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['HTLV-I is the causal agent of adult T cell leukemia (ATLL) and HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Biomarkers are needed to diagnose and/or predict patients who are at risk for HAM/TSP or ATLL. Therefore, we investigated using luciferase immunoprecipitation technology (LIPS) antibody responses to seven HTLV-I proteins in non-infected controls, asymptomatic HTLV-I-carriers, ATLL and HAM/TSP sera samples. Antibody profiles were correlated with viral load and examined in longitudinal samples.', 'Anti-GAG antibody titers detected by LIPS differentiated HTLV-infected subjects from uninfected controls with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity, but did not differ between HTLV-I infected subgroups. However, anti-Env antibody titers were over 4-fold higher in HAM/TSP compared to both asymptomatic HTLV-I (P < 0.0001) and ATLL patients (P < 0.0005). Anti-Env antibody titers above 100,000 LU had 75% positive predictive value and 79% negative predictive value for identifying the HAM/TSP sub-type. Anti-Tax antibody titers were also higher (P < 0.0005) in the HAM/TSP compared to the asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers. Proviral load correlated with anti-Env antibodies in asymptomatic carriers (R = 0.76), but not in HAM/TSP.'] Does anti-HTLV antibody profiling reveal an antibody signature for HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis ( HAM/TSP )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8894621133804321,
-1.5715460777282715,
2.4993529319763184
] |
['Prospective studies evaluating associations between food intake and risk of heart failure (HF) in diverse populations are needed.', 'Relationships between incident HF (death or hospitalization) and intake of seven food categories (whole grains, fruits/vegetables, fish, nuts, high-fat dairy, eggs, red meat) were investigated in an observational cohort of 14,153 African-American and white adults, age 45 to 64 years, sampled from four US communities.', 'Between baseline (1987-1989) and Exam 3 (1993-1995), dietary intake was based on responses to a 66-item food frequency questionnaire administered at baseline; thereafter, intake was based on averaged baseline and Exam 3 responses. Hazard ratios (HR [95% CI]) for HF were calculated per 1-daily serving difference in food group intake.', 'During a mean of 13 years, 1,140 HF hospitalizations were identified. After multivariable adjustment (energy intake, demographics, lifestyle factors, prevalent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension), HF risk was lower with greater whole-grain intake (0.93 [0.87, 0.99]), but HF risk was higher with greater intake of eggs (1.23 [1.08, 1.41]) and high-fat dairy (1.08 [1.01, 1.16]). These associations remained significant independent of intakes of the five other food categories, which were not associated with HF.'] Is incident heart failure associated with lower whole-grain intake and greater high-fat dairy and egg intake in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities ( ARIC ) study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2955987453460693,
-0.17302480340003967,
1.6272525787353516
] |
['Vaccine efficacy against gastric Helicobacter pylori infection has been shown in mice, but little is known about the mechanisms of bacterial clearance. Our aim was to investigate a possible T-cell/neutrophil pathway of vaccine-induced protection.', 'Nonimmune and immunized mice were compared for their response to H pylori challenge. T-cell responses were assessed by recall assays. Interleukin (IL)-17-induced chemokine production was evaluated by cytokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In a kinetic study, biopsy specimens were collected at multiple time points postchallenge and assessed for bacterial load and inflammation. Relative levels of T cells, IL-17, interferon gamma, MIP-2, KC, and LIX were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The role of neutrophils was evaluated by antibody-mediated depletion of neutrophils following challenge.', 'Immunization induced strong interferon gamma- and IL-17-producing T-cell responses, and IL-17 was capable of inducing significant amounts of KC and MIP-2 from dendritic cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, and gastric epithelial cells. Challenge of immunized mice induced significantly greater gastritis than that of infected mice, preceding significantly lower bacterial loads by day 7. In immune mice, T-cell recruitment to the gastric mucosa correlated with a continuous rise in IL-17 and interferon gamma levels, followed by KC, MIP-2, and LIX production and the recruitment of significant numbers of neutrophils by day 5. Antibody-mediated depletion of neutrophils abrogated vaccine efficacy.'] Does vaccination of mice against H pylori induce a strong Th-17 response and immunity that is neutrophil dependent? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4219768047332764,
-1.3684712648391724,
2.8426873683929443
] |
['The Wnt family may contribute to hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance in bone marrow, but many questions remain concerning mechanisms. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is expressed in cellular compartments of the bone marrow and might contribute to the HSC niche, but mechanisms concerning its constitutive expression are largely unknown. We now explore the influence of Wnt signaling on cellular adhesion molecule expression by bone marrow stromal and hematopoietic cells.', 'Recombinant Wnt ligands, retroviral Wnt transductions and cocultures with Wnt-secreting cells were used to analyze the effect of Wnt on adhesion molecule expression by stromal and hematopoietic cells. In vivo experiments were also done to assess the ability of Wnt3a-induced, VCAM-1 deficient hematopoietic cells to engraft bone marrow.', 'We now report that the beta-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt signaling pathway negatively regulates VCAM-1 expression on two types of bone marrow cells. Wnt pathway inhibitors, Axin (intracellular) or Dickkopf-1 (extracellular) blocked the regulation of VCAM-1 by diffusible Wnt3a. Interestingly, lipopolysaccharide restored a substantial degree of VCAM-1 expression, suggesting functional cross-talk between Wnt and TLR4 signaling pathways. Decreasing VCAM-1 on HSC-enriched Lin(-) Sca-1(+) c-Kit(Hi) Thy1.1(Lo) cells by exposure to Wnt3a did not prevent their successful transplantation.'] Does canonical Wnt pathway signaling suppress VCAM-1 expression by marrow stromal and hematopoietic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4685518741607666,
-1.1487147808074951,
2.6856727600097656
] |
['To design, develop and validate a new device allowing the features of corneocytes at the surface of the skin to be visualized in vivo and objectively characterized.', 'Monochromatic light is focused at the proximal end of a coherent bundle of optical fibres. Fluorescence of skin, stained with fluorescein, is then captured by the same fibre bundle and displayed, through a dichroic mirror, by a CCD camera. Fluorescence images are analysed using dedicated software to measure the projected area of cells.', 'The new device allows the mean projected area of corneocytes to be routinely studied and quantified on most of the skin areas of the human body. Measurements carried out on two age groups of women confirm that corneocyte size on the forearm is smaller in young women than in older women.'] Does a new technique to in vivo study the corneocyte feature at the surface of the skin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6098039150238037,
-0.4679950177669525,
2.1311216354370117
] |
['The aims of the present study were twofold: first, to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among women inpatients with post-partum-onset psychosis; and second, to describe the clinical, childbirth-related and demographic correlates of suicidal ideation in this group.', 'A total of 82 post-partum women consecutively admitted to the psychiatric unit of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, India during 18 months were assessed using the Comprehensive Psychopathology Rating Scale (CPRS) for psychopathology and suicidality.', 'Thirty-one women (38%) reported suicidal ideation, of whom 15 (18%) had attempted suicide in the current episode. Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were more frequent in women with depression, an insidious onset of the current illness and those with higher scores on the depressive dimension. On logistic regression analysis, however, only higher scores on the depressive symptom dimension of CPRS, irrespective of diagnosis, emerged as significant (p<0.001). Suicidal ideation was also significantly associated with ideas of harm to the infant (p<0.05).'] Does prevalence and correlate of suicidality among Indian women with post-partum psychosis in an inpatient setting? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.6786141395568848,
0.5757539868354797,
0.3488956689834595
] |
['The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for recurrent or complicated diverticulitis requiring colectomy.', "A total of 112 patients were admitted to the West Haven Veterans Affairs Medical Center with the diagnosis of colonic diverticular disease from January 1998 to December 2006. Patients' records were assessed for demographics, past medical history, and physical and biochemical features of presentation. Student t tests, analysis of variance, and chi-square analysis were used to compare binary and categoric data.", 'The medical records of 112 patients admitted to the West Haven Veterans Affairs hospital with the diagnosis of diverticulitis were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 97.3% were male (n = 109), with a mean age of 63.3 years, and a significant smoking history greater than 30 pack-years was present in 70.5% (n = 79) of patients. Eighty-four percent (n = 94) of patients presented with localized abdominal pain and 69.6% (n = 78) had abdominal tenderness without peritoneal signs. Computed tomography was performed in 85.7% (n = 96) of cases. A total of 23.2% (n = 26) of patients proceeded to laparotomy, with free perforation being the most common indication (38.4%, n = 12) followed by a history of 2 or more antecedent attacks of diverticulitis (23.1%, n = 6). Analysis of variance showed that serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the group undergoing colectomy compared with those who did not (3.4 vs 4.1 mg/dL; P = .016). The need for colectomy owing to complicated or recurrent attacks correlated with glucocorticoid use (P < .001) and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < .038), but not with diabetes mellitus, collagen vascular disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.'] Do medical comorbidities predict the need for colectomy for complicated and recurrent diverticulitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5623143911361694,
-1.5142228603363037,
1.9943946599960327
] |
['To investigate the involvement of inflammation in the development of endometriosis.', 'Case-control study to investigate the association between endometriosis and four inflammation-related genes: interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1 beta, and cyclooxygenase-2.', 'University hospital.', 'We had 196 cases with pathologically proved endometriosis and 397 disease-free women as control subjects.', 'A total of 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected for genotyping, including functional SNPs and common tagging SNPs.', 'Logistic regression and haplotype analyses were performed to evaluate the genetic effect with adjustment for other covariates.', 'Genotypes at each SNP were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in either case or control subjects, except for rs1800871 at IL-10 in the case subjects (P=.04). We found that the individuals carrying minor allele C of a functional promoter SNP rs1800871 at IL-10 was associated with a reduced risk by approximately twofold compared with the common TT genotype. The T allele was reported to have a lower gene expression level than the C allele, suggesting inadequate suppression of inflammation leading to endometriosis development. Haplotype analysis of the IL-10 gene did not yield a better result. Other genes were not associated with endometriosis.'] Does a functional promoter polymorphism in interleukin-10 gene influence susceptibility to endometriosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2876503467559814,
-1.1373844146728516,
2.4720382690429688
] |
['To investigate the association between subjective spasticity ratings and objective spasticity measurement using a new tool for spasticity assessment, that is long-term surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings during daily activities. For monitoring, processing and analysis of this long-term sEMG data, a muscle activity detection algorithm was developed.', 'sEMG of the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, adductor group and semitendinosus of 14 complete spinal-cord-injured patients, in whom voluntary muscle contraction was absent, was recorded continuously during daily activities. Synchronously, subjects stored their activities in a diary and scored their experienced level of spasticity on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for that particular activity. sEMG data were analysed using a high-quality burst-detection algorithm that was developed and validated within this study. Derived sEMG parameters were clustered using principal-component analysis (PCA) and used in a linear mixed model analysis to study their association with VAS.', 'VAS scores appeared significantly associated with the PCA components representing the number and the duration of bursts, but not burst amplitude. Furthermore, VAS scores were associated with the activity performed. The percentage explained variance was, however, low, that is 27-35%.'] Are patient ratings of spasticity during daily activities only marginally associated with long-term surface electromyography? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2636778354644775,
-1.215538740158081,
2.5819478034973145
] |
['Some patients with Fisher syndrome (FS) developed subsequent descending tetraparesis (Fisher/Guillain-Barré overlapping syndrome: FS/GBS). The assumption is that such descending progression may frequently lead to respiratory failure.', 'To investigate whether patients with FS/GBS more often require artificial ventilation than those with typical GBS and which clinical and serological findings are useful predictors.', 'Medical records were reviewed of patients who had acute ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia, as well as subsequent tetraparesis with monophasic course. Forty-five patients fulfilled the FS/GBS criteria. Clinical and serological features were analysed, and clinical predictors of mechanical ventilation were investigated.', 'FS/GBS patients more frequently required mechanical ventilation than did GBS patients (24% vs 10%, p = 0.04). The former also needed artificial ventilation earlier than the latter (p = 0.03), but none of the FS patients required it. As the initial symptom, ventilated FS/GBS patients more frequently showed titubation than non-ventilated patients (55% vs 18%, p = 0.04). During the course of the illness, descending tetraparesis was more common in 11 ventilated FS/GBS patients than in the other 34 non-ventilated patients (64% vs 21%, p = 0.02). The need for artificial ventilation was not associated with anti-GQ1b IgG antibodies, monospecific anti-GT1a IgG antibodies or IgG antibodies to various ganglioside complexes.'] Do clinical predictors of mechanical ventilation in Fisher/Guillain-Barré overlap syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.289532423019409,
-1.081369400024414,
2.431694507598877
] |
['Parenteral nutrition (PN) is often used in severely injured patients when caloric goals are not achieved enterally. The purpose of this study is to determine whether early administration of parenteral nutrition is associated with an increased risk for infection after severe injury.', 'Retrospective cohort study of severely injured blunt trauma patients enrolled from eight trauma centers participating in the "Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury" (Glue Grant) study. We compared patients receiving PN within 7 days after injury with a control group that did not receive early PN. We then focused on patients who tolerated at least some enteral nutrition (EN) during the first week and evaluated the potential influence of supplemental PN on outcomes in this "enteral tolerant" subgroup. Primary outcomes included occurrence of a nosocomial infection after the first postinjury week. Secondary outcomes included type of infection and hospital mortality.', 'Of 567 patients enrolled, 95 (17%) received early PN. Early PN use was associated with a greater risk of nosocomial infection (relative risk [RR] = 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.6; p < 0.001). In the enteral-tolerant subgroup (n = 249), early PN was also associated with an increase in nosocomial infections (RR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.1; p = 0.005) in part because of an increased risk of bloodstream infection (RR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5 to 5.3; p = 0.002). Mortality tended to be higher in patients receiving additional EN and PN versus EN alone (RR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.2; p = 0.06).'] Is early supplemental parenteral nutrition associated with increased infectious complications in critically ill trauma patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6567922830581665,
-1.3239291906356812,
1.978251338005066
] |
['Although concanavalin A (Con-A)-induced experimental hepatitis is thought to be induced by activated T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and cytokines, precise mechanisms are still unknown. In the current study, we investigated the roles of Kupffer cells, NKT cells, FasL, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and superoxide in Con-A hepatitis in C57BL/6 mice. Removal of Kupffer cells using gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)) from the liver completely inhibited Con-A hepatitis, whereas increased serum TNF and IFN-gamma levels were not inhibited at all. Unexpectedly, anti-FasL antibody pretreatment did not inhibit Con-A hepatitis, whereas it inhibited hepatic injury induced by a synthetic ligand of NKT cells, alpha-galactosylceramide. Furthermore, GdCl(3) pretreatment changed neither the activation-induced down-regulation of NK1.1 antigens as well as T cell receptors of NKT cells nor the increased expression of the CD69 activation antigen of hepatic T cells. CD68(+) Kupffer cells greatly increased in proportion in the early phase after Con-A injection; this increase was abrogated by GdCl(3) pretreatment. Anti-TNF antibody (Ab) pretreatment did not inhibit the increase of Kupffer cells, but it effectively suppressed superoxide/reactive oxygen production from Kupffer cells and the resulting hepatic injury. Conversely, depletion of NKT cells in mice by NK1.1 Ab pretreatment did suppress both the increase of CD68(+) Kupffer cells and Con-A hepatitis. Consistently, the diminution of oxygen radicals produced by Kupffer cells by use of free radical scavengers greatly inhibited Con-A hepatitis without suppressing cytokine production. However, adoptive transfer experiments also indicate that a close interaction/cooperation of Kupffer cells with NKT cells is essential for Con-A hepatitis.'] Is superoxide produced by Kupffer cells an essential effector in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4085400104522705,
-1.331247091293335,
2.80448842048645
] |
