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['Nonpharmacologic interventions are themselves complex and are often combined with drugs and other interventions in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Therefore, overall strategies for treatment are complex interventions. These should be evaluated regarding their processes and outcomes.', 'The CARE network, an international organization of health professionals (physicians and nonphysicians) and patients conducted a survey in 2008 to identify core outcomes in the ICF perspective, completed with a second survey (2009-2010) with patients in routine practice. These surveys have provided new information about domains to investigate as a basis for evaluating complex interventions.', 'Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) participants in this Special Interest Group agreed that current outcomes used in pharmacological research are not sufficient if the nonpharmacologic independent or combined contributions are to be assessed; other domains need to be addressed. This is an area of interest for further development.'] Do nonpharmacologic interventions need outcomes for evaluating complex interventions in rheumatic diseases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-3.1110589504241943,
1.3687505722045898,
0.9520537257194519
] |
['To study the role of survivin and its splice variants in taxane-resistant ovarian cancer.', 'We assessed the mRNA levels of survivin splice variants in ovarian cancer cell lines and ovarian tumor samples. siRNAs targeting survivin were designed to silence all survivin splice variants (T-siRNA) or survivin 2B (2B-siRNA) in vitro and orthotopic murine models of ovarian cancer. The mechanism of cell death was studied in taxane-resistant ovarian cancer cells and in tumor sections obtained from different mouse tumors.', 'Taxane-resistant ovarian cancer cells express higher survivin mRNA levels than their taxane-sensitive counterparts. Survivin 2B expression was significantly higher in taxane-resistant compared with -sensitive cells. Silencing survivin 2B induced growth inhibitory effects similar to silencing total survivin in vitro. In addition, survivin 2B-siRNA incorporated into DOPC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) nanoliposomes resulted in significant reduction in tumor growth (P < 0.05) in orthotopic murine models of ovarian cancer, and these effects were similar to T-siRNA-DOPC. The antitumor effects were further enhanced in combination with docetaxel chemotherapy (P < 0.01). Finally, we found a significant association between survivin 2B expression and progression-free survival in 117 epithelial ovarian cancers obtained at primary debulking surgery.'] Does silencing survivin splice variant 2B lead to antitumor activity in taxane -- resistant ovarian cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.311445951461792,
-1.3506395816802979,
2.6754956245422363
] |
['Maintaining oral health around titanium implants is essential. The formation of a biofilm on the titanium surface will influence the continuing success of the implant. These concerns have led to modified ultrasonic scaler instruments that look to reduce implant damage while maximising the cleaning effect. This study aimed to assess the effect of instrumentation, with traditional and modified ultrasonic scalers, on titanium implant surfaces and to correlate this with the oscillations of the instruments.', 'Two ultrasonic insert designs (metallic TFI-10 and a plastic-tipped implant insert) were selected. Each scaler probe was scanned using a scanning laser vibrometer, under loaded and unloaded conditions, to determine their oscillation characteristics. Loads were applied against a titanium implant (100g and 200 g) for 10 s. The resulting implant surfaces were then scanned using laser profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).', 'Insert probes oscillated with an elliptical motion with the maximum amplitude at the probe tip. Laser profilometry detected defects in the titanium surface only for the metallic scaler insert. Defect widths at 200 g high power were significantly larger than all other load/power conditions (P<0.02). Using SEM, it was observed that modifications to the implant surface had occurred following instrumentation with the plastic-tipped insert. Debris was also visible around the defects.'] Do effect of plastic-covered ultrasonic scalers on titanium implant surfaces? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.26521897315979,
-0.8450279235839844,
2.2314658164978027
] |
['The aim of this analysis was to identify if the modified indications of radiotherapy (RT) or radical surgery compromised survival in pediatric synovial sarcoma (SS).', 'Children with non-metastatic SS, prospectively enrolled in three trials, were analyzed. After primary surgery or biopsy, they received chemotherapy. RT was planned after chemotherapy in patients who had not achieved a complete response (CR). The considered outcome was 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS).', 'Eighty-eight patients were identified. Primary tumors were mainly located in limbs (66%). The first-line therapy for 65 patients was primary resection. Of the 49 patients who had gross tumor resection, 43 received adjuvant chemotherapy, and 8 had RT. All of the 39 patients with macroscopic residual disease received chemotherapy, then only surgery (n = 12) ± RT (n = 22). The 5-year EFS and OS rates were 68% and 85%, respectively. The TNM stage was a prognostic factor for relapse, whereas primary site of the tumor and TNM stage were prognostic factors for death.'] Does sparing strategy compromise prognosis in pediatric localized synovial sarcoma : experience of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology , Malignant Mesenchymal Tumors ( SIOP-MMT ) Working Group? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4498026371002197,
-1.0915400981903076,
2.6615800857543945
] |
['The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an educational intervention at increasing the rates of postpartum (PP) follow-up for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).', 'A retrospective cohort study of all patients with GDM delivering during 2002-2009 was conducted. The primary outcome was obtaining PP diabetes testing. The 2002-2006 cohort was advised to obtain PP testing by their providers. The 2007-2009 cohort received educational counseling at the 37-38 week visit by a nurse educator. Univariate and multivariable statistical tests were utilized.', 'The PP testing frequency was 53% for the 2007-2009 cohort, compared with 33% for the 2002-2006 cohort (P < .001). When stratified by race/ethnicity, increased rates of testing were seen in whites (28% to 53%, P < .001), Latinas (15% to 50%, P < .001), and Asians (43% to 59%, P = .005). There was a nonsignificant decrease in the African American follow-up, 28% to 17% (P = .414).'] Does patient counseling increase postpartum follow-up in women with gestational diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5220192670822144,
-0.40460169315338135,
0.9747614860534668
] |
['The impact of the broad spectrum of SDB severity on cognition in childhood has not been well studied. This study investigated cognitive function in children with varying severities of SDB and control children with no history of SDB.', 'One hundred thirty-seven children (75 M) aged 7-12 were studied. Overnight polysomnography (PSG) classified children into four groups: primary snoring (PS) (n = 59), mild obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (n = 24), moderate/severe OSAS (n = 19), and controls (n = 35). Cognition was measured with a short battery of psychological tests including the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), the Wide Range Achievement Test-3rd Edition (WRAT-3), the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT).', 'There was lower general intellectual ability in all children with SDB regardless of severity. Higher rates of impairment were also noted on measures of executive and academic functioning in children with SDB.'] Are cognitive and academic functions impaired in children with all severities of sleep-disordered breathing? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4308087825775146,
-0.7550989985466003,
2.250591278076172
] |
['Although radiation resistance is a primary issue in radiation therapy, attempts to find predictors of radiation resistance have met with little success. The authors therefore aimed to determine predictors for radiation resistance to improve the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).', 'HNSCC cell lines, SCC15, SCC25, and QLL1, irradiated with an acute dose of 4 grays (Gy) (RR-4), a cumulative dose of 60 Gy (RR-60), and a booster dose of 4 Gy over 60 Gy (RR-60 + 4), were used with nonirradiated cell lines. Those were used in cDNA microarray, proteomics, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, respectively. One hundred five HNSCC tissue samples with radiation resistance were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.', 'Western blot analysis of RR-60 cell lines was identical to the data of Nm23-H1 overexpression by cDNA array and proteomic screening. Immunofluorescence demonstrated significant nuclear translocation of Nm23-H1 in RR-4 and RR-60 cell lines, and less but still intense nuclear shuttling in RR-60 + 4. Similarly, Nm23-H1 nuclear localization was observed in 20% (21 of 105) of tissue samples. Univariate analysis demonstrated that Nm23-H1 nuclear localization was strongly associated with overall and recurrence-free survival. Multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that Nm23-H1 nuclear localization (odds ratio [OR], 7.48) and N stage (OR, 2.13) were associated with overall survival, and Nm23-H1 nuclear localization (OR, 3.02), T stage (OR, 1.43), and insufficient tumor margin (OR, 3.27) were associated with recurrence-free survival.'] Is nuclear localization of Nm23-H1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with radiation resistance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9625518321990967,
-1.5442430973052979,
2.596320629119873
] |
['In colorectal cancer (CRC), DNA methylation anomalies define distinct subgroups termed CpG island methylator phenotype 1 (CIMP1), CIMP2, and CIMP-negative. The role of this classification in predicting recurrence and disease-free survival (DFS) in resected stage III CRC was evaluated.', 'Sporadic cancers from 161 patients were analyzed. Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to examine the methylation of 2 global DNA methylation markers (LINE-1, Alu) and 9 loci (MINT1, MINT2, MINT31, P16, hMLH1, P14, SFRP1, SFRP2, and WNT5A). Mutations in BRAF and KRAS were assayed.', 'Gene hypermethylation clustered in discrete groups of patients, indicating the presence of CIMP. K-means clustering analysis identified 3 discrete subgroups: CIMP1 (n = 22, 13.7%), associated with proximal location and BRAF mutations; CIMP2 (n = 40, 24.8%), associated with KRAS mutations; and CIMP-negative (n = 99, 61.5%), associated with distal location. In proximal CRC, CIMP1 was correlated with a higher recurrence rate (53% for CIMP1, 18% for CIMP2, and 26% for CIMP-negative) and a worse DFS (P = .015). Also in proximal CRC, LINE-1 methylation was lower in patients whose cancer recurred compared with those whose cancer did not recur (P = .049). In multivariate analysis, CIMP1 and low LINE1 methylation were independent prognostic factors for DFS in proximal CRC (P = .008 for classification by K-means clustering analysis; P = .040 for LINE-1 methylation status).'] Does dNA methylation predict recurrence from resected stage III proximal colon cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9917213916778564,
