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['Although leukocytes and platelets adhere to fibrin with alacrity in vitro, these cells do not readily accumulate on the surfaces of fibrin clots in vivo. The difference in the capacity of blood cell integrins to adhere to fibrin in vivo and in vitro is striking and implies the existence of a physiologic antiadhesive mechanism. The surfaces of fibrin clots in the circulation are continually exposed to plasma proteins, several of which can bind fibrin and influence cell adhesion. Recently, we have demonstrated that adsorption of soluble fibrinogen on the surface of a fibrin clot results in its deposition as a soft multilayer matrix, which prevents attachment of blood cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that another plasma protein, plasminogen, which is known to accumulate in the superficial layer of fibrin, exerts an antiadhesive effect.', 'After being coated with plasminogen, the surfaces of fibrin clots became essentially non-adhesive for U937 monocytic cells, blood monocytes, and platelets. The data revealed that activation of fibrin-bound plasminogen by the plasminogen-activating system assembled on adherent cells resulted in the generation of plasmin, which decomposed the superficial fibrin layer, resulting in cell detachment under flow. The surfaces generated after the initial cell adhesion remained non-adhesive for subsequent attachment of leukocytes and platelets.'] Does plasminogen on the surfaces of fibrin clots prevent adhesion of leukocytes and platelets? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.620270013809204,
-1.0183587074279785,
2.729853630065918
] |
['The neuroprotective nature of exercise has been well established and the mechanisms of this protection are still a subject of much research. This study aims to determine if cerebral blood flow is constituently higher during the ischemia or reperfusion events in stroke.', 'Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into exercise or non-exercise (control) groups. Exercised rats underwent 30 minutes of running on a treadmill for 3 weeks. A 2 hour unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion using an intraluminal filament was performed to induce ischemic stroke, followed by a 24 hour reperfusion. A sham control without exercise and middle cerebral artery occlusion was used. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and (15)O-H(2)O positron emission tomography (PET) were used to determine cerebral blood flow, respectively. (18)F-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose was used to determine cerebral metabolism in some animals. Histological analysis determined infarct volume in the same animal after blood flow examination.', 'LDF and PET both indicated that middle cerebral artery occlusion significantly (p<0.05) reduced cerebral blood flow during ischemia and reperfusion in association with reduced cerebral metabolism after stroke. However, pre-ischemic exercise significantly (p<0.05) improved cerebral blood flow during reperfusion, although cerebral blood flow remained at a similar level to that of the non-exercise stroke group during the middle cerebral artery occlusion. This improved cerebral blood flow during reperfusion was associated with decreased brain infarct volume.'] Does pre-ischemic exercise preserve cerebral blood flow during reperfusion in stroke? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3306591510772705,
-1.2230370044708252,
2.657820701599121
] |
['Both depression and diabetes have been found to be risk factors for dementia. This study examined whether comorbid depression in patients with diabetes increases the risk for dementia compared to those with diabetes alone.', 'We conducted a prospective cohort study of 3,837 primary care patients with diabetes (mean age 63.2 +/- 13.2 years) enrolled in an HMO in Washington State. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression at baseline, and ICD-9 diagnoses for dementia were used to identify cases of dementia. Cohort members with no previous ICD-9 diagnosis of dementia prior to baseline were followed for a 5-year period. The risk of dementia for patients with both major depression and diabetes at baseline relative to patients with diabetes alone was estimated using cause-specific Cox proportional hazard regression models that adjusted for age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, diabetes duration, treatment with insulin, diabetes complications, nondiabetes-related medical comorbidity, hypertension, BMI, physical inactivity, smoking, HbA(1c), and number of primary care visits per month.', 'Over the 5-year period, 36 of 455 (7.9%) patients with major depression and diabetes (incidence rate of 21.5 per 1,000 person-years) versus 163 of 3,382 (4.8%) patients with diabetes alone (incidence rate of 11.8 per 1,000 person-years) had one or more ICD-9 diagnoses of dementia. Patients with comorbid major depression had an increased risk of dementia (fully adjusted hazard ratio 2.69, 95% CI 1.77, 4.07).'] Is comorbid depression associated with an increased risk of dementia diagnosis in patients with diabetes : a prospective cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9889993667602539,
-1.0960237979888916,
1.1633856296539307
] |
['Hirschsprung disease (HD) results from aganglionosis of the colon, is linked to acute and chronic enterocolitis (known as Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis) despite successful corrective surgery, and can lead to bacteremia and even death. The genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders are largely unknown.', 'We developed a microsurgical corrective pull-through procedure in mice, and applied that to Ednrb(-/-) mice, which manifest aganglionic megacolon that is very similar to HD. Wild-type littermates (Ednrb(+/+)) also underwent identical surgery. At prespecified time points postoperatively, mice were sacrificed, and histopathologic analyses of intestinal inflammation were performed. Mice of both genotypes were sacrificed after the postoperative recovery period to determine if corrective surgery itself caused inflammation. Stooling patterns were assessed as well to determine if intestinal function normalized after surgery.', 'There was no difference in histopathological enterocolitis scores after recovery from surgery. Stooling patterns in Ednrb(-/-) and Ednrb(+/+) mice were similar postoperatively, suggesting normalization of intestinal function. However, with time, approximately 40% of Ednrb(-/-) mice developed clinical illness consistent with enterocolitis. No control (Ednrb(+/+)) mice developed clinical enterocolitis. Histopathological enterocolitis scores in the 40% of Ednrb(-/-) mice that developed clinical enterocolitis postoperatively were significantly worse than those of healthy postoperative Ednrb(-/-) mice. In contrast, none of the Ednrb(+/+) control mice exhibited postoperative long-term inflammation.'] Does murine model of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis II : Surgical correction of aganglionosis eliminate enterocolitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9994159936904907,
-1.4811625480651855,
2.474038600921631
] |
['Elderly patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) often report cognitive difficulties including reduced cognitive processing speed and attention. On cross-sectional examination, such reports relate more closely to mood than to objective measures of cognitive performance, thus questioning the validity of subjective cognitive complaints as a marker of neurodegenerative processes. This study examined the longitudinal relationship among self-reported cognitive difficulties, depression, and performance on objective tests of global cognition in patients with CVD.', 'Forty-seven patients with CVD (aged 55-85 years) completed a measure of perceived cognitive dysfunction (Cognitive Difficulties Scale [CDS]), a medical history questionnaire, the Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and 12 months later. Baseline brain imaging was available on a small subsample (N = 17).', 'Hierarchical linear regression revealed that increased report of cognitive difficulties at baseline was significantly associated with poorer DRS performance at follow-up (F[3, 43] = 4.45, p = 0.008, CDS partial r = -0.30, p = 0.048), independent of age, education, baseline DRS, and BDI scores. Greater perceived cognitive dysfunction at baseline also related to higher level of white matter lesions (r = 0.53, df = 15, p = 0.028).'] Do subjective cognitive complaints relate to white matter hyperintensities and future cognitive decline in patients with cardiovascular disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0694797039031982,
-0.9396242499351501,
2.0924277305603027
] |
['Few studies have investigated smoking and cognitive decline (CD) among older Mexican Americans. In this study, the authors explore the relationship between smoking status and cognitive changes over time in a large sample of community-dwelling older adults of Mexican descent.', 'Latent growth curve analyses were used to examine the decreasing growth in the number of correct responses on a test of cognitive functioning with increasing age (7 years with four data collection points).', 'In-home interviews were obtained from participants residing in the Southwest United States.', 'Participants were community-dwelling older Mexican Americans.', "Cognitive functioning was assessed at each of the four data collection points with the Mini-Mental State Examination. Participants' self-reports of health functioning and smoking status were obtained at baseline.", 'With the inclusion of health variables and other control variables, the effect of smoking status on cognitive functioning was significant such that the decrease in the number of correct responses over time was greater for smokers than for nonsmokers.'] Does smoking increase risk for cognitive decline among community-dwelling older Mexican Americans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.3141651153564453,
2.135798692703247,
-0.6476246118545532
] |
['To investigate changes in axonal persistent Na(+) currents in patients with neuropathic pain and the effects of mexiletine, an analogue of lidocaine, on axonal excitability properties.', 'The technique of latent addition was used to estimate nodal persistent Na(+) currents in superficial radial sensory axons of 17 patients with neuropathic pain/paresthesias before and after mexiletine treatment. Brief hyperpolarizing conditioning currents were delivered, and threshold change at the conditioning-test interval of 0.2 ms was measured as an indicator of the magnitude of persistent Na(+) currents.', 'Threshold changes at 0.2 ms in latent addition were greater in the neuropathic patients than in the normal controls (p<0.001). After mexiletine treatment, there was a reduction in clinical pain scores (p<0.001), associated with decreased threshold changes at 0.2 ms (p<0.001).'] Does mexiletine suppress nodal persistent sodium currents in sensory axons of patients with neuropathic pain? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.382551908493042,
-1.2135381698608398,
2.6969165802001953
] |
['Plasmodium falciparum placental malaria (PM) contributes to 10,000 maternal deaths due to severe anemia (SA) each year in Africa, primarily among primigravid women who are most susceptible. Increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha are associated with maternal anemia in first time mothers but not in other women. Here we aimed to identify additional changes in the plasma proteome associated with pregnancy malaria that may contribute to the development of malaria-related maternal anemia.', 'A semi-quantitative mass spectrometry approach was used to compare the relative abundance of plasma proteins in anemic versus non-anemic women with PM. Levels of 24 proteins differed significantly between anemic and non-anemic primigravidae, including several lipid metabolism proteins and molecular transport proteins involved in the acute phase response signaling network. These differences were not observed in multigravid women who enjoy specific immunity that protect them from PM. In a confirmatory study of a larger cohort of primigravid women, levels of the lipid metabolism protein Apolipoprotein (Apo)-AI were significantly lower in PM+ women with SA.'] Are plasma levels of apolipoprotein A1 in malaria-exposed primigravidae associated with severe anemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2931969165802,
-1.1184475421905518,
2.4810140132904053
] |
['Caspases are cysteine proteases with essential functions in the apoptotic pathway; their proteolytic activity toward various substrates is associated with the morphological changes of cells. Recent reports have described non-apoptotic functions of caspases, including autophagy. In this report, we searched for novel modifiers of the phenotype of Dcp-1 gain-of-function (GF) animals by screening promoter element- inserted Drosophila melanogaster lines (EP lines).', 'We screened approximately 15,000 EP lines and identified 72 Dcp-1-interacting genes that were classified into 10 groups based on their functions and pathways: 4 apoptosis signaling genes, 10 autophagy genes, 5 insulin/IGF and TOR signaling pathway genes, 6 MAP kinase and JNK signaling pathway genes, 4 ecdysone signaling genes, 6 ubiquitination genes, 11 various developmental signaling genes, 12 transcription factors, 3 translation factors, and 11 other unclassified genes including 5 functionally undefined genes. Among them, insulin/IGF and TOR signaling pathway, MAP kinase and JNK signaling pathway, and ecdysone signaling are known to be involved in autophagy. Together with the identification of autophagy genes, the results of our screen suggest that autophagy counteracts Dcp-1-induced apoptosis. Consistent with this idea, we show that expression of eGFP-Atg5 rescued the eye phenotype caused by Dcp-1 GF. Paradoxically, we found that over-expression of full-length Dcp-1 induced autophagy, as Atg8b-GFP, an indicator of autophagy, was increased in the eye imaginal discs and in the S2 cell line. Taken together, these data suggest that autophagy suppresses Dcp-1-mediated apoptotic cell death, whereas Dcp-1 positively regulates autophagy, possibly through feedback regulation.'] Does a genetic screen for modifiers of Drosophila caspase Dcp-1 reveal caspase involvement in autophagy and novel caspase-related genes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.376044511795044,
-1.1557925939559937,
2.586580753326416
] |
['Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure (ABPM) is emerging as a valuable tool to assess blood pressure (BP) changes in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for, and may be an important indicator of diabetic nephropathy. Early accurate identification of HTN in DM1 may improve outcomes.', 'To evaluate BP in adolescents with DM1 using 24-hour ABPM, and to identify risk factors associated with abnormal blood pressure.', 'The ABPM of 105 children with DM1 was reviewed. Mean systolic BP (sBP) percentile was determined from the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) tables. The patients with abnormal sBP were compared to those with normal sBP with respect to age, race, sex, body mass index (BMI) percentile, duration of DM1, average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) over the preceding year, and family history of hypertension.', 'Mean sBP was normal in 71%, whereas 23% had pre-hypertension, and 6% had stage 1 hypertension. Those who had abnormal sBP (pre-hypertension and stage 1 hypertension) had higher HbA1c (p = 0.023) and were more likely to be male (p = 0.03) than those with normal sBP.'] Is poor glycemic control associated with abnormal changes in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1958022117614746,
-1.0161408185958862,
2.2542853355407715
] |
['This study was designed to test the ability of the Bcl-2 family inhibitor ABT-263 to potentiate commonly used chemotherapeutic agents and regimens in hematologic tumor models.', 'Models of B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma were tested in vitro and in vivo with ABT-263 in combination with standard chemotherapeutic regimens, including VAP, CHOP and R-CHOP, as well as single cytotoxic agents including etoposide, rituximab, bortezomib and cyclophosphamide. Alterations in Bcl-2 family member expression patterns were analyzed to define mechanisms of potentiation.', 'ABT-263 was additive with etoposide, vincristine and VAP in vitro in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma line (DLBCL) DoHH-2, while rituximab potentiated its activity in SuDHL-4. Bortezomib strongly synergized with ABT-263 in the mantle cell lymphoma line Granta 519. Treatment of DoHH-2 with etoposide was associated with an increase in Puma expression, while bortezomib upregulated Noxa expression in Granta 519. Combination of ABT-263 with cytotoxic agents demonstrated superior tumor growth inhibition and delay in multiple models versus cytotoxic therapy alone, along with significant improvements in tumor response rates.'] Does the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-263 enhance the response of multiple chemotherapeutic regimens in hematologic tumors in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.394355535507202,
-1.3391735553741455,
2.782123565673828
] |
['Moderate red wine consumption associates with lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Attention to the source of this cardioprotection was focused on flavonoids, the non-alcoholic component of the red wine, whose intake inversely correlates with adverse cardiovascular events. We analysed whether two red wine flavonoids, quercetin and myricetin, affect mammalian basal myocardial and coronary function.', 'Quercetin and myricetin effects were evaluated on isolated and Langendorff perfused rat hearts under both basal conditions and α- and β-adrenergic stimulation. The intracellular signalling involved in the effects of these flavonoids was analysed on perfused hearts and by western blotting on cardiac and HUVEC extracts. Quercetin induced biphasic inotropic and lusitropic effects, positive at lower concentrations and negative at higher concentrations. Contrarily, Myricetin elicits coronary dilation, without affecting contractility and relaxation. Simultaneous administration of the two flavonoids only induced vasodilation. Quercetin-elicited positive inotropism and lusitropism depend on β1/β2-adrenergic receptors and associate with increased intracellular cAMP, while the negative inotropism and lusitropism observed at higher concentrations were α-adrenergic-dependent. NOS inhibition abolished Myricetin-elicited vasodilation, also inducing Akt, ERK1/2 and eNOS phosphorylation in both ventricles and HUVEC. Myricetin-dependent vasodilation increases intracellular cGMP and is abolished by triton X-100.'] Are distinct signalling mechanisms involved in the dissimilar myocardial and coronary effects elicited by quercetin and myricetin , two red wine flavonols? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5031840801239014,
-1.2372678518295288,
2.786515235900879
] |
['To study the neuroprotective mechanism of minocycline against vascular cognitive impairment after cerebral ischemia.', 'The rat model with vascular cognitive impairment was established by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO). The observing time-points were determined at 4, 8 and 16 weeks after BCCAO. Animals were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n = 6), model group (subdivided into 3 groups: 4 weeks after BCCAO, n = 6; 8 weeks after BCCAO, n = 6; and 16 weeks after BCCAO, n = 6), and minocycline group (subdivided into 3 groups: 4 weeks after BCCAO, n = 6; 8 weeks after BCCAO, n = 6; and 16 weeks after BCCAO, n = 6). Minocycline was administered by douche via stomach after BCCAO until sacrifice. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) were measured by immunohistochemistry. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels were tested with ELISA method.', 'Levels of GFAP, COX-2, NF-kappaB, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were all up-regulated after permanent BCCAO, which could be significantly inhibited by minocycline.'] Does minocycline reduce astrocytic reactivation and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of a vascular cognitive impairment rat model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.387721300125122,
