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['Certain bacteria from the genus Streptomyces are currently used as biological control agents against plant pathogenic fungi. Hydrolytic enzymes that degrade fungal cell wall components, such as chitinases, are suggested as one possible mechanism in biocontrol interactions. Adaptive evolution of chitinases are previously reported for plant chitinases involved in defence against fungal pathogens, and in fungal chitinases involved in fungal-fungal interactions. In this study we investigated the molecular evolution of chitinase chiJ in the bacterial genus Streptomyces. In addition, as chiJ orthologs are previously reported in certain fungal species as a result from horizontal gene transfer, we conducted a comparative study of differences in evolutionary patterns between bacterial and fungal taxa.', 'ChiJ contained three sites evolving under strong positive selection and four groups of co-evolving sites. Regions of high amino acid diversity were predicted to be surface-exposed and associated with coil regions that connect certain α-helices and β-strands in the family 18 chitinase TIM barrel structure, but not associated with the catalytic cleft. The comparative study with fungal ChiJ orthologs identified three regions that display signs of type 1 functional divergence, where unique adaptations in the bacterial and fungal taxa are driven by positive selection.'] Do bacterial and fungal chitinase chiJ orthologs evolve under different selective constraints following horizontal gene transfer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.575281858444214,
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1.6395907402038574
] |
['Combination-drug therapy takes advantage of the complementary action of their individual components, thereby potentiating its therapeutic effect. Potential disadvantages include side effects that are not foreseen on basis of the data available from drug monotherapy. Here, we used a systems biology approach to understand both the efficacy and the side effects of a cholesterol-lowering drug-combination therapy on the basis of the biological pathways and molecular processes affected by each drug alone or in combination.', 'ApoE*3Leiden transgenic mice, a mouse model with human-like cholesterol-lowering drug responses, were treated with rosuvastatin and ezetimibe, alone and in combination. Analyses included functional responses, viz. effects on cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation, and atherosclerosis, and measurement of global gene expression, and identification of enriched biological pathways and molecular processes. Combination therapy reduced plasma cholesterol, plasma inflammation markers, and atherosclerosis stronger than the single drugs did. Systems biology analysis at the level of biological processes shows that the therapeutic benefit of combined therapy is largely the result of additivity of the complementary mechanisms of action of the two single drugs. Importantly, combination therapy also exerted a significant effect on 16 additional and mostly NF-κB-linked signaling processes, 11 of which tended to be regulated in a similar direction with monotherapy.'] Does systems biology analysis unravel the complementary action of combined rosuvastatin and ezetimibe therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6413514614105225,
-0.973304271697998,
2.7672929763793945
] |
['Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the role of NLR in patients with thromboembolic stroke due to atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to compare the NLR ratios between non-valvular AF patients with or without thromboembolic stroke.', 'A total of 126 non-valvular AF patients with or without stroke were included in the study; 126 consecutive patients (52 males and 74 females), mean age, 70 ± 10.2 years old. No patient had a recent history of an acute infection or an inflammatory disease. Baseline NLR was measured by dividing neutrophil count to lymphocyte count. WBC count>12.000 cells per μL or <4.000 cells per μL and high body temperature>38 º are excluded from the study.', 'Mean NLR was significantly higher among persons with stroke compared to individuals without a stroke (5.6 ± 3.4 vs. 3.1 ± 2.1, p=0.001). There were no significant differences in RDW levels between the two groups (p>0.05). HAS-BLED and CHADS(2) scores were significantly higher in the stroke group.'] Is neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio associated with thromboembolic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2287620306015015,
-1.5498801469802856,
1.8499159812927246
] |
['Cognitive-behavioral therapy can effectively treat insomnia (CBT-I). Randomized controlled trials have shown efficacy of self-help CBT-I, but unclear is whether excluding depressive patients boosted treatment effects.', 'We administered unsupported self-help CBT-I to insomnia patients with low and high depression levels. Based on the validated Centre of Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale, the internet-recruited sample (N = 479) was divided into three groups: low depression scores (n\xa0= 198), mild depression scores (n\xa0= 182), and high depression scores (n\xa0= 99). Follow-ups were 4 and 18 weeks after completion of the treatment.', 'At 4-week follow-up, all groups had a similar amelioration on the primary sleep measures (d\xa0= 0.1-0.7; P < 0.05) and the secondary insomnia ratings (d\xa0= 1.2; P < 0.001). The only difference was that the high/mild depression groups had a steeper reduction in depression (d\xa0= 1.0-1.1; P < 0.001) and anxiety scores (d\xa0= 0.7-0.8; P < 0.001) than the low depression group (depression and anxiety: d\xa0= 0.3; P < 0.01), possibly due to floor effects in the latter group. The observed effects were sustained at the 18-week follow-up.'] Do baseline depression levels affect efficacy of cognitive-behavioral self-help treatment for insomnia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3834258317947388,
-1.4749836921691895,
1.8883628845214844
] |
['Toll-like receptors (TLR) can initiate various immune responses and are therefore activated under diverse infectious states. Previous studies have focused on TLR3 primarily as an antiviral pathway. However, recent research has demonstrated its efficacy in bacterial infection. Having developed a murine double injury model of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa), we hypothesized that targeted administration of Poly I:C, a TLR3 agonist, would protect mice against secondary pneumonia.', 'B6 mice underwent CLP followed 4 d afterward by an intranasal dose of Pa. Animals were given Poly I:C or vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline) intranasally 24 h post CLP and every day thereafter for a total of 6 d. For acute studies, mice were sacrificed at two time points, 4 d post CLP and 1 d post pneumonia (Pa).', 'Poly I:C treatment led to a significant improvement in survival (69% versus 33%). Cytokine analysis from bronchioalveolar lavage displayed significant differences both immediately before and after pneumonia. Bronchioalveolar lavage cultures taken at 24 h post double injury showed significantly higher colony counts in the lungs of control animals compared with those of Poly I:C animals. Measurements of TLR3 expression showed significant increases within both the immune and lung epithelial cells of Poly I:C-treated\xa0mice. Finally, the lungs of treated animals had significant increases in lymphocytes and innate cells.'] Does tLR3 agonist improve survival to secondary pneumonia in a double injury model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.29587721824646,
-1.402779459953308,
2.659069061279297
] |
['Elderly patients visiting pain clinic may be at greater risk of misunderstanding the explanation because of age-related cognitive decline. Video instruction may provide a consistent from of teaching in a visual and realistic manner. We evaluated the effect of educational video on the patient understanding and satisfaction in a group of geriatric patients visiting pain clinic.', 'Ninety two patients aged more than 60 years old who were scheduled for transforaminal epidural block were recruited. After exposure to either video or paper instruction process, each patient was asked 5-item comprehension questions, overall satisfaction and preference question. During follow-up period, number of outpatient referral-line call for further explanation was counted.', 'We observed significantly better comprehension in the video education compared with paper instruction (P < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was also higher in the video group (P = 0.015), and patients visiting pain clinic were more preferred video instruction (P < 0.001). Proportion of referral-line call for further explanation were similar (P = 0.302).'] Does preconsent video-assisted instruction improve the comprehension and satisfaction in elderly patient visiting pain clinic? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8958550095558167,
-0.18108028173446655,
0.20389384031295776
] |
["Estradiol (E2) is a very potent cytoprotectant against a wide variety of cellular insults in numerous different cell models, including a Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) model. Previously, we demonstrated that estrogen-like compounds are able to prevent cell death in an FRDA model independent of any known estrogen receptor (ER) by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the detrimental downstream effects of ROS buildup including oxidative damage to proteins and lipids and impaired mitochondrial function.", 'We have previously demonstrated by western blot that our cell model lacks ERα and expresses only very low levels of ERβ. Using L-buthionine (S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) to induce oxidative stress in human FRDA fibroblasts, we determine the potency and efficacy of the soy-derived ERβ agonist S-equol and its ERα-preferring enantiomer, R-equol in vitro on cell viability and ROS accumulation. Here we demonstrate that these equol biphenolic compounds, while significantly less potent and efficacious than E2, provide statistically similar attenuation of ROS and cytoprotection against a BSO-induced oxidative insult.'] Do r- and S-equol have equivalent cytoprotective effects in Friedreich 's ataxia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.50038743019104,
-1.189129114151001,
2.684687614440918
] |
['In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic steatosis is intricately linked with a number of metabolic alterations. We studied substrate utilisation in NAFLD during basal, insulin-stimulated and exercise conditions, and correlated these outcomes with disease severity.', '20 patients with NAFLD (mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) 34.1 ± 6.7 kg/m(2)) and 15 healthy controls (BMI 23.4 ± 2.7 kg/m(2)) were assessed. Respiratory quotient (RQ), whole-body fat (Fat ox) and carbohydrate (CHO ox) oxidation rates were determined by indirect calorimetry in three conditions: basal (resting and fasted), insulin-stimulated (hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp) and exercise (cycling at an intensity to elicit maximal Fat ox). Severity of disease and steatosis were determined by liver histology, hepatic Fat ox from plasma β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, aerobic fitness expressed as VO2 peak, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by computed tomography.', 'Within the overweight/obese NAFLD cohort, basal RQ correlated positively with steatosis (r=0.57, p=0.01) and was higher (indicating smaller contribution of Fat ox to energy expenditure) in patients with NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥ 5 vs <5 (p=0.008). Both results were independent of VAT, % body fat and BMI. Compared with the lean control group, patients with NAFLD had lower basal whole-body Fat ox (1.2 ± 0.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.4 mg/kg FFM/min, p=0.024) and lower basal hepatic Fat ox (ie, β-hydroxybutyrate, p=0.004). During exercise, they achieved lower maximal Fat ox (2.5 ± 1.4 vs. 5.8 ± 3.7 mg/kg FFM/min, p=0.002) and lower VO2 peak (p<0.001) than controls. Fat ox during exercise was not associated with disease severity (p=0.79).'] Is whole-body substrate metabolism associated with disease severity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8277174234390259,
-1.5679121017456055,
2.388040542602539
] |
["Little is known whether and how chronic exposure to dopaminergic treatment alters physiological mechanisms in Parkinson's disease (PD).", 'Two clinically similar groups of PD patients, one consisting of drug-naïve patients and another of patients already on chronic dopaminergic medication (when off medication), were compared to each other and to a control group. Plasticity and excitability of the hand primary motor cortex of the more affected side were evaluated using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) techniques.', 'There was little difference between two patient groups, and both groups showed similar differences in comparison to controls: decreased facilitatory sensory-motor plasticity (as measured by paired associative stimulation [PAS] protocol), impaired short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI), and diminished slope of input-output curves at higher TMS intensities. The exception was that 30 min after PAS, intracortical facilitation (ICF) was significantly reduced in drug-naïve patients, whereas it changed much less in other two groups.'] Does history of exposure to dopaminergic medication affect motor cortex plasticity and excitability in Parkinson 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.480961561203003,
-0.8949195742607117,
2.4081358909606934
] |
['Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory condition associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This is not fully explained by traditional risk factors, but direct vascular inflammation and aortic stiffening may play a role. We hypothesized that patients with RA exhibit aortic inflammation, which can be reversed with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy and correlates with aortic stiffness reduction.', 'Aortic inflammation was quantified in 17 patients with RA, before and after 8 weeks of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy by using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography coregistration. Concomitantly, 34 patients with stable cardiovascular disease were imaged as positive controls at baseline. Aortic fluorodeoxyglucose target-to-background ratios (TBRs) and aortic pulse wave velocity were assessed. RA patients had higher baseline aortic TBRs in comparison with patients who have cardiovascular disease (2.02±0.22 versus 1.74±0.22, P=0.0001). Following therapy, aortic TBR fell to 1.90±0.29, P=0.03, and the proportion of inflamed aortic slices (defined as TBR >2.0) decreased from 50±33% to 33±27%, P=0.03. Also, TBR in the most diseased segment of the aorta fell from 2.51±0.33 to 2.05±0.29, P<0.0001. Treatment also reduced aortic pulse wave velocity significantly (from 9.09±1.77 to 8.63±1.42 m/s, P=0.04), which correlated with the reduction of aortic TBR (R=0.60, P=0.01).'] Does anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy reduce aortic inflammation and stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4495424032211304,
-1.7251217365264893,
2.0941162109375
] |
['In the context of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, oral anticoagulant therapy has been traditionally replaced by bridging with heparin during the periprocedural period. We wanted to study the feasibility and safety of continuous warfarin therapy compared to traditional bridging therapy.', 'The complication rates were compared retrospectively in a consecutive patient series. In the bridging group, warfarin was discontinued three days and low molecular weight heparin started one day prior to the procedure. Warfarin was reinitiated one day after and low molecular weight heparin was continued until the therapeutic INR target was reached. Patients on continuous therapy received warfarin throughout the periprocedural period. All patients received unfractionated heparin during the procedure.', 'Three thromboembolic cerebrovascular events (1.9%) occurred in the bridging group (n = 157) and seven (0.82%) in the warfarin group (n = 850) (p = 0.142). The number of cardiac tamponades was one (0.64%) and four (0.47%), respectively (p = 0.786). Total number of severe bleeding and thromboembolic complications was more common in the bridging group: 9 (5.7%) versus 22 (2.6%); p = 0.036. In multivariate analysis, female gender, advanced age, and bridging therapy predicted complications.'] Is continuous warfarin therapy safe and feasible in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1605801582336426,
-1.39424729347229,
2.622407913208008
] |
['Diabetes is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). The proposed mechanisms responsible for diabetic ED are associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, overactivity of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, as seen in experimental models of diabetic rats.', 'The aim of this study was to investigate whether NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin can ameliorate Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes-related ED by reducing the ROS production and inhibiting the activity of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.', 'The diabetic rats were treated with and without the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin.', 'Erectile responses were evaluated by determining mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP) with electrical stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Levels of mRNA expression were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Levels of protein expression were examined by Western Blot. ROS production was measured by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay.', 'The ratio of Maximum ICP-to-MAP (MaxICP/MAP) was significantly decreased in diabetic ED rats, compared to that of age-matched control rats (P < 0.05). Apocynin improved erectile function of diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Expression levels of RhoA (cytosol), nNOS and eNOS were reduced, compared to those of control rats (P < 0.05). Apocynin significantly elevated their expression levels in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). Expression levels of ROCK1, RhoA (membrane fraction), p-MYPT1 and NADPH oxidase subunits p47(phox) and p67(phox) were increased in diabetic rats when compared to those of control rats (P < 0.05), and it was observed that apocynin significantly reduced their expression levels in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). ROS production was increased in diabetic rats when compared to that of control rats (P < 0.05), the effect of apocynin was a reduction in the ROS production in diabetic rats (P < 0.05).'] Does apocynin improve erectile function in diabetic rats through regulation of NADPH oxidase expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.133071184158325,
-1.421590805053711,
2.515007257461548
] |
['To evaluate, with different pacing modes, acute changes in left ventricular systolic function, obtained by continuous cardiac output thermodilution in various subsets of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Increments of mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were considered the end point.', 'Fifty cases electively submitted to cardiac surgery were analyzed. Isolated valve surgery 62%, coronary revascularization 30% and 8% mixed disease. Left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in 50%,36% had moderate depression,(EF 36%-50%) whereas 14% had severe depression (EF\u2009<\u200935%). Left bundle branch block occurred in 18%. Preoperatively 84% were in sinus rhythm and 16% in atrial fibrillation. The different subgroups were analyzed for comparisons. Right atrial-right ventricular and right atrial-left ventricular pacing were employed in sinus rhytm. Biventricular pacing was also used in atrial fibrillation.', 'Right atrium-right ventricular pacing, decreased significantly mean arterial pressure and cardiac output (2.3%) in the overall population and in the subgroups studied. Right atrium-left ventricle, increased mean arterial pressure and cardiac output in 79% of patients and yielded cardiac output increments of 7.5% (0.40\u2009l/m) in the low ejection fraction subgroup and 7.3% (0.43\u2009l/m) in the left bundle branch block subset. In atrial fibrillation patients, left ventricular and biventricular pacing produced a significant increase in cardiac output 8.5% (0.39\u2009l/min) and 11.6% (0.53\u2009l/min) respectively. The dP/dt max increased significantly with both modes (p\u2009=\u20090.021,p\u2009=\u20090.028).'] Does temporary epicardial left ventricular and biventricular pacing improve cardiac output after cardiopulmonary bypass? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8125256299972534,
