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['The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for the functional replacement of damaged neurons and in vitro disease modeling is of great clinical relevance. Unfortunately, the capacity of iPSC lines to differentiate into neurons is highly variable, prompting the need for a reliable means of assessing the differentiation capacity of newly derived iPSC cell lines. Extended passaging is emerging as a method of ensuring faithful reprogramming. We adapted an established and efficient embryonic stem cell (ESC) neural induction protocol to test whether iPSCs (1) have the competence to give rise to functional neurons with similar efficiency as ESCs and (2) whether the extent of neural differentiation could be altered or enhanced by increased passaging.', 'Our gene expression and morphological analyses revealed that neural conversion was temporally delayed in iPSC lines and some iPSC lines did not properly form embryoid bodies during the first stage of differentiation. Notably, these deficits were corrected by continual passaging in an iPSC clone. iPSCs with greater than 20 passages (late-passage iPSCs) expressed higher expression levels of pluripotency markers and formed larger embryoid bodies than iPSCs with fewer than 10 passages (early-passage iPSCs). Moreover, late-passage iPSCs started to express neural marker genes sooner than early-passage iPSCs after the initiation of neural induction. Furthermore, late-passage iPSC-derived neurons exhibited notably greater excitability and larger voltage-gated currents than early-passage iPSC-derived neurons, although these cells were morphologically indistinguishable.'] Does extended passaging increase the efficiency of neural differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.513796806335449,
-0.7946227192878723,
2.283597230911255
] |
["Microglial activation plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases through production of nitric oxide (NO) and several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Lipoxins (LXs) and aspirin-triggered LXs (ATLs) are considered to act as 'braking signals' in inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of aspirin-triggered LXA4 (ATL) on infiammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in murine microglial BV-2 cells.", 'BV-2 cells were treated with ATL prior to LPS exposure, and the effects of such treatment production of nitric oxide (NO), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were analysed by Griess reaction, ELISA, western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR. Moreover, we investigated the effects of ATL on LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) activation.', 'ATL inhibited LPS-induced production of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. mRNA expressions for iNOS, IL-1β and TNF-α in response to LPS were also decreased by ATL. These effects were inhibited by Boc-2 (a LXA4 receptor antagonist). ATL significantly reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, degradation of the inhibitor IκB-α, and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK in BV-2 cells activated with LPS. Furthermore, the DNA binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1 was blocked by ATL.'] Does aspirin-triggered lipoxin A4 attenuate LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses by inhibiting activation of NF-κB and MAPKs in BV-2 microglial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4440853595733643,
-1.3125858306884766,
2.768329381942749
] |
['Cushion plants are commonly considered as keystone nurse species that ameliorate the harsh conditions they inhabit in alpine ecosystems, thus facilitating other species and increasing alpine plant biodiversity. A literature search resulted in 25 key studies showing overwhelming facilitative effects of different cushion plants and hypothesizing greater facilitation with increased environmental severity (i.e. higher altitude and/or lower rainfall). At the same time, emerging ecological theory alongside the cushion-specific literature suggests that facilitation might not always occur under extreme environmental conditions, and especially under high altitude and dryness.', 'To assess these hypotheses, possible nursing effects of Thylacospermum caespitosum (Caryophyllaceae) were examined at extremely high altitude (5900 m a.s.l.) and in dry conditions (precipitation <100 mm year(-1)) in Eastern Ladakh, Trans-Himalaya. This is, by far, the highest site, and the second driest, at which the effects of cushions have been studied so far.', 'In accordance with the theoretical predictions, no nursing effects of T. caespitosum on other alpine plants were detected. The number and abundance of species were greater outside cushions than within and on the edge of cushions. None of the 13 species detected was positively associated with cushions, while nine of them were negatively associated. Plant diversity increased with the size of the area sampled outside cushions, but no species-area relationship was found within cushions.'] Do cushions of Thylacospermum caespitosum ( Caryophyllaceae ) facilitate other plants under extreme altitude and dry conditions in the north-west Himalayas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.527928113937378,
2.263465166091919,
-0.48591941595077515
] |
['Peer review is the gold standard for evaluating scientific quality. Compared with studies on inter-reviewer variability, research on panel evaluation is scarce. To appraise the reliability of panel evaluations in grant review, we compared scores by two expert panels reviewing the same grant proposals. Our main interest was to evaluate whether panel discussion improves reliability.', "Thirty reviewers were randomly allocated to one of the two panels. Sixty-five grant proposals in the fields of clinical medicine and epidemiology were reviewed by both panels. All reviewers received 5-12 proposals. Each proposal was evaluated by two reviewers, using a six-point scale. The reliability of reviewer and panel scores was evaluated using Cohen's kappa with linear weighting. In addition, reliability was also evaluated for the panel mean scores (mean of reviewer scores was used as panel score).", 'The proportion of large differences (at least two points) was 40% for reviewers in panel A, 36% for reviewers in panel B, 26% for the panel discussion scores, and 14% when the means of the two reviewer scores were used. The kappa for panel score after discussion was 0.23 (95% confidence interval: 0.08, 0.39). By using the mean of the reviewer scores, the panel coefficient was similarly 0.23 (0.00, 0.46).'] Does panel discussion improve reliability of peer review for medical research grant proposals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
1.8686603307724,
-0.7112995982170105,
-1.9560308456420898
] |
['Post-operative pulmonary complications significantly affect patient survival rates, but there is still no conclusive evidence regarding the effect of post-operative respiratory failure after liver transplantation on patient prognosis. This study aimed to predict the risk factors for post-operative respiratory failure (PRF) after liver transplantation and the impact on short-term survival rates.', 'The retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in a twelve-bed adult surgical intensive care unit in northern Taiwan. The medical records of 147 liver transplant patients were reviewed from September 2002 to July 2007. Sixty-two experienced post-operative respiratory failure while the remaining 85 patients did not.', 'Gender, age, etiology, disease history, pre-operative ventilator use, molecular adsorbent re-circulating system (MARS) use, source of organ transplantation, model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh score calculated immediately before surgery were assessed for the two groups. The length of the intensive care unit stay, admission duration, and mortality within 30 days, 3 months, and 1 year were also evaluated. Using a logistic regression model, post-operative respiratory failure correlated with diabetes mellitus prior to liver transplantation, pre-operative impaired renal function, pre-operative ventilator use, pre-operative MARS use and deceased donor source of organ transplantation (p<0.05). Once liver transplant patients developed PRF, their length of ICU stay and admission duration were prolonged, significantly increasing their mortality and morbidity (p<0.001).'] Do pre-operative risk factors predict post-operative respiratory failure after liver transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0282647609710693,
-1.1755414009094238,
2.217952013015747
] |
['Ovexpression of microRNA-21 (miR-21) is found in various human cancers. Our aim is to investigate the association of miR-21 expression with the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin (ADR).', 'The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) value of ADR in resistant MCF-7/ADR or parental MCF-7 cells was determined by MTT assay. TaqMan RT-PCR or Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression of mature miR-21 and tumor suppressor gene (PTEN) protein. MCF-7 or MCF-7/ADR cell line was transfected with miR-21mimic or inhibitor. The IC(50) value of ADR was determined. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were performed to analyze apoptosis. The activity of caspase-3 was analyzed.', "The IC(50) of ADR in MCF-7 and MCF-7/ADR cells was 0.21 ± 0.05 and 16.5 ± 0.08 μmol/L, respectively. We showed that upregulation of miR-21 in MCF-7/ADR cells was concurrent with downregulation of PTEN protein. MiR-21 mimic or inhibitor could obviously affect the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to ADR. Moreover, miR-21 inhibitor could enhance caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in MCF-7/ADR cells. Overexpression of PTEN could mimic the same effects of miR-21 inhibitor in MCF-7/ADR cells and PTEN-siRNA could increase the resistance of MCF-7 cells to ADR. MiR-21 inhibitor could increase PTEN protein expression and the luciferase activity of a PTEN 3' untranslated region-based reporter construct in MCF-7/ADR cells. PTEN-siRNA could partially reverse the increased chemosensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells induced by miR-21 inhibitor."] Does microRNA-21 modulate chemosensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin by targeting PTEN? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.089064836502075,
-1.4619982242584229,
2.5456740856170654
] |
['Electromagnetic fields have been proposed to enhance healing of cartilage defects by stimulation of chondrocyte proliferation, proteoglycan synthesis as well as decreasing pain and improving motion in osteoarthritic patients. However, the effects of a moderate-intensity static magnetic field on cartilage repair have not been investigated. This study tries to determine the effects of a moderate-intensity permanent magnetic field of 40 mT on cartilage repair.', "Defects of 3 mm in diameter and 6 mm in depth were made on the weight bearing surface of the right medial femoral condyle of 30 rabbits. The animals were divided randomly into three equal groups (magnet, sham and control). In the magnet group, cylindrical permanent magnets were implanted subcutaneously medial to the medial femoral condyle, while in the sham group the cylindrical ceramic were not magnetized, and nothing was implanted in controls. After 12 weeks of observation, Mankin's microscopic scoring was done on all specimens, and irregularity of surface characteristics, cell colonization, hypocellularity, cartilage matrix formation, and presence of empty lacunae were investigated.", "Each of these characteristics showed significant differences in magnet group relative to control and sham groups (p <0.05). Mankin's score was 1.6 ± 0.6 in magnet group, 7.2 ± 1.6 in sham group and 7.7 ± 1 in control group (p <0.001)."] Does a moderate-intensity static magnetic field enhance repair of cartilage damage in rabbits? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.930294156074524,
-1.3343998193740845,
2.3286385536193848
] |
['The zebrafish has the capacity to regenerate many tissues and organs. The caudal fin is one of the most convenient tissues to approach experimentally due to its accessibility, simple structure and fast regeneration. In this work we investigate how the regenerative capacity is affected by recurrent fin amputations and by experimental manipulations that block regeneration.', 'We show that consecutive repeated amputations of zebrafish caudal fin do not reduce its regeneration capacity and do not compromise any of the successive regeneration steps: wound healing, blastema formation and regenerative outgrowth. Interfering with Wnt/ß-catenin signalling using heat-shock-mediated overexpression of Dickkopf1 completely blocks fin regeneration. Notably, if these fins were re-amputated at the non-inhibitory temperature, the regenerated caudal fin reached the original length, even after several rounds of consecutive Wnt/ß-catenin signalling inhibition and re-amputation.'] Is the regenerative capacity of the zebrafish caudal fin affected by repeated amputations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.738703966140747,
-0.42279598116874695,
2.1723828315734863
] |
['Experimental elevation of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) impairs endothelial function, but the effect of NEFA composition is unknown.', 'The objective was to test the effect of acute elevation of NEFAs enriched with either saturated fatty acids (SFAs) or SFAs with long-chain (LC) n-3 (omega-3) PUFAs on vascular function measured via flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), laser Doppler iontophoresis (LDI), and digital volume pulse (DVP).', 'In 59 subjects (30 men and 29 women), repeated oral fat feeding of either palm stearin (SFA) or palm stearin with DHA-rich fish oil (SFA + LC n-3 PUFA) was performed on 2 separate occasions with continuous heparin infusion to elevate NEFAs for a duration of 60 to 240 min. Vascular function was measured at baseline and at the end of NEFA elevation; venous blood was collected for measurement of lipids and circulating markers of endothelial function.', "NEFA elevation during consumption of the SFA-rich drinks was associated with a marked impairment of FMD, whereas consumption of SFAs + LC n-3 PUFAs improved FMD response, with a mean (±SEM) difference of 2.06 ± 0.29% (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found with percentage weight of LC n-3 PUFAs in circulating NEFAs and change in FMD response [Spearman's rho (r(s)) = 0.460, P < 0.001]. LDI measures increased during both treatments (P ≤ 0.026), and there was no change in DVP indexes."] Does dHA-rich fish oil reverse the detrimental effects of saturated fatty acids on postprandial vascular reactivity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0099098682403564,
-1.5591365098953247,
2.5570342540740967
] |
['The aim of the study was to investigate the etiology, clinical presentation, and risk factors for poor prognosis of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in children.', 'Children younger than 18 years diagnosed as having AAC were analyzed retrospectively from 2000 to 2009. The demographic and clinical characteristics, etiology, and outcomes were recorded. AAC was defined as a gallbladder wall thickness of >3.5 mm in sonogram with a duration of symptoms <1 month. The severity of sonographic findings was scored, with 1 point each given for wall thickness >3.5 mm, gallbladder distention, sludge, and pericholecystic fluid.', 'A total of 109 children (boys:girls 1:2, median age 4.9 years) were diagnosed. The most common clinical presentation was fever (88%), followed by hepatomegaly (72%). The rates of elevated alanine aminotransferase and thrombocytopenia were 72% and 65%, respectively. The most common causative etiology was infectious diseases (74%). All of the patients were treated nonoperatively. Sixteen (15%) patients died. Children with mortality had a significantly higher rate of septic shock (P < 0.001), anemia (P = 0.01), thrombocytopenia (P = 0.04), hypofibrinogenemia (P = 0.002), the presence of pericholecystic fluid (P = 0.04), and higher sonographic scores (P = 0.04) than those with survival. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed that the presence of septic shock (P = 0.004) and hypofibrinogenemia (P = 0.014) were independent risk factors that predict mortality.'] Do septic shock and hypofibrinogenemia predict a fatal outcome in childhood acute acalculous cholecystitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8181127309799194,
-1.3801501989364624,
2.2587156295776367
] |
['The glucagon gene (GCG) encodes several hormones important for energy metabolism: glucagon, oxyntomodulin and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and -2. Variants in GCG may associate with type 2 diabetes, obesity and/or related metabolic traits.', 'GCG was re-sequenced as a candidate gene in 865 European individuals. Twenty-nine variants were identified. Four variants that were considered to have a likelihood for altered functionality: rs4664447, rs7581952, Ile158Val and Trp169Ter, were genotyped in 17,584 Danes.', "When examined in 5,760 treatment-naive individuals, homozygous carriers of the low frequency (minor allele frequency 2.3%) G allele of rs4664447, predicted to disrupt an essential splice enhancer binding site, had lower levels of fasting plasma glucose (mean\u2009±\u2009SD, 4.8\u2009±\u20091.2 vs 5.5\u2009±\u20090.8 mmol/l, p\u2009=\u20090.004); fasting serum insulin (22\u2009±\u200914 vs 42\u2009±\u200927 pmol/l, p\u2009=\u20090.04); glucose-stimulated serum insulin (159\u2009±\u200983 vs 290\u2009±\u2009183 pmol/l, p\u2009=\u20090.01) and adult height (165\u2009±\u200910 vs 172\u2009±\u20099 cm, p\u2009=\u20090.0009) compared with A allele carriers. During oral glucose tolerance and hyperglycaemic arginine stimulation tests, the plasma AUC for GLP-1 (730\u2009±\u200969 vs 1,334\u2009±\u2009288 pmol/l\u2009×\u2009min, p\u2009=\u20090.0002) and basal and stimulated levels of serum insulin and plasma glucagon were ∼50% decreased (p\u2009<\u20090.001) among three homozygous carriers compared with nine matched wild-type carriers. rs7581952, Ile158Val and Trp169Ter (where 'Ter' indicates 'termination') variants of GCG did not significantly associate or co-segregate with the metabolic traits examined."] Are homozygous carriers of the G allele of rs4664447 of the glucagon gene ( GCG ) characterised by decreased fasting and stimulated levels of insulin , glucagon and glucagon-like peptide ( GLP ) -1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9175945520401001,
-1.7743842601776123,
1.6832711696624756
] |
['Cathepsin K (CatK) is one of the most potent mammalian elastases. We have previously shown increased expression of CatK in human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) lesions. Whether this protease participates directly in AAA formation, however, remains unknown.', 'Mouse experimental AAA was induced with aortic perfusion of a porcine pancreatic elastase. Using this experimental model, we demonstrated that absence of CatK prevented AAA formation in mice 14 days postperfusion. CatK deficiency significantly reduced lesion CD4(+) T-cell content, total lesion and medial cell proliferation and apoptosis, medial smooth muscle cell (SMC) loss, elastinolytic CatL and CatS expression, and elastin fragmentation, but it did not affect AAA lesion Mac-3(+) macrophage accumulation or CD31(+) microvessel numbers. In vitro studies revealed that CatK contributed importantly to CD4(+) T-cell proliferation, SMC apoptosis, and other cysteinyl cathepsin and matrix metalloproteinase expression and activities in SMCs and endothelial cells but played negligible roles in microvessel growth and monocyte migration. AAA lesions from CatK-deficient mice showed reduced elastinolytic cathepsin activities compared with those from wild-type control mice.'] Does cathepsin K deficiency reduce elastase perfusion-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4130876064300537,
-1.2314014434814453,
2.577650308609009
] |