-1.3174552917480469,
2.7606072425842285
] |
['Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules play crucial roles in immune activation by presenting foreign peptides to antigen-specific T helper cells and thereby inducing adaptive immune responses. Although adaptive immunity is a highly effective defense system, it takes several days to become fully operational and needs to be triggered by danger-signals generated during the preceding innate immune response. Here we show that MHC class II molecules synergize with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 in inducing an innate immune response.', 'We found that co-expression of MHC class II molecules and TLR2 or TLR4 in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells 293 leads to enhanced production of the anti-microbial peptide human-beta-defensin (hBD) 2 after treatment with TLR2 stimulus bacterial lipoprotein (BLP) or TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. Furthermore, we found that peritoneal macrophages of MHC class II knock-out mice show a decreased responsiveness to TLR2 and TLR4 stimuli compared to macrophages of wild-type mice. Finally, we show that MHC class II molecules are physically and functionally associated with TLR2 in lipid raft domains of the cell membrane.'] Do mHC class II molecules enhance Toll-like receptor mediated innate immune responses? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5454561710357666,
-1.0074917078018188,
2.5919981002807617
] |
['Mammalian cells synthesize morphine and the respective biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated. Human neutrophils release this alkaloid into the media after exposure to morphine precursors. However, the exact role of endogenous morphine in inflammatory processes remains unclear. We postulate that morphine is released during infection and can be determined in the serum of patients with severe infection such as sepsis.', 'The presence and subcellular immunolocalization of endogenous morphine was investigated by ELISA, mass spectrometry analysis and laser confocal microscopy. Neutrophils were activated with Interleukin-8 (IL-8) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Morphine secretion was determined by a morphine-specific ELISA. mu opioid receptor expression was assessed with flow cytometry. Serum morphine concentrations of septic patients were determined with a morphine-specific ELISA and morphine identity was confirmed in human neutrophils and serum of septic patients by mass spectrometry analysis. The effects of the concentration of morphine found in serum of septic patients on LPS-induced release of IL-8 by human neutrophils were tested.', 'We confirmed the presence of morphine in human neutrophil extracts and showed its colocalisation with lactoferrin within the secondary granules of neutrophils. Morphine secretion was quantified in the supernatant of activated human polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the presence and absence of Ca(2+). LPS and IL-8 were able to induce a significant release of morphine only in presence of Ca(2+). LPS treatment increased mu opioid receptor expression on neutrophils. Low concentration of morphine (8 nM) significantly inhibited the release of IL-8 from neutrophils when coincubated with LPS. This effect was reversed by naloxone. Patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock had significant higher circulating morphine levels compared to patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and healthy controls. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that endogenous morphine from serum of patient with sepsis was identical to poppy-derived morphine.'] Are endogenous morphine levels increased in sepsis : a partial implication of neutrophils? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4144933223724365,
-1.3466086387634277,
2.8295488357543945
] |
['Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is widely used to provide a long-term access for the administration of total parenteral nutrition and medications. Catheter-related infections (CRI) are common complications of PICC. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the role of low-dose heparin added to the total nutrient admixture (CTNA) in the prevention of CRI.', 'Eighty-three neonates who underwent PICC received TNA with (heparin group, n=43) or without heparin (0.5 U/mL) (control group, n=40). The incidence of CRI was compared between the two groups.', 'The incidences of catheter obstruction (5% vs 20%) and the catheter-tip colonization (2% vs 18%) in the heparin group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). None of the neonates in the heparin group had clinical evidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection, but 5 cases in the control group (p<0.05).'] Does [ Administration of low-dose heparin in total nutrient admixture prevent central venous catheter-related infections in neonates ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.092566728591919,
-1.3472919464111328,
2.502129554748535
] |
['Diabetic women are more susceptible to develop lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), especially overactive bladder (OAB). However, data regarding the effect of components of metabolic syndrome (MS) on this association are conflicting.', 'The objective of the study was to examine the potential role of MS in the development of LUTS in diabetic women.', 'The study was a prevalence study conducted between 2005 and 2007.', 'The study was conducted in a university hospital.', 'A total of 518 women with type 2 diabetes aged 50-75 yr were included. They were subgrouped as MS (47.5%) and non-MS (52.5%) groups according to whether they fulfilled the criteria of MS.', 'We used American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) to evaluate LUTS and Indevus Urgency Severity Scale to evaluate OAB, respectively.', 'Women in the MS group had significantly higher storage and total AUA-SI scores as well as a higher prevalence of LUTS and OAB. Most intriguingly, the number of MS components was strongly associated with the LUTS severity because the AUA-SI scores increased in parallel to the number of components were present. Similar results were found between MS and OAB. Multivariate analysis revealed that peripheral neuropathy, but not MS, significantly predicted LUTS in diabetic women after age adjustment. However, MS remained significantly predictive for LUTS and OAB after additional adjustment for neuropathy.'] Do metabolic syndrome components worsen lower urinary tract symptoms in women with type 2 diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3662827014923096,
-0.4251185357570648,
1.84743332862854
] |
['Acute and chronic inflammation play essential roles in inflammatory/autoimmune conditions. Protective anti-inflammatory effects of the n-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were reported in animal models of colitis, sepsis, and stroke. Since dendritic cells (DC) represent the essential cellular link between innate and adaptive immunity and have a prominent role in tolerance for self-antigens, we sought to investigate the impact of DHA on DC maturation and proinflammatory cytokine production.', 'Murine bone marrow-derived DC were treated with DHA and stimulated with various toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. Flow cytometry was used to determine the levels of surface maturation markers and endocytic activity. Cytokine expression and secretion were measured by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA assays. PPARgamma and NFkappaB activity in nuclear extracts were determined by binding to specific oligonucleotide sequences using ELISA-based assays. In vivo effects of DHA were assessed in splenic DC from LPS-inoculated mice maintained on a DHA-enriched diet.', 'DHA maintained the immature phenotype in bone marrow-derived DC by preventing the upregulation of MHCII and costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80 and CD86) and maintaining high levels of endocytic activity. DHA inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including the IL-12 cytokine family (IL-12p70, IL-23, and IL-27), from DC stimulated with TLR2, 3, 4, and 9 ligands. DHA inhibition of IL-12 expression was mediated through activation of PPARgamma and inhibition of NFkappaBp65 nuclear translocation. DHA exerted a similar inhibitory effect on IL-12 and IL-23 expression in vivo in LPS-inoculated mice maintained on a DHA-enriched diet.'] Does docosahexaenoic acid prevent dendritic cell maturation and in vitro and in vivo expression of the IL-12 cytokine family? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.452672243118286,
-1.3552272319793701,
2.8243508338928223
] |
['The increasing interest in small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and recent advances in sequencing technology have yielded large numbers of short (18-32 nt) RNA sequences from different organisms, some of which are derived from small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and transfer RNAs (tRNAs). We observed that these short ncRNAs frequently cover the entire length of annotated snoRNAs or tRNAs, which suggests that other loci specifying similar ncRNAs can be identified by clusters of short RNA sequences.', 'We combined publicly available datasets of tens of millions of short RNA sequence tags from Drosophila melanogaster, and mapped them to the Drosophila genome. Approximately 6 million perfectly mapping sequence tags were then assembled into 521,302 tag-contigs (TCs) based on tag overlap. Most transposon-derived sequences, exons and annotated miRNAs, tRNAs and snoRNAs are detected by TCs, which show distinct patterns of length and tag-depth for different categories. The typical length and tag-depth of snoRNA-derived TCs was used to predict 7 previously unrecognized box H/ACA and 26 box C/D snoRNA candidates. We also identified one snRNA candidate and 86 loci with a high number of tags that are yet to be annotated, 7 of which have a particular 18mer motif and are located in introns of genes involved in development. A subset of new snoRNA candidates and putative ncRNA candidates was verified by Northern blot.'] Does identification of novel non-coding RNAs using profiles of short sequence read from next generation sequencing data? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7322814464569092,
-0.9356760382652283,
1.734510898590088
] |
['We examined the value of renal resistive index (RRI) for prevalence of cardiovascular target organ damage in therapy-resistant hypertension in comparison to low-grade albuminuria.', 'Eighty-four patients with therapy-resistant hypertension (age 59.7 +/- 8.1 years) were screened for cardiovascular target organ damage with coronary computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Doppler sonography for the assessment of carotid intima media thickness and, RRI, pulse wave velocity and for low-grade albuminuria of at least 10 mg/day in men and 15 mg/day in women, respectively.', 'In patients with RRI greater than 0.7 pulse wave velocity (11.6 +/- 3.7 vs. 9.8 +/- 2.2 m/s; P = 0.02) intima media thickness (0.85 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.76 +/- 0.1 mm; P = 0.007) and Agatston score of coronary calcification (640 +/- 915 vs. 129 +/- 256; P = 0.05) were increased, whereas left ventricular mass (127 +/- 24.5 vs. 125 +/- 15.0 g; P = 0.70) was similar between the two groups. When patients were categorized according to low-grade albuminuria left ventricular mass was significantly higher in those with low-grade albuminuria (123 +/- 25.8 vs. 135 +/- 15.7 g; P = 0.01), whereas vascular parameters (intima media thickness, Agatston score, pulse wave velocity) did not differ between the two groups.'] Does renal resistive index in addition to low-grade albuminuria complement screening for target organ damage in therapy-resistant hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.557429552078247,
-1.563242793083191,
2.136469841003418
] |
['Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a specific predictor of brain damage and neurologic outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this study, serum GFAP, S-100B, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were compared in the same samples from severe trauma patients to assess their ability to predict abnormalities detectable on head computed tomography (CT).', 'This study was a retrospective analysis at a single university emergency center. Thirty-four trauma patients were included. Serum samples were collected from the patients for 3 days. Serum GFAP, S-100B, and NSE concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and compared in patients with and without TBI, as evaluated by head CT.', 'Serum GFAP, S-100B, and NSE were significantly higher in the TBI patients than in the non-TBI patients (p < 0.05 for each protein). The receiver operating characteristic curves for TBI were compared for the three biomarkers for 3 days. Serum GFAP on day 1 had the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.983), with 88.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity.'] Is serum glial fibrillary acidic protein a highly specific biomarker for traumatic brain injury in humans compared with S-100B and neuron-specific enolase? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.790293574333191,
-1.5763506889343262,
2.3722190856933594
] |
['Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are multimodular enzymes, found in fungi and bacteria, which biosynthesize peptides without the aid of ribosomes. Although their metabolite products have been the subject of intense investigation due to their life-saving roles as medicinals and injurious roles as mycotoxins and virulence factors, little is known of the phylogenetic relationships of the corresponding NRPSs or whether they can be ranked into subgroups of common function. We identified genes (NPS) encoding NRPS and NRPS-like proteins in 38 fungal genomes and undertook phylogenomic analyses in order to identify fungal NRPS subfamilies, assess taxonomic distribution, evaluate levels of conservation across subfamilies, and address mechanisms of evolution of multimodular NRPSs. We also characterized relationships of fungal NRPSs, a representative sampling of bacterial NRPSs, and related adenylating enzymes, including alpha-aminoadipate reductases (AARs) involved in lysine biosynthesis in fungi.', 'Phylogenomic analysis identified nine major subfamilies of fungal NRPSs which fell into two main groups: one corresponds to NPS genes encoding primarily mono/bi-modular enzymes which grouped with bacterial NRPSs and the other includes genes encoding primarily multimodular and exclusively fungal NRPSs. AARs shared a closer phylogenetic relationship to NRPSs than to other acyl-adenylating enzymes. Phylogenetic analyses and taxonomic distribution suggest that several mono/bi-modular subfamilies arose either prior to, or early in, the evolution of fungi, while two multimodular groups appear restricted to and expanded in fungi. The older mono/bi-modular subfamilies show conserved domain architectures suggestive of functional conservation, while multimodular NRPSs, particularly those unique to euascomycetes, show a diversity of architectures and of genetic mechanisms generating this diversity.'] Does phylogenomics reveal subfamilies of fungal nonribosomal peptide synthetases and their evolutionary relationships? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.387190580368042,
-0.6966323852539062,
2.2459917068481445
] |
['Phosphorylation is the most prevalent post-translational modification on eukaryotic proteins. Multisite phosphorylation enables a specific combination of phosphosites to determine the speed, specificity and duration of biological response. Until recent years, the lack of high quality data limited the possibility for analyzing the properties of phosphorylation at the proteome scale and in the context of a wide range of conditions. Thanks to advances of mass spectrometry technologies, thousands of phosphosites from in-vivo experiments were identified and archived in the public domain. Such resource is appropriate to derive an unbiased view on the phosphosites properties in eukaryotes and on their functional relevance.', 'We present statistically rigorous tests on the spatial and functional properties of a collection of approximately 70,000 reported phosphosites. We show that the distribution of phosphosites positioning along the protein tends to occur as dense clusters of Serine/Threonines (pS/pT) and between Serine/Threonines and Tyrosines, but generally not as much between Tyrosines (pY) only. This phenomenon is more ubiquitous than anticipated and is pertinent for most eukaryotic proteins: for proteins with > or = 2 phosphosites, 54% of all pS/pT sites are within 4 amino acids of another site. We found a strong tendency for clustered pS/pT to be activated by the same kinase. Large-scale analyses of phosphopeptides are thus consistent with a cooperative function within the cluster.'] Is cooperativity within proximal phosphorylation sites revealed from large-scale proteomics data? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3805525302886963,
-1.051375150680542,
2.485037326812744
] |
['Although educational disparity has been linked to single risk behaviours, it has not previously been studied as a predictor of overall lifestyle. We examined if current education, parental education or educational mobility between generations was associated with healthy lifestyles in young Australian adults.', 'In 2004-06, participant and parental education (high [bachelor degree or higher], intermediate [vocational training], low [secondary school only]) were assessed. Educational mobility was defined as: stable high (participant and parent in high group), stable intermediate (participant and parent in intermediate group), stable low (participant and parent in low group), downwardly (lower group than parent) and upwardly (higher group than parent) mobile. We derived a lifestyle score from 10 healthy behaviours (BMI, non-smoking, alcohol consumption, leisure time physical activity and six components of diet). Scores >4 indicated a high healthy lifestyle score. We estimated the likelihood of having a high healthy lifestyle score by education (participant and parent) and educational mobility.', "Complete data were available for 1973 participants (53% female, age range 26 to 36 years). Those with lower education were less likely to have healthy lifestyles. Parental education was not associated with having a high healthy lifestyle score after adjustment for participant's education. Those who moved upward or downward were as likely to have a high healthy lifestyle score as those in the group they attained."] Is intergenerational educational mobility associated with cardiovascular disease risk behaviours in a cohort of young Australian adults : The Childhood Determinants of Adult Health ( CDAH ) Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3287346363067627,
0.6503302454948425,
0.9824986457824707
] |
['Early-life respiratory viral infections, notably with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), increase the risk of subsequent development of childhood asthma. The purpose of this study was to assess whether early-life infection with a species-specific model of RSV and subsequent allergen exposure predisposed to the development of features of asthma.', 'We employed a unique combination of animal models in which BALB/c mice were neonatally infected with pneumonia virus of mice (PVM, which replicates severe RSV disease in human infants) and following recovery, were intranasally sensitised with ovalbumin. Animals received low-level challenge with aerosolised antigen for 4 weeks to elicit changes of chronic asthma, followed by a single moderate-level challenge to induce an exacerbation of inflammation. We then assessed airway inflammation, epithelial changes characteristic of remodelling, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and host immunological responses.', 'Allergic airway inflammation, including recruitment of eosinophils, was prominent only in animals that had recovered from neonatal infection with PVM and then been sensitised and chronically challenged with antigen. Furthermore, only these mice exhibited an augmented Th2-biased immune response, including elevated serum levels of anti-ovalbumin IgE and IgG1 as well as increased relative expression of Th2-associated cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. By comparison, development of AHR and mucous cell change were associated with recovery from PVM infection, regardless of subsequent allergen challenge. Increased expression of IL-25, which could contribute to induction of a Th2 response, was demonstrable in the lung following PVM infection. Signalling via the IL-4 receptor alpha chain was crucial to the development of allergic inflammation, mucous cell change and AHR, because all of these were absent in receptor-deficient mice. In contrast, changes of remodelling were evident in mice that received chronic allergen challenge, regardless of neonatal PVM infection, and were not dependent on signalling via the IL-4 receptor.'] Do early-life viral infection and allergen exposure interact to induce an asthmatic phenotype in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.484081506729126,