-1.49933660030365,
2.391383171081543
] |
['Gas microembolism remains a serious risk associated with surgical procedures and decompression. Despite this, the signaling consequences of air bubbles in the vasculature are poorly understood and there is a lack of pharmacological therapies available. Here, we investigate the mitochondrial consequences of air bubble contact with endothelial cells.', 'Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were loaded with an intracellular calcium indicator (Fluo-4) and either a mitochondrial calcium indicator (X-Rhod-1) or mitochondrial membrane potential indicator (TMRM). Contact with 50-150 µm air bubbles induced concurrent rises in intracellular and mitochondrial calcium, followed by a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Pre-treating cells with 1 µmol/L ruthenium red, a TRPV family calcium channel blocker, did not protect cells from the mitochondrial depolarization, despite blocking the intracellular calcium response. Mitigating the interactions between the air-liquid interface and the endothelial surface layer with 5% BSA or 0.1% Pluronic F-127 prevented the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Finally, inhibiting protein kinase C-α (PKCα), with 5 µmol/L Gö6976, protected cells from mitochondrial depolarization, but did not affect the intracellular calcium response.'] Does air bubble contact with endothelial cells cause a calcium-independent loss in mitochondrial membrane potential? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5844509601593018,
-1.2037835121154785,
2.8724682331085205
] |
['Genome-wide association studies have identified that multiple single nucleiotide polymorphisms on chromosome 9p21 are tightly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the mechanism linking this risk locus to CAD remains unclear.', 'The methylation status of six candidate genes (BAX, BCL-2, TIMP3, p14(ARF), p15(INK4b) and p16(INK4a)) in 205 patients and controls who underwent coronary angiography were analyzed by quantitative MethyLight assay. Rs10757274 was genotyped and expression of INK4/ARF and antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Compared with controls, DNA methylation levels at p15(INK4b) significantly increased in CAD patients (p = 0.006). To validate and dissect the methylation percentage of each target CpG site at p15(INK4b), pyrosequencing was performed, finding CpG +314 and +332 remarkably hypermethylated in CAD patients. Further investigation determined that p15(INK4b) hypermethylation prevalently emerged in lymphocytes of CAD patients (p = 0.013). The rs10757274 genotype was significantly associated with CAD (p = 0.003) and GG genotype carriers had a higher level of ANRIL exon 1-5 expression compared among three genotypes (p = 0.009). There was a stepwise increase in p15(INK4b) and p16(INK4a) methylation as ANRIL exon 1-5 expression elevated (r = 0.23, p = 0.001 and r = 0.24, p = 0.001, respectively), although neither of two loci methylation was directly linked to rs10757274 genotype.'] Are methylation of p15INK4b and expression of ANRIL on chromosome 9p21 associated with coronary artery disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.789554238319397,
-1.5836989879608154,
2.3833096027374268
] |
['The study aimed to assess the role of CD151-integrin α3β1 (INGA3) complex as a potential prognostic indicator in OSCC and to examine whether mapping of its expression in the invasive front separately from that in the rest of the tumour would have an impact on the predictive value of the results. CD151/INGA3 profiles were compared with that of EGFR.', 'Protein distributions were analysed either in the whole tumour (W) or separately, (i) the main tumour mass (TU) and (ii) the invasive front (IF) in 83 OSCC samples using immunohistochemistry.'] Is loss of CD151/Tspan24 from the complex with integrin α3β1 in invasive front of the tumour a negative predictor of disease-free survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3036582469940186,
-1.3352940082550049,
2.7846553325653076
] |
['Arterial Hypertension (AH) is an aggravating condition for Metabolic Syndrome (MS), as well as being aggravated by it. Menopause can make hypertension treatment more difficult, as it favors the worsening of MS components. Although there is evidence that exercise training reduces blood pressure, whether menopause and SM affect the exercise-induced benefits is yet to be elucidated.', 'To compare the effects of aerobic training on blood pressure in non-menopausal and menopausal women with MS METHODS: A total of 44 women were recruited and divided into four groups: non-menopausal control (NMC: 39.5 ± 3.6 years, n = 11); menopausal control (MC: 54.9 ± 5.9 years, n = 12), non-menopausal aerobics (NMA: 43.1 ± 6.8 years, n = 11) and menopausal aerobics (MA: 52.1 ± 5 years, n = 10). The exercise groups performed aerobic training for three months, five times a week, at an intensity between 60% and 70% of heart rate reserve. The resting blood pressure and blood pressure response after 60 minutes of exercise were measured before and after the training period. The two-way ANOVA test was used, considering a p value < 0.05.', 'The training program resulted in a decrease in abdominal fat, blood glucose and improved VO2 max. Compared to pre-intervention values, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) did not change after training in NMC, MC, MA and NMA groups (p > 0.05).'] Does aerobic training alter blood pressure in menopausal women with metabolic syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7796343564987183,
-1.2710142135620117,
2.062561511993408
] |
['Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] consists of apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB-100) as part of an LDL-like particle and the covalently linked glycoprotein apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. Detailed mechanisms of its biosynthesis, assembly, secretion and catabolism are still poorly understood. To address the Lp(a) assembly mechanism, we studied the in vivo kinetics of apo(a) and apoB-100 from Lp(a) and LDL apoB-100 in nine healthy probands using stable-isotope methodology.', 'The level of isotope enrichment was used to calculate the fractional synthesis rate (FSR), production rate (PR) and retention time (RT) using SAAMII software and multicompartmental modeling.', 'We observed a similar mean PR for apo(a) (1.15 nmol/kg/d) and apoB-100 (1.31 nmol/kg/d) from Lp(a), which differed significantly from the PR for apoB-100 from LDL (32.6 nmol/kg/d). Accordingly, mean FSR and RT values for Lp(a)-apo(a) were similar to those of Lp(a)-apoB and different from those for LDL-apoB.'] Does in vivo stable-isotope kinetic study suggest intracellular assembly of lipoprotein ( a )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7342222929000854,
-1.405858039855957,
2.181868314743042
] |
['p73 and p63 are two structural and functional homologs of p53, and their biological functions in cancer progression have attracted attention due to the presence of variants generated by genetic polymorphisms. Recently, three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the p63 and p73 genes have been associated with female reproduction. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between these SNPs and ovarian cancer susceptibility and clinical pathology.', 'We genotyped the p63 (rs873330 [Genbank, refSNP ID] T\u2009>\u2009C [T: original base, C: mutant base]) and p73 (rs4648551 G\u2009>\u2009A and rs6695978 G\u2009>\u2009A) SNPs in ovarian cancers and healthy controls and analyzed the distributions of genotype frequencies to evaluate the association of the genotypes with the risk of ovarian cancer and the clinicopathological characteristics. Logistic regression models were applied in statistical analyses.', 'Our research revealed that p73 rs6695978 G\u2009>\u2009A was significantly associated with ovarian cancer patients. Women with the A allele were at increased risk of ovarian cancer compared to carriers of the G allele (OR\u2009=\u20091.55; 95% CI:1.07-2.19; P\u2009=\u20090.003). Meanwhile, the at-risk A allele was positively related with the occurrence of mucinous ovarian cancer (OR\u2009=\u20093.48; 95% CI:1.15-6.83; P\u2009=\u20090.001), low degree of differentiation (OR\u2009=\u20091.87; 95% CI:1.03-3.47; P\u2009=\u20090.003), lymph node metastasis (OR\u2009=\u20091.69; 95% CI: 1.14-2.75; P\u2009=\u20090.010) and estrogen receptor positive (OR\u2009=\u20092.72; 95% CI: 1.38-4.81; P\u2009=\u20090.002). However, we were unable to find any associations of the polymorphisms in another two SNPs (rs4648551 G\u2009>\u2009A, rs873330 T\u2009>\u2009C) with ovarian cancer risk and clinicopathological parameters.'] Are polymorphisms in the p63 and p73 genes associated with ovarian cancer risk and clinicopathological variables? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4869548082351685,
-1.5796918869018555,
2.0201361179351807
] |
['Extended warm ischemia time during partial nephrectomy leads to considerable renal injury. Using a rat model of renal ischemia, we examined the ability of a unique renoprotective cocktail to ameliorate warm ischemia-reperfusion injury and extend warm ischemia time.', 'A warm renal ischemia model was developed using Sprague-Dawley rats, clamping the left renal artery for 40, 50, 60, and 70 minutes, followed by 48 hours of reperfusion. An improved renoprotective cocktail referred to as I-GPM (a mixture of specific renoprotective growth factors, porphyrins, and mitochondria-protecting amino acids) was administered -24 hours, 0 hours, and +24 hours after surgery. At 48 hours, both kidneys were harvested and examined with hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff stains for the analysis of renal tubular necrosis. Creatinine, protein, and gene expression levels were also analyzed to evaluate several ischemia-specific and antioxidant response markers.', 'I-GPM treated kidneys showed significant reversal of morphologic changes and a significant reduction in specific ischemic markers lipocalin-2, galectin-3, GRP-78, and HMGB1 compared with ischemic controls. These experiments also showed an upregulation of the stress response protein, heat shock protein (HSP)-70, as well as the phosphorylated active form of the transcription factor, heat shock factor (HSF)-1. In addition, quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed a robust upregulation of several antioxidant pathway response genes in I-GPM treated animals.'] Does the administration of renoprotective agents extend warm ischemia in a rat model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4843251705169678,
-1.348233699798584,
2.869276523590088
] |
['We investigated the role of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in the spatiotemporal control of intracellular cAMP concentrations in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs).', 'The rank order of PDE families contributing to global cAMP-PDE activity was PDE4> PDE3 \u200a=\u200a PDE1. PDE7 mRNA expression but not activity was confirmed. The Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based cAMP sensor, Epac1-camps, was used to monitor the time course of cytosolic cAMP changes. A pulse application of the β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) agonist isoproterenol (Iso) induced a transient FRET signal. Both β(1)- and β(2)-AR antagonists decreased the signal amplitude without affecting its kinetics. The non-selective PDE inhibitor (IBMX) dramatically increased the amplitude and delayed the recovery phase of Iso response, in agreement with a role of PDEs in degrading cAMP produced by Iso. Whereas PDE1, PDE3 and PDE7 blockades [with MIMX, cilostamide (Cil) and BRL 50481 (BRL), respectively] had no or minor effect on Iso response, PDE4 inhibition [with Ro-20-1724 (Ro)] strongly increased its amplitude and delayed its recovery. When Ro was applied concomitantly with MIMX or Cil (but not with BRL), the Iso response was drastically further prolonged. PDE4 inhibition similarly prolonged both β(1)- and β(2)-AR-mediated responses. When a membrane-targeted FRET sensor was used, PDE3 and PDE4 acted in a synergistic manner to hydrolyze the submembrane cAMP produced either at baseline or after β-AR stimulation.'] Are β-Adrenergic cAMP signals predominantly regulated by phosphodiesterase type 4 in cultured adult rat aortic smooth muscle cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.318979263305664,
-1.3793306350708008,
2.7196407318115234
] |
['Several cases of pine nut allergies and anaphylaxis have been reported in the literature, but only few pine nut allergens have been characterized. The aim of this research is to identify through immunoelectrophoretic techniques the major pine nut allergens in a group of children monosensitized to pine nuts.', 'We studied five children with pine nut allergies and no other sensitization to food except to pine nuts, confirmed by in vivo (prick test, prick-to-prick) and in vitro tests (specific IgE determinations [CAP-FEIA]). The protein profile of pine nuts was analyzed by Sodium Dodecyl sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Immunoblotting was performed after incubation of membranes with the sera from the children included in the present study.', 'Immunoblotting (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated five similar bands between 6 and 47 kDa in all the subjects studied.'] Do children monosensitized to pine nuts have similar patterns of sensitization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3705666065216064,
-1.0096187591552734,
2.4737956523895264
] |
['The Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification is a simple tool to categorize clinical stroke syndromes. We compared the outcomes of stroke patients after intravenous thrombolysis stratified by the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or by the OCSP classification.', 'We assessed the safety of thrombolysis in consecutive stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis within 3h after onset. The patients were grouped by the NIHSS score into mild to moderate stroke (≤ 20) and severe stroke (>20), and also by the OCSP classification as having total anterior circulation infarcts (TACI), partial anterior circulation infarcts (PACI), posterior circulation infarcts (POCI), or lacunar infarcts (LACI). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) was used as the primary outcome.', 'Of the 145 patients included in the study, 45 had a baseline NIHSS score>20. Their stroke syndromes were as follows: 78 with TACI, 29 with PACI, 16 with POCI, and 22 with LACI. The proportion of SICH was comparable between patients with high or low NIHSS score (11.1% vs. 9.0%, P=0.690). The chance of SICH was highest in patients with TACI (15.4%), followed by LACI (4.5%), PACI (3.4%), and POCI (0%). After adjustment for age, baseline glucose, and use of antiplatelet agents before admission, SICH was significantly increased in patients with TACI relative to those with non-TACI (odds ratio 5.92; 95% confidence interval 1.24-28.33, P=0.026).'] Does oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification but not NIHSS predict symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage following thrombolysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5202168226242065,
-1.4956374168395996,
2.0436487197875977
] |
['Slow-growing lines are widely used in France for the production of high quality free-range chickens. While such production is mainly dedicated to the whole carcass market, new prospects are opening up for the development of cuts and processed products. Whether the body composition and meat quality of slow-growing birds can be improved by selection has thus become an important issue. The genetic parameters of growth, body composition and breast meat quality traits were evaluated in relation to behaviour at slaughter in a large pedigree population including 1022 male and female slow-growing birds.', 'The heritability coefficients (h²) of body weight and body composition traits varied from 0.3 to 0.5. Abdominal fat percentage was genetically positively correlated with body weight but negatively correlated with breast muscle yield. The characteristics of the breast meat (i.e., post-mortem fall in pH, colour, drip loss, shear-force and lipid content) were all heritable, with h² estimates ranging from 0.18 to 0.48. The rate and extent of the fall in pH were under different genetic control. Strong negative genetic correlations were found between the ultimate pH and the lightness, yellowness and drip loss of the meat. Wing flapping on the shackle line was significantly heritable and exhibited marked genetic correlations with the pH at 15 min post-slaughter and the redness of the meat. The genetic relationships between meat quality traits, body weight and body composition appeared slightly different between males and females.'] Does analysis of a slow-growing line reveal wide genetic variability of carcass and meat quality-related traits? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1543819904327393,
0.3138647973537445,
0.9792649149894714
] |
["Electronic health information is a new concept in the Lithuanian healthcare system. It gives the possibility of obtaining accurate medical information online by quick, convenient, and private access and presents to the patients the opportunity for better-informed decisions on their own health and greater participation in healthcare processes. The aim of this study is to assess the availability of health information for patients and to assess the factors affecting a patient's health-related information needs on the Internet.", 'A cross-sectional study design was used. Self-perceived needs for health-related information and health-related information on the Internet were evaluated by means of a questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to the patients during on-site visits to primary care physician. Cumulative numbers of health information searches were calculated.', 'The Internet was used by 63.2% of the respondents. Electronic health information search indicated 47.3% were Internet users. Internet users were statistically significantly more satisfied and informed about available electronic health services: registration for physician services (p<0.001), health information portal (p<0.001), electronic health record (p<0.001), clinical investigations (p=0.001), medical consultations (p=0.009), patient health education services (p=0.019), and patient self-help groups. A higher frequency of health information searches on the Internet was more associated with female patients (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; p=0.012), patients having chronic disease (p=0.013), living in couples (OR, 14.8; p=0.031), having e-health service experience (OR, 7.0; p<0.001), daily Internet user (OR, 6.7; p=0.054), and longer duration of Internet use per day (OR, 1.3; p=0.046).'] Does factors affecting electronic health information need in primary care patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7672665119171143,
-0.7438614964485168,
0.5799892544746399
] |
['Mice with single gene deficiency of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) have an enhanced fibrinolytic capacity.', 'To unravel the function and relevance of both antifibrinolytic proteins through the generation and characterization of mice with combined TAFI and PAI-1 gene deficiency.', 'Mating of TAFI knockout (KO) mice with PAI-1 KO mice resulted in the production of TAFI/PAI-1 double-KO mice that were viable, were fertile, and developed normally. In a tail vein bleeding model, the bleeding time and hemoglobin content of the TAFI/PAI-1 double-KO mice did not deviate significantly from those of the single-KO mice or of the wild-type (WT) counterparts. Interestingly, in ex vivo rotational thromboelastometry measurements with whole blood samples, TAFI KO mice and TAFI/PAI-1 double-KO mice were more sensitive to fibrinolytic activation with tissue-type plasminogen activator than WT or PAI-1 KO mice. This enhanced fibrinolytic capacity was confirmed in vivo in a mouse thromboembolism model, as shown by decreased fibrin deposition in the lungs of TAFI KO mice and TAFI/PAI-1 double-KO mice as compared with WT or PAI-1 KO mice.'] Is the hyperfibrinolytic state of mice with combined thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor ( TAFI ) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene deficiency critically dependent on TAFI deficiency? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.360095262527466,
