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['Patients requiring anticoagulation suffer from comorbidities such as hypertension. On the occasion of INR monitoring, general practitioners (GPs) have the opportunity to control for blood pressure (BP). We aimed to evaluate the impact of Vitamin-K Antagonist (VKA) monitoring by GPs on BP control in patients with hypertension.', 'We cross-sectionally analyzed the database of the Swiss Family Medicine ICPC Research using Electronic Medical Records (FIRE) of 60 general practices in a primary care setting in Switzerland. This database includes 113,335 patients who visited their GP between 2009 and 2013. We identified patients with hypertension based on antihypertensive medication prescribed for ≥ 6 months. We compared patients with VKA for ≥ 3 months and patients without such treatment regarding BP control. We adjusted for age, sex, observation period, number of consultations and comorbidity.', 'We identified 4,412 patients with hypertension and blood pressure recordings in the FIRE database. Among these, 569 (12.9%) were on Phenprocoumon (VKA) and 3,843 (87.1%) had no anticoagulation. Mean systolic and diastolic BP was significantly lower in the VKA group (130.6 ± 14.9 vs 139.8 ± 15.8 and 76.6 ± 7.9 vs 81.3 ± 9.3 mm Hg) (p < 0.001 for both). The difference remained after adjusting for possible confounders. Systolic and diastolic BP were significantly lower in the VKA group, reaching a mean difference of -8.4 mm Hg (95% CI -9.8 to -7.0 mm Hg) and -1.5 mm Hg (95% CI -2.3 to -0.7 mm Hg), respectively (p < 0.001 for both).'] Is general Practitioners ' vitamin K antagonist monitoring associated with better blood pressure control in patients with hypertension -- a cross-sectional database study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4340715408325195,
-1.5829439163208008,
2.023618698120117
] |
['Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the limited efficacy of prophylactic drains following hepatic resection. However, many surgeons still insist on using prophylactic drains. This study was designed to identify patients who require prophylactic drains to manage or monitor postoperative complications after hepatic resection.', 'Data were retrospectively collected from 316 patients who underwent hepatic resection and received a prophylactic drain. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the drain was used to manage or monitor the following postoperative complications: bile leakage (prophylactic drains were used to monitor and treat bile leakage) and postoperative hemorrhage (the drainage fluid was macroscopically bloody and required drain fluid blood counts and monitoring to assess the need for transfusion or reoperation). The results were then validated in a separate cohort of 101 patients.', 'In 25/316 patients (7.9 %), the prophylactic drains were clinically effective, being used to manage bile leakage in 18 patients and hemorrhage in 8. Intraoperative bile leakage (P = 0.021) and long operation time (≥ 360 min) (P = 0.017) were independent predictors of bile leakage. Intraoperative blood loss (≥ 650 ml) (P = 0.0009) was an independent predictor of hemorrhage. In the subsequent 101 patients, prophylactic drains were clinically effective in patients with one of these predictors with sensitivity, specificity, and false-negative rates of 88.9, 62.0, and 1.7 %, respectively.'] Does predictors of the Effectiveness of Prophylactic drain After Hepatic Resection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4723678827285767,
-1.5140635967254639,
2.0194449424743652
] |
['Neurensin-2 (NRSN2) is a neuronal membrane protein; previous reports indicated that it might function as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its biological functions and associated mechanisms remain unknown. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the biological functions and possible mechanisms of neurensin-2.', 'The mRNA and protein level of NRSN2 in HCC has tissues and cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry staning and western blot. Overexpressing and silencing the level of NRSN2 in HCC cell lines were used to investigate the role of NRSN2 in HCC. CCK-8 assays, SA-β gel staining, Annexin V/PI staining, quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were employed to explore the role and mechanisms of HCC.', 'NRSN2 was more commonly down-regulated HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues, and the expression pattern of NRSN2 was not only closely correlated with tumor size and TNM stage but also negatively correlated with patient prognosis. Both loss and gain function assays revealed that NRSN2 inhibits cancer cell proliferation and promotes cancer cell senescence and apoptosis. We further found that NRSN2 might regulate PI3K/AKT signaling and p53/p21 pathway to exert its role in HCC cell proliferation, senescence and apoptosis.'] Does down-Regulated NRSN2 promote Cell Proliferation and Survival Through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.403043508529663,
-1.1416850090026855,
2.614870071411133
] |
['To examine the effect of proximal drainage plus lacrimal sac massage in patients with congenital dacryocystoceles.', 'A retrospective review of 77 patients was performed. Traditional massage was performed in the traditional treatment group (35 patients) first. Proximal lacrimal sac drainage plus massage of the lacrimal sac using a Bangerter lacrimal cannula (defined as modified massage) was performed in the modified group (42 patients). Probing was undertaken if the treatments failed in both groups. Success rates of decompression of lacrimal sac and recovery rate were observed. The χ2 test was used to compare the groups.', 'Success rates of decompression of lacrimal sac were 100% in the modified group and 31% in the traditional group. In the modified group, 34 patients with 37 dacryocystoceles (80%) recovered with the modified treatment within 14 days. However, in the traditional group, only 11 patients with 12 dacryocystoceles (30%) had resolution after conservative treatment. The recovery rate of the modified massage in the modified group was higher than that of massage alone in the traditional group (p<0.001). As to the individuals receiving probing, 8 patients with 9\xa0dacryocystoceles (100%) in the modified group were successful, while 18 patients with 21 dacryocystoceles (78%) in the traditional group had a satisfying effect.'] Does proximal drainage plus massage of lacrimal sac improve the symptoms of congenital dacryocystoceles? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6908631324768066,
-1.1101922988891602,
1.843891978263855
] |
['To determine the association of preterm birth with antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels both in isolation and in combination with other markers of fetoplacental health commonly measured during integrated prenatal screening (IPS) for aneuploidy.', 'Retrospective case-control study.', 'Not applicable.', "Pregnant women in Iowa who elected to undergo IPS and who subsequently delivered in Iowa, including women giving birth at <37 weeks' gestation and controls who delivered at ≥37 weeks' gestation.", 'None.', 'Probability of a preterm birth.', 'Second trimester AMH levels were not associated with preterm birth, either independently or after controlling for other markers of fetoplacental health. The AMH difference was not associated with preterm birth when modeled alone, but a statistically significant association was found after adjusting for maternal serum α-fetoprotein (MSAFP) and maternal weight change between the first and second trimesters. After stratifying the model by MSAFP level, most of the risk for preterm birth was identified in women with an MSAFP >1 multiple of the median and who had a stable or rising AMH level in early pregnancy.'] Are changes in antimüllerian hormone levels in early pregnancy associated with preterm birth? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5571389198303223,
-0.795372486114502,
2.419959545135498
] |
['Our previous work showed that epithelial membrane protein 1 (EMP1) is highly expressed in nucleus pulposus of the human degenerative intervertebral disc. The present study was designed to investigate the role of EMP1 in nucleus pulposus cells in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).', 'Human nucleus pulposus cells derived from degenerative intervertebral discs were cultured. EMP1 expression was knocked down by lentivirus-mediated specific interfering RNA. Cell morphology was observed, and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cycle were evaluated.', 'Knockdown of EMP1 inhibited cell proliferation, caused cells to shrink, and accelerated the apoptosis induced by serum deprivation or addition of cycloheximide but did not evoke apoptosis in normal culture conditions.'] Does knockdown Epithelial Membrane Protein 1 suppress Human Degenerative Intervertebral Disc-Derived Nucleus Pulposus Cell Proliferation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6396372318267822,
-0.8317199945449829,
2.5420925617218018
] |
['Preliminary evidence indicates that the association of fibrinolytic potential, measured as clot lysis time (CLT), with body composition may differ from that of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1). We therefore investigated the association between fibrinolytic markers (plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 activity (PAI-1act) and CLT) and body composition using detailed body composition analyses.', 'Data from 1288 Africans were cross-sectionally analyzed. Body composition analysis included BMI, waist circumference (WC); waist to height ratio (WHtR), skinfolds and body fat percentage measured with air-displacement plethysmography and bioelectrical impedance analysis.', 'PAI-1act and CLT were significantly higher in women than in men, despite adjustment for differences in body composition. PAI-1act and CLT showed similar linear positive relationships with body composition (BMI, WC, WHtR, skinfolds) in men. In women CLT also showed a linear relationship with body composition, while PAI-1act levels plateaued at higher BMI and did not differ across skinfold categories. PAI-1act showed stronger correlations with body composition markers in men than it did in women, while no sex differences existed for CLT. PAI-1act associated more strongly with central obesity, while CLT associated with total body fat.'] Is the association of clot lysis time with total obesity partly independent from the association of PAI-1 with central obesity in African adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8859068155288696,
-1.2473407983779907,
2.193866014480591
] |
['Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) are a well-replicated risk factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and are known to cause an epidermal barrier defect. The nature of this barrier defect is not fully understood. Patients with AD with FLG LOF mutations are known to have more persistent disease, more severe disease, and greater risk of food allergies and eczema herpeticum. Abnormalities in corneocyte morphology have been observed in patients with AD, including prominent villus-like projections (VP); however, these ultrastructural features have not been systematically studied in patients with AD in relation to FLG genotype and acute and convalescent status.', 'We sought to quantitatively explore the relationship between FLG genotype, filaggrin breakdown products (natural moisturizing factor [NMF]), and corneocyte morphology in patients with AD.', 'We studied 15 children at first presentation of AD and after 6 weeks of standard therapy. We applied atomic force microscopy to study corneocyte conformation in patients with AD stratified by FLG status and NMF level. By using a new quantitative methodology, the number of VPs per investigated corneocyte area was assessed and expressed as the Dermal Texture Index score. Corneocytes were also labeled with an anti-corneodesmosin antibody and visualized with scanning electron microscopy.', 'We found a strong correlation between NMF levels and Dermal Texture Index scores in both acute and convalescent states (respective r = -0.80 and -0.75, P < .001 and P = .002). Most, but not all, VPs showed the presence of corneodesmosin abundantly all over the cell surface in homozygous/compound heterozygous FLG patients and, to a lesser extent, in heterozygous and wild-type patients.'] Do filaggrin breakdown products determine corneocyte conformation in patients with atopic dermatitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1805360317230225,
-1.4517290592193604,
2.6105737686157227
] |
['The cerebral microvasculature is rendered more vulnerable to thrombus formation following a brief (5.0 min) period of focal ischemia. This study examined the contribution of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a neuroprotective and prothrombotic cytokine produced by the brain, to transient ischemia-induced thrombosis in cerebral arterioles.', 'The middle cerebral artery of C57BL/6J mice was occluded for 5 min, followed by 24h of reperfusion (MCAo/R). Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to monitor thrombus development in cerebral arterioles induced by light/dye photoactivation. Thrombosis was quantified as the time of onset of platelet aggregation on the vessel wall and the time for complete blood flow cessation. MCAo/R in wild type (WT) mice yielded an acceleration of thrombus formation that was accompanied by increased IL-6 levels in plasma and in post-ischemic brain tissue. The exaggerated thrombosis response to MCAo/R was blunted in WT mice receiving an IL-6 receptor-blocking antibody and in IL-6 deficient (IL-6(-/-)) mice. Bone marrow chimeras, produced by transplanting IL-6(-/-) marrow into WT recipients, did not exhibit protection against MCAo/R-induced thrombosis.'] Does interleukin-6 mediate enhanced thrombus development in cerebral arterioles following a brief period of focal brain ischemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3879899978637695,
-1.3895647525787354,
2.857229709625244
] |
["Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway proteins play an important role in modulating inflammation and other carcinogenic processes. Polymorphisms within NF-κB pathway genes may influence cancer risk. This study aimed to examine the association between NFKB19-4 ATTG ins→del, NFKBIA 3' UTR A→G, -826CT and -881AG polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk among Chinese.", 'The polymorphisms were genotyped via PCR-RFLP technique on 936 prostate cancer patients and 936 population-based healthy controls. Logistic regression model was used to measure the risk association present.', "With the exception of NFKBIA 3' UTR polymorphism, the heterozygous and mutant genotypes of the other polymorphisms were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk. For NFKB1 polymorphism, a decreased risk was observed, with adjusted OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.98; P=0.01 (heterozygous) and adjusted OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.91; P=0.02 (mutant). NFKBIA -826CT and -881AG polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium and shared the same risk association, with adjusted OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62; P=0.02 (heterozygous) and adjusted OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.79, 4.50; P=0.01 (mutants). Interestingly, the impact of the NFKB1 polymorphism was not present in nonsmokers and younger (<60 years) subjects (P<0.05)."] Do polymorphisms in NFKB1 and NFKBIA Genes Modulate the Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer among Han Chinese? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6288937330245972,
-1.5454431772232056,
2.052022695541382
] |
['The aim of this study was to assess monocyte Fc receptor (FcR) status and function in patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in relation to healthy controls (HC) and to disease activity.', 'The study population comprised 23 patients with active polyarticular PsA and 33 age- and gender-matched HC. Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, inflammatory laboratory parameters, patient-reported outcomes of joint disease activity, skin scoring (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, PASI), and joint status were determined in the patients. Monocytes were analysed for the expression of FcRs for IgG (FcγR) class I (CD64), IIa (CD32a), IIb (CD32b), and III (CD16), the FcR for IgA (FcαR) (CD89), and surface-bound IgG. The monocytic FcγR function was assessed by evaluating IgG immune complex (IC) binding and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production following IgG-IC stimulation. The monocytes were further subdivided and analysed according to their CD14 and CD16 expression.', 'The PsA patients presented elevated serum levels of IgG1, 2, and 3 and increased numbers of CD64(+) monocytes. Furthermore, the PsA monocytes exhibited increased cell-bound IgG, and the FcγR function was affected in terms of reduced IgG-IC-mediated TNF-α release. These findings correlated significantly with different markers of joint disease activity. PsA was also accompanied by an increase in the CD16 low-expressing monocyte subset.'] Does up-regulation of CD64-expressing monocytes with impaired FcγR function reflect disease activity in polyarticular psoriatic arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3347175121307373,
-1.3581960201263428,
2.7360944747924805
] |
['This study aimed to determine whether postoperative morbidity and mortality rates increased after preoperative chemoradiation in patients who underwent gastrectomy.', 'The medical records of 7404 patients with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer seen from January 1995 to August 2012 were reviewed to identify patients who underwent gastrectomy. χ (2) and logistic regression analysis were used to determine differences in the 90-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates of patients who underwent upfront surgery (SURG), preoperative chemotherapy (CHEMO), or preoperative chemoradiation (CHEMOXRT).', 'Of the 500 patients included in this study, 200 underwent SURG, 65 had CHEMO, and 235 had CHEMOXRT. Respectively, 33, 43, and 58 % of these patients underwent total gastrectomy (p < 0.01). Resection of other organs was performed respectively in 19, 26, and 23 % of the patients (p = 0.37). Minor complications within 90 days (Clavien-Dindo 1 or 2) occurred for 41 % of the SURG patients, 43 % of the CHEMO patients, and 45 % of the CHEMOXRT patients (p = 0.68). Major complications or death within 90 days (Clavien-Dindo 3, 4, or 5) occurred for 21, 28, and 29 % of the patients, respectively (p = 0.15). The 90-day mortality (Clavien-Dindo 5) rates were 2 % for the SURG patients, 6 % for the CHEMO patients, and 3 % for the CHEMOXRT patients (p = 0.25). The median hospital stays were respectively 12, 12, and 13 days (p = 0.09). In the multivariate analysis, male sex, gastroesophageal junction cancer, total gastrectomy, and resection of other organs were associated with increased major morbidity and mortality rates, whereas preoperative therapy was not.'] Are postoperative Morbidity and Mortality Rates Increased for Patients with Gastric and Gastroesophageal Cancer Who Undergo Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8988314270973206,
-1.5161575078964233,
1.3654201030731201
] |