['Cartilage degeneration driven by catabolic stimuli is a critical pathophysiological process in osteoarthritis (OA). We have defined fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) as a degenerative mediator in adult human articular chondrocytes. Biological effects mediated by FGF-2 include inhibition of proteoglycan production, up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and stimulation of other catabolic factors. In this study, we identified the specific receptor responsible for the catabolic functions of FGF-2, and established a pathophysiological connection between the FGF-2 receptor and OA.', 'Primary human articular chondrocytes were cultured in monolayer (24 hours) or alginate beads (21 days), and stimulated with FGF-2 or FGF18, in the presence or absence of FGFR1 (FGF receptor 1) inhibitor. Proteoglycan accumulation and chondrocyte proliferation were assessed by dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay and DNA assay, respectively. Expression of FGFRs (FGFR1 to FGFR4) was assessed by flow cytometry, immunoblotting, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The distinctive roles of FGFR1 and FGFR3 after stimulation with FGF-2 were evaluated using either pharmacological inhibitors or FGFR small interfering RNA (siRNA). Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to quantify the effects of FGF-2 and FGFR1 inhibitor on MMP-13 promoter activity.', 'Chondrocyte proliferation was significantly enhanced in the presence of FGF-2 stimulation, which was inhibited by the pharmacological inhibitor of FGFR1. Proteoglycan accumulation was reduced by 50% in the presence of FGF-2, and this reduction was successfully rescued by FGFR1 inhibitor. FGFR1 inhibitors also fully reversed the up-regulation of MMP-13 expression and promoter activity stimulated by FGF-2. Blockade of FGFR1 signaling by either chemical inhibitors or siRNA targeting FGFR1 rather than FGFR3 abrogated the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 13 (MMP-13) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif 5 (ADAMTS5), as well as down-regulation of aggrecan after FGF-2 stimulation. Flow cytometry, qPCR and immunoblotting analyses suggested that FGFR1 and FGFR3 were the major FGFR isoforms expressed in human articular chondrocytes. FGFR1 was activated more potently than FGFR3 upon FGF-2 stimulation. In osteoarthritic chondrocytes, FGFR3 was significantly down regulated (P < 0.05) with a concomitant increase in the FGFR1 to FGFR3 expression ratio (P < 0.05), compared to normal chondrocytes. Our results also demonstrate that FGFR3 was negatively regulated by FGF-2 at the transcriptional level through the FGFR1-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) signaling pathway in human articular chondrocytes.'] Is fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 principally responsible for fibroblast growth factor 2-induced catabolic activities in human articular chondrocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.415961503982544,
-1.337711215019226,
2.763460636138916
] |
['Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. While there is much data about risk factors for severe outcome in the general population, there is less focus on younger group of patients. Therefore, we aimed to detect simple prognostic factors for severe morbidity and mortality in young patients with CAP.', 'Patients of 60 years old or younger, who were diagnosed with CAP (defined as pneumonia identified 48 hours or less from hospitalization) between March 1, 2005 and December 31, 2008 were retrospectively analyzed for risk factors for complicated hospitalization and 90-day mortality.', 'The cohort included 637 patients. 90-day mortality rate was 6.6% and the median length of stay was 5 days. In univariate analysis, male patients and those with co-morbid conditions tended to have complicated disease. In multivariate analysis, variables associated with complicated hospitalization included post chest radiation state, prior neurologic damage, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) > 10.7 mmol/L and red cell distribution width (RDW) > 14.5%; whereas, variables associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality included age ≥ 51 years, prior neurologic damage, immunosuppression, and the combination of abnormal white blood cells (WBC) and elevated RDW. Complicated hospitalization and mortality rate were significantly higher among patients with increased RDW regardless of the white blood cell count. Elevated RDW was associated with a significant increase in complicated hospitalization and 90-day mortality rates irrespective to hemoglobin levels.'] Does elevated red cell distribution width predict poor outcome in young patients with community acquired pneumonia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0926742553710938,
-1.0028796195983887,
2.1415882110595703
] |
['To determine whether smoking affects the endothelial function of young ED patients with no cardiovascular disease.', 'This study included 69 ED patients (21 smokers and 48 non-smokers) and 16 age-matched normal healthy controls. All underwent measurement of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and examinations of blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose.', 'Brachial artery FMD was remarkably decreased in the ED patients, even more significantly in the smokers ([6.0 +/- 0.8]%) than in the non-smokers ([9.7 +/- 2.5]%) (P < 0.05), as compared with that in the normal healthy controls ([14.0 +/- 2. 5]%, P < 0.05).'] Does [ Smoking impair endothelial function in ED patients ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.829696536064148,
-1.044288158416748,
1.914543628692627
] |
['Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between high-polyphenol intake and reduced incidence of atherosclerosis. The healthy effects of cocoa-polyphenols may be due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, although the exact mechanisms are unknown and depend on the matrix in which cocoa-polyphenols are delivered. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a key molecule in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis involved in the regulation of adhesion molecules(AM) and cytokine expression and its activation is the first step in triggering the inflammatory process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute cocoa consumption in different matrices related to the bioavailability of cocoa-polyphenols in NF-κB activation and the expression of AM.', 'Eighteen healthy volunteers randomly received 3 interventions: 40g of cocoa powder with milk (CM), with water (CW), and only milk (M). NF-κB activation in leukocytes and AM (sICAM, sVCAM, E-selectin) were measured before and 6h after each intervention. Consumption of CW significantly decreased NF-κB activation compared to baseline and to CM (P < 0.05, both), did not change after CM intervention, and significantly increased after M intervention (P = 0.014). sICAM-1 concentrations significantly decreased after 6h of CW and CM interventions (P ≤ 0.026; both) and E-selectin only decreased after CW intervention (P = 0.028). No significant changes were observed in sVCAM-1 concentrations.'] Does cocoa consumption reduce NF-κB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8792113065719604,
-1.5261486768722534,
2.3524670600891113
] |
['Curcumin is known to exert numerous biological effects including anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we investigated the effects of curcumin on the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Prevotella intermedia, a major cause of inflammatory periodontal disease, and sought to determine the underlying mechanisms of action.', 'LPS was prepared from lyophilized P. intermedia ATCC 25611 cells by the standard hot phenol-water method. Culture supernatants were collected and assayed for IL-6. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect IL-6 mRNA expression. IκB-α degradation, nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits, and STAT1 phosphorylation were characterized via immunoblotting. DNA-binding of NF-κB was also analyzed.', 'Curcumin strongly suppressed the production of IL-6 at both gene transcription and translation levels in P. intermedia LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Curcumin did not inhibit the degradation of IκB-α induced by P. intermedia LPS. Curcumin blocked NF-κB signaling through the inhibition of nuclear translocation of NF-κB p50 subunit. Curcumin also attenuated DNA binding activity of p50 and p65 subunits and suppressed STAT1 phosphorylation.'] Does curcumin suppress the production of interleukin-6 in Prevotella intermedia lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3757331371307373,
-1.3408857583999634,
2.7414445877075195
] |
['Membrane proteins comprise an important class of molecules whose study is largely frustrated by several intrinsic constraints, such as their hydrophobicity and added requirements for correct folding. Additionally, the complexity of the cellular mechanisms that are required to insert membrane proteins functionally in the membrane and to monitor their folding state makes it difficult to foresee the yields at which one can obtain them or to predict which would be the optimal production host for a given protein.', 'We describe a rational design approach to improve the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis as a producer of membrane proteins. Our transcriptome data shows that the two-component system CesSR, which senses cell envelope stresses of different origins, is one of the major players when L. lactis is forced to overproduce the endogenous membrane protein BcaP, a branched-chain amino acid permease. Growth of the BcaP-producing L. lactis strain and its capability to produce membrane proteins are severely hampered when the CesSR system itself or particular members of the CesSR regulon are knocked out, notably the genes ftsH, oxaA2, llmg_2163 and rmaB. Overexpressing cesSR reduced the growth defect, thus directly improving the production yield of BcaP. Applying this rationale to eukaryotic proteins, some of which are notoriously more difficult to produce, such as the medically-important presenilin complex, we were able to significantly diminish the growth defect seen in the wild-type strain and improve the production yield of the presenilin variant PS1Δ9-H6 more than 4-fold.'] Does efficient overproduction of membrane proteins in Lactococcus lactis require the cell envelope stress sensor/regulator couple CesSR? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6109399795532227,
-0.8295161128044128,
2.542957305908203
] |
['The purpose of this study was to examine whether left atrial (LA) mechanical function, as measured by LA total emptying fraction (TEF), is a predictor for the development of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following cardiac surgery.', 'POAF is an important and frequent complication of cardiac surgery. LA enlargement has been reported to be a risk factor for POAF, but the relationship between LA mechanical function and POAF is not well understood. We examined the relationship between pre-operative LA function and POAF in patients without a history of atrial fibrillation.', 'A total of 101 subjects (mean age 64 ± 13 years) underwent pre-operative transthoracic echocardiograms and were followed for occurrence of POAF during the hospitalization for cardiac surgery. The left atrial maximum volume (LAVmax) and left atrial minimum volume (LAVmin) were measured and indexed to body surface area (LAVmaxI and LAVminI, respectively). LA TEF was calculated as: {[(LAVmax - LAVmin)/LAVmax] × 100%}. Univariate and multivariate analyses examined clinical and echocardiographic predictors of POAF.', 'POAF occurred in 41% of subjects. Mean LA TEF was 49 ± 15%, mean LAVmaxI was 38 ± 15 ml/m(2), and mean LAVminI was 20 ± 13 ml/m(2). Age, LA TEF, and LAVminI were independent predictors of POAF. LA TEF was lower in patients with POAF compared with those without POAF (43 ± 15% vs. 55 ± 13%, p < 0.001), and patients with a LA TEF <50% had a high risk of POAF (odds ratio: 7.94, 95% confidence interval: 3.23 to 19.54, p < 0.001). Compared with LAVmaxI >32 ml/m(2), LA TEF <50% had higher discriminatory power for POAF, which remained significantly higher when adjusted for age (p = 0.04).'] Does pre-operative left atrial mechanical function predict risk of atrial fibrillation following cardiac surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5787880420684814,
-1.852555513381958,
1.4062135219573975
] |
['The major aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can provide robust prognostic value in women presenting with suspected ischemia, to the same extent as in men.', 'Compelling evidence indicates that women with coronary artery disease (CAD) experience worse outcomes than men owing to a lack of early diagnosis and management. Numerous clinical studies have shown that stress CMR detects evidence of myocardial ischemia and infarction at high accuracy. Compared to nuclear scintigraphy, CMR is free of ionizing radiation, has high spatial resolution for imaging small hearts, and overcomes breast attenuation artifacts, which are substantial advantages when imaging women for CAD.', 'We performed stress CMR in 405 patients (168 women, mean age 58 ± 14 years) referred for ischemia assessment. CMR techniques included cine cardiac function, perfusion imaging during vasodilating stress, and late gadolinium enhancement imaging. All patients were followed for major adverse cardiac events (MACE).', 'At a median follow-up of 30 months, MACE occurred in 36 patients (9%) including 21 cardiac deaths and 15 acute myocardial infarctions. In women, CMR evidence of ischemia (ISCHEMIA) demonstrated strong association with MACE (unadjusted hazard ratio: 49.9, p < 0.0001). While women with ISCHEMIA(+) had an annual MACE rate of 15%, women with ISCHEMIA(-) had very low annual MACE rate (0.3%), which was not statistically different from the low annual MACE rate in men with ISCHEMIA(-) (1.1%). CMR myocardial ischemia score was the strongest multivariable predictor of MACE in this cohort, for both women and men, indicating robust cardiac prognostication regardless of sex.'] Does stress myocardial perfusion imaging by CMR provide strong prognostic value to cardiac events regardless of patient 's sex? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9548417329788208,
-1.4567694664001465,
2.404061794281006
] |
['Micromilieu-dependent quantification of γH2AX after irradiation in vivo and correlation with local tumour control.', 'Local tumour control was evaluated after irradiation of FaDu and SKX xenografts with ambient single doses. γH2AX foci were quantified in perfused and unperfused regions after different irradiation doses and at different time points.', 'The TCD(50) of FaDu was 2-times higher compared to SKX (28.0Gy [95% C.I. 24.6; 31.3Gy] for FaDu; 14.9Gy [10.9; 18.9] for SKX, p<0.001). The induction of foci did not differ between the tumour models. Residual foci were twice higher in perfused SKX regions compared to FaDu, no difference was observed in the non-perfused region between both tumour models. The number of residual foci increased with a 2-times higher slope in perfused SKX-regions compared to FaDu, while no difference was detected in unperfused regions. Already within the perfused regions, this slope decreased with distance from perfused vessels.'] Do residual DNA double strand breaks in perfused but not in unperfused areas determine different radiosensitivity of tumours? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.557218074798584,
-1.609691858291626,
2.173971176147461
] |
['One of the operative complications of the sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible is a bad split, which describes an unfavorable or irregular fracture of the mandible in the course of the osteotomy. The purpose of this study is to identify previous studies which reported incidences of bad split occurrence during sagittal split osteotomy and to discuss its mechanisms and risk factors, based on a literature review, in order to minimize their occurrence. A few illustrative cases are also presented.', 'An electronic search was undertaken in January 2011. The titles and abstracts from these results (n\u2009=\u2009363) were read for identifying studies which reported incidences of bad split occurrence during sagittal split osteotomy procedures.', 'Twenty-one studies were identified and assessed. The incidence of bad splits from these studies varied between 0.21% and 22.72%. The buccal plate of the proximal segment and the posterior aspect of the distal segment were the most affected areas.'] Does risk factors and prevention of bad split during sagittal split osteotomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5522966384887695,
-0.7224459052085876,
2.3862109184265137
] |
["Daikenchuto (TU-100), a traditional Japanese medicine, has been reported to up-regulate the adrenomedullin (ADM)/calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system, which is involved in intestinal vasodilatation. The microvascular dysfunction of the intestine in Crohn's disease (CD), due to down-regulation of the ADM/CGRP system, is etiologically related to the recurrence of CD. Therefore, we investigated the vasodilatory effect of TU-100 in a CD rat model.", 'Colitis was induced by the rectal instillation of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. Laser Doppler blood flowmetry was used to measure colonic blood flow. ADM, CGRP, and their receptors in the ischemic colon were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme immunoassays. Additionally, we determined whether the intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 released ADM in response to TU-100.', 'TU-100 increased blood flow in ischemic segments of the colon but not in hyperemic segments. Pretreatment with an antibody to ADM abolished the vasodilatory effect of TU-100. CGRP levels and βCGRP mRNA expression were decreased in the ischemic colon, while protein and mRNA levels of ADM were unchanged. Hydroxy α-sanshool, the main constituent of TU-100, was the most active component in improving blood flow. Additionally, both TU-100 and hydroxy α-sanshool enhanced the release of ADM from IEC-6 cells.'] Does daikenchuto ( TU-100 ) ameliorate colon microvascular dysfunction via endogenous adrenomedullin in Crohn 's disease rat model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3508388996124268,
-1.4036568403244019,
2.802381992340088
] |
['The goal of this study was to determine the expression signature and the potential role of microRNAs in human arteries with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).', "The expression profiles of microRNAs in human arteries with ASO and in normal control arteries were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction array. Among the 617 detected microRNAs, multiple microRNAs were aberrantly expressed in arteries with ASO. Some of these dysregulated microRNAs were further verified by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Among them, microRNA-21 (miR-21) was mainly located in arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and was increased by more than 7-fold in ASO that was related to hypoxia inducible factor 1-α. In cultured human ASMCs, cell proliferation and migration were significantly decreased by inhibition of miR-21. 3'-Untranslated region luciferase assay confirmed that tropomyosin 1 was a target of miR-21 that was involved in miR-21-mediated cellular effects, such as cell shape modulation."] Does microRNA-21 regulate vascular smooth muscle cell function via targeting tropomyosin 1 in arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremities? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3781073093414307,
-1.0532704591751099,
2.4260683059692383
] |