['Compliance is primarily related to extracellular matrix deposition, and prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4Hs) plays a critical role in the synthesis of the matrix. To study the alteration of P4Hs, under the influence of variable hydrostatic pressure, a novel pressure device was used to expose human bladder smooth muscle cells (HBSMC) and fibroblasts (HBF) to pressures in the physiologic range. We then studied acute obstructed porcine bladder tissues to see if changes can also be seen after in-vitro obstruction.', 'HBSMC and HBF were exposed to pressures at 0, 20 and 40 cmH(2)O for up to 72 h. In-vivo studies were carried out next, using six normal (control) and five obstructed porcine bladders. Pigs were exposed to a consistent hydrostatic pressure of < or =20 cm for 24 h after ligation of the urethra. We used 2-DE to compare protein profiling of HBSMC under normal and increased pressures. Other analyses were used to detect molecular alteration and altered expression of mRNA for P4Hs.', 'We identified 437 proteins from 476 spots (91.8%) obtained from HBSMC that were differentially expressed under normal and increased pressures. Under increased pressure, 48 unique proteins were significantly increased or decreased, and a prominent protein regulating extracellular matrix synthesis highly correlated with P4Hs. The exposure of both HBSMC and HBF to a sustained hydrostatic pressure resulted in the increased expression of P4Hs in a time- and pressure-dependent manner. In vivo, P4Hs expression was also significantly increased in the obstructed group.'] Is collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase up-regulated in an acute bladder outlet obstruction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.277549982070923,
-1.3753166198730469,
2.6980209350585938
] |
['7-Ketocholesterol is a highly toxic oxysterol found in abundance in atherosclerotic plaques and is believed to play a critical role in atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to identify and localize 7-ketocholesterol (7kCh) in the primate retina and to examine the potential consequences of its presence in oxidized lipid deposits in the retina.', 'Unsterified 7kCh was identified and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Localization of 7kCh was performed by immunohistochemistry. VEGF induction was determined by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was determined by measuring cellular dehydrogenase activity. Analyses were performed using ARPE19 and human vascular endothelial cells (HMVECs).', "7-Ketocholesterol is localized mainly to deposits in the choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane and on the surfaces of vascular endothelial cells of the neural retina. RPE/choriocapillaris regions contained approximately four times more 7kCh than the neural retina. In ARPE19 cells and HMVECs, oxidized LDL and 7kCh induced VEGF 8- to 10-fold above controls. Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha levels did not increase as a result of 7kCh treatment, suggesting an HIF-independent induction pathway. Cholesterol sulfate, a liver X receptor (LXR) antagonist, had marked attenuation of the 7kCh-mediated VEGF induction. LXR-specific siRNAs also reduced VEGF induction. Inhibition of NF-kappaB with BAY 11-7082 reduced IL-8 but not VEGF induction."] Is 7-Ketocholesterol present in lipid deposits in the primate retina : potential implication in the induction of VEGF and CNV formation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.299760580062866,
-1.4323148727416992,
2.745880126953125
] |
['We noted that the impact of obesity on renal laparoscopy may vary with the specific surgical approach.', 'Patients who underwent standard and hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy at our institution were categorized by body mass index as nonobese--body mass index less than 30, obese--30 to 39.9 and morbidly obese--40 kg/m(2) or greater. We assessed the association of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes with body mass index for standard and hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.', 'Of 350 patients who underwent standard (196) or hand assisted (154) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy 36% were obese and 12% were morbidly obese. Patients who underwent hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy had a greater body mass index, more frequent assignment of American Society of Anesthesiologists score 3 or 4 and larger masses than those who underwent standard laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Despite this fact conversion to open surgery from hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy did not occur, while such conversion occurred in the standard laparoscopic radical nephrectomy group in 0.8% of nonobese, 3.0% of obese and 17% of morbidly obese patients (association with body mass index p = 0.003). Operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and hospitalization duration did not vary with body mass index. On multivariate analysis only body mass index and not age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, prior abdominal surgery or tumor size was associated with an increasing likelihood of conversion to open surgery (p = 0.04), and only in the standard laparoscopic radical nephrectomy group.'] Are obesity and morbid obesity associated with a greater conversion rate to open surgery for standard but not hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.893680214881897,
-1.3506367206573486,
2.309544324874878
] |
['To determine whether 1) hepatic ceramide and diacylglycerol concentrations, 2) SCD1 activity, and 3) hepatic lipogenic index are increased in the human nonalcoholic fatty liver.', 'We studied 16 subjects with (n = 8) and without (n = 8) histologically determined nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL(+) and NAFL(-)) matched for age, sex, and BMI. Hepatic concentrations of lipids and fatty acids were quantitated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and gas chromatography.', 'The absolute (nmol/mg) hepatic concentrations of diacylglycerols but not ceramides were increased in the NAFL(+) group compared with the NAFL(-) group. The livers of the NAFL(+) group contained proportionally less long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as compared with the NAFL(-) group. Liver fat percent was positively related to hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) activity index (r = 0.70, P = 0.003) and the hepatic lipogenic index (r = 0.54, P = 0.030). Hepatic SCD1 activity index was positively related to the concentrations of diacylglycerols (r = 0.71, P = 0.002) but not ceramides (r = 0.07, NS).'] Are hepatic stearoyl-CoA desaturase ( SCD ) -1 activity and diacylglycerol but not ceramide concentrations increased in the nonalcoholic human fatty liver? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7589826583862305,
-1.5581669807434082,
2.284163236618042
] |
['Single-embryo transfer is a well-accepted strategy to avoid multiple pregnancies in an assisted reproductive technology (ART) programme. Besides the morphological quality and embryo kinetics up to the blastocyst stage, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) of aneuploidy has been advocated as an adjuvant approach to select the embryo.', 'Couples with a female partner younger than 36 were randomly assigned to undergo transfer of a single blastocyst in a cycle with or without PGS using FISH for the chromosomes X, Y, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22.', 'After the enrolment of 120 of the projected 447 patients in each group, study recruitment was terminated prematurely on the basis of futility. The observed live birth delivery rates after ART were 30.8 versus 30.8% per randomized patient, 34.6 versus 34.6% per cycle initiated, 37.8 versus 37.0% per aspirated cycle and 41.6 versus 43.5% per embryo transfer for the control versus the PGS group, respectively, with absolute between-group differences (95% CI; P value) of 0% (-11.7 to 11.7; P = 1.00), 0% (-12.7 to 12.7; P = 1.00), -0.8% (-14.2 to 12.7; P = 0.91) and 2.1% (-12.7 to 16.7; P = 0.79), respectively. Even in this younger age group, only 61% of the embryos had a normal diploid status.'] Does preimplantation genetic screening improve delivery rate in women under the age of 36 following single-embryo transfer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.39534592628479,
-1.4011263847351074,
1.806835412979126
] |
['Sudden cardiac death (SCD) has been shown to be a significant cause of death after heart transplantation. QT dispersion (QTd) is associated with SCD in several high-risk populations. We hypothesized that QTd would predict mortality and SCD in heart transplantation patients.', 'We examined the clinical charts and most recent electrocardiograms (ECGs) for patients who received heart transplants at Stanford University Medical Center during the period 1981-1995. QTd was measured with all 12 leads and the precordial leads. Analysis was performed by a single reader blinded to patient outcomes.', 'A total of 346 patients who had undergone transplantation had available ECGs and known outcomes; 155 of these patients died, and 42 of these deaths were attributed to SCD. The 12-lead mean QTd was not significantly different between outcome groups: patients who survived had a 12-lead mean QTd of 58 +/- 29 milliseconds and those who died had a 12-lead mean QTd of 61 +/- 32 milliseconds (P = .57). Patients who died from SCD had a 12-lead mean QTd of 57 +/- 31 milliseconds (P = .40), and those who died of other causes had a 12-lead mean QTd of 59 +/- 34 milliseconds (P = .36 vs those who died of SCD). Similarly, the precordial-lead mean QTd did not differ significantly between the different outcome groups.'] Is qT dispersion associated with sudden cardiac death or mortality in heart transplant recipients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.777441680431366,
-1.3659642934799194,
-0.296999990940094
] |
['There is growing international concern that food insecurity may negatively impact antiretroviral (ARV) treatment outcomes, but no studies have directly evaluated the effect of food insecurity on viral load suppression and antiretroviral adherence. We hypothesized that food insecurity would be associated with poor virologic response among homeless and marginally housed HIV-positive ARV-treated patients.', 'This is a cross-sectional study.', 'Participants were ARV-treated homeless and marginally housed persons receiving adherence monitoring with unannounced pill counts in the Research on Access to Care in the Homeless (REACH) Cohort.', 'Food insecurity was measured by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The primary outcome was suppression of HIV viral RNA to <50 copies/ml. We used multivariate logistic regression to assess whether food insecurity was associated with viral suppression.', 'Among 104 participants, 51% were food secure, 24% were mildly or moderately food insecure and 25% were severely food insecure. Severely food insecure participants were less likely to have adherence > or =80%. In adjusted analyses, severe food insecurity was associated with a 77% lower odds of viral suppression (95% CI = 0.06-0.82) when controlling for all covariates. In analyses stratified by adherence level, severe food insecurity was associated with an 85% lower odds of viral suppression (95% CI = 0.02-0.99) among those with < or =80% adherence and a 66% lower odds among those with >80% adherence (95% CI = 0.06-1.81).'] Is food insecurity associated with incomplete HIV RNA suppression among homeless and marginally housed HIV-infected individuals in San Francisco? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2597485780715942,
-1.1535863876342773,
1.4579336643218994
] |
["Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is being claimed as the 'signature' injury of the Iraq war, and is believed to be the cause of long-term symptomatic ill health (post-concussional syndrome; PCS) in an unknown proportion of military personnel.", "We analysed cross-sectional data from a large, randomly selected cohort of UK military personnel deployed to Iraq (n=5869). Two markers of PCS were generated: 'PCS symptoms' (indicating the presence of mTBI-related symptoms: none, 1-2, 3+) and 'PCS symptom severity' (indicating the presence of mTBI-related symptoms at either a moderate or severe level of severity: none, 1-2, 3+).", 'PCS symptoms and PCS symptom severity were associated with self-reported exposure to blast whilst in a combat zone. However, the same symptoms were also associated with other in-theatre exposures such as potential exposure to depleted uranium and aiding the wounded. Strong associations were apparent between having PCS symptoms and other health outcomes, in particular being a post-traumatic stress disorder or General Health Questionnaire case.'] Are symptoms of post-concussional syndrome non-specifically related to mild traumatic brain injury in UK Armed Forces personnel on return from deployment in Iraq : an analysis of self-reported data? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5018858909606934,
-0.6340468525886536,
2.2511696815490723
] |
['Functional interactions between mu- and delta-opioid receptors (MOPr and DOPr, respectively) are implicated in morphine tolerance and dependence. The contribution of DOPr to the conditioned rewarding effects of morphine and the enhanced conditioned response that occurs after repeated morphine administration is unknown. This issue was addressed with the conditioned place preference procedure (CPP).', 'Rats received home cage injections of saline or morphine (5.0 mg/kg/day x 5 days) before conditioning. For sensitization studies, DOPr antagonists (DOPr1/2: naltrindole, DOPr2: naltriben, DOPr1: 7-benzylidenenaltrexone) were administered before morphine injections. Conditioning sessions (2 morphine; 2 saline) commenced 3 days later. To assess the influence of acute DOPr blockade on the conditioning of morphine reward in naïve animals, 3 morphine and 3 saline conditioning sessions were employed. Antagonists were administered before morphine conditioning sessions.', 'Morphine was ineffective as a conditioning stimulus after two conditioning sessions in naïve rats. However, doses > or = 3.0 mg/kg produced significant CPP in morphine pre-exposed rats, confirming that sensitization develops to the conditioned rewarding effects of morphine. In animals that received morphine pre-exposure with naltrindole or naltriben but not 7-benzylidenenaltrexone, sensitization was prevented. No attenuation of morphine CPP was observed in animals that received DOPr antagonists acutely, before conditioning sessions.'] Do delta-opioid receptor antagonists prevent sensitization to the conditioned rewarding effects of morphine? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2243711948394775,
-1.2203654050827026,
2.4730701446533203
] |
['Excessive teenage alcohol consumption is of great concern because alcohol may adversely alter the developmental trajectory of the brain. The aim of the present study was to assess whether chronic intermittent alcohol intake during the adolescent period alters hippocampal protein expression to a greater extent than during adulthood.', 'Adolescent [postnatal day (PND) 27] and adult (PND 55) male Wistar rats were given 8 hours daily access to beer (4.44% ethanol v/v) in addition to ad libitum food and water for 4 weeks. From a large subject pool, subgroups of adolescent and adult rats were selected that displayed equivalent alcohol intake (average of 6.1 g/kg/day ethanol). The 4 weeks of alcohol access were followed by a 2-week alcohol-free washout period after which the hippocampus was analyzed using 2-DE proteomics.', 'Beer consumption by the adult group resulted in modest hippocampal changes relative to alcohol naïve adult controls. The only changes observed were an up-regulation of citrate synthase (a precursor to the Krebs cycle) and fatty acid binding protein (which facilitates fatty acid metabolism). In contrast, adolescent rats consuming alcohol showed more widespread hippocampal changes relative to adolescent controls. These included an increase in cytoskeletal protein T-complex protein 1 subunit epsilon (TCP-1) and a decrease in the expression of 10 other proteins, including glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), triose phosphate isomerise, alpha-enolase, and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (all involved in glycolysis); glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (an important regulator of glutamate); methylmalonate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (involved in aldehyde detoxification); ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 (a regulator of protein degradation); and synapsin 2 (involved in synaptogenesis and neurotransmitter release).'] Does proteomic analysis demonstrate adolescent vulnerability to lasting hippocampal changes following chronic alcohol consumption? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.507002592086792,
-1.0967297554016113,
2.648947238922119
] |
['Circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) expansion is a multistage process requiring sequential activation of transcriptional factors, including STAT5. STAT5, in concert with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), seems to induce discrete biological responses in different tissues. In the present study we investigated the role of STAT5 and PPARgamma in regulating CAC expansion in normal and diabetic settings.', 'Normal and diabetic CACs were used. siRNA technology, EMSA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay as well as site-directed mutagenesis of the STAT5 response element in the PPARgamma promoter enabled us to demonstrate that STAT5 transcriptional activity controls PPARgamma expression. Moreover, FACS analysis, coimmunoprecipitation experiments, and ChIP assay revealed that a STAT5/PPARgamma transcriptional complex controls cyclin D1 expression and CAC progression into the cell-cycle. Conversely, PPARgamma agonists, by preventing the expression of STAT5 and the formation of the STAT5/PPARgamma heterodimeric complex failed to promote CAC expansion. Finally, we demonstrated that diabetic CAC functional capability can be recovered by molecules able to activate the STAT5/PPARgamma transcriptional complex.'] Does formation of STAT5/PPARgamma transcriptional complex modulate angiogenic cell bioavailability in diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.439288377761841,
-1.2353557348251343,
2.7284178733825684
] |
['TGFbeta and proliferation/phenotypic switching of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of atherosclerotic and restenotic lesions after angioplasty. We have previously shown that the protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS)1 activates expression of SMC differentiation marker genes including smooth muscle (SM) alpha-actin by interacting with serum response factor (SRF) and class I bHLH proteins. Here, we tested the hypothesis that TGFbeta activates SM alpha-actin through PIAS1.', 'An siRNA specific for PIAS1 and ubc9, an E2-ligase for sumoylation, inhibited TGFbeta-induced expression of SM alpha-actin in cultured SMCs as determined by real-time RT-PCR. Overexpression of PIAS1 increased SM alpha-actin promoter activity in a TGFbeta control element (TCE)-dependent manner. Because the TCE within the SM alpha-actin promoter could mediate repression through interaction with KLF4, we tested whether PIAS1 regulates the function of KLF4 for SMC gene expression. PIAS1 interacted with KLF4 in mammalian two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays, and overexpression of PIAS1 inhibited KLF4-repression of SM alpha-actin promoter activity. Moreover, PIAS1 promoted degradation of KLF4 through sumoylation.'] Does pIAS1 mediate TGFbeta-induced SM alpha-actin gene expression through inhibition of KLF4 function-expression by protein sumoylation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.360342264175415,
-1.1681389808654785,
2.536713123321533
] |
['Mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatocyte cell death have been reported in fatty liver and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether direct exposure of hepatocytes to extracellular fat could facilitate such deleterious effects.', 'FaO hepatic cells treated with fat was used as an in vitro model for steatosis. FaO hepatocytes were exposed to 0.1% triacylglycerols using commercially available lipid emulsion (LE) for various periods and studied for production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial function, and cell death parameters. To study the type of cell death, high-mobility group box chromosomal protein 1cellular levels, DNA fragmentation, and caspase activity were evaluated.', 'Cells incubated with LE for 6 h exhibited a marked increase in the production of intracellular ROS. Using treatments with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor activators, mitochondrial electron-transfer chain inhibitor, and different sources of LE that did or did not contain medium-chain triacylglycerols, the mitochondria were found to be the source of ROS. LE treatment resulted in phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, accompanied by a decrease in adenosine triphosphate levels. Changes in intracellular ROS and energy levels were followed by cell death. FaO hepatocytes showed a significant reduction in high-mobility group box chromosomal protein-1 and little DNA fragmentation. Incubation with LE for 24 h did not change caspase-3 activity, indicating that hepatocyte death was necrotic. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine was able to attenuate the changes in intracellular energy levels and ROS levels and to prevent cell death after exposure to LE.'] Does nutritional lipid-induced oxidative stress lead to mitochondrial dysfunction followed by necrotic death in FaO hepatocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.523430109024048,
-1.2852909564971924,
2.828857660293579
] |
['Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with more than 100 different autoantibodies, some of which may be associated with specific neuropsychiatric (NPSLE) manifestations. Injection of anti-P ribosomal antibodies (anti-P) directly to the brain ventricles of mice induces depression manifested by increased immobility time in the forced swim test (FST).', 'Mice were injected intracerebroventricularily (ICV) with affinity-purified human anti-P antibodies or normal commercial IgG as control. Mice were examined for depression by the forced swimming test (FST) and for olfactory function by the smell threshold test. Treatments included the antidepressant drug fluoxetine or aroma therapy by exposure to lemon or cinnamon odor.', 'Mice injected with anti-P developed depression-like behavior, which improved significantly upon treatment with fluoxetine. Depressed mice had a significant deficit in olfactory function which was not reversed by fluoxetine. Exposure of anti-P-injected mice to lemon odor was associated with some improvement of the immobility time, a measure of depression.'] Do anti-P ribosomal antibodies induce defect in smell capability in a model of CNS -SLE ( depression )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5252187252044678,
-1.2618595361709595,
2.8343634605407715
] |
['The insulin-sensitizing effects of thiazolidinediones are believed to depend at least in part on reductions in circulating levels of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). The mechanisms that mediate the reductions in NEFA are not fully understood and could involve reductions in adipose tissue lipolysis, increases in glyceroneogenesis and NEFA reesterification in triglycerides in adipose tissue and increases in NEFA metabolism by oxidative tissues.', 'In a congenic strain of spontaneously hypertensive rats that fed a high-sucrose diet to promote features of the metabolic syndrome, we studied the effects of chronic pioglitazone treatment over 4 months on adipose tissue lipolysis and NEFA metabolism.', 'We observed significant increases in basal and adrenaline-stimulated NEFA and glycerol release, and near-total suppression of NEFA reesterification in epididymal adipose tissue isolated from rats chronically treated with pioglitazone. However, pioglitazone-treated rats also exhibited significant increases in mitochondrial DNA levels in adipose tissue (3.2-fold increase, P=0.001) and potentially greater sensitivity to the antilipolytic effects of insulin than untreated controls. In addition, chronic pioglitazone treatment was associated with increased palmitate oxidation in soleus muscle, reduced fasting levels of serum NEFA and triglycerides, as well as reduced serum levels of insulin and increased serum levels of adiponectin.'] Does long-term pioglitazone treatment enhance lipolysis in rat adipose tissue? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4960672855377197,
-1.1790614128112793,
2.7481627464294434
] |
['The neuropeptide, substance P (SP), up-regulates nitric oxide production (NO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether SP enhances response to cutaneous injury in nitric oxide synthase knockout (NOS null) mice.', 'We studied mice with targeted deletions of the 3 NOS genes, neuronal NOS, inducible NOS, or endothelial NOS. Full thickness dorsal wounds were treated daily (d 0-6) with topical SP or normal saline (NaCl). Wounds were analyzed by flow cytometry for macrophage, leukocyte, endothelial, and dendritic cells. Healing time and wound epithelialization were compared using analysis of variance.', 'Wound closure in the 3 NOS null mice was slower than the control mice (P < 0.05). SP treatment enhanced wound closure in NOS null mice (P < 0.02). NOS null wounds exhibited reduced inflammation. SP increased macrophage, leukocyte, and dendritic cell densities at d 3 and d 7 (P < 0.05) in all NOS null mice. SP increased endothelial cell number in neuronal NOS and inducible NOS null mice, but not in endothelial NOS null mice (P > 0.05).'] Does substance P enhance wound closure in nitric oxide synthase knockout mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.210989475250244,
-1.3826990127563477,
2.61771297454834
] |
['Increased thrombin activity is an essential component of hemostatic reactions. This study elucidates how various hypoxic interventions impact endogenous thrombin generation (TG) after treatment with/without lipophilic antioxidant vitamin E.', 'Twenty-four healthy sedentary men were randomly assigned to vitamin E (n=12) and placebo (n=12) groups. These subjects were randomly exposed to 12% (severe hypoxia), 15% (moderate hypoxia), 18% (light hypoxia), and 21% (normoxia) O(2) for 2 hours in a normobaric hypoxia chamber. A novel calibrated, automated thrombinography approach was used to measure TG in plasma.', 'In the placebo group, severe hypoxia enhanced plasma FVIII level/activity and TG, which was accompanied by increased urinary 15-F2t-8-isoprostane level and decreased plasma total antioxidant content and superoxide dismutase activity. However, depletion of FVIII by incubation with anti-FVIII antibodies in plasma suppressed enhancement of TG by severe hypoxia. After administration of 1000 IU vitamin E, severe hypoxia did not significantly alter urinary 15-F(2t)-8-isoprostane level and plasma total antioxidant content, superoxide dismutase activity, FVIII level/activity, or TG. Moreover, redox status, FVIII level/activity, and TG were constant in response to moderate hypoxia, light hypoxia, and normoxia in the placebo and vitamin E groups.'] Does vitamin E suppress enhancement of factor VIII-dependent thrombin generation by systemic hypoxia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.379141330718994,
-1.3798389434814453,
2.7783498764038086
] |
['The labile state of short-term memory has been known for more than a century. It has been frequently reported that immediate postlearning intervention can readily disrupt newly formed memories. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the labile state of new memory are not understood.', 'Using a bump-and-hole-based chemical-genetic method, we have rapidly and selectively manipulated alpha CaMKII activity levels in the mouse forebrain during various stages of the short-term memory processes. We find that a rapid shift in the alpha CaMKII activation status within the immediate 10 min after learning severely disrupts short-term memory formation. The same manipulation beyond the 15 min after learning has no effect, suggesting a critical time window for CaMKII action. We further show that during this same 10 min time window only, shifting in CaMKII activation state is capable of altering newly established synaptic weights and/or patterns.'] Does caMKII activation state underlie synaptic labile phase of LTP and short-term memory formation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6573479175567627,
-0.5577619671821594,
2.267036199569702
] |
['We investigated the degree and the time course of endothelial injury in mice pretreated with lethal or reduced-intensity irradiation administered before transplantation.', 'Six- to eight-week-old female mice were randomly allocated into three groups: lethal-intensity irradiation (8.5 Gy, group 1), reduced-intensity irradiation (5.0 Gy, group 2), or nonirradiated controls (group 3). After conditioning, circulating endothelial cells (CD31+, CD133(-), and CD45low) and peripheral blood CD4+ or CD8+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations were enumerated using flow cytometry at various times. The morphologic changes in endothelium were examined at phase-contrast light microscopy.', 'Circulating endothelial cells showed an earlier and higher peak in the lethal irradiation group compared with the reduced-intensity irradiation group, which exhibited a protean elevation in cell numbers. There were no visible histopathologic changes during the early stage of endothelial damage.'] Is irradiation an early determinant of endothelial injury during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4142467975616455,
-1.270180106163025,
2.7597336769104004
] |
['Acute renal insufficiency and dysfunction are common complications after clinical liver transplantation. This study examined whether augmentor of liver regeneration (ALR) played a significant role to ameliorate renal tubular epithelial cell injury after liver transplantation.', 'Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed from Sprague-Dawley (SD) to SD rats. Twelve recipients were randomly divided into two groups: ALR group (with recombinated human ALR 100 microg/kg . d intramuscular injection postoperation) versus normal saline-treated group (with the same volume of normal saline injected intramuscularly postoperation). Rats were sacrificed at day 3 posttransplantation. Renal morphological changes in recipients were assessed with light microscopy. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 protein and mRNA in the kidney were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining.', 'Morphological changes in renal tubular epithelial cells were not significant in either group at day 3 posttransplantation. The intragraft expression of TNF-alpha and caspase-3 was strikingly promoted in the normal saline-treated group and PCNA attenuated compared to the ALR group.'] Does augmentor of liver regeneration ameliorate renal tubular epithelial cell injury after rat liver transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.29778790473938,
-1.4366835355758667,
2.8198623657226562
] |
['How the central nervous system (CNS) organizes the joint dynamics for multi-joint movement is a complex problem, because of the passive interaction among segmental movements. Previous studies have demonstrated that the CNS predictively compensates for interaction torque (INT) which is arising from the movement of the adjacent joints. However, most of these studies have mainly examined quick movements, presumably because the current belief is that the effects of INT are not significant at slow speeds. The functional contribution of INT for multijoint movements performed in various speeds is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of INT to a planer reaching in a wide range of motion speeds for healthy subjects.', 'Subjects performed reaching movements toward five targets under three different speed conditions. Joint position data were recorded using a 3-D motion analysis device (50 Hz). Torque components, muscle torque (MUS), interaction torque (INT), gravity torque (G), and net torque (NET) were calculated by solving the dynamic equations for the shoulder and elbow. NET at a joint which produces the joint kinematics will be an algebraic sum of torque components; NET = MUS - G - INT. Dynamic muscle torque (DMUS = MUS-G) was also calculated. Contributions of INT impulse and DMUS impulse to NET impulse were examined.', 'The relative contribution of INT to NET was not dependent on speed for both joints at every target. INT was additive (same direction) to DMUS at the shoulder joint, while in the elbow DMUS counteracted (opposed to) INT. The trajectory of reach was linear and two-joint movements were coordinated with a specific combination at each target, regardless of motion speed. However, DMUS at the elbow was opposed to the direction of elbow movement, and its magnitude varied from trial to trial in order to compensate for the variability of INT.'] Does interaction torque contribute to planar reaching at slow speed? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8134254217147827,
-1.2736210823059082,
1.1306226253509521
] |
['To investigate the association of two functional single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region of the interleukin-18 gene, at positions -607 and -137, with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.', 'Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted, by the salting-out method, from peripheral blood leukocytes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-18 gene at positions -607 (cytosine/adenine) and -137 (guanine/cytosine) were analysed by sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction.', 'One hundred and eleven patients (86 men and 25 women; mean age 56.7+/-13.7 years) and 212 regional controls (165 men and 47 women; mean age 53.3+/-12.2 years) were studied. Control subjects comprised healthy volunteers or cancer-free individuals presenting with otolaryngological disease. The diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed histopathologically. Various clinical parameters were collected at diagnosis, including tumour site, tumour size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis and stage.', 'There was no significant association between the allele, genotype or haplotype frequencies of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin-18 promoter and the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility or clinical parameters at diagnosis.'] Is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with interleukin-18 promoter gene polymorphisms : a case-control study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4772818088531494,
-1.3255661725997925,
2.8895206451416016
] |
['We hypothesized that ABCC2 gene variants may contribute to susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Additionally, we tested the hypothesis of a relation between gene variants and disease severity.', 'The study involved 167 individuals: 109 consecutively presenting unrelated patients with features of NAFLD and different stages of disease severity, and a group of 58 healthy individuals. Four tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs717620 A/G, rs2756105 C/T, rs2002042 C/T and rs3740066 A/G) representing 46 polymorphic sites (r(2)>.8) were genotyped. Furthermore, two additional SNPs (rs17222723 A/T and rs8187710 G/A) were included.', 'On univariate analysis, after multiple comparison correction by permutation tests, there were significant differences observed in the allele frequencies of rs17222723 and rs8187710 between healthy individuals and NAFLD patients (empirical P=.037 and .035, respectively). Allelic odds ratios [95% confidence interval] for rs17222723 and rs8187710 were 2.80 [1.11-7.04] and 2.80 [1.11-7.04], respectively. When we tested the hypothesis of a relation between gene variants and the clinical and histological spectra of NAFLD by multinomial regression analysis, a significant association was observed with the same markers: rs17222723 (P=.0029) and rs8187710 (P=.015).'] Are polymorphisms of MRP2 ( ABCC2 ) associated with susceptibility to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3936686515808105,
-1.5731985569000244,
1.983587384223938
] |
['To investigate the effects of (dietary) glycine against oxidant-induced injury caused by bile duct ligation (BDL).', 'Either a diet containing 5% glycine or a standard diet was fed to male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Three days later, BDL or sham-operation was performed. Rats were sacrificed 1 to 3 d after BDL. The influence of deoxycholic acid (DCA) in the presence or absence of glycine on liver cells was determined by measurement of calcium and chloride influx in cultivated Kupffer cells and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was determined in the supernatant of cultivated hepatocytes.', 'Serum alanine transaminase levels increased to about 600 U/L 1 d after BDL. However, enzyme release was blunted by about two third in rats receiving glycine. Release of the alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase was also blocked significantly in the group fed glycine. Focal necrosis was observed 2 d after BDL. Glycine partially blocked the histopathological changes. Incubation of Kupffer cells with DCA led to increased intracellular calcium that could be blocked by incubation with glycine. However, systemic blockage of Kupffer cells with gadolinium chloride had no effects on transaminase release. Incubation of isolated hepatocytes with DCA led to a significant release of LDH after 4 h. This release was largely blocked when incubation with glycine was performed.'] Does dietary glycine blunt liver injury after bile duct ligation in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5023398399353027,
-1.1679582595825195,
2.730072498321533
] |
['To examine the role of Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (fgl2)/fibroleukin in tumor development. Fgl2 has been reported to play a vital role in the pathogenesis in MHV-3 (mouse hepatitis virus) induced fulminant and severe hepatitis, spontaneous abortion, allo- and xeno- graft rejection by mediating "immune coagulation".', 'Tumor tissues from 133 patients with six types of distinct cancers and the animal tumor tissues from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model on nude mice (established from high metastasis HCC cell line MHCC97LM6) were obtained.', 'Hfgl2 was detected in tumor tissues from 127 out of 133 patients as well as tumor tissues collected from human HCC nude mice. Hfgl2 was highly expressed both in cancer cells and interstitial inflammatory cells including macrophages, NK cells, and CD8(+) T lymphocytes and vascular endothelial cells. Hfgl2 mRNA was localized in cells that expressed hfgl2 protein. Fibrin (nogen) co-localization with hfgl2 expression was determined by dual immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, IL-2 and IFN-gamma increased hfgl2 mRNA by 10-100 folds and protein expression in both THP-1 and HUVEC cell lines. One-stage clotting assays demonstrated that THP-1 and HUVEC cells expressing hfgl2 had increased procoagulant activity following cytokines stimulation.'] Does fibrinogen-like protein 2/fibroleukin prothrombinase contribute to tumor hypercoagulability via IL-2 and IFN-gamma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.325662851333618,
-1.3370380401611328,
2.7510576248168945
] |
['This study was designed to quantify torque production at different joint angles in the paretic and nonparetic knee joints of individuals with stroke.', 'Extension and flexion torques were measured at 6 angles of the knee joint and normalized to peak torque in 19 subjects with stroke and 19 controls.', 'Paretic knee extension torque was lower than controls when the knee was positioned near extension. In contrast, nonparetic knee extension and flexion torques were higher than controls when the knee was positioned near full flexion.'] Does nonuniform weakness in the paretic knee and compensatory strength gains in the nonparetic knee occur after stroke? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.058142900466919,
-0.22132934629917145,
1.3363301753997803
] |
