationship to vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and long-term haemodialysis patients (HD).', '45 CKD patients, 103 HD patients, and 25 controls (C) were included. Plasma vitamin D concentrations were determined using chromatography and VDBP in serum and urine in CKD using enzyme immunoassay.', 'Plasma vitamin D levels were lower in CKD (30.16\u2009±\u200916.74\u2009ng/mL) and HD (18.85\u2009±\u200915.85\u2009ng/mL) versus C (48.72\u2009±\u200918.35\u2009ng/mL), P < 0.0001. 25-OH D3 was the dominant form of vitamin D. Serum VDBP was higher in CKD (273.2\u2009±\u200993.8\u2009ug/mL) versus C (222\u2009±\u200987.6\u2009ug/mL) and HD (213.8\u2009±\u200970.9\u2009ug/mL), P = 0.0003. Vitamin D/VDBP ratio was the highest in C and the lowest in HD; however, there was no correlation between vitamin D and VDBP. Urinary concentration of VDBP in CKD (0.25\u2009±\u20090.13\u2009ug/mL) correlated with proteinuria (r = 0.43, P = 0.003).'] Is vitamin D Binding Protein Involved in Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -0.651654839515686, -1.8126963376998901, 1.4665206670761108 ]
['We evaluated the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on Wnt10b production by immune system cells in humans. We showed that bone anabolic effect of intermittent PTH treatment may be amplified by T cells through increased production of Wnt10b. Chronic increase in PTH as in primary hyperparathyroidism does not increase Wnt10b expression.', 'The aim of this study is to assess the effect of PTH on Wnt10b production by immune system cells in humans. We assessed both the effect of intermittent PTH administration (iPTH) and of chronic PTH hypersecretion in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP).', 'Eighty-two women affected by post-menopausal osteoporosis were randomly assigned to treatment with calcium and vitamin D alone (22) or plus 1-84 PTH (42), or intravenous ibandronate (18). Wnt10b production by unfractioned blood nucleated cells and by T, B cells and monocytes was assessed by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA at baseline, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months of treatment. The effect of chronic elevation of PTH was evaluated in 20 patients affected by PHP at diagnosis and after surgical removal of parathyroid adenoma. WNT10b from both osteoporotic and PHP patients was compared to healthy subjects matched for age and sex.', "iPTH increases Wnt10b production by T cells, whereas PHP does not. After surgical restoration of normal parathyroid function, WNT10b decreases, although it is still comparable with healthy subjects' level. Thus, chronic elevation of PTH does not significantly increase WNT10b production as respect to control."] Does treatment with intermittent PTH increase Wnt10b production by T cells in osteoporotic patients?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.0641114711761475, -1.4409871101379395, 2.5006284713745117 ]
['Blood cultures (BCs) are commonly performed on children admitted to hospital for skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). In recent years, this practice has been questioned in patients with uncomplicated SSTIs because of its low yield. At the same time, however, an increase in community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections has been described; its influence on rates of bacteremia in patients with SSTIs is unclear. The aims of the study were to describe the performance and the yield of BC in immunocompetent patients with uncomplicated SSTIs and to determine the prevalence of CA-MRSA as a causative agent in our area.', 'Retrospective study: immunocompetent patients younger than 18 years evaluated in the emergency department and admitted for uncomplicated SSTIs (cellulitis, abscess, impetigo or erysipelas) from July 1, 2010 to June 31, 2014 were included. Patients referred from other hospitals who were receiving parenteral antibiotics and patients with complicated SSTIs (surgical or traumatic wound infection, need for surgical intervention and infected ulcers or burns) were excluded.', 'We included 445 cases: 348 (78.2%) cellulitis, 78 (17.5%) abscess and 19 (4.3%) impetigo. BCs were performed on 353 (79.3%) patients. Two (0.6%; 95% confidence interval: 0.2-2.0%) were positive and 10 (2.8%; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-5.1%) contaminated. The positive BCs grew S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Wound cultures were performed on 148 (33.3%) patients; 98 (66.2%) were positive. In 22 (22.4%) patients CA-MRSA grew, accounting for 14.9% of overall wound cultures.'] Are blood Cultures Useful in the Evaluation of Children with Uncomplicated Superficial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.659100890159607, -1.3087306022644043, 2.0053598880767822 ]