['Functional hemispherectomy is effective in carefully selected patients, resulting in a reduction of seizure burden up to complete resolution, improvement of intellectual development, and developmental benefit despite possible additional neurological deficit. Despite apparent hemispheric pathology on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or other imaging tests, scalp electroencephalography (EEG) could be suggestive of bilateral ictal onset or even ictal onset contralateral to the dominant imaging abnormality. We aimed to investigate the role of scalp EEG lateralization pre-operatively in predicting outcome.', "We retrospectively reviewed 54 patients who underwent hemispherectomy between 1991 and 2009 at Medical College of Georgia (1991-2006) and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (2006-2009) and had at least one year post-operative follow-up. All preoperative EEGs were reviewed, and classified as either lateralizing or nonlateralizing, for both ictal and interictal EEG recordings.", 'Of 54 patients, 42 (78%) became seizure free. Twenty-four (44%) of 54 had a nonlateralizing ictal or interictal EEG. Further analysis was based on etiology of epilepsy, including malformation of cortical development (MCD), Rasmussen syndrome (RS), and stroke (CVA). EEG nonlateralization did not predict poor outcome in any of the etiology groups evaluated.'] Does scalp EEG predict hemispherectomy outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2552621364593506,
-1.2070401906967163,
2.5663132667541504
] |
['Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) reflects autonomic dysfunction and can triage patients better than routine trauma criteria or vital signs. However, there is questionable specificity and no consensus measurement technique. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether factors that alter autonomic function affect the specificity of HRV for assessing traumatic injury.', "We evaluated 216 hemodynamically stable adults (3:1 M:F; 97:3 blunt:penetrating; age 49 years ± 1 year, mean ± standard error) undergoing computed axial tomography (CT) scan to rule out traumatic brain injury (TBI). All were prospectively instrumented with a Mars Holter system (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). HRV was determined offline using time domain (standard deviation of normal-normal intervals, root-mean-square successive difference) and frequency domain (very low frequency [VLF], LF, wideband frequency, high frequency [HF], low to HF index ratio) calculations from 15-minute electrocardiogram and correlated with routine vital signs, mortality, TBI, morbidity, length of stay (LOS), and comorbidities. Significance (p ≤ 0.05) was determined using nonparametric analysis, Student's t test, analysis of variance, or multiple logistic regression.", 'VLF alone predicted survival, severity of TBI, intensive care unit LOS, and hospital LOS (all p < 0.05). Beta-blockers or diabetes had no effect, whereas age, sedation, mechanical ventilation, spinal cord injury, and intoxication influenced one or more of the variables with age being the most powerful confounder (all p < 0.05). Except for the Glasgow Coma Scale, no other routine trauma or hemodynamic criteria correlated with any of these outcomes.'] Is heart rate variability an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality in hemodynamically stable trauma patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9720226526260376,
-1.431636929512024,
2.5103886127471924
] |
['To clarify clinical parameters predicting sustained viral response (SVR) during 48 weeks pegylated-interferon (peg-IFN)alpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy for Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C [CH(C)] genotype 1b and high viral titers.', 'One hundred and fifty-one (151) patients receiving peg-IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy for 48 weeks were enrolled. SVR and clinical parameters were evaluated. The relationship between virological parameters (substitutions in the core and NS5A) and the degree of early viral decrease was also studied.', 'Seventy (46.4%) patients achieved SVR (per protocol analysis). Negative predictive value (NPV) of <2-log10 decrease after 4 weeks of therapy for SVR was 78.0%; similar to that for failing to achieve early viral response (EVR) at 12 weeks (82.2%).'] Is failure to achieve 2-log10 viral decrease in first four weeks of peg-IFNalpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C with genotype 1b and high viral titer useful in predicting non-response : evaluation of response-guided therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5802091360092163,
-1.471869707107544,
2.133706569671631
] |
['Peer review of university classroom teaching can increase the quality of teaching but is not universally practiced in Australian universities.', 'To report an evaluation of paired peer-review process using both paper and web based teaching evaluation tools.', "Twenty university teachers in one metropolitan Australian School of Nursing and Midwifery were randomly paired and then randomly assigned to a paper based or web-based peer review tool. Each teacher reviewed each other's classroom teaching as part of a peer review program. The participants then completed an 18 question survey evaluating the peer review tool and paired evaluation process. Responses were analyzed using frequencies and percentages.", 'Regardless of the tool used, participants found this process of peer review positive (75%), collegial (78%), supportive (61%) and non-threatening (71%). Participants reported that the peer review will improve their own classroom delivery (61%), teaching evaluation (61%) and planning (53%). The web-based tool was found to be easier to use and allowed more space than the paper-based tool.'] Do paired peer review of university classroom teaching in a school of nursing and midwifery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.3039863109588623,
2.359997034072876,
-1.7281522750854492
] |
['Pharmacological antihypertensive therapies decrease both wall hypertrophy and collagen, but are unable to diminish the elastic content in the thoracic aorta. We investigated the effects of exercise training on aortic structure and function.', 'Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive rats (WKY), submitted to low-intensity training (T) or kept sedentary (S), were subjected to haemodynamic analyses. The thoracic aorta was processed for real-time PCR, light (morphometric/stereological evaluations) and electron microscopy.', 'SHR(S) versus WKY(S) exhibited a higher heart rate, pressure and pulse pressure, increased α-actin, elastin and collagen mRNA expression, augmented wall volume and cross-sectional area (marked elastin/collagen content). In the SHR, training reduced pressure and heart rate, with slight reduction in pulse pressure. SHR(T) aortas exhibited small morphometric changes, reduced α-actin, elastin and collagen mRNA expression, normalization of increased elastic content, reduction in collagen/connective tissue and a decrease in smooth muscle cell volume (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). SHR(T) aortas showed improved circumferential orientation of smooth muscle cells and prevention of rupture/duplication of internal elastic lamina. No effects were observed in trained WKY aortas.'] Does exercise training restore hypertension-induced changes in the elastic tissue of the thoracic aorta? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5200459957122803,
-1.2512879371643066,
2.837869167327881
] |
['Regulatory T cells contribute to peripheral immune tolerance, yet their ability to control immediate-type hypersensitivity (ITH) reactions involved in IgE-mediated food allergy is still poorly documented.', "We investigated in mice whether CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells could control ITH to β-lactoglobulin (BLG), a major allergen in cow's milk.", 'C3H/HeOuJ mice were sensitized by repeated oral gavage with BLG plus cholera toxin as adjuvant and orally challenged with BLG alone to elicit allergic symptoms. Mice were treated with the anti-CD25 mAb (PC61) before sensitization. Oral sensitization (afferent phase of ITH) was assessed by production of BLG-specific serum antibodies and Th1/Th2-type cytokines by specific CD4+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. ITH was elicited by oral BLG challenge (efferent phase of ITH) and we monitored symptom scores, numbers and function of intestinal mast cells and serum level of the mucosal mast cell protease mMCP-1.', 'Upon oral BLG challenge, orally sensitized mice developed only mild clinical signs. Anti-CD25 mAb-treated mice exhibited enhancement of both BLG-specific CD4+ T cell priming with IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ production and total IgE, and BLG-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgG2a in serum. Anti-CD25 mAb treatment caused more severe symptoms upon BLG challenge, which correlated with enhanced serum levels of the mucosal mast cell protease mMCP-1.'] Do regulatory T cells control type I food allergy to Beta-lactoglobulin in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3922975063323975,
-1.3978829383850098,
2.8055641651153564
] |
['The roles played by different peach allergens with respect to symptom severity have not been completely ascertained. We have evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of peach recombinant allergens ImmunoCAP compared to peach in the identification of subjects at an increased risk for severe reactions to peaches.', '148 peach-allergic patients were divided based on their symptom severity into 2 groups: mild oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and severe OAS. Anti-rPru p 1, 3 and 4 IgE levels were measured. Statistical analyses were carried out using parametric and non-parametric tests.', 'anti-rPru p 1 and anti-rPru p 4 IgE levels were significantly higher in patients with mild OAS than in patients with severe OAS (p = 0.0001); in contrast, anti-rPru p 3 IgE levels were significantly higher in patients with severe OAS than in patients with mild OAS (p < 0.00005). Moreover, we found that any unitary increase in anti-rPru p 1 IgE values corresponded to a 2.48% reduction in the odds of having severe OAS (p = 0.048), whereas any unitary increase in anti-rPru p 3 IgE values corresponded to a 9.02% increase in the probability of having severe OAS (p = 0.001). Unexpectedly, we found that patients positive to rPru p 3 as well as rPru p 1 and 4 demonstrated a significant reduction of the odds of developing severe symptoms than those positive to rPru p 3 alone. Anti-rPru p 3 IgE levels were a significantly better indicator than anti-peach IgE values (p = 0.016) of patients with the highest risk for severe OAS. A cutoff of 2.69 kUA/l for anti-rPru p 3 IgE values better discriminated peach-allergic patients at a higher risk for symptoms.'] Are pru p 3-sensitised Italian peach-allergic patients less likely to develop severe symptoms when also presenting IgE antibodies to Pru p 1 and Pru p 4? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0492632389068604,
-1.5762358903884888,
1.5886964797973633
] |
['Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex disorder associated with an intricate biological and psychological symptom profile and various common comorbidities. Despite an existing myriad of evidence-based and experimental treatments, PTSD is often difficult to treat. This reality necessitates a discussion of the potential of emerging treatments.', 'A literature search using PubMed and PsychInfo was done using the following keywords: randomized clinical trials, treatment guidelines, pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, all in addition to PTSD. A comprehensive treatment review establishes that early intervention approaches have not yet been found to prevent PTSD in trauma survivors. However, psychotherapy research provides substantial support for cognitive behavioral therapies and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for chronic PTSD, and psychopharmacological approaches are myriad - although at present there is FDA approval only for sertraline and paroxetine. However, the efficacy of these treatments varies and, unfortunately, not everyone will achieve remission.'] Does new approach to combining pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.9864017963409424,
0.20004141330718994,
1.9197137355804443
] |
['Treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures remains challenging. The introduction of locking plates has renewed interest in treating these fractures with joint-preserving techniques rather than hemiarthroplasty, but high complication rates are still reported. Avascular necrosis is not solely dependent on the initial fracture pattern, but can also result from intraoperative and postoperative vascular insults.', 'We describe a technique to minimize disruption of humeral head blood supply and maximize fracture fixation. A total of 34 patients with complex proximal humerus fractures were treated with a locking plate and endosteal implant through an anterolateral approach and followed for an average of 66 weeks to determine the rates of avascular necrosis.', 'No patient suffered complete osteonecrosis (0%) and only one patient suffered partial necrosis (2.8%) of the humeral head. The length of the posteromedial hinge was not predictive of this complication.'] Do rate of avascular necrosis following proximal humerus fractures treated with a lateral locking plate and endosteal implant? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.455266237258911,
-0.9909725785255432,
2.5562565326690674
] |
["To date, nine Parkinson disease (PD) genome-wide association studies in North American, European and Asian populations have been published. The majority of studies have confirmed the association of the previously identified genetic risk factors, SNCA and MAPT, and two studies have identified three new PD susceptibility loci/genes (PARK16, BST1 and HLA-DRB5). In a recent meta-analysis of datasets from five of the published PD GWAS an additional 6 novel candidate genes (SYT11, ACMSD, STK39, MCCC1/LAMP3, GAK and CCDC62/HIP1R) were identified. Collectively the associations identified in these GWAS account for only a small proportion of the estimated total heritability of PD suggesting that an 'unknown' component of the genetic architecture of PD remains to be identified.", "We applied a GWAS approach to a relatively homogeneous Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population from New York to search for both 'rare' and 'common' genetic variants that confer risk of PD by examining any SNPs with allele frequencies exceeding 2%. We have focused on a genetic isolate, the AJ population, as a discovery dataset since this cohort has a higher sharing of genetic background and historically experienced a significant bottleneck. We also conducted a replication study using two publicly available datasets from dbGaP. The joint analysis dataset had a combined sample size of 2,050 cases and 1,836 controls.", 'We identified the top 57 SNPs showing the strongest evidence of association in the AJ dataset (p < 9.9 × 10(-5)). Six SNPs located within gene regions had positive signals in at least one other independent dbGaP dataset: LOC100505836 (Chr3p24), LOC153328/SLC25A48 (Chr5q31.1), UNC13B (9p13.3), SLCO3A1(15q26.1), WNT3(17q21.3) and NSF (17q21.3). We also replicated published associations for the gene regions SNCA (Chr4q21; rs3775442, p = 0.037), PARK16 (Chr1q32.1; rs823114 (NUCKS1), p = 6.12 × 10(-4)), BST1 (Chr4p15; rs12502586, p = 0.027), STK39 (Chr2q24.3; rs3754775, p = 0.005), and LAMP3 (Chr3; rs12493050, p = 0.005) in addition to the two most common PD susceptibility genes in the AJ population LRRK2 (Chr12q12; rs34637584, p = 1.56 × 10(-4)) and GBA (Chr1q21; rs2990245, p = 0.015).'] Does genome-wide association study identify candidate genes for Parkinson 's disease in an Ashkenazi Jewish population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6540483236312866,
-1.2070086002349854,
1.8843953609466553
] |
['Exposure of pregnant mothers to elevated concentrations of circulating testosterone levels is associated with fetal growth restriction and delivery of small-for-gestational-age babies. We examined whether maternal testosterone crosses the placenta to directly suppress fetal growth or if it modifies placental function to reduce the capacity for transport of nutrients to the fetus.', 'Pregnant rats were exposed to testosterone propionate (TP; 0.5 mg/kg) by daily subcutaneous injection from gestational days (GD) 15-19. Maternal and fetal testosterone levels, placental nutrient transport activity and expression of transporters and birth weight of pups and their anogenital distances were determined.', 'This dose of TP doubled maternal testosterone levels but had no effect on fetal testosterone levels. Maternal daily weight gain was significantly lower only on GD 19 in TP treated dams compared to controls. Placental weight and birth weight of pups were significantly reduced, but the anogenital distance of pups were unaffected by TP treatment. Maternal plasma amino acids concentrations were altered following testosterone exposure, with decreases in glutamine, glycine, tyrosine, serine, proline, and hydroxyproline and increases in asparagine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, histidine and arginine. In the TP dams, placental system A amino acid transport activity was significantly reduced while placental glucose transport capacity was unaffected. Decreased expression of mRNA and protein levels of slc38a2/Snat2, an amino acid transporter, suggests that reduced transporter proteins may be responsible for the decrease in amino acid transport activity.'] Is prenatal testosterone-induced fetal growth restriction associated with down-regulation of rat placental amino acid transport? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5409674644470215,
-1.1874834299087524,
2.8000826835632324
] |
['Evaluation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) functional activity to assess new therapies and define diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) is cumbersome. It is known that leukocytes express detectable levels of CFTR but the molecule has not been characterized in these cells. In this study we aim at setting up and validating a blood test to evaluate CFTR expression and function in leukocytes.', 'Western blot, PCR, immunofluorescence and cell membrane depolarization analysis by single-cell fluorescence imaging, using the potential-sensitive DiSBAC(2)(3) probe were utilized. Expression of PKA phosphorylated, cell membrane-localized CFTR was detected in non-CF monocytes, being undetectable or present in truncated form in monocytes derived from CF patients presenting with nonsense mutations. CFTR agonist administration induced membrane depolarization in monocytes isolated from non-CF donors (31 subjects) and, to a lesser extent, obligate CFTR heterozygous carriers (HTZ: 15 subjects), but it failed in monocytes from CF patients (44 subjects). We propose an index, which values in CF patients are significantly (p<0.001) lower than in the other two groups. Nasal Potential Difference, measured in selected subjects had concordant results with monocytes assay (Kappa statistic 0.93, 95%CI: 0.80-1.00).'] Are defective CFTR expression and function detectable in blood monocytes : development of a new blood test for cystic fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2280619144439697,
-1.4475663900375366,
2.774514675140381
] |
['The E2F/RB pathway is frequently disrupted in multiple human cancers. E2F3 levels are elevated in prostate tumors and E2F3 overexpression independently predicts clinical outcome. The goals of this study were to identify direct transcriptional targets of E2F3 in prostate tumor derived cells.', 'Expression array studies identified the interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) as an E2F3 target. E2F3-dependent expression of IL-6R was analyzed by real time PCR and Western immunoblot analysis in several cell lines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and IL-6R-luciferase reporter plasmid studies were used to characterize the IL-6R promoter.', 'Expression array studies identified genes that were regulated by E2F3 in prostate tumor derived cell lines. The network most significantly associated with E2F3-regulated transcripts was cytokine signaling and the IL-6R was a component of several of the most prominent E2F3-regulated pathways. The transcriptional regulation of IL-6R by E2F3 knockdown was validated in several prostate tumor-derived cell lines at the RNA level and protein level. The IL-6R regulatory region containing ChIP-identified E2F3 binding sites was cloned into a reporter and co-transfected with an E2F3a expression plasmid. The luciferase assay showed that E2F3a transactivated the IL-6R promoter in a dose dependent manner. The functional consequence of IL-6R decrease was a reduction in the levels of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating that IL-6R initiated signaling was altered.'] Is the interleukin 6 receptor a direct transcriptional target of E2F3 in prostate tumor derived cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2900378704071045,