['Randomized trials generally use "frequentist" statistics based on P-values and 95% confidence intervals. Frequentist methods have limitations that might be overcome, in part, by Bayesian inference. To illustrate these advantages, we re-analyzed randomized trials published in four general medical journals during 2004.', 'We used Medline to identify randomized superiority trials with two parallel arms, individual-level randomization and dichotomous or time-to-event primary outcomes. Studies with P<0.05 in favor of the intervention were deemed "positive"; otherwise, they were "negative." We used several prior distributions and exact conjugate analyses to calculate Bayesian posterior probabilities for clinically relevant effects.', 'Of 88 included studies, 39 were positive using a frequentist analysis. Although the Bayesian posterior probabilities of any benefit (relative risk or hazard ratio<1) were high in positive studies, these probabilities were lower and variable for larger benefits. The positive studies had only moderate probabilities for exceeding the effects that were assumed for calculating the sample size. By comparison, there were moderate probabilities of any benefit in negative studies.'] Does bayesian statistical inference enhance the interpretation of contemporary randomized controlled trials? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9404507875442505,
-0.042118243873119354,
1.0537574291229248
] |
['Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is associated with impaired driving skills. It is not clear whether patients have insight into this. The Driving Behavior Survey (DBS) is a validated self- or observer-administered questionnaire. DBS consists of a total score (maximum, 104) and an attention-related driving skills section (maximum, 40). DBS was used to compare self-assessment with observer-assessment of driving skills in cirrhotic patients tested for MHE.', "Forty-seven nonalcoholic cirrhotic patients and 40 controls underwent psychometric tests, DBS, and driving simulation with navigation/driving tasks. An adult familiar with the subject's driving completed the DBS independently. Simulator performances, total DBS scores, and driving skill scores were compared between/within groups (MHE+, MHE-, and controls) with respect to self-assessment and observer assessment.", 'Thirty-six patients were MHE+ and 11 were MHE-. MHE+ had a significantly higher simulator crash (MHE+, 3; MHE-, 1.2; controls, 1.7; P = .001) and illegal turn rate (MHE+, 1.2; MHE-, 0.3; controls, 0.1; P = .0001). Despite this worse performance, MHE+ patients rated themselves similar to MHE- patients and control groups on total (P = .28) and driving skills scores (P = .19). Observer assessment in MHE+ was significantly lower for total (P = .0001) and driving skills (P = .0001) compared with observer assessment for MHE- patients and control groups. MHE+ patients were rated significantly lower on driving skills (34 vs 37; P = .02) and trended lower in the total score (P = .08) by observers compared with self-ratings. In contrast, MHE- and control groups rated themselves similar to their observers on driving skills and total DBS scores.'] Do patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy have poor insight into their driving skills? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.173663929104805,
-1.6740508079528809,
0.5283001661300659
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of post-transplant serum soluble CD30 levels as a biomarker for the development of the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) after lung transplantation during a tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil-based regimen.', 'Soluble CD30 (sCD30) concentrations were measured prior to transplantation and in 175 samples taken after transplantation in 7 patients developing BOS and 7 non-BOS patients closely matched for age, underlying diseases, follow-up and gender.', 'High pre-transplant sCD30 levels dropped significantly after lung transplantation, but in the post-transplant samples no differences could be detected between patients developing BOS or not, and no changes were found prior to or during the development of BOS.'] Does soluble CD30 measured after lung transplantation predict bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in a tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil-based immunosuppressive regimen? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2434794902801514,
-1.176438331604004,
2.4518277645111084
] |
['Radiation therapy to the pelvic lymph nodes in high-risk prostate cancer is required on several Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) clinical trials. Based on a prior lymph node contouring project, we have shown significant disagreement in the definition of pelvic lymph node volumes among genitourinary radiation oncology specialists involved in developing and executing current RTOG trials.', 'A consensus meeting was held on October 3, 2007, to reach agreement on pelvic lymph node volumes. Data were presented to address the lymph node drainage of the prostate. Extensive discussion ensued to develop clinical target volume (CTV) pelvic lymph node consensus.', 'Consensus was obtained resulting in computed tomography image-based pelvic lymph node CTVs. Based on this consensus, the pelvic lymph node volumes to be irradiated include: distal common iliac, presacral lymph nodes (S(1)-S(3)), external iliac lymph nodes, internal iliac lymph nodes, and obturator lymph nodes. Lymph node CTVs include the vessels (artery and vein) and a 7-mm radial margin being careful to "carve out" bowel, bladder, bone, and muscle. Volumes begin at the L5/S1 interspace and end at the superior aspect of the pubic bone. Consensus on dose-volume histogram constraints for OARs was also attained.'] Do rTOG GU Radiation oncology specialists reach consensus on pelvic lymph node volumes for high-risk prostate cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.510221242904663,
-1.24729585647583,
2.838963508605957
] |
['Total parenteral nutrition (TPN), with the complete removal of enteral nutrition, results in marked changes in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) function and phenotype. Previous work shows that TPN results in a loss of intestinal epithelial cell-derived interleukin-7 (IL-7), and this loss may play an important role in development of such TPN-associated IEL changes.', 'To further understand this relation, we generated a transgenic mouse (IL-7), which overexpresses IL-7 specifically in intestinal epithelial cells. We hypothesized that this localized overexpression would attenuate many of the observed TPN-associated IEL changes.', 'Our study showed that TPN administration led to significant changes in IEL phenotype, including a marked decline in the CD8alphabeta+, CD4+, and alphabeta-TCR+ populations. IEL basal proliferation decreased 1.7-fold compared with wild-type TPN mice. TPN administration in wild-type mice resulted in several changes in IEL-derived cytokine expression. IL-7 mice given TPN, however, maintained IEL proliferation, and sustained normal IEL numbers and phenotype.'] Does intestinal specific overexpression of interleukin-7 attenuate the alternation of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes after total parenteral nutrition administration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.437372922897339,
-1.1623470783233643,
2.652740001678467
] |
['To investigate the effects of high-lipid enteral nutrition in a setting of developing inflammation and tissue damage.', 'An excessive inflammatory response following severe trauma is associated with poor clinical outcome. Currently, therapies directed at attenuation of an ongoing inflammatory cascade are lacking. Administration of high-lipid enteral nutrition before hemorrhagic shock has been shown to effectively inhibit early and late proinflammatory cytokines by activation of the autonomic nervous system via cholecystokinin (CCK)-receptors.', 'A rat model of hemorrhagic shock was used in which animals were either fasted or treated with high-lipid or control low-lipid enteral nutrition. CCK-receptor antagonists were administered before feeding. Tissues and plasma were collected to assess inflammation and intestinal integrity.', 'Administration of high-lipid enteral nutrition after shock reduced plasma interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) significantly in comparison with those in low-lipid-treated and fasted animals (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Also, interleukin (IL)-10 levels in plasma were decreased in comparison with those in fasted animals (P < 0.001). Enterocyte damage, expressed as circulating ileal lipid-binding protein (ILBP), was prevented by early high-lipid nutrition in comparison with that in low-lipid-treated and fasted animals (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, high-lipid feeding preserved intestinal integrity in comparison with that observed in low-lipid-treated and fasted animals, as assessed by bacterial translocation (BT) to distant organs (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) and ileal permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The protective effects of high-lipid intervention were nullified by CCK-receptor antagonists (IFN-gamma; IL-10; BT; and HRP; P < 0.05).'] Does postshock intervention with high-lipid enteral nutrition reduce inflammation and tissue damage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3590750694274902,
-1.3281989097595215,
2.7200875282287598
] |
['The management of malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary (OMGCT) requires multidisciplinary expertise. We analyze the surgical and medical outcomes of a cohort of patients treated for OMGCT.', 'Data concerning diagnosis, surgery, and medical decisions were reviewed for all patients seen for postoperative management of OMGCT at the Centre Léon Bérard in Lyon and the Institut Curie in Paris between 1985 and 2003. Sixty patients aged 0.4 to 27.9 years (mean 12.8 years) at diagnosis were included.', 'Twenty (53%) of 38 the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I tumors were staged Ix. All stage Ix tumors had been operated by a nongynecologic surgeon. Relapses occurred in 8 of 24 stage I tumors that were observed (0/8 stage Ia; 5/13 stage Ix (P = 0.044) and 3/3 stage Ic) versus 0/14 stage I treated by adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.0015). The risk of relapse was significantly increased if patients underwent postsurgical observation ((HR) = 4.5 (95% CI, 1.5 to 13.3)), and when the tumor contained yolk sac tumor (HR = 7.3 (95% CI, 2.3 to 22.7)). There was no significant prognostic value for age, stage, level of tumor markers at diagnosis, type of surgery, and type of chemotherapy. Five-year overall survival was 96.7%, and event free survival was 83.3%.'] Does comprehensive staging allow for excellent outcome in patients with localized malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8550567626953125,
-1.5009889602661133,
2.3630623817443848
] |
['Preparation with recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) for thyroid remnant ablation results in lower extrathyroidal radiation than does hypothyroidism. The objective of this prospective study was to compare the damage caused by 131I (3.7 GBq) when these 2 preparations are used.', 'Ninety-four consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and remnant ablation with 3.7 GBq of 131I were studied. Thirty patients (group A) received rhTSH, and 64 (group B) were prepared by levothyroxine withdrawal. Damage to salivary glands, ovaries, and testes; hematologic damage; and oxidative injury were evaluated by measurement of serum amylase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), complete blood count, and plasma 8-epi-PGF2alpha before and after radioiodine. The 2 groups were similar in sex, age, and the results of baseline assessment.', 'The rate of successful ablation (stimulated thyroglobulin level < 1 ng/mL and negative findings on neck ultrasonography) was 90% in group A and 80% in group B. Considering only patients with a preablation thyroglobulin level greater than 1 ng/mL, these rates were 80% and 70.6%, respectively. Only 1 patient (3.3%) reported transient headaches with rhTSH. Elevated FSH levels after therapy were observed in 4 of 9 (44%) men in group A versus 16 of 18 (89%) in group B (P < 0.03), with a mean increase of 105% versus 236% (P < 0.001), respectively. In women, elevated FSH was observed in 1 of 13 (7.7%) patients in group A versus 6 of 30 (20%) in group B (P = 0.4), with a mean increase of 65% versus 125% (P < 0.001). Thrombocytopenia or neutropenia occurred in 2 of 28 (7%) patients in group A versus 12 of 56 (21.4%) in group B (P = 0.1), with a mean decrease of 20% versus 45% and 25% versus 52% (P < 0.01) for neutrophils and platelets, respectively. Hyperamylasemia and symptoms of acute sialoadenitis occurred in 11 of 30 (36.6%) versus 48 of 60 (80%) (P < 0.001) and in 9 of 30 (30%) versus 35 of 60 (58.3%) (P = 0.01), respectively. 8-Epi-PGF2alpha was found to be elevated after 131I in 14 of 25 (56%) patients in group A versus 45 of 45 (100%) in group B (P < 0.001), with a mean increase of 60% versus 125% (P < 0.001).'] Is preparation with recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone for thyroid remnant ablation with 131I associated with lowered radiotoxicity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6135061979293823,
-1.6255528926849365,
2.2018494606018066
] |
['The expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G during allogeneic recognition is associated with better graft acceptance. The inhibitory receptor immunoglobulin-like transcript (ILT)-2 is expressed on activated T cells and serves to shut down T-cell activation, culminating in T-cell death, or induction of anergy. One of the potential mechanisms in the immunosuppressive accomplishment of HLA-G-ILT2 interactions involves the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). The potential of MDSCs in transplantation has not yet been exploited.', '(1) Detailed phenotypic characteristics, immunosuppressive potential of MDSCs expanded by means of inhibitory receptor ILT2 and its ligands, and allogeneic transplant-activated MDSCs were obtained in mice. (2) Oligo- and real-time pathway-specific polymerase chain reaction arrays were performed to characterize ILT2-specific MDSCs. (3) Skin allograft survival after adoptive transfer of MDSCs was studied.', 'Engagement of ILT2 receptors, especially by HLA-G, expanded the population of MDSCs with enhanced suppressive activity. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs generated by ILT2 receptor and its ligands prolonged graft survival in recipients of allogeneic skin transplant. We have proposed pathways for enhancement of immunosuppressive activities and expansion of MDSCs by ILT2 and HLA-G.'] Does human inhibitory receptor immunoglobulin-like transcript 2 amplify CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells that promote long-term survival of allografts? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.503915548324585,
-1.2317941188812256,
2.797722816467285
] |
['Blood sampling/handling alters matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) expression. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of high molecular weight heparin on MMP and TIMP expression in blood.', 'We analyzed by gelatin zymography and ELISA assays the effects of different heparin salts, dose- and time-dependence of MMP and TIMP concentrations in plasma and sera collected with and without clot-accelerator in plastic tubes from 50 healthy donors.', 'The levels and zymography of MMP-2 did not show significant changes among all samples, and during time- and dose-dependent heparin treatments. MMP-9 and TIMP-2 expression were strongly affected by heparin, with significant increase of their content and gelatinolytic activity both in time- and in dose-dependent fashion. Addition of heparin allowed also the displacement of MMP-2 prodomain, favouring zymogen activation.'] Does heparin affect matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases circulating in peripheral blood? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.480940818786621,
-1.2844232320785522,
2.851475238800049
] |
['Despite of the introduction of novel treatment modalities for multiple myeloma, high-dose chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem-cell rescue is still considered the standard of care for eligible patients <65 years of age. As we have previously reported, stem-cell grafts regularly contain quantities of plasma cells measurable by flow cytometry. However, the pathogenetic significance of this finding remains unknown.', 'Multiple myeloma patients (n = 60) were mobilized with chemotherapy and filgrastim. Peripheral blood stem cell grafts were obtained by standard leukapheresis, and the number of CD38++/CD138+ cells/kg was determined by flow cytometry. Plasma cell contamination above a threshold of 4.5 x 10(5) plasma cells/kg was considered "high", whereas lower quantities of plasma cells or absent plasma cells in the graft were considered "low".', 'Progression-free survival: the median statistical progression-free survival was 33.5 months (range 11-99 months) in the high-contamination group (n = 16) versus 47 months (range 8-148 months) in the low-contamination group (n = 44). This difference turned out not to be statistically significant (P = 0.15). However, the difference was highly significant regarding overall survival with 53 months (range 11-119 months) in the high-contamination group and with 114 months (range 8-158 months) in the low-contamination group (P = 0.012).'] Does contamination of autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell grafts predict overall survival after high-dose chemotherapy in multiple myeloma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0355355739593506,
-1.3220428228378296,
2.445387363433838
] |
['Bacterial infections continue to pose a threat to health in many institutional and communal settings, and epidemics are frequent. Current control measures are clearly inadequate; thus, there is a need for a simple, effective, and safe way to decontaminate surfaces.', 'We evaluated the efficacy of a portable ozone-generating machine, equipped with a catalytic converter and an accessory humidifier, to inactivate 15 different species of medically important bacteria.', 'An ozone dosage of 25 ppm for 20 minutes, with a short burst of humidity in excess of 90% relative humidity, was able to inactivate more than 3 log(10) colony-forming units of most of the bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Clostridium difficile, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in both in a laboratory test system and simulated field conditions. In many cases, complete eradication was achieved. Dried and wet samples were equally vulnerable to the ozone. Inactivation of bacterial samples dried onto soft surfaces (eg, fabric, cotton, filter paper) were comparable with that observed for samples on plastic.'] Is ozone gas an effective and practical antibacterial agent? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6434457302093506,
-0.23549498617649078,
1.9827585220336914
] |
['A novel electrophysiological technique, paced electrogram fractionation analysis (PEFA), which measures activation delay of stimulated beats through the myocardium, has shown that long delays in activation are strongly associated with sudden cardiac death due to ventricular fibrillation. The aim of our study was to determine whether there are differences in intra-atrial conduction in patients with and without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) using PEFA. Twenty patients (15 women) in the mean age 54.7 +/- 16.6 years, scheduled for transcatheter ablation of their arrhythmias, were divided into two groups: 10 controls without PAF and 10 patients with PAF.', 'During PEFA, pacing and recording catheters were placed in the coronary sinus (three sites: distal, mid, and proximal) and at four right atrium sites: crista terminalis (one site), RA isthmus (one site), and interatrial septum (two sites). The PEFA protocol involves pacing from one site and recording electrograms from other six sites. A decremental sequence, delivered at one site, had a cycle length of 490 ms (S1S1) with an extrastimulus inserted every third beat whose coupling interval (S1S2) is reduced by 1 ms on each occasion. This process is repeated from each atrial site. The S1S2 at which electrogram duration starts to prolong, and the increase in electrogram duration is determined at all sites. In three patients from the PAF group, atrial fibrillation was induced during PEFA and it was terminated by electrical cardioversion. No other complications were noted. The patients with PAF, compared with the control group, have abrupt increases in the electrogram duration, which occur, at significantly longer S1S2 (P < 0.0001). There were also significantly longer intra-atrial delays in the intrinsic deflection of the electrogram in PAF patient vs. control group (P < 0.0001).'] Is paroxysmal atrial fibrillation associated with increased intra-atrial conduction delay? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.183446168899536,