['Abnormal iron metabolism and hepatic iron-overload is a major cause of liver injury and in the development of chronic liver diseases. Iron-overload-mediated liver disease leads to end-stage cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma.', 'Using a genetic hemochromatosis (hemojuvelin knockout mice) and non-genetic (secondary iron-overload) murine models of hepatic iron-overload, we elucidated the mechanism of hepatic iron injury and the therapeutic effects of resveratrol.', 'Hepatic iron-overload was associated with hepatosplenomegaly, increased oxidative stress, hepatic fibrosis, and inflammation, and a pro-apoptotic state which was markedly corrected by resveratrol therapy. Importantly our aging studies with the hemojuvelin knockout mice showed advanced liver disease in association with steatosis in the absence of a diabetic state which recapitulates the essential pathological features seen in clinical iron-overload. Chronic hepatic iron-overload showed increased nuclear localization of acetylated Forkhead fox-O-1 (FoxO1) transcription factor whereas resveratrol dietary intervention reversed the acetylation of FoxO1 in association with increased SIRT1 levels which together with its pleotropic antioxidant properties are likely key mechanisms of its therapeutic action. Importantly, resveratrol treatment did not affect the degree of hepatic iron-overload but rather direct protects the liver from iron-mediated injury.'] Does resveratrol mediate therapeutic hepatic effects in acquired and genetic murine models of iron-overload?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.5847699642181396, -1.1928106546401978, 2.7862613201141357 ]
['Post-transcriptional RNA regulons ensure coordinated expression of monocistronic mRNAs encoding functionally related proteins. In this study, we employ a combination of RIP-seq and short- and long-wave individual-nucleotide resolution crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (iCLIP) technologies in Drosophila cells to identify transcripts associated with cytoplasmic ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) containing the RNA-binding protein Imp.', "We find extensive binding of Imp to 3' UTRs of transcripts that are involved in F-actin formation. A common denominator of the RNA-protein interface is the presence of multiple motifs with a central UA-rich element flanked by CA-rich elements. Experiments in single cells and intact flies reveal compromised actin cytoskeletal dynamics associated with low Imp levels. The former shows reduced F-actin formation and the latter exhibits abnormal neuronal patterning. This demonstrates a physiological significance of the defined RNA regulon."] Does drosophila Imp iCLIP identify an RNA assemblage coordinating F-actin formation?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.480178117752075, -1.0560263395309448, 2.6176931858062744 ]
['HFE, a major regulator of iron (Fe) homeostasis, has been suggested to be under positive selection in both European and Asian populations. While the genetic variant under selection in Europeans (a non-synonymous mutation, C282Y) has been relatively well-studied, the adaptive variant in Asians and its functional consequences are still unknown. Identifying the adaptive HFE variants in Asians will not only elucidate the evolutionary history and the genetic basis of population difference in Fe status, but also assist the future practice of genome-informed dietary recommendation.', 'Using data from the International HapMap Project, we confirmed the signatures of positive selection on HFE in Asian populations and identified a candidate adaptive haplotype that is common in Asians (52.35-54.71%) but rare in Europeans (5.98%) and Africans (4.35%). The T allele at tag SNP rs9366637 (C/T) captured 95.8% of this Asian-common haplotype. A significantly reduced HFE expression was observed in individuals carrying T/T at rs9366637 compared to C/C and C/T, indicating a possible role of gene regulation in adaptation. We recruited 57 women of Asian descent and measured Fe absorption using stable isotopes in those homozygous at rs9366637. We observed a 22% higher absorption in women homozygous for the Asian-common haplotype (T/T) compared to the control genotype (C/C). Additionally, compared with a group of age-matched Caucasian women, Asian women exhibited significantly elevated Fe absorption.'] Does natural selection on HFE in Asian populations contribute to enhanced non-heme iron absorption?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.5140327215194702, -1.080560326576233, 1.6187586784362793 ]
['Pulmonary outflow tract obstruction (POTO) reduces systemic atrioventricular valve (SAVV) regurgitation severity in congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). Therefore, pulmonary artery banding is proposed as a palliative intervention. We aimed to investigate the effect of native or surgically induced POTO on event-free survival, defined as the composite of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, or congestive heart failure (CHF).', 'Patients with ccTGA (n=62; median age 27.5 (IQR 18.4-39.4) years; 39% with POTO) were selected from the Adult Congenital Heart Disease database of a tertiary hospital. At first visit, SAVV regurgitation ≥ 3/4, systemic RV dysfunction ≥ moderate, and CHF were present in 26%, 26%, and 15% of patients, respectively. Over a mean follow-up time of 10.1 ± 6.1 years, all-cause mortality, rate of heart transplantation, and CHF were 18%, 8% and 40%, respectively. SAVV regurgitation (HR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.01-3.92; P=0.048) and systemic RV dysfunction severity (HR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.05-3.37; P=0.033) were associated with the composite endpoint, independently of age at baseline, POTO, Ebstein-like malformation, and systemic RV dilatation. Patients with POTO had lower risk for developing SAVV regurgitation ≥ 3/4 (HR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.05-0.58; P=0.004) and moderate systemic RV dysfunction (HR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.15-0.78; P=0.011). When POTO was present, the mean progression-free interval for the composite endpoint increased from 11.2 to 18.1 years (P=0.035).'] Does pulmonary outflow obstruction protect against heart failure in adults with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.9443720579147339, -1.512833833694458, 2.5026333332061768 ]