-1.3562607765197754,
2.7264599800109863
] |
['Three quarter of endometrial carcinomas are treated at early stage. Still, 15 to 20% of these patients experience recurrence, with little effect from systemic therapies. Homo sapiens v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogenes homologue (KRAS) mutations have been reported to have an important role in tumorigenesis for human cancers, but there is limited knowledge regarding clinical relevance of KRAS status in endometrial carcinomas.', 'We have performed a comprehensive and integrated characterisation of genome-wide expression related to KRAS mutations and copy-number alterations in primary- and metastatic endometrial carcinoma lesions in relation to clinical and histopathological data. A primary investigation set and clinical validation set was applied, consisting of 414 primary tumours and 61 metastatic lesions totally.', 'Amplification and gain of KRAS present in 3% of the primary lesions and 18% of metastatic lesions correlated significantly with poor outcome, high International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics stage, non-endometrioid subtype, high grade, aneuploidy, receptor loss and high KRAS mRNA levels, also found to be associated with aggressive phenotype. In contrast, KRAS mutations were present in 14.7% of primary lesions with no increase in metastatic lesions, and did not influence outcome, but was significantly associated with endometrioid subtype, low grade and obesity.'] Does kRAS gene amplification and overexpression but not mutation associate with aggressive and metastatic endometrial cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.422353506088257,
-1.2642600536346436,
2.7992048263549805
] |
['The prognostic value of serum calcitonin (CT) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) doubling time has been recently demonstrated in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) patients. No study has yet validated the surrogate role of these markers for survival during treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in patients with advanced MTC treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, the relationship between early changes of serum CT or CEA levels and progression-free survival (PFS).', 'The files of 28 consecutive metastatic MTC patients with progressive disease, treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy in a single tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2010, were retrospectively reviewed. Serum CT and CEA measurements and radiological Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) evaluations were collected every 3 months. The relationship between changes in serum CT and CEA levels at 3 months, defined by an increase or a decrease of at least 20%, and PFS according to RECIST 1.0, was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test.', 'The median follow-up for the 28 patients was 68 months. According to RECIST, a partial response, a stabilization or a progression was observed in 14, 43, and 43% of cases respectively. Median PFS from the initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy was 4.5 months. Median PFS among patients with and without significant CT increase at 3 months was 4.6 and 3.3 months respectively (P=0.75). Median PFS among patients with a significant CEA increase at 3 months was 2.7 months, whereas it was 19.1 months in patients in whom CEA did not increase (P=0.02).'] Are early changes in carcinoembryonic antigen but not in calcitonin levels correlated with the progression-free survival in medullary thyroid carcinoma patients treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4753590822219849,
-1.6896848678588867,
2.1361660957336426
] |
['Quiescent CD4+ T lymphocytes are highly refractory to HIV-1 infection due to a block at reverse transcription.', 'Examination of SAMHD1 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes shows that SAMHD1 is expressed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at levels comparable to those found in myeloid cells. Treatment of CD4+ T cells with Virus-Like Particles (VLP) containing Vpx results in the loss of SAMHD1 expression that correlates with an increased permissiveness to HIV-1 infection and accumulation of reverse transcribed viral DNA without promoting transcription from the viral LTR. Importantly, CD4+ T-cells from patients with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome harboring mutation in the SAMHD1 gene display an increased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection that is not further enhanced by VLP-Vpx-treatment.'] Does sAMHD1 restrict HIV-1 reverse transcription in quiescent CD4 ( + ) T-cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3885104656219482,
-1.1588966846466064,
2.6153554916381836
] |
['To evaluate the association of IL28B polymorphisms and severity of liver disease among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients.', 'We carried out a cross-sectional study on 223 patients. Liver biopsies were evaluated according to Metavir score. IL28B polymorphisms (rs12980275, rs8099917, rs7248668, and rs11881222) were genotyped using GoldenGate(®) assay.', 'IL28B polymorphisms were in strong linkage disequilibrium, especially the couples rs12980275/rs11881222 and rs8099917/rs7248668. For all patients, the rs12980275 A allele increased the odds for significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) odds ratio (OR) = 1.68; p = 0.018) and more rapid fibrosis progression (FPR ≥ 0.075 fibrosis units/year) (OR = 1.64; p = 0.035), and decreased the odds for liver steatosis (OR = 0.61; p = 0.046). Furthermore, the rs8099917 T allele increased the odds for F ≥ 2 (OR = 1.93; p = 0.020), FPR ≥ 0.075 (OR = 2.08; p = 0.021), and elevated ALT (≥80 IU/l) (OR = 1.78; p = 0.048). For HCV-genotype 1 patients, rs12980275 A and rs8099917 T alleles decreased the odds for liver steatosis (OR = 0.22; p < 0.001 and OR = 0.39; p = 0.048; respectively). For HCV-genotype 3 patients, the rs12980275 A allele increased the odds for F ≥ 2 ((OR = 6.30; p = 0.012), FPR ≥ 0.075 (OR = 6.40; p = 0.025), and elevated ALT (OR = 4.12; p = 0.037); and the rs8099917 T allele also increased the odds for F ≥ 2 (OR = 7.56; p = 0.027), FPR ≥ 0.075 (OR = 50.8; p = 0.012), and elevated ALT (OR = 5.39; p = 0.043). However, we did not find significant trends in patients infected with HCV-genotype 4.'] Are iL28B polymorphisms associated with severity of liver disease in human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV ) patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.11862816661596298,
-1.9939707517623901,
1.1409945487976074
] |
['Penetrating cortical neural probe technologies allow investigators to record electrical signals in the brain. Implantation of probes results in acute tissue damage, and microglia density increases around implanted devices over weeks. However, the mechanisms underlying this encapsulation are not well understood in the acute temporal domain. The objective here was to evaluate dynamic microglial response to implanted probes using two-photon microscopy.', 'Using two-photon in vivo microscopy, cortical microglia ∼200 µm below the surface of the visual cortex were imaged every minute in mice with green fluorescent protein-expressing microglia.', 'Following probe insertion, nearby microglia immediately extended processes toward the probe at (1.6 ± 1.3) µm min(-1) during the first 30-45 min, but showed negligible cell body movement for the first 6 h. Six hours following probe insertion, microglia at distances <130.0 µm (p = 0.5) from the probe surface exhibit morphological characteristics of transitional stage (T-stage) activation, similar to the microglial response observed with laser-induced blood-brain barrier damage. T-stage morphology and microglia directionality indexes were developed to characterize microglial response to implanted probes. Evidence suggesting vascular reorganization after probe insertion and distant vessel damage was also observed hours after probe insertion.'] Does in vivo two-photon microscopy reveal immediate microglial reaction to implantation of microelectrode through extension of processes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3856382369995117,
-1.2167959213256836,
2.7237467765808105
] |
['Histamine exerts diverse effects on immune regulation through four types of histamine receptors (HRs). Among them, type 1 receptor (H1R) plays an important role in allergic inflammation. Dendritic cells (DCs), which express at least three types of HRs, are professional antigen-presenting cells controlling the development of allergic inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in H1R-mediated NF-ĸB signaling of DCs remain poorly defined.', 'Bone-marrow (BM)-derived DCs (BM-DCs) were treated with H1R inverse agonists to interrupt basal H1R-mediated signaling. The crosstalk of H1R-mediated signaling and the NF-ĸB pathway was examined by NF-ĸB cellular activity using a luciferase reporter assay, NF-ĸB subunit analysis using Western blotting and TNF-α promoter activity using chromatin immunoprecipitation.', 'Blockage of H1R signaling by inverse agonists significantly inhibited TNF-α and IL-6 production of BM-DCs. H1R-specific agonists were able to enhance TNF-α production, but this overexpression was significantly inhibited by NF-ĸB inhibitor. The H1R inverse agonist ketotifen also suppressed cellular NF-ĸB activity, suggesting crosstalk between H1R and NF-ĸB signaling in DCs. After comprehensive analysis of NF-ĸB subunits, c-Rel protein expression was significantly down-regulated in ketotifen-treated BM-DCs, which led to inhibition of the promoter activity of TNF-α. Finally, adoptive transfer of the ketotifen-treated BM-DCs did not induce significant allergic airway inflammation compared to that of control cells in vivo.'] Does inhibition of histamine H1 receptor activity modulate proinflammatory cytokine production of dendritic cells through c-Rel activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4287235736846924,
-1.3098959922790527,
2.7579023838043213
] |
['Coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk of venous thrombosis, but the role of confounding and the pathophysiology behind these findings are unclear.', 'To assess the role of hemostatic factors in the relationship between coffee consumption and venous thrombosis.', 'From a large case-control study, 1803 patients with a first venous thrombosis and 1803 partner controls were included. With conditional logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for venous thrombosis were calculated for coffee consumption vs. no coffee consumption. In addition, mean differences in hemostatic factor levels between these groups were calculated in the controls.', 'Coffee consumption yielded a 30% lower risk of venous thrombosis than no coffee consumption (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-0.9). Adjustment for several putative confounders (age, sex, body mass index, smoking, hormonal factors, statin, aspirin, alcohol, malignancy, and chronic disease) yielded an OR of 0.8 (95% CI 0.6-1.1). Results were similar for provoked and unprovoked events, and for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In controls, von Willebrand factor levels were 11 (3-19) IU dL(-1) lower and factor (F) VIII levels were 11 (1-21) IU dL(-1) lower in coffee consumers than in non-consumers. After adjustment of the risk estimates for these hemostatic factors, the inverse association between coffee consumption and venous thrombosis diminished (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.7-1.4). There was no association between coffee consumption and anticoagulant proteins, fibrinogen levels, or fibrinolytic markers.'] Is coffee consumption associated with a reduced risk of venous thrombosis that is mediated through hemostatic factor levels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.025860071182251,
-1.438558578491211,
2.5155181884765625
] |
['Altered expression of carbonic anhydrase (CA)I and II associated with human carcinogenesis. But there was no definite study investigating their expression for clinical significance in pancreatic cancer and effect of the CA inhibitor acetazolamide (AZ) on regulation biological behavior of pancreatic cancer cells.', 'Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunoblot, and qRT-PCR were used to detect CAI, II, and p53 expression. Tumor cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion assays were used to investigate the effect of AZ on pancreatic cancer cells.', 'Expression of CAI and p53 was increased in pancreatic cancer than that in paired non-cancerous tissues (P\u2009=\u20090.021; P\u2009=\u20090.007), whereas CAII was down-regulated in pancreatic cancer (P\u2009=\u20090.001). CAI overexpression was associated with tumor differentiation and negatively with vascular invasion (P\u2009=\u20090.015 and P\u2009=\u20090.018, respectively), while overexpression of CAII was associated with tumor differentiation (P\u2009=\u20090.017) and a better prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients (P\u2009=\u20090.017), and was an independent prognostic indicator (P\u2009=\u20090.011). p53 overexpression was related with lymph node metastasis (P\u2009=\u20090.032) and TNM stage (P\u2009=\u20090.016). Treatment with AZ inhibited tumor cell validity, invasion, and induced apoptosis in some of six pancreatic cancer cells.'] Is down regulation of CAII associated with tumor differentiation and poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2488763332366943,
-1.433260440826416,
2.712574005126953
] |
['The presence of an inflammatory response resulting from bowel perforation or anastomotic leakage has been suggested to enhance recurrence rates in colorectal cancer patients. Currently, it is unknown if bowel perforation or anastomotic leakage has prognostic significance in early stage colon cancer patients. In this study, the impact of peri-operative bowel perforation including anastomotic leakage on disease-free survival of stage I/II colon cancer patients was investigated.', 'Prospective follow up data of 448 patients with stages I/II colon cancer that underwent resection were included. Patients who died within 3 months after initial surgery were excluded.', 'Median follow up was 56.0 months. Patients with peri-operative bowel perforation (n\u2009=\u200925) had a higher recurrence rate compared to patients without perforation (n\u2009=\u2009423), 36.0 % vs. 16.1 % (p\u2009=\u20090.01). Disease-free survival was significantly worse for the perforation group compared to patients without perforation (p\u2009=\u20090.004). Multivariate analysis including T-stage, histological grade, and adjuvant chemotherapy showed peri-operative bowel perforation to be an independent factor significantly associated with disease recurrence (odds ratio, 2.7; 95 % CI, 1.1-6.7).'] Is peri-operative bowel perforation in early stage colon cancer associated with an adverse oncological outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.703548550605774,
-1.5770920515060425,
2.332233428955078
] |
['Consumption of green tea has been associated with health benefits against multiple diseases including cardiovascular diseases. However, the action mechanisms of green tea and its major ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against cardiovascular diseases are still unclear. Emerging evidence has suggested a common role for C-reactive protein (CRP) in the pathogenesis of inflammation and atherosclerosis. Therefore, the effect of EGCG on angiotensin II (Ang II)- and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-induced CRP production in U937 macrophages and the possible mechanisms were observed.', 'U937 macrophages were cultured, and Ang II and IL-6 were used as stimulants for generation of CRP. U937 macrophages were preincubated with EGCG at 1, 3, 10 μM for 1 h prior to the stimulation. mRNA expression and protein level were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. ROS production was observed by a fluorescence microscope.', 'Pretreatment of macrophages with EGCG prior to the stimulation concentration-dependently inhibited Ang II- and IL-6-induced expression of CRP both in protein and mRNA levels. Meanwhile, EGCG reduced Ang II- and IL-6-stimulated generation of ROS in macrophages.'] Does epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibit angiotensin II and interleukin-6-induced C-reactive protein production in macrophages? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4839072227478027,
-1.1885488033294678,
2.71665620803833
] |
['The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been reported to be a promising approach in the treatment of acute lung injury. However, the poor efficacy of transplanted MSCs is one of the serious handicaps in the progress of MSC-based therapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the pretreatment of human embryonic MSCs (hMSCs) with an antioxidant, namely N-acetylcysteine (NAC), can improve the efficacy of hMSC transplantation in lung injury.', 'In vitro, the antioxidant capacity of NAC-pretreated hMSCs was assessed using intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione assays and cell adhesion and spreading assays. In vivo, the therapeutic potential of NAC-pretreated hMSCs was assessed in a bleomycin-induced model of lung injury in nude mice.', 'The pretreatment of hMSCs with NAC improved antioxidant capacity to defend against redox imbalances through the elimination of cellular ROS, increasing cellular glutathione levels, and the enhancement of cell adhesion and spreading when exposed to oxidative stresses in vitro. In addition, the administration of NAC-pretreated hMSCs to nude mice with bleomycin-induced lung injury decreased the pathological grade of lung inflammation and fibrosis, hydroxyproline content and numbers of neutrophils and inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and apoptotic cells, while enhancing the retention and proliferation of hMSCs in injured lung tissue and improving the survival rate of mice compared with results from untreated hMSCs.'] Does n-acetylcysteine-pretreated human embryonic mesenchymal stem cell administration protect against bleomycin-induced lung injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.55647611618042,
-1.198586344718933,
2.7934999465942383
] |
['Mutations in the KRAS gene occur at an early stage in the development of colorectal carcinoma. Importantly, KRAS mutation predicts resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy in stage IV disease.', 'The aim of the current study is to correlate histologic features of colon cancer with the presence of KRAS mutations.', 'Tumor tissue from 145 colon cancer resections was tested for KRAS mutations. KRAS mutation status was correlated with demographic and histologic characteristics. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson χ2 test and multivariate analysis.', 'KRAS mutations were present in 55/145 cases (37.9%), consistent with reported rates. KRAS mutations were significantly associated with usual adenocarcinoma morphology (multivariate P=0.014), peritumoral lymphocytic response (χ2, P=0.028; multivariate P=0.017), T3-T4 status (χ2, P=0.012; multivariate P=0.015), right-sided location (multivariate P=0.027), absence of lymphovascular invasion (multivariate P=0.008), and metastases at the time of resection (multivariate P=0.034). No association was found between KRAS mutation status and other factors.'] Are kRAS mutations associated with specific morphologic features in colon cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.28910756111145,
-1.289226770401001,
2.668517589569092
] |
