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['CD248 (endosialin) is a stromal cell marker expressed on fibroblasts and pericytes. During liver injury, myofibroblasts are the main source of fibrotic matrix.', 'To determine the role of CD248 in the development of liver fibrosis in the rodent and human setting.', 'CD248 expression was studied by immunostaining and quantitative PCR in both normal and diseased human and murine liver tissue and isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Hepatic fibrosis was induced in CD248(-/-) and wild-type controls with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment.', 'Expression of CD248 was seen in normal liver of humans and mice but was significantly increased in liver injury using both immunostaining and gene expression assays. CD248 was co-expressed with a range of fibroblast/HSC markers including desmin, vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in murine and human liver sections. CD248 expression was restricted to isolated primary murine and human HSC. Collagen deposition and α-SMA expression, but not inflammation and neoangiogenesis, was reduced in CD248(-/-) mice compared with wild-type mice after CCl4 treatment. Isolated HSC from wild-type and CD248(-/-) mice expressed platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFR-α) and PDGFR-β at similar levels. As expected, PDGF-BB stimulation induced proliferation of wild-type HSC, whereas CD248(-/-) HSC did not demonstrate a proliferative response to PDGF-BB. Abrogated PDGF signalling in CD248(-/-) HSC was confirmed by significantly reduced c-fos expression in CD248(-/-) HSC compared with wild-type HSC.'] Does cD248/endosialin critically regulate hepatic stellate cell proliferation during chronic liver injury via a PDGF-regulated mechanism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2760374546051025,
-1.3834128379821777,
2.6753265857696533
] |
['Previous studies of CF treatments have shown suboptimal adherence, though little has been reported regarding adherence patterns to ivacaftor. Electronic monitoring (EM) of adherence is considered a gold standard of measurement.', 'Adherence rates by EM were prospectively obtained and patterns over time were analyzed. EM-derived adherence rates were compared to pharmacy refill history and self-report.', '12 subjects (age 6-48 years; CFTR-G551D mutation) previously prescribed ivacaftor were monitored for a mean of 118 days. Overall adherence by EM was 61% (SD=28%) and decreased over time. Median duration between doses was 16.9 hours (IQR 13.9-24.1 hours) and increased over time. There was no correlation between EM-derived adherence and either refill history (84%, r=0.26, p=0.42) or self-report (100%, r=0.40, p=0.22).'] Does electronic monitoring reveal highly variable adherence patterns in patients prescribed ivacaftor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4899834394454956,
-1.3477416038513184,
1.9300963878631592
] |
['Red clover is an important source of isoflavones; which has been made commercially available as dietary supplements for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Bioavailability and metabolism of these red clover isoflavones (RCI) have not been studied in detail. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) stimulate the growth of intestinal bacteria and play an important role in the formation of certain isoflavone metabolites, such as equol and O-desmethylangolensin.', 'To determine the bioavailability of RCI metabolites and analyse whether FOS supplementation could influence their bioavailability.', 'Seventeen healthy adults were enrolled in the study carried out in two periods. In the first, compound bioavailability was determined after consumption of 80 mg of RCI (MF11RCE). In the second, a 6-day supplementation of 2×3000 mg/day of FOS was administered before isoflavone consumption.', 'Biochanin A and formononetin were rapidly absorbed and both reached maximum concentrations at an average of 5-7h. Demethylation was a major reaction in the metabolic pathway. Daidzein serum level peaked after about 12.6h. Supplementation with FOS led to a significant decrease in the bioavailability of daidzein, dihydroformononetin, dihydrogenistein and dihydrodaidzein. An increase in equol production was also observed which did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05).'] Is red clover isoflavone metabolite bioavailability decreased after fructooligosaccharide supplementation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.160412311553955,
-1.34822416305542,
2.580294609069824
] |
['Infantile flexible flatfoot does not require treatment in most cases. Symptomatic flexible flat feet are treated orthopaedically and surgery is only indicated when orthosis fails.', 'Cases who underwent surgical treatment with the stop screw technique at the 12 de Octubre Hospital between 1995 and 2002 are reported. Patient progress is also analysed. Six angles are measured on the x-ray prior to surgery and those same x-ray angles are measured again before material extraction. They are then compared to see if the correction achieved is statistically significant. A more reduced sample is currently being assessed with the same radiological measurements and two clinical assessment scales: Lickert, and Smith and Millar. The latest x-rays are analysed by two radiologists to determine if there is subtalar arthrosis.', 'In the short term, statistically significant differences are observed in all angles. The comparison between the post-surgery angles and the current angles does not show differences, except for the Giannestras angle, which has statistically significantly worsened. Clinical results and patient satisfaction is good. Incipient subtalar arthrosis is present in 68.5% of current patient x-rays.'] Do [ More than 10 years of follow up of the stop screw technique ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4409147500991821,
-1.2563115358352661,
1.7071895599365234
] |
['To characterize the relationship of proximal internal iliac artery (IIA) occlusion or embolization on prostate volume (PV) and the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).', 'The study included 2 parts: Part 1 comprised 99 men ≥ 50 years old who underwent abdominopelvic computed tomography angiography for lower extremity claudication assessed in a retrospective cohort design; Part 2 comprised 18 patients who underwent iatrogenic IIA embolization during endovascular aneurysm repair assessed by a within-subjects approach. Prostate volume and IIA origin diameter were measured; IIA occlusion was noted. Chart review documented body mass index, LUTS, impotence, and buttock claudication.', 'Of 99 men in Part 1, 60 had no IIA occlusion, and 39 had IIA occlusion (17 unilateral, 22 bilateral). Prostate volume differed significantly between groups (no IIA occlusion, 27.3 mL; unilateral IIA occlusion, 20.7 mL; bilateral IIA occlusion, 17.1 mL; P = .001). Men without IIA occlusion had more LUTS (27%) than men with IIA occlusion (10%; P = .04). The number of men with complaints of impotence or buttock claudication was similar in both groups (40% vs 46%; P > .05). Multiple regression showed that age and IIA occlusion were independent predictors of PV (P < 0.05), whereas body mass index was not (P > .05), and that IIA occlusion was the only independent predictor of LUTS/BPH (P < .05). Among the 18 men in Part 2, PV declined by 29% after embolization (P = .00001); 6 men had improvement or resolution of LUTS.'] Does occlusion of the Internal Iliac Artery be Associated with Smaller Prostate and Decreased Urinary Tract Symptoms? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3472102880477905,
-1.6206684112548828,
1.9495912790298462
] |
['Previous evidence on endocrine risk markers for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been inconclusive. Here, we report results of the first prospective study to investigate whether long-term hair cortisol levels and experimentally-induced cortisol stress reactivity are predictive of the development of PTSD symptomatology in response to trauma during military deployment.', 'Male soldiers were examined before deployment to Afghanistan and at a 12-month post-deployment follow-up using dimensional measures for psychopathological symptoms. The predictive value of baseline (i) hair cortisol concentrations (HCC, N=90) and (ii) salivary cortisol stress reactivity (measured by the Trier Social Stress Test, N=80) for the development of PTSD symptomatology after being exposed to new-onset traumatic events was analyzed.', 'Baseline cortisol activity significantly predicted PTSD symptom change from baseline to follow-up upon trauma exposure. Specifically, our results consistently revealed that lower HCC and lower cortisol stress reactivity were predictive of a greater increase in PTSD symptomatology in soldiers who had experienced new-onset traumatic events (explaining 5% and 10.3% of variance, respectively). Longitudinal analyses revealed an increase in HCC from baseline to follow-up and a trend for a negative relationship between HCC changes and the number of new-onset traumatic events. Additional pre-deployment analyses revealed that trauma history was reflected in lower HCC (at trend level) and that HCC were negatively related to stressful load.'] Do hair cortisol concentrations and cortisol stress reactivity predict PTSD symptom increase after trauma exposure during military deployment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.521625280380249,
-0.5464861989021301,
2.121758222579956
] |
['Dendritic cells are common in inflammatory processes and in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Previous studies of the predictive value of S100-positive dendritic cell density for PTC outcome yielded inconsistent results. This study investigated the association of dendritic cell density and PTC recurrence based on CD1a expression.', 'Representative slides from 56 consecutive specimens of PTC were immunostained with anti-CD1a antibodies, and dendritic cell density was analyzed by disease-free survival.', 'Dendritic cells were abundant in the tumoral tissue and sparse in the normal peritumoral tissue. Peritumoral dendritic cell density >1.1 cells/HPF was inversely associated with the risk of recurrence. Similar results were obtained with tumoral dendritic cell density (>12 cells/HPF), although the statistical significance was marginal.'] Does cD1a-positive dendritic cell density predict disease-free survival in papillary thyroid carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0543019771575928,
-1.361160397529602,
2.4994921684265137
] |
['Tissue repair that occurs after microfracture does not include hyaline-like cartilage. Therefore, other treatment modalities must be combined with microfracture to improve repair tissue quality. In this study, we combined exogenous hyaluronic acid with microfracture.', 'Thirty mature New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups as control, microfracture (MF), and microfracture and hyaluronic acid (MFHA). Four-millimetre full-thickness cartilage defects were created in the medial femoral condyle of each rabbit. Microfracture was performed on defects in the MF and MFHA groups. At 1 week following surgery, 1 mL of saline was injected into the knees of the control and MF groups, whereas 1 mL (15 mg/mL) hyaluronic acid was injected into the knees of the MFHA group 3 times weekly. At 6 months postsurgery, defects were evaluated according to the ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) and Wakitani scales.', 'According to the ICRS and Wakitani scales, the quality of repair tissue was improved in MF and MFHA groups as compared the control group (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed between the MF and MFHA groups (P = 0.342).'] Does intraarticular Hyaluronic Acid Injection after Microfracture Technique for the Management of Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects Improve the Quality of Repair Tissue? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7858806848526,
-1.3757234811782837,
2.180910587310791
] |
['To identify the underlying genetic cause in a consanguineous Chinese family segregating distal hereditary motor neuropathy (dHMN) in an autosomal recessive pattern.', 'We used whole-exome sequencing and homozygosity mapping to detect the genetic variant in 2 affected individuals of the consanguineous Chinese family with dHMN. RNA analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes and immunofluorescence and immunoblotting of stable cell lines were performed to support the pathogenicity of the identified mutation.', 'We identified 3 shared novel homozygous variants in 3 shared homozygous regions of the affected individuals. Sequencing of these 3 variants in family members revealed the c.151+1G>T mutation in SIGMAR1 gene, which located in homozygous region spanning approximately 5.3 Mb at chromosome 9p13.1-p13.3, segregated with the dHMN phenotype. The mutation causes an alternative splicing event and generates a transcript variant with an in-frame deletion of 60 base pairs in exon 1 (c.92_151del), and results in an internally shortened protein σ1R(31_50del). The proteasomal inhibitor treatment increased the intracellular amount of σ1R(31_50del) and led to the formation of nuclear aggregates. Stable expressing σ1R(31_50del) induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and enhanced apoptosis.'] Does a SIGMAR1 splice-site mutation cause distal hereditary motor neuropathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2969586849212646,
-1.2583179473876953,
2.6545944213867188
] |
['Lactate import or export over cell membranes is facilitated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) 1 and 4. Expression profiles can be markers of an oxidative or glycolytic phenotype. Descriptive studies and functional studies in neoplastic cells and fibroblasts in prostate cancer (PC) have suggested a distinct phenotype. We aimed to explore expression of MCT1 and MCT4 in PC cells and surrounding stroma in a large cohort. Additionally, we wanted to find out if distinct expression profiles were associated with biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS).', 'Tissue microarrays were constructed from 535 patients with radical prostatectomies between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2005. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression, and degrees of expression were evaluated semiquantitatively by 2 pathologists using light microscopy.', 'For MCT1, there was only epithelial expression, whereas there was a low level of expression of MCT4 in tumor and stroma. A total of 172 patients had a low expression of MCT1 in tumor and MCT4 in stroma. There were 232 patients who had a high expression of MCT1 and a low expression of MCT4 in stroma. Only 11 patients had a low tumoral MCT1 expression and a high stromal MCT4 expression, and 26 patients (5%) had a high expression of both. Patients with a high-high combination had a significantly reduced BFFS (P = 0.011), and when adjusting for other factors, its effect was significant and independent (HR = 1.99, CI 95%: 1.09-3.62; P = 0.024).'] Is organized metabolic crime in prostate cancer : The coexpression of MCT1 in tumor and MCT4 in stroma an independent prognosticator for biochemical failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.073621988296509,
-1.5159807205200195,
2.5586037635803223
] |
['Interindividual epigenetic variation that occurs systemically must be established prior to gastrulation in the very early embryo and, because it is systemic, can be assessed in easily biopsiable tissues. We employ two independent genome-wide approaches to search for such variants.', 'First, we screen for metastable epialleles by performing genomewide bisulfite sequencing in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) and hair follicle DNA from two Caucasian adults. Second, we conduct a genomewide screen for genomic regions at which PBL DNA methylation is affected by season of conception in rural Gambia. Remarkably, both approaches identify the genomically imprinted VTRNA2-1 as a top environmentally responsive epiallele. We demonstrate systemic and stochastic interindividual variation in DNA methylation at the VTRNA2-1 differentially methylated region in healthy Caucasian and Asian adults and show, in rural Gambians, that periconceptional environment affects offspring VTRNA2-1 epigenotype, which is stable over at least 10 years. This unbiased screen also identifies over 100 additional candidate metastable epialleles, and shows that these are associated with cis genomic features including transposable elements.'] Do independent genomewide screens identify the tumor suppressor VTRNA2-1 as a human epiallele responsive to periconceptional environment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.411306142807007,
-1.169872522354126,
2.6937484741210938
] |
['To study the relationship of total levels, localization patterns, and proportions of sperm exhibiting phospholipase C zeta, with fertilization rates after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).', 'Laboratory study; controls vs. patients after IVF (n = 27) or ICSI (n = 17) treatment.', 'Fertility center.', 'A total of 44 semen samples, subjected to either IVF or ICSI treatment. Oocyte collection, ICSI or IVF, determination of sperm concentration and motility, and immunocytochemical analyses of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ).', 'None.', 'Percentages of sperm exhibiting PLCζ.', 'Significant positive correlation between ICSI fertilization rates and total levels, localization patterns, and the proportion (percentage) of sperm exhibiting PLCζ. Total levels, localization patterns, and the proportion of sperm exhibiting PLCζ are correlated with fertilization rates for ICSI, but not for IVF.'] Are total levels , localization patterns , and proportions of sperm exhibiting phospholipase C zeta significantly correlated with fertilization rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8031470775604248,
-1.3475782871246338,
2.242594003677368
] |
['We aimed to determine whether head elevation during combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSE) and Caesarean section provided improved hemodynamics and appropriate sensory block height.', 'Forty-four parous women undergoing CSE for elective Caesarean section were randomly assigned to one of two groups: right lateral (group L) or right lateral and head elevated (group HE) position, for insertion of the block. Patients were positioned in the supine wedged position (group L) or the left lateral and head elevated position (group HE) until a block height of T5 to light touch was reached. Group HE was then turned to the supine wedged position with maintenance of head elevation until the end of surgery. Hemodynamics, including the incidence of hypotension, ephedrine dose required, and characteristics of the sensory blocks were analyzed.', 'The incidence of hypotension (16 versus 7, p=0.0035) and the required dose of ephedrine [24 (0-40) versus 0 (0-20), p<0.0001] were greater in group L compared to group HE. In group L, the time to achieve maximal sensory block level (MSBL) was shorter (11.8±5.4 min versus 20.1±6.3 min, p<0.0001) and MSBL was also higher than in group HE [14 (T2) versus 12 (T4), p=0.0015].'] Does head Elevation in Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia provide Improved Hemodynamics and Appropriate Sensory Block Height at Caesarean Section? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6050118207931519,
-1.4119300842285156,
2.0810279846191406
] |
['Caveats in the understanding of ribavirin (RBV) mechanisms of action has somehow prevented the development of better analogues able to further improve its therapeutic contribution in interferon (IFN)-based and direct antiviral agent-based regimens for chronic HCV or other indications. Here, we describe a new mechanism by which RBV modulates IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and contributes to restore hepatic immune responsiveness.', "RBV effect on ISG expression was monitored in vitro and in vivo, that is, in non-transformed hepatocytes and in the liver of RBV mono-treated patients, respectively. Modulation of histone modifications and recruitment of histone-modifying enzymes at target promoters was analysed by chromatin immunoprecipitation in RBV-treated primary human hepatocytes and in patients' liver biopsies.", 'RBV decreases the mRNA levels of several abnormally preactivated ISGs in patients with HCV, who are non-responders to IFN therapy. RBV increases G9a histone methyltransferase recruitment and histone-H3 lysine-9 dimethylation/trimethylation at selected ISG promoters in vitro and in vivo. G9a pharmacological blockade abolishes RBV-induced ISG downregulation and severely impairs RBV ability to potentiate IFN antiviral action and induction of ISGs following HCV infection of primary human hepatocytes.'] Does ribavirin restore IFNα responsiveness in HCV-infected livers by epigenetic remodelling at interferon stimulated genes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.481504201889038,
-1.2447794675827026,
2.792769432067871
] |