-1.2568612098693848,
2.577943801879883
] |
['Venlafaxine (VLF) is an approved antidepressant that is claimed to have superior clinical efficacy to comparable drugs. Recently, many studies showed the relationship between depression and increased oxidative stress. This study investigated the relationship between the antidepressant effect of VLF and its ability to protect animals against stress-induced oxidative lipid peroxidation and DNA damage induced during antidepressant testing.', "The antidepressant effect of long-term treatment (21 days) of VLF in doses 5, 10 and 20mg/kg/day, i.p. was tested using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The effects of VLF on hippocampal lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant (TAC) levels and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity were tested. Furthermore, the corresponding changes in serum and hippocampal 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured.", 'Long-term VLF treatment showed a significant, antidepressant effect in both FST and TST. VLF could decrease the hippocampal MDA and NO and to increase hippocampal GSH and TAC levels and GST activity in the tested animals. Only GSH and TAC levels were increased by VLF in the non-tested animals. In addition, both serum and hippocampal 8-OHdG levels were significantly reduced by VLF in animals exposed to antidepressant tests.'] Does venlafaxine protect against stress-induced oxidative DNA damage in hippocampus during antidepressant testing in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1766369342803955,
-1.3742250204086304,
2.549391269683838
] |
['To assess morphology and blood flow of the proper palmar digital arteries (PPDA) by color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) and its relationship with nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC), skin blood perfusion and digital arteries pulsatility of hands in SSc patients and healthy controls.', 'CDUS, NVC, laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) and photoplethysmography (PPG) were performed in 36 systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients and 20 healthy controls.', 'CDUS was pathologic in 69% of patients with SSc and in none of healthy controls (p<0.0001). SSc patients with low vascular damage (early capillaroscopic pattern) have a normal morphology of PPDA, but the blood flow, evaluated by peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV), is reduced and vascular resistance, measured by resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI), increased. At this stage the LDPI mean perfusion and digital artery pulsatility, evaluated by PPG, were reduced. The US changes appear with microvascular damage progression (active and late capillaroscopic patterns), while the PPDA blood flow progressively decreases (PSV and EDV decreased, RI and PI increased). The macrovascular damage correlates with disease duration. Anti-topoisomerase I represents an independent predictive factor for macrovascular damage. We not observed any association between digital ulcer history, pulmonary fibrosis and US findings.'] Does in systemic sclerosis macrovascular damage of hands digital arteries correlate with microvascular damage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.415705919265747,
-1.3241300582885742,
2.8350417613983154
] |
['Adipose tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, obesity, and Type-2 diabetes. Human adipocytes express abundant cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). However, the function and role of CETP in regulating lipoprotein metabolism are mostly unknown. In this study, we examined whether CETP affected the insulin-mediated responses in adipocytes.', 'Because mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes do not express CETP, we established a stable cell line expressing human CETP by transfecting the cells with pcDNA3.1/human CETP. We used a standard approach to differentiate the cells into mature adipocytes, and we examined the cholesterol balance and insulin responses.', 'The human CETP stable cell line expressed stable levels of CETP without affecting the expression of either peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) or glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) throughout cell differentiation. CETP expression significantly increased the level of both total and free cholesterol in the mature adipocytes. Upon insulin stimulation, CETP expressing cells had significantly higher protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and 2-(3)H-deoxyglucose uptake, as compared with 3T3-L1 cells and cells transfected with control vector.'] Does human cholesteryl ester transfer protein enhance insulin-mediated glucose uptake in adipocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5003302097320557,
-0.9635288119316101,
2.534287214279175
] |
['Inflammation and oxidative stress have been identified as integral parts in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 which could elicit inflammation and free radicals generation appears to be a key enzyme in hypertension. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression and oxidative stress in cardiovascular tissues are increased in the angiotensin II model.', 'Cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-2 deficient mice and their cultured aortic smooth muscle cells were used to investigate the role of these enzymes in angiotensin II induced superoxide production and hypertension.', 'At resting state, the superoxide production in aortic and cardiac tissues was lower in cyclo-oxygenase-2 deficient than in the wild type or in cyclo-oxygenase-1 deficient mice. Chronic angiotensin II infusion increased the superoxide production in these tissues from both cyclo-oxygenase-deficient and wild-type mice whereas the level in cyclo-oxygenase-2 deficient mice was equivalent to the basal level in wild-type mice. The hypertensive effect of angiotensin II was attenuated in cyclo-oxygenase-2 deficient mice. Aspirin treatment reduced the basal superoxide production and blunted the oxidative and hypertensive effect of angiotensin II in wild type and cyclo-oxygenase-1 deficient mice whereas it lost completely its antioxidative property in angiotensin II-treated aortic smooth muscle cells isolated from cyclo-oxygenase-2 deficient mice.'] Is cyclo-oxygenase-2 knockout genotype in mice associated with blunted angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress and hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5271718502044678,
-1.235813021659851,
2.8102431297302246
] |
['Planning skills play a key role in higher developmental processes. The Tower of London test not only measures planning skills, but also the ability to execute plans. Yoga practices aim to bring about higher development. Can a Yoga-based education system be shown to meet this challenge?', 'This study was aimed at comparing a Modern Education System (MES) with the ancient Yoga-based system of education, the Gurukula Education System (GES), in developing planning skills.', 'Forty-nine boys with ages ranging from 11 to 13 years were selected from each of two residential schools, one MES and the other GES, providing similar ambience and daily routines. The boys were matched for age and socio-economic status. The GES educational program is based around integrated yoga modules while the MES provides a conventional modern education program. Planning and executive abilities were assessed using the Tower of London test at the start and the end of an academic year.', 'Within groups, the pre-post test differences were significant for both groups. However, the between-groups results showed improvement in the GES group compared to the MES group at a P < 0.001 significance level.'] Does planning ability improve in a yogic education system compared to a modern? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.2626953125,
1.733604907989502,
-1.0819224119186401
] |
['Advanced hemostatic dressings perform superior to standard gauze (SG) in animal hemorrhage models but require 2 minutes to 5 minutes application time, which is not feasible on the battlefield.', 'Twenty-four swine received a femoral artery injury, 30 seconds uncontrolled hemorrhage and randomization to packing with SG, Combat Gauze (CG), or Celox Gauze (XG) without external pressure. Animals were resuscitated to baseline mean arterial pressures with lactated Ringers and monitored for 120 minutes. Physiologic and coagulation parameters were collected throughout. Dressing failure was defined as overt bleeding outside the wound cavity. Tissues were collected for histologic and ultrastructural studies.', 'All animals survived to study end. There were no differences in baseline physiologic or coagulation parameters or in dressing success rate (SG: 8/8, CG: 4/8, XG: 6/8) or blood loss between groups (SG: 260 mL, CG: 374 mL, XG: 204 mL; p > 0.3). SG (40 seconds ± 0.9 seconds) packed significantly faster than either the CG (52 ± 2.0) or XG (59 ± 1.9). At 120 minutes, all groups had a significantly shorter time to clot formation compared with baseline (p < 0.01). At 30 minutes, the XG animals had shorter time to clot compared with SG and CG animals (p < 0.05). All histology sections had mild intimal and medial edema. No inflammation, necrosis, or deposition of dressing particles in vessel walls was observed. No histologic or ultrastructural differences were found between the study dressings.'] Are advanced hemostatic dressings superior to gauze for care under fire scenarios? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.804906964302063,
-1.510791540145874,
2.3174476623535156
] |
['Sexual function is altered in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), thus affecting quality of life. The present study aimed to analyze sexual function in patients with T1D and ESRD (T1D+ESRD) who received a simultaneous kidney-pancreas (KP) or kidney-alone (KD) transplantation.', "Ten KP, 10 KD, 9 T1D+ESRD patients and 11 healthy control subjects were evaluated according to the following parameters: (1) medical/sexual history and physical examination; (2) International Index of Erectile Function; (3) Beck's inventory for depression; (4) assessment of hormonal profile; (5) quantitative sensory testing of both hand and penile sensory thresholds; and (6) hemodynamic penile assessment.", 'Controls and KP patients showed a higher rate of self-reported satisfactory erectile function as compared with KD and T1D+ESRD patients. Circulating androgens level resulted lower in both groups of transplanted patients and in patients with T1D+ESRD compared with healthy controls, albeit a relatively better profile was observed in KP. Both transplanted and T1D+ESRD patients showed peripheral hyposensitivity; however, healthy controls and KP showed better penile hemodynamic parameters compared with KD and T1D+ESRD.'] Is kidney-pancreas transplantation associated with near-normal sexual function in uremic type 1 diabetic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3084194660186768,
-1.216983675956726,
2.5924837589263916
] |
['Testicular cancer is the most frequent cancer in patients between 20 and 40 years of age. Cure rates are very high due to standardised operative treatment as well as additional chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to -histological subtype and tumour stage. Histological subtypes are seminoma, non-seminoma and mixed tumours (partly seminoma and partly non-seminoma). The aim of this study was to determine the value of different tumour markers in the primary diagnosis of testicular cancer.', 'In a retrospective study we investigated 152 consecutive patients with testicular cancer as well as 75 patients with benign scrotal conditions. In all patients the tumour markers human alkaline phosphatase (hPLAP), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis, boxplots, fourfold table, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calculation of confidence intervals and analysis of variance (ANOVA).', '145 patients with a mean age of 34.3 years were eligible. There were 72 seminomas, 33 non-seminomas and 40 mixed tumours with 69% of patients being in Lugano stage I, 19% in stage II and 11% in stage III. hPLAP, AFP and hCG were statistically significantly higher in patients with testicular cancer compared to patients with benign scrotal conditions (p < 0.005). hPLAP showed the best sensitivity/specificity (51.1%/84.0%) followed by AFP (35.7%/97.1%), hCG (32.6%/98.6%) and LDH (31.4%/97.8%). ROC analysis demonstrated no difference between hPLAP, AFP and hCG in the specificity range of 80-100%. However, a combination of hPLAP, AFP and hCG provided statistically significantly better results than single markers (p < 0.001).'] Is [ Human placental alkaline phosphatase ( hPLAP ) the most frequently elevated serum marker in testicular cancer ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.987812876701355,
-1.5526902675628662,
2.600943088531494
] |
['Although not recommended in treatment guidelines, previous studies have shown a frequent use of more than one antipsychotic agent among patients with schizophrenia. The main aims of the present study were to explore the antipsychotic treatment regimen among patients with schizophrenia in a catchment area-based sample and to investigate clinical characteristics associated with antipsychotic combination treatment.', 'The study included 329 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia using antipsychotic medication. Patients were recruited from all psychiatric hospitals in Oslo. Diagnoses were obtained by use of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID-I). Additionally, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and number of hospitalisations and pharmacological treatment were assessed.', 'Multiple hospital admissions, low GAF scores and high PANSS scores, were significantly associated with the prescription of combination treatment with two or more antipsychotics. The use of combination treatment increased significantly from the second hospital admission. Combination therapy was not significantly associated with age or gender. Regression models confirmed that an increasing number of hospital admission was the strongest predictor of the use of two or more antipsychotics.'] Do previous hospital admissions and disease severity predict the use of antipsychotic combination treatment in patients with schizophrenia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.170213460922241,
-0.3649430572986603,
1.6202813386917114
] |
['Hypoxia has been identified as a major negative factor for tumor progression in clinical observations and in animal studies. However, the precise role of hypoxia in tumor progression has not been fully explained. In this study, we extensively investigated the effect of long-term exposure to hypoxia on tumor progression in vivo.', 'Rats bearing transplanted tumors consisting of A549 human lung cancer cells (lung cancer tumor) were exposed to hypoxia for different durations and different levels of oxygen. The tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated. We also treated A549 lung cancer cells (A549 cells) with chronic hypoxia and then implanted the hypoxia-pretreated cancer cells into mice. The effect of exposure to hypoxia on metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice was also investigated.', 'We found that long-term exposure to hypoxia a) significantly inhibited lung cancer tumor growth in xenograft and orthotopic models in rats, b) significantly reduced lymphatic metastasis of the lung cancer in rats and decreased lung metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice, c) reduced lung cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in vitro, d) decreased growth of the tumors from hypoxia-pretreated A549 cells, e) decreased Na+-K+ ATPase α1 expression in hypoxic lung cancer tumors, and f) increased expression of hypoxia inducible factors (HIF1α and HIF2α) but decreased microvessel density in the lung cancer tumors. In contrast to lung cancer, the growth of tumor from HCT116 human colon cancer cells (colon cancer tumor) was a) significantly enhanced in the same hypoxia conditions, accompanied by b) no significant change in expression of Na+-K+ ATPase α1, c) increased HIF1α expression (no HIF2α was detected) and d) increased microvessel density in the tumor tissues.'] Does long-term exposure to hypoxia inhibit tumor progression of lung cancer in rats and mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.600206136703491,
-0.9306966662406921,
2.603482723236084
] |
['In the present study, we tested the efficacy and safety of Huperzine A in treatment of mild to moderate vascular dementia (VaD). This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 78 patients with mild to moderate VaD. The participants were randomized to receive either vitamin C (100-mg bid) as placebo (n = 39) or Huperzine A (0.1-mg bid) (n = 39) for 12 consecutive weeks. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and activities of daily living (ADL) scores were used for the assessment of cognition. The assessments were made prior to treatment, and 4, 8, and 12 weeks of the treatment. The adverse effects of the treatment were also recorded. After 12 weeks of treatment, the MMSE, CDR, and ADL scores significantly improved in the Huperzine A group (P < 0.01 for all comparisons), whereas the placebo group did not show any such improvement (P > 0.05 for all comparisons). No serious adverse events were recorded during the treatment.'] Does treatment with Huperzine A improve cognition in vascular dementia patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7285953760147095,
-1.3370800018310547,
2.093740463256836
] |
['An association between vitamin D status and sarcopenia has not been shown in a community-dwelling cohort, despite the well-documented relationship between vitamin D status and falls.', 'Our objective was to investigate whether vitamin D level is associated with sarcopenia in older Koreans.', 'The Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the Korean population was conducted in 2009.', 'Participants included 1380 men and 1789 women aged 50 yr or older.', 'Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and PTH levels were measured. Sarcopenia was defined as an appendicular skeletal muscle mass divided by body weight that was less than 2 sd below the sex-specific mean for young adults. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5 kg/m(2) or higher.', '25(OH)D level correlated negatively with appendicular fat mass and positively with appendicular skeletal mass. The groups with sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia only had lower 25(OH)D levels than did the nonsarcopenia groups. However, 25(OH)D levels did not differ between the sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia groups. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and lifestyle factors, compared with those in the lowest quartile of 25(OH)D level, participants in the highest quartile had an odds ratio for sarcopenia of 0.47 (95% confidence interval = 0.30-0.73; P for trend = 0.001). There was no association between PTH and sarcopenia after adjustment of BMI.'] Is vitamin D deficiency associated with sarcopenia in older Koreans , regardless of obesity : the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys ( KNHANES IV ) 2009? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4413498640060425,
-1.1657485961914062,
1.6293151378631592
] |