['Activated mast cells have been identified in the intima and perivascular tissue of human atherosclerotic plaques. As mast cells have been described to release a number of chemokines that mediate leukocyte fluxes, we propose that activated mast cells may play a pivotal role in leukocyte recruitment during atherosclerotic plaque progression.', 'Systemic IgE-mediated mast cell activation in apoE(-/-)μMT mice resulted in an increase in atherosclerotic lesion size as compared to control mice, and interestingly, the number of neutrophils was highly increased in these lesions. In addition, peritoneal mast cell activation led to a massive neutrophil influx into the peritoneal cavity in C57Bl6 mice, whereas neutrophil numbers in mast cell deficient Kit(W(-sh)/W(-sh)) mice were not affected. Within the newly recruited neutrophil population, increased levels of CXCR2(+) and CXCR4(+) neutrophils were observed after mast cell activation. Indeed, mast cells were seen to contain and release CXCL1 and CXCL12, the ligands for CXCR2 and CXCR4. Intriguingly, peritoneal mast cell activation in combination with anti-CXCR2 receptor antagonist resulted in decreased neutrophil recruitment, thus establishing a prominent role for the CXCL1/CXCR2 axis in mast cell-mediated neutrophil recruitment.'] Do mast cells mediate neutrophil recruitment during atherosclerotic plaque progression?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4919888973236084, -1.220511794090271, 2.710118293762207 ]
['Propafenone is a well-known Class Ic antiarrhythmic agent. It has the typical chemical structure of a beta-blocker, but human studies on its beta-blocking effects revealed conflicting results.', 'Twelve healthy males received single oral doses of 600 mg propafenone and placebo according to a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over protocol. Four hours following drug intake, heart rate and blood pressure were measured, and plasma concentrations of propafenone were determined at rest, during exercise and after recovery. At exercise, propafenone significantly decreased heart rate (-6%, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (-6%, P < 0.05), and the rate-pressure product (-11%, P < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of propafenone increased during exercise (+23%, P < 0.05) and decreased during recovery (-33%, P < 0.05).'] Does propafenone show class Ic and class II antiarrhythmic effects?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.1215016841888428, -1.3490333557128906, 2.591794967651367 ]
['Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HeFH) is a severe autosomal dominant disease that is underdiagnosed, inadequately treated and has a severe long-term cardiovascular risk. Few studies have evaluated the long-term risk of high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations.', 'To evaluate long-term mortality in a large cohort of healthy subjects, according to LDL-C concentrations.', 'Based on a sample of 6956 subjects visiting a preventive cardiology department, we selected adult subjects without a personal history of cardiovascular disease. From 1995 to 2011, 4930 healthy subjects were examined and followed up until 31 December 2011. All-cause deaths were collected exhaustively. A Cox-based multivariable analysis evaluated long-term total mortality risk according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) LDL-C concentrations.', 'After a mean follow-up of 8.6 years, 123 all-cause deaths were recorded (cumulative mortality rate, 2.5%). In the final multivariable model, major risk factors such as age, sex, tobacco use and diabetes were significantly associated with mortality. After adjustment for age, sex, tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes and statin therapy, and in comparison with subjects with LDL-C<4 mmol/L (<155 mg/dL), subjects with LDL-C between 4 and <5 mmol/L (155 to <190 mg/dL) had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.99 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-3.02; P=0.001), subjects with LDL-C between 5 and <6.5 mmol/L (190 to <250 mg/dL) had an HR of 1.81 (95% CI, 1.06-3.02; P=0.030), subjects with LDL-C between 6.5 and<8.5 mmol/L (250 to <330 mg/dL) had an HR of 2.69 (95% CI, 1.06-6.88; P=0.038) and subjects with LDL-C ≥ 8.5 mmol/L (≥330 mg/dL) had an HR of 6.27 (95% CI, 0.84-46.57; P=0.073). After excluding patients on statins at baseline, subjects with LDL-C ≥ 8.5 mmol/L (≥330 mg/dL) had an HR of 8.17 (95% CI, 1.08-62.73; P=0.042).'] Are dutch Lipid Clinic Network low-density lipoprotein cholesterol criteria associated with long-term mortality in the general population?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.2431904077529907, -1.603872299194336, 1.8379507064819336 ]