['To study the dietary intake and level of physical activity (PA) of patients with diabetes mellitus and the association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).', 'Consecutive adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus seen in our hospital diabetes clinic were enrolled. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire were used to assess PA and dietary intake, respectively. Diagnosis of NAFLD was ultrasound-based and following exclusion of significant alcohol intake and other causes of chronic liver disease.', 'Data for 299 patients were analyzed (mean age 63.3±10.5 years old, 41.1% male). Prevalence of NAFLD was 49.2%. Patients with low PA were more likely to have NAFLD (OR=1.75, 95% CI=1.03-2.99, p=0.029). There was no significant difference in energy intake, intake of macronutrients and percentage energy intake from each macronutrient, high sugar food, high cholesterol food and high SFA food between patients with and without NAFLD. Among centrally obese patients, patients with low PA and in the highest quartile of percentage energy intake from fat (OR=4.03, 95% CI=1.12-15.0, p=0.015), high cholesterol food (OR=3.61, 95% CI=1.37-9.72, p=0.004) and high SFA food (OR=2.67, 95% CI=1.08-6.67, p=0.019) were most likely to have NAFLD. Among those who were not centrally obese, PA and percentage energy intake from fat, high cholesterol food and high SFA food was not associated with NAFLD.'] Are low physical activity and energy dense Malaysian foods associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in centrally obese but not in non-centrally obese patients with diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.806638240814209,
-1.3812402486801147,
1.212672233581543
] |
['To investigate whether trends of TV exposure from age six to 18\xa0months and adult TV programmes were associated with behavioural concerns of 18-month-old Thai toddlers.', "There were 194 healthy infants recruited at age six months and followed up until 18\xa0months of age in this present cohort. TV exposure variables were assessed by interviewing in depth at both six- and 18-month-old visits. A mother of each participant rated the child's behaviours using the Child Behaviour Checklist.", 'Infants who were increasingly exposed to TV from age six to 18\xa0months with adult programmes since six months of age had higher pervasive developmental problems and oppositional defiant behaviours scores. Exposure to adult TV programmes at age six months was also associated with emotionally reactive problems, aggression and externalising behaviours in the final regression models.'] Does elevated background TV exposure over time increase behavioural scores of 18-month-old toddlers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.605915904045105,
1.8625240325927734,
-0.8587963581085205
] |
['Photoreceptor degeneration (PRD) is a genetically heterogeneous retinal disorder. Although a number of genes involved in PRD have been identified, their genetic basis remains unknown in a significant number of patients. In this study, we aimed to identify novel disease-causing genes of PRD.', 'Comprehensive ocular examinations were performed in a 2-year-old patient diagnosed with early onset PRD. Retinal capture sequencing was performed to screen causative mutations in known retinal disease-causing loci. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and a series of variant-filtering strategies were applied for identifying novel disease-causing genes. Retina ATF6 expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RT-PCR was performed to identify ATF6 mRNA in the patient.', 'The patient showed typical PRD features, with macular involvement and ellipsoid zone irregularities. Results of retinal capture sequencing were negative. WES data led to identification of biallelic loss-of-function mutations in the ATF6 gene. The first variant generates a premature stop codon (NCBI accession no. NM_007348: c.1126C>T, p.R376*) and the second variant affects a splicing donor site (NM_007348: c.1533+1G>C). Sanger sequencing confirmed the 2 alleles are from 1 parent each. Both of the variants are extremely rare in the population. The splicing variant causes either intron inclusion or exon skipping in the patient, thus severely disrupting ATF6 functional domains. ATF6 is expressed in three neuronal cell layers of mouse retina.'] Does aTF6 be Mutated in Early Onset Photoreceptor Degeneration With Macular Involvement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1928164958953857,
-1.4437425136566162,
2.7119641304016113
] |
['To improve the image quality of skipped phase encoding and edge deghosting (SPEED) by exploiting several sparsifying transforms.', 'The SPEED technique uses a skipped phase encoding (PE) step to accelerate MRI scan. Previously, a difference transform (DT) along PE direction is used to obtain sparse ghosted-edge maps, which were modeled by a double layer ghost model and was then deghosted by a least square error solution. In this work, it is hypothesized that enhanced sparsity, and thus improved image quality may be achievable with other sparsifying transforms, including discrete wavelet transform (DWT), discrete cosine transform (DCT), DWT combined with DT, and DCT combined with DT.', 'For images of human subjects, SPEED with DWT or DCT can yield higher image quality than DT only, especially for those images with low contrast. Reconstruction error can be further reduced if DWT or DCT are combined with DT.'] Does improving image quality for skipped phase encoding and edge deghosting ( SPEED ) by exploiting several sparsifying transform? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6318176984786987,
-1.081000804901123,
1.743605613708496
] |
['Bronchiolitis, the most common indication for hospitalization of young children, is associated with subsequent asthma. Blood eosinophilia is associated with increased severity of asthma, but it is unclear if eosinophilia is associated with severity of illness in bronchiolitis. We hypothesized that blood eosinophilia is associated with unfavorable short-term outcomes of bronchiolitis hospitalizations.', 'Data from initial bronchiolitis admissions to our institution between 2010 and 2013 were extracted using Population Explorer software (Explorys, Cleveland, OH). Children were categorized as "CBC-none" (no complete blood count [CBC] data during the first 7 days of hospitalization), EOS-positive (at least one CBC with ≥300 eosinophils per microliter or ≥3% of all leukocytes identified as eosinophils) or EOS-negative (at least one CBC and no eosinophilia). The association between hospitalization duration and maximum absolute eosinophil count (AEC) was analyzed using Spearman correlation. Variables independently associated with prolonged (≥72\u2009hr) hospitalization were identified using stepwise multivariate logistic regression.', 'In 1356 inpatients <24 months with bronchiolitis, median hospitalization duration was 2.46 days and 38.0% had prolonged hospitalization. CBC data were available in 32.4% of subjects: 20.7% were EOS-positive and 79.3% were EOS-negative. Increased maximum AEC was significantly associated with longer duration of hospitalization. Prolonged hospitalization was independently associated with EOS-positive versus EOS-negative children (OR 1.88, 95%CI: 1.12-3.17, P\u2009=\u20090.020). Mechanical ventilation was most common in EOS-positive subjects (24.2% of cases), versus EOS-negative (7.2%) and CBC-none (0.7%) (P\u2009<\u20090.001).'] Is blood eosinophilia associated with unfavorable hospitalization outcomes in children with bronchiolitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5715121030807495,
-1.500396966934204,
2.0935239791870117
] |
['The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of physical activity levels with sleep duration (SD), and self-rated health (SRH) using the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2010 and 2011.', 'Overall, 12,188 Korean people were evaluated in relation to meeting guidelines for vigorous PA (MVPA), moderate PA (MMPA), and low PA (MLPA) associated with SD and SRH.', 'The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of males who slept seven hours with MMPA (AOR=0.84) and MLPA (AOR=0.85) and eight hours with MMPA (AOR=0.76) and MLPA (AOR=0.78) significantly decreased compared to subjects who sleep 6 hours/day. In females, an AOR of less than 5 (AOR=1.40) and 6 hours (AOR=1.12) with MVPA was significantly increased compared to 7 hours sleep/day, while sleeping more than 8 hours/day was significantly decreased with MLPA (AOR=0.73). Compared to the very good SHR, the AORs of more negative SHR status with MVPA, MMPA, and MLPA in males and with MMVP and MLVP in females decreased significantly.'] Are sleep Duration and Self-Rated Health Independently Associated with Physical Activity Level in the Korean Population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.3057713210582733,
-0.3901998698711395,
-0.13194090127944946
] |
['What is the relationship between telomere length in sperm and early embryonic development in in vitro fertilization (IVF)?'] Is sperm telomere length positively associated with the quality of early embryonic development? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.1761715412139893,
2.3465969562530518,
-0.7331796884536743
] |
['Multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is activated by angiotensin II (Ang II) in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but its function in experimental hypertension has not been explored. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of CaMKII inhibition selectively in VSMCs on Ang II hypertension.', 'Transgenic expression of a CaMKII peptide inhibitor in VSMCs (TG SM-CaMKIIN model) reduced the blood pressure response to chronic Ang II infusion. The aortic depressor nerve activity was reset in hypertensive versus normotensive wild-type animals but not in TG SM-CaMKIIN mice, suggesting that changes in baroreceptor activity account for the blood pressure difference between genotypes. Accordingly, aortic pulse wave velocity, a measure of arterial wall stiffness and a determinant of baroreceptor activity, increased in hypertensive versus normotensive wild-type animals but did not change in TG SM-CaMKIIN mice. Moreover, examination of blood pressure and heart rate under ganglionic blockade revealed that VSMC CaMKII inhibition abolished the augmented efferent sympathetic outflow and renal and splanchnic nerve activity in Ang II hypertension. Consequently, we hypothesized that VSMC CaMKII controls baroreceptor activity by modifying arterial wall remodeling in Ang II hypertension. Gene expression analysis in aortas from normotensive and Ang II-infused mice revealed that TG SM-CaMKIIN aortas were protected from Ang II-induced upregulation of genes that control extracellular matrix production, including collagen. VSMC CaMKII inhibition also strongly altered the expression of muscle contractile genes under Ang II.'] Does calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II inhibition in smooth muscle reduce angiotensin II-induced hypertension by controlling aortic remodeling and baroreceptor function? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4275074005126953,
-1.3150097131729126,
2.7209253311157227
] |
['The assessment of potentially confounding factors affecting colon microbiota composition is essential to the identification of robust microbiome based disease markers. Here, we investigate the link between gut microbiota variation and stool consistency using Bristol Stool Scale classification, which reflects faecal water content and activity, and is considered a proxy for intestinal colon transit time.', "Through 16S rDNA Illumina profiling of faecal samples of 53 healthy women, we evaluated associations between microbiome richness, Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio, enterotypes, and genus abundance with self-reported, Bristol Stool Scale-based stool consistency. Each sample's microbiota growth potential was calculated to test whether transit time acts as a selective force on gut bacterial growth rates.", 'Stool consistency strongly correlates with all known major microbiome markers. It is negatively correlated with species richness, positively associated to the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio, and linked to Akkermansia and Methanobrevibacter abundance. Enterotypes are distinctly distributed over the BSS-scores. Based on the correlations between microbiota growth potential and stool consistency scores within both enterotypes, we hypothesise that accelerated transit contributes to colon ecosystem differentiation. While shorter transit times can be linked to increased abundance of fast growing species in Ruminococcaceae-Bacteroides samples, hinting to a washout avoidance strategy of faster replication, this trend is absent in Prevotella-enterotyped individuals. Within this enterotype adherence to host tissue therefore appears to be a more likely bacterial strategy to cope with washout.'] Is stool consistency strongly associated with gut microbiota richness and composition , enterotypes and bacterial growth rates? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.440272092819214,
-1.1781368255615234,
2.7758660316467285
] |
['Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) has been known as a mediator of inflammatory response in the macrophages and adipose tissue, but its hepatic function is poorly understood. The goal of this study is to investigate the role of FABP4 in liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), a clinical condition that involves both hypoxia and inflammation.', 'To examine the I/R regulation of FABP4, mice were subjected to I/R surgery before being measured for FABP4 gene expression. Both loss-of-function (by using a pharmacological FABP4 inhibitor) and gain-of-function (by adenoviral overexpression of FABP4) were used to determine the functional relevance of FABP4 expression and its regulation during I/R. To determine the hypoxia responsive regulation of FABP4, primary mouse hepatocytes were exposed to hypoxia. The FABP4 gene promoter was cloned and its regulation by hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) was characterized by luciferase reporter gene, electrophoretic mobility shift, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays.', 'We found that the hepatic expression of FABP4 was markedly induced by I/R. At the functional level, pharmacological inhibition of FABP4 alleviated the I/R injury, whereas adenoviral overexpression of FABP4 sensitized mice to I/R injury. We also showed that exposure of primary hepatocytes to hypoxia or transgenic overexpression of HIF-1α in the mouse liver was sufficient to induce the expression of FABP4. Our promoter analysis established FABP4 as a novel transcriptional target of HIF-1α.'] Is fatty acid binding protein-4 ( FABP4 ) a hypoxia inducible gene that sensitizes mice to liver ischemia/reperfusion injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.384228467941284,
-1.2894396781921387,
2.693211078643799
] |
['This study was aimed at investigating whether the β2 -adrenoceptor agonist, salbutamol, could modulate RhoA activation in normal and homologously desensitized bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMC).', "Serum-starved BSMCs were stimulated with the Rho-activating compound calpeptin in the presence or absence of salbutamol, the Epac activator, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, or the site-selective activator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), 6-Bnz-cAMP. Activated RhoA was assessed by immunocytochemical detection and by RhoA G-LISA assay.", "Stimulation with calpeptin caused translocation of RhoA from cytosol to plasma membrane, a condition required for the functional coupling of RhoA with its cellular targets. Pretreatment with salbutamol 10\u2009μm for 15\u2009min was found to block calpeptin-induced activation of RhoA in normal, but not in homologously desensitized cells. Pretreatment of calpeptin-stimulated BSMC with 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP or 6-Bnz-cAMP could reproduce the effect of salbutamol."] Does salbutamol inhibit RhoA activation in normal but not in desensitized bronchial smooth muscle cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3984663486480713,
-1.3532692193984985,
2.766939640045166
] |
['Src homology 2 (SH2) B adaptor protein 1 (SH2B1) is expressed in various tissues, including the heart. Previous studies have demonstrated that SH2B1 is involved in a variety of biological process, such as maintaining neuronal differentiation, regulating energy and glucose homeostasis, and promoting cell proliferation and motility. However, the role of SH2B1 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. This study aimed at identifying the effects and the underlying mechanisms of SH2B1 in cardiac hypertrophy.', 'We performed gain- and loss-of-function studies using genetic approaches, and cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated through pathological, echocardiographic, haemodynamic, and molecular analyses. We found that SH2B1 expression was significantly increased in both failing human hearts and hypertrophic murine hearts. Mice overexpressing SH2B1 specifically in the heart displayed increased aortic banding (AB)-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, ventricular dilation, and dysfunction compared with controls, whereas loss of SH2B1 produced the opposite phenotype. Consistently, similar results were observed in a global SH2B1-knockout rat model. Mechanistically, the pro-hypertrophic effects elicited by SH2B1 were associated with activation of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling cascade. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that pharmacological inactivation of JAK2 rescued pressure overload-induced cardiac abnormalities in transgenic mice with cardiac-specific SH2B1 overexpression.'] Is sH2B1 critical for the regulation of cardiac remodelling in response to pressure overload? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3856606483459473,
-1.2213797569274902,
2.659325122833252
] |
['The genetic basis of leaf shape has long interested botanists because leaf shape varies extensively across the plant kingdom and this variation is probably adaptive. However, knowledge of the genetic architecture of leaf shape variation in natural populations remains limited. This study examined the genetic architecture of leaf shape diversification among three edaphic specialists in the Mimulus guttatus species complex. Lobed and narrow leaves have evolved from the entire, round leaves of M. guttatus in M. laciniatus, M. nudatus and a polymorphic serpentine M. guttatus population (M2L).', 'Bulk segregant analysis and next-generation sequencing were used to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that underlie leaf shape in an M. laciniatus\u2009×\u2009M. guttatus F2 population. To determine whether the same QTLs contribute to leaf shape variation in M. nudatus and M2L, F2s from M. guttatus\u2009×\u2009M. nudatus and lobed M2L\u2009×\u2009unlobed M. guttatus crosses were genotyped at QTLs from the bulk segregant analysis.', 'Narrow and lobed leaf shapes in M. laciniatus, M. nudatus and M. guttatus are controlled by overlapping genetic regions. Several promising leaf shape candidate genes were found under each QTL.'] Does leaf shape evolution have a similar genetic architecture in three edaphic specialists within the Mimulus guttatus species complex? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.022517442703247,
-0.17613959312438965,
1.3506426811218262
] |
['Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential trace element that elicits oxidative stress. Plants respond to Cd toxicity via increasing their Cd-chelating and antioxidative capacities. They predominantly chelate Cd via glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs), while antioxidative defence is mainly based on the use and recycling of both GSH and ascorbate (AsA), complemented by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In addition, both metabolites act as a substrate for the regeneration of other essential antioxidants, which neutralize and regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Together, these functions influence the concentration and cellular redox state of GSH and AsA. In this study, these two parameters were examined in plants of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to sub-lethal Cd concentrations.', 'Wild-type plants and mutant arabidopsis plants containing 30-45\xa0% of wild-type levels of GSH (cad2-1) or 40-50\xa0% of AsA (vtc1-1), together with the double-mutant (cad2-1 vtc1-1) were cultivated in a hydroponic system and exposed to sub-lethal Cd concentrations. Cadmium detoxification was investigated at different levels including gene expression and metabolite concentrations.', 'In comparison with wild-type plants, elevated basal thiol levels and enhanced PC synthesis upon exposure to Cd efficiently compensated AsA deficiency in vtc1-1 plants and contributed to decreased sensitivity towards Cd. Glutathione-deficient (cad2-1 and cad2-1 vtc1-1) mutants, however, showed a more oxidized GSH redox state, resulting in initial oxidative stress and a higher sensitivity to Cd. In order to cope with the Cd stress to which they were exposed, GSH-deficient mutants activated multiple alternative pathways.'] Do both the concentration and redox state of glutathione and ascorbate influence the sensitivity of arabidopsis to cadmium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4853098392486572,
