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['To evaluate the influence of an oral appliance on morning headache and orofacial pain in subjects without reported sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).', 'Twelve subjects aged 27.6 ± 2.1 (mean ± SE) years and suffering from frequent morning headache participated in this study. Each subject was individually fitted with a mandibular advancement appliance (MAA). The first two sleep laboratory polygraphic recording (SLPR) nights were for habituation (N1) and baseline (N2). Subjects then slept five nights without the MAA (period 1: P1), followed by eight nights with the MAA in neutral position (P2), ending with SLPR night 3 (N3). Subjects then slept five nights without the MAA (P3), followed by eight nights with the MAA in 50% advanced position (P4), ending with SLPR night 4 (N4). Finally, subjects slept 5 nights without the MAA (P5). Morning headache and orofacial pain intensity were assessed each morning with a 100-mm visual analog scale. Repeated measures ANOVAs and Friedman tests were used to evaluate treatment effects.', 'Compared to the baseline period (P1), the use of an MAA in both neutral and advanced position was associated with a ⋝ 70% reduction in morning headache and ⋝ 42% reduction in orofacial pain intensity (P ⋜ .001). During the washout periods (P3 and P5), morning headache and orofacial pain intensity returned to close to baseline levels. Compared to N2, both MAA positions significantly reduced (P < .05) rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA).'] Does a mandibular advancement appliance reduce pain and rhythmic masticatory muscle activity in patients with morning headache? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.49344003200531,
-1.457306146621704,
1.9759635925292969
] |
['Renal oncocytomas are assigned as benign tumours, and their detailed molecular mechanism is poorly characterised. Activation of the PKB/Akt pathway is assumed to contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of malignant disease. For oncocytomas, hardly any data are available for Akt signalling parameters. Aim of the present work was to determine the alterations of Akt parameters PTEN, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) and p27(Kip1) in oncocytoma to better understand the dedifferentiation of renal tumours.', 'By tissue microarray analysis 15 oncocytoma, 18 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and the corresponding benign tissue were investigated. Significant expression differences between PTEN, p-Akt and p27(Kip1) were determined by immunohistochemistry using One-way ANOVA with all pairs Tukey-Kramer as post hoc analyses. To investigate Akt parameter interactions in the oncocytoma, linear regression analyses were performed.', 'Expression of all proteins was significantly different between the groups and in all groups the lowest for oncocytoma: PTEN: 32.9\xa0±\xa013.0 versus 75.5\xa0±\xa08.0 versus 123.7\xa0±\xa08.8; p\xa0<\xa00.001 for oncocytoma, benign parenchyma and ccRCC and 2.7\xa0±\xa01.2 versus 40.8\xa0±\xa09.5 versus 143.6\xa0±\xa012.2; p\xa0<\xa00.001 for p27(Kip1). p-Akt expression was significantly different between oncocytoma and ccRCC (67.3\xa0±\xa015.7 vs. 144.0\xa0±\xa026.6; p\xa0<\xa00.05).'] Are akt signalling parameters different in oncocytomas compared to renal cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5200066566467285,
-1.7236227989196777,
2.1674065589904785
] |
["The aim of the study was to demonstrate that COM-ON-p, concise and individualized communication skills training (CST), improves oncologists' communication skills in consultations focusing on the transition to palliative care.", 'Forty-one physicians were randomly assigned to a control (CG) or intervention group (IG). At t(0), all physicians held two video-recorded consultations with actor-patient pairs. Afterward, physicians in the IG participated in COM-ON-p. Five weeks after t(0), a second assessment took place (t(1)). COM-ON-p consists of an 11-hour workshop (1.5 days), pre- and postassessment (2 hours), and coaching (0.5 hours). Physicians focused on practicing individual learning goals with actor patients in small groups. To evaluate the training, blinded raters assessed communication behavior of the physicians in video-recorded actor-patient consultations using a specific checklist. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with baseline levels as covariates.', 'Participants in the IG improved significantly more than those in the CG in all three sections of the COM-ON-Checklist: skills specific to the transition to palliative care, global communication skills, and involvement of significant others (all P < .01). Differences between the CG and IG on the global items of communication skills and involvement of significant others were also significant (P < .01). Effect sizes were medium to large, with a 0.5-point improvement on average on a five-point rating scale.'] Does specific training program improve oncologists ' palliative care communication skills in a randomized controlled trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5093584060668945,
-1.2262487411499023,
1.7399481534957886
] |
['MicroRNA-101 (miR-101) expression is negatively associated with tumor growth and proliferation in several solid epithelial cancers. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EzH2) appears to be a functional target of miR-101. We explore the role of miR-101 and its interaction with EzH2 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC).', 'In situ hybridization (ISH) for miR-101 was performed on EOC patient tissues and normal controls. EOC cell lines were transfected with miR-101 and subjected to growth analysis and clonogenic assays. Cell motility was assessed by Boyden chamber and wound-healing assays. P21(waf1/cip1) and EzH2 interaction was assessed by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay in MDAH-2774 cells. SCID mice were assessed for tumor burden after injection with miR-101 or control vector-treated MDAH-2774 cells.', 'ISH analysis revealed a decrease in miR-101 expression in EOC compared with normal tissue. MiR-101 re-expression in EOC cell lines resulted in increased apoptosis, decreased cellular proliferation, invasiveness, and reduced growth of tumor xenografts. CHIP assays revealed that re-expression of miR-101 inhibited the interaction of EzH2 with p21(waf1/cip1) promoter.'] Does microRNA-101 inhibit growth of epithelial ovarian cancer by relieving chromatin-mediated transcriptional repression of p21 ( waf¹/cip¹ )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2912187576293945,
-1.262932300567627,
2.587738275527954
] |
['Nucleolus is the most prominent mammalian organelle within the nucleus which is also the site for ribosomal biogenesis. There have been many reports indicating the involvement of nucleolus in the process of aging. Several proteins related to aging have been shown to localize in the nucleolus, which suggests the role of this organelle in senescence.', 'In this study, we used quantitative mass spectrometry to map the flux of proteins into and out of the nucleolus during the induction of senescence in cultured mammalian cells. Changes in the abundance of 344 nucleolar proteins in sodium butyrate-induced senescence in NIH3T3 cells were studied by SILAC (stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture)-based mass spectrometry. Biochemically, we have validated the proteomic results and confirmed that B23 (nucleophosmin) protein was down-regulated, while poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and nuclear DNA helicase II (NDH II/DHX9/RHA) were up-regulated in the nucleolus upon treatment with sodium butyrate. Accumulation of chromatin in the nucleolus was also observed, by both proteomics and microscopy, in sodium butyrate-treated cells. Similar observations were found in other models of senescence, namely, in mitoxantrone- (MTX) treated cells and primary fibroblasts from the Lamin A knockout mice.'] Does quantitative nucleolar proteomics reveal nuclear re-organization during stress- induced senescence in mouse fibroblast? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4805238246917725,
-1.104624629020691,
2.6961894035339355
] |
['The tetracycline-controlled transactivator system is a powerful tool to control gene expression in vitro and to generate consistent and conditional transgenic in vivo model organisms. It has been widely used to study gene function and to explore pathological mechanisms involved in human diseases. The system permits the regulation of the expression of a target gene, both temporally and quantitatively, by the application of tetracycline or its derivative, doxycycline. In addition, it offers the possibility to restrict gene expression in a spatial fashion by utilizing tissue-specific promoters to drive the transactivator.', 'In this study, we report our problems using a reverse tetracycline-regulated transactivator (rtTA) in a transgenic mouse model system for the bone-specific expression of the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome mutation. Even though prior studies have been successful utilizing the same rtTA, expression analysis of the transactivator revealed insufficient activity for regulating the transgene expression in our system. The absence of transactivator could not be ascribed to differences in genetic background because mice in a mixed genetic background and in congenic mouse lines showed similar results.'] Does a previously functional tetracycline-regulated transactivator fail to target gene expression to the bone? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6792104244232178,
-0.8025269508361816,
2.568112850189209
] |
['We investigated whether treatment with gliadin induces a paracellular permeability defect that enhances bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) via resident dendritic cells (DC) expressing TLR-2 or 4 in HCD4/HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice.', 'HLA-DQ8 transgenic mice were sensitized and subsequently gavaged with gliadin, in the presence or absence of AT1001 (paracellular permeability inhibitor). Non-sensitized mice were gavaged with indomethacin (permeability inducer) or rice cereal. CD11c and CD103 (DC markers) and TLR-2 and 4 were investigated by immunostaining. Intestinal permeability was assessed by paracellular flux of (51)Cr-EDTA in Ussing chambers. Bacterial translocation to MLN was performed by plate counting on aerobic and anaerobic conditions.', 'In gliadin-treated mice, both (51)Cr-EDTA flux in jejunal mucosa and aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts in MLN were increased (p < 0.05) compared to indomethacin-treated mice and controls. The inhibitor AT1001 normalized (51)Cr-EDTA flux, but had no effect on bacterial translocation in gliadin-treated mice. In addition, changes in mucosal DC marker distribution such as increased (p < 0.05) trans-epithelial CD103(+) cells and reduction (p < 0.05) of CD11c immunostaining were detected in gliadin-treated mice. Moreover, changes in DC markers and TLR-2 or 4 immunophenotypes were not associated.'] Is increased bacterial translocation in gluten-sensitive mice independent of small intestinal paracellular permeability defect? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2452776432037354,
-1.4265791177749634,
2.6760010719299316
] |
['To examine functional balance and mobility in adolescents with cerebral palsy classified at Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I following an intensive short-duration virtual reality (VR) intervention.', 'Single-subject, multiple-baseline design with 4 adolescents. Outcomes included the Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CB&M), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Down Stairs, and the Gross Motor Function Measure Dimension E. Assessments were recorded 3 to 6 times at baseline, 5 times during intervention, and 4 times at follow-up. Daily 90-minute VR intervention was completed for 5 consecutive days. Visual, statistical, and clinical significance analyses were used.', 'Statistically significant improvements were shown in all adolescents on CB&M and 6MWT. True change was recorded in all for the CB&M and in 3 for the 6MWT.'] Does an intensive virtual reality program improve functional balance and mobility of adolescents with cerebral palsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2160332202911377,
-0.39198657870292664,
1.6891778707504272
] |
['High-mobility group protein B1 (Hmgb1) is released from necrotic cells and induces an inflammatory response. Although Hmgb1 has been implicated in ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury of the brain, its role in IR injury of the retina remains unclear. Here, the authors provide evidence that Hmgb1 contributes to retinal damage after IR.', 'Retinal IR injury was induced by unilateral elevation of intraocular pressure and the level of Hmgb1 in vitreous humor was analyzed 24 hours after reperfusion. To test the functional significance of Hmgb1 release, ischemic or normal retinas were treated with the neutralizing anti-Hmgb1 antibody or recombinant Hmgb1 protein respectively. To elucidate in which cell type Hmgb1 exerts its effect, primary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) cultures and glia RGC cocultures were treated with Hmgb1. To clarify the downstream signaling pathways involved in Hmgb1-induced effects in the ischemic retina, receptor for advanced glycation end products (Rage)-deficient mice (RageKO) were used.', 'Hmgb1 is accumulated in the vitreous humor 24 hours after IR. Inhibition of Hmgb1 activity with neutralizing antibody significantly decreased retinal damage after IR, whereas treatment of retinas or retinal cells with Hmgb1 induced a loss of RGCs. The analysis of RageKO versus wild-type mice showed significantly reduced expression of proinflammatory genes 24 hours after reperfusion and significantly increased survival of ganglion cell layer neurons 7 days after IR injury.'] Does the high-mobility group box-1 nuclear factor mediate retinal injury after ischemia reperfusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3752996921539307,
-1.2957053184509277,
2.6985042095184326
] |
['Substantive plasma proteomic changes follow lentiviral infection and disease pathobiology. We posit that such protein alterations are modified during drug abuse, further serving to affect the disease. To this end, we investigated the effect of opiate administration on the plasma proteome of Indian-strain rhesus monkeys infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain smm9.', 'Whole blood was collected at 7 weeks prior to and 1.4 and 49 weeks after viral infection. Viral load, CD4(+) T cell subsets, and plasma protein content were measured from monkeys that did or did not receive continuous opiate administrations. The plasma proteome was identified and quantified by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation labeling (iTRAQ) and mass spectrometry.', 'While substantive changes in plasma proteins were seen during SIV infection, the addition of opiates led to suppression of these changes as well as increased variance of the proteome. These changes demonstrate that opiates induce broad but variant immune suppression in SIV-infected monkeys.'] Does changes in the plasma proteome follow chronic opiate administration in simian immunodeficiency virus infected rhesus macaques? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.592705011367798,
-1.0444676876068115,
2.750852108001709
] |
['C-reactive protein (CRP) is purported to be a risk factor that acts independently of LDL cholesterol in predicting all-cause mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease. Lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) impairs endothelial function and exacerbates myocardial injury. We recently demonstrated that CRP increased vascular permeability through direct binding to LOX-1. Here we examined, using a hypertensive rat model, whether LOX-1 is involved in CRP-induced complement activation.', 'In the cultured LOX-1-expressing cell line hLOX-1-CHO, CRP increased complement activation, but did not do so in native CHO cells. Depleting C1q from serum abolished CRP-induced complement activation. Incubation of CRP with serum on immobilized recombinant LOX-1 similarly showed that CRP activated C1q-requiring classical complement pathway in a LOX-1-dependent manner. Interestingly, the interaction between CRP and LOX-1 was dependent on Ca²⁺ ion and competed with phosphocholine, suggesting that LOX-1 bound to the B-face of CRP with a phosphocholine-binding domain. This was in contrast to Fcγ receptors, to which CRP bound in A-face with complement-binding domain. In vivo, intradermal injection of CRP to hypertensive SHRSP rats induced complement activation detected by C3d deposition and leukocyte infiltration around the injected area. Anti-LOX-1 antibody reduced the extent of complement activation and leukocyte infiltration.'] Is lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 involved in CRP-mediated complement activation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3826119899749756,
-1.3753094673156738,
2.7926456928253174
] |
['Increasing plasma glucose levels are associated with increasing risk of vascular disease. We tested the hypothesis that there is a glycaemia-mediated impairment of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). We studied the influence of plasma glucose on expression and function of a key mediator in RCT, the ATP binding cassette transporter-A1 (ABCA1) and expression of its regulators, liver X receptor-α (LXRα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ).', 'Leukocyte ABCA1, LXRα and PPARγ expression was measured by polymerase chain reaction in 63 men with varying degrees of glucose homeostasis. ABCA1 protein concentrations were measured in leukocytes. In a sub-group of 25 men, ABCA1 function was quantified as apolipoprotein-A1-mediated cholesterol efflux from 2-3 week cultured skin fibroblasts. Leukocyte ABCA1 expression correlated negatively with circulating HbA1c and glucose (rho\u200a=\u200a-0.41, p<0.001; rho\u200a=\u200a-0.34, p\u200a=\u200a0.006 respectively) and was reduced in Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (p\u200a=\u200a0.03). Leukocyte ABCA1 protein was lower in T2DM (p\u200a=\u200a0.03) and positively associated with plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (rho\u200a=\u200a0.34, p\u200a=\u200a0.02). Apolipoprotein-A1-mediated cholesterol efflux correlated negatively with fasting glucose (rho\u200a=\u200a-0.50, p\u200a=\u200a0.01) and positively with HDL-C (rho\u200a=\u200a0.41, p\u200a=\u200a0.02). It was reduced in T2DM compared with controls (p\u200a=\u200a0.04). These relationships were independent of LXRα and PPARγ expression.'] Is type 2 diabetes associated with reduced ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 gene expression , protein and function? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6589094400405884,
-1.6001287698745728,
2.165788173675537
] |