-1.504119873046875,
2.7348341941833496
] |
['The lantibiotic mersacidin is an antimicrobial peptide of 20 amino acids that is ribosomally produced by Bacillus sp. strain HIL Y-85,54728. Mersacidin acts by complexing the sugar phosphate head group of the peptidoglycan precursor lipid II, thereby inhibiting the transglycosylation reaction of peptidoglycan biosynthesis.', 'Here, we studied the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of mersacidin. Transcriptional data revealed an extensive induction of the cell wall stress response, which is partly controlled by the two-component regulatory system VraSR. In contrast to other cell wall-active antibiotics such as vancomycin, very low concentrations of mersacidin (0.15xMIC) were sufficient for induction. Interestingly, the cell wall stress response was equally induced in vancomycin intermediately resistant S. aureus (VISA) and in a highly susceptible strain. Since the transcription of the VraDE ABC transporter genes was induced up to 1700-fold in our experiments, we analyzed the role of VraDE in the response to mersacidin. However, the deletion of the vraE gene did not result in an increased susceptibility to mersacidin compared to the wild type strain. Moreover, the efficacy of mersacidin was not affected by an increased cell wall thickness, which is part of the VISA-type resistance mechanism and functions by trapping the vancomycin molecules in the cell wall before they reach lipid II. Therefore, the relatively higher concentration of mersacidin at the membrane might explain why mersacidin is such a strong inducer of VraSR compared to vancomycin.'] Is the lantibiotic mersacidin a strong inducer of the cell wall stress response of Staphylococcus aureus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4536800384521484,
-1.2278587818145752,
2.728419780731201
] |
['To conduct a prospective randomized study in order to investigate the effect of recombinant HCG (rHCG) on oocyte nuclear and cytoplasm maturity compared to urinary HCG (uHCG), for inducing ovulation in women treated with ICSI for male factor infertility.', 'We compared 89 patients randomly assigned to one of the two study groups. Group A consisted of 42 women who received a subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 250 microg rHCG and group B consisted of 47 patients receiving an intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 10,000 IU uHCG.', 'Patients treated with rHCG showed a rate of metaphase II oocytes, a number of metaphase II oocytes with mature cytoplasm and a rate of metaphase II oocytes with mature cytoplasm calculated from total MII oocytes statistically higher than in patients treated with uHCG. However this differences were not associated with a significantly better clinical outcome.'] Does recombinant HCG for triggering ovulation increase the rate of mature oocytes in women treated for ICSI? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.125534772872925,
-1.3360075950622559,
2.5242183208465576
] |
['We were to examine the effect of bradykinin (BK) in the regulation of glutamate transporter and its related signaling molecules in a human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE) cells, which are important cells to support retina.', 'd-[2,3-(3)H]-aspartate uptake, western immunoblotting, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, [(3)H]-arachidonic acid release, and siRNA transfection techniques were used.', 'BK stimulated glutamate uptake as well as the mRNA expression of excitatory amino acid transporter 4 (EAAT4) and excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1), which was blocked by treatment with bradykinin 1 receptor (B1R) and bradykinin 2 receptor (B2R) siRNA, suggesting the role of B1R and B2R in this process. The BK-induced stimulation of glutamate uptake was also blocked by [des-Arg(10)]-HOE 140, a B1R antagonist, and HOE 140, a B2R antagonist, as well as by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and herbimycin A. In addition, the BK-induced stimulation of glutamate uptake was blocked by treatment with the phospholipase A(2) inhibitors mepacrine and AACOCF(3), the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin, and the COX-2 inhibitor Dup 697. Furthermore, the BK-induced increase in COX-2 expression was blocked by the PI-3 kinase inhibitors wortmannin and LY294002, Akt inhibitor, and the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors staurosporine and bisindolylmaleimide I, suggesting the role of PI-3 kinase and PKC in this process. BK stimulated Akt activation and the translocation of PKC activation via the activation of B1R and B2R.'] Does bradykinin stimulate glutamate uptake via both B1R and B2R activation in a human retinal pigment epithelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4466094970703125,
-1.251504898071289,
2.7162415981292725
] |
['Previously we reported the critical role of interleukin (IL)-1alpha in liver metastasis from pancreatic cancer (PaCa). However, its role in angiogenesis and metastasis, particularly as it relates to the interaction between tumor and stromal cells, was not clearly elucidated. To further investigate, we initially compared vascular endothelial cell migration and tube formation in human PaCa cell lines that differed in metastatic potential. We then compared the effects of IL-1alpha derived from PaCa cells on the same processes.', 'Expression of IL-1alpha mRNA and protein in PaCa cells was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IL-1alpha mRNA and protein were detected only in predominantly liver-metastatic PaCa cells. Next, we examined differences in migration and tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the various PaCa cells using invasion and angiogenesis assays, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the effects of IL-1alpha secreted by PaCa cells on migration and tube formation by HUVECs using coculture experiments.', 'Expression of IL-1alpha mRNA and protein was observed only by the highly liver-metastatic PaCa cell lines BxPC-3 and SW 1990. Both HUVEC migration and tube formation were significantly enhanced by coculture with metastatic PaCa cells and IL-1alpha (P < 0.01). Similarly, blockade of IL-1alpha by its antagonist inhibited HUVEC migration and tube formation (P < 0.01).'] Does interleukin-1alpha secreted by pancreatic cancer cells promote angiogenesis and its therapeutic implications? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3386356830596924,
-1.2695072889328003,
2.6228785514831543
] |
['The development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is attributed to intrauterine inflammatory and postnatal mechanical ventilation and hyperoxia. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and hyperoxia exposure on the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) expression in human embryo lung fibroblasts (HELFs) in vitro.', 'Either LPS (100 ng/mL) or hyperoxia (60%), or a combination of both was employed to stimulate confluent HELFs. After 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hrs of stimulation, the nuclear translocation of two subunits p50 and p65 in HELFs was detected with immunocytochemistry. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to measure mRNA expression of NF-kappaB p50 and p65.', 'LPS or hyperoxia stimulation induced the nuclear translocation of p50 and p65 at 30 minutes of exposure. mRNA expression of NF-kappaB p50 and p65 peaked at 1 hr and then gradually decreased. A stimulation of LPS combined with hyperoxia induced the nuclear translocation of p50 and p65. NF-kappaB p50 and p65 mRNA expression peaked at 2 hrs of stimulation and then decreased slowly, but was significantly higher than that in the LPS or hyperoxia stimulation alone group 4 hrs after stimulation.'] Do [ Lipopolysaccharide and hyperoxia induce nuclear factor-kappa B expression in human embryo lung fibroblasts in vitro ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3212876319885254,
-1.350487232208252,
2.7299933433532715
] |
['Dental injury is well recognized as a potential complication of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The flange of the Macintosh blade may contact teeth during laryngoscopy causing damage. The Callander modification of the Macintosh blade (Callander blade) with a shortened heel at the proximal end has been shown to increase the blade-tooth distance and reduce contact rates in adults.', 'This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Callander blade on reducing dental contact in children.', 'One hundred children, aged 4-14 years, scheduled for general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation were studied prospectively. The children were preoperatively evaluated for Mallampati score and dental defects, looseness, and avulsions. Following induction of anesthesia, laryngoscopy was performed twice on each child in succession, once with a standard Macintosh blade and once with a Callander blade of the same size in a random order. The blade-tooth distance and contact rate were compared between the two blades.', 'With the Callander blade, the blade-tooth distance was greater than with the Macintosh (1.78 +/- 1.77 vs 0.28 +/- 0.76 mm, P = 0.001). The frequency of direct contact was less with the Callander blade than it was with the Macintosh blade (33% vs 86%, respectively, P = 0.008). However, difficult laryngoscopy rate did not differ between the blades. Tracheal intubation was successful in all children and there was no dental injury.'] Does the Callender modification of the Macintosh laryngoscope blade reduce the risk of tooth-blade contact in children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.184804081916809,
-1.227616786956787,
1.365006685256958
] |
['The online rating of perceived breathlessness in a rebreathing test (RT) is a new and powerful technique to analyze the psychological and physiological process related to the mechanisms of breathlessness. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of rating type on respiratory sensation and behavior during repeated hypercapnic exposures.', 'Sixty-one healthy women performed three rebreathing trials. Half of them were auditorily cued to rate breathlessness intensity every 12 s (CR, n=30), the other half was instructed to rate breathlessness each time a change in breathlessness intensity was perceived (UCR, n=31). The ventilatory response was assessed simultaneously.', 'The CR group yielded an earlier threshold in tidal volume (V(T)) than the UCR group. Only in the UCR group did changes occur across rebreathing trials: the V(T) threshold decreased, the respiratory rate (RR) threshold increased, and the sensitivity of the RR increased.'] Does breathlessness rating type influence respiratory behavior during hypercapnia in the rebreathing test? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0183417797088623,
-0.9041258096694946,
2.0662577152252197
] |
['Recent studies reported contrasting results with respect to the presence of anti-myelin protein antibodies in multiple sclerosis (MS) and their relation with disease activity. This may be due to the heterogeneous specificity of autoantibodies in MS and the inability of most methods to detect pathogenically relevant antibodies. Here, myelin particles were used to detect anti-myelin antibodies in the CSF of MS patients. Subsequently, their relation with MRI parameters was evaluated.', 'Anti-myelin IgG antibody reactivity was determined in the CSF of patients with MS (n = 65) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS, n = 37) using a novel flow cytometry based assay. In addition, the CSF of patients with other neurological diseases (OND, n = 17), inflammatory neurological diseases (IND, n = 33) and controls (n = 22) was tested.', 'Compared with controls, increased anti-myelin IgG antibody reactivity was most frequently found in the CSF of patients with CIS (46%, p = 0.002), relapsing-remitting MS (56%, p<0.001) and secondary progressive MS (55%, p<0.001), together constituting 85% of all positive CSF samples. In contrast, elevated anti-myelin IgG antibody reactivity was present in a minority of IND patients (21%), marginally present in controls (5%) and absent in OND patients (0%). Most strikingly, anti-myelin IgG antibody reactivity was related to the number of T2 lesions (r = 0.31, p = 0.041) and gadolinium enhancing T1 lesions (r = 0.37, p = 0.016) on brain MRI in CIS and relapse onset MS patients.'] Are cerebrospinal fluid anti-myelin antibodies related to magnetic resonance measures of disease activity in multiple sclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.023822069168091,
-1.465032696723938,
2.554863929748535
] |
['Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is increased in patients with high-altitude pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and these patients have decreased alveolar fluid reabsorption (AFR).', 'To determine whether ET-1 impairs AFR via activation of endothelial cells and nitric oxide (NO) generation.', 'Isolated perfused rat lung, transgenic rats deficient in ETB receptors, coincubation of lung human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC-L) with rat alveolar epithelial type II cells or A549 cells, ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake.', 'The ET-1-induced decrease in AFR was prevented by blocking the endothelin receptor ETB, but not ETA. Endothelial-epithelial cell interaction is required, as direct exposure of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) to ET-1 did not affect Na,K-ATPase function or protein abundance at the plasma membrane, whereas coincubation of HMVEC-L and AECs with ET-1 decreased Na,K-ATPase activity and protein abundance at the plasma membrane. Exposing transgenic rats deficient in ETB receptors in the pulmonary vasculature (ET-B(-/-)) to ET-1 did not decrease AFR or Na,K-ATPase protein abundance at the plasma membrane of AECs. Exposing HMVEC-L to ET-1 led to increased NO, and the ET-1-induced down-regulation of Na,K-ATPase was prevented by the NO synthase inhibitor l-NAME, but not by a guanylate cyclase inhibitor.'] Does endothelin-1 impair alveolar epithelial function via endothelial ETB receptor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4887516498565674,
-1.328639268875122,
2.8738369941711426
] |
['R207910 (TMC207 or J) is a member of the diarylquinolines, a new family of antituberculous drugs with high bactericidal activity when given daily in the murine model of tuberculosis. R207910 exhibits a long half-life and thus is a good candidate for once-weekly therapy of tuberculosis.', 'To study the activity of once-weekly R207910 monotherapy and combinations of R207910 with other antituberculous agents (isoniazid, rifapentine, moxifloxacin, and pyrazinamide).', 'The established infection model of murine tuberculosis was used. Colony counts were determined in the lungs.', 'Eight weeks of monotherapy reduced the bacillary load by 3 to 4 log(10) for rifapentine and by 5 to 6 log(10) for R207910 (P < 0.05). The addition of rifapentine and isoniazid or moxifloxacin did not improve the bactericidal activity of R207910 monotherapy. In contrast, the triple combination of R207910 plus rifapentine plus pyrazinamide given once weekly for 2 months (i.e., a total of only eight administrations), was significantly (P < 0.05) more active than R207910 monotherapy or other R207910 combinations, and led to lung culture negativity in 9 of 10 mice, whereas all lungs were culture positive in the groups treated with other drug combinations. Moreover, R207910 plus rifapentine plus pyrazinamide given once weekly was more active than the current standard regimen of rifampin plus isoniazid plus pyrazinamide given five times per week.'] Does a once-weekly R207910-containing regimen exceed activity of the standard daily regimen in murine tuberculosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0004355907440186,
-1.7270772457122803,
1.7140705585479736
] |
['Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) is a potent antioxidant that plays an important role in controlling oxidant-mediated stress and inflammation. High levels of EC-SOD are found in the lung. Acute lung injury (ALI) frequently occurs in patients with infection, and levels of EC-SOD have been shown to modulate severity of lung injury in transgenic animal models of endotoxemia-induced ALI. An R213G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been shown to alter levels of EC-SOD and patient outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ischemic heart disease.', 'To determine genetic variation in the promoter and EC-SOD gene and to examine whether EC-SOD haplotype blocks are associated with clinical outcomes.', 'We sequenced the EC-SOD promoter and gene to determine genetic variation and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns in a European American population. Two separate patient populations with infection-associated ALI were also evaluated to determine whether EC-SOD haplotypes were associated with clinical outcomes.', 'Sequencing resulted in the identification of 28 SNPs with relatively strong LD and 1 block consisting of 4691-5321-5360-5955-5982. This specific block was shown to be protective in two separate patient populations with infection associated ALI. In particular, patients with a GCCT haplotype had a reduced risk of time on the ventilator and mortality.'] Are extracellular superoxide dismutase haplotypes associated with acute lung injury and mortality? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3816165924072266,
-1.2280023097991943,
2.6780807971954346
] |
['Histological differentiation is a major pathological parameter associated with poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the molecular signature underlying HCC differentiation may involve key proteins potentially affecting the malignant characters of HCC. To develop prognostic biomarkers for HCC, we examined the global protein expression profiles of 45 surgically resected tissues, including 27 HCCs with different degree of histological differentiation, 11 adjacent nontumor tissues, and seven normal liver tissues. Unsupervised classification grouped the 45 samples according to their histological classification based on the protein expression profiles created by laser microdissection and two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Statistical analysis and mass spectrometry identified 26 proteins with differential expression, of which 14 were functionally linked to c-Myc, AP-1, HIF1A, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha, or the Ras superfamily (RhoA, CDC42, and Rac1). Among the proteins identified, we focused on APC-binding protein EB1 (EB1) because it was dominantly expressed in poorly differentiated HCCs, which generally correlate with the poor prognosis in patients with HCC. In addition, EB1 is controlled by c-Myc, RhoA, and CDC42, which have all been linked to HCC malignancy. Immunohistochemistry in a further 145 HCC cases revealed that EB1 significantly correlated with the degree of histological differentiation (P < 0.001), and univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that EB1 is an independent prognostic factor for recurrence (hazard ratio, 2.740; 95% confidence interval, 1.771-4.239; P < 0.001) and survival (hazard ratio, 2.256; 95% confidence interval, 1.337-3.807; P = 0.002) of patients with HCC after curative surgery.'] Does proteomic profiling reveal the prognostic value of adenomatous polyposis coli-end-binding protein 1 in hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.177661180496216,