-1.065651774406433,
2.553915500640869
] |
['Peroxisomes are highly dynamic, metabolically active organelles that used to be regarded as a sink for H2O2 generated in different organelles. However, peroxisomes are now considered to have a more complex function, containing different metabolic pathways, and they are an important source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). Over-accumulation of ROS and RNS can give rise oxidative and nitrosative stress, but when produced at low concentrations they can act as signalling molecules.', 'This review focuses on the production of ROS and RNS in peroxisomes and their regulation by antioxidants. ROS production is associated with metabolic pathways such as photorespiration and fatty acid β-oxidation, and disturbances in any of these processes can be perceived by the cell as an alarm that triggers defence responses. Genetic and pharmacological studies have shown that photorespiratory H2O2 can affect nuclear gene expression, regulating the response to pathogen infection and light intensity. Proteomic studies have shown that peroxisomal proteins are targets for oxidative modification, S-nitrosylation and nitration and have highlighted the importance of these modifications in regulating peroxisomal metabolism and signalling networks. The morphology, size, number and speed of movement of peroxisomes can also change in response to oxidative stress, meaning that an ROS/redox receptor is required. Information available on the production and detection of NO/RNS in peroxisomes is more limited. Peroxisomal homeostasis is critical for maintaining the cellular redox balance and is regulated by ROS, peroxisomal proteases and autophagic processes.'] Do peroxisomes sense and respond to environmental cues by regulating ROS and RNS signalling networks? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7457661628723145,
-0.6016284823417664,
2.5477356910705566
] |
['Hypotension is the most common complication after subarachnoid anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Several therapeutic and preventive measures are used to attenuate this side effect. Serotonin receptor-blocking drugs have been suggested as one such approach. We sought to determine whether prophylactically administered intravenous ondansetron could attenuate hypotension in patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery performed under subarachnoid anesthesia.', 'Eighty-six patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were recruited and randomly allocated to receive either 8 mg intravenous ondansetron (group O; n = 44) or placebo (group P; n = 42) in a prospective double-blind design. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured at baseline and at 3-minute intervals from the time of initiation of subarachnoid anesthesia until delivery. Ondansetron effect on hemodynamics (SBP, DBP, MAP, and HR) was quantified and analyzed using a linear mixed effect model.', 'We did not find differences in SBP (P = 0.78), MAP (P = 0.89), DBP (P = 0.82), or HR (P = 0.18) between the 2 groups during the study period. Phenylephrine requirements to treat hypotension were 350 μg (175-700 μg) in group O and 450 μg (300-700 μg) in group P (P = 0.30). The incidence of pruritus was 63% (n = 28 of 44) in group O and 56% (n = 23 of 42) in group P (difference, 0.08 [95% confidence interval, -0.23 to 0.41], P = 0.59). No difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting or sensory level was found.'] Does ondansetron Attenuate Hemodynamic Changes in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Delivery Using Subarachnoid Anesthesia : A Double-Blind , Placebo-Controlled , Randomized Trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.960161566734314,
-1.5491632223129272,
2.539255380630493
] |
['The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can be used as part of a multimodal analgesia protocol after abdominal surgery. This study investigated whether a pneumoperitoneum during abdominal surgery influences the spread of local anesthetics.', 'Nine fresh frozen cadavers were used for the study. Using an ultrasound-guided midaxillary technique, a unilateral TAP block-like injection with 20 mL of methylene blue dye was performed. After the injection, a pneumoperitoneum was immediately installed for 1 hour. After desufflation, this ipsilateral side was dissected, and a TAP block-like injection was performed on the contralateral side. One hour after injection, the contralateral side was also dissected. The anatomical dissection was used to determine the extent of dye spread and the nerves stained by the dye.', 'In none of the specimens did the dye reach the posterior origin of the transverse abdominal muscle. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of stained nerves and spread of the dye in the insufflated side compared with the noninsufflated side. In 4 of 9 cadavers, we found a variant course of a nerve preventing staining of that nerve.'] Does pneumoperitoneum Influence Spread of Local Anesthetics in Midaxillary Approach Transversus Abdominis Plane Block : A Descriptive Cadaver Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.383934736251831,
-1.2692217826843262,
2.7560391426086426
] |
['The homologous coagulation factor X (FX), VII (FVII), IX (FIX) and protein C (PC) display striking differences in the carboxyl-terminus, with that of FX being the most extended. This region is essential for FVII, FIX and PC secretion.', 'To provide experimental evidence for the role of the FX carboxyl-terminus.', 'Recombinant FX (rFX) variants were expressed in multiple eukaryotic cell systems. Protein and activity levels were evaluated by ELISA, coagulant and amidolytic assays.'] Is the carboxyl-terminal region essential for secreted and functional levels of coagulation factor X? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.551201820373535,
-0.9980376362800598,
2.6249513626098633
] |
['Transposable elements are mobile DNA sequences that are widely distributed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, where they represent a major force in genome evolution. However, transposable elements have rarely been documented in viruses, and their contribution to viral genome evolution remains largely unexplored. Pandoraviruses are recently described DNA viruses with genome sizes that exceed those of some prokaryotes, rivaling parasitic eukaryotes. These large genomes appear to include substantial noncoding intergenic spaces, which provide potential locations for transposable element insertions. However, no mobile genetic elements have yet been reported in pandoravirus genomes.', 'Here, we report a family of miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements (MITEs) in the Pandoravirus salinus genome, representing the first description of a virus populated with a canonical transposable element family that proliferated by transposition within the viral genome. The MITE family, which we name Submariner, includes 30 copies with all the hallmarks of MITEs: short length, terminal inverted repeats, TA target site duplication, and no coding capacity. Submariner elements show signs of transposition and are undetectable in the genome of Pandoravirus dulcis, the closest known relative Pandoravirus salinus. We identified a DNA transposon related to Submariner in the genome of Acanthamoeba castellanii, a species thought to host pandoraviruses, which contains remnants of coding sequence for a Tc1/mariner transposase. These observations suggest that the Submariner MITEs of P. salinus belong to the widespread Tc1/mariner superfamily and may have been mobilized by an amoebozoan host. Ten of the 30 MITEs in the P. salinus genome are located within coding regions of predicted genes, while others are close to genes, suggesting that these transposons may have contributed to viral genetic novelty.'] Do dNA transposons have colonized the genome of the giant virus Pandoravirus salinus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2763729095458984,
-0.1784113049507141,
1.5662815570831299
] |
['Sleep problems and substance use are strongly linked. Sleep problems play a role in the etiology of substance use, but also may be a result of it. After detoxification, sleep problems may worsen leading to relapse. Nowadays, most substance dependence treatment programs aim at recovery rather than total abstinence, and in that view health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a relevant construct. This article describes the association between self-perceived sleep problems and HRQL in a naturalistic population of polydrug-using inpatients.', 'At the start of treatment, 388 polydrug-using inpatients completed questionnaires concerning their sleep quality and HRQL. Three categories were established based on reported sleep problems: patients without sleep problems (21.6%), those with clinically relevant sleep problems (34.5%), and patients with sleep disorders (43.8%).', 'Mean grades for quality of sleep were M\u2009=\u20097.3 (sd 1.7), M\u2009=\u20096.6 (sd 1.7) and M\u2009=\u20095.3 (sd 1.9) for the three categories, respectively. In addition, patients in the disorder category perceived a lower HRQL than those in the other categories. In the explanation of HRQL, both sleep problems and sleep disorders added significantly to the model when controlling for baseline characteristics.'] Are sleep disturbances associated with reduced health-related quality of life in patients with substance use disorders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8979817628860474,
0.2997705340385437,
0.7116377353668213
] |
['The aim was to assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of octreotide subcutaneous (s.c.) depot, a novel octreotide formulation.', 'This was a phase I, randomized, open label study. After a single dose of octreotide immediate release (IR) 200 µg, subjects were randomized to one of eight groups to receive three monthly injections of octreotide s.c. depot A 10, 20 or 30 mg, B 30 mg, C 10, 20 or 30 mg or long acting octreotide (octreotide LAR) 30 mg.', 'One hundred and twenty-two subjects were randomized. For all depot variants, onset of octreotide release was rapid and sustained for up to 4 weeks. The relative octreotide bioavailability of depot variants vs. octreotide IR ranged from 0.68 (90% confidence interval [CI] 0.61, 0.76) to 0.91 (90% CI 0.81, 1.02) and, vs. octreotide LAR, was approximately four- to five-fold greater: 3.97 (90% CI 3.35, 4.71) to 5.27 ng ml(-1) h (90% CI 4.43, 6.27). All depot variants showed relatively rapid initial reductions of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) compared with octreotide LAR. A trend of octreotide dose dependence was also indicated from the plasma concentrations and suppression of IGF-1. Maximum inhibition of IGF-1 at steady-state was highest for depot B and C. All depot treatments were well tolerated. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal related.'] Does octreotide s.c. depot provide sustained octreotide bioavailability and similar IGF-1 suppression to octreotide LAR in healthy volunteers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8049894571304321,
-1.5883777141571045,
2.409991979598999
] |
['The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that preoperative prostate health index (PHI) levels could help to predict early biochemical recurrence (BCR) in a contemporary population of patients with prostate cancer treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).', 'The study population consisted of 313 patients treated with RARP for clinically localized prostate cancer at a single institution between 2010 and 2011. Patients subjected to neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies and patients with a follow-up of<2 years were excluded. BCR was defined as a postoperative level of total prostate-specific antigen ≥0.2 ng/ml and elevating after RARP. The minimum P-value method was used to determine the most significant PHI cutoff value to discriminate between patients with and without BCR. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine BCR-free survival rates. Finally, Cox regression models were fitted to determine the predictors of BCR, and the predictive accuracy (area under the curve) of each predictor was determined with the Harrell concordance index.', 'Mean total prostate-specific antigen and mean PHI levels were 5.76 ng/ml (interquartile range: 4.2-8.7) and 46.0 (35-62), respectively. Biopsy Gleason score was 6 in 173 (55.3%), 7 in 121 (38.7%), and ≥8 in 19 (6.1%) patients. At final pathology, extracapsular extension was observed in 59 (18.8%), seminal vesicle invasion in 24 (7.7%), and lymph node invasion in 11 (3.5%) patients, whereas 228 (72.8%) patients had organ-confined disease. The 2-year BCR-free survival rate was 92.5% in the overall population and was 96.7% in patients with organ-confined disease. The most significant PHI cutoff value to discriminate between patients with and without BCR was 82. Specifically, the 2-year BCR-free survival rate was 97.7% in patients with a preoperative PHI level<82 relative to 69.7% in patients with a PHI level ≥82 (log-rank test: P<0.001). Finally, in multivariable Cox regression analyses, PHI level emerged as an independent predictor of BCR in both the preoperative and the postoperative settings and was more accurate than several established BCR predictors were.'] Is preoperative prostate health index an independent predictor of early biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy : Results from a prospective single-center study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8039965629577637,
-1.6140985488891602,
2.405881643295288
] |
["Mothers' knowledge of neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is grossly deficient or inaccurate, which may adversely affect the actions of mothers in the recognition of NNJ and cause a delay in seeking medical attention.", 'A total of 1036 primiparas were separated randomly into the intervention group and the control group, with 518 primiparas in each group.', 'All (100%) mothers in the intervention group understood that NNJ is a yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera; 94.19% of them considered that NNJ is a common problem in newborns; 82.80% and 95.27% replied that jaundice appearing within the first 36 hours and lasting more than 2 weeks usually indicates pathological NNJ; 96.34%, 80.86%, and 90.32% realized that premature newborns, low birth weight, and perinatal asphyxia, respectively, are more likely to be accompanied by NNJ; 97.41%, 78.71%, and 64.95% knew that maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility, infection, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, respectively, are the common inducements to NNJ; 94.84% could associate NNJ with brain damage; 92.26%, 93.12%, and 74.62% agreed that phototherapy, strengthen feeding, and exchange blood transfusion, respectively, can greatly relieve NNJ. However, some respondents in the control group responded in other ways, such as stopping breastfeeding (9.19%), placing newborns in sunlight (10.24%) and traditional Chinese medicine (10.24%), which was significantly higher than that of the intervention group. There was also a significant delay for respondents in the control group in consulting a pediatrician, and 6.30% of them did not seek medical help until after the interview.'] Does prenatal Training improve New Mothers ' Understanding of Jaundice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.03354811668396,
-0.9388869404792786,
1.873396635055542
] |
['Epidemiological and interventional studies have suggested a protective role for vitamin D in cardiovascular disease, and basic research has implicated vitamin D as a potential inhibitor of fibrosis in a number of organ systems; yet little is known regarding direct effects of vitamin D on human cardiac cells. Given the critical role of fibrotic responses in end stage cardiac disease, we examined the effect of active vitamin D treatment on fibrotic responses in primary human adult ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (HCF-av), and investigated the relationship between circulating vitamin D (25(OH)D3) and cardiac fibrosis in human myocardial samples.', 'Interstitial cardiac fibrosis in end stage HF was evaluated by image analysis of picrosirius red stained myocardial sections. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were assayed using mass spectrometry. Commercially available HCF-av were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF)β1 to induce activation, in the presence or absence of active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3). Functional responses of fibroblasts were analyzed by in vitro collagen gel contraction assay. 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment significantly inhibited TGFβ1-mediated cell contraction, and confocal imaging demonstrated reduced stress fiber formation in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin expression to control levels and inhibited SMAD2 phosphorylation.'] Does 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibit TGFβ1-Mediated Primary Human Cardiac Myofibroblast Activation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3552796840667725,
-1.3849557638168335,
2.7651073932647705
] |
['To investigate whether the proportions of acetyl-histone-positive hepatocytes could be used as markers of deteriorating liver function.', 'In total, 611 cirrhotic cases from 3701 patients who were diagnosed during the past 15 years were screened, and 152 follow-up cases were selected. Paraffin tissue microarray was prepared for immunohistochemistry to examine acetyl-histone expression. The proportions of positive hepatocytes were recorded, and their correlations to clinical and laboratory indicators were analyzed statistically.', 'The proportions of H2AK5ac(+), H3K9/K14ac(+) and H3K27ac(+) hepatocytes gradually increased with deteriorating liver function and with increasing levels of serum markers of liver injury. In the follow-up cases, patients with > 70% H2AK5ac(+), H3K9/K14ac(+) or H3K27ac(+) hepatocytes had statistically lower survival rates (P < 0.05). Furthermore, > 70% H2AK5ac(+) or H3K27ac(+) hepatocytes were strong independent predictors of overall survival (P < 0.05).'] Do proportions of acetyl-histone-positive hepatocytes indicate the functional status and prognosis of cirrhotic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7584573030471802,
-1.4240940809249878,
2.2262485027313232
] |
['To analyze RASSF6 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and to determine whether RASSF6 has an independent prognostic value in PDAC.', "We studied RASSF6 expression in 96 histologically confirmed PDAC samples and 20 chronic pancreatitis specimens using immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. PDAC issues were then classified as RASSF6 strongly positive, weakly positive or negative. RASSF6 mRNA and protein expression in PDAC samples with strong positive staining was further evaluated using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Lastly, correlations between RASSF6 staining and patients' clinicopathological variables and outcomes were assessed.", 'RASSF6 was negatively expressed in 51 (53.1%) PDAC samples, weakly positively expressed in 29 (30.2%) and strongly positively expressed in 16 (16.7%), while its expression was much higher in para-tumor tissues and chronic pancreatitis tissues. Positive relationships between RASSF6 expression and T-stage (P = 0.047) and perineural invasion (P = 0.026) were observed. The median survival time of strongly and weakly positive and negative RASSF6 staining groups was 33 mo, 15 mo and 11 mo, respectively. Cox multivariate analysis indicated that RASSF6 was an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival in patients with PDAC. A survival curve analysis revealed that increased RASSF6 expression was correlated with better overall survival (P = 0.009).'] Is low RASSF6 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma associated with poor survival? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8750989437103271,
-1.4884090423583984,
2.392302989959717
] |
['Drought is a major abiotic stress factors that reduces agricultural productivity. GRAS transcription factors are plant-specific proteins that play diverse roles in plant development. However, the functions of a number of GRAS genes identified in rice are unknown, especially the GRAS genes related to rice drought resistance have not been characterized.', 'In this study, a novel GRAS transcription factor gene named OsGRAS23, which is located in a drought-resistant QTL interval on chromosome 4 of rice, was isolated. The expression of OsGRAS23 was induced by drought, NaCl, and jasmonic acid treatments. The OsGRAS23-GFP fused protein was localized in the nucleus of tobacco epidermal cells. A trans-activation assay in yeast cells demonstrated that the OsGRAS23 protein possessed a strong transcriptional activation activity. OsGRAS23-overexpressing rice plants showed improved drought resistance and oxidative stress tolerance as well as less H2O2 accumulation compared with the wild-type plants. Furthermore, microarray analysis showed that several anti-oxidation related genes were up-regulated in the OsGRAS23-overexpressing rice plants. The yeast one hybrid test indicated that OsGRAS23 could bind to the promoters of its potential target genes.'] Is osGRAS23 , a rice GRAS transcription factor gene , involved in drought stress response through regulating expression of stress-responsive genes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3363354206085205,