['Hypothermia is a well-known risk factor for postoperative complications because it prolongs the monocyte inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether temperature-activated ion channels (transient receptor protein channels [TRP] A1 and V1) mediate the effects of temperature on monocytes.', 'Primary human monocytes were isolated and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide at 32°C or 39°C. RNA was isolated for analysis of microRNA (miR)-155 expression, and cytokines in the supernatant were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific inhibitors of TRPA1 (HC- 030031) and a specific activator of TRPV1 (capsaicin) were used to block or activate TRPA1 and TRPV1, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.', 'TRPM8 mRNA was not expressed in primary human monocytes, whereas TRPA1 and TRPV1 were expressed. TRPV1 mRNA expression was suppressed at 32°C but not at 39°C. TRPA1 was induced strongly at 32°C and 39°C. Immunofluorescence microscopy confirmed that monocytes express TRPA1 and TRPV1 on their cell surface. Interleukin-10 secretion was increased by blocking TRPA1 (77.8\xa0±\xa03 2.8 pg/mL) and activating TRPA1 (79.4\xa0±\xa016.1 pg/mL) after 24\xa0hours at 32°C (control 37.4\xa0±\xa017.1 pg/mL, P\xa0<\xa0.05). At 36\xa0hours, tumor necrosis factor secretion was decreased after TRPA1 blockade (2,321\xa0±\xa0439 pg/mL) and TRPV1 activation (2,137\xa0±\xa0411 pg/mL) compared with control (2,567\xa0±\xa0495 pg/mL, P\xa0<\xa0.05). Furthermore, miR-155 expression also was suppressed at 24\xa0hours by TRPA1 blockade and TRPV1 activation (both P\xa0<\xa0.05). Silencing of TRPA1 normalized monocyte IL-10 secretion at 32°C.'] Does tRPA1 mediate the effects of hypothermia on the monocyte inflammatory response?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.819034457206726, -1.6237401962280273, 2.3982439041137695 ]
['Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) improves gas exchange and respiratory mechanics, and it may decrease tissue injury and inflammation. The mechanisms of this protective effect are not fully elucidated. Our aim was to determine the intrinsic effects of moderate and higher levels of PEEP on tidal recruitment/derecruitment, hyperinflation, and lung mechanics, in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).', 'Nine patients with ARDS of mainly pulmonary origin were ventilated sequential and randomly using two levels of PEEP: 9 and 15 cmH2 O, and studied with dynamic computed tomography at a fix transversal lung region. Tidal recruitment/derecruitment and hyperinflation were determined as non-aerated tissue and hyperinflated tissue variation between inspiration and expiration, expressed as percentage of total weight. We also assessed the maximal amount of non-aerated and hyperinflated tissue weight.', 'PEEP 15 cmH2 O was associated with decrease in non-aerated tissue in all the patients (P < 0.01). However, PEEP 15 cmH2 O did not decrease tidal recruitment/derecruitment compared to PEEP 9 cmH2 O (P = 1). In addition, PEEP 15 cmH2 O markedly increased maximal hyperinflation (P < 0.01) and tidal hyperinflation (P < 0.05). Lung compliance decreased with PEEP 15 cmH2 O (P < 0.001).'] Are high PEEP levels associated with overdistension and tidal recruitment/derecruitment in ARDS patients?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.7402499914169312, -1.572253704071045, 2.29685115814209 ]
['The significance of studies suggesting an increased risk of bone fragility fractures with hyponatremia through mechanisms of induced bone loss and increased falls has not been demonstrated in large patient populations with different types of hyponatremia.', 'This matched case-control study evaluated the effect of hyponatremia on osteoporosis and fragility fractures in a patient population of more than 2.9 million.', 'Osteoporosis (n = 30 517) and fragility fracture (n = 46 256) cases from the MedStar Health database were matched on age, sex, race, and patient record length with controls without osteoporosis (n = 30 517) and without fragility fractures (n = 46 256), respectively. Cases without matched controls or serum sodium (Na(+)) data or with Na(+) with a same-day blood glucose greater than 200 mg/dL were excluded.', 'Incidence of diagnosis of osteoporosis and fragility fractures of the upper or lower extremity, pelvis, and vertebrae were the outcome measures.', 'Multivariate conditional logistic regression models demonstrated that hyponatremia was associated with osteoporosis and/or fragility fractures, including chronic [osteoporosis: odds ratio (OR) 3.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.59-4.39; fracture: OR 4.61, 95% CI 4.15-5.11], recent (osteoporosis: OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.81-3.33; fracture: OR 3.05, 95% CI 2.83-3.29), and combined chronic and recent hyponatremia (osteoporosis: OR 12.09, 95% CI 9.34-15.66; fracture: OR 11.21, 95% CI 8.81-14.26). Odds of osteoporosis or fragility fracture increased incrementally with categorical decrease in median serum Na(+).'] Does hyponatremia be Associated With Increased Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures in a Large US Health System Population?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.7780722379684448, -1.445961356163025, 2.2801921367645264 ]