["The aim of this study was to examine the impact of immunosuppressive therapy on the morbidity of intestinal surgery in patients with Crohn's disease.", "An increasing number of immunomodulating agents are being used in the treatment of Crohn's disease. The effect of these medications on surgical morbidity is controversial.", "We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database of patients with Crohn's disease who underwent intestinal surgery between June 1999 and May 2010. The effect of perioperative immunomodulation on postoperative outcomes, specifically anastomotic complications, was evaluated. Predictors of postoperative morbidity among demographic and surgical variables were identified. Length of hospitalization and rate of hospital readmission were compared between groups. Comparisons were made using Student t test and Fisher exact test.", 'One hundred ninety-six intestinal procedures were performed. One hundred twenty-seven (64.8%) of these were performed among patients who received perioperative immunomodulation. Forty-six (23.5%) procedures were in patients who received >1 immunomodulating medication perioperatively. Complications occurred in 45 (23.0%) cases. There were 20 (10.2%) anastomotic complications, including 8 (4.1%) intra-abdominal abscesses, 8 (4.1%) anastomotic leaks, and 4 (2%) enterocutaneous fistulas. Preoperative treatment with steroids (P=0.21), 6-MP (P=0.10), and anti-tumor necrosis factor biologics (P=1.0) was not associated with increased postoperative anastomotic complications. Combination immunosuppressive therapy also did not increase morbidity (P=0.39).'] Does immunosuppressive therapy increase operative morbidity in patients with Crohn 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.787199854850769,
-1.4457271099090576,
2.2320237159729004
] |
['To determine whether the removal of the ischaemia tourniquet to perform haemostasis during knee replacement surgery, reduces bleeding, the need for transfusions, the incidence of complications, the incidence of further surgery, and the hospital stay.', 'A non-randomised, prospective, descriptive and observational study was conducted on patients subjected to primary knee replacement with only one anaesthetist and 2 surgical teams. The same surgical technique and prosthesis model was used, with 2 schemes for ischaemia removal and drainage management. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In group i, the ischaemia tourniquet was released during the operation, before wound closure, and leaving the drainages without a vacuum. In group ii the tourniquet was released when the limb was bandaged and the drainages were connected to a vacuum. The parameters recorded were; bleeding during surgery, bleeding due to the drainages, monitoring the haemoglobin and haematocrit, incidence of complications and further surgery, transfusion needs, and hospital stay.', 'The study included 100 patients. The mean bleeding during surgery was 230,0mL in group i and 2,0mL in group ii (P<.05). The bleeding due to the drainages in group i was 531,2mL and 601,6mL in Group ii (P>.05). The total bleeding was 754,3mL in group i and 621,6mL in group ii. There were statistically significant differences in both cases (P<.05). The transfusion incidence in both groups was 16,7%. There were no significant differences between either group as regards medical complications or further surgery. A longer hospital stay was observed in group ii.'] Does [ Timing of tourniquet release in total knee arthroplasty do n't affect on transfusion needs ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5588947534561157,
-1.4642529487609863,
2.0835318565368652
] |
['To assess the inter-tester and intra-tester reliability of the tuck jump test.', 'Repeated measures.', 'University Human Performance laboratory.', 'Five male and 5 female athletes undertook the Tuck jump test which was then assessed by two independent assessors.', 'Score from the video assessment of the tuck jump test by two independent assessors on two separate occasions.', 'Average percentage of exact agreement (PEA) between the two testers across all scoring criteria for all subjects was 93% (range 80-100%). Both testers were in absolute 100% agreement in 5 out of 10 subjects for all of the scoring criteria. The kappa measure of agreement was k\xa0=\xa00.88 which is very good/excellent. The intra-tester PEA ranged 87.2%-100%, with kappa values of k\xa0=\xa00.86-1.0.'] Do intra and inter-tester reliability of the tuck jump assessment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
2.1732704639434814,
-1.2718132734298706,
-1.7017349004745483
] |
['To evaluate sex as a possible prognostic factor in bladder cancer patients treated with transurethral resection (TURBT) and radio- (RT) or radiochemotherapy (RCT).', 'Kaplan-Meier analyses and multiple Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to analyze sex as a possible prognostic factor on the overall (OS) and cancer-specific (CSS) survival of 386 male and 105 female patients who underwent TURBT and RCT or RT with curative intent between 1982 and 2007.', 'After a follow-up of 5 years, female sex demonstrated a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.79 (95 % CI 1.24-2.57) for OS; for CSS, the HR was 2.4 (95 % CI 1.52-3.80). Sex was an adverse prognosticator of both OS and CSS independent from age at diagnosis, cT stage, grading, concurrent cis, LVI, focality, therapy response, resection status and therapy mode. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly reduced OS of women compared with men, with a median survival of 2.3 years for female patients and 5.1 years for male patients (p = 0.045, log-rank test). The estimated median CSS was 7.1 years for female patients and 12.7 years for male patients (p = 0.11, log-rank test).'] Is female sex an independent risk factor for reduced overall survival in bladder cancer patients treated by transurethral resection and radio- or radiochemotherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8873324394226074,
-1.3012363910675049,
2.268746852874756
] |
['Recent European investigations have shown that persistently elevated (>50 pg/mL) plasma neurokinin A levels are associated with poor short-term survival in patients with midgut neuroendocrine neoplasms. We hypothesized that American patients with persistently elevated plasma neurokinin A levels (>50 pg/mL) will also have a poor short-term survival.', 'Serial plasma neurokinin A levels were collected from the charts of 180 patients with metastatic midgut neuroendocrine neoplasms. Patients were grouped according to their plasma neurokinin A values, and survival rates were calculated. Group 1 had plasma neurokinin A levels <50 pg/mL. Group 2 at one point had plasma neurokinin A levels >50 pg/mL, but are currently <50 pg/mL. Group 3 had plasma neurokinin A values consistently >50 pg/mL.', 'Group 1 patients (n = 143) have not reached their median survival and have a 24-month survival of 93%. Thirteen of 14 (93%) group 2 patients are currently alive. Group 3 patients (n = 23) had a median survival of 20 months and a 24-month survival of 48%.'] Do neurokinin A levels predict survival in patients with stage IV well differentiated small bowel neuroendocrine neoplasms? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2461867332458496,
-0.9807296991348267,
1.2313063144683838
] |
['When combined with pegylated interferon alpha-2b (Peg-IFN α-2b) for the treatment of genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Korea, the current guideline for the initial ribavirin (RBV) dose is based on body weight. However, since the mean body weight is lower for Korean patients than for patients in Western countries, current guidelines might result in Korean patients being overdosed with RBV.', 'We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with genotype 1 CHC who were treated with Peg-IFN α-2b and RBV combination therapy. We divided the patients into groups A (≥15 mg/kg/day, n=23) and B (<15 mg/kg/day, n=26), given that the standard dose is 15 mg/kg/day. The clinical course in terms of the virologic response, adverse events, and dose modification rate was compared between the two groups after therapy completion.', 'The early response rates (92.0% vs. 83.3%, P=0.634) and sustained virologic response rates (82.6% vs. 73.1%, P=0.506) did not differ significantly between the two groups. During the treatment period, the RBV dose reduction rate was significantly higher in group A than in group B (60.9% vs. 23.1%, P=0.01).'] Does a reduced dose of ribavirin influence the virologic response during pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin combination therapy in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5903123617172241,
-1.4800487756729126,
2.0370607376098633
] |
['As one of the malignant tumors most often affecting children and young adults, Ewing sarcoma (ES) is characterized by early metastasis contributing to unfavorable prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for ES metastasis remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to explore whether Wnt5a, a putative pro-metastatic factor, plays a role in ES metastasis.', 'Expression of Wnt5a and CXCR4 was determined by real-time PCR or Western blot in 15 ES specimens and 4 ES cell lines, A-673, RD-ES, SK-N-MC and SK-ES-1. Expression of Wnt antagonists, SFRP1, SFRP2 and SFRP5, and some components in noncanonical Wnt pathway (p-JNK, p-cJUN and p-PKC) was also analyzed in this study. Methylation status of SFRP1, SFRP2 and SFRP5 was detected by Methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Wnt5a shRNA and pcDNA3.1 SFRP5 vector were used to abrogate Wnt5a expression and overexpress SFRP5 in ES cells, respectively.', 'Wnt5a expression was positively correlated with CXCR4 expression in ES specimens. Levels of both Wnt5a mRNA and CXCR4 mRNA were significantly higher in specimens from ES patients with metastasis at diagnosis compared with specimens from those without metastasis. Recombinant Wnt5a enhanced CXCR4 expression in ES cells, which was accompanied by increased ES cell migration, whereas Wnt5a shRNA has opposite effects. SFRP5 was methylated and silenced in ES cells, and both recombinant SFRP5 and pcDNA3.1 SFRP5 vector suppressed CXCR4 expression as well as ES cell migration. Wnt5a shRNA and recombinant SFRP5 inhibited phosphorylation of JNK and cJUN, and JNK inhibitor also reduced CXCR4 expression and cell migration in ES cells.'] Does wnt5a promote ewing sarcoma cell migration through upregulating CXCR4 expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1641690731048584,
-1.3760688304901123,
2.5273587703704834
] |
['T-cell responses have been implicated in control and exacerbation of lung injury during influenza A virus (IAV) infection.', 'To examine the breadth and magnitude of influenza-specific CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell responses during acute phase of infection.', 'Influenza-specific T-cell response to the entire pandemic H1N1/09 IAV proteome and T cell-related cytokine levels were measured in blood from previously healthy individuals with mild (n = 32) and severe (n = 16) IAV infection during the 2009 influenza pandemic. Virus-specific T-cell response in lung and blood was also performed in two acutely infected, severely ill patients using fluorescent-conjugated pdmH1N1/09 Matrix-MHC-I tetrameric complexes.', 'Strong and broad CD4(+) but not CD8(+) T-cell responses were observed in the blood, and were higher in those with severe disease. Antigen-specific CD8(+) T cells in the lungs were on average 45-fold higher compared with blood in severely ill patients. Paradoxically, in patients with severe disease, IL-17, IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels were significantly decreased.'] Do high levels of virus-specific CD4+ T cells predict severe pandemic influenza A virus infection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.414724349975586,
-1.0751808881759644,
2.565977096557617
] |
['Patients at high and low body mass index have been shown to experience higher morbidity and mortality when undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The purpose of this research was to compare outcomes of patients at body mass index extremes who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting with or without cardiopulmonary bypass.', 'A retrospective review of 6801 patients with a body mass index <25 or >35 undergoing isolated, primary coronary artery bypass grafting from 1996 to 2009 at Emory Healthcare Hospitals was performed. Patients were compared by therapy either on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (n\xa0=\xa03210) or off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (n\xa0=\xa03591). Salvage patients or those with concomitant operations were excluded. Comparisons were made using multivariable regression analysis, using a propensity score covariate calculated from 41 preoperative risk factors.', 'A total of 6801 patients, including 4312 with a body mass index <25 (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n\xa0=\xa02083; on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n\xa0=\xa02229) and 2489 with a body mass index >35 (off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n\xa0=\xa01127; on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, n\xa0=\xa01362) were included for analysis. Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of mortality was significantly higher for both body mass index strata in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (2.8% vs 3.1% for body mass index <25 [P\xa0=\xa0.043] and 1.7% vs 1.8% for body mass index >35 [P\xa0=\xa0.049]). For patients with a body mass index <25, multivariable analysis of outcomes showed a significant decrease in in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.82), stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.56), new-onset renal failure (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.96), and prolonged ventilation (adjusted odds ratio, 0.50; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.64). Long-term survival was unaffected by method of revascularization for either body mass index strata (P > .05).'] Does off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting attenuate morbidity and mortality for patients with low and high body mass index? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2731058597564697,
-1.562265396118164,
1.8902467489242554
] |
['Several recent studies have revealed that words presented with a small increase in interletter spacing are identified faster than words presented with the default interletter spacing (i.e., w a t e r faster than water). Modeling work has shown that this advantage occurs at an early encoding level. Given the implications of this finding for the ease of reading in the new digital era, here we examined whether the beneficial effect of small increases in interletter spacing can be generalized to a normal reading situation.', "We conducted an experiment in which the participant's eyes were monitored when reading sentences varying in interletter spacing: i) sentences were presented with the default (0.0) interletter spacing; ii) sentences presented with a +1.0 interletter spacing; and iii) sentences presented with a +1.5 interletter spacing.", 'Results showed shorter fixation duration times as an inverse function of interletter spacing (i.e., fixation durations were briefest with +1.5 spacing and slowest with the default spacing).'] Do subtle increases in interletter spacing facilitate the encoding of words during normal reading? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.083280563354492,
0.2727978229522705,
0.8426492214202881
] |
['Alcohol can directly impair protein synthesis in cultured myocytes as well as in in situ perfused skeletal muscle. However, alcohol in the general circulation diffuses rapidly into the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, this study determined whether localized elevation of alcohol within the CNS is capable of decreasing muscle protein synthesis.', 'Conscious unstrained male rats received a continuous intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of ethanol and skeletal muscle protein synthesis and degradation were assessed.', 'ICV alcohol decreased protein synthesis in the gastrocnemius after 6 and 24 h, compared with the time-matched controls. The reduction was equivalent for both sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins and was reversible. The inhibitory effect of alcohol was not prevented by the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole and was mimicked by ICV-administered t-butanol. The alcohol-induced decrease in muscle protein synthesis was associated with a concomitant reduction in phosphorylation of 4E-binding protein and ribosomal S6 kinase-1, suggesting impaired mammalian target of rapamycin kinase activity. ICV alcohol also impaired the ability of leucine to stimulate protein synthesis. Conversely, ICV alcohol increased muscle proteasome activity and muscle RING-finger protein-1 mRNA content. Altered muscle protein metabolism was not associated with changes in muscle mRNA content for tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6 or insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I or circulating insulin or IGF-I.'] Does direct central nervous system effect of alcohol alter synthesis and degradation of skeletal muscle protein? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5895535945892334,
-1.2265183925628662,
2.8849058151245117
] |
['Probiotics have shown promising potential in reducing the risk of eczema in infants. Optimal probiotic intervention regimen remains to be determined.', 'We investigated whether maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduces the risk of developing eczema in high-risk infants.', 'This was a parallel, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 241 mother-infant pairs. Mothers with allergic disease and atopic sensitization were randomly assigned to receive (1) Lactobacillus rhamnosus LPR and Bifidobacterium longum BL999 (LPR+BL999), (2) L paracasei ST11 and B longum BL999 (ST11+BL999), or (3) placebo, beginning 2 months before delivery and during the first 2 months of breast-feeding. The infants were followed until the age of 24 months. Skin prick tests were performed at the ages of 6, 12, and 24 months.', 'Altogether 205 infants completed the follow-up and were included in the analyses. The risk of developing eczema during the first 24 months of life was significantly reduced in infants of mothers receiving LPR+BL999 (odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% CI, 0.08-0.35; P\xa0<\xa0.001) and ST11+BL999 (OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.08-0.35; P\xa0<\xa0.001). The respective ORs for chronically persistent eczema were 0.30 (95% CI, 0.12-0.80; P\xa0=\xa0.016) and 0.17 (95% CI, 0.05-0.56; P\xa0=\xa0.003). Probiotics had no effect on the risk of atopic sensitization in the infants. No adverse effects were related to the use of probiotics.'] Does maternal probiotic supplementation during pregnancy and breast-feeding reduce the risk of eczema in the infant? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0370794534683228,
-1.7187693119049072,
1.7297793626785278
] |
['Although high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been reported to improve mood symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD), research on its impact on psychomotor symptoms is scarce. This study assessed the psychomotor effects of 1 and 10 sessions, respectively, of HF-rTMS over the left DLPFC.', "Ten HF-rTMS sessions were applied in 21 medication-free MDD patients over a 2-week period. At the beginning, one placebo (sham)-controlled rTMS session was also applied in a cross-over, single-blind design. Psychomotor variables were digitally recorded during completion of a Fitts' task, at baseline, after the first and second real/sham session and at the end point.", "The total 10-session treatment period resulted in a decrease of depression severity. One HF-rTMS session resulted in improvements on the Fitts' task, without a difference between active and sham stimulation, however. No further improvements occurred from session 2 to session 10."] Do the impact of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on fine motor functions in medication-resistant major depression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.219877004623413,
-1.0129075050354004,
2.218444347381592
] |
['Citrus has an extended juvenile phase and trees can take 2-20 years to transition to the adult reproductive phase and produce fruit. For citrus variety development this substantially prolongs the time before adult traits, such as fruit yield and quality, can be evaluated. Methods to transform tissue from mature citrus trees would shorten the evaluation period via the direct production of adult phase transgenic citrus trees.', 'Factors important for promoting shoot regeneration from internode explants from adult phase citrus trees were identified and included a dark incubation period and the use of the cytokinin zeatin riboside. Transgenic trees were produced from four citrus types including sweet orange, citron, grapefruit, and a trifoliate hybrid using the identified factors and factor settings.'] Is a dark incubation period important for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of mature internode explants of sweet orange , grapefruit , citron , and a citrange rootstock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.9749228954315186,