-0.9092342257499695,
2.238271713256836
] |
['Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is an important marker of tumor-initiating cells. We aimed to investigate ALDH1 expression in benign breast disease and human breast cancer of different histologic stages.', 'Immunohistochemical staining of ALDH1 was applied to 21 cases with benign breast diseases, 47 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) cases, 62 cases diagnosed with invasive cancer with extensive intraductal component (EIC), and 58 cases diagnosed with invasive cancer without EIC.', 'ALDH1 was expressed in tumor cells in 61.0% of 164 breast cancer cases, which was higher than that in benign breast disease (3/21) (P\u2009<\u20090.001). Of these 167 breast cancer cases, a significantly higher rate (54/58) of intratumoral ALDH1 expression was observed in invasive cancer without EIC cases than that in DCIS cases (19/46, one case not available) and invasive cancer with EIC cases (27/60, two cases not available) (P\u2009<\u20090.001). Interestingly, a significantly higher rate (22/48) of intratumoral ALDH1 expression in invasive component was observed than that in in situ component (7/48) in the same tumor (P\u2009=\u20090.001). In 47 DCIS cases, no significant association was observed between ALDH1 positivity and any clinicopathological parameter (all P\u2009>\u20090.05). However, ALDH1 positive invasive breast cancers were significantly more likely to be with large tumor size (P\u2009=\u20090.001), high grade (P\u2009<\u20090.001), and high Ki67 expression (P\u2009=\u20090.009).'] Does aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 expression correlate with the invasion of breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.379948377609253,
-1.6321995258331299,
2.0002381801605225
] |
['Tight glucose control (TGC) reduces morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, but only limited data about its optimal timing are available to date.', 'The purpose of this article was to compare the effects of perioperative vs postoperative initiation of TGC on postoperative adverse events in cardiac surgery patients.', 'This was a single center, single-blind, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial.', 'The setting was an academic tertiary hospital.', 'Participants were 2383 hemodynamically stable patients undergoing major cardiac surgery with expected postoperative intensive care unit treatment for at least 2 consecutive days.', 'Intensive insulin therapy was initiated perioperatively or postoperatively with a target glucose range of 4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L.', 'Adverse events from any cause during postoperative hospital stay were compared.', 'In the whole cohort, perioperatively initiated TGC markedly reduced the number of postoperative complications (23.2% vs 34.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-0.78) despite only minimal improvement in glucose control (blood glucose, 6.6 ± 0.7 vs 6.7 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P < .001; time in target range, 39.3% ± 13.7% vs 37.3% ± 13.8%, P < .001). The positive effects of TGC on postoperative complications were driven by nondiabetic subjects (21.3% vs 33.7%, 95% CI, 0.54-0.74; blood glucose 6.5 ± 0.6 vs 6.6 ± 0.8 mmol/L, not significant; time in target range, 40.8% ± 13.6% vs 39.7% ± 13.8%, not significant), whereas no significant effect was seen in diabetic patients (29.4% vs 35.1%, 95% CI, 0.66-1.06) despite significantly better glucose control in the perioperative group (blood glucose, 6.9 ± 1.0 vs 7.1 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P < .001; time in target range, 34.3% ± 12.7% vs 30.8% ± 11.5%, P < .001).'] Does perioperative Tight Glucose Control reduce Postoperative Adverse Events in Nondiabetic Cardiac Surgery Patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.626230001449585,
-1.484700083732605,
2.1310060024261475
] |
['Protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is highly expressed in Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2(+) (Her2(+)) breast cancers. Overexpression of PTK6 enhances anchorage-independent survival, proliferation, and migration of breast cancer cells. We hypothesized that PTK6 inhibition is an effective strategy to inhibit growth and survival of Her2(+) breast cancer cells, including those that are relatively resistant to Lapatinib, a targeted therapy for Her2(+) breast cancer, either intrinsically or acquired after continuous drug exposure.', 'To determine the effects of PTK6 inhibition on Lapatinib-resistant Her2(+) breast cancer cell lines (UACC893R1 and MDA-MB-453), we used short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) vectors to downregulate PTK6 expression. We determined the effects of PTK6 downregulation on growth and survival in vitro and in vivo, as well as the mechanisms responsible for these effects.', 'Lapatinib treatment of "sensitive" Her2(+) cells induces apoptotic cell death and enhances transcript and protein levels of Bim, a pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member. In contrast, treatment of relatively "resistant" Her2(+) cells fails to induce Bim or enhance levels of cleaved, poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP). Downregulation of PTK6 expression in these "resistant" cells enhances Bim expression, resulting in apoptotic cell death. PTK6 downregulation impairs growth of these cells in in vitro 3-D Matrigel(TM) cultures, and also inhibits growth of Her2(+) primary tumor xenografts. Bim expression is critical for apoptosis induced by PTK6 downregulation, as co-expression of Bim shRNA rescued these cells from PTK6 shRNA-induced death. The regulation of Bim by PTK6 is not via changes in Erk/MAPK or Akt signaling, two pathways known to regulate Bim expression. Rather, PTK6 downregulation activates p38, and pharmacological inhibition of p38 activity prevents PTK6 shRNA-induced Bim expression and partially rescues cells from apoptosis.'] Does pTK6 inhibition promote apoptosis of Lapatinib-resistant Her2 ( + ) breast cancer cells by inducing Bim? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.415175199508667,
-1.238795518875122,
2.6520180702209473
] |
['Little evidence exists on change in diet quality and weight change.', 'We examined the association between change of diet quality indexes and concurrent weight change over 20 y.', "In this analysis we followed 50,603 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), 22,973 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS) between 1986 and 2006, and 72,495 younger women from the Nurses' Health Study II (NHS II) between 1989 and 2007. Diet was measured every 4 y. We computed the Alternate Mediterranean Diet, the Alternate Health Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010), and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension adherence scores for each participant. All scores emphasize fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, but they differ in score range and components such as dairy, sodium, and sweetened beverages. Regression models were used to examine 4-y changes in these scores and weight change within the same period, adjusting for lifestyle factors.", 'Mean age at baseline was 49.4 y for NHS, 48.0 y for HPFS, and 36.3 y for NHS II. Baseline BMI (in kg/m(2)) was similar (23.7 for NHS, 24.7 for HPFS, and 23.0 for NHS II). We observed significantly less weight gain over 4-y periods with each SD increase of each diet quality score in both men and women. Results were significantly stronger in the younger cohort (NHS II) than in the older cohorts (e.g., -0.67 kg less weight gain in NHS II vs. -0.39 kg in NHS for each SD increase in AHEI-2010; P-heterogeneity: <0.001). Improvement of any of the diet scores benefited overweight (-0.27 to -1.08 kg less weight gain for each SD increase in score) more than normal-weight individuals (-0.10 to -0.40 kg; P-interaction: <0.001).'] Does long-Term Change in Diet Quality be Associated with Body Weight Change in Men and Women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.0986468642950058,
-1.3502838611602783,
0.5044287443161011
] |
['Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity in the United States. Despite decades of research, the etiology is largely unknown.', 'The purpose of our study was to examine the association between maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy and preterm birth.', 'This prospective cohort study used data from the PIN (Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition) study (n = 3143). Dietary intake was assessed at 26-29 wk of gestation by using a food-frequency questionnaire, and patterns were derived by using factor analysis and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. Associations between dietary patterns and preterm birth were assessed by logistic regression.', 'Four dietary patterns were identified from the factor analysis characterized by high intakes of the following: 1) fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, high-fiber and fortified cereals, nonfried chicken and fish, and wheat bread; 2) beans, corn, French fries, hamburgers or cheeseburgers, white potatoes, fried chicken, mixed dishes, and ice cream; 3) collard greens, coleslaw or cabbage, red and processed meats, cornbread or hushpuppies, whole milk, and vitamin C-rich drinks; and 4) shellfish, pizza, salty snacks, and refined grains. Increased odds of preterm birth were found for a diet characterized by a high consumption of collard greens, coleslaw or cabbage, red meats, fried chicken and fish, processed meats, cornbread or hushpuppies, eggs or egg biscuits, gravy, whole milk, and vitamin C-rich drinks such as Kool-Aid (Kraft Foods) and Hi-C (Minute Maid Co.) (adjusted OR for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.24). Greater adherence to the DASH diet was associated with decreased odds of preterm birth compared with women in the lowest quartile (adjusted OR for quartile 4 vs. quartile 1: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.85).'] Do maternal Dietary Patterns during the Second Trimester Are Associated with Preterm Birth? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.259418249130249,
-0.5110411047935486,
1.88954758644104
] |
['In utero exposure to excessive cholesterol has been shown to increase fetal plasma cholesterol concentration and predispose adult offspring to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Because lipid-lowering drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy, natural cholesterol-lowering compounds may be a safe and effective alternative to reduce CVD risk in offspring born to hypercholesterolemic mothers.', 'This study used the hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mouse model to test the hypothesis that mothers supplemented with phytosterols during gestation and lactation would produce offspring with a more favorable lipid profile than offspring from unsupplemented mothers, despite having a genetic predisposition toward hypercholesterolemia.', 'Sixteen female apoE(-/-) mice were randomly assigned to 2 diets fed throughout the gestation and lactation periods: a cholesterol-enriched diet (CH) (0.15%) or the cholesterol-enriched diet supplemented with phytosterols (CH/PS) (2%). Serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured by enzyme assay and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively, and liver cholesterol was analyzed by GC.', 'Compared with the CH-fed dams at the end of lactation, phytosterol-supplemented dams displayed lower (P < 0.05) serum total cholesterol (-55%), non-HDL cholesterol (-56%), and LDL cholesterol (-47%), but no change (P > 0.05) in HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations. Pups from phytosterol-fed dams demonstrated lower (P < 0.05) total cholesterol (-25%), non-HDL cholesterol (-25%), LDL cholesterol (-47%), and TGs (-41%), without any change (P > 0.05) in HDL cholesterol compared with pups from CH-fed dams. Furthermore, compared with pups from CH-fed dams, pups from phytosterol-supplemented dams displayed a lower (P < 0.05) number of total LDL particles (-34%), VLDL particles (-31%), and HDL particles (-30%).'] Does maternal Phytosterol Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation modulate Lipid and Lipoprotein Response in Offspring of apoE-Deficient Mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8599159717559814,
-1.467445731163025,
2.2952542304992676
] |
['Elderly persons are at elevated risk of vitamin D deficiency, which is involved in various health problems. However, its relation with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is debated.', 'We investigated factors associated with plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and the associations between plasma 25(OH)D concentrations and AMD in elderly subjects.', 'Antioxydants, Lipides Essentiels, Nutrition et maladies OculaiRes (ALIENOR) is a population-based study on eye diseases performed in elderly residents of Bordeaux, France. Plasma 25(OH)D concentrations were assessed from blood samples and categorized as <25 nmol/L (deficiency), 25-49 nmol/L (insufficiency), or ≥50 nmol/L (sufficiency). AMD was classified as: no AMD, early AMD, and late AMD. Associations between baseline characteristics and plasma 25(OH)D status were examined with multinomial logistic regression analysis. Associations between AMD and plasma 25(OH)D status were estimated using generalized estimating equation logistic regressions.', 'Six hundred ninety-seven subjects with complete data were included. The prevalence of plasma 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency were 27.3% and 55.9%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, 25(OH)D deficiency was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.0007), females (P = 0.0007), absence of physical activity (P = 0.01), absence of vitamin D supplementation (P < 0.0001), higher plasma total cholesterol (P = 0.007), use of fibrates (P < 0.0001), lower alcohol consumption (P = 0.02), and season of blood sampling (P < 0.0001). After adjustment for these covariates and dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, smoking, and body mass index, no significant associations were found between early AMD and 25(OH)D insufficiency or deficiency (OR: 0.71, P = 0.12; OR: 0.73, P = 0.23, respectively) or with late AMD (OR: 1.04, P = 0.93; OR: 0.74, P = 0.59, respectively).'] Is vitamin D Deficiency in Community-Dwelling Elderly Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6463465690612793,
-1.5713497400283813,
2.175632953643799
] |
['Structural gray matter characteristics of anxiety remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of current depressive symptoms and history of depression on the gray matter characteristics of trait anxiety.', 'Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 393 individuals aged 65 years or older were used. Regions of interest (ROIs) included the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insula, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and temporal cortex. Trait anxiety was measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Depression and depressive symptoms were measured using DSM-IV criteria and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD).', 'After adjustments for sociodemographics and health-related variables, anxiety had a significant influence on the gray matter characteristics in all cortical ROIs. First, in participants without depression antecedents, higher trait anxiety was associated with a larger cortical thickness in all cortical ROIs. Second, in participants with a previous history of depression, higher trait anxiety was associated with a smaller cortical thickness in all cortical ROIs.'] Are gray matter characteristics associated with trait anxiety in older adults moderated by depression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4281575679779053,
-0.8334015011787415,
2.3642992973327637
] |
['The ankle-brachial index (ABI), ratio of leg blood pressure to arm blood pressure is used extensively as a screening test for stratification of cardiovascular risk. The problems in sleep disturbed nocturnal fall in blood pressure and may relate to development of hypertension. However, the role of sleep quality on ankle-brachial index remains unclear.', 'This study examined 101 patients with essential hypertension. We analyzed the association with ABI on age, sex, body height, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, sleep quality evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), smoking habits, alcohol habits. The ABI is associated with the following seven parameters; body height (r = 0.36, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.30, p < 0.005), systolic BP (r = -0.23, p < 0.05), HbA1c (r = -0.24, p < 0.05), PSQI score (rho = -0.31, p < 0.005), alcohol intake (rho = 0.23, p < 0.05) and sex (F = 6.65, p < 0.05). By a multiple linear regression analysis with ABI as the dependent variable after forcing the seven parameters above into the model, body height, HbA1c and PSQI score were significantly associated with ABI (R (2) for the model = 25%, p < 0.001).'] Is lower ankle-brachial index associated with poor sleep quality in patients with essential hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6621781587600708,
-1.3960902690887451,
2.1819722652435303
] |
["Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) can measure small bowel motility, reduction in which reflects inflammatory burden in Crohn's Disease (CD). However, it is unknown if motility improves with successful treatment.", 'To determine if changes in segmental small bowel motility reflect response to anti-TNFα therapy after induction and longer term.', 'A total of 46 patients (median 29 years, 19 females) underwent MRE before anti-TNFα treatment; 35 identified retrospectively underwent repeat MRE after median 55 weeks of treatment and 11 recruited prospectively after median 12 weeks. Therapeutic response was defined by physician global assessment (retrospective group) or a ≥3 point drop in the Harvey-Bradshaw Index (prospective group), C-reactive protein (CRP) and the MaRIA score. Two independent radiologists measured motility using an MRE image-registration algorithm. We compared motility changes in responders and nonresponders using the Mann-Whitney test.', 'Anti-TNFα responders had significantly greater improvements in motility (median = 73.4% increase from baseline) than nonresponders (median = 25% reduction, P < 0.001). Improved MRI-measured motility was 93.1% sensitive (95%CI: 78.0-98.1%) and 76.5% specific (95% CI: 52.7-90.4%) for anti-TNFα response. Patients with CRP normalisation (<5 mg/L) had significantly greater improvements in motility (median = 73.4% increase) than those with persistently elevated CRP (median = 5.1%, P = 0.035). Individuals with post-treatment MaRIA scores of <11 had greater motility improvements (median = 94.7% increase) than those with post-treatment MaRIA score >11 (median 15.2% increase, P = 0.017).'] Is magnetic resonance imaging-quantified small bowel motility a sensitive marker of response to medical therapy in Crohn 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8167307376861572,
-1.542449712753296,
2.3850016593933105
] |
['Infections caused by strains with multi-drug resistance are difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. Garlic is a powerful remedy to protect against infections of many bacteria, fungi and viruses. However, little is known about the potentials of fresh garlic extract (FGE) to improve the sensitivity of multi-drug resistant strains to antibiotics.', 'In this study, we used the disk diffusion method to investigate the antimicrobial activities of FGE and the combination of antibiotics with FGE, on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans, to evaluate the interactions between antibiotics and FGE.', "Clinical isolates were isolated from clinical specimens obtained from the inpatients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center. The isolates consisted of MRSA, (n = 30), C. albicans (n = 30) and P. aeruginosa (n = 30). Quality control for CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) disk diffusion was performed using S. aureus ATCC®25923, C. albicans ATCC®90028 and P. aeruginosa ATCC®27853. The 93 microorganisms were divided into four groups in a factorial design: control (deionized water), FGE, antibiotics without FGE, and antibiotics with FGE. Next, antibacterial activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones according to performance standards for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS).", 'Fresh garlic extract displayed evident inhibition properties against C. albicans and MRSA, yet weak inhibition properties against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, FGE showed the potential to improve the effect of antibiotics on antibiotic resistant pathogens. The synergism of fluconazole and itraconazole with FGE on C. albicans yielded larger sized inhibition zones compared with fluconazole and itraconazole without FGE (P < 0.01). The factorial analysis represents intense positive interaction effects (P < 0.01). The synergism of cefotaxime and ceftriaxone with FGE on P. aeruginosa yielded larger sized inhibition zones than cefotaxime and ceftriaxone without FGE (P < 0.01). The factorial analysis represents intense positive interaction effects (P < 0.01).'] Does fresh Garlic Extract enhance the Antimicrobial Activities of Antibiotics on Resistant Strains in Vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3892710208892822,