['Antibodies to blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum antigens have been associated with protection against clinical malaria in some studies but not others. Many of these studies have not assessed whether high-titer antibodies are associated with protection and have not adjusted for differences in malaria exposure.', 'The presence of high-titer antibodies to apical membrane antigen-1, erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 (EBA-175), and merozoite surface protein-1₁₉ (MSP-1₁₉) was assessed in 87 children living in a malaria holoendemic area of Kenya. The children were prospectively assessed during 1 year for clinical malaria.', 'In unadjusted analyses, high-titer antibodies to MSP-1₁₉, but not EBA-175 or apical membrane antigen-1, were associated with protection from clinical malaria. However, after adjustment for exposure, only high-titer antibodies to EBA-175 were associated with protection from clinical malaria (hazard ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24, 0.95; P = 0.03), and with reduced episodes of clinical malaria (incidence rate ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31, 0.81; P = 0.005). A trend toward increased protection from clinical malaria in children was seen with antibodies to both EBA-175 and MSP-1₁₉ (hazard ratio, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.03, 1.94; P = 0.18).'] Are antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte-binding antigen-175 associated with protection from clinical malaria? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8253289461135864,
-1.5106265544891357,
2.3769004344940186
] |
['Gastric cancer is the second cause of cancer death worldwide. The prognosis of gastric cancer is poor due to its aggressiveness and resistance to chemotherapy. It has been reported that mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of several cancers. Rapamycin is an inhibitor of mTOR signaling pathway. This study aimed to observe the effects of rapamycin on the proliferation, apoptosis and invasiveness in human gastric cancer cell lines, SGC-7901 and MKN-45, and its mechanisms. METHODOLGY: Different concentrations of rapamycin (5 nM, 10 nM, 20 nM and 40 nM) were used in our research. MTT and flow cytometry assays were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells. Transwell assay was used to observe the invasive ability of gastric cancer cells. To observe the mRNA and protein expression of mTOR and survivin, RT-PCR and western blot assays were used.', 'Our data showed that rapamycin could inhibit the proliferation and the invasive ability of SGC-7901 and MKN-45 cells. It also could induce the apoptosis of these two gastric cancer cell lines. These effects were observed in a dose dependent manner. The mRNA and protein expression of mTOR and survivin were inhibited by rapamycin as assessed by RT-PCR and western blot.'] Does rapamycin inhibit the proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by down regulating the expression of survivin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4153802394866943,
-1.1389625072479248,
2.607377767562866
] |
['Nuclear receptors such as pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are important regulators of drug-metabolizing systems such as P450 enzymes and modulate xenobiotic metabolism as well as hepatocellular proliferation. Binding of CAR to NR response elements alone is not sufficient to activate gene expression. Here, we investigate the role of steroid receptor co-activator (SRC) family members in CAR-mediated hepatocyte proliferation and drug metabolism.', 'The role of SRCs in CAR activation was assessed in cell-based transfection assays and protein-protein interaction assays. The in vivo role of SRCs in CAR-mediated hepatocyte proliferation and drug metabolism was examined by using mice deficient in SRCs.', 'SRC-3 displayed the highest co-activating activity to CAR compared with SRC-1 and SRC-2 in a cell-based reporter assay. Knockout of SRC-3 in mice attenuated hepatic hyperplasia induced by a CAR agonist 1,4-bis-[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene (TCPOBOP), which was associated with a reduced expression of c-Myc and Foxm-1. In contrast, knockout of SRC-1 or SRC-2 in mice did not affect TCPOBOP-induced hepatic hyperplasia. SRC-3-deficient mice were hypersensitive to zoxazolamine-induced paralysis, but were resistant to acetaminophen hepatotoxicity induced by TCPOBOP, whereas mutant mice deficient in SRC-1 or SRC-2 exhibited severe acetaminophen hepatotoxicity similar to wild-type controls. Accordingly, deficiency in SRC-3, but not SRC-1 or SRC-2, resulted in a reduced CAR-mediated expression of drug metabolism-related genes in the liver.'] Is sRC-3 required for CAR-regulated hepatocyte proliferation and drug metabolism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.391029119491577,
-1.289194941520691,
2.6848113536834717
] |
['Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C infection is associated with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specific mutations of the HBV surface (S) gene have been reported to contribute to the development of HCC. In this study, novel nucleotide changes (sW182*) that result in a premature stop at codon 182 in the S gene of genotype C are investigated with regards to the development of HCC.', 'A multi-probe real time PCR that enables rapid and reliable detection of sW182* was developed and applied to 292 DNA samples from Korean patients with diverse chronic liver diseases.', 'sW182* was detected in a total of 73 patients out of the 275 with positive amplification (26.5%). Its prevalence was significantly higher in patients with progressive forms of the disease (HCC and liver cirrhosis) than in patients with less severe forms of the disease (chronic hepatitis and carrier) [31.8% (56/176 patients) vs. 17.2% (17/99 patients); p=0.010]. In addition, an in vitro study using cell lines stable expressing the S protein with sW182* also strongly supported its relationship with HCC.'] Is nucleotide change of codon 182 in the surface gene of hepatitis B virus genotype C leading to truncated surface protein associated with progression of liver diseases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.044667959213257,
-1.369186282157898,
2.4852678775787354
] |
['An immune function assay has been proposed as a new strategy to monitor immunosuppression after organ transplantation. However, there are limited data regarding its role in liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we sought to determine the utility of this functional assay in assessing the risk of infection, rejection, and tumor recurrence in liver transplant recipients.', 'Immune function was determined by ImmuKnow assay that measures the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) produced by CD4 (+) T cells to monitor the global immune status in 342 whole blood samples from 105 liver transplant recipients. The association between ATP value and post-transplant tumor recurrence was evaluated in 60 HCC patients. The ATP value in predicting tumor recurrence in other independent cohort of 92 recipients with HCC was analyzed prospectively.', 'The mean ATP values of liver transplant recipients with infection (145.2\xa0±\xa087.0\xa0ng/ml) or acute rejection (418.9\xa0±\xa0169.5\xa0ng/ml) were different from those with stable state (286.6\xa0±\xa0143.9\xa0ng/ml, P\xa0<\xa00.05). In recipients with HCC who developed recurrent tumors, the values were significantly lower than those without recurrence (137.8\xa0±\xa066.4 vs. 289\xa0±\xa0133.9\xa0ng/ml, P\xa0<\xa00.01); the optimal threshold value to predict post-transplant tumor recurrence was 175\xa0ng/ml. Comparing with the patients in lower immune group (ATP\xa0≤\xa0175\xa0ng/ml), patients in the higher immune group (ATP\xa0>\xa0175\xa0ng/ml) experienced significantly better disease-free survival (P\xa0<\xa00.01). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed the ATP value was an independent predictor of HCC recurrence.'] Does an immune function assay predict post-transplant recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0892466306686401,
-1.7539862394332886,
1.8019416332244873
] |
['Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are novel stem cell populations, but the role of iPS cells in acute lung injury (ALI) is not currently known. We investigated the effect of iPS cells in modifying the pathophysiology of endotoxin-induced ALI.', 'Male C57BL/6 8- to 12-week-old mice were enrolled in this study. Mouse iPS cells were delivered through the tail veins of mice 4 h after intratracheal instillation of endotoxin. Lung histopathologic findings, the pulmonary levels of cytokines, and functional parameters were analyzed after either 24 h or 48 h.', 'More iPS cells integrated into the lungs of mice with ALI than those of the control mice, as demonstrated by in vivo radionuclide imaging and in vitro Hoechst-labeled fluorescent staining. iPS cells significantly diminished the histopathologic changes of ALI and the lung injury score. There was also a significant reduction in the activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and neutrophil accumulation in the lung, confirmed by immunostaining, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and the decrease of myeloperoxidase activity, in the iPS-cell-treated mice with ALI. These protective effects were not replicated by the control cell therapy with fibroblasts. iPS cells mediated a downregulation of the proinflammatory response to endotoxin (reducing tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory peptide-2). In addition, iPS cells rescued the hypoxemia and pulmonary function of ALI. Treatment with a conditioned medium of iPS cells showed effects similar to those of iPS cells, which may suggest the therapeutic benefits of iPS mediated by paracrine factors.'] Does iV delivery of induced pluripotent stem cells attenuate endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4556610584259033,
-1.355998158454895,
2.85288405418396
] |
['The development of nicotine dependence (ND) is an important final step in the development of nicotine addiction, is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and makes long-term smoking cessation difficult.', 'We used questionnaire data and DNA from buccal swabs previously collected from a population-based case-control study in Northeastern Ontario, Canada; an area with high smoking and smoking-related disease rates. Women smokers were classified into heavy and light phenotypes, a proxy for ND, and we assessed the association between phenotype and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been associated with increased or decreased risk of ND.', 'Women with the variant AA genotype of CHRNA5 rs16969968 or variant CC genotype of LOC123688 rs8034191 were at significantly increased risk of heavy smoking, with age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 3.2 (95% CI: 1.05-10.0) and 2.8 (95% CI: 1.00-7.91), respectively. Women with the variant AA genotype of CHRNA3 rs578775 were at significantly decreased risk of heavy smoking, with an age-adjusted OR of 0.3 (95% CI: 0.12-0.90).'] Are single nucleotide polymorphisms in CHRNA5 rs16969968 , CHRNA3 rs578776 , and LOC123688 rs8034191 associated with heaviness of smoking in women in Northeastern Ontario , Canada? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9468885660171509,
-1.0772987604141235,
2.137174367904663
] |
['Grape seed extracts (GSE) are known to present health benefits such as antioxidative and anti-obesity effects in animal models. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the specially manufactured GSE, catechin-rich GSE (CGSE), can protect against obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and to address the mechanism underlying this effect.', 'The componential analysis of CGSE was performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Oxygen consumption and the respiratory quotient were determined using 500 mg/kg CGSE administered orally for 3 days in 14- to 15-week-old male C57BL/6J mice. Nine-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were supplemented with 0.5 or 1% CGSE in a HFD for 12 weeks, and their body weight and food intake were monitored. Blood and tissue samples were collected and analyzed.', 'The main polyphenol components of CGSE were catechin and epicatechin. CGSE supplementation in the HFD-induced obesity model chronically suppressed the increase in body weight and the weight of fat pads. Furthermore, CGSE improved metabolic parameter abnormalities and upregulated the fatty acid oxidation-related genes in the liver.'] Does catechin-rich grape seed extract supplementation attenuate diet-induced obesity in C57BL/6J mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.348135232925415,
-1.218360185623169,
2.639963150024414
] |
['We sought to assess the prognostic value and risk classification improvement using contemporary single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT-MPI) to predict all-cause mortality.', 'Myocardial perfusion is a strong estimator of prognosis. Evidence published to date has not established the added prognostic value of SPECT-MPI nor defined an approach to detect improve classification of risk in women from a developing nation.', 'A total of 2,225 women referred for SPECT-MPI were followed by a mean period of 3.7 ± 1.4 years. SPECT-MPI results were classified as abnormal on the presence of any perfusion defect. Abnormal scans were further classified as with mild/moderate reversible, severe reversible, partial reversible, or fixed perfusion defects. Risk estimates for incident mortality were categorized as <1%/year, 1% to 2%/year, and >2%/year using Cox proportional hazard models. Risk-adjusted models incorporated clinical risk factors, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and perfusion variables.', 'All-cause death occurred in 139 patients. SPECT-MPI significantly risk stratified the population; patients with abnormal scans had significantly higher death rates compared with patients with normal scans, 13.1% versus 4.0%, respectively (p < 0.001). Cox analysis demonstrated that after adjusting for clinical risk factors and LVEF, SPECT-MPI improved the model discrimination (integrated discrimination index = 0.009; p = 0.02), added significant incremental prognostic information (global chi-square increased from 87.7 to 127.1; p < 0.0001), and improved risk prediction (net reclassification improvement = 0.12; p = 0.005).'] Is myocardial perfusion imaging a strong predictor of death in women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7564622163772583,
-1.5810121297836304,
2.3788414001464844
] |
['Podocalyxin-like 1 (PODXL) is a cell-adhesion glycoprotein and stem cell marker that has been associated with an aggressive tumour phenotype and poor prognosis in several forms of cancer. In this study, we investigated the prognostic impact of PODXL expression in colorectal cancer (CRC).', 'Using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry, PODXL expression was evaluated in 536 incident CRC cases from a prospective, population-based cohort study. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modelling were used to assess the impact of PODXL expression on cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).', 'High PODXL expression was significantly associated with unfavourable clinicopathological characteristics, a shorter CSS (hazard ratio (HR)=1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-2.84, P<0.001) and 5-year OS (HR=1.85; 95% CI 1.29-2.64, P=0.001); the latter remaining significant in multivariate analysis (HR=1.52; 95% CI 1.03-2.25, P=0.036). In addition, in curatively resected stage III (T1-4, N1-2, M0) patients (n=122) with tumours with high PODXL expression, a significant benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy was demonstrated (p(interaction) =0.004 for CSS and 0.015 for 5-year OS in multivariate analysis).'] Is overexpression of podocalyxin-like protein an independent factor of poor prognosis in colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.090162992477417,
-1.5136775970458984,
2.637932300567627
] |
['Chemical insecticides against mosquitoes are a major component of malaria control worldwide. Fungal entomopathogens formulated as biopesticides and applied as insecticide residual sprays could augment current control strategies and mitigate the evolution of resistance to chemical-based insecticides.', 'Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes were exposed to Beauveria bassiana or Metarhizium acridum fungal spores and sub-lethal effects of exposure to fungal infection were studied, especially the potential for reductions in feeding and host location behaviours related to olfaction. Electrophysiological techniques, such as electroantennogram, electropalpogram and single sensillum recording techniques were then employed to investigate how fungal exposure affected the olfactory responses in mosquitoes.', 'Exposure to B. bassiana caused significant mortality and reduced the propensity of mosquitoes to respond and fly to a feeding stimulus. Exposure to M. acridum spores induced a similar decline in feeding propensity, albeit more slowly than B. bassiana exposure. Reduced host-seeking responses following fungal exposure corresponded to reduced olfactory neuron responsiveness in both antennal electroantennogram and maxillary palp electropalpogram recordings. Single cell recordings from neurons on the palps confirmed that fungal-exposed behavioural non-responders exhibited significantly impaired responsiveness of neurons tuned specifically to 1-octen-3-ol and to a lesser degree, to CO2.'] Is reduction in host-finding behaviour in fungus-infected mosquitoes correlated with reduction in olfactory receptor neuron responsiveness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.798661947250366,
-0.7047527432441711,
2.5901055335998535
] |
['Intensive multifactorial treatment aimed at cardiovascular (CV) risk factor reduction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria can diminish fatal and non-fatal CV. Plasma N-terminal (NT)-proBNP predicts CV mortality in diabetic patients but the utility of P-NT-proBNP in screening for atherosclerosis is unclear. We examined the interrelationship between P-NT-proBNP, presence of atherosclerosis and/or vascular dysfunction in the coronary, carotid and peripheral arteries in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria that received intensive multifactorial treatment.', 'P-NT-proBNP was measured in 200 asymptomatic type 2 patients without known cardiac disease that received intensive multifactorial treatment for CV risk reduction. Patients were examined for coronary, carotid and peripheral atherosclerosis, as defined by coronary calcium score≥400, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT)>0.90 mm, ankle-brachial index<0.90, and/or toe-brachial index<0.64, respectively. Carotid artery compliance was also determined and the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) measured by peripheral artery tonometry was used as a surrogate for endothelial function.P-NT-proBNP was associated with atherosclerosis in the unadjusted analysis, but not after adjustment for conventional risk factors. P-NT-proBNP was not associated with vascular dysfunction. The prevalence of atherosclerosis in the coronary, carotid and peripheral arteries was 35%, 10% and 21% of all patients, respectively. In total 49% had atherosclerosis in one territory and 15.6% and 1.0% in two and three territories. Low RHI was an independent predictor of coronary atherosclerosis (odds ratio [CI], 2.60 [1.15-5.88] and systolic blood pressure was the only independent determinant of CIMT (0.02 mm increase in CIMT per 10 mmHg increase in systolic blood pressure [p=0.003]).'] Is nT-proBNP levels , atherosclerosis and vascular function in asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria : peripheral reactive hyperaemia index but not NT-proBNP an independent predictor of coronary atherosclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.058201551437378,
-1.5295771360397339,
2.642880916595459
] |