-1.2301580905914307,
2.8166868686676025
] |
['To compare the level of expression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in mice with or without the endothelin-1 receptor antagonist bosentan and to examine the potential value in blood pressure regulation.', 'Bosentan (10 mg/kg/d) and placebo were given to two groups of male C57BL/6 mice (n=5) from ages 6 to 12 weeks. The mRNAs of liver, kidney and lung were isolated for Northern blot analysis. A further 15 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups (n=5): mice in group A were given the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker valsartan (10 mg/kg/d); mice in group B were given bosentan (10 mg/kg/d); and mice in group C were given both valsartan and bosentan (10 mg/ kg/d for each drug). All mice were administered the drugs from 6 to 12 weeks of age and had their systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured at the end of the drug treatments.', 'Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of angiotensinogen in liver (p=0.0126), renin in kidney (p=0.002), and angiotensin-converting enzyme in lung (p=0.0041) were upregulated in mice treated with bosentan. No difference in SBP was found among the groups before drug administration. Six weeks after monotherapy with valsartan, SBP was slightly lowered (126+/-2 vs. 122+/-3 mmHg, p=0.0381). Monotherapy with bosentan also had a small effect on SBP (126+/-2 vs. 122+/-3 mmHg, p=0.0381), whereas dual blockade with valsartan and bosentan significantly lowered SBP (127+/-3 vs. 103+/-3 mmHg, p<0.001).'] Does endothelin-1 receptor blockade induce upregulation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system expression in terms of blood pressure regulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7177132368087769,
-1.5813394784927368,
2.2763147354125977
] |
['The evidence that mutations in the HFE gene for hemochromatosis are associated with increased cancer risk is inconsistent. The Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study is a prospective cohort study that commenced recruitment in 1990. Participants born in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or Ireland (n = 28,509) were genotyped for the HFE C282Y (substitution of tyrosine for cysteine at amino acid 282) variant. Incident cancers were ascertained from Australian cancer registries during an average of 14 years follow-up. Hazard ratios (HRs), confidence intervals (CIs), and P values were obtained from separate Cox regression analyses for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers, all other solid cancers, and all cancers. Compared to those with no C282Y variant, C282Y homozygotes were at increased risk of colorectal cancer (HR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.22, 4.25; P = 0.01) and female C282Y homozygotes were at increased risk of developing breast cancer (HR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.24, 4.61; P = 0.01), but male C282Y homozygotes were not at increased risk for prostate cancer (HR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.43, 2.15; P = 0.92). C282Y/H63D compound heterozygotes were not at increased risk for colorectal cancer (HR = 1.27; 95% CI = 0.80, 2.01), breast cancer (HR = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.74, 1.84), or prostate cancer (HR = 1.08; 95% CI = 0.68, 1.70).'] Are hFE C282Y homozygotes at increased risk of breast and colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0150514841079712,
-1.592211127281189,
1.5832645893096924
] |
['Regulation of hepatocellular apoptosis is crucial for liver homeostasis. Increased sensitivity of hepatocytes toward apoptosis results in chronic liver injury, whereas apoptosis resistance is linked to hepatocarcinogenesis and nonresponsiveness to therapy-induced cell death. Recently, we have demonstrated an essential role of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) in hepatocyte survival. In mice lacking Mcl-1 specifically in hepatocytes (Mcl-1(Deltahep)), spontaneous apoptosis caused severe liver damage. Here, we demonstrate that chronically increased apoptosis of hepatocytes coincides with strong hepatocyte proliferation resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver cell tumor formation was observed in >50% of Mcl-1(Deltahep) mice already by the age of 8 months, whereas 12-month-old wild-type (wt) and heterozygous Mcl-1(flox/wt) mice lacked tumors. Tumors revealed a heterogenous spectrum ranging from small dysplastic nodules to HCC. The neoplastic nature of the tumors was confirmed by histology, expression of the HCC marker glutamine synthetase and chromosomal aberrations. Liver carcinogenesis in Mcl-1(Deltahep) mice was paralleled by markedly increased levels of Survivin, an important regulator of mitosis which is selectively overexpressed in common human cancers.'] Does hepatocyte-specific deletion of the antiapoptotic protein myeloid cell leukemia-1 trigger proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4410898685455322,
-1.3326419591903687,
2.8023838996887207
] |
['A number of studies have shown that oxidative stress and mitochondrial involvement are major triggering factors in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Cobalt chloride (CoCl(2))-induced cell death in PC12 cells may serve a simple and convenient in vitro model of hypoxia-induced neuronal cytotoxicity. To explore the effect of geniposide on CoCl(2) which induced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial function in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells, we analyzed the influence of geniposide on the expression of apoptosis-related proteins.', 'PC12 cells and RNAi PC12 cells were treated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 micromol/L geniposide for 12 hours and then exposure to 400 micromol/L CoCl(2) for 12 hours. Cell viability, cell morphology, and expression of Bcl-2, Bax, P53 and caspase-9 were determined using Western blotting.', 'Pretreatment with geniposide markedly improved the cells viability and morphology, decreased the expression of Bax, P53 and caspase-9, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 in PC12 cells challenged by CoCl(2)2. However, in the RNAi PC12 cells, geniposide had no significant effect on the expression of these proteins.'] Does geniposide inhibit CoCl2-induced PC12 cells death via the mitochondrial pathway? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.536078929901123,
-1.0752798318862915,
2.650949478149414
] |
['Drug effects can be unpredictable during cardiac surgery due to factors that may influence drug concentration, such as extracorporeal oxygenation and hemodilution. The primary aim of the current investigation was to determine whether plasma gabapentin concentration is altered by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).', 'Following approval from the Research Ethics Board and written informed consent, we conducted this open-label prospective cohort investigation. A convenience sample of 16 patients, who were scheduled for coronary bypass surgery, received oral gabapentin 600 mg as follows: 90 min prior to induction of anesthesia, following tracheal extubation, and then every eight hours for a total of four doses. Plasma gabapentin concentration, as well as pain and sedation scores, were documented.', 'Plasma gabapentin concentrations were unaltered during CPB (31.9 +/- 12.7 mumol.L(-1) prior to CPB, 35.6 +/- 12.9 to 37.2 +/- 9.6 mumol.L(-1) during CPB). However, using the current protocol, drug accumulation (reflected by increased drug concentrations) was observed following the third (58.2 +/- 19.5 micromol.L(-1)) and the fourth (71.9 +/- 34.3 micromol.L(-1)) doses. Pain and sedation scores and opioid requirements were comparable with those found in other studies.'] Does cardiopulmonary bypass affect plasma concentration of preoperatively administered gabapentin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2045493125915527,
-1.334571123123169,
2.622363567352295
] |
['Research in biliary atresia has been hindered by lack of a suitable animal model. Lampreys are primitive vertebrates with distinct larval and adult life cycle stages. During metamorphosis the biliary system of the larval lamprey disappears. Lamprey metamorphosis has been proposed as a model for biliary atresia. We have begun to explore cellular events during lamprey metamorphosis by assessing for cholangiocyte apoptosis.', 'Sea lamprey larvae were housed under controlled environmental conditions. Premetamorphic larvae were induced to undergo metamorphosis by exposure to 0.01% KClO(4). Animals were photographed weekly, and the stage of metamorphosis was assigned based upon external features. Livers were harvested and processed for routine histology and immunohistochemistry. DNA fragmentation was detected using deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays and cholangiocytes were identified with antibodies to cytokeratin-19. Percent TUNEL+ cholangiocytes at different stages of metamorphosis was determined.', 'The percentage of TUNEL+ cholangiocytes was 10% in premetamorphic (stage 0) lamprey (n = 6), 51% at stage 1 (n = 6), 40% at stage 2 (n = 5), 18% at stage 3 (n = 5), and 9% stage 4 (n = 4). Routine hemotoxylin and eosin stained paraffin-embedded tissue sections revealed frequent apoptotic bodies at stages 3 and 4 of metamorphosis without histologic evidence of necrosis.'] Is cholangiocyte apoptosis an early event during induced metamorphosis in the sea lamprey , Petromyzon marinus L? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0721044540405273,
-1.455824851989746,
2.5942957401275635
] |
['Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are known to modulate immune reactions, so the present study was performed to examine the effects of various CCBs that have shown different effects on transcription factors and on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).', 'PBMC from healthy volunteers were isolated by Ficoll-paque density centrifugation. To study the effect of CCBs, the PBMC were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A. After 24 h of incubation, the supernatants were harvested and the interleukin (IL)-1alpha, -1beta, and -6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interferon (IFN)-gamma levels were determined by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The production of IL-1alpha and -1beta stimulated with lipopolysaccharide was significantly increased in the presence of amlodipine. In contrast, nifedipine and verapamil suppressed the production of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma. Amlodipine and diltiazem significantly increased production of IL-1alpha stimulated with concanavalin A. Nifedipine inhibited production of IL-1alpha, IL-6, and IFN-gamma. Verapamil suppressed production of IFN-gamma.'] Do calcium channel blockers differentially modulate cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.465501546859741,
-1.3139768838882446,
2.795196056365967
] |
['Delayed enhancement (DE) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a marker of myocardial fibrosis. The absence of DE in CMR is a predictor of left ventricular (LV) functional improvement in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), so in the present study it was investigated whether presence of DE has prognostic significance in patients with NICM at long-term follow-up.', 'The 79 patients (56.4+/-13.5 years, 48 males) with NICM (LV ejection fraction <35%, no significant coronary artery disease) were monitored for occurrence of cardiac events. CMR was performed to assess DE. Cardiac events were defined as rehospitalization (because of worsening of heart failure), cardiac transplantation or death. There were 37 patients without and 42 patients with DE. The mean follow-up duration was 19+/-10 months. There was 1 event (2.7%, 1 rehospitalization) in the DE (-) group, whereas 13 events (30.9%, 1 death, 1 transplantation, 11 rehospitalizations) occurred in the DE (+) group. The event-free survival was significantly longer in the DE (-) group than in the DE (+) group (38.9+/-1.0 vs 28.4+/-2.7 months, P<0.01). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that presence of DE was the most potent, independent predictor of cardiac events (hazard ratio 8.06, confidence interval 1.03+/-63.41, P<0.05).'] Is delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging a significant prognostic factor in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.522559642791748,
-1.6563163995742798,
2.1739447116851807
] |
["Primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates associated with destruction of salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) induced mainly by apoptosis. Adiponectin is an immunoregulatory hormone. We have previously shown that SGECs from patients with primary SS as well as from controls differentially express adiponectin. SGECs derived from patients with primary SS constitutively produce and secrete adiponectin in higher quantities. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adiponectin on the proliferation and apoptosis of SGECs.", 'Cultured, non-neoplastic SGECs were treated with recombinant human adiponectin, and the rate of cell proliferation was assessed. Spontaneous and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma)-induced apoptosis was evaluated with a specific single-stranded DNA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor Compound C was used to test the involvement of AMPK in adiponectin effects. Western blotting was applied to detect the phosphorylation levels of AMPK after adiponectin treatment.', 'Adiponectin treatment resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of proliferation of SGECs from patients with primary SS and control donors. Adiponectin protected cells from spontaneous as well as from IFNgamma-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the antiapoptotic effects of adiponectin were dependent upon AMPK phosphorylation at Thr(172), since pretreatment of SGECs with Compound C abolished the adiponectin protective effect.'] Does activation of AMP-activated protein kinase by adiponectin rescue salivary gland epithelial cells from spontaneous and interferon-gamma-induced apoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4568612575531006,
-1.3706800937652588,
2.878857135772705
] |
['The high variability of SICI limits its utility and by extension that of TMS in clinical neurophysiology. Non-linear summation of descending volleys due to heterogeneous motoneurone properties, on which MEP size depends, has not previously been implicated as an issue in SICI evaluation.', 'MEP size and SICI were normalised to the test MEP (mV), and as a percentage of M(max) to take account of the proportion of motoneurone pool activated by TMS. Two EMG systems, producing large and small MEPs, were used to determine how the normalisation affected MEPs of different amplitude.', 'M(max) normalisation (i) counteracted the influence of recording conditions on the MEP size, (ii) revealed a significant influence of the test size on SICI (between medium and large MEPs), and of test size on the conditioning intensity (the larger the MEP, the stronger the SICI), and (iii) decreased the variability.'] Does the estimation of short intra-cortical inhibition depend on the proportion of spinal motoneurones activated by corticospinal inputs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1625192165374756,
-1.178565263748169,
2.411830186843872
] |
['Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) has been described as a protector agent against obesity-related pathologies, although the mechanism of action is still unknown. We have shown that DHEA-S acts on adipose tissue (AT), altering the fatty acid (FA) profile in rodents. Thus, we could hypothesize that some of the beneficial effects shown by DHEA-S in humans are related to a modification of the human AT-FA profile. The present study examines this question and whether this effect is tissue-dependent.', 'Paired visceral and subcutaneous AT biopsies were obtained from 20 patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. These samples were subjected to primary adipose culture and incubated for 24 h with 1 μM DHEA-S. The FA profile of both control and treated samples were analyzed by gas chromatography.', 'A reduction in total saturated fatty acids (SFA), the n-6 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was observed after DHEA-S treatment, whereas monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased. In addition, DHEA-S altered the percentage of several individual FA, decreasing palmitic acid and increasing vaccenic acid in both AT. All estimated desaturase activity ratios slightly increased after DHEA-S treatment, although only the increase of delta-6-desaturase index in both depots reached statistical significance. No depot-specific action of DHEA-S was found between subcutaneous and visceral AT.'] Does dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate modify human fatty acid composition of different adipose tissue depots? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.347574234008789,
-1.383981466293335,
2.7637572288513184
] |
['To assess the impact of different subsets of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) on pain and disability.', 'From 308 patients with hand OA a group with carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) symptoms only (group I, n=20) was identified as well as groups with symptoms at the interphalangeal joints (IPJs) only (group II, n=138), and symptoms at both sites (group III, n=150). Hand pain and function, assessed with the AUSCAN, were compared between groups using linear mixed models. Radiological OA was assessed using the Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale.', 'Mean (SD) AUSCAN scores for groups I, II and III were 23.1 (11.7), 18.3 (11.9) and 26.4 (12.5), respectively. After adjustment for age, gender, body mass index, family effects and number of symptomatic hand joints, significant differences in AUSCAN scores of 7.4 (95% CI 1.8 to 13.0) between groups I and II, and 5.7 (95% CI 2.7 to 8.6) between groups II and III were found. AUSCAN scores were 5.8 (95% CI 3.1 to 8.6) higher for patients with versus patients without CMCJ symptoms. Kellgren-Lawrence scores did not differ between groups.'] Is thumb base involvement in symptomatic hand osteoarthritis associated with more pain and functional disability? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1571505069732666,
-1.199476718902588,
2.473957061767578
] |