['The decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) super-family. It counteracts the biological effects of Fas ligands and inhibits apoptosis. The goals of this study were to understand the associations between serologic DcR3 (sDcR3) levels and different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes, as well as the AIDS disease progression.', 'Serum samples from 61 HIV/AIDS patients, who had been followed up every 6 months for 3 years, were collected. sDcR3 levels were quantified using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).', 'The sDcR3 levels in patients with HIV-1 subtype B were significantly higher than those in patients infected with subtype CRF01_AE (p\xa0<\xa00.001). In addition, multivariable linear mixed model analysis demonstrated that HIV-1 subtype B and slow disease progression were associated with higher levels of sDcR3, adjusting for potential predictors (p\xa0=\xa00.0008 and 0.0455, respectively).'] Are the serologic decoy receptor 3 ( DcR3 ) levels associated with slower disease progression in HIV-1/AIDS patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.008495569229126,
-1.4113726615905762,
2.430605411529541
] |
['In cross-sectional studies, cocaine users generally display elevated levels of self-reported and cognitive impulsivity. To what extent these impairments are stable v. variable markers of cocaine use disorder, and, thus, are pre-existing or drug-induced, has not yet been systematically investigated.', 'We conducted a longitudinal study with cocaine users who changed or maintained their consumption intensity, measuring self-reported impulsivity with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), and cognitive impulsivity with the Rapid Visual Processing task (RVP), Iowa Gambling task (IGT), and Delay Discounting task (DD) at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. We assessed 48 psychostimulant-naive controls and 19 cocaine users with decreased, 19 users with increased, and 19 users with unchanged cocaine intake after 1 year as confirmed by hair analysis.', 'Results of linear multilevel modelling showed significant group × time interactions for the BIS-11 total score and the IGT total card ratio. Increasers showed a trend for elevated scores, whereas decreasers exhibited reduced self-reported impulsivity scores within 1 year. Surprisingly, increasers\' IGT performance was improved after 1 year, whereas decreasers\' performance deteriorated. By contrast, neither RVP response bias B" nor DD total score showed substantial group × time interactions. Importantly, BIS-11 and DD revealed strong test-retest reliabilities.'] Are changes in cocaine consumption associated with fluctuations in self-reported impulsivity and gambling decision-making? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8128336668014526,
-0.9097080826759338,
1.8178962469100952
] |
['Differentiation among types of muscular dystrophy (MD) has remained challenging. In this retrospective study, we sought to develop a methodology for differentiation of MD types using analysis of serum enzyme profiles.', 'The serum levels of enzymes from 232 patients, including 120 with DMD, 36 with BMD, 36 with FSHD, 46 with LGMD, and 11 with EDMD, were evaluated.', 'The characteristic profiles of serum enzymes facilitated differentiation of these five types of MD. DMD was characterized by simultaneous elevation of ALT, AST, LDH, and ALP; BMD and LGMD were characterized by elevation of ALT, AST, and LDH; and FSHD and EDMD were characterized by a lack of abnormal serum enzyme levels. We further developed discriminant functions to distinguish BMD and LGMD. For LGMD, LGMD2B patients had significantly higher ALP levels than non-LGMD2B patients (98 ± 59 U/L versus 45 ± 9 U/L, resp., p < 0.05).'] Do serum Enzyme Profiles Differentiate Five Types of Muscular Dystrophy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4238951206207275,
-1.4676415920257568,
1.8718756437301636
] |
['This study was conducted to find out the optimal vitamin D cutoff point in predicting activity of RA disease.', 'One hundred and two rheumatoid arthritis Saudi patients of both genders were recruited in this study. Vitamin D as 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured and serum level less than 20 ng/mL defined as deficient patient. Disease activity was measured based on the disease activity score index of a 28-joint count (DAS28) using serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal vitamin D cutoff points for identifying disease activity.', 'It has been observed that vitamin D levels were lower (P < 0.05) in patients with high disease activity. A significant inverse correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and DAS28 (r = -0.277, P = 0.014) was shown. ROC curves results showed that vitamin D less than 12.3 ng/mL predicted high disease activity, and vitamin D more than 17.9 ng/mL predicted low disease activity, with good sensitivity and accuracy results regarding vitamin D.'] Does vitamin D be a Good Marker for Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3344017267227173,
-1.5004640817642212,
1.8796093463897705
] |
['Isolation of the pulmonary veins alone (PVI) is associated with a 50 to 70 % success rate in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) but is significantly lower for persistent AF. We sought to evaluate patient outcomes in terms of safety and efficacy when posterior left atrial box isolation is included as a catheter ablation strategy in patients with mainly persistent AF.', 'We performed an audit of 100 patients undergoing left atrial (LA) box isolation. Recurrence of arrhythmia was detected by evaluating symptoms and continuous 24 h ECG monitoring at 2, 6 and 12 months post procedure.', 'Seventy-two patients had persistent AF prior to procedure. Average duration of AF was 5.4 ± 5.2 years. All patients underwent circumferential PVI plus linear posterior LA lines to complete box isolation. At a mean follow-up of 12.5 ± 4.2 months, 75 patients were free from atrial fibrillation, 50.6 % of these were taking no antiarrhythmic medication. Twenty-five patients had recurrence of AF, 84 % of whom had previous persistent AF. The average time to recurrence post procedure was 5.9 ± 4.4 months. Thirteen patients underwent repeat procedures for recurrent AF. There were no adverse events relating to the procedure.'] Is clinical outcome when left atrial posterior wall box isolation included as a catheter ablation strategy in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9813014268875122,
-1.3621126413345337,
2.398324489593506
] |
['Cytokines secreted by adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) significantly alter adipocyte function, inducing inflammatory responses and decreasing insulin sensitivity. However, little relevant information is available regarding the role of microvesicles (MVs) derived from ATMs in macrophage-adipocyte crosstalk.', 'MVs were generated by stimulation of M1 or M2 phenotype THP-1 macrophages and incubated with human primary mature adipocytes and differentiated adipocytes. Subsequently, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt (pAkt) and glucose uptake were determined. Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B were also analyzed in treated adipocytes.', 'M1 macrophage-derived MVs (M1 MVs) significantly reduced protein abundance of insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation in human primary mature adipocytes and differentiated adipocytes, when compared with the same concentration of M2 macrophage-derived MVs (M2 MVs). In contrast to M2 MVs, which enhanced the insulin-induced glucose uptake measured by 2-NBDG, M1 MVs decreased this effect in treated adipocytes. M1 MVs treatment also brought about a significant increase in the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, coupled with a decrease in pAkt level and GLUT4 translocation compared with M2 MVs-treated adipocytes. These effects were reversed by BAY 11-7085, a NF- kappa B specific inhibitor.'] Do inflamed macrophage microvesicles induce insulin resistance in human adipocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.31604266166687,
-1.3700135946273804,
2.7077765464782715
] |
['Due to the absence of transcription initiation regulation of protein coding genes transcribed by RNA polymerase II, posttranscriptional regulation is responsible for the majority of gene expression changes in trypanosomatids. Therefore, cataloging the abundance of mRNAs (transcriptome) and the level of their translation (translatome) is a key step to understand control of gene expression in these organisms.', "Here we assess the extent of regulation of the transcriptome and the translatome in the Chagas disease causing agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, in both the non-infective (epimastigote) and infective (metacyclic trypomastigote) insect's life stages using RNA-seq and ribosome profiling. The observed steady state transcript levels support constitutive transcription and maturation implying the existence of distinctive posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms controlling gene expression levels at those parasite stages. Meanwhile, the downregulation of a large proportion of the translatome indicates a key role of translation control in differentiation into the infective form. The previously described proteomic data correlate better with the translatomes than with the transcriptomes and translational efficiency analysis shows a wide dynamic range, reinforcing the importance of translatability as a regulatory step. Translation efficiencies for protein families like ribosomal components are diminished while translation of the transialidase virulence factors is upregulated in the quiescent infective metacyclic trypomastigote stage."] Does ribosome profiling reveal translation control as a key mechanism generating differential gene expression in Trypanosoma cruzi? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.593099355697632,
-0.6607531309127808,
2.3418946266174316
] |
['Invasive fungal infections have significantly increased over the past decades in immunocompromised individuals and high-risk patients. Amphotericin B (AmB) exerts a powerful and broad activity against a vast array of fungi and has a remarkably low rate of microbial resistance. However, most isolates of Aspergillus terreus developed an intrinsic resistance against AmB, and during this study, we characterized the mode of action of this polyene antifungal drug in more detail in resistant (ATR) and rare susceptible (ATS) clinical isolates of A. terreus.', 'We illustrate that AmB treatment changes cellular redox status and promotes the generation of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ATS. In contrast, ATR isolates were able to cope better with AmB-induced oxidative stress.', 'Most importantly, we demonstrate in this study that coapplication of anti- and pro-oxidants significantly affects AmB efficacy in an antithetic manner--antioxidants and ROS-scavenging agents increase AmB tolerance in susceptible strains, while pro-oxidants render formerly resistant isolates considerably susceptible to the antifungal drug also in vivo in a Galleria animal model.'] Does amphotericin B Resistance in Aspergillus terreus be Overpowered by Coapplication of Pro-oxidants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7192957401275635,
-0.694500744342804,
2.5277397632598877
] |
['It is not clear whether demographic or pterygium characteristics or limbal stem cell deficiency determine pterygium recurrence after surgery.', 'To determine whether the demographic, pterygium characteristics, or limbal stem cell deficiency determine pterygium recurrence after excision.', 'Of 190 patients operated and followed-up for 6 months, 101 and 89 underwent free conjunctival autotransplant (CAT) or limbal conjunctival autotransplant (LCAT) respectively. The age, gender, occupation, grade of pterygium extent and degree of fleshiness, and laterality were compared between recurrent and no recurrent pterygia. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of pterygium recurrence. Recurrence rates after surgery were compared between CAT and LCAT.', 'The age range of the 190 patients was 22-65 years, mean ±SD 46.4 ±10.8 years. Pterygium recurred in 52 (27.4%). Thirty-nine (75%) of 52 patients with pterygia that recurred were aged <50 years (young) vs. 72 (52%) of 138 young patients with no recurrence; odds ratio (OR) = 1.54; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.70-3.36; p = 0.28. Thirty-one (60%) of 52 participants with post-surgical recurrent pterygia had large pre-operative pterygium (grade ≥3) vs. 130 (94%) of 138 patients with large pterygia that did not recur; OR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.04-0.28; p <0.001. Of 101 patients undergoing CAT, 29 (28.7%) experienced recurrence vs. 23 (25.8%) of 89 undergoing LCAT; p = 0.66.'] Does young patient 's age determine pterygium recurrence after surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.24235591292381287,
-1.688906192779541,
0.9415799379348755
] |
['Strong and independent associations between plasma concentration of cystatin C and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) suggests causal involvement of cystatin C.', 'The aim of our study was to assess whether there is a causal relationship between plasma concentration of cystatin C and risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) using a Mendelian Randomization approach.', 'We estimated the strength of association of plasma cystatin C on CAD risk and the strength of association of the strongest GWAS derived cystatin C SNP (rs13038305) on plasma cystatin C in the population-based Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDC) and thereafter the association between rs13038305 and CAD in the MDC (3200 cases of CAD and 24418 controls) and CARDIOGRAM (22233 cases of CAD and 64762 controls).', 'Each standard deviation (SD) increment of plasma cystatin C was associated with increased risk of CAD (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.07-1.34) after full adjustment. Each copy of the major allele of rs13038305 was associated with 0.34 SD higher plasma concentration of cystatin C (P<1 x 10-35), resulting in a power of >98% to detect a significant relationship between rs13038305 and CAD in MDC and CARDIOGRAM pooled. The odds ratio for CAD (per copy of the major rs13038305 allele) was 1.00 (0.94-1.07); P = 0.92 in MDC, 0.99 (0.96-1.03); P = 0.84 in CARDIOGRAM and 1.00 (0.97-1.03); P = 0.83 in MDC and CARDIOGRAM pooled.'] Is cystatin C Causally Related to Coronary Artery Disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6887511014938354,
-1.8706669807434082,
1.5127320289611816
] |
['Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory process that potentially leads to alveolar bone destruction and tooth loss. Tissue engineering combined with stem cell therapy is a potential effective treatment for periodontal bone loss. Amniotic membrane (AM) is a potential scaffold enriched with multiple growth factors. It has the effects of anti-inflammation, antiangiogenesis, and immunosuppression. Herein, we used adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and an AM co-cultured system to study bone regeneration in a rat periodontal defect model in\xa0vivo.', 'Human ADSCs were isolated from the infrapatellar fat pad, and characterized by flow cytometry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and multipotent differentiation assays. The co-culture system was applied in the periodontal two-wall osseous defect in a rat model, and computed tomography was used to measure the effect.', 'Human ADSCs isolated from the infrapatellar fat pad showed spindle-like morphology. Flow cytometry results demonstrated that ADSCs expressed a high level of CD90 and CD105, but not CD31, CD34, and CD45. ADSCs strongly expressed stemness genes, including SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, and KLF4 on different passages. Furthermore, ADSCs were able to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic cells. In the periodontal osseous defect rat model, ADSCs and the AM co-culture system significantly increased bone regeneration.'] Does amniotic membrane and adipose-derived stem cell co-culture system enhance bone regeneration in a rat periodontal defect model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4231162071228027,
-1.3560128211975098,
2.8165135383605957
] |
['A study was performed to evaluate the ACR Select software in determining the level of appropriateness of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Island Health in British Columbia.', 'A total of 1228 consecutive CT and MRI studies performed in a 3-day period were entered into a software program provided by the National Decision Support Company based on the ACR Appropriateness Criteria. The program was able to analyze 93% (1141) of these studies. A subset of these requisitions was manually reviewed.', 'The software program demonstrated a very low 2.5% inappropriate rate and manual review showed an even lower number of 0.6%. In a sample of studies deemed to be appropriate by the software, manual review agreed with this ranking in all cases. In addition, in 20% of cases where CT was done, the software program suggested that MRI would be a more appropriate choice.'] Does aCR Select identify Inappropriate Underutilization of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in British Columbia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.041050672531128,
-0.7764765620231628,
1.947041392326355
] |
['To determine whether the presence of intervertebral bridging ossifications is associated with intravertebral cleft (IVC) formation following a vertebral compression fracture (VCF).', 'Patients with a VCF who received conservative treatment for a minimum of 3\xa0months were recruited over a 3-year period. Baseline radiographs obtained within a month of onset were compared between 50 patients who developed an IVC at 3-month follow-up (IVC group) and 100 patients without an IVC (control group). Intervertebral bridging ossification was defined as complete bridging of the intervertebral space by ossification. The presence of bridging ossification was assessed at each intervertebral level from T9/10 to L5/S. In addition to the absolute levels of bridging ossifications, the level relative to a fresh VCF was recorded.', 'The incidence of bridging ossification at levels T9/10 and T10/11 was significantly higher in the IVC group than in the control group. IVC group patients showed a significantly higher incidence of bridging ossification at the second proximal intervertebral segment than those in the control group. IVC group patients also had a significantly greater sagittal wedge angle and a greater local kyphosis angle than control group patients.'] Do intervertebral bridging ossifications increase the risk of intravertebral cleft formation following a vertebral compression fracture? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2230727672576904,
-1.302046537399292,
2.5712809562683105
] |
['Tobacco smoking is more common among patients with schizophrenia and depression than among healthy individuals. We tested the hypothesis that high tobacco smoking intensity is causally associated with antipsychotic medication use, schizophrenia, antidepressant medication use and/or depression in the general population, and compared results with those for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.', 'We used self-reported smoking intensity in cigarettes/day and a polymorphism in the CHRNA3 gene cluster (rs1051730) associated with smoking intensity, on 63,296 20-100-year-old individuals from the Danish general population; 23,282 were never-smokers and 40,014 ever-smokers. For schizophrenia, we compared our results with those in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium.', 'In smokers, heterozygotes (CT) and homozygotes (TT) for rs1051730 genotype had higher smoking intensity compared with non-carriers (CC). Furthermore, in ever-smokers homozygotes had increased risk of antipsychotic medication with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.16 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.31] compared with non-carriers, whereas in never-smokers the corresponding OR was 1.07 (0.87-1.31) (P-interaction: 0.60). Correspondingly, ORs were 1.60 (0.74-3.47) and 1.02 (0.11-9.10) for schizophrenia (P-interaction: 0.85), 1.02 (0.93-1.13) and 0.99 (0.85-1.15) for antidepressant medication (P-interaction: 0.87), 0.85 (0.66-1.10) and 1.26 (0.87-1.83) for depression (P-interaction: 0.30) and 1.31 (1.16-1.47) and 0.89 (0.58-1.36) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P-interaction: 0.16). Odds ratios per rs1051730 allele for schizophrenia and antipsychotic medication use in ever-smokers in the general population were 1.22 (95% CI: 0.84-1.79) and 1.06 (1.00-1.12). In the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, the corresponding OR for schizophrenia was 1.06 (1.04-1.08) in ever- and never-smokers combined.'] Is tobacco smoking causally associated with antipsychotic medication use and schizophrenia , but not with antidepressant medication use or depression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.3174344003200531,