['Cilostazol has been reported to prevent atherosclerotic events in the general population. However, data have been limited whether there are beneficial effects of cilostazol use on long-term clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy in hemodialysis (HD) patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD).', 'This study consisted of 595 HD patients undergoing endovascular therapy for a clinical diagnosis of PAD. They were divided into two groups: patients receiving 100mg cilostazol twice daily in conjunction with standard therapy (n=249 patients, cilostazol group) and those not administered cilostazol (n=346 patients, control group). A propensity score analysis was performed to adjust for baseline differences between the two groups. The propensity score-adjusted 10-year event-free survival rate from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was significantly higher in the cilostazol group than in the control group [58.6% vs. 43.7%, hazard ratio (HR) 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41-0.79; p=0.0010]. Notably, the adjusted stroke-free rate was significantly higher in the cilostazol group than in the control group (81.6% vs. 74.7%; HR=0.48; 95% CI, 0.25-0.92, p=0.028). Even after adjusting for other confounders, treatment with cilostazol was an independent predictor for prevention of MACE and stroke (p=0.0028 and p=0.039, respectively).'] Does treatment with cilostazol improve clinical outcome after endovascular therapy in hemodialysis patients with peripheral artery disease?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.728122591972351, -1.5680720806121826, 2.280524730682373 ]
['The purpose of this clinical investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of a marketed whitening chewing gum compared to a no-gum control in preventing the formation of extrinsic stains on the teeth of stain-forming subjects when chewed over a 12-week period of regular unsupervised use in conjunction with daily tooth brushing.', 'This was a single-center, examiner-blind, randomized, 12-week crossover clinical trial. Stain-forming (after smoking or drinking coffee or tea) adults, starting with a stain-free baseline, either chewed the test gum (Orbit White) unsupervised four times per day, 15 minutes/chew, or used no gum along with daily brushing with a commercially available toothbrush and dentifrice for 12 weeks. At the crossover, all procedures were repeated with subjects assigned the opposite treatment. Extrinsic stain was measured at six and 12 weeks by both the Lobene Stain Index (LSI) and the Modified Lobene Stain Index (MLSI) using separate experienced examiners.', 'After 12 weeks, LSI stain scores showed a significant 25% reduction (p = 0.0008) in new stain formation for subjects using the test chewing gum along with tooth brushing versus tooth brushing alone (no-gum control). The corresponding MLSI stain scores demonstrated a 36% reduction (p < 0.0001) in the formation of extrinsic stain on the teeth.'] Do crossover clinical investigation of a whitening chewing gum for inhibiting dental stain formation in conjunction with tooth brushing?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.208613634109497, -1.1550180912017822, 2.549828290939331 ]
['Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the micro-organism of choice for the conversion of fermentable sugars during beverage or bioethanol fermentations. These fermentations are characterised by high osmotic stress on a yeast cell, with selected brewing fermentations beginning at 20-25% fermentable sugars and bioethanol fermentations at 13% fermentable sugars.', 'RCK2 encodes for a MAPKAP (MAPK-activated protein kinase) enzyme and was identified on a locus by QTL analysis in yeast cells under osmotic stress, RCK2 expression was placed under a tetracycline regulatable vector and rescued glucose, sorbitol or glycerol induced osmotic stress in an rck2 null strain. A strain overexpressing RCK2 had significantly faster fermentation rates when compared with the empty vector control strain.'] Does expression of RCK2 MAPKAP ( MAPK-activated protein kinase ) rescue yeast cells sensitivity to osmotic stress?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.5040016174316406, -0.9224836230278015, 2.455702543258667 ]
['Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease. A body of evidence suggests that p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), a uremic toxin, is associated with the cardiovascular mortality rate of patients with chronic kidney disease; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this feature have not yet been fully elucidated.', 'We aimed to determine whether PCS accumulation could adversely affect cardiac dysfunction via direct cytotoxicity to cardiomyocytes. In mice that underwent 5/6 nephrectomy, PCS promoted cardiac apoptosis and affected the ratio of left ventricular transmitral early peak flow velocity to left ventricular transmitral late peak flow velocity (the E/A ratio) observed by echocardiography (n=8 in each group). Apocynin, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity, attenuates this alteration of the E/A ratio (n=6 in each group). PCS also exhibited proapoptotic properties in H9c2 cells by upregulating the expression of p22(phox) and p47(phox), NADPH oxidase subunits, and the production of reactive oxygen species. Apocynin and N-acetylcysteine were both able to suppress the effect of PCS, underscoring the importance of NADPH oxidase activation for the mechanism of action.'] Does p-Cresyl sulfate aggravate cardiac dysfunction associated with chronic kidney disease by enhancing apoptosis of cardiomyocytes?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.5522806644439697, -1.1651406288146973, 2.7661125659942627 ]