['Pancreatic beta-cells proliferate following administration of the beta-cell toxin streptozotocin. Defining the conditions that promote beta-cell proliferation could benefit patients with diabetes. We have investigated the effect of insulin treatment on pancreatic beta-cell regeneration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, and, in addition, report on a new approach to quantify beta-cell regeneration in vivo.', 'Streptozotocin-induced diabetic were treated with either syngeneic islets transplanted under the kidney capsule or subcutaneous insulin implants. After either 60 or 120 days of insulin treatment, the islet transplant or insulin implant were removed and blood glucose levels monitored for 30 days. The results showed that both islet transplants and insulin implants restored normoglycemia in the 60 and 120 day treated animals. However, only the 120-day islet and insulin implant groups maintained euglycemia (<200 mg/dl) following discontinuation of insulin treatment. The beta-cell was significantly increased in all the 120 day insulin-treated groups (insulin implant, 0.69+/-0.23 mg; and islet transplant, 0.91+/-0.23 mg) compared non-diabetic control mice (1.54+/-0.25 mg). We also show that we can use bioluminescent imaging to monitor beta-cell regeneration in living MIP-luc transgenic mice.'] Does glycemic control promote pancreatic beta-cell regeneration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2977540493011475,
-1.3084893226623535,
2.6108148097991943
] |
['Patients with end-stage renal disease are required to limit fluid and salt intake. We examined illness representations [common-sense model (CSM)] among a sample of hemodialysis (HD) patients, investigating whether fluid-adherent patients held illness representations different from those of nonadherent patients. We also explored the utility of illness perceptions in predicting fluid nonadherence after controlling for clinical parameters, including residual renal function (KRU).', 'Illness perceptions were assessed [Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R)] in 99 HD patients. Clinical parameters were collected and averaged over a 3-month period prior to and including the month of IPQ-R assessment. Depression scores, functional status, and comorbidity were also collected. Fluid nonadherence was defined using interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and dry weight (ideal weight). Patients in the upper quartile of percent weight gain were defined as nonadherent (IDWG> or =3.21% dry weight).', 'Nonadherent patients had timeline perceptions significantly lower than those of adherent patients. Logistic regression models were computed in order to identify predictors of fluid nonadherence. After several demographic and clinical variables, including age, gender, and KRU, had been controlled for, lower consequence perceptions predicted nonadherence.'] Are illness representations associated with fluid nonadherence among hemodialysis patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.283259153366089,
-1.014854907989502,
2.360494613647461
] |
['Cannabinoids represent unique compounds for treating tumors, including astrocytomas. Whether CB(1) and CB(2) receptors mediate this therapeutic effect is unclear.', 'We generated astrocytoma subclones that express set levels of CB(1) and CB(2), and found that cannabinoids induce apoptosis only in cells expressing low levels of receptors that couple to ERK1/2. In contrast, cannabinoids do not induce apoptosis in cells expressing high levels of receptors because these now also couple to the prosurvival signal AKT. Remarkably, cannabinoids applied at high concentration induce apoptosis in all subclones independently of CB(1), CB(2) and AKT, but still through a mechanism involving ERK1/2.'] Does the expression level of CB1 and CB2 receptors determine their efficacy at inducing apoptosis in astrocytomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.479597806930542,
-0.8903976082801819,
2.40724515914917
] |
['Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique in external beam radiotherapy and interstitial implant brachytherapy (ISBT) play important role in the treatment of head and neck cancers. Both are proved to be highly conformal techniques of radiotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether ISBT can give treatment planning results similar to those of IMRT.', 'Fifteen patients with tongue cancer treated with interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy were replanned. They were evaluated with the IMRT planning system. Contouring of target volume, including all critical structures was done on the IMRT treatment planning system to closely match implant brachytherapy planning system. Treatment plans were generated after specifying the goals in the prescription. Conformity index and dose to critical organ were calculated and compared between IMRT and ISBT. Planning time was also recorded for both the techniques in all the cases.', 'Very good dose conformity was observed in ISBT, which was almost the same as that in IMRT. Dose to the critical structure was lower in ISBT in all the cases. Planner time was also less in ISBT for more number of cases.'] Does acquisition of equal or better planning result with interstitial brachytherapy when compared with intensity-modulated radiotherapy in tongue cancers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4687438011169434,
-1.4924232959747314,
2.012209177017212
] |
['We have recently shown that native murine ventricular fibroblasts express both connexin43 (Cx43) and Cx45, and that the level of Cx43 expression influences intercellular coupling and cell proliferation. Relatively little is known, however, about how myocardial infarction (MI) influences expression of Cx43, or how altered Cx43 expression may affect fibroblast function post-MI. Fibroblasts are critical for infarct healing and post-infarct ventricular remodeling. They can couple electrically with cardiac myocytes and influence myocardial activation patterns. Thus, Cx43 remodeling and the level of intercellular communication in fibroblasts expressed in the infarcted heart were the subject of the present investigation.', 'Fibroblasts were isolated from both infarct scar and remote, noninfarcted regions of murine hearts 6 d after coronary ligation. Expression levels of Cx43, α-smooth muscle actin and N-cadherin were quantified by immunoblotting. Gap junctional intercellular communication was quantified by Lucifer yellow dye transfer.'] Does remodeling of cardiac fibroblasts following myocardial infarction result in increased gap junction intercellular communication? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.631958246231079,
-0.9943434000015259,
2.68808913230896
] |
['Efficacy of cancer vaccines may be limited due to immune escape mechanisms like loss or mutation of target antigens. Here, we analyzed 10 HLA-A2 positive patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for loss or mutations of the WT1 epitope or epitope flanking sequences that may abolish proper T cell recognition or epitope presentation.', 'All patients had been enrolled in a WT1 peptide phase II vaccination trial (NCT00153582) and ultimately progressed despite induction of a WT1 specific T cell response. Blood and bone marrow samples prior to vaccination and during progression were analyzed for mRNA expression level of WT1. Base exchanges within the epitope sequence or flanking regions (10 amino acids N- and C-terminal of the epitope) were assessed with melting point analysis and sequencing. HLA class I expression and WT1 protein expression was analyzed by flow cytometry.', 'Only in one patient, downregulation of WT1 mRNA by 1 log and loss of WT1 detection on protein level at time of disease progression was observed. No mutation leading to a base exchange within the epitope sequence or epitope flanking sequences could be detected in any patient. Further, no loss of HLA class I expression on leukemic blasts was observed.'] Are mutation or loss of Wilms ' tumor gene 1 ( WT1 ) major reasons for immune escape in patients with AML receiving WT1 peptide vaccination? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3590056896209717,
-1.2933684587478638,
2.752298355102539
] |
['Bilberries are abundant in polyphenols. Dietary polyphenols have been associated with strategies for prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. We investigated the effect of bilberry juice on serum and plasma biomarkers of inflammation and antioxidant status in subjects with elevated levels of at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).', 'In a randomized controlled trial, participants consumed either bilberry juice (n = 31) or water (n = 31) for 4 weeks.', 'Supplementation with bilberry juice resulted in significant decreases in plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-15, and monokine induced by INF-gamma (MIG). Unexpectedly, an increase in the plasma concentration of tumor nuclear factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was observed in the bilberry group. CRP, IL-6, IL15, MIG, and TNF-alpha are all target genes of nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-kappaB), -a transcription factor that is crucial in orchestrating inflammatory responses. Plasma quercetin and p-coumaric acid increased in the bilberry group, otherwise no differences were observed for clinical parameters, oxidative stress or antioxidant status. Furthermore, we studied the effect of polyphenols from bilberries on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-kappaB activation in a monocytic cell line. We observed that quercetin, epicatechin, and resveratrol inhibited NF-kappaB activation.'] Does bilberry juice modulate plasma concentration of NF-kappaB related inflammatory markers in subjects at increased risk of CVD? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.456705093383789,
-1.2746740579605103,
2.7629847526550293
] |
['Hepatic fibrosis is one kind of common wound-healing response to chronic liver injury. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β(3) performs an anti-fibrosis function under certain conditions such as pancreatic fibrosis and wound healing. This study aimed at investigating the effect of TGF-β(3) on the histology in the liver of rat with liver fibrosis.', 'Recombinantadeno-associated virus (rAAV) 2-TGF-β(3) and rAAV2-EGFP were constructed. Rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, negative control group and TGF-β(3) treated group. The hepatic fibrosis model was induced by CCl(4) administration. We injected a single dose of either rAAV2-TGF-β(3) or rAAV2-EGFP into the TGF-β(3) group and the negative control group. The histopathologic changes of liver were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining. The expressions of type I collagen, MMP-9, MMP-2, and TIMP-1 in liver were detected by Immunohistochemical staining.', 'With the treatment of TGF-β(3), the degree of fibrosis and the deposition of collagen fiber in liver were markedly reduced, and the expression of MMP-9 was obviously increased (P < 0.001), while type I collagen and TIMP-1 were decreased (P = 0.004, P = 0.001) compared with the model group, but the expressed difference of MMP-2 had no statistical significance (P = 0.180).'] Does rAAV2-TGF-β ( 3 ) decrease collagen synthesis and deposition in the liver of experimental hepatic fibrosis rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9998526573181152,
-1.5535354614257812,
2.534188747406006
] |
['Early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) regulates the expression of genes important to cardiovascular disease. Within atherosclerotic lesions, Egr-1 is expressed in smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Since macrophages play a pivotal role in atherosclerotic lesion initiation and progression, this study investigated the effects of Egr-1 deficiency within bone marrow-derived cells on the development of atherosclerosis in a hyperlipidaemic mouse model.', 'Bone marrow from Egr-1-deficient mice and wild-type controls was transplanted into lethally irradiated LDL receptor null mice. After 26 weeks on a high fat diet, atherosclerotic lesion size within the aortic sinus of recipients was evaluated. Mice receiving Egr-1-deficient bone marrow had significantly decreased lesion size compared with controls. Lesions of these mice contained fewer macrophages and had reduced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), tissue factor, as well as transforming growth factor receptor type II, which are target genes of Egr-1. These results were validated by in vitro analysis of Egr-1-deficient peritoneal macrophages which, after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, had decreased VCAM-1 and tissue factor mRNA expression compared with wild-type controls.'] Does egr-1 deficiency in bone marrow-derived cells reduce atherosclerotic lesion formation in a hyperlipidaemic mouse model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4015486240386963,
-1.2034997940063477,
2.6445512771606445
] |
['The decision to perform liver transplantation (LT) or liver resection (LR) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are beyond the Milan criteria remains controversial.', 'We retrospectively analyzed outcome data for 179 patients with HCC beyond the Milan criteria who were treated with LR (n = 135) or LT (n = 44). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were established. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated, and a log-rank test was performed to compare group survival status.', 'Patients who underwent LR group were significantly older, had a lower TNM stage, and were more likely to have unilateral disease and noncirrhotic liver. Significantly more patients in the LR group had recurrence (53.3% vs 29.5%) or died (61.5% vs 43.2%) than patients in the LT group. Recurrence-free survival rates were 11.9% for the LR group and 61.5% for the LT group. The median overall survival duration showed no statistically difference between the LR group (28.0 months) and the LT group (50.0 months).'] Is liver transplantation an alternative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma beyond the Milan criteria? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.180250644683838,
-1.1790920495986938,
2.403210401535034
] |
['To investigate the molecular pathway of substance P (SP) to induce osteoblastic differentiation.', 'Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured. The cultures were divided into four groups with Group A (control group) cultured without any factors, Group B cultured with SP, Group C cultured with SP and SP receptor neurokinin-1 (NK1) antagonist, and Group D cultured with SP NK1 antagonist respectively to induce osteoblastic cells differentiation. Osterix gene expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for three times after 1-2 weeks of cultivation and the results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).', 'The log phase of bone marrow stromal cells appeared at 4-6 days. ALP staining revealed that the majority of cells, more than 95%, were positive and small blue-purple granules were found in the cytoplasm. And Group B, treated with SP, showed a higher level of ALP activity than the other three groups. Meanwhile, RT-PCR found that Osterix expression in Group B was obviously up-regulated, compared with other groups. But Osterix expression in Group D had no remarkable differences, compared with the controls.'] Does substance P stimulate differentiation of mice osteoblast through up-regulating Osterix expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3577888011932373,
-1.2419624328613281,
2.5914578437805176
] |
['Desmopressin decreases bleeding time in uremic patients. Although bleeding time is the most frequently used measure of global platelet function, this test has important disadvantages. In vitro closure time (CT) is a relatively new and efficient test of primary hemostasis. We designed a prospective randomized study to evaluate the effect of desmopressin on platelet function, as measured by in vitro CT, in uremic patients.', 'Forty-eight uremic patients, about to commence hemodialysis and with prolonged CT, were randomized to infusion with desmopressin (n = 24) or saline alone (n = 24). Complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thrombin time, levels of plasma fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor (VWF), factor VIII (FVIII) and CT were measured before and 1 h after desmopressin or saline infusion.', 'Following desmopressin infusion, collagen/epinephrine and collagen/adenosine diphosphate CT were significantly shortened from 212 +/- 58 to 152 +/- 45 s (p = 0.01) and from 189 +/- 78 to 147 +/- 58 s (p = 0.012), respectively; levels of FVIII and VWF were significantly increased from 188 +/- 66 to 252 +/- 93% (p = 0.017) and from 113 +/- 9 to 121 +/- 9% (p = 0.043), respectively. There were no significant changes in the control group.'] Does desmopressin improve platelet dysfunction measured by in vitro closure time in uremic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7610982656478882,
-1.5573921203613281,
2.342404842376709
] |
['Lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) is a unique disease characterized by thrombus-like lipoprotein deposition in glomeruli and an increased serum apolipoprotein E level (ApoE protein or APOE gene). Several APOE mutations contribute to the occurring of LPG.', 'We confirmed LPG in 7 individuals by renal biopsy, and investigated families of 2 patients with urinalysis, serum creatinine and serum lipid examination. Exons of APOE of all individuals as well as their relatives were amplified and sequenced directly.', 'Two types of APOE mutations were identified in the 7 patients and their relatives. APOE Maebashi (Arg142-Leu144-->0) heterozygotes were found in 5 individuals who were from 4 different families. APOE Kyoto (Arg25-Cys) was confirmed heterogeneous in another 2 individuals. Both mutations present incomplete penetrance.'] Do common apolipoprotein E gene mutations contribute to lipoprotein glomerulopathy in China? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3226089477539062,
-1.2739121913909912,
2.683973550796509
] |
['The effects of exposure to hyperbaric oxygen on blood glucose level and muscle oxidative capacity in rats with type 2 diabetes were investigated.', 'Five-week-old male Goto-Kakizaki rats were divided into four groups: normobaric (NN; exposed to 21% oxygen at 760 mm Hg for 8 weeks), hyperbaric to normobaric (HN; exposed to 36% oxygen at 950 mm Hg for 4 weeks, followed by 21% oxygen at 760 mm Hg for 4 weeks), normobaric to hyperbaric (NH; exposed to 21% oxygen at 760 mm Hg for 4 weeks, followed by 36% oxygen at 950 mm Hg for 4 weeks), and hyperbaric (HH; exposed to 36% oxygen at 950 mm Hg for 8 weeks).', 'Blood glucose levels were lower in the HN, NH, and HH groups than in the NN group. Up-regulated mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma co-activator-1alpha were observed in the soleus muscles of the HN, NH, and HH groups and in the plantaris muscles of the HN and HH groups. The soleus muscles of the NN group contained only type I fibers, whereas those of the HN, NH, and HH groups contained type I, type IIA, and type IIC fibers. An increased percentage of type I fibers and a decreased percentage of type IIB fibers were observed in the plantaris muscles of the NH, HN, and HH groups.'] Does hyperbaric oxygen exposure improve blood glucose level and muscle oxidative capacity in rats with type 2 diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.149550676345825,
-1.3000898361206055,
2.3749327659606934
] |
['Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of blindness in older people in developed countries, and risk factors for this condition may be classified as genetic and environmental. Apolipoprotein E is putatively involved in the transport of the macular pigment (MP) carotenoids lutein (L) and zeaxanthin (Z) in serum and may also influence retinal capture of these compounds. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and ApoE genotype.', 'This was a cross-sectional study of 302 healthy adult subjects. Dietary intake of L and Z was assessed by food frequency questionnaire, and MPOD was measured by customized heterochromatic flicker photometry. Serum L and Z were measured by HPLC. ApoE genotyping was performed by direct polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNA nucleotide sequencing from peripheral blood.', 'Genotype data were available on 300 of the 302 (99.3%) subjects. The mean (+/- SD) age of the subjects in this study was 47.89 +/- 11.05 (range, 21-66) years. Subjects were classed into one of three ApoE genotype groups, as follows: group 1, epsilon2epsilon2 or epsilon2epsilon3; group 2, epsilon3epsilon3; group 3, epsilon2epsilon4 or epsilon3epsilon4 or epsilon4epsilon4. All three groups were statistically comparable in terms of age, sex, body mass index, cigarette smoking, and dietary and serum levels of L and Z. There was a statistically significant association between ApoE genotype and MPOD. Subjects who had at least one epsilon4 allele had a higher MPOD across the macula than subjects without this allele (group 1 MPOD area, 0.70 +/- 0.40; group 2 MPOD area, 0.67 +/- 0.42; group 3 MPOD area, 0.85 +/- 0.46; one-way ANOVA, P = 0.014.'] Is apolipoprotein E genotype associated with macular pigment optical density? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.765403151512146,