-1.4550588130950928,
0.7978140711784363
] |
['The aims of this study were to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and to determine the immune factors for treatment success in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with chemotherapy followed by adoptive cell transfer (ACT).', 'A total of 43 HNSCC patients who received radical resection and chemotherapy were analysed in this study. Twenty-one of the patients were repeatedly treated with ACT after chemotherapy (ACT group), and the other twenty-two patients without ACT treatment were included as part of the control group. To investigate the immunological differences underlying these observations, we expanded and profiled improving cytokine-induced killer cells (iCIK) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the timed addition of RetroNectin, OKT3 mAb, IFN γ and IL-2.', 'The median of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in the ACT group were significantly higher as compared to the control group (56 vs. 40; 58 vs. 45 months). In iCIK culture, there was a significant reduction in CD3+CD4+ T-cell proliferation and cytokines (IL-2, TNF) production from patients who received chemotherapy compared to patients without chemotherapy. Intra-arterial infusion of iCIK, in coordination with chemotherapy, considerably rescued iCIK culture from the suppression of systemic immunity induced by chemotherapy and induced tumour regression.'] Does adoptive cell transfer after chemotherapy enhance survival in patients with resectable HNSCC? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.376678705215454,
-1.3047499656677246,
2.745410203933716
] |
['Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are common among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). While behavioral factors are important in STI acquisition, other biological factors such as immune modulation due to chronic viral infection may further predispose to STI acquisition.', 'Post Hoc analysis including data collected over 12 months of follow-up from 131 HIV-infected MSM receiving antiretroviral therapy and screened for incident bacterial STI every 3 months.', 'Genital secretions collected at baseline were used to measure herpesvirus replication and inflammatory cytokines. Baseline predictors of STI were determined using survival analysis of time to incident STI.', 'All participants were seropositive for cytomegalovirus (CMV), and 52% had detectable genital CMV at baseline. Thirty-five individuals acquired STI during follow-up, sometimes with multiple pathogen (17 syphilis, 21 gonorrhea, 14 chlamydia). Syphilis acquisition was associated with genital CMV replication at baseline (19.1% CMV-shedders versus 4.8% non-shedders, p=0.03) and younger age (p=0.02). Lower seminal MCP-1 was associated with higher seminal CMV levels and with syphilis acquisition (p<0.01). For syphilis acquisition, in multivariable Cox-Proportional Hazard model adjusted hazard rates were 3.56 (95%CI:1.00-12.73) for baseline CMV replication and 2.50 (0.92-6.77) for younger age.'] Does genital Cytomegalovirus Replication predict Syphilis Acquisition among HIV-1 Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8755313158035278,
-1.5081760883331299,
2.411822557449341
] |
['Exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to excessive cyclic stretch such as in hypertension causes a shift in their phenotype. The focal adhesion protein zyxin can transduce such biomechanical stimuli to the nucleus of both endothelial cells and VSMCs, albeit with different thresholds and kinetics. However, there is no distinct vascular phenotype in young zyxin-deficient mice, possibly due to functional redundancy among other gene products belonging to the zyxin family. Analyzing zyxin function in VSMCs at the cellular level might thus offer a better mechanistic insight. We aimed to characterize zyxin-dependent changes in gene expression in VSMCs exposed to biomechanical stretch and define the functional role of zyxin in controlling the resultant VSMC phenotype.', 'DNA microarray analysis was used to identify genes and pathways that were zyxin regulated in static and stretched human umbilical artery-derived and mouse aortic VSMCs. Zyxin-null VSMCs showed a remarkable shift to a growth-promoting, less apoptotic, promigratory and poorly contractile phenotype with ≈90% of the stretch-responsive genes being zyxin dependent. Interestingly, zyxin-null cells already seemed primed for such a synthetic phenotype, with mechanical stretch further accentuating it. This could be accounted for by higher RhoA activity and myocardin-related transcription factor-A mainly localized to the nucleus of zyxin-null VSMCs, and a condensed and localized accumulation of F-actin upon stretch.'] Does loss of the mechanotransducer zyxin promote a synthetic phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4862630367279053,
-1.3014452457427979,
2.869354724884033
] |
['To investigate its effect on the proliferation and invasion of laryngeal carcinoma and understand the potential underlying mechanisms to provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer metastasis.', 'We constructed a lentiviral vector expressing EGFL7 specific shRNA, and introduced it in EGFL7 functions were attenuated by a lentiviral vector harboring shRNA targeting at EGFL7 in laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep-2. Prolifereation and invasion assays were carried out in vitro. And in vivo tumor burden assay was done in nude mice.', 'The expression of EGFL7 was knocked-down by 80% in hep-2 cells transfected by the lentiviral EGFL7 shRNA vector and EGFL7 gene expression was detected by realtime PCR and Western blotting analysis respectively. The flow cytometric analysis showed that arrested the cell cycle in G1 phase, In tumor burden assay, to parental And vector control cells, the survival rates Of nude mice in EGFL7 shRNA group dropped down from the first day after implantation as indicated by MTT assay (P < 0.05). The formation and growth rate of xenograft tumor in mice transfected with siRNA against Bmi-1 slowed down significantly.'] Does attenuation of EGFL7 inhibit human laryngocarcinoma cells growth and invasion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.393047332763672,
-1.2951006889343262,
2.6765835285186768
] |
['Descriptions of inflammatory cells infiltrating the human kidney rarely mention B cells, other than in the specific scenario of transplantation. In these reports, B cells are localized almost exclusively within the kidney tubulointerstitium where they are ideally placed to interact with proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTEC). We have previously shown that activated PTEC down-modulate autologous T lymphocyte and dendritic cell function. In this report, we extend these prior studies to describe PTEC-B cell interactions.', 'Stimulated B cells were cultured in the absence or presence of activated autologous human PTEC and monitored for proliferation, surface antigen expression, cytokine secretion and antibody (Ab) production.', 'PTEC decreased B cell proliferative responses, whilst B cells cultured in the presence of PTEC displayed decreased levels of CD27, a marker of plasma B cells and memory cells. Interestingly, autologous PTEC also significantly decreased the number of B cells secreting both IgG and IgM and overall levels of Ab production. Transwell studies demonstrated that this modulation was primarily contact-dependent, and blocking studies with anti-PD-L1 led to partial restoration in Ab production. Further blocking studies targeting soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) and IDO, two other immunoinhibitory molecules also up-regulated in our activated PTEC, demonstrated minor restoration of Ab responses.'] Do human proximal tubule epithelial cells modulate autologous B-cell function? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.551259756088257,
-1.1661787033081055,
2.805433750152588
] |
['To investigate the inhibitory effect of testosterone on oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDL)-stimulated phenotypic transition and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro, and explore its possible mechanisms.', 'Rat VSMCs were cultured using serum starvation method to make cell synchronization. Cells in vitro were divided into control group, ox-LDL group (treated with 50 μg/mL ox-LDL), FBS group (treated with 100 mL/L fetal bovine serum), and testosterone groups (treated respectively with 5×10(-8) and 5×10(-7) mol/L testosterone for 12 hours, followed by incubation with 50 μg/mL ox-LDL). The effect of testosterone on the ox-LDL-induced proliferation of VSMCs was explored by WST-1 assay. The cell cycle distribution was determined using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN).', 'Compared with control group, the proliferation of VSMCs was promoted by ox-LDL, the number of VSMCs decreased in G0/G1 phase and increased in S phase significantly, the expression levels of Mfn2 and α-SMA were significant reduced, and the expression levels of p-ERK1/2, PCNA and OPN were significant raised in ox-LDL group. Compared with ox-LDL group, testosterone showed stronger inhibitory effect on the proliferation of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL, arrested most of the cells in the G0/G1 phase, ascended significantly the expression levels of Mfn2 and α-SMA, and descended significantly the expression levels of p-ERK1/2, PCNA and OPN in the two testosterone groups in a slight dose-dependent manner.'] Does [ Testosterone suppress oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transition and proliferation ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3384177684783936,
-1.367757797241211,
2.7129101753234863
] |
['To investigate the role of interlukin-23 (IL-23) in the invasion of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells and the related mechanism.', 'IL-23 expression in tumor and adjacent tissues from 10 ESCC patients were detected by immunohistochemistry. Real-time fluorescent PCR was used to examine the expressions of Notch1 and Foxn4 mRNAs in different concentration IL-23-treated TE-1 cells. After Notch pathway was blocked with γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT, expressions of Notch intracellular domain (NICD), Delta-like 4 (DLL4), hairy enhancer of split 1 (Hes1), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in IL-23-treated TE-1 cells were measured by Western blotting. And the migration of IL-23-treated TE-1 cells was studied by TranswellTM migration assay.', 'Compared with adjacent tissues, IL-23 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues. IL-23 treatment up-regulated significantly the expressions of NICD, DLL4, Hes1 and MMP-9 in TE-1 cells. The blockade of Notch1 pathway inhibited the expressions induced by IL-23. Migration assay revealed that IL-23 treatment significantly enhanced the migration of TE-1 cells.'] Does [ IL-23 promote invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by activating DLL4/Notch1 signaling pathway ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3545963764190674,
-1.2726905345916748,
2.713287830352783
] |
['Prevention of maternal-to-child transmission program at a tertiary care hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The risk of acquiring Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among peripartum human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected women is poorly defined.', 'To determine the incidence of and co-factors for interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) conversion among postpartum HIV-infected women using T-SPOT.TB.', "We used data and cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a historical cohort of HIV-infected women enrolled at 32 weeks' gestation and followed for 1 year postpartum between 1999 and 2005.", 'Of 89 women initially IGRA-negative during pregnancy, 11 (12.4%) became positive, 53 (59.5%) remained negative and 25 (28.1%) were indeterminate at 1 year postpartum. Mean interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) response among converters increased from ~1 to >50 spot-forming cells/well (P = 0.015). IGRA conversion was significantly associated with partner HIV infection, flush toilets, maternal illness and cough during follow-up, but not maternal CD4 count or HIV viral load.'] Does incidence and correlate of tuberculosis IGRA conversion among HIV-infected postpartum women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3300254344940186,
-0.9064472317695618,
2.3845973014831543
] |
['The YPEL (Yippee-like) gene family comprises five highly conserved members (YPEL1-5), but their biological function remains largely unknown. Early studies of YPEL1 function suggested that it plays a role in the development of structures derived from the pharyngeal arches. Human YPEL1 localises to distal chromosome 22q11.2 and copy number changes at this locus lead to diverse phenotypes that include facial dysmorphism, facial asymmetry, and palatal anomalies comprising the distal 22q11.2 deletion/duplication syndromes (OMIM 611867). We therefore investigated the role of chick YPEL1 in craniofacial development using ex vivo and in vivo approaches in the avian model.', 'We found that retroviral-mediated in vivo overexpression of YPEL1 causes abnormal mandibular morphogenesis associated with increased apoptosis and involvement of the BMP/MSX pathway.'] Does yPEL1 overexpression in early avian craniofacial mesenchyme cause mandibular dysmorphogenesis by up-regulating apoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4894521236419678,
-1.0484411716461182,
2.5302746295928955
] |
['To explore the association between quality of life and social support in elderly osteoporosis patients in a Chinese population.', 'A total of 214 elderly patients who underwent bone mineral density screening were divided into two groups: elderly patients with primary osteoporosis (case group, n = 112) and normal elderly patients (control group, n = 102). Quality of life and social support were compared between the two groups.', 'Quality of life and social support were significantly different between the case and control groups. The physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social-functioning, role-emotional and mental health scores in case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The objective support, subjective support, utilization of support, and total scores in case group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01). Quality of life and social support were positively correlated in the case group (r = 0.672, P < 0.01).'] Does quality of Life be Related to Social Support in Elderly Osteoporosis Patients in a Chinese Population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.33505046367645264,
0.6309395432472229,
-0.9898864030838013
] |
['Allergies arise from aberrant Th2 responses to allergens. The processes involved in the genesis of allergic sensitization remain elusive. Some allergens such as derived from house dust mites have proteolytic activity which can induce oxidative stress in vivo. A reduced capacity of the host to control oxidative stress might prime for allergic sensitization.', 'Two different strains of mice were compared for their antioxidant and immune response to HDM. Protease activity of the HDM extract was reduced to investigate its role in oxidative stress induction in the airways and whether this induction could determine allergic sensitization and inflammation. The role of oxidative stress in allergic sensitization was also investigated in humans. An occupational cohort of animal workers was followed for the development of sensitization to rodent urinary proteins. Levels of oxidative stress in serum and antioxidant responses by PBMCs were determined.', 'Susceptibility to allergic sensitization to mite allergens in mice was highly dependent on host genetic background and was associated with oxidative stress in the lungs before allergen exposure and poor antioxidant response after allergen exposure. Reduction in mite protease activity limited its capacity to induce oxidative stress and allergic inflammation in mice. We showed that also in human subjects, oxidative stress before allergen exposure and poor antioxidant responses were associated with predisposition to occupational allergy.'] Is allergic sensitization associated with inadequate antioxidant responses in mice and men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.670889139175415,
-0.9097585678100586,
2.637303352355957
] |
['This study examines the relationship between physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and body weight in Korean adolescents.', 'This study used a nationally representative sample of 72,368 South Korean adolescents, aged 13 to 18 years. The study sample was categorized according to BMI as follows: underweight, body mass index (BMI) <18.5; normal weight, 18.5 ≤ BMI < 23.0; overweight, 23.0 ≤ BMI < 25.0; and obese, 25.0 ≤ BMI. An analysis was then performed to determine if meeting the recommended guidelines for PA frequency (5 times/week ≤) and amount of SB (<2 hours/day) was associated with weight category.', 'The percentage of normal weight adolescents was 54.3% while the percentages of underweight, overweight, and obese adolescents were 27.4%, 10.2%, and 8.1%, respectively. Significantly fewer underweight and obese adolescents met PA guidelines compared to normal weight adolescents. In addition, underweight, overweight, and obese adolescents had significantly higher SB scores.'] Do physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Are Independently Associated with Weight in Korean Adolescents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.6889938116073608,
0.5272300839424133,
-1.943211317062378
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine the use of Central Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) and Selective Nerve Root Blocks (SNRB) along with the crossover rate to lumbar discectomy in patients with a lumbar disc herniation using retrospective records database search. Butterman et al found a crossover rate for patients with symptomatic disc herniations treated with ESI of 54% (27/50), while Riew similarly found a 53% (29/55) crossover patients receiving SNRB.', 'The database was searched in a sequential Boolean style for patients with the diagnosis of a lumbar disc herniation (Displaced Lumbar Disc - 722.1) and a SNRB (64483) or ESI (62311) who subsequently underwent a Lumbar Discectomy (63030) over a three year time period from January 2004 through December 2006. Statistical analysis was preformed examining the impact of injection type, age, location, gender, and year.', 'Of 482,893 patients with the diagnosis of a disc herniation, 27,799(5.76%) underwent a lumbar discectomy. The 29,941 patients who received at least one SNRB for a disc herniation, 10.80% later underwent a lumbar discectomy. The 41,420 patients who received at least one ESI for a disc herniation 9.34% later underwent a lumbar discectomy. There was a noted increase in injection procedures, particularly SNRB during the study with a greater than 50% increase.'] Does the Incidence of Lumbar Discectomy after Epidural Steroid Injections or Selective Nerve Root block? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.689282774925232,
-1.368677020072937,
2.0702998638153076
] |