['To investigate the effect of Lycopene (Lyc) on Ang II induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cell line derived from rat cardiac tissue,and to explore related mechanisms.', 'H9c2 cells were divided into 6 groups: control group, Ang II group (1 µmol/L), Ang II (1 µmol/L) + low dose Lyc (3.125 nmol/L) group, Ang II (1 µmol/L) + moderate dose Lyc (6.25 nmol/L) group and Ang II (1 µmol/L) + high dose Lyc (12.5 nmol/L) group and Lyc group (12.5 nnmol/L). Cell growth was determined by CCK8 assay, ROS generation was detected using a Microplate reader and Fluorescence microscopy, the expression of NOX2 was determined by Western blot, mRNA expression of p47(phox), SOD1 and SOD2 were determined by Real Time-PCR, MDA was detected by ELISA kit.', 'Compared to control group,cell survival was significantly reduced and ROS generation was significantly increased post Ang II stimulation,cotreatment with Lyc significantly improved cell survival and reduced ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner (all P < 0.01). mRNA expression of SOD1 and SOD2 was significantly downregulated while MDA concentration was significantly increased in Ang II treated cells, which could be significantly reversed by cotreatment with Lyc in a dose dependent manner (all P < 0.01). Protein expression of NOX2 and mRNA expression of p47(phox) were significantly upregulated post Ang II and which could be significantly downregulated by cotreatment with Lyc in a dose-dependent manner (all P < 0.01).'] Does [ Lycopene attenuate angiotensin II induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cells ]?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -1.9345453977584839, -1.509761095046997, 2.4857239723205566 ]
['Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is becoming a promising therapeutic modality for hematological malignancies. Hypericin is a natural photosensitizer possessing anti-depressant, anti-virus and anti-cancer activities. The present study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of hypericin-mediated PDT on the mouse multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro.', 'The mouse myeloma SP2/0 cells were incubed with different concentrations of hypericin and then illuminated with different light doses. The inhibitory effect of hypericin-mediated PDT on tumor cell proliferation was assayed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The apoptosis related morphological changes of SP2/0 cells were observed by microscopy. The biochemical hallmarks of apoptosis such as DNA fragments, mitochondrial membrane potential changes were assessed. The expression of apoptosis related proteins were investigated by western blotting.', 'Hypericin-mediated PDT induced the proliferation inhibition and apoptosis of tumor cells in a dose dependent manner. Tumor cells showed obvious morphological changes of apoptosis and necrosis and DNA fragmentation after treated by hypericin mediated PDT (0.025\u2009~\u20090.05 μM). The mitochondria membrane potential in SP2/0 cells was decreased significantly after incubated with the 0.025 μM and 0.5 μM hypericin (P\u2009<\u20090.05). The expression level of caspase-3 was decreased, while caspase activity was elevated with the increasing drug dosage. The apoptosis of SP2/0 cells was blocked by a pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK and caspase-3 inhibitor Ac-DEVD-CHO.'] Does hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy induce apoptosis of myoloma SP2/0 cells depended on caspase activity in vitro?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.2964718341827393, -1.4530608654022217, 2.770674228668213 ]
['The prevalence of lung cancer is increasing in the recent decades. The underlying mechanism is unclear. The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and p53 protein are important molecules involving the tumor immunity. This study aims to investigate the role of IGF intervene the radiation-induced lung cancer apoptosis.', 'Lung cancer cells were isolated from surgically removed lung cancer tissue. The lung cancer cell lines, A549 cells and H23 cells were irradiated. The expression of IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) by the lung cancer cells, and apoptosis, were assessed by flow cytometry.', 'The results showed that human lung cancer cells expressed IGF1R. IGF1R played a critical role in the radiation-induced lung cancer cell apoptosis. The histone deacetylase-1 (HDAC1) phosphorylation was up regulated by irradiation. The phosphorylated HDAC1 bound the p53 promoter to inhibit the gene transcription, which was abolished by the presence of an inhibitor of HDAC1 or a STAT3 inhibitor.'] Does activation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor regulate the radiation-induced lung cancer cell apoptosis?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.668388605117798, -0.7166051268577576, 2.4173707962036133 ]