-1.5891777276992798,
2.5576443672180176
] |
['Many pathophysiologic alterations in patients with major burns can cause changes in the response of propofol. The aim of this study is to determine the appropriate induction dose of propofol using a slow infusion rate for major burn patients to obtain desirable sedation and hypnotic conditions with minimal hemodynamic changes.', "45 adults with major burns and who were electively scheduled for escharectomy less than a week after injury were recruited. For induction with propofol, the patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups (group 1: 1.5 mg/kg, n = 20 and group 2: 2.0 mg/kg, n = 25). The infusion rate was 20 mg/kg/hr. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), the heart rate, the bispectral index and the modified observers' assessment of the alertness/sedation scale (OAA/S) were measured before the induction and after the propofol infusion, as well as immediately, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation.", 'The SBP and DBP were significantly decreased after the propofol infusion in both group, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. The BIS values after the propofol infusion and intubation were 44.2 ± 16.1 and 43.5 ± 13.8 in group 1, and 45.6 ± 10.3 and 46.5 ± 11.4 in group 2, respectively, and there were no differences between the 2 groups.'] Do the BIS and hemodynamic changes in major burn patients according to a slow infusion of propofol for induction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2198418378829956,
-1.5636444091796875,
1.789618730545044
] |
['The objective of the study was to investigate the expression and regulation of polycomb group (PcG) proteins in human neural tube defects (NTDs).', 'PcG proteins in human NTD fetuses and age-matched controls were detected by Western blot. The relation between PcG proteins and microribonucleic acids was predicted and confirmed by the bioinformatics method, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), dual-luciferase activity assay, and Western blot. The trimethyl condition of histone H3 Lys27 (H3K27) was detected by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence.', "Embryonic ectoderm development protein (EED) was differentially detected in placenta, cerebral cortex, and spinal cord from NTDs and age-matched controls. MiR-30b can interact with 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of Eed and regulate endogenous EED expression in neural tissues. In addition, we found an inverse relationship between the miR-30b expression and the amount of trimethyl H3K27."] Is embryonic ectoderm development protein regulated by microRNAs in human neural tube defects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3727829456329346,
-1.2362608909606934,
2.684250593185425
] |
['Increased expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX2) is one of the main characteristics of gastric cancer (GC), which is a leading cause of death in the world, particularly in Asia and South America. Although the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been involved in the transcriptional activation of the COX2 gene, the precise mechanism modulating this response is still unknown.', 'Here we studied the transcriptional regulation of the COX2 gene in GC cell lines and assessed whether this phenomenon is modulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We first examined the expression of COX2 mRNA in GC cells and found that there is a differential expression pattern consistent with high levels of nuclear-localized β-catenin. Pharmacological treatment with either lithium or valproic acid and molecular induction with purified canonical Wnt3a significantly enhanced COX2 mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Serial deletion of a 1.6 Kbp COX2 promoter fragment and gain- or loss-of-function experiments allowed us to identify a minimal Wnt/β-catenin responsive region consisting of 0.8 Kbp of the COX2 promoter (pCOX2-0.8), which showed maximal response in gene-reporter assays. The activity of this pCOX2-0.8 promoter region was further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and DNA-protein binding assays.'] Does wnt/β-catenin signaling enhance cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX2 ) transcriptional activity in gastric cancer cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.448289632797241,
-1.142437219619751,
2.6370248794555664
] |
['Vascular calcification is prevalent in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its multiple ligands have been implicated in the pathogenesis of accelerated atherosclerosis; however, little is known about the effects of RAGE activation on vascular calcification.', 'Cultured rat and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC) were transduced with adenovirus expressing RAGE. Expression of myocardin and the SMC-marker genes was significantly repressed in these cells. RAGE activation inhibited myocardin-induced expression of the SMC genes in mouse embryonic mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 cells. Interestingly, RAGE activation induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression, calcium deposition, and Msx2 expression, a crucial transcription factor for osteogenic differentiation, in HASMC. RAGE-induced osteogenic differentiation was significantly inhibited by endogenous secretory RAGE. RAGE-induced ALP and Msx2 expression was completely abrogated by DAPT, an inhibitor of the Notch signaling pathway. PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) effectively blunted RAGE-induced Notch1 and Msx2 gene expression. Simultaneous stimulation with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and RAGE signaling synergistically induced expressions of Msx2 and ALP in HASMC. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the human calcifying atherosclerotic plaque expressed RAGE, Notch components and Msx2. The ALP activity induced in RAGE-overexpressing HASMCs by human serum was positively correlated with the serum creatinine level, but not with phosphate and hemoglobin A1c levels.'] Does activation of receptor for advanced glycation end products induce osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4491617679595947,
-1.29970383644104,
2.806656837463379
] |
['The precise mechanisms underlying erectile dysfunction (ED) occurring after cavernous nerve (CN)-sparing surgery remain to be determined. Aim.\u2002 To evaluate the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) after CN injury, and the effect of inhibiting IL-6 bioactivity on nerve injury-related ED.', 'Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham operation; bilateral CN dissection without crushing or cutting; and bilateral CN resection. In the interventional experiment, male rats underwent bilateral CN dissection, and anti-rat IL-6 antibody in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or vehicle alone was injected intraperitoneally immediately and 24 hours after CN dissection.', 'One, 3, 7, 28, and 56 days after surgery, the expression of IL-6 and IL-6R in the major pelvic ganglion (MPG) was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. In the interventional experiment, erectile function was assessed by determining intracavernous pressure divided by arterial pressure (ICP/AP) during electrical pelvic nerve stimulation at 4 weeks after surgery in the anti-IL-6-injected rats and PBS-injected rats. The degree of nerve injury was also evaluated by retrograde dye tracing with Fluorogold.', 'The expression levels of IL-6 and IL-6R were increased in the early period of CN injury, as compared with the sham group. IL-6 expression on day 1 was particularly enhanced. Four weeks after CN dissection, the anti-IL-6 group had greater ICP/AP and more FG-positive cells than the PBS group.'] Does inhibition of interleukin-6 attenuate erectile dysfunction in a rat model of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3885538578033447,
-1.4066296815872192,
2.8197619915008545
] |
['Recent studies in mice and patients suggest that posttransplantation induction of autoimmune responses to tissue-specific antigens contributes to the rejection of major histocompatibility complex mismatched allotransplants. The relevance of this phenomenon to the rejection of major and minor histocompatibility-mismatched allografts performed in large-animal models remains to be established.', "Miniature swine were immunized with cardiac myosin (CM) in Freund's adjuvant and received heterotopic, minor antigen-mismatched heart transplants. T-cell (proliferation and delayed type hypersensitivity [DTH]) and B-cell (antibody) responses specific to CM were measured. The rejection of heart transplants was assessed histologically.", 'Three of four swine that were immunized with CM before receiving a minor antigen-mismatched heart transplant exhibited potent DTH, T-cell proliferation and antibody responses to CM and rejected their grafts acutely. The fourth swine, which failed to mount a significant DTH response to CM and displayed low and transient anti-CM antibody titers, demonstrated long-term allograft survival.'] Does autoimmune sensitization to cardiac myosin lead to acute rejection of cardiac allografts in miniature swine? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4107394218444824,
-1.1830599308013916,
2.6826226711273193
] |
['In human movements muscles lengthen and then shorten, or occasionally shorten and then lengthen, but it is unclear whether the nature of neural activation of the initial phase influences the neural state of the subsequent phase. We examined whether contraction history modulates spinal excitability in the healthy human soleus muscle.', 'Subjects performed six blocks of 10 repetitions of four muscle actions consisting of specific combinations of passive shortening (PAS), and passive lengthening (PAL), shortening contraction (SHO), and lengthening contraction (LEN); that is: (1) SHO+PAL; (2) PAS+LEN; (3) PAS+PAL; and (4) SHO+LEN.', 'Compared with baseline, the H-reflex increased in the block of 300-400 s after SHO+PAL and decreased in the block of 0-100 s after PAS+LEN and SHO+LEN.'] Does contraction history produce task-specific variations in spinal excitability in healthy human soleus muscle? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8138364553451538,