0.5429845452308655,
1.45487642288208
] |
['The Nexfin device estimates arterial pressure by the volume clamp method through a finger pneumatic cuff. It also allows to estimate cardiac index (CInoninv) by pulse contour analysis of the non-invasive arterial pressure curve. We evaluated the ability of the device to track changes in cardiac index induced by a fluid challenge.', 'We included 45 patients for whom a volume expansion (500 mL of saline infused over 30 min) was planned. The volume expansion-induced changes in cardiac index measured by transpulmonary thermodilution (CIinv, PiCCO device) and in CInoninv were recorded.', 'In seven patients, the Nexfin could not record the arterial curve due to finger hypoperfusion. Considering both the values obtained before and after volume expansion (n = 76 pairs of measurements), the bias (lower and upper limits of agreement) between CIinv and CInoninv was 0.2 (-1.8 to 2.2) L/min/m2. The mean change in CInoninv was 10 ± 11%. The percentage error of CInoninv was 57%. The correlation between the changes in CIinv and CInoninv observed during volume expansion was significant (P = 0.0002) with an r2 = 0.31.'] Is the estimation of cardiac output by the Nexfin device of poor reliability for tracking the effects of a fluid challenge? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6641824245452881,
-1.7472453117370605,
1.4929618835449219
] |
['We investigated the rate and predictors of anesthesia assistance during outpatient colonoscopy and whether anesthesia assistance is associated with colonoscopy interventions and outcomes.', 'We performed a retrospective cohort study using a 20% sample of Medicare administrative claims submitted during the 2003 calendar year. We analyzed data from 328,177 adults, 66 years old or older, who underwent outpatient colonoscopy examinations.', 'Overall, 8.7% of outpatient colonoscopies were performed with anesthesia assistance. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of anesthesia assistance included black race, female sex, and a nonscreening indication; anesthesia assistance increased with median income and comorbidities. General and colorectal surgeons, fewer years in their practice, and nonhospital site of service were also significantly associated with anesthesia assistance. The strongest predictor of anesthesia assistance was the Medicare carrier, with odds ratios ranging from 0.22 (95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.43) for the Arkansas carrier (crude rate 0.9%) to 9.90 (95% confidence interval: 7.92-12.39) for the Empire carrier in New York area (crude rate 35.3%) compared with the Wisconsin carrier (crude rate 4.3%). There was also considerable variation among endoscopists; 75% of providers had no colonoscopies with anesthesia assistance recorded in their dataset, and 4.5% of providers had anesthesia assistance in at least three quarters of their examinations. Anesthesia assistance was not associated with the diagnosis of polyps, the performance of biopsy or polypectomy, or complications in multivariate analyses.'] Is regional variation in anesthesia assistance during outpatient colonoscopy associated with differences in polyp detection or complication rates? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7373688220977783,
-1.2573596239089966,
2.008648633956909
] |
['This study was performed to identify clinical predictors for better survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) under sorafenib treatment.', 'Between December 2007 and January 2010, 46 patients with advanced HCC were treated with sorafenib until significant tumor progression or intolerable toxicity. We prospectively collected clinical baseline data as well as data on the incidence and severity of toxic side effects of sorafenib to be correlated with progression-free survival and overall survival (OS), respectively.', 'Only 26.1% (n = 12) of patients tolerated sorafenib without requiring dose reduction. The most frequent grade 3 toxicities were diarrhea (32.6%), hand-foot skin reaction (13.0%), fatigue (4.3%), and nausea/vomiting (2.2%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (p = 0.034) and portal vein infiltration (p = 0.021) significantly correlated with OS. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between OS and appearance of grade 2 or 3 diarrhea with a median actuarial survival of 11.8 months (95% CI 6.9-16.6) compared to 4.2 months in patients with grade 0 or 1 diarrhea (95% CI 0.0-9.1; p = 0.009). In contrast, appearance of hand-foot skin reaction did neither correlate with progression-free survival nor with OS.'] Is diarrhea a positive outcome predictor for sorafenib treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.160658121109009,
-1.3795593976974487,
2.592073917388916
] |
['To explore the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on monocyte adhesion function and its underlying mechanism.', 'The effects of DEX and fasudil on adhesion of cultured U937 monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) following stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were studied; Changes in the Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) protein content and activity were evaluated.', 'DEX and fasudil significantly inhibited U937 cell adhesion rates under PMA stimulation and inhibited ROCK1 activity. Mifepristone (RU-486) and cycloheximide (CHX) did not alter these effects of DEX.'] Does dexamethasone inhibit U937 cell adhesion via the down-regulation of ROCK1 activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5824320316314697,
-1.1627752780914307,
2.7674496173858643
] |
['A previously published randomized clinical trial indicated that a developmental behavioral intervention, the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), resulted in gains in IQ, language, and adaptive behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder. This report describes a secondary outcome measurement from this trial, EEG activity.', 'Forty-eight 18- to 30-month-old children with autism spectrum disorder were randomized to receive the ESDM or referral to community intervention for 2 years. After the intervention (age 48 to 77 months), EEG activity (event-related potentials and spectral power) was measured during the presentation of faces versus objects. Age-matched typical children were also assessed.', 'The ESDM group exhibited greater improvements in autism symptoms, IQ, language, and adaptive and social behaviors than the community intervention group. The ESDM group and typical children showed a shorter Nc latency and increased cortical activation (decreased α power and increased θ power) when viewing faces, whereas the community intervention group showed the opposite pattern (shorter latency event-related potential [ERP] and greater cortical activation when viewing objects). Greater cortical activation while viewing faces was associated with improved social behavior.'] Is early behavioral intervention associated with normalized brain activity in young children with autism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4144113063812256,
-0.6614932417869568,
2.1517601013183594
] |
['Delirium in critically ill patients is associated with increased length of hospital stay, mortality and costs, and may lead to long-term cognitive impairment. It is often overlooked by clinicians if structured observation is not performed routinely. A national Norwegian survey reported that systematic screening and assessment of delirium were never or seldom performed. The purpose of this study was to test the usefulness of the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and to describe the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients at two Norwegian hospitals.', 'We conducted a two-site, prospective, descriptive study including patients between 18 and 80 years, intubated or mask ventilated at admission, with an ICU stay >\u200948\u2009h. The CAM-ICU was scored three times daily. In addition, illness severity, sedation level, pain assessment, drug use and other treatment factors were systematically assessed.', 'Total ICU stays of 139 patients were studied and covered 958 patient days. The incidence of delirium was 23%. Thirty per cent of the patients representing 407 patient days were unable to be assessed at any assessment, mainly due to deep sedation. The patients were delirium and coma free in 45.9% of total days.'] Does the incidence of delirium in Norwegian intensive care units ; deep sedation make assessment difficult? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5074738264083862,
-1.1439021825790405,
0.8225147724151611
] |
['Pancreatic stellate cells are source of dense fibrotic stroma, a constant pathological feature of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We observed correlation between levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and its product prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the extent of pancreatic fibrosis. The aims of this study were to delineate the effects of PGE2 on immortalized human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs) and to identify the receptor involved.', 'Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to assess COX-2, extracellular matrix, and matrix metalloproteinase gene expression. Eicosanoid profile was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Human pancreatic stellate cell proliferation was assessed by MTS assay, migration by Boyden chamber assay, and invasion using an invasion chamber. Transient silencing was obtained by small interfering RNA.', 'Human pancreatic stellate cells express COX-2 and synthesize PGE2. Prostaglandin E2 stimulated HPSC proliferation, migration, and invasion and stimulated expression of both extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinase genes. Human pancreatic stellate cells expressed all 4 EP receptors. Only blocking the EP4 receptor resulted in abrogation of PGE2-mediated HPSC activation. Specificity of EP4 for the effects of PGE2 on stellate cells was confirmed using specific antagonists.'] Does prostaglandin E2 regulate pancreatic stellate cell activity via the EP4 receptor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.449982166290283,
-1.314349889755249,
2.8297464847564697
] |
['Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT(1) receptor) is located in epithelial cells, and translocates from the plasma membrane to the nucleus in a ligand-dependent manner. Here, we investigated whether CysLT(1) receptors translocated to the nucleus in endothelial cells after ischemic insult in vitro and whether it was involved in ischemic injury to endothelial cells.', 'EA.hy926 cell line, derived from human umbilical vein endothelial cells, was subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). The expression and distribution of CysLT(1) receptors were detected by immunofluorescent staining, immunogold labeling and immunoblotting analyses. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT reduction assay. Necrosis and apoptosis were determined by double fluorescent staining with propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342.', 'CysLT(1) receptors were primarily distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus in EA.hy926 cells, and few was found in the cell membrane. OGD induced the translocation of CysLT(1) receptors from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in a time-depen dent manner, with a peak reached at 6 h. OGD-induced nuclear translocation of CysLT(1) receptors was inhibited by pretreatment with the CysLT(1) receptor antagonist pranlukast (10 μmol/L), or by preincubation with NLS-pep, a peptide corresponding to the nuclear localization sequence of CysLT(1) receptor (10 μg/mL). However, zileuton, an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase that was a key enzyme in cysteinyl leukotriene generation, did not inhibit the nuclear translocation of CysLT(1) receptors. Moreover, preincubation with NLS-pep (0.4 μg/mL) significantly ameliorated OGD-induced cell viability reduction and necrosis.'] Is nuclear translocation of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 involved in oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced damage to endothelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3702871799468994,
-1.3414982557296753,
2.8240928649902344
] |
['Current clinical procedures to control or regenerate bone loss due to peri-implantitis are not predictable neither accomplish complete resolution. Therefore, early detection of the onset and the active periods of bone loss are crucial for prevention of extensive peri-implant bone resorption. This study aimed to determine a possible association between the presence of collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8 and MMP-13) in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) and active periods of bone loss by annually adjusted vertical bone loss (AVBL) measurements.', 'Intended sample consisted of 76 consecutive patients who received oral implant treatment at the Fixed Prosthodontic Clinic of Okayama University Hospital from 1990 to 2000. Twelve subjects were lost to follow-up or refused to participate. Consequently, the actual sample consisted of 64 patients who were followed-up for at least one year. Those patients with AVBL>0.6mm were included in the severe peri-implantitis group, and randomly selected, age-, gender- and implantation site-matched healthy patients (AVBL<0.3mm) comprised the control group. PISF samples were collected from both groups and further analyzed by western blot for detection of collagenases.', 'Four patients presented severe peri-implantitis. MMP-8 was the only collagenase detected in peri-implant sites with ongoing bone loss. PISF samples from control group showed no positive reactions to any collagenase.'] Is matrix metalloproteinase-8 the major potential collagenase in active peri-implantitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1995582580566406,
-1.2621605396270752,
2.575282096862793
] |
['Carriers of a functional mutation in LCAT, encoding lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase, are exposed to lifelong low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. We investigated whether LCAT mutation carriers have increased arterial stiffness as a marker of cardiovascular disease and whether arterial stiffness was associated with carotid wall thickening.', 'We assessed 45 carriers of LCAT mutations (mean age ± SD 46 ± 13 yrs) and 45 age-matched controls. Probands referred with established cardiovascular disease were excluded. We measured carotid-fermoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and carotid artery wall thickening by ultrasound and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging.', 'In carriers, HDL-c was lower (32 ± 12 vs. 59 ± 16 mg/dl; p < 0.0001) and triglycerides were higher (median 116 [IQR 80-170] vs. 71 [IQR 53-89] mg/dl; p < 0.001) vs. controls. PWV was higher in carriers vs. controls (7.9 ± 2.0 m/s vs. 7.1 ± 1.6 m/s; p < 0.01). This difference retained significance in multivariate analysis including age, sex, mean arterial pressure and body mass index, and after exclusion of carriers and controls with cardiovascular disease. Both in carriers and controls, PWV was correlated with wall thickening of the carotid arteries as assessed by ultrasound (R 0.50, p < 0.001 for carriers and R 0.36, p < 0.04 for controls) and 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (R 0.54, p < 0.001 for carriers and R 0.58, p < 0.001 for controls).'] Do patients with low HDL-cholesterol caused by mutations in LCAT have increased arterial stiffness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6057242155075073,
-1.6195106506347656,
2.197232961654663
] |
['Colorectal neoplasms and coronary artery disease have similar risk factors. Patients with established coronary artery disease have a high prevalence of colorectal neoplasms. However, little is known about the risk of colorectal neoplasms among individuals at risk for coronary artery disease.', 'We performed a cross-sectional study of 3144 asymptomatic, average-risk individuals without history of coronary artery disease or other vascular disorders who received a screening colonoscopy examination from January to December 2010 at Konkuk University Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. Participants were classified as having low (<10%), intermediate (10%-20%), or high (≥20%) risk for developing coronary artery disease in the next 10 years, which was based on Framingham/Adult Treatment Panel III risk scores.', 'The prevalence of colorectal neoplasms in subjects with low, intermediate, and high risk for coronary artery disease was 25.6% (635/2485), 46.6% (252/541), and 53.4% (63/118), respectively (P < .001); the prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasms was 4.9% (122/2485), 9.2% (50/541), and 17.8% (21/118), respectively, for these subjects (P < .001). In multivariate analyses, the high-risk group had a significantly increased risk of advanced colorectal neoplasm (odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.94-5.65), compared with the low-risk group. The numbers of colonoscopies needed to identify individuals with advanced colorectal neoplasms in intermediate-risk and high-risk groups were 10.8 (95% CI, 8.6-14.7) and 5.6 (95% CI, 7.6-11.9), respectively, which were significantly lower than for the low-risk group (20.4; 95% CI, 17.4-24.6).'] Does risk for coronary heart disease increase risk for colorectal neoplasm? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.330468773841858,
-1.281841516494751,
1.6149556636810303
] |
['The use of all-ceramic crowns over zirconia abutments is a well-established esthetic treatment option in implant dentistry; however, the effect of the mechanical processing due to abutment preparation has not been investigated under functional loading. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the zirconia abutment preparation depth and preparation mode on the fracture strength and fracture mode of lithium disilicate crowns after chewing simulation.', 'Seventy single implant-supported lithium disilicate glass-ceramic crowns (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) were adhesively cemented (Multilink Automix, Ivoclar Vivadent) onto zirconia abutments (ZirDesign, Astra Tech) using implants with a diameter of 4.5 mm and a length of 15.0 mm (Osseospeed, Astra Tech). Study design concerned the replacement of a maxillary central incisor (11.0 mm in height and 8.0 mm in width). Subgroups (n = 7) were subjected to dynamic loading (C) up to 1.2 × 10(6) loading cycles at 135° with 98N in a thermomechanical chewing simulator (Kausimulator, Willytech); followed by quasi-static loading at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture in a universal testing machine (Z010/TN2S, Zwick). Additional subgroups were also subjected to quasi-static loading (S) at 135°. Lithium disilicate implant crowns were divided into five study groups (n = 14) according to the abutment preparation depth [A (control): 0.5 mm, B: 0.7 mm, C: 0.9 mm, and preparation mode [(No label): milling by the manufacturer, (P): copy-milling by the Celay System (Mikrona)].', 'All specimens survived dynamic loading and mean fracture strengths (N) after quasi-static loading were as follows: Group SA: 384 ± 84; Group CA: 403 ± 67; Group SB: 294 ± 95; Group CB: 374 ± 75; Group SC: 332 ± 52; Group CC: 373 ± 105; Group SPB: 332 ± 80; Group CPB: 499 ± 91; Group SPC: 380 ± 101; and Group CPC: 358 ± 54.'] Do influence of zirconia abutment preparation on the fracture strength of single implant lithium disilicate crowns after chewing simulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4060860872268677,
-1.6251342296600342,
2.0999255180358887
] |