['Despite the demonstrated advantageous systemic changes in response to regular exercise for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), exercise is still viewed as an elective rather than a vital component of therapy, and it is likely that these benefits extend to and are partially mediated by exercise-induced changes in ion regulation.', 'We sought to determine if exercise could provide comparable improvements in ion regulation in the CF lung as albuterol, measured using exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection and nasal potential difference (NPD).', 'Fourteen CF (13-42\xa0yrs.) and sixteen healthy (18-42\xa0yrs.) subjects completed a randomized crossover study of albuterol and submaximal exercise. EBC was collected at baseline, 30- and 60-min post-albuterol administration, and at baseline and during three separate 15\xa0min cycling exercise bouts at low, moderate, and vigorous intensity (25, 50 and 65% of the maximum workload, respectively). NPD was performed at 30- and 80-min post albuterol or following moderate and vigorous intensity exercise.', 'CF subjects had lower EBC Cl(-), but no difference in EBC Na(+) at baseline when compared to healthy subjects. EBC Cl(-) increased four-fold with moderate exercise which was similar to that seen 60-min post albuterol administration for CF subjects. Neither exercise nor albuterol altered EBC Na(+). The change in NPD voltage with amiloride (ΔAmil) was greater and there was minimal Cl(-) secretion (ΔTCC) seen at baseline in the CF compared to the healthy subjects. ΔAmil was greater with both albuterol and exercise when compared to baseline within both CF and healthy groups, but there was no significant difference in the ΔTCC response with either treatment.'] Does moderate intensity exercise mediate comparable increases in exhaled chloride as albuterol in individuals with cystic fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.75102698802948,
-1.4495015144348145,
2.210728645324707
] |
['Interlocus gene conversion (IGC) is a recombination-based mechanism that results in the unidirectional transfer of short stretches of sequence between paralogous loci. Although IGC is a well-established mechanism of human disease, the extent to which this mutagenic process has shaped overall patterns of segregating variation in multi-copy regions of the human genome remains unknown. One expected manifestation of IGC in population genomic data is the presence of one-to-one paralogous SNPs that segregate identical alleles.', 'Here, I use SNP genotype calls from the low-coverage phase 3 release of the 1000 Genomes Project to identify 15,790 parallel, shared SNPs in duplicated regions of the human genome. My approach for identifying these sites accounts for the potential redundancy of short read mapping in multi-copy genomic regions, thereby effectively eliminating false positive SNP calls arising from paralogous sequence variation. I demonstrate that independent mutation events to identical nucleotides at paralogous sites are not a significant source of shared polymorphisms in the human genome, consistent with the interpretation that these sites are the outcome of historical IGC events. These putative signals of IGC are enriched in genomic contexts previously associated with non-allelic homologous recombination, including clear signals in gene families that form tandem intra-chromosomal clusters.'] Does interlocus gene conversion explain at least 2.7 % of single nucleotide variants in human segmental duplications? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.151621103286743,
-0.915065348148346,
2.1501567363739014
] |
['Myocardial infarction (MI) due to sudden occlusion of a major coronary artery leads to a complex series of events that result in left ventricle (LV) impairment eventual heart failure. Therapeutic options are limited to reverse such trends post MI. The aim of this study was to compare the acute cardioprotective effects of the antioxidants, resveratrol (RES) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), either individually or in combination, on infracts size, LV hemodynamics, inflammation and oxidative stress markers in rats with experimentally induced MI.', 'Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control without surgery, sham without occlusion, MI without antioxidants, RES pre-treated then MI (20 mg/kg, orally), CoQ10 then MI (20 mg/kg, intramuscular.), and combined RES and CoQ10 then MI with (each group n = 10). Pretreatment commenced 7 days prior to the permanent occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Infarct area, hemodynamics, inflammation and oxidative stress markers were assessed 24 hours post-MI.', 'Compared to RES alone, CoQ10 pre-administration either by itself or in combination with RES, significantly reduced LV infarct area (57%), and normalized LV hemodynamic parameters like LVEDP (100%), LVSP (95.4%), LV +dp/dt and -dp/dt (102 and 73.1%, respectively). CoQ10 also decreased serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (70%), and various circulating inflammatory markers like TNF-α (83.2%) and IL-6 (83.2%). Regarding oxidative stress, TBARS scores were lowered with a concurrent increase in both superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities with CoQ10 alone or in combination with RES.'] Does coenzyme Q10 protect against acute consequences of experimental myocardial infarction in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1255548000335693,
-1.5112439393997192,
2.6505870819091797
] |
['The identification of novel biomarkers for early breast cancer detection would be a great advance. Because of their role in tumorigenesis and stability in body fluids, microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as a promising diagnostic tool. Our aim was to identify miRNAs deregulated in breast tumors and evaluate the potential of circulating miRNAs in breast cancer detection.', 'We conducted miRNA expression profiling of 1919 human miRNAs in paraffin-embedded tissue from 122 breast tumors and 11 healthy breast tissue samples. Differential expression analysis was performed, and a microarray classifier was generated. The most relevant miRNAs were analyzed in plasma from 26 healthy individuals and 83 patients with breast cancer (36 before and 47 after treatment) and validated in 116 healthy individuals and 114 patients before treatment.', 'We identified a large number of miRNAs deregulated in breast cancer and generated a 25-miRNA microarray classifier that discriminated breast tumors with high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Ten miRNAs were selected for further investigation, of which 4 (miR-505-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-96-5p) were significantly overexpressed in pretreated patients with breast cancer compared with healthy individuals in 2 different series of plasma. MiR-505-5p and miR-96-5p were the most valuable biomarkers (area under the curve 0.72). Moreover, the expression levels of miR-3656, miR-505-5p, and miR-21-5p were decreased in a group of treated patients.'] Does tumor microRNA expression profiling identify circulating microRNAs for early breast cancer detection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8822773694992065,
-1.0532764196395874,
2.0001797676086426
] |
['With each passing year, the number of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is increasing steadily, but there are limited data on the postoperative outcomes of these patients after appendectomy.', 'Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified all patients who underwent appendectomy in the United States between 1998 and 2010. We used International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes to identify patients with ESRD and to track postoperative complications during hospital admission. Statistical models were controlled for age, sex, race, insurance type, number of Elixhauser comorbidities, year of admission, perforation of the appendix, and operative approach.', 'The study population included 5,712 patients with ESRD, with the remaining 3,615,391 patients serving as reference controls. Patients with ESRD had risk of death that was nearly 5 times greater than controls (odds ratio [OR] 5.68; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.96-8.15; P\xa0<\xa0.001); this risk was similar for nonperforated (OR 4.97; P\xa0<\xa0.001) and perforated (5.96; P\xa0=\xa0.004) appendicitis. The risk of death, however, was greater for open appendectomy (OR 6.65; P\xa0<\xa0.001) compared with laparoscopic appendectomy (OR 2.50; P\xa0=\xa0.060). Patients with ESRD also were at an increased risk of mechanical wound complication (OR 1.58; P\xa0=\xa0.040) and had a mean duration of stay that was 34% greater compared with controls (P\xa0<\xa0.001).'] Does end-stage renal disease increase the risk of mortality after appendectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.3838752508163452,
-1.8124948740005493,
1.2203402519226074
] |
['Rapid weight gain during infancy increases childhood asthma risk, which might be related to impaired lung function. This study investigated associations between peak weight velocity (PWV) during the first two years of life and spirometric lung function indices at 15 years of age.', 'Data from 1842 children participating in the GINIplus German birth cohort who underwent spirometry at age 15 were analysed. PWV was calculated from weight measurements obtained between birth and two years of age. Generalised additive models were fitted after adjustment for potential confounding factors (birth weight, height, and age at lung function testing). Results are presented per interquartile range increase (3.5 kg/year) in PWV.', 'PWV was negatively associated with pre-bronchodilation flow rates after extensive adjustment for potential confounders including asthma: forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (FEF50 ) decreased by 141 ml/s (95%CI =\u2009[-225;-57]), FEF75 by 84 ml/s [-144;-24] and FEF25-75 by 118 ml/s [-192;-44]. FEV1 /FVC was also negatively associated with PWV (-0.750% [-1.273;-0.226]) whereas forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1 ) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were not. Similar results were found for measurements post-bronchodilation.'] Is peak weight velocity in infancy negatively associated with lung function in adolescence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1202229261398315,
-1.3584799766540527,
1.5294362306594849
] |
['Hyperglycaemia is a common complication of prematurity and is associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity, yet the aetiology is incompletely understood. C-peptide has been used in adults to estimate endogenous insulin secretion due to its simple clearance kinetics.', 'To determine insulin secretion calculated from plasma C-peptide concentrations in hyperglycaemic preterm babies.', 'This is a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 41 very preterm babies with a median gestational age of 27.2 weeks (26.2-28.7) enrolled in a randomised controlled trial of tight glycaemic control when they developed hyperglycaemia (2 consecutive blood glucose concentrations, BGC, > 8.5 mmol·l(-1)). Insulin secretion was determined using a steady state analysis of a 2-compartment C-peptide kinetic model.', 'BGC, plasma insulin concentration, plasma C-peptide concentrations, and insulin secretion were higher at randomisation than 1-2 weeks following randomisation (p ≤ 0.02). Insulin secretion was higher in girls at 11.7 mU·l(-1)·kg(-1)·min(-1) (5.3-18.7) vs. 4.7 mU·l(-1)·kg(-1)·min(-1) (2.1-8.3; p < 0.005), with no difference in clinical characteristics, BGC, plasma insulin concentration, or nutrition between the sexes (p > 0.25). Insulin secretion was lower in samples taken during exogenous insulin delivery at 3.7 mU·l(-1)·kg(-1)·min(-1) (1.8-6.9) vs. 9.8 mU·l(-1)·kg(-1)·min(-1) (4.7-17.8; p = 0.02).'] Do hyperglycaemic Preterm Babies Have Sex Differences in Insulin Secretion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4197083711624146,
-1.4869019985198975,
1.9649503231048584
] |
['To evaluate the prognostic value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) and basal longitudinal strain (BLS) with the knowledge of coexisting coronary pathology evaluated by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography.', 'GLS and BLS are both sensitive markers of myocardial dysfunction and predictors of outcome in asymptomatic aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis and ischaemic heart disease share risk factors and longitudinal function can be severely reduced in both conditions, why some of the previous findings of impaired regional longitudinal function in asymptomatic aortic stenosis could in fact be explained by silent ischaemic heart disease.', 'Prospective follow-up of 104 asymptomatic patients with moderate-severe aortic stenosis defined as an aortic valve area <1.5 cm(2). Patients underwent a thorough clinical work-up, advanced echocardiographic analysis and coronary angiography by MDCT. The combined endpoint was indication for aortic valve replacement (AVR) and sudden cardiac death. During a median follow-up of 2.3 years (interquartile range 1.7-3.6) 43 patients (41%) met the endpoint of indication for AVR. The basal (13.4 ± 3.1% vs. 15.7 ± 3.1%) and mid-ventricular segments (14.9 ± 2.7% vs. 16.2 ± 2.9%) were significantly reduced, but with sparing of the apical segments, in patients who later underwent AVR. In various multivariable Cox regression models, including only BLS, but not GLS, remained an independent predictor of AVR.'] Does basal longitudinal strain predict future aortic valve replacement in asymptomatic patients with aortic stenosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0895450115203857,
-1.4828026294708252,
2.659489631652832
] |
['Blood-borne biomarkers reflecting atherosclerotic plaque burden have great potential to improve clinical management of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).', 'Using data integration from gene expression profiling of coronary thrombi versus peripheral blood mononuclear cells and proteomic analysis of atherosclerotic plaque-derived secretomes versus healthy tissue secretomes, we identified fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) as a biomarker candidate for coronary artery disease. Its diagnostic and prognostic performance was validated in 3 different clinical settings: (1) in a cross-sectional cohort of patients with stable coronary artery disease, ACS, and healthy individuals (n=820), (2) in a nested case-control cohort of patients with ACS with 30-day follow-up (n=200), and (3) in a population-based nested case-control cohort of asymptomatic individuals with 5-year follow-up (n=414). Circulating FABP4 was marginally higher in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (24.9 ng/mL) compared with controls (23.4 ng/mL; P=0.01). However, elevated FABP4 was associated with adverse secondary cerebrovascular or cardiovascular events during 30-day follow-up after index ACS, independent of age, sex, renal function, and body mass index (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.5; P=0.02). Circulating FABP4 predicted adverse events with similar prognostic performance as the GRACE in-hospital risk score or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide. Finally, no significant difference between baseline FABP4 was found in asymptomatic individuals with or without coronary events during 5-year follow-up.'] Is circulating FABP4 a prognostic biomarker in patients with acute coronary syndrome but not in asymptomatic individuals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.135079860687256,
-1.4930120706558228,
2.6667747497558594
] |
['Inhibitory molecules in the adult central nervous system, including NogoA, impede neural repair by blocking axon outgrowth. The actin-myosin regulatory protein Shroom3 directly interacts with Rho kinase and conveys axon outgrowth inhibitory signals from Nogo66, a C-terminal inhibitory domain of NogoA. The purpose of this study was to identify small molecules that block the Shroom3-Rho kinase protein-protein interaction as a means to modulate NogoA signaling and, in the longer term, enhance axon outgrowth during neural repair.', 'A high throughput screen for inhibitors of the Shroom3-Rho kinase protein-protein interaction identified CCG-17444 (Chem ID: 2816053). CCG-17444 inhibits the Shroom3-Rho kinase interaction in vitro with micromolar potency. This compound acts through an irreversible, covalent mechanism of action, targeting Shroom3 Cys1816 to inhibit the Shroom3-Rho kinase protein-protein interaction. Inhibition of the Shroom3-Rho kinase protein-protein interaction with CCG-17444 counteracts the inhibitory action of Nogo66 and enhances neurite outgrowth.'] Does targeted inhibition of the Shroom3-Rho kinase protein-protein interaction circumvent Nogo66 to promote axon outgrowth? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.491295576095581,
-1.054710865020752,
2.5528500080108643
] |
['To evaluate the effects of following the physical activity guidelines (PAG) for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) for 16 weeks.', 'Randomized controlled trial.', 'Community exercise program.', 'Individuals with SCI (N=23; neurological level of injury, C3-T11; American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A-C; time postinjury, 12.0±9.9 y; age, 41.4±11.6 y).', 'Participants were randomly assigned to PAG training (n=12) or active control (n=11) groups. PAG training involved ≥20 minutes of moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise (rating of perceived exertion 3-6 on 10-point scale) and 3×10 repetitions of upper-body strengthening exercises (50%-70% 1 repetition maximum) 2 times per week. The control group maintained existing physical activity levels with no guidance on training intensity.', 'Outcome measures were obtained pre- and postintervention. Vascular health indicators included arterial stiffness via carotid distensibility and pulse wave velocity, and endothelial function via flow-mediated-dilation. Fasted blood samples were analyzed for markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Body composition was assessed via anthropometrics and with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry.', 'Twenty-one individuals completed the intervention (PAG=12, control=9). Group-by-time interactions were observed for whole-body mass (P=.03), whole-body fat (P=.04), visceral adipose tissue (P=.04), and carotid artery distensibility (P=.05), suggesting maintained body composition and carotid stiffness in the PAG group concurrent with declines in the control group. No changes were found in any other outcome measure.'] Does following the Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults With Spinal Cord Injury for 16 Weeks Improve Vascular Health : A Randomized Controlled Trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.199275493621826,
-1.2903900146484375,
2.5438947677612305
] |
["During fluid infusion therapy, plasma proteins are diluted and leak from the intravascular space, which alters the colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and potentially affects coagulation. We hypothesised that acetated Ringer's and starch solution, alone or in combination, influence these mechanisms differently.", "On different occasions, 10 male volunteers were infused with 20\xa0ml/kg acetated Ringer's and 10\xa0ml/kg 6% hyroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (Voluven(®) ) alone or in combination (first with starch solution followed by Ringer's solution). Blood samples were collected every 30-min for measurements of COP, blood haemoglobin, platelets, and plasma concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), coagulation factor VII (FVII), fibrinogen, cystatin C, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin international normalised ratio (PT-INR). Changes were compared with the haemoglobin-derived plasma dilution.", "The COP increased by 8.4% (SD 3) with starch and decreased by 26.2% (7.9) with Ringer's. These infusions diluted the plasma by 23.4% (5.3) and 18.7% (4.9) respectively. The COP changes in the combined experiment followed the same pattern as the individual infusions. Albumin and IgG changes in excess of the plasma dilution were very subtle. The intravascular contents of the IgM and platelets decreased, whereas FVII, fibrinogen and cystatin C increased. PT-INR increased by 1/3 of the plasma dilution, whereas changes in APTT did not correlate with the plasma dilution."] Do colloid osmotic pressure and extravasation of plasma proteins following infusion of Ringer 's acetate and hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8747752904891968,