-0.7152095437049866,
1.6874077320098877
] |
['Allergen-specific IgE production is a hallmark of allergic asthma/rhinitis/eczema. Theoretically this could be due to a high number of allergen-specific B cells or allergen-specific T cells helping allergen-specific B cells differentiate into IgE-producing plasma cells. Here, we determined whether the number of allergen-specific B cells or T helper (Th) cells is higher in allergic individuals compared to nonallergic individuals.', 'A total of 52 allergic individuals and 32 nonallergic individuals were studied. The allergen-specific B and Th cells were enumerated by culturing CFSE-loaded blood mononuclear cells for 7-days with allergen (cat, Timothy or birch), and determining the number of proliferating B or Th cells (diluting CFSE) by flow cytometry. Allergen-specific IgE concentration was determined by fluorescent enzymoimmunoassay (FEIA).', 'The quantities of proliferating Th cells but not proliferating B cells specific for cat, Timothy and birch were significantly higher in cat-, Timothy- and birch-allergic individuals compared to nonallergic individuals. The titer of allergen-specific IgE showed significant correlation with allergen-specific Th cells and not with allergen-specific B cells for all 3 allergens.'] Is allergen-specific T cell quantity in blood higher in allergic compared to nonallergic individuals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6770094633102417,
-1.3094130754470825,
2.015347719192505
] |
['A radical resection is considered to be the most effective treatment for resectable non-small cell lung cancer. However, even when resected in early stages (T1aN0, T1bN0) up to 20% of patients will experience recurrence. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the prognostic influence of lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) in stage IA adenocarcinoma patients.', 'From January 1983 to June 2003, a total of 229 consecutive patients with pT1a or T1b N0 M0 lung adenocarcinoma who had undergone radical resection and lymph node dissection were retrospectively reviewed. Sections stained by the hematoxylin-eosin and the Elastica van Gieson method were examined for the presence of LVI. The overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and the Cox proportional hazards analysis.', 'The median follow-up was 81 months. A total of 143 patients (62%) were able to be diagnosed with regard to the presence of LVI, while information was not provided for 86 patients (38%), who were therefore excluded from the study. LVI was noted in 22 of the evaluable patients (15%) and was not seen in the other 121 patients (85%). The 5-year overall survival rate of the LVI-negative group and the LVI-positive group was 94.5 and 70.9%, respectively (P = .003). A multivariate analysis revealed LVI to be an independent predictive factor (hazard ratio: 0.202; P = .001).'] Is lymphatic vessel invasion a significant prognostic indicator in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7651578187942505,
-1.651665449142456,
2.3670570850372314
] |
['The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of tolfenamic acid (Tol) and ampiroxicam (Amp) in the apoptotic regulation of YD-15 salivary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC).', "The effect of Tol on apoptosis and its mechanism were examined using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay, Sub-G(1) population, Western blot analysis, 4'-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining and small interfering RNA transfection.", 'Tol inhibited cell growth of YD-15 cells but Amp did not. Tol induces apoptosis in YD-15 cells as evidenced by nuclear fragmentation, accumulation of the sub-G1 phase and the activation of caspase 3. Tol inhibited myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) at the protein and mRNA levels. The treatment of MCL-1 siRNA to YD-15 cells resulted in the activation of caspase 3 and the inhibition of cell growth. Moreover, MCL-1 was regulated by specificity protein 1, but not by mitogen-activated protein kinases.'] Does inhibition of myeloid cell leukemia-1 by tolfenamic acid induce apoptosis in mucoepidermoid carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.48697829246521,
-1.2374387979507446,
2.7903406620025635
] |
['Picture archiving and communication systems images designed to be viewed on high-resolution medical-grade monitors are routinely viewed on office-grade monitors on the wards or at home. This study aimed to determine whether a statistically significant difference in diagnostic (cancer detection) and perceptual (microcalcification detection) performance exists between 3MP grade and 1MP office-grade monitors.', '3MP Dome medical-grade liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors (Planar, Beaverton, OR, USA) were compared to 1MP Dell office-grade LCD monitors (Dell Inc, Round Rock, TX, USA). Eight radiologists (reader experience 8-30 years) read the same set of 100 mammograms (23/100 with proven cancers and 52/100 with microcalcifications) presented in random order on three occasions separated by two time intervals of 12 weeks. Reads 1 and 3 utilised 3MP monitors and formed the baseline read. Read 2 utilised 1MP monitors and constituted the experimental read. Reading conditions were standardised. Readers were aware of which monitors they were using. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (to account for reader variability and monitor impact) was performed to assess for statistical significance.', 'At α = 5%, confidence intervals analysis comparing the measured parameters between 1MP to 3MP monitors demonstrated no statistically significant difference in diagnostic and perceptual performance for the reader group. In cancer detection (the diagnostic task), reader accuracy remained high irrespective of monitor type. Regression analysis comparing performance with 1MP against 3MP monitors found P values of 0.693 and 0.324 for diagnostic and perceptual performance, respectively.'] Does comparison of 3MP medical-grade to 1MP office-grade LCD monitor in mammographic diagnostic and perceptual performance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0300463438034058,
-1.5546228885650635,
1.6578248739242554
] |
['• To investigate the role that oxidative stress plays in the development of diabetic cystopathy.', '• Comparative gene expression in the bladder of non-diabetic and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced 2-month- old diabetic rats was carried out using microarray analysis. • Evidence of oxidative stress was investigated in the bladder by analyzing glutathione S-transferase activity, lipid peroxidation, and carbonylation and nitrosylation of proteins. • The activity of protein degradation pathways was assessed using Western blot analysis.', '• Analysis of global gene expression showed that detrusor smooth muscle tissue of STZ-induced diabetes undergoes significant enrichment in targets involved in the production or regulation of reactive oxygen species (P = 1.27 × 10(-10)). The microarray analysis was confirmed by showing that markers of oxidative stress were all significantly increased in the diabetic bladder. • It was hypothesized that the sequelae to oxidative stress would be increased protein damage and apoptosis. • This was confirmed by showing that two key proteins involved in protein degradation (Nedd4 and LC3B) were greatly up-regulated in diabetic bladders compared to controls by 12.2 ± 0.76 and 4.4 ± 1.0-fold, respectively, and the apoptosis inducing protein, BAX, was up-regulated by 6.76 ± 0.76-fold.'] Does oxidative stress status accompanying diabetic bladder cystopathy result in the activation of protein degradation pathways? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4749741554260254,
-1.0237622261047363,
2.457630157470703
] |
['The impact of Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted mortality risk score on resource use has not been previously studied. We hypothesize that increasing Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement are associated with greater hospital charges.', "Clinical and financial data for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement at The Johns Hopkins Hospital over a 10-year period (January 2000 to December 2009) were reviewed. The current Society of Thoracic Surgeons formula (v2.61) for in-hospital mortality was used for all patients. After stratification into risk quartiles, index admission hospital charges were compared across risk strata with rank-sum and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Linear regression and Spearman's coefficient assessed correlation and goodness of fit. Multivariable analysis assessed relative contributions of individual variables on overall charges.", "A total of 553 patients underwent aortic valve replacement during the study period. Average predicted mortality was 2.9% (±3.4) and actual mortality was 3.4% for aortic valve replacement. Median charges were greater in the upper quartile of patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (quartiles 1-3, $39,949 [interquartile range, 32,708-51,323] vs quartile 4, $62,301 [interquartile range, 45,952-97,103], P < .01]. On univariate linear regression, there was a positive correlation between Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score and log-transformed charges (coefficient, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-0.07; P < .01). Spearman's correlation R-value was 0.51. This positive correlation persisted in risk-adjusted multivariable linear regression. Each 1% increase in Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score was associated with an added $3000 in hospital charges."] Does society of Thoracic Surgeons Risk Score predict hospital charges and resource use after aortic valve replacement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.4579452872276306,
-1.646111249923706,
1.1361615657806396
] |
['Eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis (EAF) is an uncommon tumefactive lesion of the orbit and upper respiratory tract of unknown etiology. The condition is characterized histologically by concentric layers of fibrosis around small-caliber arteries and a mixed inflammatory infiltrate dominated by eosinophils. After the serendipitous observation of an elevated serum concentration of IgG4 in 1 patient with EAF, we investigated the hypothesis that EAF is an IgG4-related systemic disease.', 'We retrospectively identified 5 EAF cases from our files. Demographic, clinical, and serological data were reviewed, and the histologic features and tissue IgG4 staining patterns were examined on biopsies from each case.', 'Patients (2 male, 3 female) ranged in age from 31 to 82 years (mean, 56 y). The extent of disease varied from isolated involvement of the nasal cavity or the lacrimal gland to multicentric disease affecting the sinuses, nasal tract, and lower respiratory tract. The duration of symptoms ranged from 6 months to >20 years. The demographic features of the patients and disease extent were consistent with previously published reports of EAF, except for involvement of the lower respiratory tract in 1 case. Four of the 5 cases showed concentric perivascular fibrosis surrounding small-caliber vascular channels, embedded in an inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils. One lacrimal gland biopsy showed a periductal inflammatory infiltrate, and 2 cases showed a storiform pattern of fibrosis. The index case had a serum IgG4 concentration of 1490 mg/dL (normal, 8 to 140 mg/dL). IgG4-positive plasma cells were identified in biopsies from 4 of the 5 cases. The numbers of IgG4-positive plasma cells ranged from 43 to 118 per high-power field, and the IgG4:IgG ratios ranged from 0.68 to 0.97. Neither IgG4-bearing nor IgG-bearing plasma cells were identified in 1 patient, whose longstanding disease was characterized principally by concentric perivascular fibrosis.'] Is eosinophilic angiocentric fibrosis a form of IgG4-related systemic disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.175328493118286,
-1.4898613691329956,
2.7451882362365723
] |
['Bone bruises located on the lateral femoral condyle and posterolateral tibia are commonly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and may contribute to the high risk for knee osteoarthritis after ACL injury. The resultant footprint (location) of a bone bruise after ACL injury provides evidence of the inciting injury mechanism. Purpose/', '(1) To analyze tibial and femoral articular cartilage pressure distributions during normal landing and injury simulations, and (2) to evaluate ACL strains for conditions that lead to articular cartilage pressure distributions similar to bone bruise patterns associated with ACL injury. The hypothesis was that combined knee abduction and anterior tibial translation injury simulations would demonstrate peak articular cartilage pressure distributions in the lateral femoral condyle and posterolateral tibia. The corollary hypothesis was that combined knee abduction and anterior tibial translation injury conditions would result in the highest ACL strains.', 'Descriptive laboratory study.', 'Prospective biomechanical data from athletes who subsequently suffered ACL injuries after testing (n = 9) and uninjured teammates (n = 390) were used as baseline input data for finite element model comparisons.', 'Peak articular pressures that occurred on the posterolateral tibia and lateral femoral condyle were demonstrated for injury conditions that had a baseline knee abduction angle of 5°. Combined planar injury conditions of abduction/anterior tibial translation, anterior tibial translation/internal tibial rotation, or anterior tibial translation/external tibial rotation or isolated anterior tibial translation, external tibial rotation, or internal tibial rotation resulted in peak pressures in the posterolateral tibia and lateral femur. The highest ACL strains occurred during the combined abduction/anterior tibial translation condition in the group that had a baseline knee abduction angle of 5°.'] Do cartilage pressure distributions provide a footprint to define female anterior cruciate ligament injury mechanisms? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.718397378921509,
-0.7215673327445984,
2.5488080978393555
] |
['Bivalirudin reduces bleeding events and is associated with a lower mortality than the combination of unfractionated heparin (UFH) and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the effect of adding UFH in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with bivalirudin during primary PCI is unknown.', 'Patients enrolled in the national Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry who underwent primary PCI due to STEMI with bivalirudin as anticoagulant were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with bivalirudin only and those treated with bivalirudin plus a bolus dose of UFH.', '2996 patients were included in the study: 1928 (64%) received only bivalirudin and 1068 (36%) received bivalirudin plus a bolus dose of UFH. The primary combined endpoint of death or target lesion thrombosis at 30 days occurred more often in the bivalirudin group (11.3% vs 6.5%, OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.72, p<0.001). This difference remained significant after adjustment (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.95, p=0.03). Death at 30 days and definite target lesion thrombosis at 30 days did not differ between the two groups after adjustment (9.2% vs 5.1%, adjusted HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.03, p=0.07 and 2.3% vs 1.5%, adjusted HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.33, p=0.21, respectively).'] Is unfractionated heparin administration in patients treated with bivalirudin during primary percutaneous coronary intervention associated lower mortality and target lesion thrombosis : a report from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry ( SCAAR )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5790787935256958,
-1.6905328035354614,
2.2554848194122314
] |
['To study the clinical impact of a very high coronary artery calcium score (CAC >1000) in patients with no known coronary artery disease (CAD) and normal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The secondary aim was to evaluate whether triple vessel disease would support the notion of balanced ischaemia as an underlying mechanism of false negative SPECT MPI in patients with very high CAC.', 'No data exist on the clinical value of high CAC in patients with normal SPECT MPI.', '50 patients with suspected CAD and normal stress/rest SPECT MPI and CAC >1000 prospectively underwent invasive coronary angiography as the standard of reference. Coronary lesions with ≥50% luminal diameter narrowing on invasive coronary angiography were considered to represent significant stenosis.', 'The median total CAC was 1975 (range 1018-8046). In 37/50 (74%) patients, coronary angiography revealed one-vessel disease (1-VD) (n=15), 2-VD (n=10) or 3-VD (n=12). Twenty-six revascularisations (percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting) were performed in seven (6/1), seven (6/1) and 12 (7/5) patients with 1-VD, 2-VD and 3-VD, respectively.'] Does very high coronary calcium score unmask obstructive coronary artery disease in patients with normal SPECT MPI? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8532836437225342,
-1.490612268447876,
2.383721113204956
] |
['The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase 11 (MMP-11) and responses to front-line chemotherapy and prognosis in advanced unresectable gastric adenocarcinoma.', 'Clinical data concerning 86 patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (stages III c to IV), treated in Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from 2005 to 2009, were reviewed retrospectively. Adenocarcinoma was confirmed by pathology and patients received 5-fluorouracil-based front-line combination chemotherapy with third generation chemotherapeutic agents including paclitaxel, docetaxel and oxaliplatin. The regimen was repeated every two to three weeks, and the first evaluation was carried out after three cycles. The median cycle of chemotherapy was 6 (ranging from three to twelve cycles). Serum MMP-11 protein from the 86 patients was examined using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA) prior to chemotherapy and after three cycles of chemotherapy. Serum samples from healthy individuals were used as controls.', 'The response rate (RR, complete response plus partial response) to chemotherapy in the 86 patients was 44.2% (38/86). The median TTP (time to progression) and overall survival (OS) in patients who responded to chemotherapy were 6.0 and 10.0 months, respectively. The response rate to chemotherapy in patients with high levels of serum MMP-11 (42.9%; 9/21) was similar to that in patients with low levels (44.6%; 29/65) (P = 0.935). Patients with low serum levels of MMP-11 had a higher median survival time and 1-year survival rate than those with high levels (11 months vs. 8 months, 50.2% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.017), although the TTP was comparable in all patients, irrespective of serum MMP-11 level (P = 0.178). Serum MMP-11 levels were correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006). Cox multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the serum level of MMP-11 was an independent prognostic factor for patients presenting with advanced gastric carcinoma.'] Do serum levels of MMP-11 correlate with clinical outcome in Chinese patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.008493661880493,
-1.5522137880325317,
2.511995315551758
] |
['To evaluate the role of water channel AQP4 in NMDA-induced brain injury in mice.', 'In AQP4 gene knockout (AQP4(-/-)) mice, brain injury was induced by microinjection of NMDA into the cortex. The injured area was determined by toluidine blue staining, degenerated neurons were detected by Fluro-Jade B staining, and increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was evaluated by IgG immunostaining.', 'Compared with wild-type mice, AQP4(-/-) mice exhibited increased cortical lesion area, aggravated neuron degeneration, and increased BBB disruption after NMDA microinjection.'] Does [ Deficiency of water channel AQP4 aggravate NMDA-induced brain injury in mice ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4443209171295166,
-1.098130226135254,
2.5855319499969482
] |
['Recent research has shown netrin-1 to promote neovascularization. We evaluate the expression of netrin-1 during retinal neovascularization in a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.', 'C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 75 ± 5% oxygen for 5 days and returned to room air to induce retinal neovascularization. Retinal neovascularization was observed by fluorescence angiography and was quantified by counting the endothelial nuclei protruding into the vitreous cavity after hematoxylin-eosin staining. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were used to determine retinal netrin-1 mRNA and protein levels at postnatal days (PN) 13, 15 and 17.', 'In fluorescence angiograms, irregular neovascularization and fluorescein leakage were observed surrounding the unperfused areas in the hypoxic group. The hypoxic group had, on average, 50.70 ± 4.56 neovascular nuclei protruding into the vitreous body, while similar nuclei were absent in the control group. Compared to the normoxic group, there were significant increases in both retinal netrin-1 mRNA and protein levels in the hypoxic group at PN13, PN15 and PN17.'] Does netrin-1 overexpression in oxygen-induced retinopathy correlate with breakdown of the blood-retina barrier and retinal neovascularization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.291987180709839,
-1.4263389110565186,