['Recent studies have shown an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gastric cancer. This study was carried out to assess the effect of MetS on gastric dysplasia in a Korean population presenting for health check-ups.', 'We conducted a retrospective, case-control study on gastric dysplasia between November 2003 and August 2009 at the health screening center. A gastric dysplasia group (N=128) and age-matched, gender-matched control group (N=358) were included. A total of 486 Korean patients aged 20 years or above were assessed for BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, serum glucose, and HbA1c.', 'In the univariate analysis, fasting glucose, BMI, and the presence of MetS were significant factors associated with the risk of gastric dysplasia. In the multivariate analysis, four of the variables studied (fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and MetS) had a statistically significant relationship with gastric dysplasia. The risk of gastric dysplasia was associated with modest glucose levels [glucose 100-125 mg/dl; age-adjusted and gender-adjusted relative risk (RR), 2.261; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.147-4.457; P=0.019], higher total cholesterol levels (total cholesterol ≥240 mg/dl; RR, 6.299; 95% CI, 1.277-31.076; P=0.024), modest LDL-cholesterol levels (LDL 130-159 mg/dl; RR, 0.250; 95% CI, 0.069-0.903; P=0.034), and the presence of MetS (MetS ≥3 components; RR, 2.177; 95% CI, 1.082-4.379; P=0.029).'] Is metabolic syndrome associated with gastric dysplasia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4893879890441895,
-1.6530154943466187,
2.0236551761627197
] |
['To investigate the effects of statin use over the last 10 years among diabetic patients who initiated glucose-lowering medications (GLMs) in Denmark.', "we identified all Danish citizens 30 years and older who claimed their first GLM between 1997 and 2006, with follow-up until 2007. Use of medications, national background, income, and hospitalizations were obtained by cross-linkage of national registries in Denmark. We analyzed factors related to initiation and interruption of statin treatment. The analyses included country of birth, citizenship and, as proxy for ethnic origin, we constructed variables based on both the subjects and on their parent's country of birth. Countries were grouped as Denmark, Western countries, Eastern countries, and Africa.", 'the cohort included 143,625 subjects. Compared with persons of Danish origin, the initiation of a statin medication during follow-up was significantly lower among patients of non-Danish origin: Odds ratio for subjects of Eastern origin 0.61 [CI 0.49-0.76] and 0.37 for subjects of African origin, [CI 0.24-0.59], both p\u2009<\u20090.001. The risk of interrupting statin treatment once it had been initiated was also higher in these groups (hazard ratio 2.03, [CI 1.91-2.17] for Eastern subjects and 1.94, [CI 1.63-2.32] for African subjects, both p\u2009<\u20090.0001). Combination of ethnic parameters to refine identification of the cohort led to the same conclusions as the analysis based only on country of birth or citizenship respectively.'] Is national Background Associated with Disparities in Initiation and Persistence to Statin Treatment in Subjects with Diabetes in Denmark? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.203648567199707,
-1.0648510456085205,
1.4196499586105347
] |
['The robotic surgical platform has allowed for improved ergonomics, tremor filtration, and more precise surgical movements during minimally invasive surgery. We examined the impact of the da Vinci(®) Surgical System on the lateralization of manual dexterity, or handedness, innate to most surgeons.', 'Manual dexterity assessments were conducted among 19 robotic novices using two different skills tests: The Purdue Pegboard Test and a needle targeting test. After an initial robotic basic skills training seminar, subjects underwent testing using both open and robotic approaches. Test performance using both approaches was then compared among all subjects.', 'The majority of subjects (84%) were right handed, and all subjects described their dominant hand as significantly or moderately more dexterous than their nondominant hand. The participants had significant differences between the dominant and nondominant hand in open skills tasks using the Purdue Pegboard test (15.4 vs 14.6 pegs, P=0.023) and needle targeting test (4.5 vs 3.7 targets, P=0.015). When the same tasks were performed using the robot, the differences in handedness were no longer observed (P=0.203, P=0.764).'] Does the da Vinci ( ® ) Surgical System overcome innate hand dominance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.8578062653541565,
0.27420178055763245,
-0.16137754917144775
] |
['Relationship between prostate cancer (PCa) and testosterone (T) is controversial. Conflicting evidence has been published about T levels and development of PCa.', '(1) To determine the relationship between hormone levels and the diagnosis of PCa. (2) To specifically focus on the relationship between PCa and T in men classified as biochemically hypogonadal.', 'Prospective analysis of 1,000 transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsies (5\xa0+\xa05 cores biopsies) between September 2007 and January 2010 in one center. Indication for prostate biopsy was suspicion of PCa on the basis of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and/or digital rectal examination (DRE). Serum testosterone and sex hormones binding globulin (SHBG) were determined in these patients. Of 557 men, the data were sufficient for further analysis. Age, body mass index (BMI), smoking/drinking habits, PSA, free PSA, PSA density, prostate volume, number of previous biopsies, DRE, and hormone levels were prospectively recorded.', 'No relationship was found between T and PCa (449\xa0±\xa0167\xa0ng/dL in PCa versus 437\xa0±\xa0169\xa0ng/dL in non-PCa). SHBG was significantly higher in patients with PCa (51\xa0±\xa027\xa0ng/dL in PCa vs. 44\xa0±\xa018\xa0ng/dL in non-PCa). In hypogonadal men, T levels correlated with the PCa (235\xa0±\xa095\xa0ng/dL in men with PCa versus 270\xa0±\xa058\xa0ng/dL in men without PCa, P\xa0=\xa00.004).'] Is low testosterone bioavailability related to prostate cancer diagnose in patients submitted to prostate biopsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8100992441177368,
-1.551992416381836,
2.332728147506714
] |
['Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among African children. Innate immunity provides the first line of defence against P. falciparum infections, particularly in young children that lack naturally-acquired malarial immunity, such as the population examined here. Consistent with the fact that elevated interleukin (IL)-12 is an important component of the innate immune response that provides protective immunity against malaria, we have previously shown that suppression of IL-12 in African children is associated with the development of severe malarial anaemia (SMA). Since the role of IL12B variants in conditioning susceptibility to SMA remains largely unexplored, the association between a single nucleotide polymorphism (1188A→C, rs3212227), SMA (Hb<6.0 g/dL), circulating IL-12p40/p70 levels, and longitudinal clinical outcomes in Kenyan children (n = 756) residing in a holoendemic falciparum malaria transmission area were investigated.', 'Multivariate logistic regression analysis in children with acute malaria (n = 544) demonstrated that carriers of the C allele had increased susceptibility to SMA (CC: OR, 1.674; 95% CI, 1.006-2.673; P = 0.047, and AC: OR, 1.410; 95% CI, 0.953-2.087; P = 0.086) relative to wild type (AA). Although children with SMA had lower IL-12p40/p70 levels than the non-SMA group (P = 0.037), levels did not differ significantly according to genotype. Longitudinal analyses in the entire cohort (n = 756) failed to show any significant relationships between rs3212227 genotypes and either susceptibility to SMA or all-cause mortality throughout the three year follow-up.'] Is polymorphic variability in the 3 ' untranslated region ( UTR ) of IL12B associated with susceptibility to severe anaemia in Kenyan children with acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8846913576126099,
-1.4134705066680908,
2.308307647705078
] |
['Automated home monitoring systems have been used to coordinate care to improve patient outcomes and reduce rehospitalizations, but with little formal study of efficacy. The Geisinger Monitoring Program (GMP) interactive voice response protocol is a post-hospital discharge telemonitoring system used as an adjunct to existing case management in a primary care Medicare population to reduce emergency department visits and hospital readmissions.', 'To determine if use of GMP reduced 30-day hospital readmission rates among case-managed patients.', 'A pre-post parallel quasi-experimental study.', 'A total of 875 Medicare patients who were enrolled in the combined case-management and GMP program were compared with 2420 matched control patients who were only case managed. Claims data were used to document an acute care admission followed by a readmission within 30 days in the preintervention and postintervention periods (ie, before and during 2009). Regression modeling was used to estimate the within-patient effect of the intervention on readmission rates.', 'The use of GMP with case management was associated with a 44% reduction in 30-day readmissions in the study cohort (95% confidence interval, 23%-60%, P=0.0004), when using the control group to control for secular trends. Similar estimates were obtained when using different propensity score adjustment methods or different approaches to handling dropout observations.'] Does postdischarge monitoring using interactive voice response system reduce 30-day readmission rates in a case-managed Medicare population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3688881397247314,
-0.6026139855384827,
2.052398204803467
] |
['Mono- and polyunsaturated fats may have opposing effects on vitamin D absorption.', 'The purpose of this study was to determine whether intakes of different dietary fats are associated with the increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) after supplementation with vitamin D(3).', 'This analysis was conducted in the active treatment arm of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin D and calcium supplementation to prevent bone loss and fracture. Subjects included 152 healthy men and women age 65 and older who were assigned to 700 IU/d vitamin D(3) and 500 mg/d calcium. Intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were estimated by food frequency questionnaire.', 'The change in plasma 25OHD during 2 yr vitamin D and calcium supplementation was assessed.', 'The change in plasma 25OHD (nanograms per milliliter) during vitamin D supplementation was positively associated with MUFA, (β = 0.94; P = 0.016), negatively associated with PUFA, (β = -0.93; P = 0.038), and positively associated with the MUFA/PUFA ratio (β = 6.46; P = 0.014).'] Is type of dietary fat associated with the 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 increment in response to vitamin D supplementation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0718910694122314,
-1.3238716125488281,
2.5154199600219727
] |
['People near major transportation emissions sources experience higher exposure to hazardous pollutants. We present population size and demographic composition estimates for exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) exhaust from US harbor activities.', 'We examined 43 US marine harbor areas to determine outdoor, ambient concentrations from port-related DPM emissions and then determined intake fractions of those emissions in each harbor area. We estimated the distribution of health risk by combining ambient concentrations with exposure and carcinogenic risk factors. We assessed demographic differences by stratifying the health risks by race/ethnicity and income.', 'Intake fractions for 42 of the harbor areas ranged from 0.02 × 10(-6) to 3.66 × 10(-6). A DPM-affected population of more than 4 million has a risk level greater than 100 per million; a population of 41 million, a risk level greater than 10 per million. Most exposures occur in a small number of marine harbor areas. Low-income households and both Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks are overrepresented in the affected populations.'] Do analysis of diesel particulate matter health risk disparities in selected US harbor areas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.6680057048797607,
2.2306087017059326,
-1.1080784797668457
] |
['Honokiol is a small-molecule polyphenol isolated from the species Magnolia obovata. We hypothesized that honokiol attenuated vascular contractions through the inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway.', 'Rat aortic rings were denuded of endothelium, mounted in organ baths, and subjected to contraction or relaxation. Phosphorylation of 20kDa myosin light chains (MLC(20) ), myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) and protein kinase C (PKC)-potentiated inhibitory protein for heterotrimeric myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) of 17kDa (CPI17) were examined by immunoblot. We also measured the amount of guanosine triphosphate RhoA as a marker for RhoA activation.', 'Pretreatment with honokiol dose-dependently inhibited the concentration-response curves in response to sodium fluoride (NaF) or thromboxane A(2) agonist U46619. Honokiol decreased the phosphorylation levels of MLC(20) , MYPT1(Thr855) and CPI17(Thr38) as well as the activation of RhoA induced by 8.0mm NaF or 30nm U46619.'] Does honokiol attenuate vascular contraction through the inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signalling pathway in rat aortic rings? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4388620853424072,
-1.3203610181808472,
2.82303524017334
] |
['To elucidate a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism of myrrh against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation.', 'RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured in DMEM and then cells were treated with LPS or LPS plus a myrrh methanol extract (MME) for 24h. The culture medium was collected for determination of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG)E(2) , interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and cells were harvested by lysis buffer for Western blot analysis.', 'Our data showed that treatment with the MME (1∼100µg/ml) did not cause cytotoxicity or activate haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein synthesis in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the MME inhibited LPS-stimulated NO, PGE(2) , IL-1β and TNF-α release and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protein expression. Zn(II) protoporphyrin IX, a specific inhibitor of HO-1, blocked the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression by the MME.'] Does myrrh mediate haem oxygenase-1 expression to suppress the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.387965202331543,
-1.3749017715454102,
2.813176155090332
] |
['In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of long-term administration of the cardioprotective drug mildronate on the concentrations of l-carnitine and γ-butyrobetaine in healthy volunteers.', 'Mildronate was administered perorally, at a dosage of 500mg, twice daily. Plasma and urine samples were collected weekly. Daily meat consumption within an average, non-vegetarian diet was monitored. l-Carnitine, γ-butyrobetaine and mildronate concentrations were measured using the UPLC/MS/MS method.', 'After 4 weeks, the average concentrations of l-carnitine in plasma significantly decreased by 18%. The plasma concentrations of γ-butyrobetaine increased about two-fold, and this effect was statistically significant in both the male and female groups. In urine samples, a significant increase in l-carnitine and γ-butyrobetaine levels was observed, which provides evidence for increased excretion of both substances during the mildronate treatment. At the end of the treatment period, the plasma concentration of mildronate was 20µm on average. There were no significant differences between the effects observed in female and male volunteers. Meat consumption partially reduced the l-carnitine-lowering effects induced by mildronate.'] Does mildronate treatment alter γ-butyrobetaine and l-carnitine concentrations in healthy volunteers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0666792392730713,
-1.3163126707077026,
2.420295476913452
] |
['Cavity shave margin (CSM) removal is a surgical technique that reduces re-excision rates. One criticism of this technique has been that negative margins are obtained primarily as a result of higher volumes of tissue removed. This study evaluates the volume of tissue removed in a group that underwent CSM versus one that underwent standard partial mastectomy (SPM) and explores cosmetic outcomes.', 'Single-institution retrospective review identified 533 patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer who underwent PM. Matched pair analysis of 72 patients who had undergone PM with CSM versus 72 who had undergone SPM was performed. Volumes were calculated from dimensions in the pathology report. A subgroup was analyzed by a multidisciplinary panel for cosmetic outcome using the Harvard Breast Cosmesis Grading Scale.', 'Mean tumor size in the CSM group was 1.52 versus 1.51 cm(3) in the SPM (P = 0.8073). Mean total volume of tissue excised with CSM was lower than that in the SPM group. Mean volume of excision with CSM was 80.66 and 165.1 cm(3) in the SPM group (P = 0.0005). Patients undergoing CSM required fewer re-excisions than the SPM group: 13 (18.1%) versus 25 (34.6%) (P = 0.03). Mean score for cosmesis was 2.3 in the CSM group and 3.0 for SPM (P = 0.0004).'] Do volume of excision and cosmesis with routine cavity shave margins technique? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2669461965560913,
-1.4472688436508179,
1.8029870986938477
] |
['Understanding the roles of mammalian autophagy in cancer highlights recent advances in the pharmacologic manipulation of autophagic pathways as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. However, autophagy status and corresponding functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after therapeutic stress remain to be clarified. This study was to determine whether the autophagic machinery could be activated after chemotherapy and the contribution of autophagy to tolerance of oxaliplatin in HCC.', 'Autophagy activation and cell death induced by oxaliplatin were examined in two HCC cell lines as well as in vivo using an HCC model in nude mice. HCC tissue samples with or without locoregional chemotherapy before surgery were also examined by immunohistochemical and electron microscopic analysis.', 'Autophagy was functionally activated in HCC cell lines and xenografts after oxaliplatin treatment. Suppression of autophagy using either pharmacologic inhibitors or RNA interference of essential autophagy gene enhanced cell death induced by oxaliplatin in HCC cells. Generation of reactive oxygen species has an important role in the induction of cell death by oxaliplatin in combination with autophagy inhibitors. Critically, the combination of oxaliplatin with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine resulted in a more pronounced tumor suppression in HCC xenografts. Furthermore, autophagy-specific protein LC3 and autophagic autophagosome formation were induced to a significantly higher level in HCC specimens that had been subjected to locoregional chemotherapy.'] Does autophagy activation in hepatocellular carcinoma contribute to the tolerance of oxaliplatin via reactive oxygen species modulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5972182750701904,