-1.6059441566467285,
2.462995767593384
] |
['Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), and RANK ligand (RANKL) are transcriptional regulators of inflammatory cytokines. RANKL expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons is elevated in animal models of pain or intervertebral disc herniation. We sought to evaluate the effect of anti-RANKL antibodies on sensory nerves innervating injured intervertebral discs.', 'We labeled DRG neurons innervating L5-6 discs with FluoroGold (FG). The L5-6 discs of 36 rats were punctured using a 23-gage needle and 18 rats underwent sham surgery without disc puncture. The puncture group was evenly subdivided into a group in which 10 μl saline was administered to the injured disc and a group in which 10 μl of anti-RANKL antibody was administered. Seven and 14 days postsurgery, DRGs at L2 level were harvested, sectioned, and immunostained for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The proportion of CGRP-immunoreactive (IR) DRG neurons of all FG-positive neurons was determined. Amount of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 was measured within the intervertebral discs in each group at 7 and 14 days after surgery using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).', 'The proportion of CGRP-IR DRG neurons to total FG-labeled neurons innervating injured intervertebral discs and amount of TNF-α and IL-6 in the injured discs in the saline control group was significantly increased compared with that found in rats from the sham surgery group (P < 0.05). However, application of anti-RANKL antibody to the injured discs significantly decreased the proportion of CGRP-IR DRG neurons to total FG-labeled neurons and amount of TNF-α and IL-6 in the injured discs (P < 0.05).'] Do anti-RANKL antibodies decrease CGRP expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons innervating injured lumbar intervertebral discs in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0757248401641846,
-1.4746829271316528,
2.5643582344055176
] |
['To explore the anti-nociceptive effects of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) on bone cancer pain in mice.', 'The model of bone cancer pain was established by an inoculation of prostate tumor cell line RM-1 cells into intramedullary space of murine femur. Bone destruction and tumor formation in femur were checked by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia were examined by behavioral testing. After intraperitoneal injections of HO-1 inducer (CoPP) and HO-1 inhibitor (SnPP), the protein content of HO-1 in spinal cord was examined by Western blot.', 'The invasion of tumor cells into bone and bone destruction were induced by an injection of RM-1 into right femur. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWL) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) decreased significantly at 7 days after inoculation and maintained for over 21 days. HO-1 inducer CoPP increased PWT and PWL dramatically in mice with bone cancer pain after consecutive intraperitoneal dosing of CoPP for 5 days. However, SnPP unaltered pain behaviors. Western blot showed the expression of HO-1 in spinal cord was up-regulated after an intraperitoneal injection of CoPP and unchanged after an intraperitoneal injection of SnPP.'] Does [ Overexpression of heme oxygenase 1 in spinal cord alleviate bone cancer pain in mice ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4528520107269287,
-1.304004192352295,
2.831730604171753
] |
["To identify the individual genes or gene modules that lead to the OncoptypeDx 21-gene recurrence score's reduced performance after 5 years and thereby identify indices of residual risk that may guide selection of patients for extended adjuvant therapy.", 'We conducted a retrospective assessment of the relationship between (i) the individual genes and gene modules of the Recurrence Score and (ii) early (0-5 years) and late (5-10 years) recurrence rates in 1,125 postmenopausal patients with primary estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer treated with anastrozole or tamoxifen in the Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or Combined (ATAC) randomized clinical trial.', 'In the HER2-negative population (n = 1,009), estimates of recurrence risk were similar between years 0-5 and 5-10 for proliferation and invasion modules but markedly different for the estrogen module and genes within it (all split at the median): for low estrogen module, annual recurrence rates were similar across the two time windows (2.06% vs. 2.46%, respectively); for high estrogen module, annual rates were 1.14% versus 2.72%, respectively (P interaction = 0.004). Estrogen receptor transcript levels showed inverse prediction across the time windows: HR, 0.88 (0.73-1.07) and 1.19 (0.99-1.43), respectively (P interaction = 0.03). Similar time-, module-, and estrogen-dependent relationships were seen for distant recurrence.'] Does estrogen Receptor Expression in 21-Gene Recurrence Score predict Increased Late Recurrence for Estrogen-Positive/HER2-Negative Breast Cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.873509168624878,
-1.463066816329956,
2.3364858627319336
] |
['This study investigated whether texture-based imaging parameters could identify invasive components of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).', 'We enrolled 65 biopsy-confirmed DCIS patients (62 unilateral, 3 bilateral) who underwent (18)\u2009F-FDG PET, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), or breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI). We measured SUV max and intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity by the area under the curve (AUC) of cumulative SUV histograms (CSH) on PET, tumour-to-normal ratio (TNR) and coefficient of variation (COV) as an index of heterogeneity on BSGI, minimum ADC (ADC min ) and ADC difference (ADC diff ) as an index of heterogeneity on DWI. After surgery, final pathology was categorized as pure-DCIS (DCIS-P), DCIS with microinvasion (DCIS-MI), or invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Clinicopathologic features of DCIS were correlated with final classification.', 'Final pathology confirmed 44 DCIS-P, 14 DCIS-MI, and 10 IDC. The invasive component of DCIS was significantly correlated with higher SUV max (p\u2009=\u20090.017) and lower AUC-CSH (p\u2009<\u20090.001) on PET, higher TNR (p\u2009=\u20090.008) and COV (p\u2009=\u20090.035) on BSGI, lower ADC min (p\u2009=\u20090.016) and higher ADC diff (p\u2009=\u20090.009) on DWI, and larger pathologic size (p\u2009=\u20090.018). On multiple regression analysis, AUC-CSH was the only significant predictor of invasive components (p\u2009=\u20090.044).'] Does intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity predict invasive components in breast ductal carcinoma in situ? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8727132081985474,
-1.5924749374389648,
2.4783594608306885
] |
['Amino acid imbalance is often found in patients with cirrhosis, and this imbalance is associated with insulin resistance. However, the mechanism underlying the relationship between amino acid imbalance and insulin resistance remains unclear. We evaluated serum amino acid concentrations in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to determine if any of the levels of amino acids were associated with the biochemical markers and fibrosis stage of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).', 'In 137 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who underwent liver biopsy, plasma levels of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), tyrosine (Tyr), and the BCAA-to-Tyr ratio values were determined using mass spectroscopy. These values were then assessed for associations with fibrosis stage, anthropometric markers (age, sex, and body mass index), biochemical markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, albumin, platelet count, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glycosylated hemoglobin), and relevant disease-specific biomarkers (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], serum iron, ferritin, leptin, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and hyaluronic acid).', 'Serum albumin levels, plasma BCAA levels, and BCAA-to-Tyr ratio values were negatively associated with the fibrosis stage. In contrast, Tyr levels increased with increasing fibrotic staging. Tyr levels were also correlated with HOMA-IR results.'] Are tyrosine levels associated with insulin resistance in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.438347578048706,
-1.3110153675079346,
2.8026516437530518
] |
['We aimed to evaluate the value of AST to platelet ratio (APRI) and transient elastography (TE) as predictors of liver histopathology in children with intestinal failure (IF).', 'Altogether 93 liver biopsies from 57 children with parenteral nutrition (PN) duration ≥3 months were analysed. APRI measurement and TE (n = 46) were performed at the time of biopsy.', 'IF was caused by short bowel syndrome in 75% of patients. At the time of liver biopsy, PN dependent patients (n = 42) were younger with longer PN duration compared to those weaned off PN (n = 51) (2.2 vs. 7.6 years, P < 0.001; 26 vs. 10.5 months, P = 0.043). Elevated transaminase or bilirubin levels were found in 51%, splenomegaly in 26%, and oesophageal varices in 3.5%. Histological fibrosis was present in 61% (Metavir stage F1; 27%, F2; 26%, F3-4; 9%), cholestasis in 25% and steatosis in 22% of biopsy specimens. TE was superior to APRI in prediction of any liver histopathology (fibrosis, cholestasis or steatosis) with areas under the receiving operating curve (AUROC) of 0.86 (95% CI 0.74-0.97) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.58-0.78) respectively. For prediction of ≥F1 and ≥F2 fibrosis, AUROC values for TE were 0.78 (95% CI 0.64-0.93) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.59-0.88), whereas APRI did not correlate with fibrosis stages. For detection of histological cholestasis, the AUROC for APRI was 0.77 (95% CI 0.64-0.89).'] Do transient elastography and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio predict liver injury in paediatric intestinal failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3299068212509155,
-1.7631850242614746,
2.0999317169189453
] |
['Polysomnography is the gold standard for studying sleep, but it is complex to use, and this can be problematic in clinically unstable preterm infants. We evaluated the reliability of actigraphy and polysomnography in detecting sleep-wake patterns in newborn infants.', 'A prospective, monocentric study was conducted that measured the sleep patterns of 48 infants: 24 late preterm neonates born at 34-36 weeks of gestational age and 24 term neonates. We used both polysomnography and the Actiwatch Mini during a three-hour period and then compared the results from the two methods.', 'The baseline measurements for the preterm and terms groups were as follows: gestational age (34.5 weeks and 39.2 weeks), birthweight (2368 g and 3393 g) and age (6.4 days and 0.72 days). With the Actiwatch Mini, sensitivity for the late preterm and full-term infants was 78% and 87% for the leg actigraph and 78% and 93% for the arm actigraph. For specificity, the respective figures were 42% and 31% for the leg and 34% and 20% for the arm.'] Is actigraphy a reliable method for measuring sleep patterns in neonates? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2545353174209595,
-0.9879329800605774,
1.33595609664917
] |
['High digestible carbohydrate intakes can induce hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and collectively have been implicated in colorectal tumor development. Our aim was to explore the association between aspects of dietary carbohydrate intake and risk of colorectal adenomas and hyperplastic polyps in a large case-control study.', 'Colorectal polyp cases (n\xa0=\xa01,315 adenomas only, n\xa0=\xa0566 hyperplastic polyps only and n\xa0=\xa0394 both) and controls (n\xa0=\xa03,184) undergoing colonoscopy were recruited between 2003 and 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Dietary intakes were estimated by a 108-item food frequency questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was applied to determine odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95\xa0% confidence intervals (CI) for colorectal polyps according to dietary carbohydrate intakes, after adjustment for potential confounders.', 'No significant associations were detected for risk of colorectal adenomas when comparing the highest versus lowest quartiles of intake for total sugars (OR 1.03; 95\xa0% CI 0.84-1.26), starch (OR 1.01; 95\xa0% CI 0.81-1.26), total or available carbohydrate intakes. Similar null associations were observed between dietary carbohydrate intakes and risk of hyperplastic polyps, or concurrent adenomas and hyperplastic polyps.'] Are aspects of dietary carbohydrate intake related to risk of colorectal polyps in the Tennessee Colorectal Polyp Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8237920999526978,
-1.396803855895996,
2.230351686477661
] |
['Once gastrointestinal (GI) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurs after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, it may be life-threatening. Therefore, an earlier accurate diagnosis of macroscopic and microscopic features using an appropriate modality improves the prognosis of patients with suspected GI-GVHD.', 'In patients experiencing watery diarrhea within 100 days after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, we evaluated the severity of mucosal injury at the proximal ileum, terminal ileum, and rectum according to previously reported criteria using transanal single balloon endoscopy. GI-GVHD was diagnosed by the presence of gland apoptosis without inflammatory or infectious factors in the biopsied specimens obtained from their respective site regardless of the mucosal lesion.', 'Consecutive suspected GI-GVHD patients with watery diarrhea (11 men and 5 women, mean age: 45.6 years, coexistent symptoms: nausea [38%] and exanthema [69%]) were enrolled. GI-GVHD was identified pathologically in 11 patients (69%), all of whom had pathological findings of GI-GVHD at the rectum. However, eight patients (73%) had pathological findings of GI-GVHD at both the ileum and the rectum and none had pathological findings of GI-GVHD at the ileum alone. The accuracies for a pathological diagnosis of GI-GVHD based on endoscopic features were 44%, 44%, and 38% at the proximal ileum, terminal ileum, and rectum, respectively. The severity of mucosal injury had no association with the diagnostic rate of pathological GI-GVHD at any site.'] Is rectal biopsy , rather than ileal , appropriate to confirm the diagnosis of early gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2660558223724365,
-1.3902239799499512,
2.7814273834228516
] |
['Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), a natural precursor of creatine, is a new promising dietary supplement, yet its performance-enhancing effect, if any, has yet to be established. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental GAA on muscle strength, anaerobic performance, and aerobic performance in healthy men and women.', 'The study enrolled 48 young participants (age, 22.3 ± 1.5 years; height, 176.4 ± 10.0 cm; weight, 71.9 ± 14.3 kg), who received oral doses of GAA (1.2, 2.4, or 4.8 g/d) for 6 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.', 'Significant differences were observed between treatment groups for handgrip strength among participants receiving 1.2 g of GAA per day and 2.4 g of GAA per day, as compared with placebo (P < 0.05). In addition, muscle endurance expressed as the change from baseline in repetitions performed in the bench press exercise was significantly greater in the 1.2 g/d dose of GAA (P = 0.01) and the 4.8 g/d dose (P = 0.01) compared with placebo. No dose-response differences were found between trials.'] Does six-Week Oral Guanidinoacetic Acid Administration improve Muscular Performance in Healthy Volunteers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.830687165260315,
-1.283469796180725,
2.133990526199341
] |
['We hypothesized that high frequency oscillations (HFOs) are differently suppressed during rapid eye movement sleep (REM) between epileptogenic and less epileptogenic cortices, and that the suppressive effect can serve as a specific marker of epileptogenicity.', 'Intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded in 13 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. HFOs between 80 and 200Hz were semi-automatically detected from total 15-min EEG epochs each for REM and slow wave sleep (SWS). z-Score of HFO occurrence rate was calculated from the baseline rate derived from non-epileptogenic cortex. Intracranial electrodes were labeled as REM dominant HFO (RdH) if REM z-score was greater than SWS z-score or as SWS dominant HFO (SdH) if SWS z-score was greater than REM z-score. Relationship of electrode location to the area of surgical resection was compared between RdH and SdH electrodes.', 'Out of 1070 electrodes, 101 were defined as RdH electrodes and 115 as SdH electrodes. RdH electrodes were associated with the area of resection in patients with postoperative seizure freedom (P<0.001), but not in patients without seizure freedom.'] Are high frequency oscillations less frequent but more specific to epileptogenicity during rapid eye movement sleep? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5380412340164185,
-1.5392677783966064,
2.0947952270507812
] |
['Even though admission time is reduced with the implementation of various enhanced recovery protocols, many clinics still instruct patients after weight loss surgery to maintain a fluid or minced-food diet for at least 2 weeks postoperatively. We reasoned that with adequate preoperative instructions, including adequate chewing of all foods, early progression to solid foods would not increase the risk of (gastro)enterostomy leakage.', 'In December 2010, a new dietary protocol was implemented for all patients undergoing a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, allowing progression to solid foods from 12 h postprocedure onwards. All patients received thorough preoperative eating instructions and eating awareness counselling from a qualified dietician and psychologist. A retrospective study was performed of 936 patients who underwent a primary or redo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass between January 2011 and June 2014 in our hospital. All 30-day complications, readmissions and reoperations were noted.', 'No 30-day loss to follow-up occurred. Overall 30-day complication rate was 9.4%, with gastrointestinal leakage occurring in only 0.6%. A low threshold for readmission was maintained due to the short mean admission time of 1.87 days. Readmission rate was 4.8%--mainly for observation of postoperative pain--and 1.8% of our patients required reoperation within 30 days. Mortality was 0.1%. Our results are comparable to results published by other Dutch centres advocating conventional diets, showing no increase in leakage or other complications.'] Does early Postoperative Progression to Solid Foods be Safe After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6810466051101685,
-1.0150175094604492,
1.6359938383102417