2.756758689880371
] |
['Mutations in the DNMT3A, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2 genes carry prognostic significance and occur frequently in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemic mutations in all four genes have recently been implicated in aberrant DNA methylation, a hallmark of neoplasia. We previously reported that IDH1 mutations were absent, whereas TET2 mutations were present in 6%, of pediatric AML patients; in the present study, we determined the prevalence of DNMT3A and IDH2 mutations in pediatric AML.', "We screened for DNMT3A and IDH2 mutations by direct sequencing of diagnostic specimens from 180 children treated on the Children's Oncology Group clinical trial AAML03P1. Clinical characteristics, the presence of other leukemic mutations, and survival outcome was determined for mutation-positive patients.", 'No disease-associated DNMT3A mutations were detected. IDH2 mutations were detected in 4/180 patients (2.2%), affecting codons R140 (n\u2009=\u20093) and R172 (n\u2009=\u20091). Two patients with IDH2 mutations harbored t(8;21), one patient harbored an MLL translocation, and one patient had a concomitant NPM1 mutation. FLT3, CEBPA, and WT1 mutations did not occur together with IDH2 mutations in our study.'] Are leukemic mutations in the methylation-associated genes DNMT3A and IDH2 rare events in pediatric AML : a report from the Children 's Oncology Group? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2001559734344482,
-1.3104815483093262,
2.548081874847412
] |
['The Syntax score was recently developed as a comprehensive, angiographic tool grading the complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD). It aims to assist in patient selection and risk stratification of patients with extensive CAD undergoing revascularization. However, the prognostic value of the Syntax score in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate its role in predicting long-term incidences of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in patients undergoing PCI for 3-vessel disease.', 'Two hundred and three consecutive patients with de novo 3-vessel CAD undergoing PCI with sirolimus-eluting stents were studied. Their angiograms were scored according to the Syntax score. The patients were divided into tertiles according to the Syntax score: lowest Syntax score tertile (Syntax score ≤ 22), intermediate Syntax score tertile (Syntax score of 23 to 32), and the highest Syntax score tertile (Syntax score ≥ 33). During the 1-year follow-up, the MACCE-free survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relation between the Syntax score and the incidence of MACCE. Performance of the Syntax score was studied with respect to predicting the rate of MACCE by receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves with an area under the curve.', 'The overall Syntax score ranged from 6 to 66 with mean ± standard deviation of 27.9 ± 12.6 and a median of 26. At 1 year, the Syntax score significantly predicted the risk of MACCE (HR 1.07/U increase, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.11, P < 0.001). The rate of MACCE was significantly increased among patients in the highest Syntax score tertile (17.9%) as compared with those with the lowest Syntax score tertile (1.4%, P < 0.001) or intermediate Syntax score tertile (6.2%, P = 0.041). After the adjustment for all potential confounders, the Syntax score remained a significant predictor of the rate of MACCE (adjusted HR 1.12/U increase, 95%CI 1.05 to 1.20, P < 0.001). The Syntax score accurately predicted MACCE with an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.77 (95%CI 0.65 to 0.90, P < 0.001). A Syntax score of 29.5 was identified as the optimal cutoff to predict MACCE with a sensitivity of 82.4% and specificity of 65.6%.'] Does syntax score predict clinical outcome in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.380743384361267,
-1.6455047130584717,
2.049553155899048
] |
['Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often causes cognitive deficits and remote symptomatic epilepsy. Hippocampal regional excitability is associated with the cognitive function. However, little is known about injury-induced neuronal loss and subsequent alterations of hippocampal regional excitability. The present study was designed to determine whether TBI may impair the cellular circuit in the hippocampus.', 'Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into control (n = 20) and TBI groups (n = 20). Long-term potentiation, extracellular input/output curves, and hippocampal parvalbumin-immunoreactive and cholecystokinin-immunoreactive interneurons were compared between the two groups.', 'TBI resulted in a significantly increased excitability in the dentate gyrus (DG), but a significantly decreased excitability in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) area. Using design-based stereological injury procedures, we induced interneuronal loss in the DG and CA3 subregions in the hippocampus, but not in the CA1 area.'] Does traumatic brain injury impair synaptic plasticity in hippocampus in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4031758308410645,
-1.1660141944885254,
2.6586666107177734
] |
['Reference ranges for vital signs may differ significantly among children of different ethnic origins.', '(1) To validate the Advanced Paediatric Life Support (APLS) age-based vital signs reference ranges in Chinese children in Hong Kong. (2) To derive age-based centile curves for systolic blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate for Chinese children. (3) To summarize the reference ranges in a table format appropriate for applying APLS to ethnic Chinese patients.', 'A cross-sectional study was performed on a population of healthy Chinese children recruited from 8 kindergartens and 6 primary schools in Hong Kong. Trained operators visit the sites to obtain measurements. Age-groups: small toddlers (12-23 months); pre-school (24-59 months); and school (60-143 months). Z-test was used to assess statistical significance for proportions of each parameter falling outside the APLS reference range. One-sample t-test was used for comparison with APLS means according to age-groups. LMS Chartmaker Pro v2.3 software was used to describe the data in centile curves.', "A total of 1353 patients (55.1% boys) were included. For heart rate, systolic blood pressure and respiratory rate respectively, 34.1%, 55.9% and 55.7% of corresponding measurements were outside the APLS age-based reference ranges. In the 'pre-school' and 'school' age-groups, the mean value for blood pressure is significantly higher, and the mean values for heart rate and respiratory rate significantly lower, in comparison to APLS mean values."] Do validation of the APLS age-based vital signs reference ranges in a Chinese population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.232139229774475,
-1.0211153030395508,
1.3944103717803955
] |
['Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide spectrum of human diseases, including Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver disease. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a key regulator of HBV that exerts pleiotropic activity on cellular functions. Recent studies showed that HBx alters mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby sensitizing cells to pro-apoptotic signals. However, it remains largely unknown whether susceptibility of hepatocytes could be disturbed by HBx under oxidative stress conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the apoptotic susceptibility of HBx-expressing hepatocytes upon exposure to pro-oxidant stimuli in vitro and in vivo and explore its underlying mechanism.', 'Although expression of HBx itself did not activate apoptotic signaling, it significantly enhanced oxidative stress-induced cell death both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, this phenomenon was associated with a pronounced reduction of protein levels of Mcl-1, but not other anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 members. Importantly, enforced expression of Mcl-1 prevented HBx-triggered cell apoptosis; conversely, specific knockdown of Mcl-1 exacerbated HBx-induced apoptosis upon exposure to oxidative stress. Furthermore, inhibition of caspase-3 not only abrogated HBx-triggered apoptotic killing but also blocked HBx-induced Mcl-1 loss. Additionally, expression of HBx and Mcl-1 was found to be inversely correlated in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinogenesis (HCC) tissues.'] Does hBx sensitize cells to oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by accelerating the loss of Mcl-1 protein via caspase-3 cascade? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4517133235931396,
-1.1727712154388428,
2.6023716926574707
] |
['Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNt Abs) against HIV-1 are rarely produced during natural infection, and efforts to induce such Abs by vaccination have been unsuccessful. Thus, elucidating the nature and cellular origins of bNt Abs is a high priority for vaccine research. As the bNt monoclonal Abs (MAbs) 2F5, 4E10 and 2G12 have been reported to bind select autoantigens, we investigated whether these MAbs display a broader range of autoreactivity and how their autoreactivity compares with that of pathogenic autoAbs.', 'An autoantigen microarray comprising 106 connective tissue disease-related autoantigens and control antigens was developed and used, in combination with ELISAs, to compare the reactivity profiles of MAbs 4E10, 2F5 and 2G12 to those of four pathogenic autoAbs derived from patients with antiphospholipid-syndrome (APS), and to serum from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).', 'The APS MAbs and SLE serum reacted strongly with multiple autoantigens on the microarray, whereas anti-HIV-1 MAb reactivity was limited mainly to HIV-1-related antigens. The APS autoAbs reacted strongly with CL, yet only 4E10 bound CL at high concentrations; both 2F5 and 4E10 bound their HIV-1 epitopes with a 2-3-log higher apparent affinity than CL. Moreover, the polyreactivity of 4E10, but not CL15, could be blocked with dried milk.'] Are reactivity profiles of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies distinct from those of pathogenic autoantibodies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.212345838546753,
-1.355566143989563,
2.612973928451538
] |