['Late lesion extension may be involved in the genesis of delayed radiofrequency (RF) effects. Because RF lesion is thermally mediated, we hypothesized that induction of heat shock response (thermotolerance) would modulate lesion healing. We evaluated the effects of thermotolerance on the dimensions and remodeling of RF lesions in a rat model of heart failure.', 'Wistar rats (weight 300 g) subjected to heat stress (n\u2009=\u200922, internal temperature of 42 °C for 10 min) were compared to controls (n\u2009=\u200922, internal temperature of 37 °C for 10 min). After 48 h (peak of HSP70 myocardial concentration), a modified unipolar RF lesion (customized catheter, tip 4.5 mm in diameter; 12 W; 10 s) was created on the left ventricular free wall. Animals were sacrificed 2 h (n\u2009=\u200910 per group) and 4 weeks (n\u2009=\u200912 per group) after ablation for lesion analysis. An echocardiogram was obtained at 4 weeks.', 'There was no difference between groups regarding the size of acute (controls 27\u2009±\u20092 vs. treated 27\u2009±\u20093 mm(2)) and chronic lesions (controls 17\u2009±\u20091 vs. treated 19\u2009±\u20091 mm(2)). Histology of lesions did not differ between groups. The echocardiogram revealed dilation of the cavities and moderate systolic dysfunction without difference between groups. Acute lesion dimensions were similar between control and treated animals over time (ablation undertaken 3, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after hyperthermia) and also using a conventional ablation catheter (50 °C; 15 W; 10 s).'] Does thermotolerance reduce the size or remodeling of radiofrequency lesions in the rat myocardium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7880789041519165,
-1.628528118133545,
2.4216675758361816
] |
['If an anterior cruciate ligament graft somehow becomes contaminated intraoperatively, soaking it in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate has been shown to be the most popular and efficacious method for sterilization before implantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a chlorhexidine soak on the structural properties of human patellar tendon allografts.', 'Sixteen human patellar tendon allografts were randomly split into 2 groups of 8. Grafts in 1 group were soaked in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate for 30 minutes, and the other grafts were kept moist in normal saline-soaked gauze. Data on preload width, preload thickness, elongation, ultimate tensile load, and stiffness were obtained through measurement and mechanical testing of the grafts.', 'Graft donor ages ranged from 29 to 43 years. There was no difference in the mean values of graft dimensions of the chlorhexidine-exposed group versus the normal saline-exposed group before mechanical testing (width of 9.48 mm v 9.56 mm, P = .89; thickness of 4.01 mm v 4.57 mm, P = .34). Graft elongation was not statistically different between the groups (2.52 mm v 1.43 mm, P = .27). No statistically significant difference was noted between the ultimate tensile load (2,219 N v 1,878 N, P = .36) or stiffness (274.3 N/mm v 297.0 N/mm, P = .63) of the grafts in both groups.'] Does chlorhexidine gluconate cleansing have no effect on the structural properties of human patellar tendon allografts? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9987666606903076,
-1.8333457708358765,
1.8058193922042847
] |
['The tachykinin receptor 1 (TACR1) gene is a promising candidate gene in the search for the genetic basis of alcohol dependence (AD); TACR1 antagonists improve symptomology not only in preclinical models of AD but also in a clinical sample of detoxified alcoholics (George et al., Science 319:1536, 2008). The purpose of the current study was to determine whether TACR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with (i) blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activation in response to gustatory alcohol cues in a sample of heavy drinkers and (ii) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) AD symptom count in a large, publicly available data set-the Study of Addictions: Genetics and Environment Genome Wide Association study (SAGE GWAS) (Bierut et al., 2010).', 'First, we examined relationships between TACR1 genotypes and neural responses during a craving task in 326 individuals with alcohol use disorders. Next, correlational analyses between 69 TACR1 SNPs and DSM-IV-TR AD symptoms were performed on the SAGE data set.', 'rs3771863, rs3755459, and rs1106855 predicted BOLD activation in response to alcohol cues in those same reward and reinforcement brain areas, especially in the medial prefrontal cortex, striatum, and insula. rs3771863 also predicted AD symptom count in the SAGE data set and BOLD activation in the mesocorticolimbic pathway response to alcohol cues.'] Do tACR1 genotypes predict fMRI response to alcohol cues and level of alcohol dependence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3583247661590576,
-1.1634601354599,
2.5190234184265137
] |
['Immunoadsorption with subsequent immunoglobulin G substitution (IA/IgG) represents a novel therapeutic approach in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) which leads to the improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, response to this therapeutic intervention shows wide inter-individual variability. In this pilot study, we tested the value of clinical, biochemical, and molecular parameters for the prediction of the response of patients with DCM to IA/IgG.', 'Forty DCM patients underwent endomyocardial biopsies (EMBs) before IA/IgG. In eight patients with normal LVEF (controls), EMBs were obtained for clinical reasons. Clinical parameters, negative inotropic activity (NIA) of antibodies on isolated rat cardiomyocytes, and gene expression profiles of EMBs were analysed. Dilated cardiomyopathy patients displaying improvement of LVEF (≥20 relative and ≥5% absolute) 6 months after IA/IgG were considered responders. Compared with non-responders (n = 16), responders (n = 24) displayed shorter disease duration (P = 0.006), smaller LV internal diameter in diastole (P = 0.019), and stronger NIA of antibodies. Antibodies obtained from controls were devoid of NIA. Myocardial gene expression patterns were different in responders and non-responders for genes of oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, hypertrophy, and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The integration of scores of NIA and expression levels of four genes allowed robust discrimination of responders from non-responders at baseline (BL) [sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 85.8-100%); specificity up to 100% (95% CI 79.4-100%); cut-off value: -0.28] and was superior to scores derived from antibodies, gene expression, or clinical parameters only.'] Do myocardial gene expression profiles and cardiodepressant autoantibodies predict response of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy to immunoadsorption therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.185335636138916,
-1.5061039924621582,
2.7165956497192383
] |
['The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is associated with the early retention of low-density lipoproteins that are trapped in the extracellular matrix of the arterial intima by interaction with glycosaminoglycan side chains of proteoglycans. Mutant mouse/human chimeric antibodies of the murine monoclonal antibody P3, which react with N-glycolyl-containing gangliosides and sulfated glycosaminoglycans, were tested for their potentially antiatherogenic properties through the induction of an idiotypic antibody network that may specifically interfere with the binding of low-density lipoproteins to proteoglycan side chains, low-density lipoprotein modification, and foam cell formation.', 'Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet received 5 to 6 doses of chP3R99 or chP3S98 mutant antibodies, showing high and low reactivity, respectively, against their respective antigens. Both chimeric antibodies elicited an immunodominant anti-idiotypic response in the absence of adjuvant. A striking (40%-43%) reduction (P<0.01) in total lesion areas was observed in 18-week-old mice immunized with chP3R99, but not chP3S98, compared with PBS-treated mice. The antiatherosclerotic effect was associated with increased mice sera reactivity against heparin and sulfated glycosaminoglycans, including chondroitin and dermatan sulfate. In addition, purified IgG from chP3R99-immunized mice blocked the retention of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins within the arterial wall of apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice.'] Does induction of anti-anti-idiotype antibodies against sulfated glycosaminoglycans reduce atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3937220573425293,
-1.4021879434585571,
2.863717794418335
] |
['Retinol-binding protein 4 (rbp4) is an adipokine secreted by adipocytes and liver, whose levels are elevated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Plasma levels of rbp4 and triglycerides are strongly correlated in T2DM. However, we do not know whether this association is direct or indirect via liver fat content, and the link between rbp4 and triglyceride metabolism remains unknown.', 'Liver fat measurement by proton spectroscopy was performed in 221 patients with T2DM, and an in vivo kinetic study with stable isotopes was carried out in 14 patients with T2DM. In multivariate analysis, triglycerides were associated positively with rbp4 (β=0.273, P<0.0001), apolipoprotein (apo) B (β=0.258, P<0.0001), and liver fat (β=0.191, P=0.002) and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β=-0.442, P<0.0001). rbp4 was correlated positively with apoB100 very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) pool (r=0.62, P=0.017) and negatively with VLDL-apoB100 total fractional catabolic rate (r=-0.66, P=0.001). In multivariate analysis, rbp4 (P=0.015), plasma triglycerides (P=0.024), and sex (P=0.026) were independently associated with VLDL-apoB100 total fractional catabolic rate.'] Is retinol-binding protein 4 an independent factor associated with triglycerides and a determinant of very low-density lipoprotein-apolipoprotein B100 catabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.788643479347229,
-1.5518869161605835,
2.3456997871398926
] |
['Although the matricellular protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) is highly expressed in the vessel wall in response to injury, its pathophysiological role in the development of vascular disease is poorly understood. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that TSP1 stimulates reactive oxygen species production in vascular smooth muscle cells and induces vascular dysfunction by promoting oxidative stress.', 'Nanomolar concentrations of TSP1 found in human vascular disease robustly stimulated superoxide (O(2)(•-)) levels in vascular smooth muscle cells at both cellular and tissue level as measured by cytochrome c and electron paramagnetic resonance. A peptide mimicking the C terminus of TSP1 known to specifically bind CD47 recapitulated this response. Transcriptional knockdown of CD47 and a monoclonal inhibitory CD47 antibody abrogated TSP1-triggered O(2)(•-) in vitro and ex vivo. TSP1 treatment of vascular smooth muscle cells activated phospholipase C and protein kinase C, resulting in phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase organizer subunit p47(phox) and subsequent Nox1 activation, leading to impairment of arterial vasodilatation ex vivo. Further, we observed that blockade of CD47 and NADPH oxidase 1 gene silencing in vivo in rats improves TSP1-induced impairment of tissue blood flow after ischemia reperfusion.'] Does thrombospondin-1 regulate blood flow via CD47 receptor-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase 1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5046374797821045,
-1.2624876499176025,
2.7710299491882324
] |
['The most important complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) is thromboembolic stroke. Although AF-related remodeling is considered important in atrial thrombogenesis, its role never has been directly tested. This study assessed effects of AF-related remodeling on the atrial thrombogenic milieu by using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to create a quantifiable prothrombotic nidus.', 'We studied normal control dogs (control, n=16) and 3 canine AF-models: (1) atrial tachycardia remodeling (ATR; n=16) induced by atrial tachypacing (400 bpm for 1 week, with atrioventricular block and ventricular pacing at 80 bpm); (2) congestive heart failure (CHF; n=14) attributable to ventricular tachypacing (240 bpm for 2 weeks); and (3) chronic AF (CAF; n=8) induced by atrial tachypacing (35±3 days) without atrioventricular block. CAF dogs had AF for 13±1 days until euthanization. After remodeling was established, RFA lesions were created in both atria. Half the ATR and CHF dogs were subjected to atrial tachypacing during 7-day post-RFA follow-up. Electrophysiological and echocardiographic studies were performed before RFA and 7 days after RFA, and then hearts were removed and atrial thrombi were quantified by histomorphometry. Burst-pacing-induced AF duration was significantly greater in ATR, CHF, and CAF groups versus control group. The atrial effective refractory period shortened in ATR and CAF groups. Left atrial diameter was significantly larger with CHF, but not with ATR. Neither total thrombus volume nor thrombus volume per lesion differed significantly among groups. Table.Properties of Ablation Lesions and Atrial Thrombi Experimental GroupControl (n=16)ATR (n=16)CHF (n=14)CAF (n=8)N of ablation lesions per dog6.9±0.36.6±0.27.2±0.26.9±0.4Ablation lesion area, mm(2)53.1±3.558.3±4.857.7±4.944.3±3.7Ablation lesion depth, mm5.2±0.25.1±0.35.3±0.25.2±0.2Ablation lesion volume, mm(3)205.2±17.8211.6±17.6231.5±29.0176.8±22.2N of thrombi per dog5.4±0.44.7±0.35.6±0.46.5±0.4Presence of thrombus, %80±572±577±695±3Mean thrombus volume in both atria, mm(3)20.8±3.414.9±2.212.2±2.622.5±5.6Mean thrombus volume in left atria, mm(3)8.2±1.54.0±0.95.5±1.68.1±3.3Mean thrombus volume in right atria, mm(3)30.1±5.422.7±4.317.9±4.132.8±8.3Total thrombus volume in both atria, mm(3)140.5±21.399.7±16.886.1±17.5131.1±22.7Total thrombus volume in left atria, mm(3)22.8±5.311.8±3.317.0±3.723.3±6.4Total thrombus volume in right atria, mm(3)117.7±21.587.8±17.269.1±16.1107.8±23.3Thrombus volume normalized to ablation lesion area in both atria, mm(3)/mm(2)0.5±0.10.4±0.11.5±1.10.8±0.3Thrombus volume normalized to ablation lesion volume in both atria0.2±0.10.1±0.00.5±0.40.3±0.1 ATR indicates atrial tachycardia remodeling; CAF, chronic atrial fibrillation; and CHF, congestive heart failure. There were no statistically significant differences for any groups vs control group for any of these variables studied.'] Does atrial fibrillation-associated remodeling promote atrial thrombus formation in canine models? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0429446697235107,
-1.5998132228851318,
2.57505202293396
] |
['Organogenesis of the thyroid gland requires the Pax8 protein. Absence or reduction of Pax8 results in congenital hypothyroidism in animal models and humans, respectively. This study aims at elucidating the regulatory mechanism leading to the expression of Pax8 in thyroid cells.', 'The murine Pax8 gene promoter was functionally dissected by mutagenesis and transfection in the thyroid cell line FRTL-5. Nuclear factors important for thyroid-specific gene expression were identified by DNA-binding assays.', 'We show that Pax8 binds to and controls the expression of its own promoter. Furthermore, we identify a novel, thyroid-specific, DNA-binding activity (denominated nTTF [for novel Thyroid Transcription Factor]) that recognizes a specific region of the Pax8 promoter.'] Does functional analysis of the murine Pax8 promoter reveal autoregulation and the presence of a novel thyroid-specific DNA-binding activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5356338024139404,
-0.9422674179077148,
2.578341484069824
] |
['Sumoylation is a type of post-translational modification that is implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular events. However, its role in the function of human sperm has not yet been characterized.', 'In this study, both immunofluorescence and electron microscopy revealed that small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO) SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 were highly enriched in the neck area of human sperm that is associated with the redundant nuclear envelope and were also detectable in the flagella and some head regions. Similar localization patterns of SUMO were also observed in mouse and fly sperm. Nonmotile, two-tailed, curled tailed, misshapen, microcephalic (small head) and aciphalic (no head) sperm exhibited abnormally high levels of sumoylation in their neck and tail regions relative to normal sperm. Numerous sumoylated proteins, ranging from 20 to 260 kDa, were detected via western blotting and identified by mass spectrometry, and 55 SUMO targets that were present specifically in human sperm, and not in the control fraction, corresponded to flagella proteins, proteins involved in the maturation and differentiation of sperm, heat shock proteins and important glycolytic and mitochondrial enzymes. The targets that were identified included proteins with specific functions in germ cells and sperm, such as heat shock-related 70-kDa protein 2, outer dense fiber protein 3, A-kinase anchor proteins 3 and 4, L-lactate dehydrogenase C, sperm protein associated with the nucleus on the X chromosome B/F, valosin-containing protein, seminogelins, histone H4 and ubiquitin. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the sumoylation of semenogelin and indicated that some sperm proteins are modified by sumoylation and ubiquitination simultaneously.'] Is localization and identification of sumoylated proteins in human sperm : excessive sumoylation a marker of defective spermatozoa? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4559576511383057,
-1.151885986328125,
2.715331554412842
] |
['To examine the behavior of lipid olefinic and diallylic resonances as a function of PRESS (point resolved spectroscopy) echo time (TE) to determine an optimal long TE value for their measurement at 3 T.', 'Experiments were conducted on nine oils (almond, canola, cod liver, corn, linseed, peanut, sesame, sunflower, and walnut oil) and on vertebral and tibial bone marrow in vivo at 3 T. The methylene (or methyl + methylene), diallylic, and olefinic resonances were measured with PRESS with multiple TEs.', 'J-coupling evolution effects on the olefinic and diallylic peaks appeared to be minimized when TE = 200 msec. The TE = 200 msec olefinic/methylene and diallylic/methylene peak area ratios calculated for each oil correlated well with ratios deduced from oil compositions in the literature (R(2) = 0.92 and 0.98 for the olefinic and diallylic protons, respectively). In addition, the relative amounts of bone marrow unsaturation of vertebral and tibial bone marrow inferred from the TE = 200 msec olefinic/(methyl + methylene) peak area ratio agreed with values estimated from the literature.'] Do long echo time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy for estimating relative measures of lipid unsaturation at 3 T? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3404980897903442,
-1.3614635467529297,
1.8291981220245361
] |
['Obesity impairs quality of life, but the perception of the impairment could be different from one country to another. The purpose was to compare weight-related quality of life (QOL) between cohorts from Spain and North America.', 'A cross-sectional case-control study was performed between two populations. Four hundred Spanish and 400 North American obese subjects suitable for bariatric surgery closely matched for race, gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) were included. Two non-obese control groups matched for gender, age, and BMI from each population were also evaluated (n = 400 in each group). The participants completed the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite (IWQOL-Lite) questionnaire, a measure of weight-related QOL.', 'Spanish morbidly obese patients showed poorer QOL than their North American counterparts in physical function, sexual life, work, and total score. By contrast, Spanish non-obese control subjects reported better QOL in all domains than their North American counterparts. Women, both in Spain and North America, reported reduced QOL compared to men on the domain of self-esteem. In addition, North American women reported reduced QOL on the sexual life domain compared to men. BMI correlated negatively with all domains of QOL except for self-esteem in both national groups.'] Is weight-related quality of life in Spanish obese subjects suitable for bariatric surgery lower than in their North American counterparts : a case-control study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8720184564590454,
-0.1317240446805954,
1.2108197212219238
] |