['The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its consequences on bone in pediatric bone fragility disorders is not well characterized. In the present study, we evaluated determinants of vitamin D status in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and assessed the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH D) serum concentrations and lumbar spine areal bone mineral density (LS-aBMD).', 'This retrospective cross-sectional study comprised 315 patients with a diagnosis of OI type I, III, or IV (aged 1.1-17.9 yr; 161 girls) who had not received bisphosphonate treatment at the time of 25OH D analysis. In 282 patients (90%), LS-aBMD measurements were available at the same time.', 'Serum concentrations of 25OH D ranged from 14 to 133 nmol/liter and were less than 50 nmol/liter in 86 patients (27%). Regression analysis revealed that age (P < 0.001), season (P < 0.001), and OI severity (P = 0.048), but not gender, were significant independent predictive factors of 25OH D levels. Serum 25OH D concentrations were negatively correlated with serum PTH levels (P = 0.003) and urinary cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen to creatinine ratios (P = 0.005). Serum 25OH D levels were positively associated (P = 0.02) with LS-aBMD z-scores after accounting for OI severity, age, and gender.'] Does predictors and correlate of vitamin D status in children and adolescents with osteogenesis imperfecta? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9301055669784546,
-1.4982824325561523,
2.4368538856506348
] |
['Periods of rapid growth require an increase in energy use and substrate formation. Mitochondrial function contributes to each of these and therefore may play a role in longitudinal growth.', 'Twenty-nine children and adolescents of ages 8-15 yr were enrolled in a comprehensive longitudinal assessment of glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial function. Fasting laboratory studies and an estimate of mitochondrial function (as assessed by the time to recovery of phosphocreatine (PCr) concentration after submaximal quadriceps extension/flexion exercise using (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were obtained at baseline and annually for 2 yr.', 'Data were complete for 23 subjects. Subjects were 11.3 ± 1.9 (sd) yr old at the beginning of the study; 61% were male. Average annualized growth velocity at 1 yr for boys was 7.1 ± 1.5 cm/yr and for girls 6.5 ± 1.7 cm/yr. More rapid recovery of PCr concentration, suggestive of greater skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation capacity at baseline, was associated with faster growth velocity in the subsequent year (r(2) = 0.29; P = 0.008). In multivariate modeling, baseline mitochondrial function remained significantly and independently associated with growth (R(2) for model = 0.51; P = 0.05 for effect of phosphocreatine recovery time constant), controlling for age, gender, Tanner stage, body mass index Z-score, and height Z-score.'] Is skeletal muscle mitochondrial function associated with longitudinal growth velocity in children and adolescents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9454959630966187,
-1.3173904418945312,
2.3970541954040527
] |
['Improved soft tissue tendon graft mechanical properties have led to their increased use for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Because they do not have an osseous component; however, there are greater concerns regarding tibial graft slippage during early postoperative rehabilitation and activities of daily living, particularly in patients with poor bone mineral density (BMD), such as older patients, women, smokers, and patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction surgery.', 'This in vitro biomechanical study attempted to determine the effectiveness of supplemental ACL graft fixation in low BMD tibiae. Eight paired knees (16 specimens) were harvested from female cadavers (mean age\xa0=\xa076, range\xa0=\xa060-88\xa0years). Tibiae were assigned to either a combination bioabsorbable interference screw, bio-tenodesis screw group (Group 1, n\xa0=\xa08, apparent BMD\xa0=\xa00.44\xa0±\xa00.13\xa0g/cm(2)) or a bioabsorbable interference screw group (Group 2, n\xa0=\xa08, apparent BMD\xa0=\xa00.44\xa0±\xa00.14\xa0g/cm(2)). Double-strand (single loop) tibialis anterior tendon allografts were fixed in matched diameter tibial tunnels. Using a custom 6° of freedom jig, potted constructs were mounted on to a servo hydraulic device with the axial loading force aligned directly with the tibial tunnel. Constructs underwent progressive cyclic tensile loading from 10 to 150\xa0N with a 25\xa0N load increase every 20 cycles. This was followed by yield load to failure testing (20\xa0mm/min).', 'Groups did not display displacement differences during progressive cyclic loading. Group 1 (312.7\xa0±\xa067.5\xa0N) displayed 25% greater yield load at failure than Group 2 (235.0\xa0±\xa047.6\xa0N), P\xa0=\xa00.045. Both groups displayed fixation levels well below the previously reported minimal safe threshold estimate for early unrestricted weight bearing, accelerated rehabilitation and activities of daily living.'] Does supplemental bio-tenodesis improve tibialis anterior allograft yield load in extremely low density tibiae? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5439127683639526,
-1.6950297355651855,
2.2241129875183105
] |
['Ionizing radiation induces cellular damage through both direct and indirect mechanisms, which may include effects from epigenetic changes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of ionizing radiation on DNA methylation patterns that may be associated with altered gene expression.', "Sixteen human tumor cell lines originating from various cancers were initially tested for radiation sensitivity by irradiating them with γ-radiation in vitro and subsequently, radiation sensitive and resistant cell lines were treated with different doses of a demethylating agent, 5-Aza-2'-Deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) and a chromatin modifier, Trichostatin-A (TSA). Survival of these cell lines was measured using 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) and clonogenic assays. The effect of radiation on global DNA methylation was measured using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The transcription response of methylated gene promoters, from cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16(INK4a)) and ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) genes, to radiation was measured using a luciferase reporter assay.", 'γ-radiation resistant (SiHa and MDAMB453) and sensitive (SaOS2 and WM115) tumor cell lines were examined for the relationship between radiation sensitivity and DNA methylation. Treatment of cells with 5-aza-dC and TSA prior to irradiation enhanced DNA strand breaks, G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis and cell death. Exposure to γ-radiation led to global demethylation in a time-dependent manner in tumor cells in relation to resistance and sensitivity to radiation with concomitant activation of p16(INK4a) and ATM gene promoters.'] Does γ-radiation induce cellular sensitivity and aberrant methylation in human tumor cell lines? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4787192344665527,
-1.3321874141693115,
2.8685622215270996
] |
['In the absence of autologous bone for harvesting, fresh-frozen bone allografts turned into an alternative for bone reconstruction procedures.', 'The purpose of this study was to make a histological analysis of fresh-frozen onlay bone allografts (ALs), compared with autografts, in patients who needed maxillary reconstruction prior to dental implants placement.', 'Twelve patients with bone deficiencies (width inferior to 4 mm) in the sites where the implants were planned were enrolled in the study. From these, six were elected to be treated with autogenous (AT) bone grafts and six with fresh-frozen bone AL. This last group included the patients who had absence of a convenient amount of bone in donor sites. Each patient received from one to six graft blocks, totalling to 12 ATs and 17 ALs. Seven months after grafting procedures, biopsies of the grafts were made using 2-mm internal diameter trephine burs, and processed for histological analysis. One biopsy was retrieved from each patient.', 'Clinically, all grafts were found to be firm in consistency and well-incorporated to the receptor bed. Histological analysis showed a large amount of necrotic bone surrounded by few spots of new-formed bone in the AL group, suggesting low rate of graft remodeling. In the AT group, an advanced stage of bone remodeling was seen.'] Does clinical similarities and histological diversity comparing fresh frozen onlay bone block allografts and autografts in human maxillary reconstruction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3994970321655273,
-1.1001927852630615,
2.639035940170288
] |
['The gene composition, gene order and structure of the mitochondrial genome are remarkably stable across bilaterian animals. Lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) are a major exception to this genomic stability in that the canonical single chromosome with 37 genes found in almost all other bilaterians has been lost in multiple lineages in favour of multiple, minicircular chromosomes with less than 37 genes on each chromosome.', 'Minicircular mt genomes are found in six of the ten louse species examined to date and three types of minicircles were identified: heteroplasmic minicircles which coexist with full sized mt genomes (type 1); multigene chromosomes with short, simple control regions, we infer that the genome consists of several such chromosomes (type 2); and multiple, single to three gene chromosomes with large, complex control regions (type 3). Mapping minicircle types onto a phylogenetic tree of lice fails to show a pattern of their occurrence consistent with an evolutionary series of minicircle types. Analysis of the nuclear-encoded, mitochondrially-targetted genes inferred from the body louse, Pediculus, suggests that the loss of mitochondrial single-stranded binding protein (mtSSB) may be responsible for the presence of minicircles in at least species with the most derived type 3 minicircles (Pediculus, Damalinia).'] Are mitochondrial genome deletions and minicircles common in lice ( Insecta : Phthiraptera )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4625802040100098,
-0.005017160903662443,
1.605893611907959
] |
['Anopheles gambiae M and S molecular forms, the major malaria vectors in the Afro-tropical region, are ongoing a process of ecological diversification and adaptive lineage splitting, which is affecting malaria transmission and vector control strategies in West Africa. These two incipient species are defined on the basis of single nucleotide differences in the IGS and ITS regions of multicopy rDNA located on the X-chromosome. A number of PCR and PCR-RFLP approaches based on form-specific SNPs in the IGS region are used for M and S identification. Moreover, a PCR-method to detect the M-specific insertion of a short interspersed transposable element (SINE200) has recently been introduced as an alternative identification approach. However, a large-scale comparative analysis of four widely used PCR or PCR-RFLP genotyping methods for M and S identification was never carried out to evaluate whether they could be used interchangeably, as commonly assumed.', 'The genotyping of more than 400 A. gambiae specimens from nine African countries, and the sequencing of the IGS-amplicon of 115 of them, highlighted discrepancies among results obtained by the different approaches due to different kinds of biases, which may result in an overestimation of MS putative hybrids, as follows: i) incorrect match of M and S specific primers used in the allele specific-PCR approach; ii) presence of polymorphisms in the recognition sequence of restriction enzymes used in the PCR-RFLP approaches; iii) incomplete cleavage during the restriction reactions; iv) presence of different copy numbers of M and S-specific IGS-arrays in single individuals in areas of secondary contact between the two forms.'] Do comparative analyses reveal discrepancies among results of commonly used methods for Anopheles gambiaemolecular form identification? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.678013563156128,
-0.9250127673149109,
2.7158169746398926
] |
['We wanted to investigate if retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) might be a good marker of acute and chronic changes in the afferent visual pathway following acute optic neuritis (ON).', 'We studied the relationship of optic nerve lesion length, optic nerve mean area, and RNFLT, quantified by OCT, with fMRI response to a visual paradigm in 40 patients with acute ON and 19 healthy controls in a prospective cohort study over a 6-month period.', 'The main finding was a significant correlation of optic nerve lesion length and mean area with fMRI response in affected eyes in the acute phase and between RNFLT and fMRI response in affected eyes after recovery.'] Does retinal atrophy correlate with fMRI response in patients with recovered optic neuritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3814899921417236,
-1.0228023529052734,
2.469621181488037
] |
['Propofol has been used to facilitate tracheal intubation within a short time of sevoflurane induction without a muscle relaxant in children. We compared as the primary outcome the incidence of excellent intubating conditions after 8% sevoflurane and propofol 1 or 2 mg/kg.', 'One hundred and four patients (2-7 years) were randomly assigned to receive propofol 1 mg/kg in group SP1 (n=53) or propofol 2 mg/kg in group SP2 (n=51) after inhalation induction using sevoflurane 8% in oxygen. Forty-five seconds after propofol and controlled ventilation, intubating conditions were assessed using a four-point scoring system based on ease of laryngoscopy, vocal cords position, coughing, jaw relaxation and limb movement. Heart rate and systolic blood pressure were measured as baseline, after sevoflurane induction, propofol, intubation and at 2 and 5 min following intubation.', 'Three patients in group SP1 were excluded from analysis. Time from sevoflurane induction to intubation (248.9±71.3 s in group SP1 vs. 230.9±61.3 s in group SP2) and endtidal sevoflurane before intubation (5.6±1.6% in group SP1 vs. 5.2±1.5% in group SP2) did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of excellent intubating conditions was significantly higher in group SP2 compared with group SP1 [47/51 (92%) vs. 28/50 (56%)]. The incidence of acceptable intubating conditions was significantly higher in group SP2 compared with group SP1 [48/51 (94%) vs. 35/50 (70%)]. No hemodynamic difference was noted at any time point between the two groups.'] Is propofol 2 mg/kg superior to propofol 1 mg/kg for tracheal intubation in children during sevoflurane induction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.30650579929351807,
-1.909684181213379,
1.2077739238739014
] |
['Pulmonary embolism is believed to be a common cause of death of hospital inpatients. The aims of this study were to estimate the number of deaths caused by pulmonary embolism and the potential to reduce this by the use of caval filters according to accepted indications.', 'Review of autopsy reports and death notification records from 2007 and 2008. When pulmonary embolism was given as cause of death (in the autopsy report or in section 1 a-c or part 2 of the Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death), hospital records were reviewed for evidence of pre-mortem diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and for evidence of accepted indications for caval filter placement.', 'Large UK teaching hospital.', 'Hospital inpatients whose deaths were attributed to pulmonary embolism.', 'Proportion of deaths adjudged at autopsy to be due to pulmonary embolism; evidence of pre-mortem diagnosis of DVT or pulmonary embolism; total number of hospital admission and deaths.', 'From a total of 186,517 adult inpatient admissions there were 2583 (1.4%) adult inpatient deaths of which 696 (27%) underwent autopsy. Of those undergoing autopsy, 14 (2.0%, 95% CI 1.2-3.3%) deaths were caused by pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism was recorded as a cause of death in a further 12 (0.7%) of 1773 patients who did not undergo autopsy. Of these, five had a pre-mortem diagnosis of DVT or pulmonary embolism.'] Is mortality from pulmonary embolism decreasing in hospital patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7280725240707397,
-0.6883311867713928,
0.4879254102706909
] |
['Clinicians have adopted a restrictive transfusion threshold (75-80 g/L) after major orthopedic surgery. Anemia may be associated with a decrease in postoperative vigor. We hypothesize that, in these patients, a threshold hemoglobin (Hb) concentration exists below which functional recovery and quality of life (QoL) become difficult.', 'A prospective, observational cohort study in 305 patients 60 years or older undergoing a total hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Major outcome variables were distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWT), score on the Borg Scale for perception of effort, maximal dominant hand strength, and Short Form 36 (SF-36) QoL assessment in the preoperative and early postoperative periods. Patients were categorized according to their Hb level the day of the postoperative 6MWT (≤ 80, 81-90, 91-100, and >100 g/L).', 'There was no difference between Hb groups in the decrease of the distance walked preoperatively versus postoperatively. For both moments of observation, the 6MWT was not significantly different between Hb groups (p = 0.190). Similar results were found with perception of effort, maximal dominant hand strength, and SF-36 QoL assessment scores. In a regression model, the decrease in Hb concentration could explain only 1.9% of the total variation observed in the 6MWT (p = 0.008).'] Does postoperative anemia impede functional outcome and quality of life early after hip and knee arthroplasties? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5011569261550903,
-1.3867473602294922,
1.8917508125305176
] |
['High serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity is associated with increased risk of severe hypoglycaemia (SH) within 1 year in type 1 diabetes. We wanted to find out whether ACE activity is stable over time and predicts SH beyond 1 year, and if gender differences exist in the association between ACE activity and risk of SH.', 'A follow-up study of 128 adult patients with type 1 diabetes was conducted. At entry, ACE activity was measured. For 12 months, patients prospectively recorded events of severe hypoglycaemia (SH). At a median of 40 months, ACE activity was measured again and participants recalled the number of SH in the last year.', 'ACE activity is reproducible over 40 months (p < 0.00001). Patients with SH during the baseline study also had SH during follow-up (p < 0.00001). Serum ACE activity measured at baseline was positively associated with the rate of SH at follow-up (p = 0.0003) with a 3.2-fold increased rate of SH in subjects belonging to the upper ACE quartile compared to subjects in the three lowest quartiles (p < 0.00001). The association between high serum ACE activity and increased risk of SH did not differ significantly in women and men.'] Does high serum ACE activity predict severe hypoglycaemia over time in patients with type 1 diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1888911724090576,
-1.093935251235962,
1.3440022468566895
] |
['A relationship between the increased density of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and decreased survival was recently reported in thyroid cancer patients. Among these tumors, anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive solid tumors in humans. TAMs (type M2) have been recognized as promoting tumor growth. The purpose of our study was to analyze with immunohistochemistry the presence of TAMs in a series of 27 ATC.', 'Several macrophages markers such as NADPH oxidase complex NOX2-p22phox, CD163 and CD 68 were used. Immunostainings showed that TAMs represent more than 50% of nucleated cells in all ATCs. Moreover, these markers allowed the identification of elongated thin ramified cytoplasmic extensions, bestowing a "microglia-like" appearance on these cells which we termed "Ramified TAMs" (RTAMs). In contrast, cancer cells were totally negative. Cellular stroma was highly simplified since apart from cancer cells and blood vessels, RTAMs were the only other cellular component. RTAMs were evenly distributed and intermingled with cancer cells, and were in direct contact with other RTAMs via their ramifications. Moreover, RTAMs displayed strong immunostaining for connexin Cx43. Long chains of interconnected RTAMs arose from perivascular clusters and were dispersed within the tumor parenchyma. When expressed, the glucose transporter Glut1 was found in RTAMs and blood vessels, but rarely in cancer cells.'] Do tumor-associated macrophages ( TAMs ) form an interconnected cellular supportive network in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.483762502670288,