-1.2323229312896729,
2.7185916900634766
] |
['Gastric mucosal ischemia may be a risk factor for gastrointestinal intolerance to early feeding in the critically ill.', 'To study intragastric PCO2 air tonometry and gastric residual volumes (GRV) before and after the start of gastric feeding.', 'This is a two-center study in intensive care units of a university and teaching hospital. Twenty-nine critically ill, consecutive and consenting patients scheduled to start gastric feeding were studied after insertion of a gastric tonometry catheter and prior to and after start of gastric feeding (500\xa0ml over 1\xa0h), when clinically indicated.', 'Blood gasometry and intragastric tonometry were performed prior to and 2\xa0h after gastric feeding. The intragastric to arterial PCO2 gap (normal <8\xa0mm Hg) was elevated in 41% of patients prior to feeding and measured (mean\xa0±\xa0standard deviation) 13\xa0±\xa020 and 16\xa0±\xa023\xa0mm Hg in patients with normal (<100\xa0ml, 42\xa0±\xa034\xa0ml, n\xa0=\xa019) and elevated GRV (250\xa0±\xa0141\xa0ml, n\xa0=\xa010, P\xa0=\xa00.75), respectively. After feeding, the gradient did not increase and measured 27\xa0±\xa025 and 23\xa0±\xa034\xa0mm Hg, respectively (P\xa0=\xa00.80).'] Is gastric feeding intolerance caused by mucosal ischemia measured by intragastric air tonometry in the critically ill? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5542694926261902,
-1.924335241317749,
1.4909062385559082
] |
['Acid suppression medication is associated with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in adults and is increasingly prescribed to children. This study evaluated the relationship between acid suppression medication and incident CDI in children.', 'This was a population-based, nested case-control study. Patients were eligible if they were aged 0-17 years with 3 or more visits or 1 year or more of follow-up in the dataset. Patients were excluded if they had comorbidities that associate with CDI and might also associate with acid suppression medication. Patients with codes for CDI were matched 1:5 with control patients by age, sex, medical practice, time of entry into the dataset, and follow-up time. The primary exposure was use of acid suppression medication with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) within 8-90 days.', 'We identified 650 CDI cases and 3200 controls. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for CDI and acid suppression medication was 7.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.24-18.1). Acid suppression medication was associated with CDI in infants aged <1 year (OR, 5.24; 95% CI, 1.13-24.4) and children aged 1-17 years (OR, 9.33; 95% CI, 3.25-26.8). There was increased risk for CDI with PPIs compared with H2RAs and with recent compared with distant exposure.'] Is use of Acid Suppression Medication Associated With Risk for C. difficile Infection in Infants and Children : A Population-based Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.041463613510132,
-1.2570993900299072,
2.4217588901519775
] |
['The advent of the NGS technologies has permitted profiling of whole-genome transcriptomes (i.e., RNA-Seq) at unprecedented speed and very low cost. RNA-Seq provides a far more precise measurement of transcript levels and their isoforms compared to other methods such as microarrays. A fundamental goal of RNA-Seq is to better identify expression changes between different biological or disease conditions. However, existing methods for detecting differential expression from RNA-Seq count data have not been comprehensively evaluated in large-scale RNA-Seq datasets. Many of them suffer from inflation of type I error and failure in controlling false discovery rate especially in the presence of abnormal high sequence read counts in RNA-Seq experiments.', 'To address these challenges, we propose a powerful and robust tool, termed deGPS, for detecting differential expression in RNA-Seq data. This framework contains new normalization methods based on generalized Poisson distribution modeling sequence count data, followed by permutation-based differential expression tests. We systematically evaluated our new tool in simulated datasets from several large-scale TCGA RNA-Seq projects, unbiased benchmark data from compcodeR package, and real RNA-Seq data from the development transcriptome of Drosophila. deGPS can precisely control type I error and false discovery rate for the detection of differential expression and is robust in the presence of abnormal high sequence read counts in RNA-Seq experiments.'] Is deGPS a powerful tool for detecting differential expression in RNA-sequencing studies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.221967935562134,
-0.18137885630130768,
1.5620887279510498
] |
['Variation in terms of outcome and toxic side effects of treatment exists among acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients on chemotherapy with cytarabine (Ara-C) and daunorubicin (Dnr). Candidate Ara-C metabolizing gene expression in primary AML cells is proposed to account for this variation.', 'Ex vivo Ara-C sensitivity was determined in primary AML samples using MTT assay. mRNA expression of candidate Ara-C metabolizing genes were evaluated by RQPCR analysis. Global gene expression profiling was carried out for identifying differentially expressed genes between exvivo Ara-C sensitive and resistant samples.', "Wide interindividual variations in ex vivo Ara-C cytotoxicity were observed among samples from patients with AML and were stratified into sensitive, intermediately sensitive and resistant, based on IC50 values obtained by MTT assay. RNA expression of deoxycytidine kinase (DCK), human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (ENT1) and ribonucleotide reductase M1 (RRM1) were significantly higher and cytidine deaminase (CDA) was significantly lower in ex vivo Ara-C sensitive samples. Higher DCK and RRM1 expression in AML patient's blast correlated with better DFS. Ara-C resistance index (RI), a mathematically derived quotient was proposed based on candidate gene expression pattern. Ara-C ex vivo sensitive samples were found to have significantly lower RI compared with resistant as well as samples from patients presenting with relapse. Patients with low RI supposedly highly sensitive to Ara-C were found to have higher incidence of induction death (p = 0.002; RR: 4.35 [95% CI: 1.69-11.22]). Global gene expression profiling undertaken to find out additional contributors of Ara-C resistance identified many apoptosis as well as metabolic pathway genes to be differentially expressed between Ara-C resistant and sensitive samples."] Does rNA expression of genes involved in cytarabine metabolism and transport predict cytarabine response in acute myeloid leukemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.253976583480835,
-1.4020895957946777,
2.628180980682373
] |
['To reveal the role of Dnmts in the improvement of spatial learning and memory induced by erythropoietin (EPO) in SAMP8 mice.', "The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess spatial learning and memory. Mice were administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of recombinant human EPO and hippocamppi infusion (IH) of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA). The expression of genes Dnmt1, Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b in the hippocampus was detected by real-time qPCR. The level of proteins DNMT1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B was measured by Western blotting.", 'Spatial learning and memory in SAMP8 were promoted after i.p. injection of EPO (5000IU/kg/day) and expression of Dnmt3b mRNA and DNMT3B proteins in the hippocampus increased. The improved memory by EPO was blocked after IH 5-AZA.'] Is dNA methylation necessary for erythropoietin to improve spatial learning and memory in SAMP8 mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3757894039154053,
-1.3167517185211182,
2.7575607299804688
] |
["To investigate whether serum leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein (LRG) levels are elevated in patients with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) and determine their correlation with disease activity parameters.", 'We enrolled 39 patients with AOSD, 47 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 39 controls. Forty-five serum samples from the patients with AOSD were assayed for LRG using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comprehensive AOSD activity was determined by a modified Pouchot score.', 'Serum LRG levels were significantly elevated in patients with AOSD (128.8±40.8 ng/mL) compared to those in patients with RA and in controls (33.9±15.2 ng/mL, p<0.001 and 22.4±6.1 ng/mL, p<0.001, respectively). Patients with active AOSD had significantly higher LRG levels than those with inactive disease (141.4±31.3 ng/mL vs. 79.8±37.1 ng/mL, p=0.002). Serum LRG levels were positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP; γ=0.387, p=0.015), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; γ=0.370, p=0.026), ferritin (γ=0.687, p<0.001) levels, and the modified Pouchot score (γ=0.756, p<0.001). Serum LRG levels decreased significantly after treatment in all six patients with active AOSD who had follow-up evaluations (p=0.007). The best cut-off value for LRG to distinguish AOSD from RA was 67.9 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 97.9%.'] Is serum leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein a useful biomarker for monitoring disease activity in patients with adult-onset Still 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6146537065505981,
-1.5880353450775146,
2.1889500617980957
] |
['With the globalization of biomedical research and the advent of "precision medicine," there is increased need for translation of neuropsychological tests, such as computerized batteries that can be incorporated in large-scale genomic studies. Estimates of translational validity are obtained by administering the test in the original and the translated versions to bilingual individuals. We investigated the translation of a neuropsychological battery from English to Arabic and how practice effects influence translational validity estimates.', 'The Penn computerized neurocognitive battery (Penn CNB) includes tests that were validated with functional neuroimaging and provides measures of accuracy and speed of performance in several cognitive domains. To develop an Arabic version of the CNB, the English version was translated into Arabic, then back translated and revised. The Arabic and the original English versions were administered in a randomized crossover design to bilingual participants (N = 22).', 'Performance varied by cognitive domain, but generally improved at the second session regardless of the language of the initial test. When performance on the English and Arabic version was compared, significant positive correlations were detected for accuracy in 8/13 cognitive domains and for speed in 4/13 domains (r = .02 to .97). When the practice estimates using linear models were incorporated, the translational validity estimates improved substantially (accuracy, r = .50-.96, speed, r = .63-.92, all correlations, p = .05 or better).'] Do practice effects distort translational validity estimates for a Neurocognitive Battery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.038715124130249,
-0.6806461215019226,
1.7285288572311401
] |
["Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be the 'seed cell' in cancer recurrence and metastasis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential therapeutic candidates due to their ability to regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of miRNA-200c (miR-200c) on the EMT, tumorigenesis, colony formation, invasion and chemoresistance of human pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs).", 'PCSCs with CD24+CD44+ESA+ as the marker was sorted from PANC-1 cell line by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was used to detect the relative mRNA expression levels of miR-200c and EMT-associated phenotypes. Transfection of miR-200c mimic into PCSCs was performed to establish miR- 200c overexpressed cells. The assays of colony forming, cellular invasion and survival in vitro and tumor progression in vivo were performed.', 'Expression of miR-200c was significantly reduced in PCSCs compared with PANC-1 cells. However, the stable over expression of the miR-200c in the PCSCs resulted in a significant down-regulation of zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and the Vimentin expression, an upregulation of the E-cadherin expression as well as a decrease of colony forming, chemoresistance and invasion in vitro and xenograft growth in vivo in nude mice by inhibition of the EMT.'] Does microRNA-200c overexpression play an inhibitory role in human pancreatic cancer stem cells by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3660576343536377,
-1.2734287977218628,
2.651439666748047
] |
['Spindle and kinetochore-associated protein 1 (SKA1) is one subtype of SKA, whose protein can make spindle microtubules attach steadily to the kinetochore in the middle of mitosis. At present, there are fewer researches on the relationship between SKA1 expression and tumor development.', 'In this study, immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine the expression of SKA1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and adjacent tissues. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis to further verify the results.', 'We found that SKA1 expression was significantly higher in PTC tissues than normal adjacent tissues (P < 0.05). There existed a significant correlation among a higher SKA1 expression, including lymphoid node (P = 0.005), clinical stage (P = 0.015), and extrathyroid invasion (P = 0.004). Survival analysis showed high SKA1 expression in PTC patients more likely to relapse after surgery.'] Does expression of Spindle and Kinetochore-Associated Protein 1 be Associated with Poor Prognosis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.34834885597229,
-1.2263140678405762,
2.6657679080963135
] |
['Our pilot study using miRNA PCR array found that miRNA-29b (miR-29b) is differentially expressed in primary cultured CD133-positive A549 cells compared with CD133-negative A549 cells.', 'Ten human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and samples from thirty patients with NSCLC were analyzed for the expression of miR-29b by quantitative RT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis combined with tumor metastasis PCR array showed the potential target genes for miR-29b. miR-29b lentivirus and inhibitors were transfected into NSCLC cells to investigate its role on regulating cell proliferation which was measured by CCK-8 assay in vitro and nude mice xenograft tumor assay in vivo. Cell motility ability was evaluated by transwell assay. The target genes of miR-29b were determined by luciferase assay, quantitative RT-PCR and western blot.', "Bioinformatics analysis combined with tumor metastasis PCR array showed that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and PTEN could be important target genes of miR-29b. The expression of miR-29b was down regulated in NSCLC tissues compared to the normal tissues. Clinicopathological analysis demonstrated that miR-29b had significant negative correlation with lymphatic metastasis. The gain-of-function studies revealed that ectopic expression of miR-29b decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion abilities of NSCLC cells. In contrasts, loss-of-function studies showed that inhibition of miR-29b promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro. Nude mice xenograft tumor assay confirmed that miR-29b inhibited lung cancer growth in vivo. High-invasion (A549-H) and low-invasion (A549-L) NSCLC cell sublines from A549 cells were created by using the repeated transwell assay aimed to confirm the effect of miR-29b on migration and invasion of NSCLC. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-29b inhibited the expression of the luciferase gene containing the 3'-UTRs of MMP2 and PTEN mRNA. Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR indicated that miR-29b down-regulated the expression of MMP2 at the protein and mRNA levels."] Does microRNA-29b attenuate non-small cell lung cancer metastasis by targeting matrix metalloproteinase 2 and PTEN? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2243399620056152,
-1.341979742050171,
2.5891880989074707
] |
['Renal fibrosis is a crucial event in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The process known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to the accumulation of matrix proteins in kidneys, in which renal tubular epithelial cells play an important role in progressive renal fibrosis. The current study investigated that chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) present in bee propolis and herbs, inhibited renal tubular EMT and tubulointerstitial fibrosis due to chronic hyperglycemia. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTEC) were incubated in media containing 5.5 mM glucose, 27.5 mM mannitol (as an osmotic control), or 33 mM glucose (HG) in the absence and presence of 1-20 μM chrysin for 72 h. Chrysin significantly inhibited high glucose-induced renal EMT through blocking expression of the mesenchymal markers vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin, and fibroblast-specific protein-1 in RPTEC and db/db mice. Chrysin reversed the HG-induced down-regulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and the HG-enhanced N-cadherin induction in RPTEC. In addition, chrysin inhibited the production of collagen IV in tubular cells and the deposition of collagen fibers in mouse kidneys. Furthermore, chrysin blocked tubular cell migration concurrent with decreasing matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, indicating epithelial cell derangement and tubular basement membrane disruption. Chrysin restored the induction of the tight junction proteins Zona occludens protein-1 (ZO-1) and occludin downregulated in diabetic mice. Chrysin inhibited renal tubular EMT-mediated tubulointerstitial fibrosis caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Therefore, chrysin may be a potent renoprotective agent for the treatment of renal fibrosis-associated DN.'] Does chrysin inhibit diabetic renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis through blocking epithelial to mesenchymal transition? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.477357864379883,
-1.3510608673095703,
2.840165853500366
] |
['The purpose of this study was to investigate whether common variants across the nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NFE2L2) gene contribute to the development of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with severe sepsis. NFE2L2 is involved in the response to oxidative stress, and it has been shown to be associated with the development of ARDS in trauma patients.', 'We performed a case-control study of 321 patients fulfilling international criteria for severe sepsis and ARDS who were admitted to a Spanish network of post-surgical and critical care units, as well as 871 population-based controls. Six tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of NFE2L2 were genotyped, and, after further imputation of additional 34 SNPs, association testing with ARDS susceptibility was conducted using logistic regression analysis.', 'After multiple testing adjustments, our analysis revealed 10 non-coding SNPs in tight linkage disequilibrium (0.75\u2009≤\u2009r (2) \u2009≤\u20091) that were associated with ARDS susceptibility as a single association signal. One of those SNPs (rs672961) was previously associated with trauma-induced ARDS and modified the promoter activity of the NFE2L2 gene, showing an odds ratio of 1.93 per T allele (95 % confidence interval, 1.17-3.18; p\u2009=\u20090.0089).'] Does common variants of NFE2L2 gene predispose to acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with severe sepsis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.914728045463562,
-1.5339699983596802,
2.4493494033813477
] |