-1.180058240890503,
2.8623790740966797
] |
['We have previously hypothesized that obsessive-compulsive (OC) tendencies are associated with a general lack of subjective conviction regarding internal states, which leads to compensatory seeking of and reliance on more discernible substitutes (proxies) for these states (Lazarov, A., Dar, R., Oded, Y., & Liberman, N. (2010). Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48, 516-523). This article presents two studies designed to provide further support to this hypothesis by using false biofeedback as a proxy for internal states.', 'In Study 1 we presented high and low OC participants with pre-programmed false feedback showing either increasing or decreasing levels of muscle tension. In Study 2 we presented similar false feedback on level of relaxation to non-selected participants, half of which received instructions that undermined their confidence in their ability to assess their own level of relaxation.', 'In Study 1, high OC participants were more affected by false biofeedback when judging their own level of muscle tension than were low OC participants. In Study 2, undermined confidence participants were more affected by false biofeedback when judging their own level of relaxation as compared to control participants.'] Are obsessive-compulsive tendencies and undermined confidence related to reliance on proxies for internal states in a false feedback paradigm? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1250290870666504,
0.13161185383796692,
1.0813589096069336
] |
['We report our clinical experience with incisional hernia surgery and we retrospectively analyze the outcomes obtained with the different techniques of repair used, confirming that Rives-Stoppa procedures actually represent the gold standard for incisional hernia.', '334 patients were observed for incisional hernioplasty at our Department of Surgery from 1996 to 2007. They were treated according to the following surgical procedures: 44 primary direct closures; 246 Rives-Stoppa procedures; 9 Chevrel procedures; 35 intraperitoneal repairs. The outcomes were considered in terms of postoperative surgical complications.', 'In total, we had 13 cases of hernia recurrence (3.9%), 14 cases of infections (4.2%), 7 cases ofseroma/hematoma (2.9%) and one case of acute respiratory insufficiency.'] Is rives technique the gold stardard for incisional hernioplasty . An institutional experience? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3407576084136963,
-0.9006507396697998,
2.3285884857177734
] |
['Activation of the Small GTP-binding protein Rho following the nerve injury contributes to the lack of regeneration in the peripheral nervous system. By elucidating the mechanisms leading to Rho activation, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen has been identified as a potent inhibitor of Rho activity. In this study we tested the hypothesis, that inhibiting Rho activity by ibuprofen will enhance posttraumatic regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.', 'In adult female Wistar rats we introduced an experimental injury by excising a 5\xa0mm piece of the tibial nerve and returning it to the injury site as an interpositional graft. The animals then received ibuprofen or phosphate buffered saline through an osmotic pump for a period of 3 weeks. Following the injury we recorded tibial functional index (TFI) on a weekly basis. After 3 months we measured nerve conduction velocity and peak amplitude of action potential (PAAP). Also, the histomorphometric analysis was carried out in the zone distal to the injury site.', 'We found that the animals receiving ibuprofen recovered the tibial nerve function more rapidly, with the TFI being significantly different 8, 9, 11 and 12 weeks after the injury. We also detected the values of the PAAP, the area of axons and the area of myelin to be significantly greater in the experimental group.'] Does ibuprofen improve functional outcome after axotomy and immediate repair in the peripheral nervous system? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4553887844085693,
-1.2491755485534668,
2.7488150596618652
] |
['To investigate the association between multimorbidity-a construct comprising several health domains (medical comorbidity, musculoskeletal, physical and social functional status, mental health, and geriatric problems)-and overall self-rated health (SRH), an important chronic disease health outcome. We investigate whether medical comorbidity effects are mediated through other health domains and whether these domains have independent effects on SRH.', 'Medicare recipients (n=958) completed a questionnaire 3 years post primary total hip replacement surgery. Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics, SRH, and health domain statuses were ascertained. Probit regressions and path analyses were used to evaluate the independent effects of the health domains on SRH and the interrelationships between domains and to quantify direct and mediated effects.', 'All domains were independently associated with SRH. Medical comorbidity explained 11.7% of the variance in SRH, and all other health domains explained 27.3%. The impact of medical comorbidity was largely direct (only 21.5% mediated through other domains). Medical comorbidity minimally explained the variance in other domain scores.'] Is health burden in chronic disease : multimorbidity associated with self-rated health more than medical comorbidity alone? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0270230770111084,
-0.40479788184165955,
1.5200614929199219
] |
['Evidence for an association between duration of untreated illness (DUI) with clinical and functional outcome or brain volume (change) in schizophrenia patients is inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the relationship between DUI, outcome and brain volume at illness onset or brain volume change during the first five years of the illness in first-episode patients.', 'Magnetic resonance images were acquired at baseline (T0) and after 5-year (T5) of 57 schizophrenia patients. Correlations were calculated in patients between brain volume (change), DUI and outcome variables.', 'We found no significant correlation between DUI and brain volume (change) in schizophrenia patients. A longer DUI was significantly correlated with higher PANSS scores at T0 and T5, and with higher scores on the Camberwell Assessment of Need scale at T5. Baseline volume of the cerebrum and lateral ventricles, and cerebellum volume (change) were associated with PANSS scores at T0 and T5.'] Is duration of untreated illness in schizophrenia associated with 5-year brain volume change? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9539449214935303,
-0.5127151012420654,
1.5892140865325928
] |
['This study sought to assess whether lower school performance in childhood is a risk factor for dementia in old age.', 'Participants aged 60 years or more (n = 111) with documented proof from schools were included. Grades in three subjects - Portuguese, mathematics, and geography - were recorded and the mean final grade in all disciplines were assessed. Dementia was diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. Sociodemographic data, school performance, and years of education were ascertained by checking documents issued by schools. Health status (hypertension and diabetes) were self reported. Regression models were used to assess the role of school performance and years of education on the risk of dementia.', 'Dementia was diagnosed in 22 subjects. Higher school performance and years of education decreased the chance of dementia by 79% (OR = 0.21; CI 0.08-0.58) and 21% (OR = 0.79; CI 0.69-0.91), respectively. After adjustments for sociodemographic and clinical variables, only school performance remained statistically significant (OR = 0.06; CI 0.01-0.71).'] Is school attainment in childhood an independent risk factor of dementia in late life : results from a Brazilian sample? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.8848963975906372,
0.6141573786735535,
0.5996613502502441
] |
['To evaluate changes in intrameniscal signal intensity (IMSI) of transplanted allografts during the first year after meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) by use of serial magnetic resonance imaging, as well as to analyze the relation between IMSI and clinical outcome.', 'This prospective study involved 43 patients who underwent MAT between 2006 and 2007 after diagnosis of total or subtotal meniscectomized knees. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 35.8 years (range, 17 to 46 years). Allografts were assessed by conventional magnetic resonance imaging performed at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after MAT. The ratio of the signal intensity of the transplanted meniscus allograft to that of the control normal meniscus in the ipsilateral knee was calculated to obtain a standardized signal intensity value. IMSI was assessed in terms of postoperative time and location (anterior v posterior horn). The Lysholm score was used to evaluate knee function.', 'The IMSI of transplanted allograft menisci was higher than that for nontransplanted menisci at all 4 postoperative time points (P < .01). The anterior horn allograft IMSI was greater than the posterior horn allograft IMSI at all time points (P < .01). The allograft IMSI increased starting 3 months postoperatively for the anterior horn (F(3,40) = 7.5, P < .01) and 6 months postoperatively for the posterior horn (F(3,40) = 9.2, P < .01). These increases were maintained to the final assessment at 1 year postoperatively. No correlation was found between IMSI and postoperative Lysholm score.'] Are changes in magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity of transplanted meniscus allografts associated with clinical outcomes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3224104642868042,
-1.6147593259811401,
1.9652992486953735
] |
['Sleep deprivation (SD) is known to be associated with an increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcome. Atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) calculated from tissue Doppler imaging has been shown to detect atrial impairment in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was to investigate whether AEMD would increase in otherwise healthy young adults with acute SD.', 'Twenty-seven healthy volunteers were included into the study (mean age: 26 ± 3 years). The participants underwent an echocardiographic examination after a night with SD. AEMD defined as the interval from the onset of P wave to the onset of late diastolic Am wave (PA) was calculated from the lateral and septal mitral annulus, and lateral tricuspid annulus (PA lateral, PA septum, and PA tricuspid, respectively).', "Subjects had similar values of PA tricuspid duration in milliseconds after the night of sleep debt when compared after regular sleep, whereas they had significantly higher values of PA lateral and PA septal durations (69.05 ± 10.64 ms vs 51.31 ± 11.32 ms, P < 0.001 and 51.75 ± 7.15 ms vs 41.37 ± 8.52 ms, P < 0.001; respectively). Moreover, participants had higher inter-AEMD and intra-AEMD values after the night of sleep debt when compared after regular sleep [30.19 ± 9.84 ms vs 14.72 ± 6.81 ms, P < 0.001 and 12.82 ± 7.09 ms vs 4.41 ± 3.60 ms, P < 0.001; respectively]. Pearson's correlation analyses suggest that inter-AEMD and intra-AEMD were inversely correlated with sleep time (r =-0.628, r =-0.499, r =-0.696, and r =-0.572, respectively [all P < 0.001])."] Is acute sleep deprivation associated with increased atrial electromechanical delay in healthy young adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1959327459335327,
-1.574911117553711,
1.7539451122283936
] |
['Artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum malaria has emerged in Western Cambodia. This is a major threat to global plans to control and eliminate malaria as the artemisinins are a key component of antimalarial treatment throughout the world. To identify key features associated with the delayed parasite clearance phenotype, we employed DNA microarrays to profile the physiological gene expression pattern of the resistant isolates.', 'In the ring and trophozoite stages, we observed reduced expression of many basic metabolic and cellular pathways which suggests a slower growth and maturation of these parasites during the first half of the asexual intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC). In the schizont stage, there is an increased expression of essentially all functionalities associated with protein metabolism which indicates the prolonged and thus increased capacity of protein synthesis during the second half of the resistant parasite IDC. This modulation of the P. falciparum intraerythrocytic transcriptome may result from differential expression of regulatory proteins such as transcription factors or chromatin remodeling associated proteins. In addition, there is a unique and uniform copy number variation pattern in the Cambodian parasites which may represent an underlying genetic background that contributes to the resistance phenotype.'] Is artemisinin resistance in Plasmodium falciparum associated with an altered temporal pattern of transcription? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.67187762260437,
-0.8365587592124939,
2.651623249053955
] |
['Asthma is a genetically heterogeneous disease. Polymorphisms of genes encoding components of the vitamin D pathway have been reported to associate with the risk of asthma. We have previously demonstrated that vitamin D status was associated with lung function in Chinese asthma patients. In this study, we tested whether polymorphisms of genes encoding for vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D 25-hydroxylase (CYP2R1) and vitamin D binding protein (GC) were associated with asthma in the Chinese Han population.', 'We sequenced all 8 exons of VDR and all 5 exons of CYP2R1 in a Chinese case-control cohort of asthma consisting of 467 cases and 288 unrelated healthy controls. Two mutations were identified in these regions. These variants were specified as rs2228570 in exon 2 of VDR and rs12794714 in exon 1 of CYP2R1. We also genotyped two common polymorphisms in GC gene (rs4588 and rs7041) by a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method. We analyzed the association between these 4 polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility and asthma-related traits.', 'Polymorphic markers in VDR and CYP2R1 were not associated with asthma in the Chinese Han cohort. Importantly, variants in GC gene, which give rise to the two most common electrophoretic isoforms of the vitamin D binding protein, were associated with asthma susceptibility. Compared with isoform Gc1, Gc2 was significantly associated with the risk of asthma (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01-1.78 p = 0.006).'] Do vitamin D binding protein variants associate with asthma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.695543885231018,
-1.3621565103530884,
2.0153326988220215
] |
['To determine whether transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) from covered skin (TcB-C) during and after discontinuing phototherapy (PHT) is reliable in treating neonatal jaundice.', "In this prospective observational study, before starting PHT, part of the forehead was covered. TcB-C and TcB from exposed skin (TcB-E) to PHT were measured before starting PHT, on a 12-hourly basis while receiving PHT and 6 h after stopping PHT. We used ANOVA (analysis of variance) and Bonferroni's t-tests.", 'A total of 39 infants were enrolled (mean gestation 39 weeks, 51% males and 80% Hispanic). The mean TSB over all time periods was 10.9±2.4, TcB-C 10.9±2.4 and TcB-E 7.2±3.4. Before PHT, there were no significant differences in bilirubin by all three techniques. TcB-C was not significantly different from TSB at any time point. However, TcB-E was significantly lower during PHT and after stopping PHT.'] Is covered skin transcutaneous bilirubin estimation comparable with serum bilirubin during and after phototherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3981823921203613,
-1.6854150295257568,
2.095794200897217
] |
['Acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases (acyl-ACP TEs) catalyze the hydrolysis of the thioester bond that links the acyl chain to the sulfhydryl group of the phosphopantetheine prosthetic group of ACP. This reaction terminates acyl chain elongation of fatty acid biosynthesis, and in plant seeds it is the biochemical determinant of the fatty acid compositions of storage lipids.', 'To explore acyl-ACP TE diversity and to identify novel acyl ACP-TEs, 31 acyl-ACP TEs from wide-ranging phylogenetic sources were characterized to ascertain their in vivo activities and substrate specificities. These acyl-ACP TEs were chosen by two different approaches: 1) 24 TEs were selected from public databases on the basis of phylogenetic analysis and fatty acid profile knowledge of their source organisms; and 2) seven TEs were molecularly cloned from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and Cuphea viscosissima, organisms that produce medium-chain and short-chain fatty acids in their seeds. The in vivo substrate specificities of the acyl-ACP TEs were determined in E. coli. Based on their specificities, these enzymes were clustered into three classes: 1) Class I acyl-ACP TEs act primarily on 14- and 16-carbon acyl-ACP substrates; 2) Class II acyl-ACP TEs have broad substrate specificities, with major activities toward 8- and 14-carbon acyl-ACP substrates; and 3) Class III acyl-ACP TEs act predominantly on 8-carbon acyl-ACPs. Several novel acyl-ACP TEs act on short-chain and unsaturated acyl-ACP or 3-ketoacyl-ACP substrates, indicating the diversity of enzymatic specificity in this enzyme family.'] Does phylogenetic and experimental characterization of an acyl-ACP thioesterase family reveal significant diversity in enzymatic specificity and activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5086870193481445,
-0.6097618937492371,
2.086271286010742
] |
['Diagnosis of primary HIV infection (PHI) has important clinical and public health implications. HAART initiation at this stage remains controversial.', 'Our objective was to identify predictors of disease progression among Argentinean seroconverters during the first year of infection, within a multicentre registry of PHI-patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2008. Cox regression was used to analyze predictors of progression (LT-CD4 < 350 cells/mm3, B, C events or death) at 12 months among untreated patients.', 'Among 134 subjects, 74% presented with acute retroviral syndrome (ARS). Seven opportunistic infections (one death), nine B events, and 10 non-AIDS defining serious events were observed. Among the 92 untreated patients, 24 (26%) progressed at 12 months versus three (7%) in the treated group (p = 0.01). The 12-month progression rate among untreated patients with ARS was 34% (95% CI 22.5-46.3) versus 13% (95% CI 1.1-24.7) in asymptomatic patients (p = 0.04). In univariate analysis, ARS, baseline LT-CD4 < 350 cells/mm3, and baseline and six-month viral load (VL) > 100,000 copies/mL were associated with progression. In multivariate analysis, only ARS and baseline VL > 100,000 copies/mL remained independently associated; HR: 8.44 (95% CI 0.97-73.42) and 9.44 (95% CI 1.38-64.68), respectively.'] Are acute retroviral syndrome and high baseline viral load predictors of rapid HIV progression among untreated Argentinean seroconverters? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.86414635181427,