['To evaluate the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ agonist on the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in a murine model of allergic rhinitis.', 'Randomized controlled trial.', 'Animal study.', 'BALB/c mice that received ovalbumin sensitization and challenge served as the ovalbumin group (n = 6). Two separate groups of 6 mice received intragastric administration with PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone (30 mg/kg/d) or pioglitazone plus PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (0.5 mg/d) before each ovalbumin challenge. The control group (n = 6) was treated with drug vehicle alone. Various allergic responses were assessed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to investigate the mRNA expression of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), T-bet, and GATA-3. Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of Tregs.', 'Mice developed typical pathophysiological allergic rhinitis features after the ovalbumin challenge. The frequencies of sneezing and scratching were significantly decreased by pioglitazone treatment (P < .0001). Eosinophils infiltration and the levels of interleukin-5 and interferon-γ in nasal cavity lavage fluid and sera immunoglobulin E were also markedly decreased by pioglitazone (P < .001). The expression of Foxp3 mRNA and the population of Tregs were significantly increased by pioglitazone (P < .05). Cotreatment with GW9662 reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of pioglitazone. The effects of PPAR-γ agonist on Foxp3 mRNA expression and Tregs induction were abrogated by administration of GW9662.'] Does peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist induce regulatory T cells in a murine model of allergic rhinitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.311955213546753,
-1.4384591579437256,
2.744471549987793
] |
['Astragaloside IV, purified from the Chinese medical herb Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch) Bge and Astragalus caspicus Bieb, is an important natural product with multiple pharmacological actions. This study investigated the anti-ADVs effect of astragaloside IV on HAdV-3 (human adenovirus type 3) in A549 cell.', 'CPE, MTT, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), flow cytometry (FCM) and Western blot were apply to detect the cytotoxicity, the inhibition and the mechanisms of astragaloside IV on HAdV-3.', 'TC(0 ) of astragaloside IV was 116.8 µm, the virus inhibition rate from 15.98% to 65.68% positively was correlated with the concentration of astragaloside IV from 1.25 µm to 80 µm, IC50 (the medium inhibitory concentration) was 23.85 µm, LC50 (lethal dose 50% concentration) was 865.26 µm and the TI (therapeutic index) was 36.28. qPCR result showed astragaloside IV inhibited the replication of HAdV-3. Flow FCM analysis demonstrated that the anti-HAdV-3 effect was associated with apoptosis. Astragaloside IV was further detected to reduce the protein expressions of Bax and Caspase-3 and increasing the protein expressions of Bcl-2 using western blotting, which improved the anti-apoptosis mechanism of astragaloside IV on HAdV-3.'] Does astragaloside IV inhibit adenovirus replication and apoptosis in A549 cells in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.201955556869507,
-1.4431369304656982,
2.7098214626312256
] |
['Tumour cells produce factors such as interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that suppress the function of immune cells or induce apoptosis of immune cells. One of the most important goals of tumour immunotherapy is to antagonize this suppression on immune cells. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (Gl-PS) may have this potential. The purpose of this study was to determine the antagonistic effects of Gl-PS on the suppression induced by B16F10 melanoma cell culture supernatant (B16F10-CS) on lymphocytes.', 'Gl-PS was used on lymphocytes incubated with B16F10-CS. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the levels of IL-10, TGF-β1 and VEGF in B16F10-CS. The MTT assay was used to determine the proliferation of lymphocytes. Immunocytochemistry and Western blot assay were used to determine perforin and granzyme B production in lymphocytes.', 'There were elevated levels of IL-10, TGF-β1 and VEGF in B16F10-CS. The lymphocyte proliferation, and perforin and granzyme B production in lymphocytes after induction with phytohemagglutinin, as well as lymphocyte proliferation in the mixed lymphocyte reaction, were suppressed by B16F10-CS. This suppression was fully or partially antagonized by Gl-PS.'] Do ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides antagonize the suppression on lymphocytes induced by culture supernatants of B16F10 melanoma cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.381751537322998,
-1.3956364393234253,
2.8366892337799072
] |
['Ultraviolet B (UVB) light has been used alone on platelet (PLT) transfusion products to prevent alloimmunization or with chemical sensitizers to reduce pathogens. Such processing can damage PLTs and potentiate their storage lesion. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (ALI) has occurred in patients whose underlying condition led to an inflamed endothelium and who were transfused with products that contained either HLA or HNA antibodies or biologic modifiers such as lipids or antigens from stored cells. Clinical trials of UV-treated PLTs in patients with thrombocytopenia generated controversy regarding association of these cells with respiratory distress. We evaluated whether UVB PLTs could mediate ALI in an animal model of ALI.', 'We used a two-event animal model where the sensitizing event was lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the second event was infusion of human PLTs or UVB human PLTs (2.4 J/cm(2) ). Infused human PLTs were followed with whole animal imaging, lung histology, confocal microscopy, lung water, and changes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) related to ALI.', 'In LPS-treated mice UVB human PLTs accumulated in the lungs and were associated with ALI manifested by increased protein and white blood cells (WBCs) in BALF. Untreated human PLTs did not accumulate in the lungs or increase BALF protein or WBC counts.'] Do ultraviolet B light-exposed human platelets mediate acute lung injury in a two-event mouse model of transfusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.503279447555542,
-1.2846860885620117,
2.8539175987243652
] |
['Intracellular magnetosome synthesis in magnetotactic bacteria has been proposed to be a process involving functions of a variety of proteins. To learn more about the genetic control that is involved in magnetosome formation, nonmagnetic mutants are screened and characterized.', 'Conjugation-mediated transposon mutagenesis was applied to screen for nonmagnetic mutants of Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 that were unable to respond to the magnetic field. A mutant strain with disruption of a gene locus encoding nitric oxide reductase was obtained. Growth and magnetosome formation under different conditions were further characterized.'] Does interruption of the denitrification pathway influence cell growth and magnetosome formation in Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.681621789932251,
-0.9455775022506714,
2.6928017139434814
] |
['Methylprednisolone has been demonstrated to decrease inflammation, and it may protect organs from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of methylprednisolone on diabetic myocardial I/R injury.', 'Forty adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomized into five groups (n = 8 in each group) including a sham operation (sham) group, I/R group, diabetic sham operation (DMS) group, diabetic I/R (DM-I/R) group and methylprednisolone intervention (MP + DM-I/R) group. The diabetic model was produced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Body weight and blood glucose levels were determined after diabetes was established. Twelve weeks after induction of diabetes, a segmental I/R of the heart was induced by occluding the left anterior descending artery for one hour and then three hours of reperfusion in the I/R, DM-I/R and MP + DM-I/R groups. Blood pressure and electrocardiogram were continuously recorded during the procedure. IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured at certain time points during the surgery. After reperfusion, a microcirculation scan was performed; myocardial biomarkers and tissue structure were utilized to evaluate the reperfusion damage. Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and NF-κBp65 expression were quantified by immunohistological staining. Total Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear NF-κBp65 protein were determined by Western blotting.', 'Twelve weeks after diabetes was established, blood glucose levels were elevated and body weights were lower in diabetic rats. After reperfusion, infarction size was increased, myocardial biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines levels were elevated. Microcirculation perfusion was significantly reduced in the DM-I/R group compared with the I/R group, however it was improved in the MP + DM-I/R group. The expression of NF-κBp65 and ICAM-1 were increased in the DM-I/R group and decreased in the MP + DM-I/R group. Compared with the non-diabetic I/R group, TLR4 and NF-κBp65 protein levels were up-regulated in the DM-I/R group, but down-regulated in the MP + DM-I/R group.'] Does methylprednisolone improve microcirculation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after myocardial ischemia/reperfusion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.307645082473755,
-1.458569884300232,
2.8239364624023438
] |
['Anastomotic strictures are relatively common after radical prostatectomy and are associated with significant morbidity, often requiring multiple surgical interventions. There is controversy in the literature regarding which factors predict the development of anastomotic strictures. In this study we determined predictors of symptomatic anastomotic strictures following contemporary radical prostatectomy.', 'Between 1999 and 2007, 4,592 consecutive patients underwent radical prostatectomy without prior radiotherapy at our institution. Data were collected from prospective surgical and institutional morbidity databases, and retrospectively from inpatient and outpatient medical and billing records. Cases were assigned a Charlson score to account for comorbidities. Complications were graded according to the modified Clavien classification.', 'Open radical prostatectomy was performed in 3,458 men (75%) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy was performed in 1,134 (25%). The laparoscopic radical prostatectomy group included 97 robotic-assisted cases. Median patient age was 59.5 years (IQR 54.7, 64.2). Symptomatic anastomotic strictures developed in 198 patients (4%) after a median postoperative followup of 3.5 months (IQR 2.1, 6.1). On multivariate analysis significant predictors included patient age, body mass index, Charlson score, renal insufficiency, individual surgeon, surgical approach and the presence of postoperative urine leak or hematoma.'] Are age , obesity , medical comorbidities and surgical technique predictive of symptomatic anastomotic strictures after contemporary radical prostatectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5014822483062744,
-1.0811867713928223,
2.638751268386841
] |