['To evaluate the transdentinal cytotoxicity of resin-based luting cements (RBLCs), with no HEMA in their composition, to odontoblast-like cells.', "Human dentine discs 0.3\xa0mm thick were adapted to artificial pulp chambers (APCs) and placed in wells of 24-well plates containing 1\xa0mL of culture medium (DMEM). Two categories of HEMA-free RBLCs were evaluated: group 1, self-adhesive Rely X Unicem (RU; 3M ESPE), applied directly to the dentine substrate; and group 2, Rely X ARC (RARC; 3M ESPE), applied to dentine previously acid-etched and treated with a bonding agent. In group 3 (control), considered as representing 100% cell metabolic activity, no treatment was performed on dentine. The APC/disc sets were incubated for 24\xa0h or 7\xa0days at 37\xa0°C and 5% CO2 . Then, the extracts (DMEM + dental materials components that diffused through dentine) were applied to cultured odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells for 24\xa0h. After that, the cell viability (MTT assay), cell morphology (SEM), total protein production (TP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were assessed. Data from MTT assay and TP production were analysed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (α\xa0=\xa05%). Data from ALP activity were analysed by one-way anova and Tukey's test (α\xa0=\xa05%).", 'In group 1, a slight reduction in cell viability (11.6% and 16.8% for 24-h and 7-day periods, respectively) and ALP activity (13.5% and 17.9% for 24-h and 7-day periods, respectively) was observed, with no significant difference from group 3 (control) (P\xa0>\xa00.05). In group 2, a significant reduction in cell viability, TP production and ALP activity compared with group 3 (control) occurred (P\xa0<\xa00.05), regardless of incubation time. Alteration in MDPC-23 cell morphology was observed only in group 2.'] Does cytocompatibility of HEMA-free resin-based luting cement according to application protocols on dentine surfaces? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.006253480911255,
-1.5615980625152588,
2.664457321166992
] |
['To analyze the impact of warm ischemia time (WIT) on early postoperative and ultimate renal function after elective laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).', 'One hundred and twenty-seven patients who underwent elective, ischemia-applied LPN were investigated in this study. The study patients were without stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease (CKD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60\u2009mL/min/1.73\u2009m(2)) before LPN. Initially, the patients were grouped using the criteria of postoperative de novo stage 3 or greater CKD: Group A (n=104, eGFR ≥60\u2009mL/min/1.73\u2009m(2)) and group B (n=23, eGFR <60\u2009mL/min/1.73\u2009m(2)). The patients were also divided into two groups using 27.75 minute cutoff value obtained by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis for WIT: Group 1 (n=69, WIT <27.75\u2009min) and group 2 (n=58, WIT ≥27.75\u2009min). The groups were compared with regard to demographic, perioperative, histopathologic, and renal functional outcomes.', 'The decreased preoperative eGFR (P<0.001) and increased WIT (P=0.007), operative time (P=0.015), diabetes mellitus (DM) rate (P=0.019) and pathologic tumor size (P=0.031) were significantly different in group B. Multivariate analysis determined that independent predictors of de novo stage 3 or greater CKD in the early postoperative period were preoperative eGFR (P<0.001), WIT (P=0.014), and DM (P=0.030); meanwhile, preoperative eGFR (P=0.006) was the only independent predictor at last follow-up. Decreased median postoperative eGFR (P=0.018) and percent preserved postoperative eGFR (P=0.001) were significantly different in the increased WIT group, as well as elevated median postoperative eGFR loss (P=0.001). After similar follow-up (26 vs 23.5 months, P=0.913), the increased and limited WIT groups were not significantly different with regard to final eGFR (P=0.936), final eGFR loss (P=0.749) and percent preserved final eGFR (P=0.690).'] Does warm Ischemia-Related Postoperative Renal Dysfunction in Elective Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy recover During Intermediate-Term Follow-Up? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6017714738845825,
-1.7361934185028076,
2.315061092376709
] |
['Netrins are a family of extracellular proteins that function as chemotropic guidance cues for migrating cells and axons during neural development. In the visual system, netrin-1 has been shown to play a key role in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth and branching at the target, where presynaptic RGC axons form partnerships with the dendrites of tectal neurons. However, the signals that guide the connections between RGC axons and their postsynaptic partners are yet unknown. Here, we explored dynamic cellular mechanisms by which netrin-1 influences visual circuit formation, particularly those that impact postsynaptic neuronal morphology and connectivity during retinotectal wiring.', 'Time-lapse in vivo imaging of individual Xenopus laevis optic tectal neurons co-expressing tdTomato and PSD95-GFP revealed rapid remodeling and reorganization of dendritic arbors following acute manipulations in netrin-1 levels. Effects of altered netrin signaling on developing dendritic arbors of tectal neurons were distinct from its effects on presynaptic RGC axons. Within 4\xa0h of treatment, tectal injection of recombinant netrin-1 or sequestration of endogenous netrin with an UNC-5 receptor ectodomain induced significant changes in the directionality and orientation of dendrite growth and in the maintenance of already established dendrites, demonstrating that relative levels of netrin are important for these functions. In contrast, altering DCC-mediated netrin signaling with function-blocking antibodies induced postsynaptic specialization remodeling and changed growth directionality of already established dendrites. Reducing netrin signaling also decreased avoidance behavior in a visually guided task, suggesting that netrin is essential for emergent visual system function.'] Does netrin-1 direct dendritic growth and connectivity of vertebrate central neurons in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.489423990249634,
-1.2103767395019531,
2.7126688957214355
] |
['Thyroid hormones can lower levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, and selenium is important in thyroid hormone homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the effects of a healthy diet associated with the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) in dyslipidemic and hypertensive patients.', 'This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Seventy-seven dyslipidemic and hypertensive patients already receiving lipid-lowering drugs received either a dietary treatment associated with partially defatted Brazil nut flour (13 g/day providing 227,5 μg of selenium/day),or with dyed cassava flour as a placebo. All patients received a personalized dietary guideline with nutritional recommendations for dyslipidemia and hypertension and were followed for 90 days.', 'The Brazil nut group showed reductions in total cholesterol (-20.5\u2009±\u200961.2 mg/dL, P\u2009=\u20090.02), non HDL-cholesterol (-19.5\u2009±\u200961.2 mg/dL, P\u2009=\u20090.02) and Apo A-1 (-10.2\u2009±\u200926.7 mg/dL, P\u2009=\u20090.03) without significant alterations in the Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio. The placebo group showed a reduction in FT3 levels (-0.1\u2009±\u20090.4, P\u2009=\u20090.03) and increased Lp(a) levels (5.9\u2009±\u200918.0 mg/dL, P\u2009=\u20090.02). There were no statistical differences in blood pressure and serum lipids between Brazil nut and placebo group.'] Does intake of partially defatted Brazil nut flour reduce serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic patients -- a randomized controlled trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8780943155288696,
-1.4011496305465698,
2.294848918914795
] |
["The decrease in smoking rates in North America has plateaued, underscoring the need for new approaches to treat nicotine dependence. Inter-individual differences in smoking behavior result, in part, from variation in the rate of CYP2A6-mediated nicotine metabolism. A phenotypic measure of CYP2A6 activity is the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), the ratio of 3'hydroxycotinine/cotinine. The NMR is associated with smoking cessation. However, the NMR is also associated with genetic (eg, CYP2A6 genotype) and other (eg, sex and ethnicity) factors. Here we aimed to determine if previously identified non-CYP2A6 sources of variation in the NMR mitigated the association between the NMR and short-term abstinence.", 'The NMR was determined from blood samples collected at intake from daily smokers aged 18-65. Biochemically-verified point prevalence abstinence (exhaled carbon monoxide level ≤ 8 ppm) was measured at 1 week following the target quit date in participants from a smoking cessation clinical trial (NCT01314001). Analyses were restricted to N = 462 blacks and N = 693 whites in the intent-to-treat sample.', 'Lower NMR (<0.31) was associated with a higher likelihood of 1-week abstinence (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.84). NMR was associated with abstinence even after controlling for treatment arm (nicotine patch or varenicline) and factors previously associated with NMR variation including sex, ethnicity, estrogen-containing hormonal therapy, body mass index, alcohol, and cigarette consumption.'] Is the Nicotine Metabolite Ratio Associated With Early Smoking Abstinence Even After Controlling for Factors That Influence the Nicotine Metabolite Ratio? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8514801263809204,
-1.4834351539611816,
2.357142925262451
] |
['In neuroblastoma, activating ALK receptor tyrosine kinase point mutations play a major role in oncogenesis. We explored the potential occurrence of ALK mutations at a subclonal level using targeted deep sequencing.', 'In a clinically representative series of 276 diagnostic neuroblastoma samples, exons 23 and 25 of the ALK gene, containing the F1174 and R1275 mutation hotspots, respectively, were resequenced with an extremely high depth of coverage.', 'At the F1174 hotspot (exon 23), mutations were observed in 15 of 277 samples (range of fraction of mutated allele per sample: 0.562%-40.409%). At the R1275 hotspot (exon 25), ALK mutations were detected in 12 of 276 samples (range of fraction of mutated allele: 0.811%-73.001%). Altogether, subclonal events with a mutated allele fraction below 20% were observed in 15/27 ALK-mutated samples. The presence of an ALK mutation was associated with poorer 5-year overall survival (OS: 75% vs. 57%, P = 0.0212 log-rank test), with a strong correlation between F1174 ALK mutations and MYCN amplification being observed.'] Does deep Sequencing reveal Occurrence of Subclonal ALK Mutations in Neuroblastoma at Diagnosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.020240068435669,
-1.3560110330581665,
2.392423152923584
] |
['Atrial fibroblasts and macrophages have long been thought to participate in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, which specific mediator may regulate the interaction between them remains unclear.', 'We provided the evidence for the involvement of Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-β (TRIF), an important inflammation-related molecule, in the pathophysiology of AF. Patients with AF showed higher levels of angiotensin II (AngII) and TRIF expression and larger number of macrophages infiltration in left atria appendage than individuals with sinus rhythm (SR). In the cell study, AngII induced chemokines expressions in mouse atrial fibroblasts and AngII-stimulated atrial fibroblasts induced the chemotaxis of macrophages, which were reduced by losartan and TRIF siRNA. Meanwhile, AngII-stimulated atrial fibroblasts proliferation was enhanced by macrophages.'] Does tRIF promote angiotensin II-induced cross-talk between fibroblasts and macrophages in atrial fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.575838327407837,
-1.1091902256011963,
2.7457656860351562
] |
['Chromosomes reorganize in early meiotic prophase to form the so-called telomere bouquet. In fission yeast, telomeres localize to the nuclear periphery via interaction of the telomeric protein Rap1 with the membrane protein Bqt4. During meiotic prophase, the meiotic proteins Bqt1-2 bind Rap1 and tether to the spindle pole body to form the bouquet. Although it is known that this polarized chromosomal arrangement plays a crucial role in meiotic progression, the molecular mechanisms of telomere bouquet regulation are poorly understood.', 'Here, we detected high levels of Rap1 phospho-modification throughout meiotic prophase, and identified a maximum of 35 phosphorylation sites. Concomitant phosphomimetic mutation of the modification sites suggests that Rap1 hyper-phosphorylation does not directly regulate telomere bouquet formation or dissociation. Despite the negative charge conferred by its highly phosphorylated state, Rap1 maintains interactions with its binding partners. Interestingly, mutations that change the charge of negatively charged residues within the Bqt1-2 binding site of Rap1 abolished the affinity to the Bqt1-2 complex, suggesting that the intrinsic negative charge of Rap1 is crucial for telomere bouquet formation.'] Is telomere protein Rap1 a charge resistant scaffolding protein in chromosomal bouquet formation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5231335163116455,
-0.7320691347122192,
2.2927584648132324
] |
['Increasing evidence suggests that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 signaling may play an important role in the progression of pathological angiogenesis that occurs in many tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Therapeutic targeting directed against VEGF and VEGFR-2 has been proven to be successful for metastatic clear cell RCC (CCRCC). However, the expression of VEGFR-1 and its association with prognostic parameters of CCRCC in the tumorigenesis of renal cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we examined the expression of VEGFR-1 and its prognostic significance in CCRCC.', "Immunohistochemical staining for VEGFR-1 was performed on 126 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CCRCC tissue samples. Six of these cases were available for Western blot analyses. The results were compared with various clinicopathologic parameters of CCRCC and patients' survival.", "VEGFR-1 expression was detected in 59 cases (46.8%) of CCRCC. Higher VEGFR-1 expression was significantly correlated with a lower Fuhrman nuclear grade and the absence of renal pelvis invasion, although it was not related to patients' survival. Western blot analyses showed higher VEGFR-1 expression in low grade tumors."] Does vEGFR-1 Expression relate to Fuhrman Nuclear Grade of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.264533519744873,
-1.3683005571365356,
2.682704210281372
] |
['The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the correlation between preoperative CRP levels and the early renal dysfunction after cardiac surgery.', 'From January 2012 to December 2013, values for preoperative CRP were available for 546 unselected patients undergoing cardiac operations. CRP was used to divide this cohort in two groups: a normal CRP levels group (Group I) of 432 patients with CRP of less than 0.5 mg/dL, and a high CRP levels group (group II) of 114 patients with a CRP of 0.5 mg/dL or more.', 'Median CRP preoperative values were significantly different in the group II (2.49±1.03 mg/dL) than in the group I (0.32±0.14 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Median CRP postoperative values were significantly different in the group I (17.62±2.99) than in the group II (23.13±3.01; P < 0.0001). Preoperative levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and CrCl were not significantly different between group I and group II. Postoperative levels of BUN, Cr and CrCl between the two groups were not significantly different.'] Is preoperative CRP levels predictive early renal dysfunction after coronary artery bypass surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2575864791870117,
-1.4836413860321045,
1.7076377868652344
] |
['This study is to determine if expression level of microRNA-143 (miR-143) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are related to the occurrence and development of degenerative scoliosis.', 'A total of 30 patients with degenerative scoliosis, 30 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were enrolled in this study. For control, 30 patients with spinal burst fractures were also enrolled in this study. Real-time PCR and western blotting was performed to measure the expression levels of COX-2 in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal. Expression levels of miR-143 in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal were detected by real-time PCR.', 'The expression levels of COX-2 were increased in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal of patients with degenerative scoliosis when compared with those of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and spinal burst fractures (P < 0.05). However, the expression levels of miR-143 were decreased in intervertebral disc tissues, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal of patients with degenerative scoliosis when compared with those of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and spinal burst fractures (P < 0.05).'] Is low expression of microRNA-143 related to degenerative scoliosis possibly by regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1608006954193115,
-1.2620124816894531,
2.468937397003174
] |
['Evidence from mouse models suggests that zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a novel anti-obesity adipokine. In humans, however, data are controversial and its physiological role in adipose tissue (AT) remains unknown. Here we explored the molecular mechanisms by which ZAG regulates carbohydrate metabolism in human adipocytes.', 'ZAG action on glucose uptake and insulin action was analyzed. β1 and β2-adrenoreceptor (AR) antagonists and siRNA targeting PP2A phosphatase were used to examine the mechanisms by which ZAG modulates insulin sensitivity. Plasma levels of ZAG were measured in a lean patient cohort stratified for HOMA-IR.', 'ZAG treatment increased basal glucose uptake, correlating with an increase in GLUT expression, but induced insulin resistance in adipocytes. Pretreatment of adipocytes with propranolol and a specific β1-AR antagonist demonstrated that ZAG effects on basal glucose uptake and GLUT4 expression are mediated via β1-AR, whereas inhibition of insulin action is dependent on β2-AR activation. ZAG treatment correlated with an increase in PP2A activity. Silencing of the PP2A catalytic subunit abrogated the negative effect of ZAG on insulin-stimulated AKT phosphorylation and glucose uptake but not on GLUT4 expression and basal glucose uptake. ZAG circulating levels were unchanged in a lean patient cohort stratified for HOMA-IR. Neither glucose nor insulin was associated with plasma ZAG.'] Does zinc-α2-Glycoprotein modulate AKT-Dependent Insulin Signaling in Human Adipocytes by Activation of the PP2A Phosphatase? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.34173583984375,
-1.3165024518966675,
2.6560540199279785
] |
['There is growing evidence that natural products, mostly plant-derived polyphenols, are important in the relationship between nutrients and health in humans.', 'We aimed to investigate if verbascoside (VB) and other lemon verbena polyphenols could ameliorate obesity-induced metabolic disturbances, as well as their putative mechanism.', 'We used an insulin-resistant hypertrophic 3T3-L1-adipocyte model to test the effects of VB or lemon verbena extract on triglyceride accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress and a murine model of diet-induced obesity to assess the in vivo metabolic response.', 'Polyphenols decreased triglyceride accumulation, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored mitochondrial membrane potential in adipocytes. The underlying mechanisms seemed to occur via ROS-mediated downregulation of nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ)-dependent transcriptional upregulation of adiponectin. We also observed a potent activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the mRNA expression upregulation of PPAR-α and the mRNA expression downregulation of fatty acid synthase. Experiments in mice suggested a significant improvement in fat metabolism.'] Do lemon verbena ( Lippia citriodora ) polyphenols alleviate obesity-related disturbances in hypertrophic adipocytes through AMPK-dependent mechanisms? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5901901721954346,
-1.0715986490249634,
2.709272861480713
] |
['To investigate the functional roles of microRNA-205 in the modulation of novel cancer pathways in prostate cancer cells.', 'Functional studies of microRNA-205 were carried out to investigate cell proliferation, migration and invasion in prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145) by restoration of mature microRNA. In silico database and genome-wide gene expression analyses were carried out to identify molecular targets and pathways mediated by microRNA-205. Loss-of-function studies were applied to microRNA-205 target genes.', 'Restoration of microRNA-205 in cancer cell lines significantly inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. Our data showed that the centromere protein F gene was overexpressed in prostate cancer clinical specimens and was a direct target of microRNA-205 regulation. Silencing of centromere protein F significantly inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, MCM7, an oncogenic gene functioning downstream of centromere protein F, was identified by si-centromere protein F transfectants in prostate cancer cells.'] Does microRNA-205 inhibit cancer cell migration and invasion via modulation of centromere protein F regulating pathways in prostate cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.551407814025879,