-1.5184035301208496,
2.2684550285339355
] |
["To compare the clinical presentation of 231 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with 89 patients with aqueous-deficient dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca; KCS), to determine those procedures that best differentiate these groups in the eye care clinic.", "The records of all patients seen at the University Health Network Sjögren's Syndrome Clinic from October 1992 to July 2006 were reviewed and documented. The diagnosis of pSS was based on the AECC (American European Consensus Criteria) of 2002. KCS control subjects were non-SS patients with symptoms of dry eye and Schirmer scores of <or=10 mm in 5 minutes in at least one eye. There were 90 variables used in the analysis of the total database. Recursive partitioning was used to generate tree diagrams that demonstrated which characteristics best distinguished pSS from KCS.", 'Recursive partitioning of the full database demonstrated that the serum immunoglobulin Ro and the status of the salivary gland biopsy were most important in distinguishing pSS and KCS. The presence of rose bengal staining of the temporal conjunctiva was the most important noninvasive ocular variable that separated the groups. Total rose bengal staining also improved sensitivity. When only noninvasive techniques were used, staining of the temporal conjunctiva and severity of dry mouth symptoms were the major factors in distinguishing pSS from KCS.'] Does rose bengal staining of the temporal conjunctiva differentiate Sjögren 's syndrome from keratoconjunctivitis sicca? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5064594745635986,
-1.0182294845581055,
2.6265010833740234
] |
['Carbon monoxide (CO), long considered a toxic gas, has recently been shown to mediate anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the inhalation of CO ameliorated 2,4,6-trinitrobenzine sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in mice.', 'The CO treatment group was exposed to CO gas at a concentration of 200 ppm in a closed cage starting on the day when TNBS was administered and throughout the remaining study period. The distal colon was removed, and ulcerative lesions were subsequently evaluated with macroscopic damage scores. Furthermore, thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive substances and tissue-associated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in colonic mucosa were measured as indices of lipid peroxidation and neutrophil infiltration. The expressions of TNF-α in colonic mucosa were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In additional experiments in vitro, CD4(+) T cells isolated from the spleen were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 Ab, and the cells and supernatants were collected and evaluated for TNF-α expression.', 'The increased colonic damage after TNBS administration was significantly inhibited by the treatment with CO. Furthermore, CO significantly inhibited the increases in TBA-reactive substances, MPO activity and TNF-α production in colonic mucosa after the induction of TNBS colitis. In CD4(+) T cells isolated from mice treated with CO inhalation, the production of TNF-α was significantly inhibited.'] Does inhalation of carbon monoxide ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis in mice through the inhibition of TNF-α expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4700114727020264,
-1.3533412218093872,
2.8479316234588623
] |
['The adaptive significance of female polyandry is currently under considerable debate. In non-resource based mating systems, indirect, i.e. genetic benefits have been proposed to be responsible for the fitness gain from polyandry. We studied the benefits of polyandry in the Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) using an experimental design in which the material investments by the sires and maternal environmental effects were controlled.', 'Embryonic mortality showed a strong paternal genetic component, and it was lower in polyandrously fertilized offspring (sperm competition of two males) than in monandrous fertilizations. We also found that high sperm velocity was associated with low offspring mortality, but not with the size of the offspring or their yolk volume. Although no male effect was found on the size of the offspring yolk reserves, yolk volume was higher in offspring from polyandrous matings than offspring of the either of the two males when mated monandrously.'] Do genetic and potential non-genetic benefits increase offspring fitness of polyandrous females in non-resource based mating system? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.595233678817749,
2.4312798976898193,
-0.6359008550643921
] |
['To quantify the benefits of expedited cataract surgery in improving visual acuity and reducing fall-related injuries in the older population.', 'Developmental Neurosciences and Child Health: Neurons to Neighbourhoods, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.', 'A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Studies were included if expedited cataract surgery was presented as a measure to enhance vision and to reduce injury. Published and unpublished studies with any type of study design were included. Studies were identified from 12 databases including Medline (1950 to 2008) and Embase (1980 to 2008). The metaanalysis was specific to randomized controlled trials (RCTs).', 'The review comprised 737 participants. Sufficient data for the metaanalysis were available to evaluate the impact of expedited cataract surgery on improved visual acuity and a reduced fall rate. Twenty-two publications that included RCTs and prospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies evaluated visual acuity after expedited routine cataract surgery and routine cataract surgery. The pooled estimate showed that expedited cataract surgery increased visual acuity by more than 7 times (odds ratio [OR], 7.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.16-16.55; P<.0001). Pooling of data from 2 RCTs of 535 participants showed a nonsignificant reduction in the incidence of falls after expedited cataract surgery (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.55-1.17).'] Does vision improvement and reduction in fall after expedited cataract surgery Systematic review and metaanalysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4766684770584106,
-1.2045918703079224,
1.6905486583709717
] |
['In clinical islet transplantation, inflammatory responses initiated by the transplanted islets and by the host immune system cause acute and chronic graft loss. The resolution of acute inflammation is an active process mediated by specific signals and mediators such as resolvin E1 (RvE1). We investigated the effect of RvE1 on i) the inflammatory status of human pancreatic islets, ii) islet viability and apoptosis, and iii) the instant blood-mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) IN VITRO.', 'Pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue factor (TF) in isolated human islets were determined by real-time RT-qPCR (mRNA levels), CBA and Gyrolab bioaffy (protein levels) after lipopolysaccaride (LPS) stimulation. Islet viability was measured using insulin secretion in a dynamic model, ADP/ATP ratio and total ATP content. Apoptosis was measured using commercial kits after stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. To assess effect on IBMIR, human islets were mixed with non-anticoagulated, RvE1 or vehicle pretreated ABO-compatible blood in heparin-coated tubing loops.', 'Treatment of human islets with RvE1 (500 nM) for 24 h reduced LPS-induced increase in mRNA and protein levels of selected pro-inflammatory markers (IL-8, MCP-1, and TF). RvE1 lowered the ADP/ATP ratio, but had no effect on insulin secretion. RvE1 reduced the apoptotic effect of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, RvE1 reduced platelet consumption and TAT complex formation during the first 5 min after islet-blood contact.'] Does resolvin E1 reduce proinflammatory markers in human pancreatic islets in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.465163469314575,
-1.3389105796813965,
2.848384380340576
] |
['Uncertainty regarding the accuracy of the computer as a data collection or patient screening tool persists. Previous research evaluating the validity of computer health surveys have tended to compare those responses to that of paper survey or clinical interview (as the gold standard). This approach is limited as it assumes that the paper version of the self-report survey is valid and an appropriate gold standard.', 'First, to compare the accuracy of computer and paper methods of assessing self-reported smoking and alcohol use in general practice with biochemical measures as gold standard. Second, to compare the test re-test reliability of computer administration, paper administration and mixed methods of assessing self-reported smoking status and alcohol use in general practice.', 'A randomised cross-over design was used. Consenting patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups; Group 1. C-C : completing a computer survey at the time of that consultation (Time 1) and a computer survey 4-7 days later (Time 2); Group 2. C-P: completing a computer survey at Time 1 and a paper survey at Time 2; Group 3. P-C: completing a paper survey at Time 1 and a computer survey at Time 2; and Group 4. P-P: completing a paper survey at Time 1 and 2. At Time 1 all participants also completed biochemical measures to validate self-reported smoking status (expired air carbon monoxide breath test) and alcohol consumption (ethyl alcohol urine assay).', 'Of the 618 who were eligible, 575 (93%) consented to completing the Time 1 surveys. Of these, 71% (N=411) completed Time 2 surveys. Compared to CO, the computer smoking self-report survey demonstrated 91% sensitivity, 94% specificity, 75% positive predictive value (PPV) and 98% negative predictive value (NPV). The equivalent paper survey demonstrated 86% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 80% PPV, and 96% NPV. Compared to urine assay, the computer alcohol use self-report survey demonstrated 92% sensitivity, 50% specificity, 10% PPV and 99% NPV. The equivalent paper survey demonstrated 75% sensitivity, 57% specificity, 6% PPV, and 98% NPV. Level of agreement of smoking self-reports at Time 1 and Time 2 revealed kappa coefficients ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 in each group and hazardous alcohol use self-reports at Time 1 and Time 2 revealed kappa coefficients ranging from 0.90 to 0.96 in each group.'] Do the validity and reliability of an interactive computer tobacco and alcohol use survey in general practice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.018836697563529015,
-1.475220799446106,
0.5085883736610413
] |
['Studies of specific procedures have shown increases in infectious complications with operative duration. We hypothesized that operative duration is independently associated with increased risk-adjusted infectious complication (IC) rates in a broad range of general surgical procedures.', 'We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for general surgical operations performed from 2005 to 2007. ICs (wound infection, sepsis, urinary tract infection, and/or pneumonia) and length of hospital stay (LOS) were evaluated versus operative duration (OD, ie, incision to closure). Multivariable regression adjusted for 38 patient risk variables, operation type and complexity, wound class and intraoperative transfusion. We also analyzed isolated laparoscopic cholecystectomies in patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 or 2, without intraoperative transfusion and with a clean or clean-contaminated wound class.', 'In 299,359 operations performed at 173 hospitals, unadjusted IC rates increased linearly with OD at a rate of close to 2.5% per half hour (chi-square test for linear trend, p < 0.001). After adjustment, IC risk increased for each half hour of OD relative to cases lasting <or=1 hour, almost doubling at 2.1 to 2.5 hours (odds ratio = 1.92; 95% CI, 1.82 to 2.03; p < 0.001). In isolated laparoscopic cholecystectomy, IC rates increased linearly with OD (n = 17,018, chi-square test for linear trend, p < 0.001) with rates for 1.1 to 1.5 hour cases (1.4%) doubling those lasting <or=0.5 hour (0.7%). Across all procedures, adjusted LOS increased geometrically with operative duration at a rate of about 6% per half hour (coefficient for natural log transformed LOS = 0.059 per half hour; 95% CI, 0.058 to 0.060; p < 0.001).'] Is general surgical operative duration associated with increased risk-adjusted infectious complication rates and length of hospital stay? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.561103343963623,
-1.8469269275665283,
1.418976068496704
] |
['To determine the difference in performance of two different auditory evoked potentials (AEP) monitors, the A-Line AEP (AAI) and the aepEX, and their indices, during general anesthesia.', 'Prospective study.', 'Operating room at a private hospital.', '40 ASA physical status I and II women, aged 30 to 70 years, scheduled for partial mastectomy.', 'Anesthesia was induced with propofol and fentanyl, and a Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) was inserted. Anesthesia was maintained with propofol, fentanyl, and nitrous oxide.', 'The AAI or the aepEX was continuously monitored and their performance was compared at the start of monitoring, at LMA insertion, after disturbance by electric cautery, and during anesthesia. Eighteen of 20 patients had low enough impedance to extract good electroencephalogram signals at the first electrode application with the A-Line AEP, and 14 of 20 patients, with the aepEX. The time to return to good signals after signal disturbance by electric cautery was 14 +/- 3 seconds (SD) with the AAI and 19 +/- 4 seconds (SD) with the aepEX (P = 0.035). Both AAI and aepEX decreased after anesthesia induction, with significantly lower values seen in AAI than the aepEX.'] Does comparison of the two different auditory evoked potentials index monitor in propofol-fentanyl-nitrous oxide anesthesia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0734951496124268,
-1.31763756275177,
2.501068115234375
] |
['Synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis show resistance to apoptotic stimuli, indicating they may be difficult to treat. To clearly understand these mechanisms of resistance, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF and OASF) were exposed to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress such as thapsigargin, Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor.', 'Fibroblasts were assessed microscopically for cell viability by trypan blue exclusion and for autophagic cells by LC-3II formation. Caspase-3 activity was measured as aminomethyl-coumarin (AMC) liberated from AC-DEVD-AMC. Immunoblotting was performed to compare protein expression in OASF and RASF.', 'ER stress caused cell death in OASF but not in RASF. Thapsigargin, a Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor, did not change the expression of GRP78, an ER chaperone in OASF and RASF, but induced another ER stress protein, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) differently, showing high levels in OASF and low levels in RASF. Thapsigargin increased the autophagy response in RASF, with autophagosome formation, beclin expression, and LC3-II conversion. Transfection with beclin siRNA inhibited autophagy and increased the susceptibility to ER stress-induced cell death. On the other hand, CHOP siRNA increased autophagy and improved cell survival, especially in RASF, indicating that CHOP is involved in regulation of autophagy and cell death, but that low expression of CHOP protects RASF from apoptosis.'] Does autophagy induction and CHOP under-expression promote survival of fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis patients under endoplasmic reticulum stress? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4735214710235596,
-1.319831132888794,
2.8204708099365234
] |
['Regular exercise training (ET) slows the progression of atherosclerotic lesions, reduces oxidative stress, and increases nitric oxide bioavailability, all of which may be expected to improve degenerative aortic valve disease.', 'Four-week-old low-density lipoprotein-receptor-deficient mice (n=94) were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1 (control group), normal diet plus sedentary activity; group 2 (cholesterol group), cholesterol diet plus sedentary activity; group 3 (regular ET group), cholesterol diet plus regular ET (60 min/day, 5 days/week) for 16 weeks; and group 4 (occasional exercise group), cholesterol diet plus occasional ET (1 day/week) for 16 weeks. At 20 weeks of age, histological analysis was performed. A significant increase in aortic valve thickness was evident in the cholesterol group compared with the control group. Importantly, regular but not occasional ET significantly reduced aortic valve thickness compared with the cholesterol group (control 31.3+/-3.0 mum, cholesterol 50.1+/-3.4 mum, regular exercise 30.4+/-1.2 mum, and occasional exercise 48.9+/-3.2 mum). Immunohistochemistry revealed that a cholesterol diet disrupted and regular ET preserved endothelial integrity on the aortic valve surface. Furthermore, serum myeloperoxidase, accumulation of macrophages and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, in situ superoxide, activated myofibroblasts/osteoblast phenotypes, and mineralization were increased in the cholesterol group but were decreased by regular ET. Polymerase chain reaction revealed increased messenger RNA expression for alpha-smooth muscle actin, bone morphogenetic protein-2, runt-related transcription factor-2, and alkaline phosphatase in the cholesterol group, whereas these were diminished by regular ET. Moreover, regular ET significantly increased circulating levels of fetuin-A compared with the cholesterol group.'] Does regular exercise training prevent aortic valve disease in low-density lipoprotein-receptor-deficient mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.358670711517334,
-1.357207179069519,
2.7946510314941406
] |
['Falls in nursing care facilities and hospitals are common events that cause considerable morbidity and mortality for older people.', 'To assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce falls by older people in nursing care facilities and hospitals.', 'We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (January 2009); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 2); MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL (all to November 2008); trial registers and reference lists of articles.', 'Randomised controlled trials of interventions to reduce falls in older people in nursing care facilities or hospitals. Primary outcomes were rate of falls and risk of falling.', 'Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where appropriate.', 'We included 41 trials (25,422 participants).In nursing care facilities, the results from seven trials testing supervised exercise interventions were inconsistent. This was the case too for multifactorial interventions, which overall did not significantly reduce the rate of falls (rate ratio (RaR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.08; 7 trials, 2997 participants) or risk of falling (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.01; 8 trials, 3271 participants). A post hoc subgroup analysis, however, indicated that where provided by a multidisciplinary team, multifactorial interventions reduced the rate of falls (RaR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.72; 4 trials, 1651 participants) and risk of falling (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.95; 5 trials, 1925 participants). Vitamin D supplementation reduced the rate of falls (RaR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.95; 4 trials, 4512 participants), but not risk of falling (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.09; 5 trials, 5095 participants).In hospitals, multifactorial interventions reduced the rate of falls (RaR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.96; 4 trials, 6478 participants) and risk of falling (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.96; 3 trials, 4824 participants). Supervised exercise interventions showed a significant reduction in risk of falling (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.97; 3 trials, 131 participants).'] Does interventions for preventing fall in older people in nursing care facilities and hospitals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8138054609298706,