['An increase in the expression of S100A4 has been reported in various inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the association between periodontal inflammation and S100A4 expression. The aims of this study were to investigate changes in S100A4 expression in human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells in response to inflammatory stimuli and to describe a possible mechanism underlying the change.', 'Human PDL cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the level of S100A4 was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting. LPS was added to co-cultures of hPDL and osteoclast progenitor cells under osteoclastogenic condition and the formation of osteoclasts was assessed. Alternatively, progenitor cells were directly treated with recombinant S100A4 for evaluation of osteoclastogenesis. The activity of nuclear factor kappaB (NFκB) was examined by Western blotting for phosphorylated forms of inhibitor kappaB (IκB) and p65. An NFκB inhibitor was added to the culture of hPDL cells with LPS and the level of S100A4 was measured by real-time RT-PCR.', 'We found that LPS stimulation resulted in a significant increase of S100A4 expression in hPDL cells. S100A4 protein secretion from hPDL cells was also increased. The enhanced expression of S100A4 in hPDL cells under inflammatory conditions led to stimulation of the generation of osteoclasts. In addition, direct S100A4 treatment stimulated osteoclastogenesis. The underlying mechanism for the increased S100A4 expression in hPDL cells was activation of the NFκB signaling pathway.'] Does induction of S100A4 in periodontal ligament cells enhance osteoclast formation?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3794333934783936, -1.2540520429611206, 2.6548171043395996 ]
['Previous studies have demonstrated that fibronectin (FN) levels are increased in brain tissues from patients and animals with epilepsy. This study aimed to assess FN levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from patients with epilepsy.', 'Fibronectin levels were assessed in CSF and serum samples from 56 patients with epilepsy (27 and 29 individuals with intractable epilepsy and nonintractable epilepsy, respectively) and 25 healthy controls, using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).', 'CSF-FN levels were higher in patients with epilepsy (8.07 ± 1.51 mg/l versus 6.20 ± 1.18 mg/l, p<0.05) than in the control group. In addition, serum-FN levels in the group with epilepsy and in the control group were 236.96 ± 65.7 mg/l and 181.43 ± 72.82 mg/l, respectively, indicating a statistically significant difference (p=0.01). Interestingly, serum- and CSF-FN levels in individuals with epilepsy were not affected by antiepileptic drug and duration of epilepsy. Of note, the increase of CSF- and serum-FN levels was more pronounced in subjects with intractable epilepsy than in patients with nonintractable epilepsy.'] Is fibronectin a potential cerebrospinal fluid and serum epilepsy biomarker?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.0725181102752686, -1.2472881078720093, 2.3764543533325195 ]
['Increased plasma levels of proteasome have been associated with various neoplasms, especially myeloid malignancies. Little is known of the cellular origin and release mechanisms of such proteasome. We recently identified and characterized a novel particulate cytoplasmic structure (PaCS) showing selective accumulation of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) components. PaCSs have been reported in some epithelial neoplasms and in two genetic disorders characterized by hematopoietic cell dysplasia and increased risk of leukemia. However, no information is available about PaCSs in hematopoietic neoplasms.', 'PaCSs were investigated by ultrastructural, immunogold, and immunofluorescence analysis of bone marrow (BM) biopsies and peripheral blood (PB) cell preparations of 33 consecutive, untreated, or relapsed patients affected by different hematopoietic neoplasms. BM and PB samples from individuals with non-neoplastic BM or healthy donors were studied as controls. Granulocytes and platelet proteasome content was measured by immunoblotting and plasma proteasome levels by ELISA.', 'PaCSs with typical, selective immunoreactivity for polyubiquitinated proteins and proteasome were widespread in granulocytic cells, megakaryocytes, and platelets of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), PaCSs were only occasionally detected in blast cells and were found consistently in cells showing granulocytic and megakaryocytic maturation. Conversely, PaCSs were poorly represented or absent in non-neoplastic hematopoietic tissue or lymphoid neoplasms. In MPN granulocytes and platelets, the presence of PaCSs was associated with increased amounts of proteasome in cell lysates. PaCSs were often localized in cytoplasmic blebs generating PaCSs-filled plasma membrane vesicles observable in the BM intercellular space. In MPN and MDS, accumulation of PaCSs was associated with significant increase in plasma proteasome. Immunogold analysis showed that PaCSs of myeloid neoplasia selectively concentrated the chaperone proteins Hsp40, Hsp70, and Hsp90.'] Do particulate cytoplasmic structures with high concentration of ubiquitin-proteasome accumulate in myeloid neoplasms?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3887674808502197, -1.4020631313323975, 2.8521909713745117 ]