] |
["Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small RNAs; distinct types of piRNAs are expressed in the mammalian testis at different stages of development. The function of piRNAs expressed in the adult testis is not well established. We conducted a detailed characterization of piRNAs aligning at or near the 3' UTRs of protein-coding genes in a deep dataset of small RNAs from adult mouse testis.", "We identified 2710 piRNA clusters associated with 3' UTRs, including 1600 that overlapped genes not previously associated with piRNAs. 35% of the clusters extend beyond the annotated transcript; we find that these clusters correspond to, and are likely derived from, novel polyadenylated mRNA isoforms that contain previously unannotated extended 3'UTRs. Extended 3' UTRs, and small RNAs derived from them, are also present in somatic tissues; a subset of these somatic 3'UTR small RNA clusters are absent in mice lacking MIWI2, indicating a role for MIWI2 in the metabolism of somatic small RNAs."] Do piRNA-like small RNAs mark extended 3'UTRs present in germ and somatic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1464011669158936,
-0.33045879006385803,
1.5123580694198608
] |
['Oral infection of C57BL/6J mice with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii leads to a lethal inflammatory ileitis.', 'Mice lacking the purinergic receptor P2X7R are acutely susceptible to toxoplasmic ileitis, losing significantly more weight than C57BL/6J mice and exhibiting much greater intestinal inflammatory pathology in response to infection with only 10 cysts of T. gondii. This susceptibility is not dependent on the ability of P2X7R-deficient mice to control the parasite, which they accomplish just as efficiently as C57BL/6J mice. Rather, susceptibility is associated with elevated ileal concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive nitrogen intermediates and altered regulation of elements of NFκB activation in P2X7R-deficient mice.'] Does lack of a Functioning P2X7 Receptor lead to Increased Susceptibility to Toxoplasmic Ileitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5996482372283936,
-1.0800808668136597,
2.696690320968628
] |
['The aim of this paper was to evaluate socio-economic factors associated to poor primary care utilization by studying two specific subjects: the hospital readmission rate, and the use of the Emergency Department (ED) for non-urgent visits.', 'The study was carried out by the analysis of administrative database for hospital readmission and with a specific survey for non-urgent ED use.', 'Among the 416,698 sampled admissions, 6.39% (95% CI, 6.32-6.47) of re-admissions have been registered; the distribution shows a high frequency of events in the age 65-84 years group, and in the intermediate care hospitals (51.97%; 95%CI 51.37-52.57). The regression model has shown the significant role played by age, type of structure (geriatric acute care), and deprivation index of the area of residence on the readmission, however, after adjusting for the intensity of primary care, the role of deprivation was no more significant. Non-urgent ED visits accounted for the 12.10%, (95%CI 9.38-15.27) of the total number of respondents to the questionnaire (N = 504). The likelihood of performing a non-urgent ED visit was higher among patients aged <65 years (OR 3.2, 95%CI 1.3-7.8 p = 0.008), while it was lower among those perceiving as urgent their health problem (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.30-0.90).'] Do emergency Department Non-Urgent Visits and Hospital Readmissions Are Associated with Different Socio-Economic Variables in Italy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.3161485195159912,
-0.4039246439933777,
-0.0957513377070427
] |
['The metabolic effect of intratumor cholesteryl ester (CE) in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The objective was to analyze the relationship between intratumor CE content and clinicopathological variables in human breast carcinomas.', 'We classified 30 breast carcinoma samples into three subgroups: 10 luminal-A tumors (ER+/PR+/Her2-), 10 Her-2 tumors (ER-/PR-/Her2+), and 10 triple negative (TN) tumors (ER-/PR-/Her2-). We analyzed intratumor neutral CE, free cholesterol (FC) and triglyceride (TG) content by thin layer chromatography after lipid extraction. RNA and protein levels of lipid metabolism and invasion mediators were analyzed by real time PCR and Western blot analysis.', 'Group-wise comparisons, linear regression and logistic regression models showed a close association between CE-rich tumors and higher histologic grade, Ki-67 and tumor necrosis. CE-rich tumors displayed higher mRNA and protein levels of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1). An increased expression of acetyl-Coenzyme A acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) in CE-rich tumors was also reported.'] Is intratumor cholesteryl ester accumulation associated with human breast cancer proliferation and aggressive potential : a molecular and clinicopathological study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.519602060317993,
-1.263425588607788,
2.8861098289489746
] |
["The effectiveness of current self-reporting driving laws for medically-unfit potential seizure patients is unknown in Canada. We designed a prospective cohort study of patients' self-reporting practices to the local Transportation Registry (TR) and their driving behaviors following detailed counselling at a seizure clinic in a discretionary physician-reporting jurisdiction.", "Medically unfit drivers, referred to our seizure clinic, who had a valid driver's permit at the time of their episode of impaired consciousness were included. Patients' self-reporting and driving behaviours were assessed using a standardized interview prior to a neurologist's counseling and later at a follow-up visit.", "Sixty three patients were included; 77% were diagnosed as having had a seizure at the time of their referral. Prior to their seizure clinic visit, 3/63 (5%) had been counseled to self-report to the TR by a non-neurologist physician, and none had done so. Following a neurologist's documented counseling 34/63 (54%) had self-reported themselves at the follow-up seizure clinic visit, and 53/63 (84%) were not driving."] Does counseling at a Seizure Clinic Ensure Disclosure to the Transportation Registry? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.384600043296814,
0.6457346081733704,
-0.21698957681655884
] |
['Lenticulostriate vasculopathy is associated with various disorders, in particular cytomegalovirus infection, which can cause neurological consequences. We wanted to evaluate the association of lenticulostriate vasculopathy and cytomegalovirus infection. We retrospectively collected data on lenticulostriate vasculopathy from 858 neonatal ultrasonography scans.', 'Fifty-five patients with lenticulostriate vasculopathy were diagnosed. Lenticulostriate vasculopathy was classified as severe and mild according to the ultrasonographic findings. We analyzed gender, unilateral and bilateral lenticulostriate vasculopathy, mild and severe lenticulostriate vasculopathy, intrauterine growth retardation, and lenticulostriate vasculopathy associated with other brain malformations to determine whether they were correlated with cytomegalovirus infection.', 'Neonatal cytomegalovirus infections correlated primarily with lenticulostriate vasculopathy that was associated with brain structure anomalies p\xa0<\xa00.0001, followed by severe lenticulostriate vasculopathy (p\xa0=\xa00.029). Cytomegalovirus urine polymerase chain reaction ratios were 69% for severe and 23% for mild lenticulostriate vasculopathy (p\xa0=\xa00.002; odds ratio\xa0=\xa07.33). Of 72 newborns with intrauterine growth retardation without lenticulostriate vasculopathy, 33 were analyzed for cytomegalovirus, of whom only one was positive, which was significantly different from the newborns with lenticulostriate vasculopathy (p\xa0=\xa00.003; odds ratio\xa0=\xa011.64).'] Is lenticulostriate Vasculopathy in Brain Ultrasonography Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infection in Newborns? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5859038829803467,
-1.6188385486602783,
2.198190212249756
] |
['Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is generally caused by small benign mesenchymal tumors producing fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). The only curative therapy of the disease is resection of the causative tumors. However, these tumors are extremely difficult to detect using conventional imaging modalities. This research was undertaken to evaluate efficacy of (68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT in this clinical setting.', 'Images of (68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT and clinical charts from 54 patients with clinically suspected TIO were retrospectively reviewed. The image findings were compared with the results of histopathological examinations and clinical follow-ups.', '(68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT scans were positive in 44 patients, among which, 33 had surgery to remove the lesions. Postsurgical pathological examination confirmed causative tumors in 32 patients whose symptoms diminished promptly, and the serum phosphate levels became normal, which confirmed the diagnoses of TIO. Eleven patients with positive (68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT did not have surgery. These 11 patients continued to have symptoms and hypophosphatemia but were not included in the final analysis because of lack of evidence to confirm or exclude TIO. Ten patients had negative (68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT scans. All of these10 patients responded to conservative therapy and had normal serum phosphate levels in the follow-up, which excluded TIO. Therefore, the (68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT imaging had a sensitivity of 100% (32/32) and a specificity of 90.9% (10/11). The overall accuracy of (68)Ga DOTATATE PET/CT scan in the detection of tumors responsible for osteomalacia is 97.7% (42/43).'] Is 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT an Accurate Imaging Modality in the Detection of Culprit Tumors Causing Osteomalacia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4842528104782104,
-1.6926888227462769,
2.1886167526245117
] |
['Redox enzyme maturation proteins (REMPs) describe a diverse family of prokaryotic chaperones involved in the biogenesis of anaerobic complex iron sulfur molybdoenzyme (CISM) respiratory systems. Many REMP family studies have focused on NarJ subfamily members from Escherichia coli: NarJ, NarW, DmsD, TorD and YcdY. The aim of this bioinformatics study was to expand upon the evolution, distribution and genetic association of these 5 REMP members within 130 genome sequenced taxonomically diverse species representing 324 Prokaryotic sequences. NarJ subfamily member diversity was examined at the phylum-species level and at the amino acid/nucleotide level to determine how close their genetic associations were between their respective CISM systems within phyla.', 'This study revealed that NarJ members possessed unique motifs that distinguished Gram-negative from Gram-positive/Archaeal species and identified a strict genetic association with its nitrate reductase complex (narGHI) operon compared to all other members. NarW appears to be found specifically in Gammaproteobacteria. DmsD also showed close associations with the dimethylsulfoxide reductase (dmsABC) operon compared to TorD. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that YcdY has recently evolved from DmsD and that YcdY has likely diverged into 2 subfamilies linked to Zn- dependent alkaline phosphatase (ycdX) operons and a newly identified operon containing part of Zn-metallopeptidase FtsH complex component (hflC) and NADH-quinone dehydrogenase (mdaB). TorD demonstrated the greatest diversity in operon association. TorD was identifed within operons from either trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase (torAC) or formate dehydrogenase (fdhGHI), where each type of TorD had a unique motif. Additionally a subgroup of dmsD and torD members were also linked to operons with biotin sulfoxide (bisC) and polysulfide reductase (nrfD) indicating a potential role in the maturation of diverse CISM.'] Is narJ subfamily system specific chaperone diversity and evolution directed by respiratory enzyme associations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4371540546417236,
-1.1140668392181396,
2.5618081092834473
] |
['Halo fixation is now universally performed in the initial reduction and fixation of unstable upper cervical spine injuries; however, persistent high instability and recurrent dislocations of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints after fixation are not well recognized.', 'The aim was to describe persistent instability of traumatic dislocations of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints after halo fixation and a useful method for preventing instability.', 'This was a case report of a patient who survived traumatic dislocations of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints.', 'A 73-year-old woman diagnosed with dislocations of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints along with multiple other injuries sustained in a traffic accident was included.', 'After initial closed reduction and halo fixation, congruity of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints was evaluated using, condylar gap, atlantodental interval, and flexion angulation of C1-C2 after the initial examination and before surgery.', 'Changes in parameters 12 hours after halo fixation revealed re-dislocations and instability of the joints. Backrest elevation with halo fixation tended to reduce re-dislocations. Therefore, we carefully increased the backrest angle and measured the parameters at several angles of elevation within a range that did not affect vital signs to observe the effectiveness of elevation against re-dislocations. Elevation changed the parameters in an elevation angle-dependent manner, and these changes suggested that elevation was effective for reducing re-dislocation of both the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints during halo fixation. With no major complications, this method enabled us to maintain good congruity of the joints for approximately 2 weeks until posterior spinal fusion with internal fixation.'] Are recurrent dislocations of the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints in a halo vest fixator resolved by backrest elevation in an elevation angle-dependent manner? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.456977605819702,
-1.1252951622009277,
2.695037364959717
] |
['Peritonitis is a commonly seen disease with high morbidity and mortality. It is prevalently considered that the impaired intestinal barrier during peritonitis is the access point of gut microbes into the blood system, and acts as the engine of the following systemic infection. In our previous study, we found that Sodium Butyrate (NaB) was protective on intestinal barrier function. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of NaB on overwhelming infection animal models of peritonitis.', 'Mouse cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was used to study the effects of NaB on the intestinal barrier. Experimental animals were fed of NaB by gavage. Post-CLP mortality, gut permeability and intestinal histological alterations were studied.', 'Gastrointestinal NaB pharmacodynamics profiles after medication were studied. Measurements of NaB concentration in chyme showed significantly higher intestinal concentration of NaB in the NaB treated group than that of the control group. CLP-induced mortality was significantly decreased by oral NaB treatments. Gut permeability was largely increased after CLP, which was partially prevented by NaB feeding. Histological study showed that intestinal, especially ileal injury following peritonitis was substantially alleviated by NaB treatments. Moreover, tissue regeneration was also prompted by NaB.'] Does sodium butyrate protect the intestinal barrier function in peritonitic mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.563016653060913,
-1.0996402502059937,
2.7165110111236572
] |
['Antarctic notothenioids are an impressive adaptive radiation. While they share recent common ancestry with several species-depauperate lineages that exhibit a relictual distribution in areas peripheral to the Southern Ocean, an understanding of their evolutionary origins and biogeographic history is limited as the sister lineage of notothenioids remains unidentified. The phylogenetic placement of notothenioids among major lineages of perciform fishes, which include sculpins, rockfishes, sticklebacks, eelpouts, scorpionfishes, perches, groupers and soapfishes, remains unresolved. We investigate the phylogenetic position of notothenioids using DNA sequences of 10 protein coding nuclear genes sampled from more than 650 percomorph species. The biogeographic history of notothenioids is reconstructed using a maximum likelihood method that integrates phylogenetic relationships, estimated divergence times, geographic distributions and paleogeographic history.', 'Percophis brasiliensis is resolved, with strong node support, as the notothenioid sister lineage. The species is endemic to the subtropical and temperate Atlantic coast of southern South America. Biogeographic reconstructions imply the initial diversification of notothenioids involved the western portion of the East Gondwanan Weddellian Province. The geographic disjunctions among the major lineages of notothenioids show biogeographic and temporal correspondence with the fragmentation of East Gondwana.'] Does identification of the notothenioid sister lineage illuminate the biogeographic history of an Antarctic adaptive radiation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.4666152000427246,
1.7739499807357788,
-0.08349303156137466
] |
['The study aimed to investigate whether endogenous H2S pathway was involved in high-salt-stimulated mitochondria-related vascular endothelial cell (VEC) apoptosis.', 'Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used in the study. H2S content in the supernatant was detected. Western blot was used to detect expression of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), cleaved-caspase-3, and mitochondrial and cytosolic cytochrome c (cytc). Fluorescent probes were used to quantitatively detect superoxide anion generation and measure the in situ superoxide anion generation in HUVEC. Mitochondrial membrane pore opening, mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-9 activities were measured. The cell apoptosis was detected by cell death ELISA and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) methods.', 'High-salt treatment downregulated the endogenous VEC H2S/CSE pathway, in association with increased generation of oxygen free radicals, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, enhanced the opening of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore and leakage of mitochondrial cytc, activated cytoplasmic caspase-9 and caspase-3 and subsequently induced VEC apoptosis. However, supplementation of H2S donor markedly inhibited VEC oxidative stress and mitochondria-related VEC apoptosis induced by high salt.'] Does downregulation of Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Pathway be Involved in Mitochondrion-Related Endothelial Cell Apoptosis Induced by High Salt? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4846763610839844,
-1.2883095741271973,
2.8463449478149414
] |