-1.4402620792388916,
2.6968820095062256
] |
['Empirical binding models have previously been investigated for the energetics of protein complexation (DeltaG models) and for the influence of mutations on complexation (i.e. differences between wild-type and mutant complexes, DeltaDeltaG models). We construct binding models to directly compare these processes, which have generally been studied separately.', 'Although reasonable fit models were found for both DeltaG and DeltaDeltaG cases, they differ substantially. In a dataset curated for the absence of mainchain rearrangement upon binding, non-polar area burial is a major determinant of DeltaG models. However this DeltaG model does not fit well to the data for binding differences upon mutation. Burial of non-polar area is weighted down in fitting of DeltaDeltaG models. These calculations were made with no repacking of sidechains upon complexation, and only minimal packing upon mutation. We investigated the consequences of more extensive packing changes with a modified mean-field packing scheme. Rather than emphasising solvent exposure with relatively extended sidechains, rotamers are selected that exhibit maximal packing with protein. This provides solvent accessible areas for proteins that are much closer to those of experimental structures than the more extended sidechain regime. The new packing scheme increases changes in non-polar burial for mutants compared to wild-type proteins, but does not substantially improve agreement between DeltaG and DeltaDeltaG binding models.'] Do volume-based solvation models out-perform area-based models in combined studies of wild-type and mutated protein-protein interfaces? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.46413254737854,
-0.6526266932487488,
2.1621360778808594
] |
['There is little information on the outcome of patients with retinoblastoma and tumor at the resection margin of the optic nerve.', 'Retrospective evaluation of three successive prospective protocols. Twenty-six consecutive patients were analyzed (International Staging System-IRSS-stage 2 = 21, stage 3 = 5) from three successive prospective protocols (1988-2006). Patients with stage 2 were enucleated upfront and those with stage 3 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by enucleation and adjuvant therapy. Both groups received adjuvant chemotherapy and orbital radiotherapy after enucleation. Patients in protocol 1 received 1 year of the lower-dose chemotherapy regimen including cyclophosphamide, vincristine and doxorubicin along with intrathecal chemotherapy. Patients of protocols 2 and 3 received a more intense and shorter intravenous regimen including carboplatin and etoposide alternating with cyclophosphamide, idarubicin and vincristine with no intrathecal treatment. The components of protocol 2 and 3 were similar except for the dose of carboplatin which was 10% lower in protocol 3.', 'Thirteen were treated in protocol 1 and 13 in protocols 2 and 3. The probability of event-free survival was 0.70 at 5 years. Events included: CNS relapse = 3, second malignancies = 3, death in complete remission = 2. There were no significant differences in outcome between protocols or stages. Endocrinological disturbances related to the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis were evident in 6/8 patients evaluated. Severe orbital sequelae occurred in 12 cases.'] Does treatment result in patients with retinoblastoma and invasion to the cut end of the optic nerve? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0986592769622803,
-1.5452080965042114,
2.6292710304260254
] |
['Our aim was to determine the effects of intra-arterial (IA) nicardipine infusion on the cerebral hemodynamics of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)-induced vasospasm by using first-pass quantitative cine CT perfusion (CTP).', 'Six patients post-aSAH with clinical and transcranial Doppler findings suggestive of vasospasm were evaluated by CT angiography and CTP immediately before angiography for possible vasospasm treatment. CTP was repeated immediately following IA nicardipine infusion. Maps of mean transit time (MTT), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were constructed and analyzed in a blinded manner. Corresponding regions of interest on these maps from the bilateral middle cerebral artery territories and, when appropriate, the bilateral anterior or posterior cerebral artery territories, were selected from the pre- and posttreatment scans. Normalized values were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance.', 'Angiographic vasospasm was confirmed in all patients. In 5 of the 6 patients, both CBF and MTT improved significantly in affected regions in response to nicardipine therapy (mean increase in CBF, 41 +/- 43%; range, -9%-162%, P = .0004; mean decrease in MTT, 26 +/- 24%; range, 0%-70%, P = .0002). In 1 patient, we were unable to quantify improvement in flow parameters due to section-selection differences between the pre- and posttreatment examinations.'] Does intra-arterial nicardipine infusion improve CT perfusion-measured cerebral blood flow in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced vasospasm? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0903913974761963,
-1.5211864709854126,
2.647152900695801
] |
['When patients return to the emergency department (ED) shortly after being seen, it is generally assumed that their initial evaluation or treatment was inadequate.', 'The purpose of this study was to determine the rates and causes of revisits to the ED of a 710-bed secondary teaching referral hospital (Kuang Tien General Hospital), to identify areas for improvement, and to define the initial ED presentations that are associated with such revisits.', 'The study period was from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006. There were 34,714 patients seen and discharged in the ED; 1899 patients returned within 72 h. Monthly revisit rates were calculated. The patients who revisited the ED within 72 h were retrospectively identified by the authors, and their charts were examined to determine the causes of the revisits.', 'There were 1899 patients (5.47% of total) found to have revisited the ED within 72 h after their initial visit. The monthly revisit rates ranged from 2.85% to 6.25% (average, 5.47%). The rates of revisits that were related to factors of illness, patients, and doctors were 80.9%, 10.9%, and 8.2%, respectively. Among the factors related to doctors, 3.7% (70 cases) were misdiagnosis, and abdominal pain was the most common presentation (55.7%, 39/70). The most common initial ED presentations were for abdominal pain (12.9%), fever (12.6%), vertigo (4.5%), headache (2.1), and upper respiratory infection (2.1%).'] Does unplanned emergency department revisit within 72 hours to a secondary teaching referral hospital in Taiwan? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.4196192026138306,
0.487078994512558,
-0.03795555979013443
] |
['Although the level of erythrocyte complement receptor type 1 (E-CR1) expression in patients with malaria has been extensively studied, whether the level of expression of E-CR1 is associated with severe malaria remains controversial. The present study examined a possible association of polymorphisms in the CR1 gene with the severity of malaria, and it evaluated the influence of the associated polymorphism on expression of E-CR1.', 'Seventeen single-nucleotide polymorphisms in CR1 were genotyped in 477 Thai patients who had Plasmodium falciparum malaria (203 had mild malaria, 165 had noncerebral severe malaria, and 109 had cerebral malaria). The E-CR1 expression level was measured by flow cytometry in 24 healthy Thai subjects.', 'The T allele of the reference single-nucleotide polymorphism rs9429942 in the CR1 promoter region was strongly associated with protection against cerebral malaria (2.2% of patients with mild malaria vs. 7.8% of patients with cerebral malaria; P = .0009; Bonferroni-adjusted Pc = .0306. The E-CR1 expression level was significantly higher in individuals with the TT genotype of rs9429942 than in individuals with the TC genotype of rs9429942 (P = .0282).'] Does a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism in the CR1 promoter region contribute to protection against cerebral malaria? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9885097742080688,
-1.276032567024231,
2.3220486640930176
] |
['Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 with thymidine-analogue nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (tNRTIs) causes lipoatrophy, mitochondrial toxicity, and lower adipose tissue expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma [PPARG gene]). Rosiglitazone (RSG), a PPARgamma agonist, improves congenital lipoatrophy but not HIV lipoatrophy.', 'Serial fat biopsies were taken from HIV-infected, lipoatrophic men randomized to receive RSG or placebo for 48 weeks. Adipose tissue mitochondrial and nuclear gene expression and mitochondrial DNA content were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Nonparametric analyses were applied.', 'Subjects receiving tNRTI-containing antiretroviral therapy had lower baseline mitochondrial RNA expression and DNA content. In subjects receiving tNRTIs, exposure to RSG did not affect PPARG expression at either week 2 or 48. At week 2, RSG increased PPARG expression only in subjects not treated with tNRTIs, whereas at week 48, increased PPARG expression was observed in subjects not treated with tNRTIs, regardless of RSG use. Similar findings were observed for the PPARG-responsive gene fatty acid-binding protein 4. Changes in PPARG expression were associated with increases in limb fat mass.'] Is effect of rosiglitazone on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma gene expression in human adipose tissue limited by antiretroviral drug-induced mitochondrial dysfunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.429499864578247,
-1.3255423307418823,
2.803194522857666
] |
["This study's aim was to assess the role of interleukin (IL)-5 in modulating the levels of antibodies binding to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) in human atherosclerosis.", 'Various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in atherogenesis, and recent findings in mice indicate that the cytokine IL-5 plays a protective role in atherosclerosis in part via the induction of antibodies binding to OxLDL.', 'Plasma IL-5 levels and antibody titers to 2 most commonly used models of OxLDL (copper OxLDL and malondialdehyde-modified LDL) were measured in 1,011 Finnish middle-aged subjects with chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intima-media thickness (IMT) was assessed ultrasonographically from the internal carotid artery, the bifurcation, and the common carotid artery.', 'There was a significant positive association between plasma IL-5 levels and antibody titers to copper OxLDL (p = 0.010 and p = 0.044, immunoglobin [Ig] M and G, respectively) and IgM to malondialdehyde-modified LDL (p < 0.001) in the association analysis performed between different IL-5 quartiles. Furthermore, plasma IL-5 levels were found to be inversely associated with bifurcational IMT, and even after adjustments for traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis (age, gender, smoking, systolic blood pressure, LDL, and body mass index), IL-5 remained an independent determinant of the mean bifurcational IMT (p = 0.010).'] Are plasma interleukin-5 levels related to antibodies binding to oxidized low-density lipoprotein and to decreased subclinical atherosclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3620128631591797,
-1.415961742401123,
2.813568115234375
] |
['Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinemia, necroinflammatory histology, and a response to immunosuppressive drugs. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine whether the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) or anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMAs) in patients with AIH correlated with clinical presentation, histologic findings, or response to immunosuppressive therapy.', 'Fifty-two patients diagnosed with AIH, on the basis of the revised scoring system of International Autoimmune Hepatitis group, were reviewed. Data on age, gender, aminotransferase levels, autoantibody titers, treatment regimens, and response to treatment were recorded. Seropositivity was defined as ANA >1:40 or ASMA >1:40. Percutaneous liver biopsies obtained at the initial presentation were reviewed.', 'Forty-two patients with AIH (81%) were seropositive, and 10 (19%) were seronegative. Both groups were similar with respect to demographics, treatment regimens, and response to therapy. Histologic parameters were similar among the 2 groups, including portal and lobular inflammation, piecemeal necrosis, and centrilobular necrosis. There were no significant differences in aminotransferase levels at diagnosis or after treatment.'] Do serologic markers predict histologic severity or response to treatment in patients with autoimmune hepatitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.408505916595459,
-1.335145354270935,
2.807706356048584
] |
['Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which catalyzes the breakdown of tryptophan into kyneurenine, has immunologic significance for the induction of maternal tolerance and liver allograft tolerance by inhibiting T-cell activation. In the present study, we compared survival of syngeneic or allogeneic hepatocytes in livers with or without hepatectomy. Subsequently, we investigated gene expression and localization of IDO in the recipient liver.', 'DA and Fisher 344 rats were used in the following experimental groups: group 1, DA hepatocytes transplanted into hepatectomized Fisher 344 rats; group 2, Fisher 344 hepatocytes transplanted into hepatectomized Fisher 344 rats; group 3, DA hepatocytes transplanted into nonhepatectomized Fisher 344 rats; and group 4, Fisher 344 hepatocytes transplanted into nonhepatectomized Fisher 344 rats. After transplantation, the surviving cells were evaluated on day 5. The IDO signal of the recipient liver was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry.', 'In the hepatectomized groups subjected to allogeneic or syngeneic hepatocyte transplantation, the number of surviving hepatocytes was greater than in the nonhepatectomized group after transplantation. The IDO signals (RT-PCR) in the hepatectomized groups were stronger than those in the nonhepatectomized groups. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the IDO signal is located in liver antigen-presenting cells, such as Kupffer cells or dendritic cells, and not expressed in hepatocytes.'] Does induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in livers following hepatectomy prolong survival of allogeneic hepatocytes after transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3173913955688477,
-1.3997769355773926,
2.7710866928100586
] |
['Our previous study noticed remarkably elevated titers of anti-high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) antibodies in sera during the tolerance induction phase of a rat tolerogenic orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) as well as in sera of clinically drug-free patients. We hypothesized that the release of nonhistone nuclear protein HMGB1 during rejection may play a pathogenic role in deteriorating post-OLT graft functions, such as inducing liver fibrosis. This study sought to investigate whether HMGB1 can directly activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and drive them toward fibrogenesis.', 'The cultured HSCs were treated with recombinant HMGB1. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to measure alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression. Conditioned media were collected for gelatin zymography to monitor the activities of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).', 'HMGB1 at concentrations > 1 ng/mL significantly stimulated HSC growth as revealed by proliferation and BrdU assays. alpha-SMA gene and protein expression were significantly up-regulated by HMGB1, whereas the MMP-2, but not MMP-9, activity was suppressed by HMGB1 treatment.'] Does high-mobility group box 1 protein activate hepatic stellate cells in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4043948650360107,
-1.320730209350586,
2.7968482971191406
] |
['An oral adsorbent, AST-120, has been shown to retard the deterioration of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by decreasing serum nephrotoxic substances such as indoxyl sulfate. Recent studies have suggested that a high level of serum indoxyl sulfate may be one of the mechanisms underlying the progression of atherosclerotic lesion, which is the leading cause of cardiovascular event or death in dialysis patients. In this study, we examined retrospectively whether AST-120 given to patients in the pre-dialysis period influences the prognosis after the initiation of dialysis.', 'One hundred and ninety-two CKD patients on dialysis were studied. The survival and causes of death after the initiation of dialysis were compared between patients who were administrated AST-120 (AST-120 group, n = 101) and those not administrated AST-120 (non-AST-120 group, n = 91) prior to the initiation of dialysis.', 'The five-year survival rate was 72.6% in the AST-120 group and 52.6% in the non-AST-120 group, and was significantly higher in the AST-120 group (p = 0.018). The risk of death was increased 1.91-fold in the non-AST-120 group. However, no difference in the causes of death was observed between two groups.'] Does aST-120 treatment in pre-dialysis period affect the prognosis in patients on hemodialysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7792218923568726,
-1.4155843257904053,
2.201467514038086
] |
['Glioblastomas are the most common primary brain tumour in adults. While the prognosis for patients is poor, gene expression profiling has detected signatures that can sub-classify GBMs relative to histopathology and clinical variables. One category of GBM defined by a gene expression signature is termed ProNeural (PN), and has substantially longer patient survival relative to other gene expression-based subtypes of GBMs. Age of onset is a major predictor of the length of patient survival where younger patients survive longer than older patients. The reason for this survival advantage has not been clear.', 'We collected 267 GBM CEL files and normalized them relative to other microarrays of the same Affymetrix platform. 377 probesets on U133A and U133 Plus 2.0 arrays were used in a gene voting strategy with 177 probesets of matching genes on older U95Av2 arrays. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard analyses were applied in distinguishing survival differences between expression subtypes and age.', 'This meta-analysis of published data in addition to new data confirms the existence of four distinct GBM expression-signatures. Further, patients with PN subtype GBMs had longer survival, as expected. However, the age of the patient at diagnosis is not predictive of survival time when controlled for the PN subtype.'] Does gene expression analysis of glioblastomas identify the major molecular basis for the prognostic benefit of younger age? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.326695203781128,
-1.1204698085784912,
2.625391721725464
] |
['Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) is expressed in the growth plate of endochondral bones and serves as a negative regulator of linear bone elongation. Activating mutations severely limit bone growth, resulting in dwarfism, while inactivating mutations significantly enhance bone elongation and overall skeletal size. Domesticated dogs exhibit the greatest skeletal size diversity of any species and, given the regulatory role of FGFR3 on growth plate proliferation, we asked whether sequence differences in FGFR3 could account for some of the size differences.', "All exons, the promoter region, and 60 bp of the 3' flanking region of the canine FGFR3 gene were sequenced for nine different dog breeds representing a spectrum of skeletal size. The resultant sequences were compared to the reference Boxer genome sequence.", "There was no variation in sequence for any FGFR3 exons, promoter region, or 3' flanking sequence across all breeds evaluated."] Is canine fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 sequence conserved across dogs of divergent skeletal size? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8387340307235718,
-0.7479458451271057,
1.6219456195831299
] |
['Norvaline is an unusual non-proteinogenic branched-chain amino acid which has been of interest especially during the early enzymological studies on regulatory mutants of the branched-chain amino acid pathway in Serratia marcescens. Only recently norvaline and other modified amino acids of the branched-chain amino acid synthesis pathway got attention again when they were found to be incorporated in minor amounts in heterologous proteins with a high leucine or methionine content. Earlier experiments have convincingly shown that norvaline and norleucine are formed from pyruvate being an alternative substrate of alpha-isopropylmalate synthase, however so far norvaline accumulation was not shown to occur in non-recombinant strains of E. coli.', 'Here we show that oxygen limitation causes norvaline accumulation in E. coli K-12 W3110 during grow in glucose-based mineral salt medium. Norvaline accumulates immediately after a shift to oxygen limitation at high glucose concentration. On the contrary free norvaline is not accumulated in E. coli W3110 in aerobic cultures. The analysis of medium components, supported by transcriptomic studies proposes a purely metabolic overflow mechanism from pyruvate into the branched chain amino acid synthesis pathway, which is further supported by the significant accumulation of pyruvate after the oxygen downshift. The results indicate overflow metabolism from pyruvate as necessary and sufficient, but deregulation of the branched chain amino acid pathway may be an additional modulating parameter.'] Is norvaline accumulated after a down-shift of oxygen in Escherichia coli W3110? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.616492748260498,
-0.9006877541542053,
2.602658748626709
] |
['The dual goals of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and C-reactive protein (CRP) reduction are important for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, the relevant factors of subclinical inflammation in patients with optimal LDL-C were not clearly demonstrated. This study sought to test the hypothesis that the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with subclinical inflammation in patients achieving optimal LDL-C.', 'A total of 227 Japanese subjects with a prior history of ischemic heart disease and optimal LDL-C (LDL-C <100 mg/dl) were enrolled. When compared with patients with low CRP (<0.1 mg/dl), those with a high CRP (> or =0.1 mg/dl) had a significantly higher prevalence of visceral obesity, elevated triglyceride, lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), hypertension, impaired fasting glucose, and a higher prevalence of MetS. A linear relationship between an increase in number of MetS components and CRP was observed (trend, p<0.001). In multivariate logistic analysis, visceral obesity (odds ratio 6.54; 95% confidence interval 2.99-14.3), low HDL-C (2.78; 1.09-7.12) and impaired fasting glucose (6.72; 3.30-13.7), and MetS (10.4; 5.18-20.7) were associated with higher CRP.'] Is metabolic syndrome strongly associated with chronic subclinical inflammation in patients achieving optimal low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8434983491897583,
-1.4578773975372314,
2.321643114089966
] |
['A major challenge lies in understanding the complexities of gene regulation. Mutation of the transcription factor SOX10 is associated with several human diseases. The disease phenotypes reflect the function of SOX10 in diverse tissues including the neural crest, central nervous system and otic vesicle. As expected, the SOX10 expression pattern is complex and highly dynamic, but little is known of the underlying mechanisms regulating its spatiotemporal pattern. SOX10 expression is highly conserved between all vertebrates characterised.', "We have combined in vivo testing of DNA fragments in zebrafish and computational comparative genomics to identify the first regulatory regions of the zebrafish sox10 gene. Both approaches converged on the 3' end of the conserved 1st intron as being critical for spatial patterning of sox10 in the embryo. Importantly, we have defined a minimal region crucial for this function. We show that this region contains numerous binding sites for transcription factors known to be essential in early neural crest induction, including Tcf/Lef, Sox and FoxD3. We show that the identity and relative position of these binding sites are conserved between zebrafish and mammals. A further region, partially required for oligodendrocyte expression, lies in the 5' region of the same intron and contains a putative CSL binding site, consistent with a role for Notch signalling in sox10 regulation. Furthermore, we show that beta-catenin, Notch signalling and Sox9 can induce ectopic sox10 expression in early embryos, consistent with regulatory roles predicted from our transgenic and computational results."] Does an evolutionarily conserved intronic region control the spatiotemporal expression of the transcription factor Sox10? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5144267082214355,
-0.6076419353485107,
2.1329541206359863
] |
['Subchondral bone loss is a characteristic feature of inflammatory arthritis. Recently, estrogen receptor-related receptor-alpha (ERR-alpha), an orphan nuclear receptor, has been found to be involved in activation of macrophages. We hypothesized that ERR-alpha which is expressed and also functional in articular chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, may be involved in rodent models of inflammatory arthritis.', "Erosive arthritis was induced in DBA/1 mice by injection of type II collagen in Freund's complete adjuvant. RNA was isolated from the bone and joints and expression of ERR-alpha and cartilage (GDF5 and Col2a1) and bone [bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OCN)] markers was analysed by semi-quantitative PCR.", 'We report for the first time that the expression of ERR-alpha is dysregulated in bones and joints in a mouse model of inflammatory arthritis. Specifically, we show that ERR-alpha expression is down-regulated early in bone and later in joints of mice with type II CIA. Concomitantly, temporal changes were observed in GDF-5 and Col2a1 expression in joints following both initial injection and booster injection of type II collagen. Similarly, down-regulation of ERR-alpha mRNA expression in subchondral bone in mice with induced joint inflammation was also paralleled by down-regulation of markers of bone formation (BSP, OCN).'] Is estrogen receptor-related receptor-alpha ( ERR-alpha ) dysregulated in inflammatory arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.363154172897339,
-1.344149112701416,
2.7397799491882324
] |
['Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute vasculitis in young children, frequently associated with coronary artery aneurysms. The intravenous infusion of high-dose IgG (IVIG) effectively reduces the systemic inflammation and the incidence of coronary artery lesions, although the precise underlying mechanisms are unknown.', 'We performed expression profiling of whole blood cells to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of IVIG and to identify biomarkers associated with unresponsiveness to IVIG.', 'We compared the transcript abundance among pre-IVIG and post-IVIG patients and febrile control patients. Then we analyzed the mRNA levels and the protein levels among the different cohort of patients with KD who were either responsive or nonresponsive to the initial IVIG.', 'A total of 298 transcripts were overrepresented or underrepresented in the pre-IVIG patients compared with post-IVIG patients and febrile controls, of which 15 transcripts were differentially expressed in nonresponsive patients with KD compared with responsive patients before IVIG. The protein levels of polycythemia rubra vera 1, which was one of the most variably expressed transcripts in pre-IVIG patients, and the serum granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels were significantly higher in nonresponsive patients than in responsive patients before the initial IVIG administration.'] Do elevated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor levels predict treatment failure in patients with Kawasaki disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2588181495666504,
-1.298459768295288,
2.6018781661987305
] |
['Severe fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage increases the risk of fetal anemia. In the third trimester, the syncytiotrophoblast becomes thinner, especially in areas where it comes into intimate contact with villous capillaries, and forms a vasculosyncytial membrane. Our aim was to determine whether ABO compatibility puts the fetus at a greater risk of severe fetomaternal hemorrhage.', 'Case study.', "A tertiary care center. Sample and methods. Between 2003 and 2007, we evaluated eight cases of severe fetomaternal transfusion. The Kleihauer-Betke test was used for diagnosis of fetomaternal hemorrhage. We evaluated blood group compatibility between the mother and fetus and assessed the perinatal outcome. The Fischer's factorial test was used for testing a hypothesis.", 'The incidence of adverse outcomes following transplacental hemorrhage was 75% (six of eight). There were two perinatal deaths and four infants were affected by post-hypoxic damage of varying severity. Fetomaternal ABO compatibility was present in seven of the eight cases. The risk of severe fetomaternal hemorrhage was significantly increased when there was ABO compatibility between the mother and fetus. This was associated with a very poor perinatal outcome.'] Does aBO fetomaternal compatibility pose a risk for massive fetomaternal transplacental hemorrhage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.32959246635437,
-1.1285351514816284,
2.5408120155334473
] |
['Allogeneic red blood cell transfusion is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in adult trauma patients. Although studies have suggested that the adoption of a more restrictive transfusion strategy may be safely applied to critically ill adult and all-cause critically ill pediatric patients, recent developments in our understanding of the negative consequences of red blood cell transfusion have focused almost entirely on adult populations, while the applicability of these findings to the pediatric population remains poorly defined. The object of this study was to evaluate the effect of red blood cell transfusion within the first 24 hours following admission on mortality in pediatric trauma patients treated at our institution.', 'Age, race, and mechanism of injury did not differ between transfused and non-transfused groups, although there were significantly more female patients in the transfusion group (51 vs. 37%; p < 0.01). Shock index (pulse/systolic blood pressure), injury severity score, and new injury severity score were all significantly higher in the transfused group (1.21 vs. 0.96, 26 vs. 10, and 33 vs. 13 respectively; all p </= 0.01). Patients who received a red blood cell transfusion experienced a higher mortality compared to the non-transfused group (29% vs. 3%; p < 0.001). When attempting to control for injury severity, goodness-of-fit analysis revealed a poor fit for the statistical model preventing reliable conclusions about the contribution of red blood cell transfusion as an independent predictor of mortality.'] Is red blood cell transfusion within the first 24 hours of admission associated with increased mortality in the pediatric trauma population : a retrospective cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.45508074760437,
-0.8071821928024292,
2.3886566162109375
] |
['Lung graft dysfunction and rejection are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in transplant recipients. Thioredoxin-1, a redox-regulatory protein, functions as an antioxidant in multiple organs, including lungs. We examined whether priming of the donor lungs with thioredoxin-1 before transplantation attenuates acute lung injury.', 'Orthotopic left lung transplantation was performed from Lewis (donor) to Sprague-Dawley (recipient) rats. Donor lungs were perfused and stored in Perfadex solution (Vitrolife, Uppsala, Sweden), with or without purified thioredoxin-1. Changes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) analysis, allograft oxygen exchange function, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB)/DNA binding, myeloperoxidase activities, and immunohistologic evaluation of neutrophils, macrophages, and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8(+)) infiltration were examined in post-transplant allograft (left) and native (right) lungs at Days 1 and 5.', 'BAL cell differential analysis showed significant increases in macrophages and neutrophils in allografts at Day 1 post-transplant. At Days 1 and 5, lymphocyte infiltration was significantly increased and myeloperoxidase and NF-kappaB/DNA binding activities were increased vs basal activities. Immunohistology staining revealed increased infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils, and CD8(+) T cell sub-sets. Pre-transplant priming of donor lungs with thioredoxin-1 improved oxygen exchange and attenuated NF-kappaB/DNA binding activity, and infiltration of macrophages, neutrophils, and CD8(+) T cell sub-sets in allografts at Days 1 and 5 post-transplant.'] Does priming donor lungs with thioredoxin-1 attenuate acute allograft injury in a rat model of lung transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.43178391456604,
-1.3656378984451294,
2.852612018585205
] |
['Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most frequently encountered tumor in the adult kidney. Many factors are known to take part in the development and progression of this tumor. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is a family of the genes that includes five members acting in events such as inflammation and apoptosis. In this study, the role of NF-kappaB (p50 subunit) in ccRCC and its relation to angiogenesis and apoptosis were investigated.', 'Formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded tissue blocks from 40 patients with ccRCC were studied. Expressions of NF-kappaB (p50), VEGF, EGFR, bc1-2 and p53 were detected immunohistochemically. The relationship of NF-kappaB with these markers and clinicopathological findings were evaluated.', 'The expression of NF-kappaB was detected in 35 (85%), VEGF in 37 (92.5%), EGFR in 38 (95%), bc1-2 in 33 (82.5%) and p53 in 13 (32.5%) of 40 ccRCC patients. Statistical analyses revealed a significant relation between NF-kappaB expression and VEGF (p = 0.001), EGFR (p = 0.004), bc1-2 (p = 0.010) and p53 (p = 0.037). There was no significant correlation between NF-kappaB and such parameters as tumor grade, stage, age and sex.'] Does nF-KappaB expression correlate with apoptosis and angiogenesis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0653083324432373,
-1.3474963903427124,
2.4515936374664307
] |
['Renal Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has gained popularity due to increasing options in management of renal lesions such as energy ablation and active surveillance. The diagnostic yield of renal FNAC varies between 40-90%. We hypothesized that adequate and diagnostic FNA samples would be associated with higher number of needle passes and higher number of slides examined.', 'The pathology database at our institution was retrospectively searched for renal FNACs performed between 1995 and 2005. Patient gender, side, indication, cytological diagnosis, final histological diagnosis when available, number of needle passes performed, number of slides examined, and adequacy of the FNAC sample as determined by Diff Quik staining by the cytotechnologist (CS) were recorded. Chi square test was performed for statistical analysis.', 'Out of 377 renal biopsies performed, 259 were core biopsies for medical renal disease, and 118 were FNACs for renal lesions, including 16 for indeterminate complex renal cysts and 102 for solid renal masses. Indeterminate renal cysts were excluded from the study. Out of 102 FNACs for solid renal masses, 22 were inadequate with 13 (59%) being non-diagnostic; and 80 FNACs were adequate with 3 (4%) being non-diagnostic. The number of needle passes was not significantly different between non-diagnostic and diagnostic samples (2.5 vs 3.2); and between inadequate and adequate samples (3.4 vs 3.0). Similarly, the number of slides examined was not significantly different between non-diagnostic and diagnostic samples (9.5 vs 10.9); and between inadequate and adequate samples (11.3 vs 10.6). Diff Quik adequate samples had significantly higher diagnostic yields when compared to Diff Quik inadequate samples (965 vs 41%; p<0.01).'] Does number of needle pass does not correlate with the diagnostic yield of renal fine needle aspiration cytology? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.30245453119277954,
-1.8188080787658691,
1.1051921844482422
] |
['Hypercapnic acidosis protects against lung injury after ischemia-reperfusion, endotoxin-induced and ventilation-induced lung injury. The effects of hypercapnic acidosis in the setting of established pulmonary sepsis are not known. The authors investigated whether hypercapnic acidosis -- induced by adding carbon dioxide to inspired gas -- would be beneficial or deleterious in established Escherichia coli pneumonia in an in vivo model, in the presence and absence of antibiotic therapy.', 'Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and ventilated. In the first set of experiments, rats were anesthetized, E. coli (5-6.4 x 10(9)/ml colony-forming units) was instilled intratracheally, and the animals were allowed to recover. After 6 h, during which time a severe pneumonia developed, they were reanesthetized and randomly assigned to normocapnia (fraction of inspired carbon dioxide [Fico(2)] = 0.00, n = 10) or hypercapnic acidosis (Fico(2) = 0.05, n = 10). The second set of experiments was performed in a manner identical to that of series 1, but all rats (n = 10 per group) were given intravenous ceftriaxone (30 mg/kg) at randomization. All animals received normocapnia or hypercapnic acidosis for 6 h, and the severity of lung injury was assessed.', 'In the absence of antibiotic therapy, hypercapnic acidosis reduced the pneumonia-induced increase in peak airway pressure and the decrease in static lung compliance compared with control conditions. In the presence of antibiotic therapy, which substantially reduced lung bacterial counts, hypercapnic acidosis significantly attenuated the extent of pneumonia-induced histologic injury.'] Does hypercapnic acidosis attenuate lung injury induced by established bacterial pneumonia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2441961765289307,
-1.3396615982055664,
2.596057415008545
] |
['The authors examined the influence of metoclopramide on cricoid pressure-induced relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in awake human volunteers.', 'With local institutional review board approval, measurements of LES and intragastric pressures were made in 10 consenting volunteers before cricoid pressure application, during 15 s of cricoid pressure application, and after release of cricoid pressure. The measurements were repeated after 0.15 mg/kg intravenous metoclopramide. Cricoid pressure was applied by one investigator trained to consistently apply a force of 44 N.', 'Cricoid pressure resulted in immediate decrease in LES and barrier pressures from 14.1 +/- 2.9 mmHg to 3.2 +/- 3.7 mmHg and from 9.6 +/- 3.4 mmHg to -1.8 +/- 2.9 mmHg, respectively. These pressures promptly returned to baseline values after release of cricoid pressure. LES and barrier pressures increased after metoclopramide from 14.5 +/- 3.1 to 19.6 +/- 4.7 mmHg and from 10.2 +/- 3.6 to 14.1 +/- 5.5 mmHg, respectively. Cricoid pressure applied after metoclopramide resulted in immediate decreases in LES and barrier pressures to levels comparable to cricoid pressure before metoclopramide, but immediately returned to precricoid values after release of pressure.'] Does metoclopramide attenuate cricoid pressure-induced relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter in awake volunteers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.135983943939209,