-1.1964812278747559,
2.1026101112365723
] |
['To investigate the protective role of steroid hormones on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced apoptosis in rat pancreatic beta cells.', 'Two sets of experiments were performed. In the first, male rats were orchidectomized and substituted 72 hours later with testosterone, estradiol, or progesterone, and 24 hours later, administered with STZ. Subjects were killed 6 hours later, and apoptosis was determined in sections of the pancreas. In the second experiment, male or female rats were gonadectomized, were further substituted with testosterone, and then administered STZ. Six hours later, the animals were killed, and apoptosis, as well as immunoreactive expression of insulin, catalase, or Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, was determined in sections of the pancreas. In addition, gonadectomized male or female subjects were substituted with testosterone and administered STZ, and 24 hours later, serum glucose and insulin were measured.', 'It was found that the cytoprotective effect was only shown in testosterone-treated male rats but not progesterone- or estradiol-treated male rats. In addition, the effect was seen in male rats but not in female rats, and there was an inverse correlation between apoptotic index and antioxidant enzyme immunoreactivity.'] Is the protective effect of testosterone on streptozotocin-induced apoptosis in beta cells sex specific? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.500847578048706,
-1.038472056388855,
2.5926077365875244
] |
['To review the literature on the involvement of glutamate (Glu), including its interactions with other neurochemical systems, in the pathophysiology of depression.', 'A MEDLINE search using the terms glutamate, depression and major depressive disorder, was performed.', 'Alterations in proteins involved in glutamatergic signalling are implicated in variations in behaviour in animal models of depression. Drugs acting at Glu receptors appear to have antidepressant-like effects in these models, and traditional antidepressant pharmacotherapies act on the glutamatergic system. Recent evidence from genetic studies and in vivo spectroscopy also correlate glutamatergic dysfunction with depression. Trials of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists in humans have provided mixed results.'] Do an update on the role of glutamate in the pathophysiology of depression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.899963617324829,
-0.5669808387756348,
2.5265579223632812
] |
['Some patients with double parathyroid adenoma show a greater than 50% decline in intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) after resection of the first lesion. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that significant adenoma weight differences may explain this inappropriate decline of IOPTH.', 'We reviewed prospective database records at two tertiary institutions. Patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of double adenoma and no familial history of hyperparathyroidism were included. Diagnosis of double adenoma was confirmed either preoperatively (double uptake), intraoperatively (bilateral exploration), or at reintervention. IOPTH was determined following the Miami protocol. The 10-min postexcision sample was considered as the 0-min sample for IOPTH determinations at the time of resection of the second lesion.', 'Thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria. After resection of the first lesion, IOPTH failed to decline in four patients and a second adenoma was removed. They had similar weight (404 vs. 598 mg). In nine patients IOPTH showed a false greater than 50% decline. These patients had the largest adenoma removed first (846 +/- 226 mg), and only two had normal PTH serum concentrations 10 min after resection. The second adenoma was always smaller (284 +/- 177 mg; P = 0.02) and its resection either during the same operation (7 cases) or at reoperation (2 cases) led to normalization of IOPTH at 10 min in all cases.'] Is weight difference between double parathyroid adenomas the cause of false-positive IOPTH test after resection of the first lesion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3932468891143799,
-1.7162550687789917,
2.102799654006958
] |
['Depression and anxiety are linked to coronary events but the mechanism(s) remains unclear. We investigated the associations of depression and anxiety with serotonin-mediated platelet hyperactivity in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients in a cross-sectional study.', 'Three months after an acute coronary event, stable CAD patients (n = 83) on aspirin and clopidogrel were evaluated for depression (beck depression inventory) and anxiety (hospital anxiety and depression scale), and their platelet reactivity was measured (optical aggregometry and flow cytometric fibrinogen binding in response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP = 5 microM) and two serotonin + epinephrine doses [5HT:E (L) = 4 microM + 4 microM and 5HT:E (H) = 10 microM + 4 microM]. Platelet reactivity was significantly higher in depressed and anxious than in depressed only or non-depressed-and-non-anxious patients. Aggregation (mean +/- SE) was 41.9 +/- 2.6% vs. 32.2 +/- 2.6% vs. 30.4 +/- 3.7% with 5HT:E (L) and 46.9 +/- 2.7% vs. 35.6 +/- 2.7% vs. 31.7 +/- 3.8% with 5HT:E (H) (P < 0.05 for both). Differences in ADP aggregations were not significant, perhaps because of clopidogrel therapy. Flow cytometry findings were similar. In a multivariate linear regression model adjusted for age, body mass index, and each other, anxiety symptoms independently predicted all 5HT:E-mediated platelet reactivity measures, whereas depression predicted none.'] Is anxiety a better predictor of platelet reactivity in coronary artery disease patients than depression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7423396110534668,
-1.5914427042007446,
2.3200857639312744
] |
['Stress-induced phosphorylation of the alpha-subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2alpha), involved in translation, promotes cell suicide or survival. Since multiple signaling pathways are implicated in cell death, the present study has analyzed the importance of PKC activation in the stress-induced eIF2alpha phosphorylation, caspase activation and cell death in the ovarian cells of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) and in their extracts.', 'Cell death is analyzed by flow cytometry. Caspase activation is measured by Ac-DEVD-AFC hydrolysis and also by the cleavage of purified recombinant PERK, an endoplasmic reticulum-resident eIF2alpha kinase. Status of eIF2alpha phosphorylation and cytochrome c levels are analyzed by western blots.', 'PMA, an activator of PKC, does not promote cell death or affect eIF2alpha phosphorylation. However, PMA enhances late stages of UV-irradiation or cycloheximide-induced caspase activation, eIF2alpha phosphorylation and apoptosis in Sf9 cells. PMA also enhances cytochrome c-induced caspase activation and eIF2alpha phosphorylation in cell extracts. These changes are mitigated more efficiently by caspase inhibitor, z-VAD-fmk, than by calphostin, an inhibitor of PKC. In contrast, tunicamycin-induced eIF2alpha phosphorylation that does not lead to caspase activation or cell death is unaffected by PMA, z-VAD-fmk or by calphostin.'] Does pKC activation contribute to caspase-mediated eIF2alpha phosphorylation and cell death? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4248602390289307,
-1.2653751373291016,
2.743178367614746
] |
['NSC109268 has been described previously as inhibitor of proteasomal degradation and of phosphatase 2Calpha. In a yeast screen, we isolated NSC109268 as an agent altering sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents. We found that NSC109268 and the related compound NSC109272 enhance cellular sensitivity to cis- and transplatin but reduce sensitivity to nitrogen mustard. We explored if similar effects could be found in human cancer cells and if cell cycle analysis could hint at the underlying molecular mechanism.', 'Haploid yeast cells were treated in suspension with platinum agents and nitrogen mustard alone or in combination with NSC compounds, and survival was measured by colony-formation assays. Sensitivity of ovarian and prostate cancer cells toward these treatments was evaluated using the MTS assay. Cell cycle progression was determined by flow cytometry.', 'The enhancement of cisplatin sensitivity by NSC109268 found in yeast was confirmed in cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer lines and in prostate cancer cells. In yeast and in human carcinoma cells, a correlation of enhanced sensitivity with delaying S-phase progression was revealed.'] Is enhancement of cisplatin sensitivity by NSC109268 in budding yeast and human cancer cells associated with inhibition of S-phase progression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5059025287628174,
-1.1681842803955078,
2.753286838531494
] |
['Mutations of the LMNA gene encoding lamin A and C are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), conduction system defects and skeletal muscle dystrophy. Here we report a family with a mutation of the LMNA gene to identify the relationship between genotype and phenotype.', 'All 30 members of the family underwent clinical and genetic evaluation. A mutation analysis of the LMNA gene was performed. All of the 12 exons of LMNA gene were extended with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the PCR products were screened for gene mutation by direct sequencing.', 'Ten members of the family had limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and 6 are still alive. Two patients suffered from DCM. Cardiac arrhythmias included atrioventricular block and atrial fibrillation; sudden death occurred in 2 patients. The pattern of inheritance was autosomal dominant. Mutation c.73C > G (R25G) in exon 1 encoding the globular domains was confirmed in all of the affected members, resulting in the conversion of arginine (Arg) to glycine (Gly).'] Is r25G mutation in exon 1 of LMNA gene associated with dilated cardiomyopathy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 1B? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1734938621520996,
-1.4298973083496094,
2.589853286743164
] |
['To investigate the significance of focal positive margins (FPM) in prostatectomy patients. The significance of FPM after radical prostatectomy is unclear. The implication is that FPM are surgically induced, may not represent true tumor extension beyond the prostate, and thus would not affect disease-free survival (DFS).', 'Data were retrospectively reviewed from 2468 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy between January 1996 and October 2008. The DFS probabilities were compared among different margin statuses (negative [NM], FPM, and extensively positive [EPM]) with the log-rank test. FPM was defined as less than/equal to 3 mm. EPM was greater than 3 mm. A multivariate Cox analysis was performed to evaluate the significance of FPM in patients with prostate cancer.', 'Of all patients, 2022 (82%) had NM, 344 (14%) had FPM, and 99 (4%) had EPM. Of the 1997 patients with pT2 disease, 1716 (86%) had NM, 229 (11.5%) had FPM, and 52 (2.6%) had EPM. The 10-year DFS for all patients was 84%, 64%, 38% for NM, FPM, and EPM, respectively (P < .0001). The 10-year DFS for organ-confined disease was 90%, 76%, and 53% for NM, FPM, and EPM, respectively (P < .0001). The risk of biochemical recurrence for all patients increases with worsening margin status. Margin status affects biochemical recurrence and depends on the Gleason grade on surgical pathology for all patients (P = .0005) and patients with pT2 disease (P = .0233).'] Do focal positive surgical margins decrease disease-free survival after radical prostatectomy even in organ-confined disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3288993835449219,
-1.7080410718917847,
2.018188714981079
] |
['Body image (BI) and body satisfaction may be important in understanding weight loss behaviors, particularly during the postpartum period. We assessed these constructs among African American and white overweight postpartum women.', 'The sample included 162 women (73 African American and 89 white) in the intervention arm 6 months into the Active Mothers Postpartum (AMP) Study, a nutritional and physical activity weight loss intervention. BIs, self-reported using the Stunkard figure rating scale, were compared assessing mean values by race. Body satisfaction was measured using body discrepancy (BD), calculated as perceived current image minus ideal image (BD<0: desire to be heavier; BD>0: desire to be lighter). BD was assessed by race for: BD(Ideal) (current image minus the ideal image) and BD(Ideal Mother) (current image minus ideal mother image).', "Compared with white women, African American women were younger and were less likely to report being married, having any college education, or residing in households with annual incomes >$30,000 (all p < 0.01). They also had a higher mean body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.04), although perceived current BI did not differ by race (p = 0.21). African Americans had higher mean ideal (p = 0.07) and ideal mother (p = 0.001) BIs compared with whites. African Americans' mean BDs (adjusting for age, BMI, education, income, marital status, and interaction terms) were significantly lower than those of whites, indicating greater body satisfaction among African Americans (BD(Ideal): 1.7 vs. 2.3, p = 0.005; BD(Ideal Mother): 1.1 vs. 1.8, p = 0.0002)."] Do body image and body satisfaction differ by race in overweight postpartum mothers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.7787819504737854,
-1.4755250215530396,
-0.23008108139038086
] |
['The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is a limited-genome organism that must obtain many of its biochemical building blocks, including N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), from its tick or vertebrate host. GlcNAc can be imported into the cell as a monomer or dimer (chitobiose), and the annotation for several B. burgdorferi genes suggests that this organism may be able to degrade and utilize chitin, a polymer of GlcNAc. We investigated the ability of B. burgdorferi to utilize chitin in the absence of free GlcNAc, and we attempted to identify genes involved in the process. We also examined the role of RpoS, one of two alternative sigma factors present in B. burgdorferi, in the regulation of chitin utilization.', 'Using fluorescent chitinase substrates, we demonstrated an inherent chitinase activity in rabbit serum, a component of the B. burgdorferi growth medium (BSK-II). After inactivating this activity by boiling, we showed that wild-type cells can utilize chitotriose, chitohexose or coarse chitin flakes in the presence of boiled serum and in the absence of free GlcNAc. Further, we replaced the serum component of BSK-II with a lipid extract and still observed growth on chitin substrates without free GlcNAc. In an attempt to knockout B. burgdorferi chitinase activity, we generated mutations in two genes (bb0002 and bb0620) predicted to encode enzymes that could potentially cleave the beta-(1,4)-glycosidic linkages found in chitin. While these mutations had no effect on the ability to utilize chitin, a mutation in the gene encoding the chitobiose transporter (bbb04, chbC) did block utilization of chitin substrates by B. burgdorferi. Finally, we provide evidence that chitin utilization in an rpoS mutant is delayed compared to wild-type cells, indicating that RpoS may be involved in the regulation of chitin degradation by this organism.'] Is the chitobiose transporter , chbC , required for chitin utilization in Borrelia burgdorferi? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5266270637512207,
-0.9811869859695435,
2.537540912628174
] |
['Chondrosarcoma is a disease that does not respond to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and expression of MMP1 is a marker for a poor prognosis. The mechanism of increased MMP1 expression in chondrosarcoma is not completely known. Our goal is to identify molecular pathways that could serve as therapeutic targets. Chondrosarcoma become hypoxic as they grow, are capable of eliciting an angiogenic response, and typically metastasize to the lungs. The present study determined the effect of hypoxia and specifically HIF-1a on expression of CXCR4 and MMP1 and their role in chondrosarcoma cell invasion.', 'CXCR4 and its ligand, SDF1, are upregulated in primary chondrosarcoma tumors compared to normal articular cartilage, and CXCR4 was upregulated in chondrosarcoma cell line JJ compared to normal chondrocytes. Hypoxia and specifically HIF-1a increased CXCR4 and MMP1 expression in JJ cell line and chondrosarcoma invasion in vitro. The hypoxia mediated increase in MMP1 expression and chondrosarcoma invasion could be inhibited by siRNA directed at HIF-1a or CXCR4, the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100, as well as with ERK inhibitor U0126 and ERK siRNA.'] Do cXCR4/SDF1 mediate hypoxia induced chondrosarcoma cell invasion through ERK signaling and increased MMP1 expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4093735218048096,
-1.2673568725585938,
2.698054313659668
] |
['Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are the ubiquitous enzymes that play a key role in cellular detoxification. Although several GSTs have been identified and characterized in various plant species, the knowledge about their role in developmental processes and response to various stimuli is still very limited. In this study, we report genome-wide identification, characterization and comprehensive expression analysis of members of GST gene family in crop plant rice, to reveal their function(s).', 'A systematic analysis revealed the presence of at least 79 GST genes in the rice genome. Phylogenetic analysis grouped GST proteins into seven classes. Sequence analysis together with the organization of putative motifs indicated the potential diverse functions of GST gene family members in rice. The tandem gene duplications have contributed a major role in expansion of this gene family. Microarray data analysis revealed tissue-/organ- and developmental stage-specific expression patterns of several rice GST genes. At least 31 GST genes showed response to plant hormones auxin and cytokinin. Furthermore, expression analysis showed the differential expression of quite a large number of GST genes during various abiotic stress (20), arsenate stress (32) and biotic stress (48) conditions. Many of the GST genes were commonly regulated by developmental processes, hormones, abiotic and biotic stresses.'] Does comprehensive expression analysis suggest overlapping and specific roles of rice glutathione S-transferase genes during development and stress responses? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5019423961639404,
-0.4023062288761139,
2.0162811279296875
] |