-1.208178162574768,
2.822491407394409
] |
['Dendritic morphology largely determines patterns of synaptic connectivity and electrochemical properties of a neuron. Neurons display a myriad diversity of dendritic geometries which serve as a basis for functional classification. Several types of molecules have recently been identified which regulate dendrite morphology by acting at the levels of transcriptional regulation, direct interactions with the cytoskeleton and organelles, and cell surface interactions. Although there has been substantial progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of dendrite morphogenesis, the specification of class-specific dendritic arbors remains largely unexplained. Furthermore, the presence of numerous regulators suggests that they must work in concert. However, presently, few genetic pathways regulating dendrite development have been defined.', 'The Drosophila gene turtle belongs to an evolutionarily conserved class of immunoglobulin superfamily members found in the nervous systems of diverse organisms. We demonstrate that Turtle is differentially expressed in Drosophila da neurons. Moreover, MARCM analyses reveal Turtle acts cell autonomously to exert class specific effects on dendritic growth and/or branching in da neuron subclasses. Using transgenic overexpression of different Turtle isoforms, we find context-dependent, isoform-specific effects on mediating dendritic branching in class II, III and IV da neurons. Finally, we demonstrate via chromatin immunoprecipitation, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry analyses that Turtle expression is positively regulated by the Cut homeodomain transcription factor and via genetic interaction studies that Turtle is downstream effector of Cut-mediated regulation of da neuron dendrite morphology.'] Does turtle function downstream of Cut in differentially regulating class specific dendrite morphogenesis in Drosophila? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.541177988052368,
-1.0736943483352661,
2.73337984085083
] |
['In communal mammals the levels of social interaction among group members vary considerably. In recent years, biologists have realized that within-group interactions may affect survival of the group members. Several recent studies have demonstrated that the social integration of adult females is positively associated with infant survival, and female longevity is affected by the strength and stability of the individual social bonds. Our aim was to determine the social factors that influence adult longevity in social mammals.', 'As a model system, we studied the social rock hyrax (Procavia capensis), a plural breeder with low reproductive skew, whose groups are mainly composed of females. We applied network theory using 11 years of behavioral data to quantify the centrality of individuals within groups, and found adult longevity to be inversely correlated to the variance in centrality. In other words, animals in groups with more equal associations lived longer. Individual centrality was not correlated with longevity, implying that social tension may affect all group members and not only the weakest or less connected ones.'] Does variance in centrality within rock hyrax social networks predict adult longevity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.7283966541290283,
2.3854658603668213,
-1.2237615585327148
] |
['The use of non-heart-beating donors (NHBD) has come into practice to resolve the shortage of donor lungs. This study investigated whether hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) can improve the quality of NHBD lungs.', "An uncontrolled NHBD model was achieved in male Lewis rats. Ninety minutes after cardiac arrest, HMP was performed for 60 min at 6°C to 10°C. The first study investigated the physiological lung functions during HMP and the lung tissue energy levels before and after HMP. The second study divided the rats into three groups (n=6 each): no ischemia group; 90-min warm ischemia+60-min HMP+120-min static cold storage (SCS) (HMP group); and 90-min warm ischemia+180-min SCS group. All lungs were reperfused for 60 min at 37°C. Lung functions were evaluated at given timings throughout the experiments. Oxidative damage during reperfusion was evaluated immunohistochemically with a monoclonal antibody against 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine.", "The first study revealed that lung functions were stable during HMP. Lung tissue energy levels decreased during warm ischemia but were significantly increased by HMP (P<0.05). The second study confirmed that HMP significantly decreased pulmonary vascular resistance, increased pulmonary compliance, and improved pulmonary oxygenation. The ratio of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine positive cells to total cells significantly increased in the SCS group (P<0.01)."] Does hypothermic machine perfusion ameliorate ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat lungs from non-heart-beating donors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8053226470947266,
-1.5104678869247437,
2.290680170059204
] |
['Early pancreas graft failure after simultaneous pancreas and kidney (SPK) transplantation is common. We studied the impact of early pancreas graft failure on long-term kidney and patient survival.', 'We included all primary SPK transplants performed in the United States between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, who had maintained kidney graft function at 90 days posttransplantation. Kaplan-Meier and Cox multivariate analyses were performed. The causes of death between the two cohorts were compared.', 'A total of 6282 SPK recipients were included in the analyses. Of those, 470 had lost pancreas graft within the first 90 days largely related to pancreas graft thrombosis. Early pancreas graft failure was associated with lower subsequent kidney graft and patient survival (log-rank, P=0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated a 70% higher risk of kidney graft failure after 3 years (adjusted hazard ratio 1.69; 95% CI 1.08, 2.66; P=0.022) and more than doubled the risk for death (adjusted hazard ratio 2.18; 95% CI 1.67, 2.85; P<0.001) among SPK recipients with early pancreas graft failure. The causes of death were similar between the two cohorts.'] Is early pancreas graft failure associated with inferior late clinical outcomes after simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2661024332046509,
-0.9903985261917114,
1.292724847793579
] |
['Diabetes mellitus is an established risk factor for stroke. However, it is uncertain whether prestroke glycemic control (PSGC) status affects clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between PSGC status and neurological or functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.', 'From the Fukuoka Stroke Registry (FSR), a multicenter stroke registry in Japan, 3627 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke within 24 hours after onset were included in the present analysis. The patients were categorized into 4 groups based on their PSGC status: excellent (hemoglobin [Hb] A1c on admission<6.2%), good (6.2-6.8%), fair (6.9-8.3%) and poor (≥8.4%). Study outcomes were neurological improvement (≥4 points decrease in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score during hospitalization or 0 points on NIHSS score at discharge), neurological deterioration (≥1 point increase in NIHSS score) and poor functional outcome (death or dependency at discharge, modified Rankin Scale 2-6).', 'The age- and sex-adjusted ORs for neurological improvement were lower, and those for neurological deterioration and a poor functional outcome were higher in patients with poorer PSGC status. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, these trends were unchanged (all probability values for trends were <0.002). These findings were comparable in patients with noncardioembolic and cardioembolic infarctions.'] Is prestroke glycemic control associated with the functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke : the Fukuoka Stroke Registry? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0113227367401123,
-1.3073464632034302,
2.3242106437683105
] |
["Extracellular matrix deposition is key event for the development of bowel stenosis in Crohn's disease patients. Transforming growth factor-β plays a key role in this process. We aimed at characterizing the effects of tocotrienol rich fraction on ECM proteins production and molecules that regulate the synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1, in human intestinal fibroblasts, and at elucidating whether the effects of tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) are mediated through inhibition of TGF-β1.", "HIF were isolated from colonic or ileal tissue from Crohn's disease patients and control subjects, and were treated with TRF from palm oil either alone or in combination with TGF-β1. Procollagen 1, procollagen 3, TIMP-1 and MMP-3 production, and Smad3 phosphorylation were analyzed by Western-blotting.", 'TRF significantly diminished procollagen 1 and 3 synthesis in HIF. Treatment of HIF with TRF increased MMP-3 production but did not modify TIMP-1. TGF-β1 induced Smad3 phosphorylation and enhanced procollagen 1 and 3 and TIMP-1 production. Pre-treatment of HIF with TRF prevented Smad3 phosphorylation and minimized the increase in collagen 1 and 3 production caused by TGF-β1.'] Does palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction reduce extracellular matrix production by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1 in human intestinal fibroblasts? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5141687393188477,
-1.1963541507720947,
2.7498779296875
] |
['To investigate the effects of strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP-Sr) on the multiglycosides of tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (GTW)-induced oligozoospermia in male rats.', 'Forty SD male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: model (n=10), FDP-Sr (n=10), and control (n=10). The model rats received intragastric administration of GTW at 30 mg/(kg x d) for 40 days to induce oligozoospermia, the rats of the FDP-Sr group orally administered FDP-Sr at 200 mg/(kg x d) for 30 days after GTW induction, while the control rats given but distilled water. Then we obtained the gonad indexes involving the testis, epididymis, preputial gland and seminal vesicle, and determined the count and motility of epididymal sperm, testicular pathomorphology, serum testosterone level and activities of succinodehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the testis.', 'The indexes of the testis and seminal vesicle in the control, model and FDP-Sr groups were (0.71 +/- 0.04) and (0.29 +/- 0.04)%, (0.37 +/- 0.04) and (0.25 +/- 0.05)%, and (0.45 +/- 0.07) and (0.31 +/- 0.06)%, respectively; the epididymal sperm counts were (59.87 +/- 11.28), (11.06 +/- 2.53) and (20.95 +/- 4.98) x 10(6)/ml; the serum testosterone levels were (85.31 +/- 7.41), (65.33 +/- 2.90) and (75.32 +/- 5.34) ng/L; and the activities of ACP, LDH and SDH were (95.64 +/- 19.27), (9574.73 +/- 3 578.06) and (6.39 +/- 1.93) U/g prot, (58.42 +/- 12.38), (4820.77 +/- 1 535.22) and (3.48 +/- 0.91) U/gprot, and (83.74 +/- 21.30), (7649.01 +/- 3 123.02) and (5.59 +/- 1.75) U/g prot. All the parameters above were significantly increased in the FDP-Sr group as compared with the GTW models (P < 0.05). Besides, FDP-Sr treatment significantly alleviated the injury of the testicular seminiferous epithelium.'] Does [ Strontium fructose 1,6-diphosphate ( FDP-Sr ) alleviate oligozoospermia induced by multiglycosides of tripterygium wilfordii in rats ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.36500084400177,
-1.6592270135879517,
1.9696083068847656
] |
['Evaluation of the effect of presurgical orthopedics on maxillary archform up to 6 months of age. DeSIGN: Retrospective, single-blinded, case-control study.', 'Study model sets of 75 infants with consecutive, nonsyndromic, complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (excluding Simonart bands) from 1995 to 2005.', 'All patients (PSO group, n \u200a=\u200a 14; non-PSO group, n \u200a=\u200a 61) received lip repair/vomer flap at 3 months and soft palate repair at 6 months by the same consultant surgeon. The two groups were comparable at birth (p > .01) in all archform variables.', 'Sixteen variables were computed, following single-blinded analysis using the Reflex Microscope to describe the archform in the transverse, anteroposterior, and vertical dimensions and the arch circumference. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures hierarchical analysis of variance with a significance level of 1%.', 'Repeatability studies showed good measurement precision. Presurgical orthopedics produced no statistically significant mean change in any archform variable when compared with the non-PSO group. The difference in the mean reduction in the alveolar cleft width between the groups was 0.69 mm (95% confidence interval, -0.89 to 2.28 mm, p \u200a=\u200a .52). Lip repair produced greater change in archform than did presurgical orthopedics, reducing the mean alveolar cleft width by 4.45 mm (95% confidence interval, 3.53 to 5.37 mm; p < .001).'] Does presurgical orthopedics have no effect on archform in unilateral cleft lip and palate? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7165518999099731,
-1.5691088438034058,
2.3492488861083984
] |
['Hypertension is, amongst others, characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. As sphingolipids have been implicated in both the regulation of vascular contractility and growth, we investigated whether sphingolipid biology is altered in hypertension and whether this is reflected in altered vascular function.', 'In isolated carotid arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, shifting the ceramide/S1P ratio towards ceramide dominance by administration of a sphingosine kinase inhibitor (dimethylsphingosine) or exogenous application of sphingomyelinase, induced marked endothelium-dependent contractions in SHR vessels (DMS: 1.4±0.4 and SMase: 2.1±0.1 mN/mm; n\u200a=\u200a10), that were virtually absent in WKY vessels (DMS: 0.0±0.0 and SMase: 0.6±0.1 mN/mm; n\u200a=\u200a9, p<0.05). Imaging mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry indicated that these contractions were most likely mediated by ceramide and dependent on iPLA(2), cyclooxygenase-1 and thromboxane synthase. Expression levels of these enzymes were higher in SHR vessels. In concurrence, infusion of dimethylsphingosine caused a marked rise in blood pressure in anesthetized SHR (42±4%; n\u200a=\u200a7), but not in WKY (-12±10%; n\u200a=\u200a6). Lipidomics analysis by mass spectrometry, revealed elevated levels of ceramide in arterial tissue of SHR compared to WKY (691±42 vs. 419±27 pmol, n\u200a=\u200a3-5 respectively, p<0.05). These pronounced alterations in SHR sphingolipid biology are also reflected in increased plasma ceramide levels (513±19 pmol WKY vs. 645±25 pmol SHR, n\u200a=\u200a6-12, p<0.05). Interestingly, we observed similar increases in ceramide levels (correlating with hypertension grade) in plasma from humans with essential hypertension (185±8 pmol vs. 252±23 pmol; n\u200a=\u200a18 normotensive vs. n\u200a=\u200a19 hypertensive patients, p<0.05).'] Is hypertension associated with marked alterations in sphingolipid biology : a potential role for ceramide? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2036261558532715,
-1.486738681793213,
2.7416539192199707
] |
['One obstacle to providing early intervention to infants with myelomeningocele (MMC) is the challenge of quantifying impaired neuromotor control of movements early in life.', 'We used the nonlinear analysis tool Approximate Entropy (ApEn) to analyze periodicity and complexity of supine spontaneous lower extremity movements of infants with MMC and typical development (TD) at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months of age.', 'Movements of infants with MMC were more regular and repeatable (lower ApEn values) than movements of infants with TD, indicating less adaptive and flexible movement patterns. For both groups ApEn values decreased with age, and the movements of infants with MMC were less complex than movements of infants with TD. Further, for infants with MMC, lesion level and age of walking onset correlated negatively with ApEn values.'] Do approximate entropy values demonstrate impaired neuromotor control of spontaneous leg activity in infants with myelomeningocele? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0755715370178223,
-0.3200962245464325,
1.4791525602340698
] |
['Splanchnic hypoperfusion is common in various pathophysiological conditions and often considered to lead to gut dysfunction. While it is known that physiological situations such as physical exercise also result in splanchnic hypoperfusion, the consequences of flow redistribution at the expense of abdominal organs remained to be determined. This study focuses on the effects of splanchnic hypoperfusion on the gut, and the relationship between hypoperfusion, intestinal injury and permeability during physical exercise in healthy men.', 'Healthy men cycled for 60 minutes at 70% of maximum workload capacity. Splanchnic hypoperfusion was assessed using gastric tonometry. Blood, sampled every 10 minutes, was analyzed for enterocyte damage parameters (intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and ileal bile acid binding protein (I-BABP)). Changes in intestinal permeability were assessed using sugar probes. Furthermore, liver and renal parameters were assessed. Splanchnic perfusion rapidly decreased during exercise, reflected by increased gap(g-a)pCO(2) from -0.85±0.15 to 0.85±0.42 kPa (p<0.001). Hypoperfusion increased plasma I-FABP (615±118 vs. 309±46 pg/ml, p<0.001) and I-BABP (14.30±2.20 vs. 5.06±1.27 ng/ml, p<0.001), and hypoperfusion correlated significantly with this small intestinal damage (r(S)\u200a=\u200a0.59; p<0.001). Last of all, plasma analysis revealed an increase in small intestinal permeability after exercise (p<0.001), which correlated with intestinal injury (r(S)\u200a=\u200a0.50; p<0.001). Liver parameters, but not renal parameters were elevated.'] Does exercise-induced splanchnic hypoperfusion result in gut dysfunction in healthy men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6961888074874878,
-1.5192216634750366,
2.24501371383667
] |
['C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a local regulator of vascular tone and remodeling in many vascular beds. However, the role of CNP in modulating pulmonary arterial hypertensive and vascular remodeling responses is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if CNP is capable of preventing the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH).', 'We used animal models of PH caused by chronic hypoxia alone or in combination with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor blocker SU5416. We measured pulmonary hemodynamics, right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodeling effects in response to a continuous infusion of low dose or high dose CNP or vehicle placebo.', 'Right ventricular hypertrophy and a marked elevation in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were seen in both models of PH. Rats treated with the combination of SU5416 and chronic hypoxia also developed pulmonary endothelial hyperproliferative lesions. Continuous intravenous infusion of CNP at either dose did not attenuate the development of PH, right ventricular hypertrophy or vascular remodeling in either of the models of PH despite a three-fold increase in serum CNP levels.'] Does c-type natriuretic peptide attenuate the development of pulmonary hypertension caused by hypoxia and VEGF receptor blockade? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4728844165802,
-1.256406307220459,
2.8037028312683105
] |