['Insulin resistance is characterized by deficient responses to insulin in its target tissues. In the present study, we examined the effects of L-Citrulline (L-Cit) on insulin sensitivity and signaling cascades in rat hepatoma H4IIE cells and SHRSP.Z-Leprfa/IzmDmcr rats.', 'H4IIE cells were pretreated in the presence or absence of 250\xa0μM\xa0L-Cit in serum-free medium and then incubated in the presence or absence of 0.1 nM insulin. Rats were allocated into 2 groups; a control group (not treated) and L-Cit group (2\xa0g/kg/day, L-Cit) and treated for 8\xa0weeks.', 'L-Cit enhanced the insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt in H4IIE cells. Moreover, the inhibited expression of Dex/cAMP-induced PEPCK mRNA by insulin was enhanced by the L-Cit treatment. The phosphorylation of tyrosine, which is upstream of Akt, in insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) was increased by the L-Cit treatment. The L-Cit-induced enhancement in insulin signaling was not related to the binding affinity of insulin to the insulin receptor or to the expression of the insulin receptor, but to a decrease in the phosphorylation of serine 1101 in IRS-1. These results were also confirmed in animal experiments. In the livers of L-Cit-treated rats, PI3K/Akt signaling was improved by decreases in the phosphorylation of serine 1101.'] Does l-Citrulline increase hepatic sensitivity to insulin by reducing the phosphorylation of serine 1101 in insulin receptor substrate-1?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.2515273094177246, -1.419690728187561, 2.637906551361084 ]
['Intra-tumoral genetic and functional heterogeneity correlates with cancer clinical prognoses. However, the mechanisms by which intra-tumoral heterogeneity impacts therapeutic outcome remain poorly understood. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of single tumor cells can provide comprehensive information about gene expression and single-nucleotide variations in individual tumor cells, which may allow for the translation of heterogeneous tumor cell functional responses into customized anti-cancer treatments.', 'We isolated 34 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor cells from a lung adenocarcinoma patient tumor xenograft. Individual tumor cells were subjected to single cell RNA-seq for gene expression profiling and expressed mutation profiling. Fifty tumor-specific single-nucleotide variations, including KRAS(G12D), were observed to be heterogeneous in individual PDX cells. Semi-supervised clustering, based on KRAS(G12D) mutant expression and a risk score representing expression of 69 lung adenocarcinoma-prognostic genes, classified PDX cells into four groups. PDX cells that survived in vitro anti-cancer drug treatment displayed transcriptome signatures consistent with the group characterized by KRAS(G12D) and low risk score.'] Does single-cell mRNA sequencing identify subclonal heterogeneity in anti-cancer drug responses of lung adenocarcinoma cells?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.3191683292388916, -1.1957758665084839, 2.6672170162200928 ]
['By producing H2O2, the NADPH oxidase Nox4 is involved in differentiation of mesenchymal cells. Exercise alters the composition of slow and fast twitch fibres in skeletal. Here we hypothesized that Nox4 contributes to exercise-induced adaptation such as changes in muscle metabolism or muscle fibre specification and studied this in wildtype and Nox4-/- mice.', 'Exercise, as induced by voluntary running in a running wheel or forced running on a treadmill induced a switch from fast twitch to intermediate fibres. However the induced muscle fibre switch was similar between Nox4-/- and wildtype mice. The same held true for exercise-induced expression of PGC1α or AMPK activation. Both are increased in response to exercise, but with no difference was observed between wildtype and Nox4-/- mice.'] Does nox4 be Dispensable for Exercise Induced Muscle Fibre Switch?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.4294862747192383, -0.881938636302948, 2.3208179473876953 ]
['Based on previously published case reports demonstrating dynamic left intraventricular obstruction (IVO) triggered by hypovolemia or catecholamines, this study aimed to establish: (1) IVO occurrence in septic shock patients; (2) correlation between the intraventricular gradient and volume status and fluid responsiveness; and (3) mortality rate.', 'We prospectively analyzed patients with septic shock admitted to a general ICU over a 28-month period who presented Doppler signs of IVO. Clinical characteristics and hemodynamic parameters as well as echocardiographic data regarding left ventricular function, size, and calculated mass, and left ventricular outflow Doppler pattern and velocity before and after fluid infusions were recorded.', 'During the study period, 218 patients with septic shock were admitted to our ICU. IVO was observed in 47 (22%) patients. Mortality rate at 28 days was found to be higher in patients with than in patients without IVO (55% versus 33%, p < 0.01). Small, hypercontractile left ventricles (end-diastolic left ventricular surface 4.7 ± 2.1 cm(2)/m(2) and ejection fraction 82 ± 12%), and frequent pseudohypertrophy were found in these patients. A rise ≥12% in stroke index was found in 87% of patients with IVO, with a drop of 47% in IVO after fluid infusion.'] Is early dynamic left intraventricular obstruction associated with hypovolemia and high mortality in septic shock patients?
qiaojin/PubMedQA
2
[ -2.157350540161133, -1.3608450889587402, 2.5834298133850098 ]