-1.7334837913513184,
1.5800081491470337
] |
['Flexible microstents, such as the closed-cell EN, have facilitated adjunctive coiling of intracranial aneurysms. Little data are available on the ability of the stent struts to maintain vessel-wall apposition once deployed in the tortuous cerebral vasculature and the prevalence of ISA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between geometric features of the parent vessel at the stent deployment site and prevalence of ISA.', 'Postprocedural 3T-MRA was performed in a cohort of 39 patients undergoing EN stent-assisted intracranial aneurysm coiling. 3T-MRA was analyzed for the presence of ISA and supplemented by angiographic C-arm FPCT (DynaCT). Parent vessel diameter, curvature radius, and stent-subtended arc angle were measured at the site of deployment and analyzed for prediction of ISA in the ICA.', '3T-MRA uncovered a unique crescent flow pattern (CS) outside the EN struts, which was confirmed by FPCT to indicate ISA resulting from EN crimping. ISA was detected on 3T-MRA in 19/39 patients (49%). Univariate analysis revealed ISA in the ICA to correlate with a large stent-subtended angle, a small curvature radius, and a large diameter but not stent length or jailing versus a sequential technique. Multivariate analysis identified ISA to correlate with vessel-curvature radius (OR, 253; P = .009), stent-subtended angle (OR, 225; P = .005), and parent vessel diameter (OR, 8.49; P = .044).'] Do parent vessel size and curvature strongly influence risk of incomplete stent apposition in enterprise intracranial aneurysm stent coiling? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1249654293060303,
-1.5542571544647217,
2.703538417816162
] |
['The aim of the present study was to determine if the quantification of bacterial 16S rDNA could be clinically useful in predicting patients at increased risk of developing septic shock.', 'A retrospective study of patients with positive blood cultures taken on arrival to the ED. An EDTA sample was collected simultaneously with blood cultures and assayed by polymerase chain reaction to quantitate the bacterial 16S rDNA load. Descriptive and clinical data were collected from the medical record and this was blinded to the 16S rDNA result. Subsequently, the 16S rDNA result was compared with illness severity markers including septic shock and death to determine the relationship between the 16S rDNA load and illness severity.', '98 patients (mean age 61 ± 20 years, range 18-92) with positive blood cultures were studied, most commonly growing Escherichia coli (n= 25) and Staphylococcus aureus (n= 23). 16 (16%) died. There were 42 (43%) 16S rDNA positive patients. A high 16S rDNA load was associated with an increased risk of developing delayed septic shock (OR 21.9, 95% CI 2.5-192.6) in comparison with either a low or negative 16S rDNA load; with a mortality OR 4.6 (95% CI 0.9-23.5).'] Does quantitative rt-PCR hold promise as a screening tool for patients with severe sepsis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9033277034759521,
-1.4448732137680054,
2.424145221710205
] |
['Prenotification to hospitals by emergency medical services of patients with suspected stroke is recommended to reduce delays in time-dependent therapies. We hypothesized that hospital prenotification would reduce recommended stroke time targets.', 'We used the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Brain Attack Database, which includes demographic and clinical data on all emergency department (ED) patients alerted as a Brain Attack between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Outcome variables included the time from door to stroke team arrival, computed tomographic (CT) scan completion, CT scan interpretation, electrocardiogram, laboratory results, treatment decision, and intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration. The primary independent variable was brain attack activation before arrival to the emergency department (ED; prenotification) versus on or after ED arrival (no prenotification). Analysis of covariance was used with patient predictors as covariates in addition to the one of interest (prenotification vs no prenotification). P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant.', 'There were 229 patients (114 prenotification and 115 no prenotification) alerted as having a brain attack within the study period. Patients with prehospital notification were older (69.5 years vs 61.5 years; P = .0002), had more severe strokes (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 11.1 vs 6.9; P < .0001), and received IV tPA twice as often (27% vs 15%; P = .024). Prenotification resulted in a significant reduction in all stroke time targets except door to treatment decision and tPA administration.'] Does hospital prenotification of stroke patients by emergency medical services improve stroke time targets? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5392144918441772,
-1.491277813911438,
2.0483169555664062
] |
['Excessive complement activation is an integral part of ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury (IRI) of organs. In kidney transplantation, the pathologic consequence of IRI and complement activation can lead to delayed graft function, which in turn is associated with acute rejection. Previous strategies to reduce complement-induced IRI required systemic administration of agents, which can lead to increased susceptibility to infections/immune diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether an increase in complement control defenses of rat kidney endothelium reduces IRI. We hypothesized that increased complement control on the endothelial barrier reduces IR-mediated complement activation and reduces kidney dysfunction.', 'Fischer 344 rats underwent left kidney ischemia for 45 min and treatment with a novel fusogenic lipid vesicle (FLVs) delivery system to decorate endothelial cells with vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP), followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Assessment included renal function by serum creatinine and urea, myeloperoxidase assay for neutrophil infiltration, histopathology, and quantification of C3 production in kidneys.', 'Animals in which the kidney endothelium was bolstered by FLVs+VCP treatment had better renal function with a significant reduction in serum creatinine compared with vehicle controls (P < 0.05). Also, C3 production was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in treated animals compared with vehicle controls.'] Does enhancing complement control on endothelial barrier reduce renal post-ischemia dysfunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.531278133392334,
-1.1640982627868652,
2.743802070617676
] |
['Arachidonic acid (AA, and its leukotriene derivatives, e.g., LTB(4)) is an inflammatory mediator in post-shock mesenteric lymph that appears to act as an agonist on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). These mediators prime neutrophils (PMNs) for an increased production of superoxide, implicated in the development of acute lung injury (ALI). Hypertonic saline (HTS) has also been shown to have immunomodulatory effects such as attenuation of PMN priming by precluding appropriate clathrin-mediated endocytosis of activated GPCRs, thereby potentially attenuating ALI. We hypothesize that HTS inhibits priming of the PMN oxidase by these lipid mediators.', 'After PMNs were isolated from healthy donors, incubation was done in either isotonic buffer (control) or HTS (180 mmol/L) for 5 min at 37°C. The PMNs were then primed for 10 min with AA [5 μM] or 5 min with LTB(4) [1 μM] and the oxidase was activated with 200 ng/mL of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a non-GPCR activator, and superoxide anion generation was measured via reduction of cytochrome c.', 'Both AA [5 μM] and LTB(4) [1 μM] significantly primed the PMA activated respiratory burst (P\xa0< 0.05, ANOVA, Newman-Keuls, n = 4). HTS inhibited both AA and LTB(4) priming of the respiratory burst.'] Does hypertonic saline inhibit arachidonic acid priming of the human neutrophil oxidase? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1299684047698975,
-1.4890973567962646,
2.609510898590088
] |
['Lateral line system of the zebrafish is a useful model for study of hair cell toxicity and regeneration. We found that low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) stimulated the regeneration of mechanosensory hair cells after neomycin-induced cell death in zebrafish lateral line. The aims of this study were to quantify the regenerative effects of LMWF and determine their relationship to the Notch and FGF signaling pathways.', 'Wild-type zebrafish and three different transgenic zebrafish lines (Pou4f3::GFP, scm1::GFP, and ET20::GFP) were used. At 4.5-6 days post-fertilization, lateral line hair cells of larvae were eliminated using neomycin (500\xa0μM). Larvae were then treated with LMWF. Neuromasts were observed using confocal microscopy. Stereocilia morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy, and the location and status of regeneration was assessed using 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation.', 'Hair cells damaged by neomycin treatment regenerated faster in wild-type and Pou4f3::GFP larvae treated with LMWF (50\xa0μg/ml) than in untreated controls. LMWF also enhanced the regeneration of supporting cells in scm1::GFP and ET20::GFP larvae. Increased numbers of BrdU-labeled cells were found after LMWF treatment in neuromast regions corresponding to internal and peripheral supporting cells. The effect of LMWF was mimicked by the Notch signaling inhibitor N-[N-(3,5-difluorophenacetyl)-1-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), but the effects of LMWF and DAPT were not additive.'] Does fucoidan promote mechanosensory hair cell regeneration following amino glycoside-induced cell death? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.33136248588562,
-1.4050530195236206,
2.75563907623291
] |
['The recruitment of leukocytes from circulation to sites of inflammation requires several families of adhesion molecules among which are selectins expressed on a variety of cells. In addition, they have also been shown to play key roles in the activation of cells in inflammation.', 'To explore the collective role of E-, L-, and P- selectins in OVA-induced Th2 mediated response in acute asthma pathophysiology, ELP-/- mice were used and compared with age-matched wildtype (WT).', 'Asthma phenotype was assessed by measuring pulmonary function, inflammation and OVA-specific serum IgE, which were completely abrogated in ELP-/- mice. Adoptive transfer of sensitized L selectin+CD4+ T cells into naïve ELP-/- mice which post-OVA challenge, developed asthma, suggesting that L-selectin may be critically involved in the onset of Th2 response in asthma. Tissue resident ELP-deficient cells were otherwise functionally competent as proved by normal proliferative response.'] Do triple selectin knockout ( ELP-/- ) mice fail to develop OVA-induced acute asthma phenotype? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.574232339859009,
-1.0990862846374512,
2.7093489170074463
] |
['An increased dose of the prescribed drug or a change of the drug is recommended in the treatment for the patients with urticaria refractory to the standard dose of antihistamines. Efficacy and safety of doubling the dose of cetirizine were compared with olopatadine in the patients with symptoms like wheal or itching, despite the treatment with the standard dose of cetirizine.', 'Cetirizine was administered at 10 mg once daily to 51 patients with urticaria for a mean of 10.1 ± 7.3 days (period A). Patients with inadequate responses were randomized to either cetirizine 20 mg once daily (dose-increase group) or olopatadine 5 mg twice daily (drug-change group) for a mean of 13.3 ± 8.3 days (Period B). The severity of wheal and itching, and the quality of life (QOL) measured by Skindex-16 were evaluated.', 'In period A, an adequate response was obtained in 64.7% (33/51). Nine patients each with inadequate response were randomized to either the drug-change or dose-increase groups. A significant improvement was observed in the severity of wheal and itching in the dose-increase group in period B. The QOL was significantly improved in all sub-scales of Skindex-16.'] Is double dose of cetirizine hydrochloride effective for patients with urticaria resistant : a prospective , randomized , non-blinded , comparative clinical study and assessment of quality of life? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.946494698524475,
-1.3857054710388184,
2.4863452911376953
] |
['Ornithine phenylacetate (OP) is a new drug that has been proposed for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) because it decreases plasma ammonia. We performed a study to assess if OP would impact on neuronal function.', 'Motor-evoked potentials (MEP), a surrogate of hepatic encephalopathy, were assessed (without anesthesia) in rats with portacaval anastomosis (PCA) that received gastrointestinal blood (GIB). Rats were pre-treated with OP prior to GIB. Ammonia and related metabolites (plasma, urine, and brain microdialysis) were assessed by HPLC and mass spectroscopy.', 'OP (one dose or 3 days) prevented disturbances in MEP induced by GIB in PCA rats. In rats treated with OP for 3 days, the amplitude and latency of MEP remained stable (-1% and +1%), while in the control group the amplitude decreased -21% and the latency increased +12% (p<0.01). OP attenuated the rise of ammonia in plasma by 45%, ammonia in brain microdialysate by 48%, induced a faster glutamine rise and the appearance of phenylacetylglutamine in plasma and urine. In addition, OP was associated with a lower concentration of ammonia and glutamate in brain microdialysate (approx. 50%).'] Does ornithine phenylacetate prevent disturbances of motor-evoked potentials induced by intestinal blood in rats with portacaval anastomosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2401020526885986,
-1.3301074504852295,
2.6324586868286133
] |
['The role of interleukin (IL)-5 in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been established in animal models; anti-IL-5 therapy has been reported to be effective in adults. We investigated whether IL-5 has a role in accumulation of esophageal eosinophils in children with EoE and whether therapy with mepolizumab, an antibody against IL-5, reduces the number of esophageal intraepithelial eosinophils in children with EoE.', 'We performed an international, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, prospective study of 59 children with EoE, defined as baseline peak count of esophageal intraepithelial eosinophils of ≥ 20 in at least 1 high-power field (hpf). Patients received an infusion every 4 weeks (a total of 3 infusions) of 0.55, 2.5, or 10 mg/kg mepolizumab. No placebo group was used.', 'Baseline peak and mean esophageal intraepithelial eosinophil counts were (mean ± SE) 122.5 ± 8.78 and 39.1 ± 3.63 per hpf, respectively. Four weeks after the third infusion, peak eosinophil counts were <5 per hpf in 5 of 57 children (8.8%); we did not observe differences among groups given different doses of mepolizumab. Reduced peak and mean eosinophil counts, to <20 per hpf, were observed in 18 of 57 (31.6%) and 51 of 57 (89.5%) children, respectively. Peak and mean esophageal intraepithelial eosinophil counts decreased significantly to 40.2 ± 5.17 and 9.3 ± 1.25 per hpf, respectively (P < .0001). An analysis to evaluate predictors of response associated a higher mean baseline esophageal intraepithelial eosinophil count with a greater reduction in mean count (P < .0001).'] Does an antibody against IL-5 reduce numbers of esophageal intraepithelial eosinophils in children with eosinophilic esophagitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7639451026916504,
-1.5684678554534912,
2.304657220840454
] |
['Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell disorder, but it is also associated with abnormalities in T-lymphocyte function. In this study we examine changes in T-lymphocyte CD39 and CD73 expression in patients with CLL.', 'Blood samples were drawn from 34 patients with CLL and 31 controls. The cells were stained for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD39, and CD73 and analyzed by flow cytometry.', 'Overall, patients with CLL had a higher percentage of CD39(+) T lymphocytes than did controls. The percentage of cells expressing CD39 was higher in both CD4(+) cells and CD8(+) cells. Higher CD3/CD39 expression was associated with a later disease stage. No correlations between T-lymphocyte CD39 levels and CD38 or Zap-70 expression were observed. In contrast, the percentage of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes that expressed CD73 was decreased in patients with CLL. Average B-lymphocyte CD73 expression was decreased in CLL because the majority of CLL clones were CD73. However a minority of CLL clones were CD73(+), and patients with CD73(+) clones tended to have earlier stage disease.'] Does cD39 expression on T lymphocytes correlate with severity of disease in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9828492403030396,
-1.2324652671813965,
2.260427474975586
] |
['Human parainfluenza virus type 3 (HPIV3) is an important yet underappreciated cause of lower respiratory tract illness in children, and a licensed vaccine is not yet available.', 'A live-attenuated investigational HPIV3 vaccine virus designated rcp45 was derived from cDNA by using reverse genetics. rcp45 is genetically similar to the biologically derived cp45 vaccine virus and contains all of the known attenuating mutations of cp45, but has the advantage of a short, well-characterized passage history. We evaluated the tolerability, infectivity, and immunogenicity of 2 intranasal doses of rcp45 administered 4 to 10 weeks apart in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. A total of 45 infants and children between 6 and 36 months of age participated in this study. Tolerability and antibody responses to vaccine or placebo were assessed in all recipients. Infectivity was assessed by quantitation of vaccine virus shedding in a subset of vaccinated children.', 'rcp45 was well tolerated and highly infectious in HPIV3-seronegative children. A second dose of vaccine administered 4 to 10 weeks after the first dose was restricted in replication and did not boost serum antibody responses. The stability of 9 cp45 mutations, including the 6 major attenuating mutations, was examined and confirmed for viral isolates from 10 children.'] Is the cDNA-derived investigational human parainfluenza virus type 3 vaccine rcp45 well tolerated , infectious , and immunogenic in infants and young children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.24806809425354,
-1.312734842300415,
2.6718244552612305
] |