['Cerebral mitochondrial oxygen tension (P(mito)O(2)) is elevated during moderate exercise, while it is reduced when exercise becomes strenuous, reflecting an elevated cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen (CMRO(2)) combined with hyperventilation-induced attenuation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Heat stress challenges exercise capacity as expressed by increased rating of perceived exertion (RPE).', 'This study evaluated the effect of heat stress during exercise on P(mito)O(2) calculated based on a Kety-Schmidt-determined CBF and the arterial-to-jugular venous oxygen differences in eight males [27 +/- 6 years (mean +/- SD) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) 63 +/- 6 mL kg(-1) min(-1)].', 'The CBF, CMRO(2) and P(mito)O(2) remained stable during 1 h of moderate cycling (170 +/- 11 W, approximately 50% of VO(2max), RPE 9-12) in normothermia (core temperature of 37.8 +/- 0.4 degrees C). In contrast, when hyperthermia was provoked by dressing the subjects in watertight clothing during exercise (core temperature 39.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C), P(mito)O(2) declined by 4.8 +/- 3.8 mmHg (P < 0.05 compared to normothermia) because CMRO(2) increased by 8 +/- 7% at the same time as CBF was reduced by 15 +/- 13% (P < 0.05). During exercise with heat stress, RPE increased to 19 (19-20; P < 0.05); the RPE correlated inversely with P(mito)O(2) (r(2) = 0.42, P < 0.05).'] Is cerebral oxygenation reduced during hyperthermic exercise in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.379422903060913,
-1.4908978939056396,
1.8918262720108032
] |
['The present study investigated whether in vivo human quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle specific tension changed following strength training by systematically determining QF maximal force and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA).', 'Seventeen untrained men (20 +/- 2 years) performed high-intensity leg-extension training three times a week for 9 weeks. Maximum tendon force (F(t)) was calculated from maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque, corrected for agonist and antagonist muscle activation, and moment arm length (d(PT)) before and after training. QF PCSA was calculated as the sum of the four component muscle volumes, each divided by its fascicle length. Dividing F(t) by the sum of the component muscle PCSAs, each multiplied by the cosine of the respective fascicle pennation angle, provided QF specific tension.', 'MVC torque and QF activation increased by 31% (P < 0.01) and 3% (P < 0.05), respectively, but there was no change in antagonist co-activation or d(PT). Subsequently, F(t) increased by 27% (P < 0.01). QF volume increased by 6% but fascicle length did not change in any of the component muscles, leading to a 6% increase in QF PCSA (P < 0.05). Fascicle pennation angle increased by 5% (P < 0.01) but only in the vastus lateralis muscle. Consequently, QF specific tension increased by 20% (P < 0.01).'] Does resistance training increase in vivo quadriceps femoris muscle specific tension in young men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7142460942268372,
-1.5919532775878906,
1.364769697189331
] |
['To examine diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap(4)A) for its ability to protect the eye from neurodegeneration induced by subconjunctival application of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA).', 'Intraocular neurodegeneration of anterior structures was induced by subconjunctival injections of 6-OHDA. Animals were pre-treated with topical corneal applications of Ap(4)A or saline.', '6-OHDA caused miosis, abnormal pupillary light reflexes, a precipitous drop in intraocular pressure and loss of VMAT2-labelled (vesicle monoamine transporter-2, a marker for sympathetic neurones) intraocular neurones. Pre-treatment with Ap(4)A prevented all of these changes from being induced by 6-OHDA, demonstrably preserving the sympathetic innervation of the ciliary processes. This neuroprotective action of Ap(4)A was not shared with the related compounds adenosine, ATP or diadenosine pentaphosphate. P2-receptor antagonists showed that the effects of Ap(4)A were mediated via a P2-receptor.'] Does diadenosine tetraphosphate protect sympathetic terminals from 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration in the eye? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5009825229644775,
-1.2499312162399292,
2.7928853034973145
] |
['Experimental and observational studies have reported biological consequences of phthalate exposure relevant to neurodevelopment.', 'Our goal was to examine the association of prenatal phthalate exposure with behavior and executive functioning at 4-9 years of age.', "The Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Study enrolled a multiethnic prenatal population in New York City between 1998 and 2002 (n = 404). Third-trimester maternal urines were collected and analyzed for phthalate metabolites. Children (n = 188, n = 365 visits) were assessed for cognitive and behavioral development between the ages of 4 and 9 years.", 'In multivariate adjusted models, increased loge concentrations of low molecular weight (LMW) phthalate metabolites were associated with poorer scores on the aggression [beta = 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15- 2.34], conduct problems (beta = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.34-3.46), attention problems (beta = 1.29; 95% CI, 0.16- 2.41), and depression (beta = 1.18; 95% CI, 0.11-2.24) clinical scales; and externalizing problems (beta = 1.75; 95% CI, 0.61-2.88) and behavioral symptom index (beta = 1.55; 95% CI, 0.39-2.71) composite scales. Increased loge concentrations of LMW phthalates were also associated with poorer scores on the global executive composite index (beta = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.09-2.36) and the emotional control scale (beta = 1.33; 95% CI, 0.18- 2.49).'] Is prenatal phthalate exposure associated with childhood behavior and executive functioning? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.027865171432495,
-1.272461175918579,
2.325003147125244
] |
['Maintenance dialysis therapy is the only way to remove excess fluid in patients with anuric end-stage renal disease. The optimal ultrafiltration (UF) volume in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains controversial.', 'We retrospectively analysed a cohort of 86 prevalent anuric PD patients followed up for a median of 25.3 months (range, 6 to 54 months). Clinical and PD parameters were recorded yearly. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors of mortality and technique failure in patients with a UF >/=1 L/24 h or <1 L/24 h.', 'When compared to those with a UF <1 L/24 h, patients with a UF >/=1 L/24 h had significantly higher haemoglobin levels (101.9 +/- 20.5 vs 89.3 +/- 20.2 g/L, P < 0.05) and tended to be younger (55.0 +/- 12.5 vs 60.6 +/- 16.1 years, P = 0.10). Also, while Kt/V and CCr were stable over time, UF decreased significantly over the study period (baseline, 1205.5 +/- 327.3 ml/24 h vs after 3 years, 870.6 +/- 439.8 ml/24 h; P < 0.001). Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with baseline UF <1 L/24 h had significantly worse outcome (survival, 27.2 +/- 3.9 vs 42.4 +/- 1.9 months; P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, age, time-dependent UF volume and serum albumin were independent predictors of mortality, while UF independently predicted technique failure.'] Does daily peritoneal ultrafiltration predict patient and technique survival in anuric peritoneal dialysis patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5185824632644653,
-1.6450917720794678,
2.192528009414673
] |
['Extensive invasion of the maternal decidua by extravillous trophoblast is considered of critical importance for implantation and placentation in humans, the decidua being viewed as a passively invaded tissue. In this study, we examined whether decidual cells might contribute to the highly dynamic processes at the fetal-maternal interface by active movement.', 'Primary endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) or the telomerase-immortalized ESC line, St-T1b, was induced to decidualize or was left undifferentiated. The AC-1M88 cell line served as a model for extravillous trophoblast cells. Motility of ESCs and trophoblast cells was monitored in transwell invasion and migration assays under co-culture conditions. Secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was assessed by gelatin zymography.', 'AC-1M88 cell invasiveness was unaffected by the presence of ESCs, irrespective of their decidualization status. Surprisingly, decidualized ESCs were significantly more invasive than undifferentiated cells, and this invasive activity was strongly enhanced when cells were cultured in direct contact with AC-1M88 cells. Conditioned medium from AC-1M88 cells also stimulated migration and invasion of ESCs. Secretion of MMP-2 and -9 by ESCs was increased upon decidualization.'] Is invasiveness of human endometrial stromal cells promoted by decidualization and by trophoblast-derived signals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5934393405914307,
-1.1636536121368408,
2.853273391723633
] |
['Sublethal doses of whole brain irradiation (WBI) are commonly administered therapeutically and frequently result in late delayed radiation injuries, manifesting as severe and irreversible cognitive impairment. Neural progenitors within the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus are among the most radiosensitive cell types in the adult brain and are known to participate in hippocampal plasticity and normal cognitive function. These progenitors and the specialized SZG microenvironment required for neuronal differentiation are the source of neurogenic potential in the adult dentate gyrus, and provide a continuous supply of immature neurons which may then migrate into the adjacent granule cell layer to become mature granule cell neurons. The extreme radiosensitivity of these progenitors and the SGZ microenvironment suggests the hippocampus as a prime target for radiation-induced cognitive impairment. The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has previously been implicated as a potent modulator of neurogenesis within the SGZ and selective RAS inhibitors have been implicated as mitigators of radiation brain injury. Here we investigate the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, ramipril, as a mitigator of radiation injury in this context.', 'Adult male Fisher 344 rats received WBI at doses of 10 Gy and 15 Gy. Ramipril was administered beginning 24 hours post-WBI and maintained continuously for 12 weeks.', 'Ramipril produced small but significant reductions in the deleterious effects of radiation on progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the rat dentate gyrus following 10 Gy-WBI, but was not effective following 15 Gy-WBI. Ramipril also reduced the basal rate of neurogenesis within the SGZ in unirradiated control rats.'] Does ramipril mitigate radiation-induced impairment of neurogenesis in the rat dentate gyrus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.41587233543396,
-1.2210330963134766,
2.6946048736572266
] |
['To assess the feasibility of seeding adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) onto bladder acellular matrix grafts (BAMGs) for bladder reconstruction in a rabbit model.', 'Autologous ADSCs were isolated, expanded and identified by flow cytometry. In the experimental group, ADSCs were seeded onto BAMGS for reconstructing bladder defects in 12 male rabbits. Unseeded BAMGs were used for bladder reconstruction in the control group of 12 rabbits. Cystography was performed at 4, 12 and 24 weeks after grafts implantation. Following cystography, the animals were killed and grafts were harvested; H&E and immunohistochemical staining were performed with cytokeratin AE1/AE3, smooth muscle alpha-actin and S-100 markers.', 'Flow cytometry demonstrated that the ADSCs expressed CD90, CD44, CD105, CD166 and CD34, but not CD45 or CD106. The cells demonstrated good biocompatibility with BAMGs. At 24 weeks, in the experimental group, the reconstructed bladders reached a mean volume of 94.68 +/- 3.31% of the pre-cystectomy bladder capacity. Complete regeneration of smooth muscle and nerve tissue was evident. Regenerated SMCs, urothelium and nerve cells stained positively for alpha-smooth muscle actin, AE1/AE3 and S-100. In the control group, the mean bladder volume was 69.33 +/- 5.05% of the pre-cystectomy volume; histologically, the control group was characterized by multi-layered urothelium without evidence for organized muscle or nerve tissue.'] Do bladder reconstruction with adipose-derived stem cell-seeded bladder acellular matrix grafts improve morphology composition? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2113726139068604,
-1.4970948696136475,
2.7273473739624023
] |
['Although picrotoxin is a well-established antagonist of GABA(A) receptors, detailed studies of its action on inhibitory synaptic transmission have not previously been made.', 'Electrophysiological techniques were used to study the action of picrotoxin on inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) evoked in hippocampal neurones, in culture and slice preparations prepared from Wistar rat embryos and juveniles, respectively.', 'Picrotoxin gradually reduced the amplitude of GABA(A) receptor-mediated eIPSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. This was accompanied by a marked acceleration of the eIPSC decay kinetics, which, in contrast to the effect on amplitude, developed immediately and was completely reversed on washing. The decaying phase of the IPSC could be resolved into two components; 30 microM picrotoxin reduced tau(fast) by 34% and increased its relative amplitude, while tau(slow) was reduced by 38%, and its relative amplitude decreased. The area under the decaying phase of the normalized eIPSC showed an immediate reduction by 36% in 30 microM picrotoxin. With increasing concentrations of picrotoxin, this normalized area converged towards 55% of the control, indicating that the rate of relaxation and block has a finite maximum. This implies that picrotoxin does not act by a pore-occluding mechanism (open-channel blocking), and suggests allosteric stabilization of desensitized receptor states as a more likely alternative. This was corroborated by modelling, based on two established microscopic GABA(A) receptor transition schemes.'] Does kinetic analysis of evoked IPSCs disclose mechanism of antagonism of synaptic GABAA receptors by picrotoxin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4374959468841553,
-1.286624550819397,
2.7463884353637695
] |
['To examine the effects of consuming diets rich in Maillard reaction products (MRPs) on phosphorus bioavailability in male adolescents.', 'A 2-wk randomized two-period crossover trial was performed among healthy male adolescents aged 11-14 y (n = 20), with a 40-d washout period. The diets consumed were rich (brown diet) or poor (white diet) in MRPs. Three-day balances were performed on the last of each dietary period, and fasting blood samples were obtained. Dietary phosphorus utilization was examined by phosphorus intake in diet and phosphorus output in feces and urine, as measured colorimetrically by the vanadomolibdate procedure. Serum phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and total alkaline phosphatase were determined.', 'A tendency to increase daily phosphorus fecal excretion was observed subsequent to the brown diet consumption compared with the white diet (P = 0.10), which led to significant reductions in phosphorus apparent absorption (P = 0.03) and fractional absorption (P = 0.04). Values of apparent phosphorus retention and bioavailability tended to decrease after the high-MRP diet. Serum parameters analyzed remained unchanged between diets and were within normal values.'] Does increased Maillard reaction products intake reduce phosphorus digestibility in male adolescents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2425310611724854,
-1.0138709545135498,
2.3361339569091797
] |
['Glutamine is an important substrate for critical cells of the immune system, in particular lymphocytes and macrophages, and it is considered a conditionally essential amino acid. Several studies have indicated that glutamine-enriched total parenteral nutrition improves immunologic status and shortens length of stay of critically ill patients. We investigated the effect of total parenteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine on the immune system in anorectic patients.', 'Thirty-six anorectic patients were randomized to receive standard parenteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition supplemented with glutamine 0.18 g kg(-1) d(-1) for 20 d. To evaluate the immune system status, we determined serum levels of neopterin and insulin growth factor-1 and lymphocyte count at baseline and after 10 and 20 d from the beginning of the therapy.'] Does glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition improve immunological status in anorectic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3277480602264404,
-1.1527985334396362,
2.561703681945801
] |
['To assess the serum levels of interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) in elderly depressed patients in comparison with nondepressed healthy elderly subjects.', 'Cross-sectional study.', 'Tertiary memory clinic.', 'Twenty-three antidepressant-free elderly depressed patients and 44 nondepressed healthy elderly comparison group were enrolled to this study.', 'Serum IL-1beta levels were determined with highly sensitive colorimetric sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Severity of the depressive episode was determined by scores on the Hamilton Depression Scale-21 item and cognitive performance by the scores on the Cambridge Cognition Examination, Mini Mental State Examination clock drawing test, and verbal fluency.', 'IL-1beta serum levels were increased in elderly patients versus nondepressed elderly (t = 2.21, df = 65, p = 0.04). After categorizing elderly depressed subjects into late onset (LOD) versus early onset (EOD), patients with EOD had the highest IL-1beta levels, when compared with nondepressed elderly patients and patients with LOD in analysis of variance (F = 4.9, df = 2, 64, p <0.01).'] Is interleukin-1beta serum levels increased in antidepressant-free elderly depressed patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9214904308319092,
-1.419600486755371,
2.352954387664795
] |
['Despite being impervious to surveillance by the adaptive immune system because of its lack of vascularity, infection of the nasal and auricular cartilage after surgery such as rhinoplasty or otoplasty is rare. Why is this so? Our goal was to determine whether the expression of antimicrobial peptides provides a previously unrecognized nonepithelial layer of innate immune defense within the nasal and auricular cartilage.', 'Seven samples of nasal septum cartilage and 2 biopsies from auricular cartilage grafts were harvested during rhinoplasty and otoplasty procedures. Ten cadaveric samples of auricular and 9 samples of nasal cartilage were also obtained. Immunohistochemical staining was directed against the human beta-defensin antimicrobial peptides (hBD) 1, 2, and 3. A semiquantitative analysis was performed to measure immunoreactivity.', 'All 3 human beta-defensins were detected along the perichondral line and within the cartilage matrix in the nasal and auricular samples. Areas with positive immunohistochemical staining were also detected within chondrocyte cytoplasm.'] Does antimicrobial Peptide immunity protect human nasal and auricular cartilage against infection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4763925075531006,
-1.1301171779632568,
2.710146903991699
] |
['To determine the relationship between incident depression symptoms and suboptimal adherence to HIV highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).', 'Participants in a cohort study of persons with HIV on HAART with at least 4 consecutive semiannual study visits were included (n = 225). Incident depression was defined as having 2 visits with a negative depression screening test followed by 2 visits with a positive test. Comparison group participants had 4 consecutive visits with a negative depression screening test. Suboptimal adherence was defined as missing >5% of HAART doses in the past 7 days. We compared suboptimal adherence rates in those with and without incident depression symptoms and estimated the relative risk and 95% confidence intervals of suboptimal adherence at visit 4 in those adherent at baseline (n = 177), controlling for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables.', 'Twenty-two percent developed depression symptoms. Those developing depression symptoms had higher rates of suboptimal adherence at follow-up (45.1% vs. 25.9%, P < 0.01). Among those with optimal baseline adherence, those with incident depression were nearly 2 times more likely to develop suboptimal adherence (Adjusted relative risk =1.8, 95% confidence interval =1.1 to 3.0) at follow-up.'] Are incident depression symptoms associated with poorer HAART adherence : a longitudinal analysis from the Nutrition for Healthy Living study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7970482110977173,