['At least 6-10 min of withdrawal time is currently recommended to optimize polyp yield in screening colonoscopies in individual with intact colon. We aimed to assess whether formal documentation of withdrawal time could improve the quality of colonoscopy observation.', 'During December 2006, we implemented withdrawal time as a mandatory field for formal colonoscopy report. Colonoscopy withdrawal time and adenoma detection rate was compared between periods before (Nov 2006) and after (Jan 2007) formal documentation. A total of 709 colonoscopic procedures, which were performed by 9 colonoscopists in training (fellows) were analyzed.', "The median withdrawal time of 'negative colonoscopy' increased from 6m06s to 6m36s (p=0.045). The number of adenoma detected in each colonoscopy between the two periods was 0.66 and 0.81 (p=0.813). Two out of 9 colonoscopists increased withdrawal time significantly (6 m 11 s to 7 m 52 s, p=0.001) after formal documentation of withdrawal time and demonstrated higher detection rate for adenoma smaller than 10 mm (0.34 per colonoscopy vs. 0.83 per colonoscopy; p=0.012)."] Does formal documentation of withdrawal time improve the quality of colonoscopic observation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.2739301919937134,
-1.8723769187927246,
1.2386765480041504
] |
['Clinical observations suggest that repeated injury within a week after a traumatic event impairs the regeneration of tissues. Our aim was to investigate the effect of repeated trauma on the proliferation of satellite cells in skeletal muscle tissue.', "Cold lesion injury was performed in the soleus muscle and in the motor cortex of anesthetized male Wistar rats 0, 1, or 2 times with 7\xa0day intervals between the interventions. Following the last operation, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine was injected i.p. for 6 or 12\xa0days to label dividing cells. Gut epithelium was used as positive control. Immunohistochemistry was performed 1 and 5\xa0weeks after the last injury and the sections were analyzed with confocal microscopy.", 'In the case of repeated trauma, the percentage of proliferating cells remained the same compared to single hit animals after 1\xa0week (28.0\xa0±\xa02.5% and 29.6\xa0±\xa03.0%) as well as after 5\xa0weeks (13.9\xa0±\xa01.8% and 14.5\xa0±\xa02.2%).'] Is muscle regeneration undisturbed by repeated polytraumatic injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9061554670333862,
-1.522606611251831,
2.462459087371826
] |
['CXCL10 is expressed in increased levels in highly invasive fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from arthritic DA rats and from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to analyze the role of CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 in regulation of the invasive properties of FLS.', 'FLS were isolated from synovial tissue of RA patients and from DA rats and arthritis-resistant DA.F344(Cia5d) rats with pristane-induced arthritis. We used an in vitro model of invasion through Matrigel, which has been shown to correlate with articular damage in RA and in rat arthritis. FLS were cultured in the presence or absence of CXCL10, anti-CXCR3 antibody, or the CXCR3 inhibitor AMG487 and then studied for invasion, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production (MMPs 1-3), intracellular calcium influx, and cell morphology.', 'DA rat FLS produced higher levels of CXCL10 compared with minimally invasive FLS from DA.F344(Cia5d) rats. CXCL10 treatment increased the invasiveness of FLS from DA.F344(Cia5d) rats by 2-fold, and this increase was blocked by anti-CXCR3. Both anti-CXCR3 and AMG487 reduced invasiveness of FLS from DA rats, by as much as 77%. AMG487 significantly reduced invasiveness of RA FLS (by 58%). CXCR3 blockade reduced levels of MMP-1 by 65%, inhibited receptor signaling (64-100% reduction in intracellular calcium influx), and interfered with actin cytoskeleton reorganization and lamellipodia formation in FLS from rats and RA patients.'] Do cXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 regulate synovial fibroblast invasion in rheumatoid arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.082473039627075,
-1.3955192565917969,
2.4350457191467285
] |
['The early resuscitation occurs in the emergency department (ED) where intensive care unit protocols do not always extend and monitoring capabilities vary. Our hypothesis is that increased ED length of stay (LOS) leads to increased hospital mortality in patients not undergoing immediate surgical intervention.', 'We examined all trauma activation admissions from January 2002 to July 2009 admitted to the Trauma Service (n = 3,973). Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients taken to the operating room within the first 2 hours of ED arrival, nonsurvivable brain injury, and ED deaths. Patients spending >5 hours in the ED were not included in the analysis because of significantly lower acuity and mortality.', 'Patients spent a mean of 3.2 hours ± 1 hour in the ED during their initial evaluation. Hospital mortality increases for each additional hour a patient spends in the ED, with 8.3% of the patients staying in the ED between 4 hours and 5 hours ultimately dying (p = 0.028). ED LOS measured in minutes is an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio, 1.003; 95% confidence interval, 1.010-1.006; p = 0.014) when accounting for Injury Severity Score, Revised Trauma Score, and age. Linear regression showed that a longer ED LOS was associated with anatomic injury pattern rather than physiologic derangement.'] Is emergency department length of stay an independent predictor of hospital mortality in trauma activation patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9185982346534729,
-1.1514017581939697,
1.1375641822814941
] |
['Glutaminase is considered the main glutamate (Glu)-producing enzyme. Two isoforms, liver (LGA)- and kidney (KGA)-type glutaminases, have been identified in neurons. The role of both enzymes in psychopharmacological responses to cocaine remains unknown.', 'We examined both mRNA and protein expression of KGA and LGA in the brain of mice sensitized to cocaine. Additionally, total glutaminase activity was also measured.', 'Total glutaminase activity and mRNA and protein expression of KGA and LGA were measured on the dorsal striatum, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of cocaine-sensitized mice.', 'Cocaine-sensitized animals (20 mg/kg\u2009×\u20095 days, followed by 5 drug-free days) exhibited a decrease of total glutaminase activity in both the dorsal striatum and the prefrontal cortex. This was associated with an increase in KGA mRNA expression in both brain areas that was not observed when protein KGA levels were measured by western blot. LGA mRNA expression was increased as results of acute cocaine administration in sensitized animals, although protein levels were only enhanced in the prefrontal cortex of sensitized mice. These findings suggest that chronic cocaine administration modulates glutamate production through the regulation of glutaminase expression and activity. These actions are mainly observed in the prefrontal cortex-dorsal striatum circuit, the neuroanatomical target for the psychostimulant sensitization properties of cocaine.'] Does cocaine modulate both glutaminase gene expression and glutaminase activity in the brain of cocaine-sensitized mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4629063606262207,
-1.0910537242889404,
2.5519328117370605
] |
["Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are the treatment of choice for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, their efficacy is moderate and differs from patient to patient. Recent studies suggest that the Q192R variant of the paraoxonase 1 gene (PON1) might affect individual susceptibility to these drugs.", 'We investigated the influence of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PON1 (rs 662, rs 854560, rs 705381) and the APOE common polymorphism in 101 Polish patients with late-onset AD in response to treatment with AChEIs.', 'No significant differences were observed between carriers and non-carriers of the PON1 SNPs or the APOE common polymorphism in terms of treatment response. These results did not change after stratification of APOE status.'] Do paraoxonase 1 gene polymorphisms influence the response to treatment in Alzheimer 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4514596462249756,
-1.0681800842285156,
2.5356245040893555
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine if peak power output (PPO) adjusted for body mass(0.32) is able to accurately predict 40-km time trial (40-km TT) performance.', '45 trained male cyclists completed after familiarisation, a PPO test including respiratory gas analysis, and a 40-km TT. PPO, maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) and 40-km TT time were measured. Relationships between 40-km TT performance and (I) absolute PPO (W) and VO(2max) (l/min), (II) relative PPO (W/kg) and VO(2max) (ml/min/kg) and (III) PPO and VO(2max) adjusted for body mass (W/kg(0.32) and ml/min/kg(0.32), respectively) were studied.', 'The continuous ramp protocol resulted in a similar relationship between PPO and VO(2max) (r=0.96, p<0.0001) compared with a stepwise testing protocol but was associated with a lower standard error of the estimated when predicting VO(2max). PPO adjusted for body mass (W/kg(0.32)) had the strongest relationship with 40-km TT performance (s) (r=-0.96, p<0.0001). Although significant relationships were also found between absolute (W) and/or relative PPO (W/kg) and 40-km TT performance (s), these relationships were significantly weaker than the relationship between 40-km TT performance and PPO adjusted for body mass (W/kg(0.32)) (p<0.0001).'] Does allometric scaling of peak power output accurately predict time trial performance and maximal oxygen consumption in trained cyclists? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
1.4535188674926758,
-1.5311557054519653,
-0.6391052007675171
] |
['Pregnane glycosides are potent cytotoxic agents which may represent new leads in the development of anti-tumour drugs, particularly in the treatment of breast cancer, because of the structural similarity to estrogenic agonists. Caralluma species are natural sources of a wide variety of pregnane glycosides. The aim of the study was to isolate, using an activity-guided fractionation approach, novel pregnane glycosides for testing on breast cancer and other tumour lines.', 'The effect of crude extracts, specific organic fractions and isolated compounds from Caralluma tuberculata was tested on the growth and viability of MCF-7 estrogen-dependent, and MDA-MB-468 estrogen-independent breast cancer cells, Caco-2 human colonic cells, HUVECs and U937 cells. Neutral red uptake and MTT assays were used. Apoptosis was detected by Western blot of poly-(ADP ribose) polymerase (PARP) as were other markers of nuclear fragmentation (DNA ladder assay, staining of cells with nuclear dye DAPI). The involvement of caspases was investigated using the pan-caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK.', 'The ethyl acetate fraction of Caralluma tuberculata was found to be the most potent anti-proliferative fraction against all three cancer cell lines. Two novel steroidal glycosides were isolated from the active fraction after a series of chromatographic experiments. The structure of the isolated compounds was elucidated solely based on 2D-NMR (HMBC, HETCOR, DQF-COSY) and MS spectral analysis as compound 1: 12-O-benzoyl-20-O-acetyl-3β,12β,14β,20β-tetrahydroxy-pregnan-3-ylO-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-3-methoxy-β-D-ribopyranoside, and as compound 2: 7-O-acetyl-12-O-benzoyl-3β,7β,12β,14β-tetrahydroxy-17β-(3-methylbutyl-O-acetyl-1-yl)-androstan-3-ylO-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-6-deoxy-β-D-allopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-β-D-cymapyranosyl-(1→ 4)-β-D-cymaropyranoside. Compound 1 (pregnane glycoside) and compound 2 (androstan glycoside) induced apoptosis at <25 μM after 48 h as assessed by cell shrinkage, PARP cleavage, DNA fragmentation, and reversal with the caspase inhibitor.'] Do novel acylated steroidal glycosides from Caralluma tuberculata induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3789045810699463,
-1.3586775064468384,
2.823572874069214
] |
['Random monoallelic expression contributes to phenotypic variation of cells and organisms. However, the epigenetic mechanisms by which individual alleles are randomly selected for expression are not known. Taking cues from chromatin signatures at imprinted gene loci such as the insulin-like growth factor 2 gene 2 (IGF2), we evaluated the contribution of CTCF, a zinc finger protein required for parent-of-origin-specific expression of the IGF2 gene, as well as a role for allele-specific association with DNA methylation, histone modification and RNA polymerase II.', 'Using array-based chromatin immunoprecipitation, we identified 293 genomic loci that are associated with both CTCF and histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 9 (H3K9me3). A comparison of their genomic positions with those of previously published monoallelically expressed genes revealed no significant overlap between allele-specifically expressed genes and colocalized CTCF/H3K9me3. To analyze the contributions of CTCF and H3K9me3 to gene regulation in more detail, we focused on the monoallelically expressed IGF2BP1 gene. In vitro binding assays using the CTCF target motif at the IGF2BP1 gene, as well as allele-specific analysis of cytosine methylation and CTCF binding, revealed that CTCF does not regulate mono- or biallelic IGF2BP1 expression. Surprisingly, we found that RNA polymerase II is detected on both the maternal and paternal alleles in B lymphoblasts that express IGF2BP1 primarily from one allele. Thus, allele-specific control of RNA polymerase II elongation regulates the allelic bias of IGF2BP1 gene expression.'] Does allele-specific transcriptional elongation regulate monoallelic expression of the IGF2BP1 gene? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2556440830230713,
-1.2726824283599854,
2.5683531761169434
] |
['The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene is a candidate tumor suppressor gene. Recent studies have found that FHIT protein is lost in digestive system neoplasms. However, there is limited information on the effect of FHIT on apoptosis and the regulation functions on cyclin D1 in cholangiocarcinoma.', 'Eukaryotic expression plasmids with/without the FHIT gene were constructed and transfected into three groups in which cholangiocarcinoma cells were also divided. We observed the proliferation of cholangiocarcinoma by using the MTT method and flow cyclometry (FCM). Invasive ability was then determined via transwell chamber testing. In addition, to examine whether FHIT mRNA and protein expression were correlated with cyclin D1 expression, we used real-time RT-PCR and western blotting.', 'The absorbance (A490) was decreased significantly (p<0.05) according to MTT, showing that proliferation had been inhibited and the apoptosis ratio after transfecting had increased significantly (p<0.05). The amount of cells which passed the filter in the transwell chamber was significantly less (p<0.05). The expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and the protein was decreased from the original cell line (p<0.05).'] Does fHIT promote the apoptosis of QBC939 by reducing the expression of cyclin D1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2688374519348145,
-1.323113203048706,
2.607632875442505
] |
['Design and implement a surveillance method for locating Aedes aegypti infestation foci with the use of larvae traps and spatial interpolation techniques, which facilitate the ongoing estimation of vector abundance in the area by counting the individuals collected in the study area.', 'A total of 228 larvae traps were installed--at a rate of one per block--in the most densely populated area of commune five of Villavicencio (Meta). With regionalized information on larvae abundance, spatial interpolations were conducted with the Voronoi polygon, ordinary kriging, and inverse distance weighting techniques.', 'An alternative method for the surveillance of dengue vectors is presented. This method is based on the use of larvae traps and spatial interpolation techniques to obtain area maps supported by specific observations.'] Do [ Spatial interpolation of Aedes aegypti larvae abundance for locating infestation foci ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.036972999572754,
0.41880708932876587,
0.8353171348571777
] |
['The purpose of this article was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of a low-concentration (LC) atropine eye drop regimen (0.05%-0.1%) for controlling myopia progression in schoolchildren.', 'This retrospective, case-control study enrolled myopic schoolchildren who had been followed-up for at least 3 years from 1999 to 2007. Children who received LC doses of atropine eye drops [initial prescription 0.05%, if progression over -0.5 diopter (D) during a 6-month follow-up then changed to 0.1% atropine] every night at bedtime were included in the LC atropine group, and untreated children served as controls.', 'A total of 117 children were included in this study. The mean age was 8.4 years. There were 97 children in the LC atropine group and 20 children in the control group. The mean follow-up duration was 4.5 years. In a mixed model analysis, the adjusted myopia progression in the LC atropine group was -0.23 D/year, significantly lower than that of the control group, which was -0.86 D/year (P<0.001). About 80% of the treatment group had slow myopia progression (less than -0.5 D progression per year). In a multivariate analysis, factors such as initial spherical refraction with less myopia and treatment with LC atropine were significantly associated with less myopia progression, but age, sex, and initial astigmatism were not significantly associated (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.442, 0.494, and 0.547, respectively).'] Does the long-term results of using low-concentration atropine eye drop for controlling myopia progression in schoolchildren? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5850458145141602,
-1.4862916469573975,
2.0888829231262207
] |
['To explore the mechanism of miR-21 involved in the development of renal cell carcinoma.', "Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured after repression of miR-21 expression by antisense oligonucleotides. miR-21 targets were scanned using target prediction programs. After reduction of miR-21, Fas ligand and metalloproteinase inhibitor 3 (TIMP3) expression and luciferase activity were detected by Western blot and luciferase reporter assay. The effect of TIMP3 on miR-21-induced cell survival was determined by transfection with TIMP3 lacking 3' untranslated region and miR-21.", "The reduction of miR-21 by antisense oligonucleotides inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis by activation of caspase pathway in renal cell carcinoma cells. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis revealed that miR-21 has the potential to regulate multiple apoptosis-related genes. The reduction of miR-21 inhibited Fas ligand and TIMP3 expression by targeting the binding site within the 3' untranslated region. Finally, the introduction of TIMP3 cDNA without 3' untranslated region abrogated miR-21-induced cell survival."] Does miR-21 modulate cell apoptosis by targeting multiple genes in renal cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.357834577560425,
-0.8969939351081848,
2.2643349170684814
] |
['Peroxiredoxin 2 (Prdx2), a thiol-specific peroxidase, has been reported to regulate proinflammatory responses, vascular remodeling, and global oxidative stress.', 'Although Prdx2 has been proposed to retard atherosclerosis development, no direct evidence and mechanisms have been reported.', 'We show that Prdx2 is highly expressed in endothelial and immune cells in atherosclerotic lesions and blocked the increase of endogenous H(2)O(2) by atherogenic stimulation. Deficiency of Prdx2 in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE(-/-)) mice accelerated plaque formation with enhanced activation of p65, c-Jun, JNKs, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase; and these proatherogenic effects of Prdx2 deficiency were rescued by administration of the antioxidant ebselen. In bone marrow transplantation experiments, we found that Prdx2 has a major role in inhibiting atherogenic responses in both vascular and immune cells. Prdx2 deficiency resulted in increased expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, which led to increased immune cell adhesion and infiltration into the aortic intima. Compared with deficiency of glutathione peroxidase 1 or catalase, Prdx2 deficiency showed a severe predisposition to develop atherosclerosis.'] Does peroxiredoxin 2 deficiency exacerbate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4474847316741943,