['Reservosomes are lysosome-related organelles found in Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes. They represent the last step in epimastigote endocytic route, accumulating a set of proteins and enzymes related to protein digestion and lipid metabolism. The reservosome matrix contains planar membranes, vesicles and lipid inclusions. Some of the latter may assume rectangular or sword-shaped crystalloid forms surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer, resembling the cholesterol crystals in foam cells.', 'Using Nile Red fluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy, as well as electron microscopy, we have established a direct correlation between serum concentration in culture medium and the presence of crystalloid lipid inclusions. Starting from a reservosome purified fraction, we have developed a fractionation protocol to isolate lipid inclusions. Gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that lipid inclusions are composed mainly by cholesterol and cholesterol esters. Moreover, when the parasites with crystalloid lipid-loaded reservosomes were maintained in serum free medium for 48 hours the inclusions disappeared almost completely, including the sword shaped ones.'] Are trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes able to store and mobilize high amounts of cholesterol in reservosome lipid inclusions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.443901300430298,
-1.1888177394866943,
2.769611358642578
] |
['Immunoprecipitation and subsequent 2D-PAGE/mass spectrometry are powerful tools to study post-translational protein modifications. Often disregarded in this workflow is the impact of the chemical cross-linker upon antibody affinity, as well as incomplete elution of primary target protein in buffers commonly used in 2D-PAGE. This may impede detection of non-abundant protein isoforms.', 'Here we have compared cross-linking of antibodies to Dynabeads® Protein A by using DMP or BS3, as well as the efficiency of various target elution buffers prior to 2D-PAGE separation. BS3 cross-linking generally resulted in less non-specific binding than DMP, whereas DMP cross-linking gave overall higher yield of target protein. Regardless of the cross-linker used, incomplete elution of target protein was observed with conventional glycine- or urea-based buffers. Conversely, complete elution was obtained with 2% hot SDS and subsequent dilution in urea buffer containing 4% CHAPS, to 0.2% final SDS yielded perfectly focused gels suitable for mass spectrometry analysis.'] Do antibody cross-linking and target elution protocols used for immunoprecipitation significantly modulate signal-to noise ratio in downstream 2D-PAGE analysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1229004859924316,
-1.3042211532592773,
2.5751726627349854
] |
['Detailed studies of cochlear morphology can guide our approach to cochleostomy and electrode insertion to optimize neuronal and hair cell preservation and ultimate electrode location.', 'Normal developed cochleae from 124 cochlear implant candidates were studied. We performed morphometric analysis of the right cochleae in all subjects based on computed tomographic data. The length and width of the cochlear base, the angle between the first and second turn of the cochlea, and the cochlear orientation within the cranial base were measured and compared across age groups. In cochlear implant candidates with underdeveloped cochleae (n = 7), we performed similar measurements and assessed the modiolar inlet area on 3D volume rendered images.', 'The birth to 1 year and 1- to 2-year age groups showed insignificant differences in the lengths and widths of the cochlear base, although variability was considerable, and a significantly wider angle (from the midsagittal line) than that of the older age groupings (p < 0.05). For underdeveloped cochleae, the length and width of the cochlear base were significantly smaller and angled between the first and second turn differed from the normal developed group. The modiolar inlet also was significantly smaller in the underdeveloped cochleae compared with normal cochleae.'] Do cochlear coiling pattern and orientation differences in cochlear implant candidates? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.267984628677368,
-1.1987254619598389,
2.6234095096588135
] |
['Reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion is observed in obesity and may contribute to increases in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Lipoprotein characteristics including increased small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles are known independent risk factors for CVD. We hypothesized that reduced GH secretion in obesity would be associated with a more atherogenic lipid profile including increased small dense LDL particles.', 'To evaluate this hypothesis, we studied 102 normal weight and obese men and women using standard GH stimulation testing to assess GH secretory capacity and performed comprehensive lipoprotein analyses including determination of lipoprotein particle size and subclass concentrations using proton NMR spectroscopy.', 'Obese subjects were stratified into reduced or sufficient GH secretion based on the median peak-stimulated GH (≤6·25 μg/l). Obese subjects with reduced GH secretion (n = 35) demonstrated a smaller mean LDL and HDL particle size in comparison to normal weight subjects (n = 33) or obese subjects with sufficient GH (n = 34) by ANOVA (P < 0·0001). Univariate analyses demonstrated peak-stimulated GH was positively associated with LDL (r = 0·50; P < 0·0001) and HDL (r = 0·57; P < 0·0001), but not VLDL (P = 0·06) particle size. Multivariate regression analysis controlling for age, gender, race, ethnicity, tobacco, use of lipid-lowering medication, BMI and HOMA demonstrated peak-stimulated GH remained significantly associated with LDL particle size (β = 0·01; P = 0·01; R(2) = 0·42; P < 0·0001 for overall model) and HDL particle size (β = 0·008; P = 0·001; R(2) = 0·44; P < 0·0001 for overall model).'] Is reduced growth hormone secretion in obesity associated with smaller LDL and HDL particle size? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6340092420578003,
-1.4850037097930908,
2.1883292198181152
] |
['The axillary vein is a commonly used extrathoracic access site for cardiac rhythm device lead implantation. We sought to describe variation in axillary vein location and identify predictors of a more cranial or caudal radiographic location to facilitate blind venous cannulation.', 'This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients undergoing lead implantation between 2006 and 2010. The cranial-caudal location of the axillary vein lateral and medial to the rib cage border was determined by reviewing peripheral contrast venograms. Multivariate linear regression was performed.', 'Of 155 patients, the majority were men (62%) and White (53%). The most frequent position of the lateral and medial axillary vein was over the third rib (40%) and top of the third rib (15%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, whites had a more caudal location of both the lateral (0.56 rib spaces lower, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.91, P = 0.002) and medial axillary vein (0.50 rib spaces lower, 95% CI 0.85-0.91, P = 0.019). Other independent predictors included an approximate 3-4% higher rib space location for every digit increase in body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.049 for the lateral location and P = 0.016 for the medial location) and an approximate half rib space higher location for males (P = 0.015 for the lateral location and P = 0.013 for the medial location).'] Do predictors of axillary vein location for vascular access during pacemaker and defibrillator lead implantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7508429288864136,
-1.5241910219192505,
2.330005168914795
] |
['Evidence is currently lacking for guidance on ultrasound transducer configuration (shape) when imaging muscle to measure its size. This study compared measurements made of lumbar multifidus on images obtained using curvilinear and linear transducers.', "Fifteen asymptomatic males (aged 21-32 years) had their right lumbar multifidus imaged at L3. Two transverse images were taken with two transducers (5\xa0MHz curvilinear and 6\xa0MHz linear), and linear and cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements were made off-line. Reliability of image interpretation was shown using intra-class correlation coefficients (0.78-0.99). Muscle measurements were compared between transducers using Bland and Altman plots and paired t-tests. Relationships between CSA and linear measurements were examined using Pearson's Correlation Coefficients.", 'There were no significant differences (p\xa0>\xa00.05) in the measurements of the two transducers. Thickness and CSA measurements had small differences between transducers, with mean differences of 0.01\xa0cm (SDdiff\xa0=\xa00.21\xa0cm) and 0.03\xa0cm(2) (SDdiff\xa0=\xa00.58\xa0cm(2)) respectively. Width measures had a mean difference of 0.14\xa0cm, with the linear transducer giving larger measures. Significant correlations (p\xa0<\xa00.001) were found between all linear measures and CSA, with both transducers (r\xa0=\xa00.78-0.89).'] Does ultrasound transducer shape have no effect on measurements of lumbar multifidus muscle size? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.11112243682146072,
-1.9414769411087036,
0.8428380489349365
] |
['The aim of the study was to compare results of objective test techniques in cochlear implant users with inner ear malformations and incomplete partition anomalies with types I and II and to show which techniques should be used in the evaluation and fitting of cochlear implant users with inner ear malformations.', 'Retrospective clinical study.', 'The subjects in the control group were selected randomly from cochlear implant users with normal cochlea. Inclusion criteria for patients group were having inner ear malformation for the study group and at least 1 year cochlear implants use for both groups.', 'For each individual subject, electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs), electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold (ESRT), and electrically evoked auditory brainstem response (EABR) thresholds were determined. These tests were applied after a normal cochlear implant fitting session. There were 20 subjects in inner ear malformation group and 15 subjects in the control group. For each subject, 6 intracochlear electrodes, representing apical, middle, and basal array of intracochlear electrode, were used.', 'In the cochlear malformation group, percentage of acquired ECAP thresholds was 25%. However, in the control group, percentage of ECAP was 74%. Similarly with ECAP, percentage of ESRT in the cochlear malformation group was 17.5%, and that in the control group was 90%. The difference between these percentages was statistically significant. Both current levels and latencies of EABR wave V were significantly different from each other for the inner ear malformation group and the control group.', "For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney U test for 2 independent samples, Kruskal-Wallis analysis and Dunn's Z test were used."] Do evaluation of objective test techniques in cochlear implant users with inner ear malformations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.772194266319275,
-1.532245397567749,
2.3029260635375977
] |
['Obese adipose tissue shows hallmarks of chronic inflammation, which promotes the development of metabolic disorders. The mechanisms by which immune cells interact with each other or with metabolism-associated cell types, and the players involved, are still unclear. The CD40-CD40L costimulatory dyad plays a pivotal role in immune responses and in diseases such as atherosclerosis and may therefore be a mediator of obesity. Here we investigated whether CD40L is involved in adipose tissue inflammation and its associated metabolic changes.', 'To assess a putative role of CD40L in obesity in vivo, we evaluated metabolic and inflammatory consequences of 18 weeks of high-fat feeding in CD40L(+/+) and CD40L(-/-) mice. In addition, C57Bl6 mice were injected with neutralizing anti-CD40L (αCD40L) antibody for 12 weeks while being fed a high-fat diet. Genetic deficiency of CD40L attenuated the development of diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and increased systemic insulin sensitivity. In adipose tissue, it impaired obesity-induced immune cell infiltration and the associated deterioration of glucose and lipid metabolism. Accordingly, αCD40L treatment improved systemic insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and CD4(+) T-cell infiltration in adipose tissue with limited effects on adipose tissue weight.'] Does cD40L deficiency ameliorate adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic manifestations of obesity in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4949467182159424,
-1.1493406295776367,
2.7154500484466553
] |
['Diabetic bone disease is a major complication in diabetes mellitus and is characterized by low-turnover bone formation. Recent studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress could be associated with diabetic bone disease and that β-adrenergic antagonists could increase bone formation. Our study investigated the effect of carvedilol (β-blocker), possessing an antioxidant effect, on diabetic bone disease.', 'We used the non-obese, type 2 diabetes model Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats in this study. Sprague-Dawley rats were used as controls (control, n = 6). SDT rats were divided into four groups: diabetic (DM, n = 8), DM+insulin (DM+I, n = 7), DM+carvedilol (DM+C, n = 8), and DM+N-acetylcysteine (DM+N, n = 10) at 20 weeks. The rats were sacrificed at 30 weeks, after which blood and urine samples, bone mineral density, histomorphometry, and oxidative stress were evaluated.', 'The number of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine-positive cells in bone tissue was significantly lower in the DM+C and DM+N groups than in the DM group. Mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate per bone surface in the DM+C and DM+N groups were significantly higher than those in the DM group, and these parameters were better in the DM+C group than in the DM+N group.'] Does carvedilol ameliorate low-turnover bone disease in non-obese type 2 diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.103098154067993,
-1.4206819534301758,
2.506030559539795
] |
['A high intake of white rice is associated with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Costa Ricans follow a staple dietary pattern that includes white rice and beans, yet the combined role of these foods on cardiometabolic risk factors has not been studied.', 'We aimed to determine the association between intake of white rice and beans and the metabolic syndrome and its components in Costa Rican adults (n = 1879) without diabetes.', 'Multivariate-adjusted means were calculated for components of the metabolic syndrome by daily servings of white rice and beans (<1, 1, or >1) and by the ratio of beans to white rice. The OR for the metabolic syndrome was calculated by substituting one serving of beans for one serving of white rice.', 'An increase in daily servings of white rice was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (BP), triglycerides, and fasting glucose and inversely associated with HDL cholesterol (P-trend <0.01 for all). An increase in servings of beans was inversely associated with diastolic BP (P = 0.049). Significant trends for higher HDL cholesterol and lower BP and triglycerides were observed for 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 ratios of beans to white rice. Substituting one serving of beans for one serving of white rice was associated with a 35% (95% CI: 15%, 50%) lower risk of the metabolic syndrome.'] Is a higher ratio of beans to white rice associated with lower cardiometabolic risk factors in Costa Rican adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1829113960266113,
-1.032654047012329,
1.2193865776062012
] |
['Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) detoxify environmental chemicals and are involved in oxidative stress pathways. Deletion polymorphisms affect enzyme activities and have been associated with risk of disease.', 'The objective was to clarify whether biomarkers of oxidation, antioxidation, inflammation, and nutritional factors differ by GST genotype in healthy adults.', 'Subjects (n = 383) consisted of nonsmokers and nonusers of antiinflammatory drugs and antioxidant vitamin supplements. Deletion polymorphisms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 were genotyped. F(2)-isoprostanes, malondialdehyde, C-reactive protein, serum vitamin C, carotenoids, tocopherols, and other nutritional factors were assessed.', 'The concentration of serum vitamin C was higher in persons with the inactive GSTM1-0 genotype (P = 0.006). This relation was unchanged after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, or dietary vitamin C. F(2)-isoprostanes and malondialdehyde were lower in the GSTM1-0 and GSTT1-0 groups, respectively, but significance was lost after control for serum vitamin C. The dual deletion, GSTM1-0/GSTT1-0 (n = 37), was associated with higher serum iron and total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (all P < 0.01) and lower malondialdehyde concentrations, which persisted after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and serum vitamin C. Carotenoids and α- and γ-tocopherols were not associated with either genotype.'] Do serum vitamin C and other biomarkers differ by genotype of phase 2 enzyme genes GSTM1 and GSTT1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2904531955718994,
-1.333247423171997,
2.682185173034668
] |
['Currently there are few data that brief violence intervention (BVI) and community case management services (CCMS) are effective for trauma patients admitted for interpersonal violence in terms of recidivism, service utilization, or alcohol abuse. The objective of this study is to assess outcomes for a cohort of young trauma patients in a prospective, randomized trial comparing BVI with BVI + CCMS.', 'Intentionally injured patients, aged 10 years to 24 years, admitted to a Level I trauma center were randomized to receive a brief in-hospital psychoeducational violence intervention alone (Group I) or in combination with a 6 months wraparound CCMS (Group II) that included vocational, employment, educational, housing, mental health, and recreational assistance. Recidivism, alcohol use, and hospital and community service utilization were assessed at 6 weeks (6W) and 6 months (6M).', 'Seventy-five of 376 eligible injured patients were randomized into Group I and II. The two groups had similar demographics, injuries, and clinical outcomes. After discharge, percent clinic visits maintained was 57% in both the groups. Group II showed better hospital service utilization, CMS, and risk factor reduction at 6W and 6M. One patient in each group sustained a reinjury at 6M.'] Are brief violence interventions with community case management services effective for high-risk trauma patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6012020111083984,
-0.11328054219484329,
0.8196418285369873
] |