['Disease-specific serum miRNA profiles may serve as biomarkers and might reveal potential new avenues for therapy. An HBV-specific serum miRNA profile associated with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) particles has recently been reported, and AGO2 and miRNAs have been shown to be stably associated with HBsAg in serum. We identified HBV-associated serum miRNAs using the Toray 3D array system in 10 healthy controls and 10 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. 19 selected miRNAs were then measured by quantitative RT-PCR in 248 chronic HBV patients and 22 healthy controls. MiRNA expression in serum versus liver tissue was also compared using biopsy samples. To examine the role of AGO2 during the HBV life cycle, we analyzed intracellular co-localization of AGO2 and HBV core (HBcAg) and surface (HBsAg) antigens using immunocytochemistry and proximity ligation assays in stably transfected HepG2 cells. The effect of AGO2 ablation on viral replication was assessed using siRNA. Several miRNAs, including miR-122, miR-22, and miR-99a, were up-regulated at least 1.5 fold (P<2E-08) in serum of HBV-infected patients. AGO2 and HBcAg were found to physically interact and co-localize in the ER and other subcellular compartments. HBs was also found to co-localize with AGO2 and was detected in multiple subcellular compartments. Conversely, HBx localized non-specifically in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and no interaction between AGO2 and HBx was detected. SiRNA ablation of AGO2 suppressed production of HBV DNA and HBs antigen in the supernatant.'] Do hepatitis B virus-specific miRNAs and Argonaute2 play a role in the viral life cycle? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.179237127304077,
-1.3513727188110352,
2.5771045684814453
] |
['In neonatal binocular animals, the developing retina displays patterned spontaneous activity termed retinal waves, which are initiated by a single class of interneurons (starburst amacrine cells, SACs) that release neurotransmitters. Although SACs are shown to regulate wave dynamics, little is known regarding how altering the proteins involved in neurotransmitter release may affect wave dynamics. Synaptotagmin (Syt) family harbors two Ca(2+)-binding domains (C2A and C2B) which serve as Ca(2+) sensors in neurotransmitter release. However, it remains unclear whether SACs express any specific Syt isoform mediating retinal waves. Moreover, it is unknown how Ca(2+) binding to C2A and C2B of Syt affects wave dynamics. Here, we investigated the expression of Syt I in the neonatal rat retina and examined the roles of C2A and C2B in regulating wave dynamics.', 'Immunostaining and confocal microscopy showed that Syt I was expressed in neonatal rat SACs and cholinergic synapses, consistent with its potential role as a Ca(2+) sensor mediating retinal waves. By combining a horizontal electroporation strategy with the SAC-specific promoter, we specifically expressed Syt I mutants with weakened Ca(2+)-binding ability in C2A or C2B in SACs. Subsequent live Ca(2+) imaging was used to monitor the effects of these molecular perturbations on wave-associated spontaneous Ca(2+) transients. We found that targeted expression of Syt I C2A or C2B mutants in SACs significantly reduced the frequency, duration, and amplitude of wave-associated Ca(2+) transients, suggesting that both C2 domains regulate wave temporal properties. In contrast, these C2 mutants had relatively minor effects on pairwise correlations over distance for wave-associated Ca(2+) transients.'] Does synaptotagmin I regulate patterned spontaneous activity in the developing rat retina via calcium binding to the C2AB domains? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.324633836746216,
-1.2507901191711426,
2.574944257736206
] |
['Haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a haem-degrading enzyme that generates carbon monoxide, bilirubin, and iron ions. Through these compounds, HO-1 mitigates cellular injury by exerting antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we examined the influence of HO-1 deficiency and transient hypoxia/ischaemia-induced HO-1 overexpression on post-injury hindlimb recovery.', 'Mice lacking functional HO-1 (HO-1(-/-)) showed reduced reparative neovascularization in ischaemic skeletal muscles, impaired blood flow (BF) recovery, and increased muscle cell death compared with their wild-type littermates. Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) transfected with plasmid vector (pHRE-HO-1) carrying human HO-1 driven by three hypoxia response elements (HREs) and cultured in 0.5% oxygen demonstrated markedly increased expression of HO-1. Such upregulated HO-1 levels were effective in conferring protection against H(2)O(2)-induced cell death and in promoting the proangiogenic phenotype of HMEC-1 cells. More importantly, when delivered in vivo, pHRE-HO-1 significantly improved the post-ischaemic foot BF in mice subjected to femoral artery ligation. These effects were associated with reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and CXCL1) and lower numbers of transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling-positive cells. Moreover, HO-1 delivered into mouse skeletal muscles seems to influence the regenerative potential of myocytes as it significantly changed the expression of transcriptional (Pax7, MyoD, myogenin) and post-transcriptional (miR-146a, miR-206) regulators of skeletal muscle regeneration.'] Does pre-emptive hypoxia-regulated HO-1 gene therapy improve post-ischaemic limb perfusion and tissue regeneration in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.483710289001465,
-1.2953239679336548,
2.772519111633301
] |
['In some categories of patients, a rapid sequence induction using a fibre-optic method may be indicated. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of cricoid pressure (CP) on the duration of fibre-optic intubation. The hypothesis was that CP would prolong the intubation time.', 'The study was a randomised, double-blind, cross-over study. The patients were intubated twice, in a randomised way, using a flexible fibrescope once with and once without CP. The intubation time and the visualisation of the glottis were registered. If the intubation was not completed within 180\u2009s, it was registered as failed. CP was standardised to a pressure of 30\u2009N. The data are given as the mean (standard deviation) or median [interquartile] (range).', 'Fifty patients were included, with a mean age of 53 years (14.6) and mean body mass index of 26.4 (4.3). Three intubations without and 13 intubations with CP failed. The durations of intubation without and with CP were 59\u2009s [53-79\u2009s] (34-144\u2009s) and 75\u2009s [67-104\u2009s] (43-179\u2009s), respectively (P\u2009<\u20090.001).'] Is the duration of fibre-optic intubation increased by cricoid pressure . A randomised double-blind study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6226636171340942,
-1.759127140045166,
1.4526329040527344
] |
['The organization of higher order chromatin is an emerging epigenetic mechanism for understanding development and disease. We and others have previously observed dynamic changes during differentiation and oncogenesis in large heterochromatin domains such as Large Organized Chromatin K (lysine) modifications (LOCKs), of histone H3 lysine-9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) or other repressive histone posttranslational modifications. The microstructure of these regions has not previously been explored.', 'We analyzed the genome-wide distribution of H3K9me2 in two human pluripotent stem cell lines and three differentiated cells lines. We identified > 2,500 small regions with very low H3K9me2 signals in the body of LOCKs, which were termed as euchromatin islands (EIs). EIs are 6.5-fold enriched for DNase I Hypersensitive Sites and 8-fold enriched for the binding of CTCF, the major organizer of higher-order chromatin. Furthermore, EIs are 2-6 fold enriched for differentially DNA-methylated regions associated with tissue types (T-DMRs), reprogramming (R-DMRs) and cancer (C-DMRs). Gene ontology (GO) analysis suggests that EI-associated genes are functionally related to organ system development, cell adhesion and cell differentiation.'] Are euchromatin islands in large heterochromatin domains enriched for CTCF binding and differentially DNA-methylated regions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3694827556610107,
-1.102957010269165,
2.5174241065979004
] |
["DYRK1A plays different functions during development, with an important role in controlling brain growth through neuronal proliferation and neurogenesis. It is expressed in a gene dosage dependent manner since dyrk1a haploinsufficiency induces a reduced brain size in mice, and DYRK1A overexpression is the candidate gene for intellectual disability (ID) and microcephaly in Down syndrome. We have identified a 69 kb deletion including the 5' region of the DYRK1A gene in a patient with growth retardation, primary microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, seizures, ataxic gait, absent speech and ID. Because four patients previously reported with intragenic DYRK1A rearrangements or 21q22 microdeletions including only DYRK1A presented with overlapping phenotypes, we hypothesised that DYRK1A mutations could be responsible for syndromic ID with severe microcephaly and epilepsy.", 'The DYRK1A gene was studied by direct sequencing and quantitative PCR in a cohort of 105 patients with ID and at least two symptoms from the Angelman syndrome spectrum (microcephaly < -2.5 SD, ataxic gait, seizures and speech delay).', 'We identified a de novo frameshift mutation (c.290_291delCT; p.Ser97Cysfs*98) in a patient with growth retardation, primary severe microcephaly, delayed language, ID, and seizures.'] Is the DYRK1A gene a cause of syndromic intellectual disability with severe microcephaly and epilepsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2896499633789062,
-1.3187596797943115,
2.682492256164551
] |
['The negative signaling provided by interactions of the co-inhibitory molecule, programmed death-1 (PD-1), and its ligands, B7-H1 (PD-L1) and B7-DC (PD-L2), is a critical mechanism contributing to tumor evasion; blockade of this pathway has been proven to enhance cytotoxic activity and mediate antitumor therapy. Here we evaluated the anti-tumor efficacy of AAV-mediated delivery of the extracellular domain of murine PD-1 (sPD-1) to a tumor site.', 'An rAAV vector was constructed in which the expression of sPD-1, a known negative regulator of TCR signals, is driven by human cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter (CMV-P), using a triple plasmid transfection system. Tumor-bearing mice were then treated with the AAV/sPD1 construct and expression of sPD-1 in tumor tissues was determined by semi quantitative RT-PCR, and tumor weights and cytotoxic activity of splenocytes were measured.', 'Analysis of tumor homogenates revealed sPD-1 mRNA to be significantly overexpressed in rAAV/sPD-1 treated mice as compared with control levels. Its use for local gene therapy at the inoculation site of H22 hepatoma cells could inhibit tumor growth, also enhancing lysis of tumor cells by lymphocytes stimulated specifically with an antigen. In addition, PD-1 was also found expressed on the surfaces of activated CD8+ T cells.'] Does reconstructed adeno-associated virus with the extracellular domain of murine PD-1 induce antitumor immunity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4475667476654053,
-1.299644947052002,
2.822845935821533
] |
['Cytokines have been shown to be involved in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We investigated the independent association between serum levels of IL-10 and TNF-α and hospital mortality of patients with severe TBI.', 'Serum IL-10 and TNF-α levels were determined after a median period (interquartile range (IQ) 25-75) of 10 h (IQ 5-18) after severe TBI in 93 consecutive patients and in randomly selected patients with mild (n = 18) and moderate (n = 16) TBI. In patients with severe TBI, additional blood samples were analyzed 30 h (IQ 22-37) and 68 h (IQ 55-78) after TBI. Age, gender, computed tomography findings, Glasgow Coma Scale score (GCS) and pupil reactions at admission, associated trauma and hospital mortality were collected.', 'Elevated serum levels of IL-10, but not TNF-α, correlated significantly with GCS severity (R(2) coefficient, p < 0.0001) and were found to be associated with hospital mortality in patients with severe TBI. Elevated IL-10 remained associated with mortality (p = 0.01) in a subset of patients with isolated severe TBI (n = 74). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher IL-10 levels (>90 pg/ml) at 10 or 30 h after TBI were 6 times (odds ratio (OR) 6.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-25.1, p = 0.03) and 5 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.2-25.1, p = 0.03), respectively, more frequently associated with hospital mortality than lower levels (<50 pg/ml), independently of age, GCS as well as pupil reactions at admission and associated trauma.'] Is interleukin-10 an independent biomarker of severe traumatic brain injury prognosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8996102809906006,
-1.7370747327804565,
1.6216814517974854
] |
['Podosomes are actin-based structures involved in cell adhesion, migration, invasion and extracellular matrix degradation. They have been described in large vessel endothelial cells, but nothing is known concerning microvascular endothelial cells. Here, we focussed on liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), fenestrated microvascular cells that play major roles in liver physiology. Liver fibrosis induces a dedifferentiation of LSECs leading notably to a loss of fenestrae. Because liver fibrosis is associated with increased matrix stiffness, and because substrate stiffness is known to regulate the actin cytoskeleton, we investigated the impact of matrix rigidity on podosome structures in LSECs.', 'Using primary LSECs, we demonstrated that microvascular endothelial cells are able to form constitutive podosomes. Podosome presence in LSECs was independent of cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β or vascular endothelial growth factor, but could be modulated by matrix stiffness. As expected, LSECs lost their differentiated phenotype during cell culture, which was paralleled by a loss of podosomes. LSECs however retained the capacity to form active podosomes following detachment/reseeding or actin-destabilising drug treatments. Finally, constitutive podosomes were also found in primary microvascular endothelial cells from other organs.'] Does extracellular matrix rigidity control podosome induction in microvascular endothelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7077834606170654,
-0.8585496544837952,
2.689467668533325
] |
['The palpation method is widely used in clinical practice to identify the puncture site of combined spinal-epidural (CSE) blocks, but it is usually difficult to accurately locate the puncture site in obese parturients. Accurate identification of the puncture site is crucial for successful CSE block. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of ultrasound imaging on the success rate of CSE puncture in obese parturients.', 'Sixty obese parturients with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2) who were scheduled for caesarean section were randomized into two equal-sized groups for location of the puncture site: an ultrasound group and a palpation group. The success rate of puncture at the first puncture site, the number of puncture attempts, duration of CSE procedure, time taken to determine the puncture site, and the depth of the epidural space were compared between groups. The frequencies of complications such as puncture site hemorrhage, neurological damage, and inadvertent dural puncture were also studied.', 'There were no differences in age, body weight, height, body mass index, or gestational age between the two groups. The success rate of puncture at the first puncture site was significantly higher in the ultrasound group than the palpation group (100.00% vs. 70.00%, P = 0.004). The number of puncture attempts was significantly lower in the ultrasound group than the palpation group (χ(2) = 6.708, P = 0.035). The time taken for determining the puncture site was (0.30 ± 0.12) minutes in the palpation group and (2.60 ± 0.61) minutes in the ultrasound group (P < 0.001). The duration of CSE procedure was (7.67 ± 1.52) minutes in the palpation group and (9.37 ± 1.35) minutes in the ultrasound group (P < 0.001). The depth of the epidural space was similar in both groups (P = 0.586). Puncture site hemorrhage was observed in 6 (20.00%) patients in the palpation group and 2 (6.67%) patients in the ultrasound group (P = 0.255).'] Does ultrasound facilitate identification of combined spinal-epidural puncture in obese parturients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0915751457214355,
-1.6175076961517334,
1.7528486251831055
] |
['Previous studies with model foods have shown that softer textures lead to higher eating rates and higher ad libitum food intake and higher intensity of salt taste has been shown to result in a lower ad libitum food intake. These observations have yet to be replicated in the context of realistic solid hot meal components.', 'The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of texture and taste on the ad libitum intake of a realistic hot lunchtime meal.', 'The meals consisted of potatoes, carrots, steak and gravy varied according to a 2 (texture: mashed vs. whole) × 2 (taste: standard taste vs. strong taste) design. The texture dimension referred to mashed potatoes, mashed carrots and pieces of steak vs. whole boiled potatoes, whole boiled carrots and whole steak. The taste was varied by manipulating the taste intensity of the gravy to be either standard or high intensity savoury taste. The current study used a between groups, single course ad libitum design whereby subjects were recruited for a one off meal study, during which their food intake was measured. The four groups consisted of about 40 subjects (mashed, standard, n=37; mashed, savoury n=39; whole, standard n=40; and whole, savoury n=41) matched for age (average age=44.8 ± 5.3), gender (on average 19 males and 20 females), normal BMI (average 22.6 ± 1.7) and dietary restraint score (DEBQ score=1.74 ± 0.6).', 'The results showed that the estimated means of the intake of the two mashed conditions was 563.2 ± 20.3g and intake of whole meal was 527.5 ± 20.0 g (p=0.23). The texture effect was significant in the higher savoury condition with an average of 91 g less food consumed in the solid-savoury meal than in the mashed-savoury meal. This effect was not replicated in the standard gravy condition, with no significant difference between solid and mashed textures. This was reflected in an interaction effect that was approaching significance (p=0.051). The estimated mean eating rate in the two mashed conditions was 57.0 ± 2.5 g and was significantly higher than the whole meal condition (47.2 ± 2.5g (p<0.05), with no difference in eating rate between the standard and savoury gravy conditions.'] Does texture and savoury taste influence on food intake in a realistic hot lunch time meal? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.23385831713676453,
-0.8329430818557739,
-0.19036170840263367
] |
['In standard ventricular restraint therapy, a single level of restraint is applied to the entire ventricular surface. We showed previously that at high restraint levels, cardiac tamponade develops because of the thin-walled right ventricle, even while the left ventricle remains unaffected. We now hypothesize that applying restraint exclusively to the left ventricle permits higher levels of restraint, resulting in increased benefit to the left ventricle.', 'The acute effect of restraint applied to the left ventricle alone was analyzed in healthy and cardiomyopathic sheep hearts. Restraint therapy was applied by fluid-filled epicardial balloons placed solely around the left ventricle. Restraint level was defined by the measured balloon luminal pressure at end diastole. At incrementally higher restraint levels (0, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 14 mm Hg), transmural myocardial left ventricular pressure (P(tm) = Left ventricle pressure - Balloon pressure) and indices of myocardial oxygen consumption were measured in healthy sheep (n = 5) and in sheep with heart failure (n = 6).', 'Increasing restraint from 0 to 14 mm Hg decreased transmural myocardial pressure by 48.8% (P ≤ .02) and the left ventricle tension-time index by 39.1% (P ≤ .01), and the pressure-volume area decreased by 58.4% (P ≤ .01). Similarly, stroke work decreased by 57.9% (P ≤ .03). Systemic hemodynamics were unchanged. There was no difference in the trend for all indices between animals that were healthy and those with heart failure.'] Is restraint to the left ventricle alone superior to standard restraint? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6834081411361694,