-1.2867043018341064,
2.538038730621338
] |
['Genome-wide data provide a powerful tool for inferring patterns of genetic variation and structure of human populations.', 'In this study, we analysed almost 250,000 SNPs from a total of 945 samples from Eastern and Western Finland, Sweden, Northern Germany and Great Britain complemented with HapMap data. Small but statistically significant differences were observed between the European populations (F(ST) = 0.0040, p<10(-4)), also between Eastern and Western Finland (F(ST) = 0.0032, p<10(-3)). The latter indicated the existence of a relatively strong autosomal substructure within the country, similar to that observed earlier with smaller numbers of markers. The Germans and British were less differentiated than the Swedes, Western Finns and especially the Eastern Finns who also showed other signs of genetic drift. This is likely caused by the later founding of the northern populations, together with subsequent founder and bottleneck effects, and a smaller population size. Furthermore, our data suggest a small eastern contribution among the Finns, consistent with the historical and linguistic background of the population.'] Does genome-wide analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms uncover population structure in Northern Europe? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.3242050409317017,
0.5719979405403137,
0.05327533930540085
] |
['Previous studies have shown that heart rate variability (HRV) measurement is useful in investigating the pathophysiology of various psychiatric disorders. The present study further examined its usefulness in evaluating the mental health of normal subjects with respect to anxiety and depressiveness.', 'Heart rate (HR) and HRV were measured tonometrically at the wrist in 43 normal subjects not only in the resting condition but also during a task (random number generation) to assess the responsiveness. For HRV measurement, high-frequency (HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz) and low-frequency (LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz) components of HRV were obtained using MemCalc, a time series analysis technique that combines a non-linear least square method with maximum entropy method. For psychological evaluation of anxiety and depressiveness, two self-report questionnaires were used: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).', 'No significant relation was observed between HR and HRV indices, and the psychological scores both in the resting and task conditions. By task application, HF decreased, and LF/HF and HR increased, and significant correlation with psychological scores was found in the responsiveness to task measured by the ratio of HRV and HR indices during the task to that at rest (task/rest ratio). A positive relationship was found between task/rest ratio for HF, and STAI and SDS scores. Task/rest ratio of HR was negatively correlated with STAI-state score.'] Is decrease in heart rate variability response to task related to anxiety and depressiveness in normal subjects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4007551670074463,
-1.2924970388412476,
1.8040637969970703
] |
['The aim of this study was to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of a liposomal gentamicin formulation with gallium metal (Lipo-Ga-GEN) against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.', 'Sputum isolates of P. aeruginosa from cystic fibrosis patients were used to determine the MIC and MBC of Lipo-Ga-GEN. P. aeruginosa biofilms were formed and used to compare the minimum biofilm eradication concentration of the conventional drugs with that of Lipo-Ga-GEN. Quorum sensing (QS) molecule reduction of P. aeruginosa was determined by monitoring N-acyl homoserine lactone production using Agrobacterium tumefaciens reporter strain (A136). Viability of the cultured human lung epithelial cells (A549) was determined by Trypan Blue assay in order to assess Ga toxicity.', 'MIC and MBC values indicated that gentamicin was more effective against a highly resistant strain of P. aeruginosa (PA-48913) when delivered as a Lipo-Ga-GEN formulation (256 mg/L free gentamicin versus 2 mg/L Lipo-Ga-GEN). Lipo-Ga-GEN was the only formulation that completely eradicated biofilms and blocked QS molecules at a very low concentration (0.94 mg/L gentamicin). The decrease in cell viability was less in A549 cells exposed to Lipo-Ga, suggesting that encapsulated Ga is safer.'] Does co-encapsulation of gallium with gentamicin in liposomes enhance antimicrobial activity of gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.281644821166992,
-1.4229480028152466,
2.8008270263671875
] |
['Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors are reported to be beneficial in delaying the onset of diabetes mellitus. Since islet blood hyperperfusion during hyperglycaemia may be detrimental to endothelium in pancreatic islets and eventually lead to beta-cell dysfunction, we studied acute and chronic effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB) on islet blood flow before and after glucose load.', 'Islet blood flow was measured using the colour microsphere method in anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats before and 3 min after glucose injection.', 'Olmesartan significantly reduced blood pressure, but did not affect islet blood flow 10 min after its injection. However, pretreatment with olmesartan blunted the glucose-induced increase in islet blood flow (62% of control). In rats treated with olmesartan or candesartan for 4 weeks, islet blood flow was not different from untreated control, whereas the glucose-induced increase in islet blood flow was significantly suppressed in chronically ARB-treated rats (olmesartan 59% of control, candesartan 64% of control, respectively). Acute or chronic treatment with ARB did not change insulin secretion before and in response to glucose load. Pancreatic or duodenal blood flow was not affected by ARB treatment, although acute olmesartan administration reduced pancreatic blood flow after glucose load.'] Do angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists prevent glucose-induced increases in islet blood flow in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4115688800811768,
-1.2291345596313477,
2.644056797027588
] |
['Interleukin (IL)-20 is a recently discovered cytokine displaying increased levels in psoriatic lesions. Interestingly, IL-20 levels decrease with antipsoriatic treatment, correlating with clinical improvement. However, the role of IL-20 in the aetiology of psoriasis is unknown.', 'In this study, we investigate the effects both of blocking IL-20 signalling in psoriatic plaques and of adding IL-20 to nonlesional psoriasis skin.', 'We employed the human skin xenograft transplantation model in which psoriatic plaques and nonlesional keratome skin biopsies obtained from donors with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis were transplanted on to immuno-deficient mice. The transplanted mice were treated with anti-IL-20 antibodies or recombinant human IL-20.', 'We demonstrate that blocking IL-20 signalling with anti-IL-20 antibodies induces psoriasis resolution and inhibits psoriasis induction. We also demonstrate that continuous IL-20 infusion, together with injection of additional nonactivated leucocytes, promotes induction of psoriasis in nonlesional skin from patients with psoriasis.'] Does interleukin-20 play a critical role in maintenance and development of psoriasis in the human xenograft transplantation model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5119822025299072,
-1.083808183670044,
2.6303305625915527
] |
['Interruptive alerts within electronic applications can cause "alert fatigue" if they fire too frequently or are clinically reasonable only some of the time. We assessed the impact of non-interruptive, real-time medication laboratory alerts on provider lab test ordering.', 'We enrolled 22 outpatient practices into a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Clinics either used the existing system or received on-screen recommendations for baseline laboratory tests when prescribing new medications. Since the warnings were non-interruptive, providers did not have to act upon or acknowledge the notification to complete a medication request.', 'Data were collected each time providers performed suggested laboratory testing within 14 days of a new prescription order. Findings were adjusted for patient and provider characteristics as well as patient clustering within clinics.', 'Among 12 clinics with 191 providers in the control group and 10 clinics with 175 providers in the intervention group, there were 3673 total events where baseline lab tests would have been advised: 1988 events in the control group and 1685 in the intervention group. In the control group, baseline labs were requested for 771 (39%) of the medications. In the intervention group, baseline labs were ordered by clinicians in 689 (41%) of the cases. Overall, no significant association existed between the intervention and the rate of ordering appropriate baseline laboratory tests.'] Does impact of non-interruptive medication laboratory monitoring alert in ambulatory care? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.715305209159851,
-0.340340256690979,
1.208175539970398
] |
["To evaluate hearing results following intratympanic gentamicin perfusion in patients with Ménière's disease.", "Middle-ear perfusion of 0.4 ml of gentamicin 40 mg/ml solution was performed in Ménière's disease patients who had previously failed to respond to other medical treatment.", 'Between May 1999 and November 2005, 22 patients (mean age 58.5 years) underwent intratympanic gentamicin perfusion. Mean follow up was 30 months. At the first post-perfusion visit (four to six weeks following perfusion), three of the 22 patients (13.63 per cent) had a pure tone average improvement of at least 10 dB, 15 (68.18 per cent) showed no change and four (18.18 per cent) demonstrated a decrease in hearing of more than 10 dB. Regarding speech discrimination scores, one patient (4.54 per cent) exhibited an improvement of at least 15 per cent, 15 (68.18 per cent) showed no change and six (27.27 per cent) showed a decrease of at least 15 per cent. After long-term follow up (12-40 months following perfusion), 10 patients (45.45 per cent) showed stable hearing, and 12 (54.54 per cent) exhibited a pure tone average decrease of more than 10 dB. Six patients (27.27 per cent) showed a speech discrimination score decrease of at least 15 per cent, while 16 (72.72 per cent) had no change. Complete cessation of vertigo was reported by 20 of the 22 patients (90.9 per cent), while two (9.09 per cent) reported episodic vertigo spells.'] Does hearing result following intratympanic gentamicin perfusion for Ménière 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.45516282320022583,
-1.1912870407104492,
0.7038512825965881
] |
['Sepsis has been defined as the systemic host response to infection with an overwhelming systemic production of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Continuous hemofiltration has been suggested as possible therapeutic option that may remove the inflammatory mediators. However, hemodialysis and hemofiltration were reported to influence cardiac electrophysiologic parameters and to increase the arrhythmogenic risk. We hypothesize that sepsis affects electrophysiologic properties of the pig heart and that the effects of sepsis are modified by hemofiltration.', 'Laboratory animal experiments.', 'Animal research laboratory at university medical school.', 'Forty domestic pigs of either gender.', 'In anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, and instrumented pigs sepsis was induced by fecal peritonitis and continued for 22 hours. Conventional or high-volume hemofiltration was applied for the last 10 hours of this period.', 'Electrocardiogram was recorded before and 22 hours after induction of peritonitis. RR, QT, and QTc intervals were significantly shortened by sepsis. The plasma levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were increased in sepsis. High-volume hemofiltration blunted the sepsis-induced increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Action potentials were recorded in isolated ventricular tissues obtained at the end of in vivo experiments. Action potential durations were significantly shortened in septic preparations at all stimulation cycle lengths tested. Both conventional and high-volume hemofiltrations lead to further shortening of action potential durations measured afterward in vitro. This action potential duration shortening was reversed by septic hemofiltrates obtained previously by conventional or high-volume hemofiltration. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (500 ng/L) had no effect on action potential durations in vitro.'] Does continuous hemofiltration in pigs with hyperdynamic septic shock affect cardiac repolarization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3717381954193115,
-1.4111855030059814,
2.8325724601745605
] |
['Bicarbonate has been implicated in bone health in older subjects on acid-producing diets in short-term studies.', 'The objective of this study was to determine the effects of potassium bicarbonate and its components on changes in bone resorption and calcium excretion over 3 months in older men and women.', 'In this double-blind, controlled trial, 171 men and women age 50 and older were randomized to receive placebo or 67.5 mmol/d of potassium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium chloride for 3 months. All subjects received calcium (600 mg of calcium as triphosphate) and 525 IU of vitamin D(3) daily.', 'Twenty-four-hour urinary N-telopeptide and calcium were measured at entry and after 3 months. Changes in these measures were compared across treatment groups in the 162 participants included in the analyses.', 'Bicarbonate affected the study outcomes, whereas potassium did not; the two bicarbonate groups and the two no bicarbonate groups were therefore combined. Subjects taking bicarbonate had significant reductions in urinary N-telopeptide and calcium excretion, when compared with subjects taking no bicarbonate (both before and after adjustment for baseline laboratory value, sex, and changes in urinary sodium and potassium; P = 0.001 for both, adjusted). Potassium supplementation did not significantly affect N-telopeptide or calcium excretion.'] Does treatment with potassium bicarbonate lower calcium excretion and bone resorption in older men and women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.005009412765503,
-1.3001195192337036,
2.346237897872925
] |
['In acute respiratory alkalosis, the severity of alkalaemia is ameliorated by a decrease in plasma [HCO(3)(-)] of 0.2 mEq/L for each 1 mmHg decrease in PaCO(2). Although hyperventilation in panic disorder patients is frequently encountered in outpatients, the drop in plasma [HCO(3)(-)] sometimes surpasses the expectation calculated from the above formula. The quantitative relationship between reduced PaCO(2) and plasma [HCO(3)(-)] in acute respiratory alkalosis has not been studied in panic disorder patients. Our objective was to provide reference data for the compensatory metabolic changes in acute respiratory alkalosis in panic disorder patients.', 'In 34 panic disorder patients with hyperventilation attacks, we measured arterial pH, PaCO(2), plasma [HCO(3)(-)] and lactate on arrival at the emergency room.', 'For each decrease of 1 mmHg in PaCO(2), plasma [HCO(3)(-)] decreased by 0.41 mEq/L. During hypocapnia, panic disorder patients exhibited larger increases in serum lactate levels (mean +/- SD; 2.59 +/- 1.50 mmol/L, range; 0.78-7.78 mmol/L) than previously reported in non-panic disorder subjects. Plasma lactate accumulation was correlated with PaCO(2) (P < 0.001).'] Is exaggerated compensatory response to acute respiratory alkalosis in panic disorder induced by increased lactic acid production? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9187787771224976,
-1.4579424858093262,
2.3882927894592285
] |
['Buruli ulcer (BU) is a progressive disease of subcutaneous tissues caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The pathology of BU lesions is associated with the local production of a diffusible substance, mycolactone, with cytocidal and immunosuppressive properties. The defective inflammatory responses in BU lesions reflect these biological properties of the toxin. However, whether mycolactone diffuses from infected tissues and suppresses IFN-gamma responses in BU patients remains unclear.', 'Here we have investigated the pharmacodistribution of mycolactone following injection in animal models by tracing a radiolabeled form of the toxin, and by directly quantifying mycolactone in lipid extracts from internal organs and cell subpopulations. We show that subcutaneously delivered mycolactone diffused into mouse peripheral blood and accumulated in internal organs with a particular tropism for the spleen. When mice were infected subcutaneously with M. ulcerans, this led to a comparable pattern of distribution of mycolactone. No evidence that mycolactone circulated in blood serum during infection could be demonstrated. However, structurally intact toxin was identified in the mononuclear cells of blood, lymph nodes and spleen several weeks before ulcerative lesions appear. Importantly, diffusion of mycolactone into the blood of M. ulcerans-infected mice coincided with alterations in the functions of circulating lymphocytes.'] Does mycolactone diffuse from Mycobacterium ulcerans-infected tissues and targets mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.556734561920166,
-1.1675825119018555,
2.8566808700561523
] |
['To investigate the role of the angiopoietin-tyrosine kinase with Ig-like and epidermal growth factor-like domains (Ang-Tie) system in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Endothelial activation is emerging as a key event for leukocyte recruitment and accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE. Recently, the endothelial-specific Ang-Tie ligand-receptor system has been identified as a major regulator of vascular responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli.', 'Ang1 (by immunoradiometric sandwich assay (IRMA)) and Ang2 (by ELISA) were measured in sera of 43 patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls. Expression of Ang2 was studied by immunohistochemistry in biopsies of human lupus nephritis.', 'Circulating Ang2 concentrations were increased and concentrations of Ang1 decreased in patients with active SLE compared to healthy controls. This tendency was still present in inactive SLE, although less pronounced. Individual Ang2 concentrations correlated well with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, proteinuria, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) titre and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1). In a multivariate regression analysis, renal involvement was the only independent predictor for elevated Ang2. Serum Ang2 was identified as a strong predictor for disease activity by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) procedures and regression tree models. Protein expression of Ang2 was upregulated in glomeruli of patients with lupus nephritis.'] Does the Tie2 receptor antagonist angiopoietin 2 facilitate vascular inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.393112897872925,
-1.360808253288269,
2.8186635971069336
] |
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