['The risk of pulmonary exacerbation following Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) acquisition in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is unknown.', 'To determine if failure of antibiotic therapy to eradicate Pa and frequency of Pa recurrence are associated with increased exacerbation risk.', 'The cohort included 282 children with CF who participated in the EPIC trial ages 1-12 with newly acquired Pa, defined as either a first lifetime Pa positive respiratory culture or positive after two years of negative cultures (past isolation of Pa but >2 years prior to the trial). All received antibiotics to promote initial eradication followed by 15 months of intermittent maintenance antibiotics. Quarterly cultures were used to define initial eradication success and subsequent number of Pa recurrences. A standardized symptom-based definition of exacerbation was utilized. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate exacerbation risk.', 'Failure to initially eradicate Pa was associated with exacerbation risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26, 4.93). In 245/282 with successful initial eradication during the trial, past isolation of Pa >2 years before the trial was the most significant predictor of exacerbation (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.12, 2.35). In 37/282 who failed initial eradication, persistent Pa during the maintenance phase (1 or more Pa recurrences after failure to initially eradicate) added even greater exacerbation risk (HR 4.13, 95% CI 1.28, 13.32).'] Is initial Pseudomonas aeruginosa treatment failure associated with exacerbations in cystic fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8542906045913696,
-1.5565521717071533,
1.5162298679351807
] |
['It has been suggested that the medullary raphe (MR) plays a key role in the physiological responses to hypoxia. As opioid μ-receptors have been found in the MR, we studied the putative role of opioid μ-receptors in the rostral MR (rMR) region on ventilation in normal and 7% hypoxic conditions.', 'We measured pulmonary ventilation (VE) and the body temperatures (Tb) of male Wistar rats before and after the selective opioid μ-receptor antagonist CTAP (D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2, cyclic, 0.1 μg per 0.1 μL) was microinjected into the rMR during normoxia or after 60 min of hypoxia.', 'The animals treated with intra-rMR CTAP exhibited an attenuation of the ventilatory response to hypoxia (430 ± 86 mL kg(-1) min(-1)) compared with the control group (790 ± 82 mL kg(-1) min(-1) ) (P < 0.05). No differences in the Tb were observed between groups during hypoxia.'] Do opioid μ-receptors in the rostral medullary raphe modulate hypoxia-induced hyperpnea in unanesthetized rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1727182865142822,
-1.38818359375,
2.527277946472168
] |
['Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscle is markedly increased during exercise and may be essential for exercise adaptation. We, therefore, investigated the effects of infusion with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on exercise-induced activation of signalling pathways and genes involved in exercise adaptation in human skeletal muscle.', 'Subjects completed two exercise tests, 7 days apart, with saline (control, CON) or NAC infusion before and during exercise. Exercise tests comprised of cycling at 71% VO(2peak) for 45 min, and then 92% VO(2peak) to fatigue, with vastus lateralis biopsies at pre-infusion, after 45-min cycling and at fatigue.', 'Analysis was conducted on the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways, demonstrating that NAC infusion blocked the exercise-induced increase in JNK phosphorylation, but not ERK1/2, or p38 MAPK. Nuclear factor-κB p65 phosphorylation was unaffected by exercise; however, it was reduced in NAC at fatigue by 14% (P < 0.05) compared with pre-infusion. Analysis of exercise and/or ROS-sensitive genes demonstrated that exercise-induced mRNA expression is ROS dependent of MnSOD, but not PGC-1α, interleukin-6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, or heat-shock protein 70.'] Does infusion with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine attenuate early adaptive responses to exercise in human skeletal muscle? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.430406332015991,
-1.2233299016952515,
2.7020273208618164
] |
['Lung ischaemia-reperfusion induces nitric oxide synthesis and reactive nitrogen species, decreasing nitric oxide bioavailability. We hypothesized that in the ventilated lung, this process begins during ischaemia and intensifies with reperfusion, contributing to ischaemia-reperfusion-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. The aim was to determine whether ischaemia-reperfusion alters inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression/activity, reactive nitrogen species generation, and nitric oxide bioavailability, potentially affecting pulmonary perfusion.', 'Ischaemia-reperfusion was induced for various times in anesthetized rabbits with ventilated lungs by reversibly occluding the right pulmonary artery and initiating reperfusion. Nitric oxide synthase activity/expression and phosphorylation, reactive nitrogen species generation and total nitrate/nitrite were determined in lung tissue.', 'Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and activity, and reactive nitrogen species formation coincided with increased pulmonary vascular resistance during reperfusion and increased with ischaemia duration, further increasing after 2-h reperfusion. Total nitrate/nitrite also increased with ischaemia but decreased after 2-h reperfusion. Pre-treatment with an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (1400W; Cayman Chemical Company, Ann Arbor, MI, USA) attenuated inducible nitric oxide synthase activity, reactive nitrogen species generation and pulmonary vascular resistance, but did not affect total nitrate/nitrite. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was unchanged by ischaemia-reperfusion; however, its phosphorylation on serine 1177 and dephosphorylation on threonine 495 was uncoupled, suggesting decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity. 1400W prevented uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation, maintaining its activity during reperfusion.'] Does interplay of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases modulate the vascular response to ischaemia-reperfusion in the rabbit lung? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5093841552734375,
-1.3218812942504883,
2.8852269649505615
] |
['Mitochondrial dysfunction has been suggested to play a significant role in obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate if changes in obesity and insulin resistance were related to similar changes in mitochondrial capacity for hydrogen peroxide release in Zucker diabetic fatty rats and their lean littermates.', 'Thirty-four rats were used in this study. Rats were either lean or obese Zucker rats killed at 5-6 (young) or 12-14 (adults) weeks of age. Mitochondria were isolated from soleus muscles; respiration and release of hydrogen peroxide were determined and related to citrate synthase activity to determine intrinsic mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial-specific super-oxide dismuthase (MnSOD) protein content was determined in isolated mitochondria and muscle homogenate. Catalase protein content was determined in muscle homogenate.', 'Young lean and obese rats had a higher mitochondrial respiration when using palmitoyl-l-carnitine as substrate compared with adult lean and obese rats. The obese strain had higher mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide release but only in the adult animals. In both lean and obese animals, increased age was associated with increased mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide release. MnSOD tended to be higher in the obese strain in the isolated mitochondria. Regardless of age, catalase protein content was significantly lower in the obese rats.'] Does obesity augment the age-induced increase in mitochondrial capacity for H2O2 release in Zucker fatty rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1753640174865723,
-0.07348720729351044,
1.3106275796890259
] |
['In animals, early embryonic development is largely dependent on maternal transcripts synthesized during gametogenesis. However, in higher plants, the extent of maternal control over zygote development and early embryogenesis is not fully understood yet. Nothing is known about the activity of the parental genomes during seed formation of interspecies hybrids.', 'Here, we report that an interspecies hybridization system between SR1 (Nicotiana tabacum) and Hamayan (N. rustica) has been successfully established. Based on the system we selected 58 genes that have polymorphic sites between SR1 and Hamayan, and analyzed the allele-specific expression of 28 genes in their hybrid zygotes (Hamayan x SR1). Finally the allele-specific expressions of 8 genes in hybrid zygotes were repeatedly confirmed. Among them, 4 genes were of paternal origin, 1 gene was of maternal origin and 3 genes were of biparental origin. These results revealed obvious biparental involvement and differentially contribution of parental-origin genes to zygote development in the interspecies hybrid. We further detected the expression pattern of the genes at 8-celled embryo stage found that the involvement of the parental-origin genes may change at different stages of embryogenesis.'] Are genes of both parental origins differentially involved in early embryogenesis of a tobacco interspecies hybrid? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.301736354827881,
0.04613476246595383,
1.2377495765686035
] |
['Resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock with isotonic crystalloids has been shown to activate polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Although hypertonic saline (HTS) can reduce PMN activation and interactions with endothelial cells (EC) in systemic microvascular beds, no data exist demonstrating that the same occurs in the unique blood-brain barrier microcirculation. We hypothesized that resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock with HTS would blunt brain in vivo PMN-EC interactions.', "Wistar rats (250-350 g) underwent craniotomy and placement of a window for live intravital viewing of pial vessels. Twenty animals were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 30 mm Hg to 35 mm Hg for 1 hour and resuscitated with shed blood and either 5% HTS (6 mL/kg) or Ringer's lactate (RL) (2× shed blood volume). Circulating rhodamine-6G-labeled PMN in pial venules were captured by videomicroscopy at baseline (preshock), end of the shock period, after resuscitation, and every 15 minutes to 30 minutes for 2 hours. Hemodynamics and arterial gases were monitored. Off-line footage analysis allowed comparisons of PMN-EC interactions between groups.", 'Animals in both groups developed significant metabolic acidosis (p < 0.01) after hemorrhage, but postresuscitation blood pressures were similar at all time points. Crystalloid resuscitation volumes were 10× greater in RL than HTS animals (p < 0.001). For all time points, we did not observe the expected reduction in PMN rolling and adhesion in HTS animals, instead noted trends of consistently lower interactions in RL counterparts.'] Does hypertonic saline resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock decrease in vivo neutrophil interactions with endothelium in the blood-brain microcirculation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8690299987792969,
-1.5399425029754639,
2.401371479034424
] |
['Failure to detect pregnancy in the emergency department (ED) can have important consequences. Urine human chorionic gonadotropin (uhCG) point-of-care (POC) assays are valued for rapidly detecting early pregnancy with high sensitivity. However, under certain conditions, POC uhCG tests can fail to detect pregnancy.', 'In investigating a series of late first-trimester false-negative pregnancy tests in our ED, a novel and distinct causative phenomenon was recently elucidated in our institution. We discuss uhCG POC tests, review our false-negative rate, and describe mechanisms for false negatives and potential remedies.'] Does `` Hook-like effect '' cause false-negative point-of-care urine pregnancy testing in emergency patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.8404572010040283,
-0.6313307881355286,
2.619149923324585
] |
['To study the impact of daycare attendance on airways infections and "allergic" symptoms of children aged 1-8 years in Northeast Texas.', 'Self-administrated questionnaires were distributed to parents through Women, Infants and Children offices, daycare centers, elementary schools, clinic centers, hospitals, and churches. The health outcomes consisted of "allergic" symptoms, and respiratory tract disorders. Questions on child care included; type of daycare settings (proxy for the number of children in daycare), time spent at daycare centers per week, and age of entry to a daycare center.', 'A total of 3766 children participated in this study, giving a response rate of 71%. Daycare attendance was associated with more frequent respiratory tract infections and "allergic" symptoms, compared to home care. A dose-response relationship between time spent at daycare centers and prevalence of respiratory tract disorders and asthma and allergies was observed. Earlier age exposure at daycare centers was a risk factor for rhinitis up to 7-8 years.'] Do early daycare attendance increase the risk for respiratory infections and asthma of children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.924035668373108,
1.8472392559051514,
-0.6097078323364258
] |
['The two variants of the α-form of the catalytic (C) subunit of protein kinase A (PKA), designated Cα1 and Cα2, are encoded by the PRKACA gene. Whereas Cα1 is ubiquitous, Cα2 expression is restricted to the sperm cell. Cα1 and Cα2 are encoded with different N-terminal domains. In Cα1 but not Cα2 the N-terminal end introduces three sites for posttranslational modifications which include myristylation at Gly1, Asp-specific deamidation at Asn2 and autophosphorylation at Ser10. Previous reports have implicated specific biological features correlating with these modifications on Cα1. Since Cα2 is not modified in the same way as Cα1 we tested if they have distinct biochemical activities that may be reflected in different biological properties.', 'We show that Cα2 interacts with the two major forms of the regulatory subunit (R) of PKA, RI and RII, to form cAMP-sensitive PKAI and PKAII holoenzymes both in vitro and in vivo as is also the case with Cα1. Moreover, using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), we show that the interaction patterns of the physiological inhibitors RI, RII and PKI were comparable for Cα2 and Cα1. This is also the case for their potency to inhibit catalytic activities of Cα2 and Cα1.'] Is the testis-specific Cα2 subunit of PKA kinetically indistinguishable from the common Cα1 subunit of PKA? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3399550914764404,
-1.1524043083190918,
2.521514892578125
] |
['In melanoma patients, we define incomplete sentinel node biopsy (I-SNB) as when fewer lymph nodes are removed during sentinel node biopsy (SNB) than identified on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy (LS). This study quantifies the frequency of I-SNB and evaluates any correlation with patient outcomes.', 'Evaluation of a prospective database of consecutive patients having LS and negative SNB from 1996 to 2006. Additional LS information was obtained from a nuclear medicine database. All statistical analyses were performed using the IBM SPSS Statistic 19.0 software package.', 'I-SNB occurred in 20% of the cohort (n\xa0=\xa02007). For axillary (n\xa0=\xa0895), groin (n\xa0=\xa0569), and neck/axial patients (n\xa0=\xa0334) I-SNB occurred in 12%, 26%, and 28% of cases, respectively (P\xa0<\xa0.001). On univariate analysis, there was a significant association between I-SNB and worse disease-free survival (DFS), P\xa0=\xa0.007 and trend toward worse melanoma-specific survival (MSS), P\xa0=\xa0.056. I-SNB was not associated with worse regional recurrence-free survival (RRFS), P\xa0=\xa0.144. There was no relationship between I-SNB and worse DFS, RRFS, or MSS on multivariate analysis. Sentinel node region (axilla better than groin and neck/axial) had a significant association with RRFS (P\xa0=\xa0.039) on univariate analysis and DFS on univariate (P\xa0=\xa0.009) and multivariate analysis. Significantly worse outcomes for MSS, DFS, and RRFS were seen with male gender, increasing age, high mitotic count, ulceration, and increasing Breslow thickness.'] Is incomplete sentinel node biopsy clearly related to survival or regional recurrence in cutaneous melanoma patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8758400678634644,
-1.6369245052337646,
2.5325212478637695
] |
['This study was designed to determine whether serum HE4 is an independent prognostic factor in ovarian cancer patients.', 'We measured HE4 in pretreatment serum samples from 80 women with epithelial ovarian cancer, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were correlated with clinical data.', 'The median serum HE4 level in ovarian cancer patients was 98.7 (range, 80.3-222.8) pg/ml. Elevated serum HE4 levels before therapy significantly correlated with a poorer progression free survival (log-rank test, P = 0.017). Multivariate analysis revealed serum HE4 to be an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (P = 0.036). In multivariate regression analysis, high serum HE4 levels significantly correlated with high tumor grade and serous histology (P = 0.004 and 0.017). In addition, high serum HE4 levels were significantly associated with residual tumor size and operative time (P = 0.003 and 0.033).'] Is serum HE4 level an independent prognostic factor in epithelial ovarian cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8525402545928955,
-1.4832066297531128,
2.4027321338653564
] |
['The aim of this study was to assess the association between human fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) Gly(388) Arg polymorphism and pre-eclampsia (PE) by carrying out a case-control study in Turkish women.', 'In the present study 159 PE patients and 161 controls were included. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocyte and FGFR4 Gly(388) Arg polymorphism was investigated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methods.', 'For Gly388Arg polymorphism of FGFR4 we found no significant association between controls and PE patients. The frequencies of GlyGly, GlyArg and ArgArg genotypes were 56.6%, 36.4% and 7% for the study group and 50.3%, 44.7% and 5% for the control group, respectively. The risk of women with the GlyArg (odds ratio = 0.7, 95% confidence interval: 0.45-1.14) and ArgArg (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.47-3.22) genotypes for PE did not differ significantly from that of GlyGly genotype carriers.'] Is fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 Gly388 Arg polymorphism associated with pre-eclampsia in Turkish women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9533947706222534,
-1.402369499206543,
2.3600542545318604
] |
['The authors present their experience of colonoscopic perforation and its management, with an analysis of factors affecting outcome.', 'During the last 10 years, 22 cases of colonoscopic perforation (CP) were identified in two different institutions. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors of morbidity and mortality.', 'Morbidity and mortality rates were 31% and 13.6%, respectively. Prompt diagnosis was the most powerful predictor of outcome of CP. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that morbidity and mortality were significantly related to a delay in diagnosis of more than 24 h (P = 0.03 and P = 0.04).'] Is promptness of diagnosis the main prognostic factor after colonoscopic perforation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.051107883453369,
-0.6785429120063782,
1.8396443128585815
] |