['There is conflicting evidence for whether the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in human tumors can be used as a marker of radioresponse. Therefore, this association was studied in a systematic manner using squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines grown as cell cultures and xenografts.', 'The study was performed with 24 tumor cell lines of different tumor types, including 10 SCC lines, which were also investigated as xenografts on nude mice. Egfr gene dose and the length of CA-repeats in intron 1 were determined by polymerase chain reaction, protein expression in vitro by Western blot and in vivo by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and radiosensitivity in vitro by colony formation. Data were correlated with previously published tumor control dose 50% data after fractionated irradiation of xenografts of the 10 SCC.', 'EGFR protein expression varies considerably, with most tumor cell lines showing moderate and only few showing pronounced upregulation. EGFR upregulation could only be attributed to massive gene amplification in the latter. In the case of little or no amplification, in vitro EGFR expression correlated with both cellular and tumor radioresponse. In vivo EGFR expression did not show this correlation.'] Is cellular and tumor radiosensitivity correlated to epidermal growth factor receptor protein expression level in tumors without EGFR amplification? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3611490726470947,
-1.3226978778839111,
2.7166829109191895
] |
['Pathologically increased VEGF-A expression is considered a major pathogenic factor in exudative AMD. Since VEGF-A can exist in isoforms with different individual functions, for a detailed understanding of the role of VEGF-A in normal and disease associated processes, in particular in wet AMD, the expression pattern of VEGF-A isoforms has to be taken into account. Therefore in the present study, adressing the effects of lysosomal dysfunction on VEGF expression and secretion by RPE cells induced by lipid peroxidation products and an inhibitor of lysosomal acidification, we applied quantitative methods discriminating the major VEGF-A isoforms.', 'ARPE-19 cells were treated with the primary lipid peroxidation products 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), malondialdehyde (MDA) or the lysosomal inhibitor bafilomycin A. VEGF-A isoforms were determined by splice-variant-specific RT-PCR. For detection of protein levels, a protein prefractionation strategy based on the strikingly different isoelectric points of VEGF isoforms was used prior to quantification of VEGF-A 121, -165, -189 and -206 expression by ELISA.', 'On mRNA level, VEGF-A 165 represents the major isoform (60%), VEGF-A 121 accounts for about one-third, and VEGF-A 189 for about 10% of total mRNA detected in untreated cells. No VEGF-A 206 mRNA was detected. Treatment with bafilomycin A increased VEGF-A 121 and VEGF-A 165 mRNA levels. VEGF-A 189 expression remained unaffected, and no induction of VEGF-A 206 mRNA was detectable. Similar effects were observed when cells were stressed with HNE or MDA. On protein level, bafilomycin A as well as the lipid peroxidation products caused an increase of total VEGF-A protein secretion into the culture medium. In analysis of VEGF-A for different splice variants, only VEGF-A 121 and VEGF-A 165 were detected, the latter representing the major secreted isoform, with the ratio of both isoforms being slightly changed in favour of VEGF-A 165 secretion.'] Do lysosomal stress and lipid peroxidation products induce VEGF-121 and VEGF-165 expression in ARPE-19 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2039873600006104,
-1.436132788658142,
2.6650218963623047
] |
["Allergic rhinitis symptoms of itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal obstruction significantly decrease patients' quality of life. Compared with histamine and leukotriene receptor antagonists, the petasol butenoate complex Ze 339 displays pharmacologically distinct properties. In vitro it inhibits the biosynthesis of leukotrienes and mediator release from activated eosinophils.", 'This study aimed to assess the efficacy and mode of action of Ze 339, desloratadine, and placebo on allergic rhinitis symptoms, nasal airflow, and local mediator levels after unilateral nasal allergen provocation.', 'In this double-blind, randomized, crossover study 18 subjects with allergic rhinitis to grass pollen received Ze 339, desloratadine, and placebo for 5 days before nasal allergen challenge with grass pollen extract. Rhinomanometry, symptom assessment, and local inflammatory mediator measurement were performed during the 24 hours after allergen challenge.', "With Ze 339, the patient's time to recovery (5.4 ± 1.6 hours) from nasal obstruction after allergen challenge (time for return to 90% of baseline value ± SEM) was significantly shorter than with placebo (9.1 ± 2.3 hours, P\xa0= .035) and desloratadine (10.7 ± 2.5 hours, P\xa0= .022). Likewise, Ze 339's standardized symptom assessment for nasal obstruction (3.2 ± 1.3 hours) showed significantly faster relief (time for return to baseline value ± SEM compared with placebo, 8.3 ± 2.4 hours; P\xa0= .027) and desloratadine (4.5 ± 1.2 hours, P\xa0= .030). One interesting finding was that Ze 339 significantly reduced IL-8 and leukotriene B(4) levels in nasal secretions before challenge."] Does petasol butenoate complex ( Ze 339 ) relieve allergic rhinitis-induced nasal obstruction more effectively than desloratadine? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.00608229637146,
-1.4907629489898682,
2.502084970474243
] |
['The purpose of this study was to elucidate the mechanism underlying the clinical efficacy of mirtazapine-perospirone combination therapy for treatment-resistant depression in a rat model.', 'We studied the effect of combination therapy of the noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant mirtazapine and the serotonin-dopamine antagonist perospirone on serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine release in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) by using microdialysis. Male Wistar rats (250-330 g bodyweight) underwent implantation of a guide cannula in the mPFC, and a microdialysis probe was then inserted into the guide cannula to ensure its final placement in the mPFC. Microdialysis and subsequent chromatographic analysis were performed to estimate the extracellular 5-HT and dopamine concentrations.', 'When they were used individually, perospirone (0.25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and mirtazapine (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) induced increased dopamine release up to 134% and 190% relative to the pretreatment level, respectively. Their combination therapy synergistically and significantly (P < 0.0001) increased the dopamine concentration up to 397% of the pretreatment level compared with that induced by the individual drugs. This combination-induced dopamine release was attenuated by 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY 100635 (0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), to a peak dopamine release of 151%. Extracellular 5-HT release in the mPFC was not altered in any of the treatment groups.'] Does mirtazapine in combination with perospirone synergistically enhance dopamine release in the rat prefrontal cortex via 5-HT1A receptor activation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0377299785614014,
-1.4826446771621704,
2.548433542251587
] |
['Mental disorder is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Its cost and negative impact on productivity are substantial. Consequently, improving mental health-care system efficiency - especially service utilisation - is a priority. Few studies have explored the use of services by specific subgroups of persons with mental disorder; a better understanding of these individuals is key to improving service planning. This study develops a typology of individuals, diagnosed with mental disorder in a 12-month period, based on their individual characteristics and use of services within a Canadian urban catchment area of 258,000 persons served by a psychiatric hospital.', 'From among the 2,443 people who took part in the survey, 406 (17%) experienced at least one episode of mental disorder (as per the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI)) in the 12 months pre-interview. These individuals were selected for cluster analysis.', 'Analysis yielded four user clusters: people who experienced mainly anxiety disorder; depressive disorder; alcohol and/or drug disorder; and multiple mental and dependence disorder. Two clusters were more closely associated with females and anxiety or depressive disorders. In the two other clusters, males were over-represented compared with the sample as a whole, namely, substance abuses with or without concomitant mental disorder. Clusters with the greatest number of mental disorders per subject used a greater number of mental health-care services. Conversely, clusters associated exclusively with dependence disorders used few services.'] Do typology of adults diagnosed with mental disorders based on socio-demographics and clinical and service use characteristics? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.7847718000411987,
1.3752214908599854,
-0.2897804379463196
] |
['Autogenous fat grafting has been observed to alleviate the sequelae of chronic radiodermatitis. To date, no study has replicated this finding in an animal model.', 'The dorsa of adult wild-type FVB mice were shaved and depilated. The dorsal skin was then distracted away from the body and irradiated (45 Gy). Four weeks after irradiation, 1.5-cc fat or sham grafts were placed in the dorsal subcutaneous space. Gross results were analyzed photometrically. The animals were euthanized at 4 and 8 weeks after fat or sham grafting and their dorsal skin was processed for histologic analysis.', 'Hyperpigmentation and ulceration were grossly improved in fat-grafted mice compared with sham-grafted controls. This improvement manifested histologically in a number of ways. For example, epidermal thickness measurements demonstrated decreased thickness in fat-grafted animals at both time points (20.6 ± 1.5 μm versus 55.2 ± 5.6 μm, p = 0.004; 17.6 ± 1.1 μm versus 36.3 ± 6.1 μm, p = 0.039). Picrosirius red staining demonstrated a diminished scar index in fat-treated animals at both time points as well (0.54 ± 0.05 versus 0.74 ± 0.07, p = 0.034; and 0.55 ± 0.06 versus 0.93 ± 0.07, p = 0.001).'] Does human fat grafting alleviate radiation skin damage in a murine model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7308316230773926,
-1.3792197704315186,
2.146852970123291
] |