-0.4606519043445587,
2.0708391666412354
] |
['Generally, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be the preferable method to treat partial globozoospermia, but whether there exist some correlations between ICSI fertilization rate and the proportion of round-headed sperm or morphologically normal sperm remains open. This study was to explore the correlation between ICSI fertilization rate and the sperm morphology in patients with partial globozoospermia.', 'Thirty-four patients diagnosed with partial globozoospermia accepted the following assisted fertilization treatments - 2 cases accepted in-vitro fertilization (IVF) alone, 26 cases accepted ICSI alone, and 6 accepted split IVF/ICSI. Detailed morphological characteristics were described using Diff-Quik rapid staining. Sixty cases accepting IVF or ICSI treatment in our reproductive center were considered as the control group after being matched by relevant criteria. Fertilization rate, embryo quality, embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were calculated.', 'Besides very high proportion of round-headed sperm, partial globozoospermia also showed very high proportion of small-acrosomal sperm and very low proportion of morphologically normal sperm. Fertilization rate of IVF (IVF alone plus split IVF) was very low in partial globozoospermia (25.4% ± 17.4%), but ICSI (ICSI alone plus split ICSI) achieved satisfying fertilization rate compared with the control group (66.2% ± 22.5% vs. 68.8% ± 29.4%, P > 0.05). In patients with partial globozoospermia, there were no correlations between ICSI fertilization rate and the proportion of round-headed sperm, small-acrosomal sperm, or morphologically normal sperm.'] Does intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Fertilization Rate Depend on the Proportion of Round-headed Sperm , Small-acrosomal Sperm , or Morphologically Normal Sperm in Patients with Partial Globozoospermia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8752268552780151,
-1.5767078399658203,
1.4522613286972046
] |
['Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) remains the gold standard for end-stage heart failure. However, donor availability is severely limited. With a median wait time of 6.6 months and more than 12% of patients waiting 5 or more years, the decision is often made to implant a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as\xa0a bridge to transplantation for medical stabilization. Furthermore, the number of patients who have had at least one prior sternotomy while awaiting transplantation is increasing. Previous studies have indicated reoperative sternotomy as a risk factor for compromised survival. Concerns are specifically focused on perioperative, short-term, and long-term outcomes after LVAD explantation or redo sternotomy before OHT because of increasing operative complexity. We hypothesize that despite the greater technical difficulty caused by LVAD explantation or redo sternotomy, outcomes would not be compromised.', 'We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent OHT at the University of Pennsylvania during a 5-year period (2008-2013; n\xa0= 253). All patients who underwent a bridge to transplantation LVAD (n\xa0= 72) or prior sternotomy (n\xa0= 65) were compared with those undergoing OHT with a virgin chest (n\xa0= 116). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were analyzed. Short- and long-term survival were studied (minimum follow-up, 6 months).', 'Comorbidities were similar among the groups. There was no difference in donor allograft ischemic time (p\xa0= 0.6). However, cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in both bridge to transplantation and prior sternotomy cohorts (p < 0.00001). The blood transfusion requirement was higher in bridge to transplantation (12.5 ± 13.7 units; p\xa0= 0.0007) and prior sternotomy groups (11.7 ± 12.9 units; p\xa0= 0.02) as compared with the virgin chest cohort (7.1 ± 10.7 units). For bridge to transplantation, both time to extubation (1.0 ± 1.6 versus 0.9 ± 1.0 days; p\xa0= 0.03) and intensive care unit length of stay (7.0 ± 7.0 versus 6.0 ± 7.0 days; p\xa0= 0.06) were longer compared with the virgin chest cohort. The same was true for prior sternotomy (extubation time, 1.9 ± 4.4 days; p\xa0= 0.005; intensive care unit length of stay, 8.0 ± 12.0 days; p\xa0= 0.06). There was no difference in hospital length of stay (p\xa0= 0.2). Overall, there was no difference in short- or long-term survival.'] Do prior Sternotomy and Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Adversely Impact Survival or Allograft Function After Heart Transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.307810664176941,
-1.7032649517059326,
1.9465925693511963
] |
['To identify risk factors for the development of statin-associated diabetes mellitus (DM).', 'The study was conducted in two phases. Phase one involved high-throughput in silico processing of a large amount of biomedical data to identify risk factors for the development of statin-associated DM. In phase two, the most prominent risk factor identified was confirmed in an observational cohort study at Clalit, the largest health care organization in Israel. Time-dependent Poisson regression multivariable models were performed to assess rate ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs for DM occurrence.', 'A total of 39,263 statin nonusers were matched by propensity score to 20,334 highly compliant statin initiators in 2004-2005 and followed until the end of 2010. Within 59,597 statin users and nonusers in a multivariable model, hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism carried an increased risk for DM (RR 1.53 [95% CI 1.31-1.79] and 1.75 [1.40-2.18], respectively). Hypothyroidism increased DM risk irrespective of statin treatment (RR 2.06 [1.42-2.99] and 1.66 [1.05-2.64] in statin users and nonusers, respectively). Subclinical hypothyroidism risk for DM was prominent only upon statin use (RR 1.94 [1.13-3.34] and 1.20 [0.52-2.75] in statin users and nonusers, respectively). Patients with hypothyroidism treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy were not at increased risk for DM.'] Is hypothyroidism a Risk Factor for New-Onset Diabetes : A Cohort Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6832791566848755,
-1.5443052053451538,
2.122725009918213
] |
['The term "post-traumatic migraine" (PTM) has been used to describe post-traumatic headaches (PTHs) that have associated migraine features, but studies of this relationship are lacking. The objective of the present study was to determine whether PTH correlates strongly with migraine symptoms among youth with concussion.', 'Twenty-three symptoms were analyzed from a retrospective cohort of 1953 pediatric patients with concussion. A principal component analysis (PCA) with oblique Promax rotation was conducted to explore underlying symptom relationships in the full cohort and in subcohorts stratified by the presence (n\u2009=\u2009414) or absence (n\u2009=\u20091526) of premorbid headache.', 'The mean patient age was 14.1 years; 63% were male. Headache was the most common postconcussion symptom, acknowledged by 69.4% of patients. When considering the full cohort, the PCA demonstrated clustering of headache with photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, dizziness, and neck pain. Similar clustering was present among patients without premorbid headaches. Repeating the analysis in the patients with preconcussion headaches led to elimination of neck pain from the cluster.'] Do post-traumatic headaches correlate with migraine symptoms in youth with concussion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2981741428375244,
-1.1915346384048462,
2.5066921710968018
] |
['Alström syndrome is characterized by increased risk of cardiovascular disease from childhood.', 'To explore the association between risk factors for cardiovascular disease, aortic pulse wave velocity, and vascular events in Alström syndrome.', 'Cross-sectional analyses with 5-year follow-up.', 'The UK NHS nationally commissioned specialist clinics for Alström syndrome.', 'Thirty-one Alström patients undertook vascular risk assessment, cardiac studies, and aortic pulse wave velocity measurement. Subsequent clinical outcomes were recorded.', 'Insulin resistance was treated with lifestyle intervention and metformin, and diabetes with the addition of glitazones, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists, and/or insulin. Thyroid and T deficiencies were corrected. Dyslipidemia was treated with statins and nicotinic acid derivatives. Cardiomyopathy was treated with standard therapy as required.', 'The associations of age, gender, and risk factors for cardiovascular disease with aortic pulse wave velocity were assessed and correlated with the effects of reduction in left ventricular function. Vascular events were monitored for 5 years.', 'Aortic pulse wave velocity was positively associated with the duration of diabetes (P = .001) and inversely with left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .036). Five of the cohort with cardiovascular events had higher aortic pulse wave velocity (P = .0247), and all had long duration of diabetes.'] Does duration of Diabetes predict Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity and Vascular Events in Alström Syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3984458446502686,
-1.1376991271972656,
2.6276965141296387
] |
['Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is the most common secondary form of osteoporosis, and glucocorticoid users are at increased risk for fracture compared with nonusers. There is no established relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in GIO. We used 3 Tesla (T) MRI to investigate how proximal femur microarchitecture is altered in subjects with GIO.', 'This study had institutional review board approval. We recruited 6 subjects with long-term (> 1 year) glucocorticoid use (median age\u2009=\u200952.5 (39.2-58.7) years) and 6 controls (median age\u2009=\u200965.5 [62-75.5] years). For the nondominant hip, all subjects underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess BMD and 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 3D FLASH) to assess metrics of bone microarchitecture and strength.', 'Compared with controls, glucocorticoid users demonstrated lower femoral neck trabecular number (-50.3%, 1.12 [0.84-1.54] mm(-1) versus 2.27 [1.88-2.73] mm(-1) , P\u2009=\u20090.02), plate-to-rod ratio (-20.1%, 1.48 [1.39-1.71] versus 1.86 [1.76-2.20], P\u2009=\u20090.03), and elastic modulus (-64.8% to -74.8%, 1.54 [1.22-3.19] GPa to 2.31 [1.87-4.44] GPa versus 6.15 [5.00-7.09] GPa to 6.59 [5.58-7.31] GPa, P\u2009<\u20090.05), and higher femoral neck trabecular separation (+192%, 0.705 [0.462-1.00] mm versus 0.241 [0.194-0.327] mm, P\u2009=\u20090.02). There were no differences in femoral neck trabecular thickness (-2.7%, 0.193 [0.184-0.217] mm versus 0.199 [0.179-0.210] mm, P\u2009=\u20090.94) or femoral neck BMD T-scores (+20.7%, -2.1 [-2.8 to -1.4] versus -2.6 [-3.3 to -2.5], P\u2009=\u20090.24) between groups.'] Does 3 Tesla MRI detect deterioration in proximal femur microarchitecture and strength in long-term glucocorticoid users compared with controls? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6459617614746094,
-1.6020944118499756,
2.2359445095062256
] |
['Although necrosis in the acetaminophen (APAP) model is known to be regulated by c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) through interaction with mitochondria, the role of necroptosis through receptor-interacting proteins 1 and 3 (RIPK1 and RIPK3) has also been suggested. Our aim was to determine the relationship between these two mechanisms of cell death. To verify the participation of RIPK1, we used antisense knockdown and confirmed protection comparable to the RIPK1 inhibitor, necrostatin, in vivo and in vitro. However, we found no evidence that RIPK3 is expressed in primary mouse hepatocytes under basal conditions or after APAP and RIPK3(-/-) mice were not protected. RIPK3 was exclusively expressed in nonparenchymal cells. RIPK1 knockdown protected RIPK3(-/-) mice to the same extent as wild-type mice, underscoring the independent role of RIPK1. We confirmed that necroptosis is not involved in APAP toxicity by using mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) knockout mice, which were not protected from APAP. Next, we addressed whether there is interplay between RIPK1 and JNK. RIPK1 knockdown decreased the level of JNK activation and translocation to mitochondria and abrogated subsequent translocation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Interestingly, APAP induced translocation of RIPK1 to mitochondria, which was unaffected by knockdown of the mitochondrial JNK docking protein, Sh3 homology 3 binding protein 5 (Sab).'] Does receptor interacting protein kinase 1 mediate murine acetaminophen toxicity independent of the necrosome and not through necroptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4540674686431885,
-1.1109241247177124,
2.6279876232147217
] |
['Despite high technical and functional success rates with endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS), rates of adverse events have also been high. No reports have focused on EUS-HGS alone with a large sample size about predictors of stent patency. The present study examined predictors of stent patency in patients who underwent EUS-HGS.', 'The consecutive 51 patients who underwent EUS-HGS using one metallic stent were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Baseline characteristics, stent length from the hepatic portion and in the luminal portion, kinds of stent dysfunction, and stent patency were reviewed.', 'Median duration of stent patency was significantly shorter with stent length in the luminal portion <3\u2009cm (52\u2009days) than with ≥3\u2009cm (195\u2009days; P\u2009<\u20090.01). On the other hand, median duration of stent patency did not differ significantly between ≥4\u2009cm (194\u2009days) and <4\u2009cm (127\u2009days; P\u2009=\u20090.1726). Length of stent in the luminal portion ≥3\u2009cm (Hazard ration [HR], 9.242; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.255-26.244, P\u2009<\u20090.05) and performance of chemotherapy (HR, 3.022; 95% CI, 1.448-6.304, P\u2009<\u20090.05) were also associated with long stent patency on the Cox proportional hazards model.'] Is stent length impact factor associated with stent patency in endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2160266637802124,
-1.7987713813781738,
1.986853837966919
] |
['The relationship between operative time and perioperative morbidity has not been fully characterized in gynecology. We aimed to determine the impact of operative time on 30-day perioperative complications after laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy.', "Patients undergoing laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy for benign disease from 2006 to 2011 within the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database were identified by Current Procedural Terminology code. Operative times were stratified into 60-minute intervals and complication rates analyzed. Primary outcomes included 30-day overall, medical, and surgical complications. Bivariate analyses using χ(2), Fisher's exact, and one-way analysis of variance tests were performed to compare clinical and procedural characteristics associated with longer operative time and complications. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were then performed to determine the independent association between operative time and perioperative complications.", 'Canadian Task Force classification II-2 (Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control studies preferably from more than 1 center or research group).', 'American College of Surgeons NSQIP.', 'Patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy for benign disease from 2006 to 2011 at any institution participating in NSQIP.', 'None, retrospective database study.', 'Of the 7630 laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomies identified, 399 patients (5.2%) experienced complications, most commonly urinary tract infection (UTI; 2.1%), superficial surgical site infection (1.0%), and blood transfusion (1.0%). Return to the operating room was required in 97 patients (1.3%), and there were 4 deaths, for a mortality rate of .05%. Complications increased steadily with longer operative time. Operative time ≥ 240 minutes was associated with increased overall complications (13.8% vs 4.6%, p\xa0<\xa0.001), surgical complications (5.4% vs 1.5%, p\xa0<\xa0.001), medical complications (10.4% vs 3.2%, p\xa0<\xa0.001), return to the operating room (2.7% vs 1.2%, p = .002), deep venous thrombosis (.5% vs .06%, p = .011), pulmonary embolism (.7% vs .1%, p = .012), and blood transfusion (3.4% vs .8%, p\xa0<\xa0.001). These associations remained statistically significant after multivariable regression analysis. Based on continuous regression modeling, each additional hour of operative time would be expected to increase odds of overall complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.54; p\xa0<\xa0.001), medical complications (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.28-1.57; p\xa0<\xa0.001), surgical complications (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.17-1.49; p\xa0<\xa0.001), venous thromboembolism (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.12-1.92; p = .005), UTI (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.36; p = .006), blood transfusion (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.18-1.71; p\xa0<\xa0.001), and return to the operating room (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.08-1.45; p = .003).'] Does longer Operative Time During Benign Laparoscopic and Robotic Hysterectomy be Associated With Increased 30-Day Perioperative Complications? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2233455181121826,
-1.2016923427581787,
2.5143556594848633
] |
['Podocalyxin-like 1 is a transmembrane glyco-protein whose overexpression associates in many cancers with poor prognosis and unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics. Until now, its prognostic value has never been studied in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The aim of this study was to investigate podocalyxin expression in PDAC by a novel monoclonal antibody and a commercially available polyclonal antibody.', "With tissue microarrays and immuno-histochemistry, podocalyxin expression evaluation involved 168 PDAC patients. The associations of the podocalyxin tumor expression with clinicopathological variables were explored by Fisher's exact test and the linear-by-linear test. Survival analyses were by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazard model.", 'The polyclonal antibody revealed membranous podocalyxin expression in 73 (44.0%) specimens and the monoclonal antibody was highly expressed in 36 (21.8%) cases. Membranous expression by the polyclonal antibody was associated with T classification (p=0.045) and perineural invasion (p=0.005), and high expression by the mono-clonal antibody with poor differentiation (p=0.033). High podocalyxin expression associated significantly with higher risk of death from PDAC by both the polyclonal antibody (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-2.33; p=0.01) and the monoclonal antibody (HR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.38-3.20; p<0.001). The results remained significant in multivariate analysis, adjusted for age, gender, stage, lymph node ratio (≥/< 20%), and perivascular invasion (respectively as HR = 2.03; 95% CI 1.32-3.13, p=0.001; and as HR = 2.36; 95% CI 1.47-3.80, p<0.001).'] Does podocalyxin be a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9894112348556519,
-1.52266526222229,
2.5936312675476074
] |