['Natural hybridization in plants is universal and plays an important role in evolution. Based on morphology it has been presumed that hybridization occurred in the genus Buddleja, though genetic studies confirming this assumption have not been conducted to date. The two species B. crispa and B. officinalis overlap in their distributions over a wide range in South-West China, and we aimed to provide genetic evidence for ongoing hybridization in this study.', 'We investigated the occurrence of hybrids between the two species at the southern-most edge of the distribution of B. crispa using five nuclear loci and pollination experiments. The genetic data suggest substantial differentiation between the two species as species-specific alleles are separated by at least 7-28 mutations. The natural hybrids found were nearly all F1s (21 of 23), but backcrosses were detected, and some individuals, morphologically indistinguishable from the parental species, showed introgression. Pollen viability test shows that the percentage of viable pollen grains was 50\u2009±\u20094% for B. crispa, and 81\u2009±\u20092% for B. officinalis. This difference is highly significant (t\u2009=\u20097.382, p\u2009<\u20090.0001). Hand cross-pollination experiments showed that B. crispa is not successful as pollen-parent, but B. officinalis is able to pollinate B. crispa to produce viable hybrid seed. Inter-specific seed-set is low (8 seeds per fruit, as opposed to about 65 for intra-specific pollinations), suggesting post-zygotic reproductive barriers. In addition, one of the reference populations also suggests a history of introgression at other localities.'] Do natural hybridization and asymmetric introgression at the distribution margin of two Buddleja species with a large overlap? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.38483959436416626,
-0.7628393769264221,
0.006832173094153404
] |
['Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Hyponatremia was recently shown to be a modifiable factor that is strongly associated with increased mortality in PD patients. However, the clinical impact of hyponatremia on CV outcomes in these patients is unclear.', 'To determine whether a low serum sodium level predicts the development of CV disease, we carried out a prospective observational study of 441 incident patients who started PD between January 2000 and December 2005. Time-averaged serum sodium (TA-Na) levels were determined to investigate the ability of hyponatremia to predict newly developed CV events in these patients.', 'During a mean follow-up of 43.2 months, 106 (24.0%) patients developed new CV events. The cumulative incidence of new-onset CV events after the initiation of PD was significantly higher in patients with TA-Na levels ≤ 138 mEq/L than in those with a TA-Na > 138 mEq/L. After adjustment for multiple potentially confounding covariates, an increase in TA-Na level was found to be associated with a significantly lower risk of CV events (subdistribution hazard ratio per 1 mEq/L increase, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-0.96; p = 0.003). Patients with a TA-Na ≤ 138 mEq/L had a 2.31-fold higher risk of suffering a CV event.'] Does hyponatremia predict New-Onset Cardiovascular Events in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6870819330215454,
-1.2168362140655518,
1.9801881313323975
] |
['Malignant melanoma has an increasing incidence rate and the metastatic disease is notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapy. Loss of cell cycle checkpoints is frequently found in many cancer types and makes the cells reliant on compensatory mechanisms to control progression. This feature may be exploited in therapy, and kinases involved in checkpoint regulation, such as Wee1 and Chk1/2, have thus become attractive therapeutic targets.', 'In the present study we combined a Wee1 inhibitor (MK1775) with Chk1/2 inhibitor (AZD7762) in malignant melanoma cell lines grown in vitro (2D and 3D cultures) and in xenografts models.', 'Our in vitro studies showed that combined inhibition of Wee1 and Chk1/2 synergistically decreased viability and increased apoptosis (cleavage of caspase 3 and PARP), which may be explained by accumulation of DNA-damage (increased expression of γ-H2A.X)--and premature mitosis of S-phase cells. Compared to either inhibitor used as single agents, combined treatment reduced spheroid growth and led to greater tumour growth inhibition in melanoma xenografts.'] Does combined inhibition of the cell cycle related proteins Wee1 and Chk1/2 induce synergistic anti-cancer effect in melanoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.46598744392395,
-1.2231557369232178,
2.7398903369903564
] |
['The influence of NODAT on survival of liver transplant recipients has not been clarified. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of NODAT on survival in LT recipients.', 'Data from 352 LT patients were totally analyzed. 97 patients with pretransplant diabetes mellitus were excluded, and 255 patients without diabetes mellitus at time of transplantation were included.', 'NODAT was diagnosed in 41 patients (16.1%). There was no difference in frequency of NODAT according to the etiology of liver cirrhosis. NODAT was associated with a higher body weight (p=0.004) and BMI (p=0.002) 5years after LT, but not with weight gain (p=0.201) or increase in BMI (p=0.335) 5years after LT. HbA1c 5years after LT was significantly higher in patients with NODAT (p=0.001), but mean HbA1c still remained lower than 6.5% (6.4(±1.2) %). Patients with NODAT showed better survival rates (log rank: p=0.002) compared to LT recipients without diabetes. According to all existing knowledge of diabetes mellitus (DM) better survival cannot be a direct effect of this disease. Our results are rather influenced by an not known confounding factor (possibly recovery from cachexia) associated with better survival and NODAT, while complications of NODAT will not appear during the relatively short postoperative time and observation period (mean follow up 6.08 (±2.67) years).'] Is new onset of diabetes after transplantation associated with improved patient survival after liver transplantation due to confounding factor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3737901449203491,
-1.5696957111358643,
1.9346325397491455
] |
['The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between chronic osteomyelitis and acute pancreatitis in Taiwan.', 'This was a population-based case-control study utilizing the database of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Program. We identified 7678 cases aged 20-84 with newly diagnosed acute pancreatitis during the period of 1998 to 2011. From the same database, 30,712 subjects without diagnosis of acute pancreatitis were selected as controls. The cases and controls were matched with sex, age and index year of diagnosing acute pancreatitis. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval of acute pancreatitis associated with chronic osteomyelitis was examined by the multivariable unconditional logistic regression analysis.', 'After adjustment for multiple confounders, the multivariable analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratio of acute pancreatitis was 1.93 for subjects with chronic osteomyelitis (95% confidence interval 1.01, 3.69), when compared with subjects without chronic osteomyelitis.'] Does chronic osteomyelitis correlate with increased risk of acute pancreatitis in a case-control study in Taiwan? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9800580143928528,
-0.4793689548969269,
0.520350992679596
] |
['Stunting affects 26.7% of children worldwide, and little is known about its effects on the outcomes of childhood pneumonia. We evaluated the effect of stunting on the outcomes of pneumonia among children enrolled in two large clinical trials.', 'We analysed data from two WHO and USAID-sponsored inpatient treatment trials, the Severe Pneumonia Evaluation Antimicrobial Research study (n\xa0=\xa0958) and the Amoxicillin Penicillin Pneumonia International Study (n\xa0=\xa01702), which enrolled children aged 2-59\xa0months across 16 sites in LMICs. We assessed the effect of stunting (height-for-age Z score\xa0<\xa0-2) on treatment outcome and time to resolution of hypoxaemic pneumonia.', 'Among 2542 (96%) children with valid data for height, 28% were stunted and 12.8% failed treatment by 5\xa0days. The failure rate among stunted patients was 16.0% vs. 11.5% among non-stunted patients [unadjusted RR\xa0=\xa01.24 (95% CI 1.08, 1.41); adjusted RR\xa0=\xa01.28 (95% CI 1.10, 1.48)]. An inverse relationship was observed between height and failure rates, even among non-stunted children. Among 845 patients with hypoxaemic pneumonia, stunting was associated with a lower probability of normalisation of respiratory rate [HR\xa0=\xa00.63 (95% CI 0.52, 0.75)] and oxygen saturation [HR\xa0=\xa00.74 (95% CI 0.61, 0.89)].'] Is stunting associated with poor outcomes in childhood pneumonia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8878109455108643,
-1.6077388525009155,
1.5011143684387207
] |
['Opioid analgesics are frequently prescribed for chronic pain. One expected consequence of long-term opioid use is the development of physical dependence. Although previous resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have demonstrated signal changes in reward-associated areas following morphine administration, the effects of acute withdrawal on the human brain have been less well-investigated. In an earlier study by our laboratory, ondansetron was shown to be effective in preventing symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. The purpose of this current study was to characterize neural activity associated with acute opioid withdrawal and examine whether these changes are modified by ondansetron.', 'Ten participants were enrolled in this placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, crossover study and attended three acute opioid withdrawal sessions. Participants received either placebo or ondansetron (8Ymg IV) before morphine administration (10Ymg/70Ykg IV). Participants then underwent acute naloxone-precipitated withdrawal during a resting state fMRI scan. Objective and subjective opioid withdrawal symptoms were assessed.', 'Imaging results showed that naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal was associated with increased neural activity in several reward processing regions, including the right pregenual cingulate, putamen, and bilateral caudate, and decreased neural activity in networks involved in sensorimotor integration. Ondansetron pretreatment did not have a significant effect on the imaging correlates of opioid withdrawal.'] Is acute opioid withdrawal associated with increased neural activity in reward-processing centers in healthy men : A functional magnetic resonance imaging study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5542855262756348,
-1.1339023113250732,
2.7556192874908447
] |
['To investigate the involvement of hsa-miRNA-195-5p (miR-195) in progression and prognosis of human prostate cancer.', 'qRT-PCR was performed to detect miR-195 expression in both prostate cancer cell lines and clinical tissue samples. Its clinical significance was statistically analyzed. The roles of miR-195 and its candidate target gene, ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70 kDa, polypeptide 1 (RPS6KB1) in prostate cancer progression were confirmed on the basis of both in vitro and in vivo systems.', 'miR-195 downregulation in prostate cancer tissues was significantly associated with high Gleason score (P = 0.001), positive metastasis failure (P < 0.001), and biochemical recurrence (BCR, P < 0.001). Survival analysis identified miR-195 as an independent prognostic factor for BCR-free survival of prostate cancer patients (P = 0.022). Then, we confirmed the tumor suppressive role of miR-195 through prostate cancer cell invasion, migration, and apoptosis assays in vitro, along with tumor xenograft growth, angiogenesis, and invasion in vivo according to both gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments. In addition, RPS6KB1 was identified as a novel direct target of miR-195 through proteomic expression profiling combined with bioinformatic target prediction and luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the reexpression and knockdown of RPS6KB1 could respectively rescue and imitate the effects induced by miR-195. Importantly, RPS6KB1 expression was closely correlated with aggressive progression and poor prognosis in prostate cancer patients as opposed to miR-195. Furthermore, we identified MMP-9, VEGF, BAD, and E-cadherin as the downstream effectors of miR-195-RPS6KB1 axis.'] Does miR-195 inhibit Tumor Progression by Targeting RPS6KB1 in Human Prostate Cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2545857429504395,
-1.2789591550827026,
2.557032585144043
] |
['The synthesis of rRNA is a key determinant of normal and malignant cell growth and subject to epigenetic regulation. Yet, the epigenomic features of rDNA arrays clustered in nucleolar organizer regions are largely unknown. We set out to explore for the first time how DNA methylation is distributed on individual rDNA arrays.', 'Here we combined immunofluorescence detection of DNA modifications with fluorescence hybridization of single DNA fibers, metaphase immuno-FISH and methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme digestions followed by Southern blot.', 'We found clustering of both hypomethylated and hypermethylated repeat units and hypermethylation of noncanonical rDNA in IMR90 fibroblasts and HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. Surprisingly, we also found transitions between hypo- and hypermethylated rDNA repeat clusters on single DNA fibers.'] Are active human nucleolar organizer regions interspersed with inactive rDNA repeats in normal and tumor cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4028823375701904,
-1.008773922920227,
2.4922027587890625
] |
["Group identification has been shown to be associated with reduced risk of depression, but this research has important limitations. Our aim was to establish a robust link between group identification and depression whilst overcoming previous studies' shortcomings.", '1824 participants, recruited from General Practice throughout Scotland, completed a questionnaire measuring their identification with three groups (family, community, and a group of their choice), as well as their intensity of contact with each group. They also completed a self-rated depression measure and provided demographic information. Their medical records were also accessed to determine if they had been prescribed antidepressants in the previous 6\xa0months.', 'The number of group identifications was associated with both lower self-rated depression and lower odds of having received a prescription for antidepressants, even after controlling for the number of contact-intensive groups, level of education, gender, age, and relationship status.'] Is greater number of group identifications associated with lower odds of being depressed : evidence from a Scottish community sample? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0680800676345825,
-0.16862685978412628,
0.4414326846599579
] |
['Although abdominal muscle morphology is symmetrical in the general population, asymmetry has been identified in rotation sports. This asymmetry includes greater thickness of obliquus internus abdominis (OI) on the non-dominant side in cricketers. Cricket fast bowlers commonly experience low back pain (LBP) related to bowling action, and this depends on trunk muscle control. This study aimed to compare abdominal muscle thickness between fast bowlers with and without LBP.', 'Cross sectional descriptive study.', 'Twenty-five adolescent provincial league specialist fast bowlers (16 with and 9 without LBP) participated. Static ultrasound images (US) of OI, and obliquus externus (OE) and transversus abdominis (TrA) were captured on the dominant and non-dominant side in supine.', 'Total combined thickness of OE, OI and TrA muscles was greater on the non-dominant than dominant side (p=0.02) for fast bowlers without LBP, but symmetrical for those with pain. Total thickness was less on the non-dominant side for bowlers with pain than those without (p=0.03). When individual muscles were compared, only the thickness of OI was less in bowlers with LBP than those without (p=0.02). All abdominal muscles were thicker on the non-dominant side in controls (p<0.001) but symmetrical in LBP.'] Is symmetry , not asymmetry , of abdominal muscle morphology associated with low back pain in cricket fast bowlers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3480085134506226,
-0.731673538684845,
1.2254880666732788
] |
['The aim of this study was to investigate possible differences in the organisation of the motor cortex in people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and whether there is an association between cortical organisation and accuracy of a motor task.', 'fMRI data were collected while 11 participants with moderate/severe right knee OA (6 male, 69 ± 6 (mean ± SD) years) and seven asymptomatic controls (5 male, 64 ± 6 years) performed three visually guided, variable force, force matching motor tasks involving isolated isometric muscle contractions of: 1) quadriceps (knee), 2) tibialis anterior (ankle) and, 3) finger/thumb flexor (hand) muscles. fMRI data were used to map the loci of peak activation in the motor cortex during the three tasks and to assess whether there were differences in the organisation of the motor cortex between the groups for the three motor tasks. Root mean square of the difference between target and generated forces during muscle contraction quantified task accuracy.', 'A 4.1 mm anterior shift in the representation of the knee (p = 0.03) and swap of the relative position of the knee and ankle representations in the motor cortex (p = 0.003) were found in people with knee OA. Poorer performance of the knee task was associated with more anterior placement of motor cortex loci in people with (p = 0.05) and without (p = 0.02) knee OA.'] Does organisation of the motor cortex differ between people with and without knee osteoarthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.161063551902771,
-1.0802667140960693,
1.3566514253616333
] |
['The bioavailability of β-carotene, the main dietary provitamin A carotenoid, varies among individuals. It is not known whether this variability can affect long-term β-carotene, and hence vitamin A, status.', 'We hypothesized that variations in genes involved in β-carotene absorption and postprandial metabolism could at least partially explain the high interindividual variability in β-carotene bioavailability. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to identify associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and to estimate whether populations with different allele frequencies at these SNPs could have different abilities to absorb provitamin A carotenoids.', 'In this single-group design, 33 healthy, nonobese adult men were genotyped with the use of whole-genome microarrays. After an overnight fast, they consumed a test meal containing 100 g tomato puree providing 0.4 mg β-carotene. The postprandial plasma chylomicron β-carotene concentration was then measured at regular time intervals over 8 h. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to identify the best combination of SNPs in or near candidate genes (54 genes representing 2172 SNPs) that was associated with the postprandial chylomicron β-carotene response (incremental β-carotene area-under-the-curve concentration over 8 h in chylomicrons).', 'The postprandial chylomicron β-carotene response was highly variable (CV = 105%) and was positively correlated with the fasting plasma β-carotene concentration (r = 0.78; P < 0.0001). A significant (P = 6.54 × 10(-3)) multivalidated PLS regression model, which included 25 SNPs in 12 genes, explained 69% of the variance in the postprandial chylomicron β-carotene response, i.e., β-carotene bioavailability.'] Does a Combination of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms be Associated with Interindividual Variability in Dietary β-Carotene Bioavailability in Healthy Men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.029914617538452,