-1.5259087085723877,
2.148746967315674
] |
['With the advent of primary PCI (PPCI), reperfusion is achieved in almost all patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction. However, despite multiple trials, reperfusion injury has not been successfully dealt with so far. In mouse models, CD4(+) T lymphocytes (T cells) have been shown to be crucial instigators of reperfusion injury.', 'Our goal was to investigate the role of CD4(+) T cells during myocardial reperfusion following PPCI by developing a protocol for high-throughput multiplexed flow cytometric analysis and multivariate flow clustering.', '13-parameter immunophenotyping and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) identified a unique CD4(+)CD57(+) T-cell population in PPCI patients that reflected acute proliferation in the CD4(+) T-cell compartment. CD4(+)CCR7(+) T cells were specifically depleted from peripheral blood during the first 30 min of myocardial reperfusion after PPCI, suggesting a potential role for the chemokine receptor CCR7 in T-cell redistribution to either peripheral tissues or migration to the infarcted heart during ischemia/reperfusion following PPCI.'] Does high-throughput 13-parameter immunophenotyping identify shifts in the circulating T-cell compartment following reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.398317575454712,
-1.2337138652801514,
2.7527778148651123
] |
["To study the association between anesthesiology residents' personality preference types, faculty evaluations of residents' performance, and knowledge.", 'Convenience sample and prospective study.', 'Academic department of anesthesiology.', 'Consenting anesthesiology residents (n = 36).', 'All participants completed the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®).', "All residents' 6-month summation of daily focal evaluations completed by faculty [daily performance score (DPS); 1 = unsatisfactory, 2 = needs improvement, 3 = meets expectations, 4 = exceeds expectations], as well as a global assessment of performance (GAP) score based on placement of each resident into perceived quartile compared with their peers (ie,1 = first, or top, quartile) by senior faculty (n = 7) who also completed the MBTI, were obtained. The resident MBTI personality preferences were compared with the DPS and GAP scores, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) I and II scores, and faculty MBTI personality type.", 'There was no association between personality preference type and performance on standardized examinations (USMLE I, II). The mean GAP score was better (higher quartile score) for Extraverts than Introverts (median 2.0 vs 2.6, P = 0.0047) and for Sensing versus Intuition (median 2.0 vs 2.6, P = 0.0206) preference. Faculty evaluator MBTI preference type did not influence the GAP scores they assigned residents. Like GAP, the DPS was better for residents with Sensing versus Intuition preference (median 3.5 vs 3.3, P = 0.0111). No difference in DPS was noted between Extraverts and Introverts.'] Does anesthesiology resident personality type correlate with faculty assessment of resident performance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1807236671447754,
-1.1926785707473755,
1.4471718072891235
] |
['To describe the morbidity and mortality related to coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS) bacteremia in non-critical patients.', 'Prospective, matched case-control study nested in a cohort. Patients with CNS bacteremia and no other isolate in blood cultures during their admission were defined as cases. Each case was matched by age, sex and area of hospitalization to one control. A 30-day follow-up was performed. Mortality and hospital stay were defined as endpoints.', '105 cases and 105 controls were included. All cases carried intravascular catheters at the time of inclusion. Cases presented higher mortality compared to controls (14.3% vs. 4.8%), although this association was not independent in a multivariate analysis (p = 0.11). CNS bacteremia was independently associated with longer hospital stay (mean 12 vs. 8.5 days, p = 0.008). Moreover, when patients with CNS bacteremia were specifically analyzed, the persistence of fever (p = 0.005) and inappropriate empirical treatment (p = 0.04) were independently related to mortality.'] Do mortality and hospital stay related to coagulase-negative Staphylococci bacteremia in non-critical patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0036942958831787,
-0.8510611057281494,
1.9718236923217773
] |
['Fast ripples are reported to be highly localizing to the epileptogenic or seizure-onset zone (SOZ) but may not be readily found in neocortical epilepsy, whereas ripples are insufficiently localizing. Herein we classified interictal neocortical ripples by associated characteristics to identify a subtype that may help to localize the SOZ in neocortical epilepsy. We hypothesize that ripples associated with an interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) are more pathologic, since the IED is not a normal physiologic event.', 'We studied 35 patients with epilepsy with neocortical epilepsy who underwent invasive electroencephalography (EEG) evaluation by stereotactic EEG (SEEG) or subdural grid electrodes. Interictal fast ripples and ripples were visually marked during slow-wave sleep lasting 10-30 min. Neocortical ripples were classified as type I when superimposed on epileptiform discharges such as paroxysmal fast, spike, or sharp wave, and as type II when independent of epileptiform discharges.', 'In 21 patients with a defined SOZ, neocortical fast ripples were detected in the SOZ of only four patients. Type I ripples were detected in 14 cases almost exclusively in the SOZ or primary propagation area (PP) and marked the SOZ with higher specificity than interictal spikes. In contrast, type II ripples were not correlated with the SOZ. In 14 patients with two or more presumed SOZs or nonlocalizable onset pattern, type I but not type II ripples also occurred in the SOZs. We found the areas with only type II ripples outside of the SOZ (type II-O ripples) in SEEG that localized to the primary motor cortex and primary visual cortex.'] Does ripple classification help to localize the seizure-onset zone in neocortical epilepsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8373298645019531,
-1.3903528451919556,
2.2299447059631348
] |
["A number of reconstructive procedures are available for the management of hip osteoarthritis. Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is now an accepted procedure, with implant survivorship comparable to THA at up to 10\xa0years' followup in certain series. Most reports focus on implant survivorship, surgeon-derived results, or complications. Fewer data pertain to patient-reported results, including validated measures of quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction and baseline measures from which to determine magnitude of improvement. Validated patient-reported results are essential to guide patients and surgeons in the current era of informed and shared decision making.", 'We determined whether patients reported improvement in disease-specific, joint-specific, and generic QoL after hip resurfacing arthroplasty; whether patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure; and latest activity level and return to sport.', 'We retrospectively reviewed 127 patients (100 men, 27 women) who underwent 143 hip resurfacing procedures between 2002 and 2006. Mean patient age was 52\xa0years. Patients completed the WOMAC, Oxford Hip Score, and SF-12 at baseline and again at minimum 2-year followup (mean, 2.5\xa0years; range, 2-6\xa0years). At latest followup, patients completed a validated satisfaction questionnaire and UCLA activity score.', 'All QoL scores improved (normalized to a 0-100 scale, where 100\xa0=\xa0best health state). WOMAC improved from 46 to 95, Oxford Hip Score from 42 to 95, SF-12 (physical) from 34 to 54, and SF-12 (mental) from 46 to 56. Patient satisfaction score was 96. UCLA activity score was 8.'] Do patients report improvement in quality of life and satisfaction after hip resurfacing arthroplasty? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.08994999527931213,
-1.4045109748840332,
0.5630894303321838
] |
['Detection of 14-3-3 proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a powerful tool for elucidating the mechanisms of neurological disorders. There have been useful studies on 14-3-3 CSF protein detection in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other neurological disorders, but none on cerebellar diseases.', 'To elucidate whether 14-3-3 CSF proteins are a sensitive biomarker of cerebellar disruption in children.', 'We examined 14-3-3 CSF proteins by immunoblotting in seven patients with cerebellar disorders: two with acute cerebellitis, two with acute cerebellar ataxia, and three with cerebellar atrophy. We also investigated 14-3-3 CSF proteins in four cases of febrile seizure and three of influenza-related encephalopathy. Isoforms of 14-3-3 proteins were also identified using isoform-specific antibodies.', '14-3-3 proteins were detected in CSF of six patients with cerebellar disorders, the exception being one with acute cerebellar ataxia caused by viral infection. Interestingly, only the 14-3-3 ε isoform was detected in two tested patients with cerebellar involvement. Moreover, longitudinal analysis of 14-3-3 CSF proteins in one patient with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy showed that the 14-3-3 band density proportionally decreased when the cerebellar atrophy gradually progressed. Another CSF derived from a case of febrile seizure showed no 14-3-3 proteins, whereas all those derived from influenza-related encephalopathy demonstrated 14-3-3 CSF proteins with six isoforms.'] Are 14-3-3 proteins , particularly of the epsilon isoform , detectable in cerebrospinal fluids of cerebellar diseases in children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0591280460357666,
-1.359816312789917,
2.444201946258545
] |
['The human coronary tree is commonly assumed to have two roots: the left and right coronary arteries (LCA and RCA, respectively). However, a third coronary artery (TCA) has been observed in humans and animals, usually arising from the right anterior aortic sinus near the RCA. Using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging, we identified TCA prevalence and characteristics in rabbit and human hearts.', 'Third coronary artery presence was analysed in hearts from 11 New Zealand white rabbits and 7 human cadavers, using excised tissue that was fixed, gadolinium-treated, and agar-embedded for imaging-based reconstruction. A TCA was identified in all rabbit hearts and six of seven human hearts, originating either from an independent ostium (7 of 11 rabbits, 2 of 7 humans) or an ostium shared with the RCA (4 of 11 rabbits, 4 of 7 humans). Proximal TCA cross-sectional area in rabbits was 15.3 ± 6.0% of RCA area (mean ± SD, based on n = 9 rabbit hearts in which reliable measurements could be taken for both vessels), and 26.7 ± 10.1% in humans (n = 4). In all-but-one case where a TCA was observed, it originated ventral to the RCA, progressing towards the right ventricular outflow tract. In one rabbit, the TCA originated dorsal to the RCA and progressed towards the Crista terminalis in the right atrium. A fourth vessel, forming a separate aortic Vas vasorum was occasionally seen, originating from the right anterior aortic sinus either from an ostium common with (1 of 11 rabbits, 0 of 7 humans) or independent of (1 of 11 rabbits, 1 of 7 humans) the TCA. Pilot optical mapping experiments showed that TCA occlusion had variable acute effects on rabbit cardiac electrophysiology.'] Does microscopic magnetic resonance imaging reveal high prevalence of third coronary artery in human and rabbit heart? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8817715644836426,
-1.4619629383087158,
2.4515862464904785
] |
['The esophageal intraluminal baseline impedance may be used to evaluate the status of mucosa integrity. Esophageal acid exposure decreases the baseline impedance. We aimed to compare baseline impedance in patients with various reflux events and with different acid-related parameters, and investigate the relationships between epithelial histopathologic abnormalities and baseline impedance.', 'A total of 229 GERD patients and 34 controls underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH monitoring), gastroendoscopy, and completed a GERD questionnaire (GerdQ). We quantified epithelial intercellular spaces (ICSs) and expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins by histologic techniques.', 'Mean baseline values in reflux esophagitis (RE) (1752 ± 1018 Ω) and non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) (2640 ± 1143 Ω) were significantly lower than in controls (3360 ± 1258 Ω; p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Among NERD subgroups, mean baselines in the acid reflux group (2510 ± 1239 Ω) and mixed acid/weakly acidic reflux group (2393 ± 1009 Ω) were much lower than in controls (3360 ± 1258 Ω; p = 0.020 and p < 0.001, respectively). The mean baseline in severe RE patients was significantly lower than in mild RE patients (LA-C/D vs. LA-A/B: 970 ± 505 Ω vs. 1921 ± 1024 Ω, p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between baseline value and acid exposure time (AET) (r = -0.41, p < 0.001), and a weak but significant correlation (r = -0.20, p = 0.007) between baseline value and weakly AET. Negative correlations were observed between ICS and the baseline impedance (r = -0.637, p < 0.001) and claudin-1 and the baseline impedance (r = -0.648, p < 0.001).'] Is esophageal intraluminal baseline impedance associated with severity of acid reflux and epithelial structural abnormalities in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6375526189804077,
-1.6844152212142944,
2.2733492851257324
] |
['Rasburicase, used for hyperuricemia of tumor lysis syndrome, retains activity at room temperature (RT) in in vitro studies. Cold-temperature handling is recommended for uric acid measurements in patients receiving rasburicase: collection in prechilled tubes, transportation on ice, and 4°C centrifugation. We performed a prospective study of these requirements.', 'A total of 65 pairs of blood samples were collected from 34 patients, 12-24 h after receiving rasburicase. The effect of temperature on uric acid concentration was tested on paired samples handled either at RT or when cold: centrifugation (18 sample pairs), collection tube (14 pairs), transportation (24 pairs), and nine pairs were retested after 1 h at RT.', 'No significant temperature effect was seen on the uric acid measurements for any of the cold-handling steps: proportional, absolute biases were -1.4%, -0.06 mg/dL (centrifugation), -1.5%, +0.02 mg/dL (tube temperature), and -2.2%, -0.01 mg/dL (transportation). A 20% negative bias was seen in samples retested after 1 h at RT.'] Is refrigeration necessary for measurement of uric acid in patients treated with rasburicase? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5289195775985718,
-1.647480845451355,
2.187305450439453
] |
['The optimal combination of fludarabine, busulfan, and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) for reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) transplantation has not been established. ATG plays a pivotal role in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), but it is associated with a higher relapse rate and an elevated incidence of infections when high doses are used.', 'The authors retrospectively compared 2 different doses of ATG combined with fludarabine and busulfan in 229 adult patients who underwent transplantation at their institution. ATG was administered over 1 day (FBA1) or over 2 days (FBA2) at a daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg.', 'There were 124 patients in the FBA2 cohort and 105 patients in the FBA2 cohorts. Patients in the FBA2 cohort were older and more frequently underwent transplantation from an unrelated donor; 93% of patients in the FBA2 cohort received intravenous busulfan versus only 5% in the FBA1 cohort. The incidence of grade 2 through 4 acute GvHD was 23% in the FBA2 cohort versus 42% in the FBA1 cohort (P = .002); the incidence of grade 3 through 4 acute GvHD was 10% versus 23%, respectively (P = .006); and the incidence of chronic GvHD was 35% versus 69%, respectively (P < .0001). The 2-year rates of overall survival, nonrelapse mortality, and relapse/progression for the FBA1 and FBA2 cohorts were 65% versus 67%, respectively (P = .99), 20% versus 19%, respectively (P = .61), and 30% versus 19%, respectively (P = .09). The results were confirmed in multivariate analysis.'] Are two days of antithymocyte globulin associated with a reduced incidence of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease in reduced-intensity conditioning transplantation for hematologic diseases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1566985845565796,
-1.6956325769424438,
1.7894562482833862
] |
['To investigate the importance of blood sampling conditions for multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEA) in cardiac surgery patients.', 'Eighty-one patients undergoing first time CABG surgery were included in three prospective, observational studies. MEA was used to analyze platelet aggregability after addition of adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) or thrombin activating peptide 6 (TRAP). In substudy 1, hirudin and citrate tubes were compared. In substudy 2, samples from peripheral vein, central venous catheter, and radial artery were compared and in substudy 3, the effect of surgery was investigated by analyzing pre- and postoperative samples.', 'Platelet aggregability values were 30% higher in hirudin tubes than in citrate tubes. There was a significant correlation between hirudin and citrate tubes in TRAP-induced aggregability (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) but not in ADP-induced aggregability (r = 0.25, p = 0.13). The blood sampling site did not influence platelet aggregability. Surgery reduced ADP-induced aggregability by 31% (p < 0.001) and TRAP-induced aggregability by 30% (p < 0.001) with large intraindividual variations.'] Do sampling conditions influence multiple electrode platelet aggregometry in cardiac surgery patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1635310649871826,
-1.4214856624603271,
2.622159957885742
] |
['Vitamin-D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical importance of vitamin-D deficiency in patients with bronchiectasis.', '25-hydroxyvitamin-D was measured by immunoassay in 402 stable patients with bronchiectasis. Patients were classified as vitamin-D deficient (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D <25 nmol/l), insufficient (25 nmol/l-74 nmol/l) or sufficient (≥ 75 nmol/l). Disease severity was assessed, including exacerbation frequency, measurement of airway inflammatory markers, sputum bacteriology and lung function over 3 years follow-up.', '50% of bronchiectasis patients were vitamin-D deficient, 43% insufficient and only 7% sufficient. This compared to only 12% of age and sex matched controls with vitamin-D deficiency (p<0.0001). Vitamin-D deficient patients were more frequently chronically colonised with bacteria (p<0.0001), 21.4% of vitamin-D deficient subjects were colonised with Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to 10.4% of insufficient patients and 3.6% of sufficient patients, p=0.003. Vitamin-D deficient patients had lower FEV(1)% predicted (p=0.002), and more frequent pulmonary exacerbations (p=0.04). Vitamin-D deficient patients had higher sputum levels of inflammatory markers and demonstrated a more rapid decline in lung function over 3 years follow-up. Defects in neutrophil function and assessment of airway LL-37 levels did not provide a mechanistic explanation for these findings. Vitamin-D deficient patients had, however, higher levels of Vitamin-D Binding Protein in sputum sol.'] Is vitamin-D deficiency associated with chronic bacterial colonisation and disease severity in bronchiectasis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7576934099197388,
-1.5761798620224,
2.26940655708313
] |
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