['To investigate the effect of AMA0526, a specific inhibitor of rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), on corneal neovascularization (NV) and scarring in different in vitro and in vivo experimental models.', 'The effect of AMA0526 on cell viability, proliferation, and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was determined. Its in vivo topical effect on NV was investigated in the corneal micropocket mouse model (bevacizumab as a control). The vessel length, clock hours, and NV area were measured on photographs. The effect of AMA0526 on pathological wound healing was investigated in the alkali burn mouse model (dexamethasone as a control). Corneas were scored for corneal opacity (CO) and NV after burn injury. Immunohistochemistry was performed to study inflammation, blood vessel density, and collagen III deposition after 7 days.', 'ROCK inhibition significantly inhibited vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In the micropocket model, NV was significantly reduced by AMA0526 (37% reduction, P < 0.05) comparable to bevacizumab. CO and NV were reduced after AMA0526, compared with the vehicle (P < 0.05 at all time points from day 3) after chemical burn. AMA0526 resulted in decreased inflammatory cell infiltration (26% reduction, P < 0.01), angiogenesis (47% reduction, P < 0.01), and collagen III deposition (27% reduction, P = 0.009) in the alkali burn model. AMA0526 administration showed results similar to those of dexamethasone with an additional antifibrotic effect.'] Does inhibition of Rho-Associated Kinase prevent Pathological Wound Healing and Neovascularization After Corneal Trauma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.089212417602539,
-1.471193552017212,
2.5589849948883057
] |
['Pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) patients often initially present with more active and severe disease than adults, including a higher frequency of lupus nephritis. Specific autoantibodies, including anti-C1q, anti-DNA and anti-alpha-actinin, have been associated with kidney involvement in SLE, and DNA antibodies are capable of initiating early-stage lupus nephritis in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Over 100 different autoantibodies have been described in SLE patients, highlighting the need for comprehensive autoantibody profiling. Knowledge of the antibodies associated with pSLE and proliferative nephritis will increase the understanding of SLE pathogenesis, and may aid in monitoring patients for renal flare.', 'We used autoantigen microarrays composed of 140 recombinant or purified antigens to compare the serum autoantibody profiles of new-onset pSLE patients (n = 45) to healthy controls (n = 17). We also compared pSLE patients with biopsy-confirmed class III or IV proliferative nephritis (n = 23) and without significant renal involvement (n = 18). We performed ELISA with selected autoantigens to validate the microarray findings. We created a multiple logistic regression model, based on the ELISA and clinical information, to predict whether a patient had proliferative nephritis, and used a validation cohort (n = 23) and longitudinal samples (88 patient visits) to test its accuracy.', 'Fifty autoantibodies were at significantly higher levels in the sera of pSLE patients compared to healthy controls, including anti-B cell-activating factor (BAFF). High levels of anti-BAFF were associated with active disease. Thirteen serum autoantibodies were present at significantly higher levels in pSLE patients with proliferative nephritis than those without, and we confirmed five autoantigens (dsDNA, C1q, collagens IV and X and aggrecan) by ELISA. Our model, based on ELISA measurements and clinical variables, correctly identified patients with proliferative nephritis with 91 % accuracy.'] Do autoantigen microarrays reveal autoantibodies associated with proliferative nephritis and active disease in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0744526386260986,
-1.4095711708068848,
2.5513362884521484
] |
['Cartilage-bone integration is an important functional end point of cartilage repair therapy, but little is known about how to promote integration. We tested the hypothesis that chitosan-stabilized blood clot implant elicits osteoclasts to drilled cartilage defects and promotes repair and cartilage-bone integration.', 'Bilateral trochlear defects in 15 skeletally mature rabbit knees were microdrilled and then treated with chitosan-glycerol phosphate (GP)/blood implant with fluorescent chitosan tracer and thrombin to accelerate in situ solidification or with thrombin alone. Chitosan clearance, osteoclast density, and osteochondral repair were evaluated at 1, 2, and 8 weeks at the outside, edge, and through the proximal microdrill holes.', 'Chitosan was retained at the top of the drill holes at 1 week as extracellular particles became internalized by granulation tissue cells at 2 weeks and was completely cleared by 8 weeks. Osteoclasts burst-accumulated at microdrill hole edges at 1 week, in new woven bone at the base of the drill holes at 2 weeks, and below endochondral cartilage repair at 8 weeks. Implants elicited 2-fold more osteoclasts relative to controls (P < 0.001), a more complete drill hole bone repair, and improved cartilage-bone integration and histological tissue quality. Treated and control 8-week cartilage repair tissues contained 85% collagen type II. After 8 weeks of repair, subchondral osteoclast density correlated positively with bone-cartilage repair tissue integration (P < 0.0005).'] Does acute Osteoclast Activity following Subchondral Drilling be Promoted by Chitosan and Associated with Improved Cartilage Repair Tissue Integration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.198490619659424,
-1.4641807079315186,
2.697381019592285
] |
['To examine the association between changes in knee muscle strength (extensor and flexor muscles separately, and mean values) and changes in activity limitations in patients with established knee osteoarthritis at 2 years.', 'Data from 186 patients with knee osteoarthritis, part of the Amsterdam Osteoarthritis cohort, were gathered at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Strength of the knee extensor and flexor muscles were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer. Activity limitations were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) - Physical Function subscale, the Get Up and Go test (GUG), and the 12-steps stairs test. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between changes in muscle strength and changes in activity limitations, adjusting for relevant confounders and baseline activity limitations.', 'There was an overall 16% increase in mean knee muscle strength (p\u2009<\u20090.001), 19% increase in knee extensor muscle strength (p\u2009<\u20090.001), and 17% increase in knee flexor muscle strength (p\u2009<\u20090.001) at 2 years. Increased mean knee muscle strength and knee flexor muscle strength were associated with better self-reported physical function (WOMAC) (b\u2009=\u2009-5.7, p\u2009=\u20090.03 and b\u2009=\u2009-6.2, p\u2009=\u20090.05), decreased time on the GUG (b\u2009=\u2009-1.2, p\u2009=\u20090.003 and b\u2009=\u2009-1.4, p\u2009=\u20090.05) and decreased time on the stairs test (b\u2009=\u2009-4.4, p\u2009<\u20090.001 and b\u2009=\u2009-6.6, p\u2009<\u20090.001). Increased extensor muscle strength was associated only with decreased time on the stairs test (b\u2009=\u2009-2.7, p\u2009<\u20090.001).'] Is increased knee muscle strength associated with decreased activity limitations in established knee osteoarthritis : Two-year follow-up study in the Amsterdam osteoarthritis cohort? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1908587217330933,
-1.5471850633621216,
1.747482180595398
] |
['Timing of solid food introduction in infancy has been associated with several chronic diseases. To explore potential mechanisms, we investigated the relationship between timing of solid food introduction and F2-isoprostanes-a marker of oxidative stress.', 'Urinary F2-isoprostanes were assessed in 336 healthy children aged less than 11.5 y with 1,266 clinic visits (mean = 3.8 visits per child) in the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young. We analyzed the association between F2-isoprostane concentrations and infant diet exposures using linear mixed models adjusted for age, age(2), HLA-DR3/4,DQB1*0302 genotype, first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes, maternal age, maternal education, sex, and exposure to in utero cigarette smoke.', 'Later solid food introduction was associated with lower F2-isoprostane concentrations in childhood (on average, 0.10 ng/mg per month of age at introduction; estimate: -0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.18, -0.02) P value = 0.02). Moreover, childhood F2-isoprostane concentrations were, on average, 0.24 ng/mg lower in individuals breastfed at solid food introduction (estimate: -0.24 (95% CI: -0.47, -0.01) P value = 0.04) compared with those who were not. Associations remained significant after limiting analyses to F2-isoprostanes after 2 y of age.'] Is timing of solid food introduction associated with urinary F2-isoprostane concentrations in childhood? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5916622877120972,
-1.3747907876968384,
2.0072824954986572
] |
['Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), a nontoxic TLR4 ligand derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is used clinically as an adjuvant in cancer, hepatitis, and malaria vaccines and in allergen-specific immunotherapy. Nevertheless, its cell-activating effects have not been analyzed in a comprehensive direct comparison including a wide range of different immune cells. Therefore, the objective of this study was the side-by-side comparison of the immune-modulating properties of MPLA and LPS on different immune cells.', 'Immune-activating properties of MPLA and LPS were compared in human monocytes and mast cells (MCs), a mouse endotoxin shock model (ESM), and mouse bone marrow (BM)-derived myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), T\xa0cells (TCs), B\xa0cells, and MCs.', 'In a mouse in\xa0vivo ESM and a human ex\xa0vivo monocyte activation test (MAT), MPLA induced the same cytokine secretion pattern as LPS (ESM: IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α; MAT: IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), albeit at lower levels. Mouse mDCs and ex\xa0vivo isolated B\xa0cells stimulated with MPLA required a higher threshold to induce TRIF-dependent cytokine secretion (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) than did LPS-stimulated cells. In mDC:DO11.10 CD4 TC cocultures, stimulation with MPLA, but not with LPS, resulted in enhanced OVA-specific IL-4 and IL-5 secretion from DO11.10 CD4 TCs. Unexpectedly, in both human and mouse MCs, MPLA, unlike LPS, did not elicit secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.'] Does mPLA show attenuated pro-inflammatory properties and diminished capacity to activate mast cells in comparison with LPS? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3431990146636963,
-1.413124680519104,
2.799828052520752
] |
['It has recently been suggested that propofol exerts a protective effect on the occurrence of persistent pain after breast cancer surgery. We analysed data from a subcohort taken from a multicentre study to validate this information.', 'The objective of this article is to study the role of the agent used for maintenance of general anaesthesia on the occurrence of persistent pain, with adjustment for multiple pre and peri-operative variables using the generalised linear model.', 'A prospective cohort study.', 'Four French university hospitals.', 'Three hundred and twenty-eight and 362 patients with full dataset, depending on the studied outcome.', 'Questionnaires sent at the third and the sixth month after surgery.', 'The risk of persistent postsurgical neuropathic pain (defined by the DN4 questionnaire) within 6 months after surgery, and the intensity of persistent pain at the sixth month.', 'Axillary lymph node harvesting and previous history of peripheral neuropathy were independent risk factors of persistent postsurgical neuropathic pain, although older age was protective. The same independent risk factors, but not age, explained the intensity of persistent postsurgical pain at the sixth month after surgery. We did not find any effect of the general anaesthetic, whether halogenated agent or propofol, using either unadjusted or adjusted analyses based on covariates or propensity score.'] Do general anaesthetic agents influence persistent pain after breast cancer surgery : A prospective nationwide cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7533161640167236,
-0.7720133662223816,
2.6371870040893555
] |
['To explore the effects of low-dose capsaicin (CAP) on lung ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and elucidate its possible mechanisms in rats.', 'A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of S (sham thoracotomy and mechanical ventilation for 5.0 h), IR (an occlusion of left pulmonary hilus for 1.0 h followed by reperfusion for 4.0 h), CAP (an injection of CAP at 5.0 min pre-occlusion) and CGRP8-37 group (an injection of CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP8-37 at 10.0 min pre-occlusion followed by the same treatment as CAP group) (n = 8 each). At pre-occlusion, 0.5 h and 4.0 h post-reperfusion, blood samples were collected for blood gas analyses and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and alveolar arterial oxygen difference (A-aDO2) measured. At the end of experiment, lung tissues were obtained to measure the level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), lung tissue wet to dry weight ratio (W/D) and lung histological changes.', 'At 0.5 h post-reperfusion, PaO2 in S group was significantly higher than that in IR, CAP and CGRP8-37 groups ((147.7±32.4) vs (100.8±18.9), (123.9±16.3), (121.0±15.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), all P<0.05) and it was higher in CAP group than in IR group (P<0.05); A-aDO2 increased in IR and CGRP8-37 groups versus S group ((151.5±21.9), (134.3±15.1) vs (118.4±19.1) mmHg, both P<0.05). At 4 h post-reperfusion, PaO2 was higher in CAP group than those in IR and CGRP8-37 groups ((146.0±21.1) vs (113.5±21.1), (124.0±16.4) mmHg, both P<0.05). And A-aDO2 in CAP group was lower than those in IR and CGRP8-37 groups ((111.4±23.4) vs (140.8±22.0), (132.7±16.4) mmHg, both P<0.05); the level of TNF-α in CAP group was lower than that in IR group ((2.7±0.9) vs (3.7±1.1) pg/mg, P<0.05); W/D ratios were remarkably higher in IR, CAP and CGRP8-37 groups than that in S group (5.74±0.52, 6.03±0.78, 5.26±0.24 vs 4.87±0.34, all P<0.05), and it was lower in CAP group than in CGRP8-37 group (P<0.05). Under light microscope, the pathological lesions were more severe in IR and CGRP8-37 groups than those in CAP group at 4 h post-reperfusion.'] Does [ Low-dose capsaicin decrease lung ischemia-reperfusion injury and underlying mechanism in rats ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3043967485427856,
-1.810602068901062,
2.0423319339752197
] |
['Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been used as a marker of airway inflammation. Airway caliber is related to the level of FeNO in asthmatics.', 'This study aimed to investigate whether airway obstruction could interfere with real FENO levels and if different FeNO changes after albuterol inhalation could assist in distinguishing asthma from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).', 'FeNO and spirometry measurements were performed before and after albuterol inhalation in the following three patient groups: 30 steroid-naive asthmatics, 25 asthmatics inhaling corticosteroids/long-acting β(2)-adrenergic agonists for at least 1 month and 20 COPD patients. Bronchodilator test (BDT) results were positive in all patients enrolled. The correlations among FeNO levels, pulmonary function and sputum eosinophil counts were analyzed.', 'FeNO increased significantly after albuterol inhalation in steroid-naive asthmatics but not in ICS-treated asthmatics or COPD patients. The FeNO levels demonstrated no significant correlation with spirometry results or sputum eosinophil counts before or after inhaling bronchodilator in all three groups. Both the levels of FeNO and changes in FENO after albuterol inhalation in steroid-naive asthma patients were higher than those in ICS-treated asthmatics and COPD patients (P\u2009<\u20090.001). The differences remained after proper adjustment for confounding factors (gender, age, smoking pack-years, ICS-treated and pulmonary function index).'] Does albuterol inhalation increase FeNO level in steroid-naive asthmatics but not COPD patients with reversibility? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9591587781906128,
-1.4577393531799316,
2.344393491744995
] |
['PON1 plays an important role in inhibiting LDL-C oxidation, which reduces atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Elevated PON1 activity or levels may contribute to increased HDL-C levels, but controversy exists over the hypothesis that genetic variation in the PON1 gene locus modulates HDL-C levels and responses to statin treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between two polymorphisms in the PON1 gene and statin responses in a south Brazilian population.', 'The study population included 433 dyslipidemic patients who were prescribed statins. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured in these patients both before and after approximately 6months of treatment with simvastatin/atorvastatin. Genotypes were assessed by real-time PCR for two PON1 polymorphisms, Q192R (rs662) and L55M (rs854560).', 'Baseline lipid levels were not associated with Q192R or L55M polymorphisms. For the Q192R (rs662) polymorphism, we observed that HDL-C goals were attained less often in patients with RR homozygosity than in Q allele carriers (χ(2) P=0.009, adjusted residual analysis P=0.003). For the L55M (rs854560) polymorphism, LL homozygotes were underrepresented among subjects that achieved the HDL-C goal (χ(2) P=0.026, adjusted residual analysis P=0.008). Analysis by univariate logistic regression confirmed that QQ/QR and MM/ML carriers had an increased chance of attaining HDL-C goals (OR=2.41, CI95%=1.32-4.40, P=0.004 and OR=1.68, CI95%=1.15-2.45, P=0.008). In a multivariate logistic analysis used to assess predictors of attaining an HDL-C goal>1.55mmol/L, we observed that gender (OR=1.71, CI95%=1.04-2.83, P=0.036), baseline HDL-C levels (OR=1.13, CI95%=1.10-1.16, P<0.001) and the QQ/QR+MM/ML genotypes increased the chance of achieving HDL-C goals (OR=2.81, CI95%=1.35-5.85, P=0.006).'] Are pON1 polymorphisms predictors of ability to attain HDL-C goals in statin-treated patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4219330549240112,
-1.6585017442703247,
1.993588924407959
] |
['To evaluate whether β-blockers were associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events or angina after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, in otherwise stable low-risk patients during a mid-term follow-up.', 'We performed a post-hoc analysis of the IMAGINE (Ischemia Management with Accupril post-bypass Graft via Inhibition of angiotensin coNverting Enzyme) trial, which tested the effect of Quinapril in 2553 hemodynamically stable patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >40 %, after scheduled CABG. The association between β-blocker therapy and the incidence of cardiovascular events (death, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, revascularizations, angina requiring hospitalization, stroke or hospitalization for heart failure) or angina that was documented to be due to underlying ischemia was tested with Cox regression and propensity adjusted analyses.', 'In total, 1709 patients (76.5 %) were using a β-blocker. Patients had excellent control of risk factors; with mean systolic blood pressure being 121 ± 14 mmHg, mean LDL cholesterol of 2.8 mmol/l, 59% of patients received statins and 92% of patients received antiplatelet therapy. During a median follow-up of 33 months, β-blocker therapy was not associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.97; 95 % confidence interval 0.74-1.27), documented angina (hazard ratio 0.85; 95 % confidence interval 0.61-1.19) or any of the individual components of the combined endpoint. There were no relevant interactions for demographics, comorbidities or surgical characteristics. Propensity matched and time-dependent analyses revealed similar results.'] Is β-blocker Therapy Associated with Reductions in Angina or Cardiovascular Events After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery : Insights from the IMAGINE Trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.16581392288208,
-1.4193661212921143,
2.6627206802368164
] |
['Although extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived scaffolds have been extensively studied and applied in a number of clinical applications, the use of ECM as a biomaterial for (osteo)chondral regeneration is less extensively explored. This study aimed at evaluating the chondrogenic potential of cells seeded on cartilage-derived matrix (CDM) scaffolds in vitro.', 'Scaffolds were generated from decellularized equine articular cartilage and seeded with either chondrocytes or multipotent stromal cells (MSCs). After 2, 4, and 6 weeks of in vitro culture, CDM constructs were analyzed both histologically (hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin-O, collagen types I and II) and biochemically (glycosaminoglycan [GAG] and DNA content).', 'After 4 weeks, both cell types demonstrated chondrogenic differentiation; however, the MSCs significantly outperformed chondrocytes in producing new GAG-containing cartilaginous matrix.'] Do multipotent Stromal Cells Outperform Chondrocytes on Cartilage-Derived Matrix Scaffolds? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5382890701293945,
-1.1542365550994873,
2.7680296897888184
] |
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