-1.3586366176605225,
2.396806478500366
] |
['Stroke-induced impairments result from both primary and secondary causes, i.e. damage to the brain and the acquired non-use of the impaired limbs. Indeed, stroke patients often under-utilize their paretic limb despite sufficient residual motor function. We hypothesize that acquired non-use can be overcome by reinforcement-based training strategies.', "Hemiparetic stroke patients (n = 20, 11 males, 9 right-sided hemiparesis) were asked to reach targets appearing in either the real world or in a virtual environment. Sessions were divided into 3 phases: baseline, intervention and washout. During the intervention the movement of the virtual representation of the patients' paretic limb was amplified towards the target.", 'We found that the probability of using the paretic limb during washout was significantly higher in comparison to baseline. Patients showed generalization of these results by displaying a more substantial workspace in real world task. These gains correlated with changes in effector selection patterns.'] Does the visual amplification of goal-oriented movements counteract acquired non-use in hemiparetic stroke patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.706787347793579,
-0.3994510769844055,
2.1428298950195312
] |
['We aimed to determine whether there was a relationship between lifestyle factors and Alzheimer disease biomarkers.', 'In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated self-reported histories of recent and past cognitive activity, self-reported history of recent physical activity, and objective recent walking activity in 186 clinically normal individuals with mean age of 74 ± 6 years. Using backward elimination general linear models, we tested the hypotheses that greater cognitive or physical activity would be associated with lower Pittsburgh compound B-PET retention, greater (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose-PET metabolism, and larger hippocampal volume, as well as better cognitive performance on neuropsychological testing.', 'Linear regression demonstrated that history of greater cognitive activity was correlated with greater estimated IQ and education, as well as better neuropsychological testing performance. Self-reported recent physical activity was related to objective exercise monitoring. However, contrary to hypotheses, we did not find evidence of an association of Pittsburgh compound B retention, (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake, or hippocampal volume with past or current levels of cognitive activity, or with current physical activity.'] Does cognitive activity relate to cognitive performance but not to Alzheimer disease biomarkers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4377377033233643,
-0.6000769138336182,
2.114591598510742
] |
['To determine whether laparoscopic endometrioma resection alters peri-implantation endometrial HOXA-10, HOXA-11, LIF, ITGB3 and ITGAV mRNA expression.', 'Case-control study.', 'Medical school.', 'Twenty infertile patients with uni- or bilateral endometrioma, five infertile patients having nonendometriotic benign ovarian cyst, and five fertile control subjects.', 'Mid-luteal-phase endometrial sampling was performed at the time of surgery. Second endometrial biopsies were obtained 3 months after laparoscopic endometrioma resection during the mid-luteal phase of the cycle.', 'Endometrial HOXA-10, HOXA-11, LIF, ITGAV, and ITGB3 mRNA expressions were evaluated with the use of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.', 'Significantly decreased endometrial ITGAV mRNA expression was noted in biopsies obtained from endometrioma and nonendometriotic cyst groups before surgery. Trends toward decreased endometrial HOXA-10, HOXA-11, LIF, and ITGB3 mRNA expressions were noted in the endometrioma and nonendometriotic cyst groups before surgery compared with the fertile subjects. However, the differences failed to show statistical significance. Compared with preoperative values, significantly increased HOXA-10 (12.1-fold change) and HOXA-11 (17.2-fold change) mRNA expressions were noted in endometrial biopsies obtained from subjects who were undergoing endometrioma surgery. Fold change in endometrial ITGAV mRNA after endometrioma surgery was found to be 30.1 and indicated a positive regulation. However, this fold increase was statistically insignificant. Expressions of these endometrial receptivity markers did not change significantly after surgical removal of nonendometriotic benign ovarian cysts.'] Does laparoscopic endometrioma resection increase peri-implantation endometrial HOXA-10 and HOXA-11 mRNA expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.17075777053833,
-1.4792282581329346,
2.642171621322632
] |
['The aim of this paper was to investigate the relationship between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cardio-metabolic risk factors in a large cohort of obese youth attending tertiary paediatric obesity services.', 'We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data were retrospectively collected from all new consultations of children and adolescents attending obesity outpatient clinics between 2008 and 2011 at the two major paediatric hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Information collected included demographics, anthropometry, blood pressure, pubertal staging, body composition and fasting serum levels of 25(OH)D, glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, liver function, calcium and phosphate.', '25(OH)D data were available in 229 patients (age 3-18 years; 116 men; mean (standard deviation) body mass index ( BMI) Z-score 2.5 (0.5)\u2009). One hundred four (45%) participants were 25(OH)D deficient (<50\u2009nmol/L). Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with higher BMI Z-score (P-trend = 0.001), total fat mass (P-trend = 0.009), systolic (P-trend = 0.03) and diastolic blood pressures(P-trend = 0.009). In multivariable-adjusted regression analysis, 25(OH)D was significantly lower in those with elevated blood pressure after adjustment for BMI(P-trend = 0.004) or total fat mass (P-trend = 0.01).'] Is low vitamin D associated with hypertension in paediatric obesity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3972426652908325,
-1.5239224433898926,
1.8911223411560059
] |
['Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a primary treatment option for men with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. Although many are effectively cured with local therapy alone, these men are by definition at higher risk of adverse pathologic features and clinical disease recurrence. It has been shown that the Decipher test predicts metastatic progression in cohorts that received adjuvant and salvage therapy following RP.', 'To evaluate the Decipher genomic classifier in a natural history cohort of men at risk who received no additional treatment until the time of metastatic progression.', 'Retrospective case-cohort design for 356 men who underwent RP between 1992 and 2010 at intermediate or high risk and received no additional treatment until the time of metastasis. Participants met the following criteria: (1) Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment postsurgical (CAPRA-S) score ≥3; (2) pathologic Gleason score ≥7; and (3) post-RP prostate-specific antigen nadir <0.2 ng/ml.', 'The primary endpoint was defined as regional or distant metastases. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, extension of decision curve analysis to survival data, and univariable and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were used to measure the discrimination, net benefit, and prognostic potential of genomic and pathologic risk factors. Cumulative incidence curves were constructed using Fine-Gray competing-risks analysis with appropriate weighting of the controls to account for the case-cohort study design.'] Does tissue-based Genomics augment Post-prostatectomy Risk Stratification in a Natural History Cohort of Intermediate- and High-Risk Men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4001991748809814,
-1.348230242729187,
2.877018451690674
] |
['Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance may improve the accuracy of Gleason score (GS) determination by directing the biopsy to regions of interest (ROI) that are likely to harbor high-grade prostate cancer (CaP). The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of GS upgrading when a subsequent MRI-guided biopsy is performed on patients with a diagnosis of GS 6 disease on the basis of conventional, transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy.', 'A consecutive series of 245 men with a diagnosis of low-risk CaP (ie, cT1c, GS 6, prostate-specific antigen <10) based on transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy was enrolled in an active surveillance protocol that used subsequent MRI-guided biopsy for confirmation of GS. ROIs were categorized on a scale of 1 to 5. The Artemis ultrasound-MRI fusion device was used to perform targeted biopsies of ROIs as well as systematic biopsies from a software-based 12-point map. Predictors of GS upgrading were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses.', 'Fusion biopsy resulted in 26% of patients having GS upgrading (GS 3+4 in 18%, 4+3 in 5%, and 8-9 in 3%). Of the 72% of patients with ROIs appropriate for targeting, targeted cores upgraded the GS in 18%, whereas systematic cores upgraded the GS in 24%. In patients without targeted biopsy, GS upgrading was seen in 14%. On multivariate analysis, a category 5 ROI was the most significant predictor of GS upgrading with an odds ratio of 10.56 (P < .01).'] Does multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer improve Gleason score assessment in favorable risk prostate cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9842363595962524,
-1.4991765022277832,
2.542975425720215
] |
['Early identification of potential recovery of postanoxic coma is a major challenge. We studied the additional predictive value of EEG.', 'Two hundred seventy-seven consecutive comatose patients after cardiac arrest were included in a prospective cohort study on 2 intensive care units. Continuous EEG was measured during the first 3 days. EEGs were classified as unfavorable (isoelectric, low-voltage, burst-suppression with identical bursts), intermediate, or favorable (continuous patterns), at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Outcome was dichotomized as good or poor. Resuscitation, demographic, clinical, somatosensory evoked potential, and EEG measures were related to outcome at 6 months using logistic regression analysis. Analyses of diagnostic accuracy included receiver operating characteristics and calculation of predictive values.', 'Poor outcome occurred in 149 patients (54%). Single measures unequivocally predicting poor outcome were an unfavorable EEG pattern at 24 hours, absent pupillary light responses at 48 hours, and absent somatosensory evoked potentials at 72 hours. Together, these had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 50%. For the remaining 203 patients, who were still in the "gray zone" at 72 hours, a predictive model including unfavorable EEG patterns at 12 hours, absent or extensor motor response to pain at 72 hours, and higher age had an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.84-0.96). Favorable EEG patterns at 12 hours were strongly associated with good outcome. EEG beyond 24 hours had no additional predictive value.'] Does early EEG contribute to multimodal outcome prediction of postanoxic coma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3134592771530151,
-1.5912950038909912,
1.8867090940475464
] |
['Estrogen plays an important role in cognitive function, including attention, learning, and memory, and affects the structure and function of brain areas. We investigated the effects of combined exercise on memory deficits induced by ovariectomy (OVX) in relation to cell proliferation and apoptosis in the hippocampus.', 'Rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham, sham and exercise, OVX, and OVX and exercise. Rats in combined exercise groups were subjected to 3 days of resistance training and 3 days of running (for a total of 6\u200ad/wk) for eight consecutive weeks. Rats were tested in step-down avoidance task and Morris water maze task to verify the effects of OVX on short-term and spatial working memory.', 'In the present study, the number of BrdU-positive and doublecortin-positive cells and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, TrkB, and Bcl-2 decreased; expression of Bax and the number of caspase-3-positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells increased; and short-term and spatial working memory decreased in the OVX group compared with the sham group. Conversely, when the combined exercise group was compared with the OVX group, the number of BrdU-positive and doublecortin-positive cells and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, TrkB, and Bcl-2 increased; expression of Bax and the number of caspase-3-positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells decreased; and short-term and spatial working memory increased.'] Does combined exercise ameliorate ovariectomy-induced cognitive impairment by enhancing cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3310186862945557,
-1.2440135478973389,
2.5291085243225098
] |
['Leukocyte migration is critical for the infiltration of monocytes and accumulation of monocyte-derived macrophages in inflammation. Considering that Hck and Fgr are instrumental in this process, their impact on atherosclerosis and on lesion inflammation and stability was evaluated.', 'Hematopoietic Hck/Fgr-deficient, LDLr(-/-) chimeras, obtained by bone marrow transplantation, had smaller but, paradoxically, less stable lesions with reduced macrophage content, overt cap thinning, and necrotic core expansion as the most prominent features. Despite a Ly6C(high)-skewed proinflammatory monocyte phenotype, Hck/Fgr deficiency led to disrupted adhesion of myeloid cells to and transmigration across endothelial monolayers in vitro and atherosclerotic plaques in vivo, as assessed by intravital microscopy, flow cytometry, and histological examination of atherosclerotic arteries. Moreover, Hck/Fgr-deficient macrophages showed blunted podosome formation and mesenchymal migration capacity. In consequence, transmigrated double-knockout macrophages were seen to accumulate in the fibrous cap, potentially promoting its focal erosion, as observed for double-knockout chimeras.'] Does hck/Fgr Kinase Deficiency reduce Plaque Growth and Stability by Blunting Monocyte Recruitment and Intraplaque Motility? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4676387310028076,
-1.3364336490631104,
2.870671510696411
] |
['Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early gastric cancer is a minimally invasive procedure. However, the risk for metachronous cancers after successful cancer treatment remains high and the risk factors for metachronous cancers have not been elucidated.', 'To evaluate the risk factors for metachronous gastric cancers after ESD with a long-term follow-up.', 'A total of 155 consecutive patients (119 men, 36 women, mean age 68.9 years) were treated with ESD between September 2000 and September 2009. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the greater curvature of the antrum and middle corpus to evaluate gastric mucosal status, including Helicobacter pylori, intestinal metaplasia (IM) and neutrophil infiltration (NI) before ESD. Follow-up endoscopy after ESD was scheduled at two and six months, one year and annually thereafter. H pylori eradication was recommended when possible.', 'The median follow-up period was 4.2 years. Metachronous gastric cancers were found in 23 of 155 patients (3.5% per year). No local recurrences were observed. The cumulative incidence of metachronous gastric cancer was significantly high in IM and NI in the corpus (P=0.0093 and P=0.0025, respectively [log-rank test]). The ORs for IM and NI in the corpus were 2.65 and 3.06, respectively, according to the Cox proportional hazards model (P=0.024 and P=0.0091, respectively).'] Is neutrophil infiltration and the distribution of intestinal metaplasia associated with metachronous gastric cancer following endoscopic submucosal dissection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.675749659538269,
-1.6095256805419922,
2.3006086349487305
] |
['Both maternal obesity and disordered mood have adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. We hypothesized that maternal very severe obesity (SO) is associated with increased anxiety and depression (A&D) symptoms during pregnancy, with adverse effects on gestational weight gain (GWG), postpartum mood and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and explored any mediation by circulating glucocorticoids.', 'We measured A&D symptoms with validated questionnaires at weeks 17 and 28 of pregnancy and 3 months postpartum in 135 lean [body mass index (BMI) ⩽25 kg/m2] and 222 SO (BMI ⩾40 kg/m2) pregnant women. Fasting serum cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay; GWG and PPWR were recorded.', 'A&D symptoms were higher in the SO group during pregnancy and postpartum despite adjusting for multiple confounders including previous mental health diagnosis (p < 0.05), and were non-linearly correlated with total GWG (anxiety R 2 = 0.06, p = 0.037; depression R 2 = 0.09, p = 0.001). In the SO group only, increased maternal anxiety (β = 0.33, p = 0.03) and depression (β = 0.19, p = 0.04) symptoms at week 17 of pregnancy were associated with increased PPWR, independent of total GWG and breastfeeding. Anxiety symptoms at week 28 of pregnancy, but not depression, were non-linearly correlated with serum cortisol level at week 36 of pregnancy (R 2 = 0.06, p = 0.02). Cortisol did not mediate the link between A&D symptoms and GWG.'] Do associations of mood symptoms with ante- and postnatal weight change in obese pregnancy are not mediated by cortisol? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5192164182662964,
-1.3924012184143066,
1.9296259880065918
] |
['Hormones and their corresponding receptors are vital in controlling metabolism under normal physiologic and pathologic conditions, but less is known about their roles in the metabolism of cancer. Using a small interfering RNA screening approach, we examined the effects of silencing 20 well-known hormone receptors on the Warburg effect, specifically by measuring the production of lactate in four established hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines. We found that silencing a variety of hormone receptors had effects on the production of this metabolite. Unexpectedly silencing of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) significantly increased lactate production in all these HCC cell lines. Subsequent in vitro and in vivo studies showed that gain- and loss-of-function of MR significantly influenced HCC cellular proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that MR as a transcriptional factor directly regulated the expression of miR-338-3p, suppressing the Warburg effects of HCC cells by targeting a key enzyme of glycolysis: pyruvate kinase, liver and red blood cells. Moreover, MR expression was significantly down-regulated in 81% of HCC patient tissues, caused by both chromosome deletion and histone deacetylation. Low expression of MR in tumor tissues was associated with poor patient prognosis. The expression level of miR-338-3p was found to positively correlate with the expression of MR in HCC tissues and to inversely correlate with expression of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, liver and red blood cells.'] Does mineralocorticoid receptor suppress cancer progression and the Warburg effect by modulating the miR-338-3p-PKLR axis in hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3457677364349365,
-1.2801532745361328,
2.6130051612854004
] |
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