['To explore the protective effect of KLF4 against cytotoxicity induced by cisplatin and its possible mechanisms.', 'The expression levels of KLF4 were detected by RT-PCR and western blot in cancer stem-like cells derived from hepatocarcinoma (T3A-A3) and the hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2. KLF4 was knocked down in T3A-A3 by infection of pLVTHM-shKLF4 lentivirus and ectopic expressed in HepG2 by infection of pWPTS-KLF4 lentivirus. The MTT assay was carried out to determine the impact of KLF4 on cell survival in response to cisplatin. Cisplatin-induced DNA damage was measured by TUNEL staining. Glutathione content was measured by enzymatic assay. Buthionine sulfoximine was used to deplete the content of glutathione. The expression of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase was analyzed by RT-PCR in HepG2 cells ectopic expressed KLF4.', 'With a higher level of KLF4, T3A-A3 cells were found to be more resistant to cisplatin than HepG2 cells. KLF4 knockdown was found to reduce cisplatin resistance in T3A-A3 cells. Ectopic expression of KLF4 in HepG2 cells was found to be associated with heightened resistance to DNA damage after exposure to cisplatin. Furthermore, the content of glutathione was found to be higher in T3A-A3 cells than in HepG2 cells. A nearly twofold increase in the cellular level of glutathione was identified in HepG2 cells with ectopic expression of KLF4. This was accompanied by heightened resistance to cisplatin. KLF4-mediated resistance to cisplatin in HepG2 cells was found to be completely abrogated by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, which did not affect the expression of KLF4. Moreover, the mRNA expression of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, a rate-limiting enzyme of glutathione synthesis was up-regulated by KLF.'] Does inhibition of glutathione synthesis reverse Krüppel-like factor 4-mediated cisplatin resistance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.302245855331421,
-1.3743962049484253,
2.6760852336883545
] |
['Some patients needing a kidney transplant have used cyclophosphamide before the transplant. Long-term bone marrow damage associated with cyclophosphamide could manifest with myelotoxic complications after transplant in the context of the immunosuppressant, but evidence for this has not been published.', 'We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of renal transplant recipients with prior cyclophosphamide exposure and compared posttransplant short-term outcomes to a random control group (clinical outcomes identified by searching automated electronic databases).', 'Sixteen recipients had taken cyclophosphamide before the transplant and were compared with a control group of 32 patients. Hospitalization rates were equal, and although there were 3 times more hospitalizations secondary to an infective course in the cyclophosphamide group, this did not achieve significance (0.63 vs 0.22; P = .147). There was no difference in rates of bacteriuria, cytomegalovirus, or Polyomavirus. The cyclophosphamide group was at significantly greater risk of needing a blood transfusion immediately after the transplant (average number of units of blood per patient, 0.44 vs 0.19; P = .038). Also, they were 3 times more likely to require anemia treatments 1 year after the transplant (average number of anemia treatment medications, 0.75 vs 0.25; P = .014). Full blood count parameters, graft function, and graft and patient survival at 1 year posttransplant were equal.'] Is cyclophosphamide exposure pretransplant associated with complications in the first year after kidney transplant? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4972106218338013,
-1.5706758499145508,
2.0507850646972656
] |
['Recent studies from Asia and Northern Europe suggest that apart from alcohol intake and smoking, fundic gastric atrophy (FGA) may also increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, because of the wide geographic variation of this cancer and the changing prevalence of the Helicobacter pylori infection, these findings need to be confirmed in other ethnic groups. The aim of this case-control study was to investigate whether H. pylori infection and FGA carry an increased risk for OSCC.', 'FGA was evaluated, by histology and serology, in 75 patients with OSCC, and 75 sex-matched and age-matched controls. Pepsinogen (PG) I levels 70 μg/ml or less and PG I/II ratio of 3 or less were indicative for FGA. H. pylori infection was defined as positivity to at least one test among histology, rapid urease test, and serology for both general anti-IgG and anti-CagA.', 'Overall, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was identically high (70.7%) in both patients with OSCC and controls. FGA diagnosed by serology and histology was not associated with an increased risk for OSCC [odds ratio (OR)=1.17; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.54-2.56 and OR=1.91; 95% CI=0.6-5.99, respectively]. ORs (95% CI) for hazardous alcohol consumption, smoking, and the presence of both risk factors were 5.75 (2.20-15.05), 22.18 (9.41-52.28), and 31.69 (8.39-119.67), respectively.'] Are helicobacter pylori infection and fundic gastric atrophy associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma : a case-control study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3193234205245972,
-1.7194652557373047,
2.002714157104492
] |
['The purpose of this study was to compare the DNA-methylation signature in classic chronic Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), polycythaemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythaemia (ET), in order to obtain a global insight into DNA-methylation changes associated with these malignancies.', "Thirty-five MPN samples from 11 ET JAK2 V617F, 12 ET JAK2 wild type (WT) and 12 PV JAK2 V617F patients as well as 12 from healthy donors were analysed. DNA samples extracted from whole peripheral blood were hybridised to the 'HumanMethylation27 DNA Analysis BeadChip.'", 'All groups showed a very homogeneous methylation pattern. Only the ZNF577 gene showed a differential methylation profile between PV JAK2 V617F positive and controls. This aberrant methylation was correlated with a differential gene expression of ZNF577. No aberrant hypermethylation was found in the SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 genes.'] Does epigenomic profiling in polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia show low levels of aberrant DNA methylation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2379984855651855,
-1.3135905265808105,
2.6365339756011963
] |
['To investigate the variability in cerebral activation according to pain intensity and the association between variability in cerebral activation and clinical features in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).', 'Nineteen FMS female patients and 22 age-matched healthy female controls were enrolled in this study. Changes in cerebral activation area were measured using blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) contrast fMRI after application of both medium and high pressure stimuli to the left thumbnail bed.', 'We identified the insular cortex (IC) and superior temporal gyrus (STG) as regions of interest (ROIs) in this analysis. Cerebral activation at the bilateral IC in response to high pressure stimuli was significantly greater in FMS patients than it was in the controls, whereas there were no differences in BOLD signal changes in the STG regions between FMS patients and controls, irrespective of pain level. Prominent signal changes at both ROIs in FMS patients were noted between high and medium pressure (p<0.001 contralateral IC, p=0.001 for ipsilateral IC, p=0.008 for contralateral STG, and p=0.049 for ipsilateral STG). BOLD signal changes on the contralateral STG after medium stimuli were correlated with tender point count (r=0.586, p=0.013).'] Is insular cortex a trait marker for pain processing in fibromyalgia syndrome -- blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging study in Korea? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.432844400405884,
-1.1630127429962158,
2.7122750282287598
] |
['Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are a common feature of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Herein, we investigate the relationship between ANA and polymorphism in the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) genes.', 'Serum titers of ANA at diagnosis were measured in 267 patients with RA and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in each of the TNFR-I (36A/G) and TNFR-II (676T/G) genes was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Circulating levels of soluble TNFR (sTNFR) and TNF-α were also measured in some patients.', 'Our initial analyses revealed the presence of ANA was associated with the TNFR-I 36A/G SNP, with a trend of increasing ANA frequency with G allele dosage (p=0.004). ANA status was also associated with lower sTNFR-I levels and a raised sTNFR-II/sTNFR-I ratio. The TNFR-II 676T/G SNP and circulating levels of sTNFR-II and TNF-α were not associated with ANA status. In an adjusted multivariate regression model the TNFR-I 36 GG genotype (OR 7.8, p=0.008) and levels of sTNFR-I (p=0.018) were independently associated with ANA status.'] Are antinuclear antibodies associated with tumor necrosis factor receptor I gene polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2770164012908936,
-1.4034570455551147,
2.776108741760254
] |
["We used the Tampere Autopsy Study (TASTY) series (n = 603, age 0-97 yrs), representing an unselected population outside institutions, to investigate the pathogenic involvement of inflammation in Alzheimer's disease-related lesions.", 'We studied senile plaque (SP), neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and SP phenotype associations with 6 reported haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRP gene. CRP and Aβ immunohistochemistry was assessed using brain tissue microarrays.', 'In multivariate analyses (age- and APOE-adjusted), non-neuritic SP were associated with the high-CRP TA-genotype (3.0% prevalence) of rs3091244 and CA-genotype (10.8%) of rs3093075 compared to common genotypes. Conversely, the low-CRP C allele (39.3%) of rs2794521 reduced the risk of harbouring early non-neuritic SP, compared to the TT genotype. CRP haplotype TAGCC (high) associated with non-neuritic SP, whereas haplotype CCGCC offered protection. TT genotypes (high) of rs3091244 and rs1130864 were associated with CRP staining. There were no associations between SNPs or haplotypes and NFT. CRP staining of the hippocampal CA1/2 region correlated with Aβ staining.'] Does cRP gene variation affect early development of Alzheimer 's disease-related plaques? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1812996864318848,
-1.3887271881103516,
2.623295783996582
] |
['To evaluate the performance of the WHO criteria for defining maternal near miss and identifying deaths among cases of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) admitted for intensive care.', 'Between October 2002 and September 2007, 673 women with SMM were admitted, and among them 18 died. Variables used for the definition of maternal near miss according to WHO criteria and for the SOFA score were retrospectively evaluated. The identification of at least one of the WHO criteria in women who did not die defined the case as a near miss. Organ failure was evaluated through the maximum SOFA score above 2 for each one of the six components of the score, being considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of maternal near miss. The aggregated score (Total Maximum SOFA score) was calculated using the worst result of the maximum SOFA score. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of these WHO criteria for predicting maternal death and also for identifying cases of organ failure were estimated.', 'The WHO criteria identified 194 cases of maternal near miss and all the 18 deaths. The most prevalent criteria among cases of maternal deaths were the use of vasoactive drug and the use of mechanical ventilation (≥1 h). For the prediction of maternal deaths, sensitivity was 100% and specificity 70.4%. These criteria identified 119 of the 120 cases of organ failure by the maximum SOFA score (Sensitivity 99.2%) among 194 case of maternal near miss (61.34%). There was disagreement in 76 cases, one organ failure without any WHO criteria and 75 cases with no failure but with WHO criteria. The Total Maximum SOFA score had a good performance (area under the curve of 0.897) for prediction of cases of maternal near miss according to the WHO criteria.'] Do pre-validation of the WHO organ dysfunction based criteria for identification of maternal near miss? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.2846595048904419,
-1.479785442352295,
0.8397009372711182
] |
['Cirrhosis is associated with poor outcomes in the trauma setting. We aimed to evaluate the utility of Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) in assessing additional mortality risk in trauma patients with cirrhosis.', 'Injured patients with liver dysfunction were identified by hospital and trauma registry query. Presence of cirrhosis was confirmed by laparotomy, biopsy, or imaging. MELD classification, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and Trauma ISS (TRISS) were recorded, and the primary outcome variable was hospital mortality. We assessed the validity of the four scoring systems in prediction of mortality, individually and in combinations, by comparing the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), which is the probability, for scores that increase with the risk of death that a randomly chosen deceased subject will score higher than a randomly chosen living subject.', 'A total of 163 patients with confirmed cirrhosis were included. ISS (AUC = 0.849, p < 0.001) and TRISS (AUC = 0.826, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of mortality. MELD (AUC = 0.725) was not a significantly stronger predictor of mortality than CTP (AUC = 0.639; p = 0.38). ISS + MELD (AUC = 0.891) and ISS + CTP (AUC = 0.897) were stronger predictors than ISS alone (AUC = 0.849; p < 0.001) for both. The MELD score was more available from the records than the CTP score (91.4% vs. 75.5%).'] Does liver dysfunction by model for end-stage liver disease score improve mortality prediction in injured patients with cirrhosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.25749167799949646,
-1.8378046751022339,
0.6198200583457947
] |
['Rural trauma victims often require prolonged transport by s with limited scopes of practice. We evaluated the impact of telemedicine (TM) to a moving ambulance on outcomes in simulated trauma patients.', 'This is an institutional review board approved, prospective double-blind study. Three trauma scenarios (blunt torso trauma, epigastric stab wound, and closed head injury) were created for a human patient simulator. Intermediate emergency medical technicians (EMTs; n = 20) managed the human patient simulator, in a moving ambulance. In the TM group, physicians (n = 12) provided consultation. In the non-TM group, EMTs communicated with medical control by radio, as necessary. We tabulated the fraction of 13 key signs, 5 pathologic processes, and 12 key interventions that were performed. Vital signs and Sao2 (%) were recorded. Data were compared using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.', 'Lowest Sao2 (84 ± 0.7 vs. 78 ± 0), lowest systolic blood pressure (70 ± 1 vs. 53 ± 1), and highest heart rate (144 ± 0.9 vs. 159 ± 0.5) were significantly improved in the TM group (p < 0.001). Recognition rates for key signs (0.96 ± 0.01 vs. 0.79 ± 0.05), processes (0.98 ± 0.02 vs. 0.75 ± 0.05), and critical interventions (0.92 ± 0.02 vs. 0.49 ± 0.03) were higher in the TM group (p < 0.003). EMTs were successfully guided through needle decompression procedures in 22 of 24 cases (zero in the non-TM group).'] Does telemedicine to a moving ambulance improve outcome after trauma in simulated patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2632924318313599,
-1.5255008935928345,
1.8346868753433228
] |
['Fetal outcomes after minor injury (MI) to pregnant women are difficult to study because these patients are discharged after emergency room evaluation and not entered in trauma registries. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of both minor and severe injury on fetal demise and prematurity/low birth weight (LBW) in a large population-based study using robust state databases.', 'The Tennessee State Fetal Birth and Death Data Systems were merged with the Tennessee State Hospital Discharge Data System using patient identifiers. All women with an e-code requiring inpatient admission during their pregnancy were considered severely injured, whereas those discharged after emergency room evaluation were considered to have MI. The impact of trauma on unintended fetal demise and premature birth/LBW was assessed using multivariable logistic regression.', 'In 2005, there were 376 fetal deaths and 78,176 viable deliveries of which 11,817 were premature/LBW. Severe injury was significantly associated with fetal demise and prematurity/LBW. Unexpectedly, first- and second-trimester MI was associated with both fetal demise and prematurity/LBW.'] Is minor trauma an unrecognized contributor to poor fetal outcomes : a population-based study of 78,552 pregnancies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.007580041885376,
-0.5389276146888733,
1.7227418422698975
] |
['Systolic heart failure (HF) is a complex systemic syndrome that can result from a wide variety of clinical conditions and gene mutations. Despite phenotypic similarities, characterized by ventricular dilatation and reduced contractility, the extent of common and divergent gene expression between different forms of HF remains a matter of intense debate.', 'Using a meta-analysis of 28 experimental (mouse, rat, dog) and human HF microarray studies, we demonstrate that gene expression changes are characterized by a coordinated and reciprocal regulation of major metabolic and signaling pathways. In response to a wide variety of stressors in animal models of HF, including ischemia, pressure overload, tachypacing, chronic isoproterenol infusion, Chagas disease, and transgenic mouse models, major metabolic pathways are invariably downregulated, whereas cell signaling pathways are upregulated. In contrast to this uniform transcriptional pattern that recapitulates a fetal gene expression program in experimental animal models of HF, human HF microarray studies displayed a greater heterogeneity, with some studies even showing upregulation of metabolic and downregulation of signaling pathways in end-stage human hearts. These discrepant results between animal and human studies are due to a number of factors, prominently cardiac disease and variable exposure to cold cardioplegic solution in nonfailing human samples, which can downregulate transcripts involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), thus mimicking gene expression patterns observed in failing samples. Additionally, β-blockers and ACE inhibitor use in end-stage human HF was associated with higher levels of myocardial OXPHOS transcripts, thus partially reversing the fetal gene expression pattern. In human failing samples, downregulation of metabolism was associated with hemodynamic markers of disease severity.'] Does reciprocal transcriptional regulation of metabolic and signaling pathways correlate with disease severity in heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.522315263748169,
-1.163399338722229,
2.771737575531006
] |
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