-1.310194730758667,
2.7642011642456055
] |
['Mechanisms underlying diastolic dysfunction need to be better understood.', 'To study the role of titin in diastolic dysfunction using a mouse model of experimental heart failure induced by transverse aortic constriction.', 'Eight weeks after transverse aortic constriction surgery, mice were divided into heart failure (HF) and congestive heart failure (CHF) groups. Mechanical studies on skinned left ventricle myocardium measured total and titin-based and extracellular matrix-based passive stiffness. Total passive stiffness was increased in both HF and CHF mice, and this was attributable to increases in both extracellular matrix-based and titin-based passive stiffness, with titin being dominant. Protein expression and titin exon microarray analysis revealed increased expression of the more compliant N2BA isoform at the expense of the stiff N2B isoform in HF and CHF mice. These changes are predicted to lower titin-based stiffness. Because the stiffness of titin is also sensitive to titin phosphorylation by protein kinase A and protein kinase C, back phosphorylation and Western blot assays with novel phospho-specific antibodies were performed. HF and CHF mice showed hyperphosphorylation of protein kinase A sites and the proline glutamate valine lysine (PEVK) S26 protein kinase C sites, but hypophosphorylation of the PEVK S170 protein kinase C site. Protein phosphatase I abolished differences in phosphorylation levels and normalized titin-based passive stiffness levels between control and HF myocardium.'] Does hyperphosphorylation of mouse cardiac titin contribute to transverse aortic constriction-induced diastolic dysfunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4853227138519287,
-1.2860212326049805,
2.7781741619110107
] |
['Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic cardiac disease and defined by the presence of unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Vascular alterations are frequently associated with HCM including microvascular and/or peripherial endothelial dysfunction. This study was designed to evaluate echocardiographic ascending aortic elastic properties and arteriograph-derived pulse-wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) in HCM.', 'This study comprised 38 patients with typical features of HCM. Their results were compared to 20 hypertensive patients with LVH and 23 controls. Systolic and diastolic ascending aortic diameters were recorded in M-mode at a level of 3 cm above the aortic valve from a parasternal long-axis view. The following echocardiographic aortic elastic properties were measured from aortic data and forearm blood pressure values: aortic strain, distensibility, and stiffness index. Arteriograph-derived PWV and AIx were also measured.', 'Aortic stiffness index (18.4 ± 17.6 vs. 6.88 ± 3.63, P < 0.05), PWV (9.44 ± 4.08 vs. 7.97 ± 1.20 m/sec, P < 0.05) and Aix (-24.9 ± 32.6 vs. -41.4 ± 24.3, P < 0.05) were increased, while aortic strain (0.061 ± 0.053 vs. 0.100 ± 0.059, P < 0.05) and aortic distensibility (1.94 ± 1.68 cm(2) /dynes 10(-6) vs. 3.08 ± 1.77 cm(2) /dynes 10(-6) , P < 0.05) were decreased in HCM patients compared to controls. Aortic elastic properties of hypertensive patients with LVH showed similar alterations to HCM patients.'] Is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with abnormal echocardiographic aortic elastic properties and arteriograph-derived pulse-wave velocity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8887921571731567,
-1.5462462902069092,
2.4442286491394043
] |
['Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a potential indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) is suggested as a new cardiometabolic risk factor. We investigated the association between EFT and CIMT in patients with MetS.', 'Forty patients with MetS were compared with 40 age- and sex-matched subjects without MetS in terms of echocardiographic EFT, CIMT, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic profile in this cross-sectional study.', 'The waist circumference, total and LDL-cholesterol, fasting glucose, triglycerides, systolics and diastolic blood pressure levels, hs-CRP, and homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly increased in patients with MetS. The EFT and CIMT were also increased significantly in patients with MetS compared to controls (7.2 ± 2 mm vs. 5.7 ± 1.9 mm; P = 0.001, 0.74 ± 0.1 mm vs. 0.59 ± 0.1 mm; P < 0.01, respectively). Echocardiographic EFT was the only independent predictor of CIMT in the multivariate analysis (standardized β coefficient = 0.74, P < 0.001).'] Is echocardiographic epicardial fat thickness associated with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with metabolic syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9472339153289795,
-1.5251067876815796,
2.532602548599243
] |
['Type II odontoid fractures are reportedly increasing in incidence and occur primarily in the elderly. Neurologic deficits (ND) at presentation add to the morbidity of these fractures; however, reports are limited as a result of small case series. It is unclear what specific complications are associated with ND and whether these result in increased incidence of mortality.', 'We established the incidence of ND with Type II odontoid fractures and determined if ND are associated with increased inpatient mortality and morbidity during hospitalization.', 'Twenty patients with acute Type II odontoid fracture and ND were identified from our institutional database. Baseline presenting characteristics and hospital course data were collected. The cohort was compared with a previously published cohort of 188 patients without ND by age, mechanism of injury, displacement, associated spinal injuries, comorbidities, treatment, mortality, and complications. Patients were only followed during acute-care hospitalization (mean, 11.9\xa0days; range, 0-41\xa0days).', 'The incidence of ND among all Type II odontoid fractures was 9.6%. Ten of 20 patients with Type II odontoid fractures and ND died during hospitalization, and patients with complete cord injuries were 9.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.19-73.0) times more likely to die. Patients with ND experienced more complications and more respiratory complications than those without ND.'] Do odontoid fractures with neurologic deficit have higher mortality and morbidity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1383707523345947,
-0.7350703477859497,
0.9592365026473999
] |
['Alveolar apoptosis is increased in the emphysematous lung. However, mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Recently, we demonstrated that levels of TRAIL receptor 1 and 2, levels of p53, and Bax/Bcl-xL ratio were elevated in the lung of subjects with emphysema, despite smoking cessation. Thus, we postulate that due to chronic pulmonary oxidative stress, the emphysematous lung would be abnormally sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.', 'A549 cells were exposed to rTRAIL, cigarette smoke extract, and/or H2O2 prior to caspase-3 activity measurement and annexin V staining assessment. In addition, freshly resected lung samples were obtained from non-emphysematous and emphysematous subjects and exposed ex vivo to rTRAIL for up to 18 hours. Lung samples were harvested and levels of active caspase-3 and caspase-8 were measured from tissue lysates.', 'Both cigarette smoke extract and H2O2 were able to sensitize A549 cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, following exposure to rTRAIL, caspase-3 and -8 were activated in lung explants from emphysematous subjects while being decreased in lung explants from non-emphysematous subjects.'] Is the emphysematous lung abnormally sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5112926959991455,
-1.160322666168213,
2.6476845741271973
] |
['Candida parapsilosis is frequently isolated from hospital environments, like air and surfaces, and causes serious nosocomial infections. Molecular studies provided evidence of great genetic diversity within the C. parapsilosis species complex but, despite their growing importance as pathogens, little is known about their potential to cause disease, particularly their interactions with phagocytes. In this study, clinical and environmental C. parapsilosis isolates, and strains of the related species C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis were assayed for their ability to induce macrophage cytotocixity and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, to produce pseudo-hyphae and to secrete hydrolytic enzymes.', 'Environmental C. parapsilosis isolates caused a statistically significant (p = 0.0002) higher cell damage compared with the clinical strains, while C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis were less cytotoxic. On the other hand, clinical isolates induced a higher TNF-α production compared with environmental strains (p < 0.0001). Whereas the amount of TNF-α produced in response to C. orthopsilosis strains was similar to the obtained with C. parapsilosis environmental isolates, it was lower for C. metapsilosis strains. No correlation between pseudo-hyphae formation or proteolytic enzymes secretion and macrophage death was detected (p > 0.05). However, a positive correlation between pseudo-hyphae formation and TNF-α secretion was observed (p = 0.0119).'] Are isolates from hospital environments the most virulent of the Candida parapsilosis complex? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0999433994293213,
-1.2147198915481567,
2.4093730449676514
] |
['Several studies showed that high serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) correlate with an increased risk for prostate cancer, although the causal role of IGF-I remains to be established. In this study, we addressed the role of IGF-I as a serum factor on the growth of two androgen-independent cell lines (Du145 and PC3) and one androgen-dependent cell line (LNCaP).', 'We investigated the effects of a blocking antibody against the IGF-I receptor (αIR3) on DNA synthesis in prostate cancer cells cultured in the presence of recombinant human IGF-I or normal human serum (NHS).', "We show that in all three prostate cancer cell lines, NHS exerts a markedly stronger stimulating effect on DNA synthesis than IGF-I, and that the effect of NHS can be completely abrogated by an antibody against the IGF-I receptor (αIR3). Using pharmacological inhibitors of the two canonical IGF-I receptor signaling pathways, we show that the phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase (PI3K) and the Mek-Erk pathways are not required for the stimulating effect of NHS."] Does attenuation of IGF-I receptor signaling inhibit serum-induced proliferation of prostate cancer cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.592790126800537,
-1.0104174613952637,
2.6672372817993164
] |
['Despite emerging evidence of a significant adverse relationship between food insecurity and sexual risk-taking, data have been primarily derived from resource-constrained settings and HIV-negative populations. To our knowledge, this study is the first to longitudinally evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and unprotected sex among HIV-seropositive people who inject drugs [injection drug users (IDUs)] both on and not on HAART.', 'Longitudinal analyses were restricted to HIV-positive IDUs who completed baseline and at least one follow-up visit in a prospective cohort (AIDS Care Cohort to evaluate Exposure to Survival Services, 2005-2009).', 'We constructed a multivariate logistic model using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) to assess an independent relationship between severe food insecurity (e.g., hunger due to lack of access or means to acquire food) and unprotected vaginal/anal sex.', 'Among 470 HIV-positive IDUs, the median age was 42 years (interquartile range 36-47) with 61% men and 39% women. The prevalence of severe food insecurity was 71%, with no differences by HAART use. Severe food insecure IDUs were marginally less likely to have a suppressed HIV-1 RNA viral load (31 vs. 39%, P = 0.099). In multivariate GEE analyses, severe food insecurity [adjusted odds ratio = 2.68, 95% confidence interval 1.49-4.82] remained independently correlated with unprotected sex among HIV-positive IDUs, controlling for age, sex/gender, married/cohabitating partner, binge drug use, homelessness, and HAART use.'] Is severe food insecurity associated with elevated unprotected sex among HIV-seropositive injection drug users independent of HAART use? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.554449439048767,
-1.1142817735671997,
1.7374253273010254
] |
['Successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses plasma HIV-1 RNA below detection limits, reducing the chronic insult to the immune systems of infected individuals and supporting a degree of immunological recovery. However, the surface phenotypic profile of T cells in ART-treated patients does not resemble that of healthy, uninfected individuals, but rather shows upregulation of proteins associated with an exhausted immune system. We sought to address whether aviraemic HIV-1 infection, therefore, contributed to long-term alterations in intracellular signalling events within the T cells of infected individuals that contributed to the exhausted phenotype.', 'A flow cytometric approach was employed to assess levels of phosphorylation within T-cell signalling proteins in ART-treated HIV-1-positive patients and HIV-negative individuals.', 'The relative phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), p38, zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70), linker of activated T cells, SLP76, nuclear factor kappaB were measured within resting and stimulated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells from aviraemic HIV-1-positive and healthy individuals by intracellular staining and flow cytometric analysis.', 'Basal levels of phospho-ZAP70, phospho-ERK and phospho-JNK were two-fold to three-fold higher in HIV-1-positive individuals compared with healthy controls, with phospho-p38 also showing a tendency to increase in HIV-1-positive individuals. Interestingly, in contrast to healthy controls, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from aviraemic, infected individuals were refractory to stimulation with IL-2 and CD3/CD28 showing no enhancement of phosphorylation.'] Is t-cell signalling in antiretroviral-treated , aviraemic HIV-1-positive individuals present in a raised state of basal activation that contributes to T-cell hyporesponsiveness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3957340717315674,
-1.3402189016342163,
2.7911157608032227
] |
['Hepcidin serves as a major regulator of systemic iron metabolism and immune function. Airway epithelial cells have an extensive interface with the environment, and so must be able to respond locally to the presence of particulates, infection, and inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that hepcidin is expressed in airway epithelial cells and is regulated by early phase cytokines.', 'Primary, differentiated human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were used to assess hepcidin gene expression in response to IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, as well as to LPS + CD14. The role of the Janus Kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway in IFN-γ-mediated hepcidin production was assessed by measuring JAK2 phophorylation and STAT1 nuclear translocation. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to determine whether hepcidin altered iron transport in either NHBE cells or primary alveolar macrophages.', 'We demonstrate that differentiated human airway epithelial cells express hepcidin mRNA and that its expression is augmented in response to IFN-γ via activation of STAT1. However, while IFN-γ induced hepcidin gene expression, we were not able to demonstrate diminished expression of the iron export protein, ferroportin (Fpn), at the cell surface, or iron accumulation in airway epithelial in the presence of exogenous hepcidin.'] Is hepcidin expression in human airway epithelial cells regulated by interferon-γ? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.476806879043579,
-1.2569596767425537,
2.823636531829834
] |
["Epigenetic regulation of genes involves the coordination of DNA methylation and histone modifications to maintain transcriptional status. These two features are frequently disrupted in malignancy such that critical genes succumb to inactivation. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) is an agent which inhibits DNA methyltransferase, and holds great potential as a treatment for cancer, yet the extent of its effectiveness varies greatly between tumour types. Previous evidence suggests expression status after 5-aza-dC exposure cannot be explained by the DNA methylation status alone.", 'We sought to identify chromatin changes involved with short and long term gene reactivation following 5-aza-dC exposure. Two colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, were treated with 5-aza-dC and then grown in drug-free media to allow DNA re-methylation. DNA methylation and chromatin modifications were assessed with bisulfite sequencing and Chromatin Immuno-Precipitation analysis.', 'Increased H3 acetylation, H3K4 tri-methylation and loss of H3K27 tri-methylation were associated with reactivation. Hypermethylated genes that did not show increased acetylation were transiently expressed with 5-aza-dC treatment before reverting to an inactive state. Three reactivated genes, CDO1, HSPC105 and MAGEA3, were still expressed 10 days post 5-aza-dC treatment and displayed localised hypomethylation at the transcriptional start site, and also an increased enrichment of histone H3 acetylation.'] Does long term transcriptional reactivation of epigenetically silenced genes in colorectal cancer cells require DNA hypomethylation and histone acetylation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.477389335632324,
-1.3155659437179565,
2.8380727767944336
] |
['Nanofibers consisting of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (pGlcNAc), as the functional component of products for surface hemostasis, have been shown to activate platelets and thereby the clotting mechanism. The nanofiber-activated platelets provide a catalytic surface for acceleration of the intrinsic coagulation cascade, thrombin generation, and fibrin polymerization.', 'Thromboelastographic analysis was undertaken to study the role of the pGlcNAc nanofibers in platelet activation and acceleration of fibrin polymerization. Thromboelastographic studies were performed without added activators of coagulation.', 'The pGlcNAc nanofibers were found to accelerate fibrin polymerization in whole blood and platelet-rich plasma. Treatment with eptifibatide (an inhibitor of the platelet GPIIbIIIa receptor) and corn trypsin inhibitor inhibited clotting of whole blood and platelet-rich plasma. The inhibition was reversed by treatment with pGlcNAc nanofibers. Inhibition was not observed after treatment with aspirin alone, MRS2359 (platelet ADP receptor inhibitor), or by a combination of aspirin and MRS2359. The pGlcNAc nanofibers accelerate clotting in normal blood treated with aspirin and MRS2359. Clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin did not affect the kinetics of pGlcNAc-mediated fibrin polymerization in blood from patients treated with antiplatelet drugs compared with nontreated blood.'] Do poly-N-acetyl glucosamine fibers accelerate hemostasis in patients treated with antiplatelet drugs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4351203441619873,
-1.3187211751937866,
2.7796263694763184
] |
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