-0.5843394994735718,
1.5467255115509033
] |
['To determine the influence of sex on cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients.', "This multicenter prospective cohort study involved 1423 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus who were recruited during consultations with 31 primary care physicians. The patients' characteristics were recorded and they were followed up for 45 + or - 10 months.", 'The mean age of the patients (50% female) was 66 years, 64% had hypertension, 70% had dyslipidemia, and 26% had had a previous cardiovascular event. Cardiovascular disease, predominantly ischemic heart disease, was observed more frequently in men and a higher percentage had end-organ damage (57.7% of males versus 45.4% of females; P< .0001). Women had poorer glycemic control, higher total cholesterol levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. By the end of follow-up, 81 patients had died (5.7% of males versus 6.7% of females; P=.513). There were no sex differences in cardiovascular complications during follow up (15.8% in males versus 13.7% in females; P=.368). Multivariate analysis identified the following factors as independent predictors of morbidity or mortality: age (hazard ratio [HR]=1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.06), existing cardiovascular disease (HR=1.96; 95% CI, 1.38-2.79), diuretic treatment (HR=1.62; 95% CI, 1.10-2.38), and albuminuria (HR=1.86; 95% CI, 1.33-2.61).'] Does sex influence prognosis in diabetic patients . The Barbanza Diabetes study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9434255361557007,
-1.246665358543396,
2.2765896320343018
] |
['The aim of this report was to experimen-tally demonstrate the biological actions of acupuncture in an animal model of immune-mediated inflammation associated with a deposition of collagen.', 'Male Wistar rats were sensitized by a subcu-taneous implant of heat-solidified hen egg-white and divided into 4 groups: acupuncture, sham acupuncture, immobilized, and control. Acupuncture was initiated the day after sensitization and repeated twice a week for 3 weeks. The dorsal acupoints chosen were GV-14 and BL-13, the ventral acupuncture points were LU-1, CV-17, ST-36 and SP-6. The dorsal points were stimulated manually and the ventral ones by electroacupuncture. On day 14, animals were challenged through the tail vein with Sepharose(R)beads coupled with ovalbumin. One week later, animals were bled, plasma corticoster-one concentrations were measured and the lungs were removed for histological evaluation.', 'Measurement of the areas of pulmonary lesion on hematoxylin-eosin stained slides showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the inflammatory infiltrate in the acupuncture group, compared to the other 3 groups. Utilization of Litt and Picrosirius staining methods, in order to better visualize the infiltrate of eosinophils and the deposition of collagen, respectively, showed that both were much less intense in the acupuncture group. Corticosterone plasma levels were similar in all groups.'] Does acupuncture reduce immune-mediated pulmonary inflammatory lesions induced in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4324281215667725,
-1.3268414735794067,
2.8277552127838135
] |
['Aberrant endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with several cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. The mechanism by which aberrant ER stress develops is poorly understood. This study investigated whether dysfunction of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) causes aberrant ER stress and atherosclerosis in vivo.', 'Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPK-deficient mice were used to assess the level of ER stress with Western blotting. Reduction of AMPKalpha2 expression significantly increased the level of ER stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPKalpha2 knockout (AMPKalpha2(-/-)) mice had higher expression of markers of ER stress and increased levels of intracellular Ca2+. These phenotypes were abolished by adenovirally overexpressing constitutively active AMPK mutants (Ad-AMPK-CA) or by transfecting sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA). Inhibition of SERCA induced ER stress in endothelial cells. Furthermore, reduction of AMPKalpha expression suppressed SERCA activity. In addition, SERCA activity was significantly reduced concomitantly with increased oxidation of SERCA in mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPKalpha2(-/-) mice. Both of these phenotypes were abolished by adenovirally overexpressing Ad-AMPK-CA. Furthermore, Tempol, which restored SERCA activity and decreased oxidized SERCA levels, markedly reduced the level of ER stress in mouse aortic endothelial cells from AMPKalpha2(-/-) mice. Finally, oral administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, a chemical chaperone that inhibits ER stress, significantly reduced both ER stress and aortic lesion development in low-density lipoprotein receptor- and AMPKalpha2-deficient mice.'] Does reduction of AMP-activated protein kinase alpha2 increase endoplasmic reticulum stress and atherosclerosis in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4684760570526123,
-1.277688980102539,
2.793870687484741
] |
['CYP2C9 enzymes are important in the metabolism of procarcinogenic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in tobacco smoke. Two functional variants in the CYP2C9 gene (CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3) are known to be associated with decreased enzyme activity towards tolbutamide and warfarin, while this has not been investigated for PAHs. We hypothesised that these two variants in the CYP2C9 gene influence risk of tobacco-related cancer.', 'In a prospective study of the general population (n=10 392) with 60 years of follow-up, the Copenhagen City Heart Study, we associated two variants of CYP2C9 (CYP2C9*2 and CYP2C9*3) with risk of tobacco-related cancer and all cancer. All results were re-tested in a cross-sectional study of the general population (n=36 856), the Copenhagen General Population Study.', 'We found no association between any of the CYP2C9 genotypes and risk of tobacco-related cancer, individual tobacco-related cancers, or all cancer. For the combined carriers (any CYP2C9*2 or CYP2C9*3 heterozygotes or homozygotes) vs. non-carriers we had 90% statistical power to exclude measures of relative risks below/above 0.8/1.2 and 0.9/1.1 in the Copenhagen City Heart Study and below/above 0.8/1.3 and 0.9/1.1 in the Copenhagen General Population Study for tobacco-related cancer and all cancer, respectively.'] Does cYP2C9 genotype affect risk of tobacco-related cancer in the general population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9041644334793091,
-1.371919870376587,
1.281733512878418
] |
['Intra-arterial Injection (IAI) of illicit substances by drug abusers may result in acute ischemia, limb loss or permanent functional deficit. No prospective human studies have shown that any specific treatment is superior to another. Thoracoscopic sympathectomy (TS) has proven efficacy in upper limb ischemia due to organic blockade. This is a pilot study to evaluate the effect of thoracoscopic sympathectomy addition to the management protocol of recreational intra-arterial drug injection.', "A total of 11 victims of upper limb IAI of recreational drug were recruited (10 males) with age range from 18 to 43 years old (average 30+/-8.3 years). Tissue Ischemia Score (TIS) was used for pretreatment assessment of the degree of ischemic injury and severity of pain was evaluated pre- and post-operatively using visual analog score (VAS) and compared using Student's t test. Pre-operative VAS score was 6.9+/-1.8. All enrolled patients were treated according to the following protocol; anticoagulation, calcium channel blocker, opiates for pain, and TS. Patients received the stated protocol for minimum of 72h (range 3-8 days; mean 5; average 4.7+/-1.5 days). Freedom of amputation and improvement of pain scores were the study endpoints.", 'No mortality, yet one case had bleeding secondary to anticoagulant and one case of post-operative pneumothorax that required chest tube drainage for 24h. No patients had wet gangrene or spreading infection. Freedom of amputation was achieved in nine patients, 81% (7 patients had normal outcome and other two had permanent neurological deficit). Two patients (18%) had tissue necrosis with dry gangrene and mummification of the affected digits with eventual amputation. Postoperative VAS pain score was 2.09+/-1.37 (p<0.05). Pain medications were suspended in 6 patients (54.5%), reduced in 4 (36%) and unchanged in 1 (9%). All patients with TIS score 2 or less had a normal outcome while those with scores 3 and 4 had a variable outcome. Using regression analysis, initial TIS was significant for outcome prediction (p=0.043) while age, arterial site, drug injected and time delay were not significant.'] Is thoracoscopic sympathectomy a valuable addition in the management of recreational intra-arterial drug injection . Pilot study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7959132194519043,
-1.5837749242782593,
2.3909754753112793
] |
['The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system for gastric cancer incorporates the absolute number of metastatic lymph nodes (N status) and is optimally used when >or=15 nodes are examined. The ratio of metastatic to examined nodes (N ratio) is an effective prognostic tool, but has not been examined in Western patients undergoing primarily D1 lymphadenectomy.', 'Two hundred and fifty seven patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent gastric resection between 1995 and 2005 at our institution were examined. Novel N ratio intervals were determined using the best cutoff approach (Nr0: N ratio = 0 and >or=15 nodes examined; Nr1: 0 <or= N ratio <or= 0.3; Nr2: 0.3 < N ratio <or= 0.7; and Nr3: N ratio > 0.7). Overall survival was examined according to N status and N ratio.', '83% of patients underwent D1 lymphadenectomy with a median of 14 lymph nodes examined. Overall survival stratified by N status was significantly different in patients with <15 nodes examined compared with those with >or=15 nodes examined. When we stratified by N ratio intervals, there was no significant difference in overall survival in patients with <15 versus >or= 15 nodes examined. On multivariate analysis, N ratio but not N status was retained as an independent prognostic factor.'] Does new metastatic lymph node ratio system reduce stage migration in patients undergoing D1 lymphadenectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3834357261657715,
-1.5758497714996338,
2.0403177738189697
] |
['We recently introduced a technique of sutureless, mesh-based pneumostasis for preventing alveolar air leaks after lung resection. To verify the clinical usefulness of this technique, we examined if it can contribute to preserving gas exchange capacity and promoting postoperative rehabilitation.', 'We prospectively collected perioperative data, including arterial oxygen saturation on postoperative day (POD) 1 and the length of postoperative rehabilitation in 100 patients undergoing elective, video-assisted major lung resection for cancer. Before April, 2006, intraoperative air leaks were sealed with the conventional method (control group), and thereafter, with bioabsorbable mesh and glue, without suturing, (treated group). To reduce the bias in comparison of the nonrandomized control group, we paired the treated group with the control group using the nearest available matching method on the estimated propensity score.', 'Thirty-five patients in the control group were matched to 35 patients in the treated group based on the estimated propensity score. The length of both chest tube drainage and postoperative rehabilitation were significantly shorter in the treated group than in the control group (median, 1 versus 1 d, P = 0.03; 2 versus 3 d, P = 0.01, respectively). The arterial oxygen saturation on POD 1 was significantly higher in the treated group than in the control group (median, 94.0 versus 92.5 %, P = 0.03).'] Does mesh-based pneumostasis contribute to preserving gas exchange capacity and promoting rehabilitation after lung resection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6342426538467407,
-1.490726351737976,
2.1409692764282227
] |
['Bone resorption preceding bone formation has been reported following the administration of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) delivered in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) in metaphyseal bone. This study characterizes treatment with rhBMP-2/ACS in metaphyseal bone with use of a nonhuman primate core-defect model.', 'Unilateral proximal femoral core defects were treated with 360 microg of rhBMP-2/ACS or ACS alone or were left untreated in seven, five, and five adult male cynomolgus monkeys, respectively. Distal femoral core defects in seven of the above animals were treated with 360 microg of rhBMP-2/ACS in one limb and ACS alone in the contralateral limb. Retention of rhBMP-2 in the proximal part of the femora was determined with use of tracer amounts of (125)I-rhBMP-2 imaged with a gamma camera. The distal part of the femora was evaluated with in vivo computed tomography. Computed tomography and histological evaluation were performed on harvested segments in all animals at twenty-four weeks. The histological response in the proximal and distal parts of the femora containing core defects treated with 360 microg of rhBMP-2/ACS in one limb and ACS alone in the contralateral limb was evaluated at one, two, and four weeks in three animals per time point.', 'Approximately 39.9%, 24.2%, 3.4%, and 0.5% of the rhBMP-2 was retained in the proximal part of the femora at one, seven, fourteen, and twenty-one days, respectively. The mineral density and trabecular volume fraction of the core defects treated with rhBMP-2/ACS, those treated with ACS alone, and untreated core defects in the proximal part of the femora were 81%, 54%, and 20%, respectively, and 94%, 36%, and 31%, respectively, of the corresponding region in the contralateral limbs at twenty-four weeks. The mineral density and trabecular volume fraction of the region surrounding the core defects treated with rhBMP-2/ACS, those treated with ACS alone, and untreated core defects were 112%, 105%, and 104%, respectively, and 117%, 108%, and 107%, respectively, of the corresponding region in the contralateral limbs. Treatment with rhBMP-2/ACS increased the size of the proximal and distal core defects compared with treatment with ACS alone. Histological evaluation of the rhBMP-2/ACS-treated limbs demonstrated that bone resorption was initiated at one week in association with osteoclasts and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand-positive stained spindle-shaped cells and peaked at two weeks. Bone formation was observed at two weeks and was ongoing at twenty-four weeks.'] Does rhBMP-2 induce transient bone resorption followed by bone formation in a nonhuman primate core-defect model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7357393503189087,
-1.6661635637283325,
2.366361618041992
] |
['To our knowledge, no study to date has compared the use of spinal and general anesthesia in patients undergoing operative fixation of an unstable ankle fracture. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of anesthesia type on postoperative pain and function in a large cohort of patients.', 'Between October 2000 and November 2006, 501 patients who underwent surgical fixation of an unstable ankle fracture were followed prospectively. Patients receiving spinal anesthesia were compared with a cohort who received general anesthesia. All patients were evaluated at three, six, and twelve months postoperatively with use of standardized, validated general and limb-specific outcome instruments. Standard and multivariable analyses comparing outcomes at these intervals were performed.', 'Four hundred and sixty-six patients (93%) who had been followed for a minimum of one year met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the general anesthesia group, the spinal anesthesia group had a greater mean age (p = 0.005), higher classification on the American Society of Anesthesiologists system (p = 0.03), and a greater number of patients with diabetes (p = 0.02). There was no difference in sex distribution between the groups. At three months, patients who received spinal anesthesia had significantly better pain scores (p = 0.03) and total scores on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society outcome instrument (p = 0.02). At six months, patients in the spinal anesthesia group continued to have better pain scores (p = 0.04), but there was no longer a difference in total scores (p = 0.06). At twelve months, no difference was detected between the groups in terms of functional or pain scores. There was no difference in complication rates between the groups.'] Does spinal anesthesia mediate improved early function and pain relief following surgical repair of ankle fractures? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.16171619296073914,
-1.3127374649047852,
0.21204054355621338
] |
['Ginseng has been used for a long time and is well tolerated in humans. However, recent studies have shown that ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Re exert embryotoxicity in in vitro culture systems. We investigated the effects of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) on embryonic implantation and fetal development in mice.', 'Mice were orally administered KRGE (20, 200, or 2,000 mg/kg/day) from 2 weeks before mating to gestational day (GD) 18, and implantation rate, fetal mortality, body weights, as well as external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities were determined by Caesarean section on GD18. Ginsenosides in KRGE and in the blood of dams were identified and quantified by HPLC analysis.', 'KRGE did not affect embryonic implantation and mortality as well as fetal body weights up to 2,000 mg/kg/day (approximately 200 times clinical doses), the upper-limit dose recommended by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Although the prevalence of supernumerary ribs increased at the medium dose (200 mg/kg/day), no dose-dependent increases in external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities were observed. Major ginsenosides such as Rb1, Rg1, and Re were not detected in the blood of dams based on their chromatographic profiles.'] Does korean red ginseng extract cause embryo-fetal death or abnormalities in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1372716426849365,
-1.2480926513671875,
2.463557720184326
] |
['We have previously shown that the p38 gene is highly expressed in odontoblasts during active primary dentinogenesis, but is drastically down-regulated as cells become quiescent in secondary dentinogenesis. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that p38 expression might be upregulated, and the protein activated by phosphorylation, when odontoblasts are stimulated such as during tertiary reactionary dentinogenesis.', 'We stimulated immortalized, odontoblast-like MDPC-23 cells, alone or in combination, with heat-inactivated Streptococcus mutans, EDTA-extracted dentine matrix proteins (DMPs), or growth factors, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adrenomedullin (ADM). We used ELISA to measure the resulting phosphorylation of the p38 protein, as well as its degree of nuclear translocation.', 'Our results suggest that the p38-MAPKinase pathway is activated during odontoblast stimulation in tertiary dentinogenesis by both p38 phosphorylation and enhanced nuclear translocation.'] Is the MAP kinase pathway involved in odontoblast stimulation via p38 phosphorylation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4464375972747803,
-1.081059455871582,
2.607593297958374
] |
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