['Hypertension may be a either a cause or an effect of kidney disease. Although hypertension is an important component of the expanded criteria donor definition, risks of transplanting deceased donor kidneys from hypertensive standard criteria donors (SCD) are less well understood.', 'Retrospective single-center study in all adult patients who received a deceased donor kidney transplant from a SCD to evaluate the role of donor hypertension as a pre-transplant risk factor for death-censored graft loss (DCGL) and renal function.', 'From October 2001 through May 2008, 297 kidney transplants were performed from donation after brain death SCDs. A total of 47 (15.8%) grafts were lost, including 19 (6.4%) deaths with functioning grafts. Univariate analysis of death-censored cases (n = 278) identified history of donor hypertension, cold ischemia time (CIT) >30 h, and African American (AA) recipients as significant pre-transplant risk factors predictive for DCGL at five yr follow-up (mean 38 months, all p < 0.02). Cox regression analysis showed donor hypertension (relative risk 2.2, p = 0.04) to be a significant risk factor for DCGL, whereas CIT >30 h and AA recipient ethnicity showed only trends toward DCGL. Renal function as determined by serum creatinine levels was significantly higher in recipients of hypertensive compared with non-hypertensive SCD kidneys at all time points out to 48 months follow-up and the disparity in renal function increased over time.'] Is hypertension in standard criteria deceased donors associated with inferior outcomes following kidney transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.004096508026123,
-1.0924638509750366,
2.1597084999084473
] |
['The division of Gleason score (GS) into three categories (2-6, 7, 8-10) may not fully use its prognostic power, as revealed by recent reports demonstrating the presence of Gleason Pattern 5 (GP5) as a strong predictor for biochemical recurrence. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical outcomes in patients treated with dose-escalated radiation therapy (RT) based on the presence or absence of GP5.', 'Outcomes were analyzed for 718 men treated for localized prostate cancer with external-beam RT to a minimum planning target volume dose of at least 75 Gy. We assessed the impact of GP5 and that of pretreatment- and treatment-related factors on freedom from biochemical failure, freedom from metastasis (FFM), cause-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS).', 'At biopsy, 89% of patients had no GP5, and 11% (76/718) had GP5. There were no differences in age, comorbid illness, T stage, prostate-specific antigen, or the use or duration of androgen deprivation therapy between GS8 without GP5 and GS8-10 with GP5. The presence of GP5 predicted lower FFM (p < 0.002; hazard ratio [HR] 3.4 [1.7-7.1]); CSS (p < 0.0001; HR 12.9 [5.4-31]); and OS (p < 0.0001; HR 3.6 [2.0-6.5]) in comparison with GS8 (without GP5). The 8-year FFM, CSS, and OS were 89%, 98%, and 57%, respectively, for those with Gleason 8 prostate cancer without GP5 in comparison with 61%, 55%, and 31%, respectively, for those with GP5. In addition, both FFM and CSS were strongly influenced by androgen deprivation therapy given concurrently with RT. On multivariate analysis, GP5 was the strongest prognostic factor for all clinical endpoints, including OS.'] Is gleason pattern 5 the greatest risk factor for clinical failure and death from prostate cancer after dose-escalated radiation therapy and hormonal ablation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4006420373916626,
-1.7170826196670532,
2.0865161418914795
] |
['We aimed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of the magnetic navigation system (MNS) in a large number of patients. The MNS has the potential for improving safety and efficacy based on atraumatic catheter design and superior navigation capabilities.', 'In this study, 610 consecutive patients underwent ablation. Patients were divided into two age- and sex-matched groups. Ablations were performed either using MNS (group MNS, 292) or conventional manual ablation [group manual navigation (MAN), 318]. The following parameters were analysed: acute success rate, fluoroscopy time, procedure time, complications [major: pericardial tamponade, permanent atrioventricular (AV) block, major bleeding, and death; minor: minor bleeding and temporary AV block]. Recurrence rate was assessed during follow-up (15±9.5 months). Subgroup analysis was performed for the following groups: atrial fibrillation, isthmus dependent and atypical atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia, circus movement tachycardia, and ventricular tachycardia (VT). Magnetic navigation system was associated with less major complications (0.34 vs. 3.2%, P=0.01). The total numbers of complications were lower in group MNS (4.5 vs. 10%, P=0.005). Magnetic navigation system was equally effective as MAN in acute success rate for overall groups (92 vs. 94%, P=ns). Magnetic navigation system was more successful for VTs (93 vs. 72%, P<0.05). Less fluoroscopy was used in group MNS (30±20 vs. 35±25 min, P<0.01). There were no differences in procedure times and recurrence rates for the overall groups (168±67 vs. 159±75 min, P=ns; 14 vs. 11%, P=ns; respectively).'] Does the magnetic navigation system allow safety and high efficacy for ablation of arrhythmias? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5269931554794312,
-1.715035319328308,
2.1905927658081055
] |
['Unintentional falls at home are a common cause of admissions to hospital amongst young and middle-aged adults. This population-based study investigated the longer-term health, physical and psychological outcomes following such injuries, and the predictors of these sequelae.', 'Individuals aged 25-60 years admitted to hospital in the Auckland region between July 2005 and June 2006 following an unintentional fall at home were interviewed soon after the injury (baseline) and 15-months following the injury. Information collected at baseline on pre-injury status was analysed in relation to changes in general health and functioning, psychological outcomes, and role limitations at follow-up.', 'Of the 328 participants eligible for study, 251 (77%) completed the follow-up interview. Reductions in general health and overall functioning (compared with pre-injury status) were reported by 25% and 43% of participants, respectively. In multivariate analyses, predictors of specific adverse outcomes at follow-up included increasing age (reduction in functioning), lower limb injuries (reductions in general health and functioning); female gender (psychological sequelae); injury severity score ≥9 (anxiety and depression); and length of hospital stay (fear of falling and post-traumatic stress symptoms).'] Does longer term health of young and middle-aged adults following unintentional fall at home resulting in hospitalisation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.0275278091430664,
0.8286972641944885,
0.4529162645339966
] |
['Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a reduced coronary flow reserve (CFR) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The fat cells that surround coronary arteries may play a central and underrecognized role in development of cardiovascular disease through the systemic secretion of adipokines. We therefore evaluated the relation of epicardial fat thickness, serum levels of epicardial fat-related adipokines (chemerin and vaspin), and CFR in patients with NAFLD.', 'We investigated 54 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 56 age- and sex-matched controls. CFR and epicardial fat thickness (EFT) were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Serum levels of chemerin and vaspin were measured by ELISA.', 'EFT was significantly higher (0.64 ± 0.13 vs. 0.54 ± 0.10 cm, P<0.001) and CFR significantly lower (2.11 ± 0.45 vs. 2.52 ± 0.62, P < 0.001) in patients with NAFLD than in controls. Serum levels of vaspin and chemerin were both significantly increased in patients with NAFLD compared with controls. Stepwise regression analysis showed that EFT (β=-0.53, t=-3.7, P<0.001), serum vaspin levels (β=-0.30, t=-2.5, P=0.014), and liver fibrosis (β=-0.31, t=-2.11, P=0.041), in the order they entered into the model, were independent predictors of CFR in NAFLD patients.'] Are circulating vaspin levels and epicardial adipose tissue thickness associated with impaired coronary flow reserve in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6806203126907349,
-1.5545393228530884,
2.1905977725982666
] |
['Although airway inflammation can persist for years after smoking cessation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the mechanisms of persistent inflammation are largely unknown.', 'We investigated relationships between bronchial epithelial remodeling, polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) expression, secretory IgA (SIgA), airway inflammation, and mural remodeling in COPD.', 'Lung tissue specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage were obtained from lifetime nonsmokers and former smokers with or without COPD. Epithelial structural changes were quantified by morphometric analysis. Expression of pIgR was determined by immunostaining and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was performed for IgA, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes, and cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus antigens. Total IgA and SIgA were measured by ELISA and IgA transcytosis was studied using cultured human bronchial epithelial cells.', 'Areas of bronchial mucosa covered by normal pseudostratified ciliated epithelium were characterized by pIgR expression with SIgA present on the mucosal surface. In contrast, areas of bronchial epithelial remodeling had reduced pIgR expression, localized SIgA deficiency, and increased CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocyte infiltration. In small airways (<2 mm), these changes were associated with presence of herpesvirus antigens, airway wall remodeling, and airflow limitation in patients with COPD. Patients with COPD had reduced SIgA in bronchoalveolar lavage. Air-liquid interface epithelial cell cultures revealed that complete epithelial differentiation was required for normal pIgR expression and IgA transcytosis.'] Does bronchial secretory immunoglobulin a deficiency correlate with airway inflammation and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.491034507751465,
-1.321420431137085,
2.8607280254364014
] |
['Extracellular nucleotides have recently been identified as proinflammatory mediators involved in asthma pathogenesis by signaling via purinergic receptors, but the role of the purinergic receptor type 6 (P2Y6R) has not been previously investigated.', 'To investigate the role of P2Y6R in asthma pathogenesis.', 'Acute and chronic OVA model and also HDM model of allergic inflammation in C57Bl/6 mice treated with specific P2Y6R antagonist and P2Y6R(-/-) mice were evaluated for classical features of asthmatic inflammation. In addition, primary epithelial cell culture from human and epithelial cell lines from mouse and human were stimulated with P2Y6R agonist and treated with P2Y6R antagonist and assessed for IL-6, IL-8/CXCL8 and KC levels. Experiments with P2Y6R(-/-) and P2Y6R(+/+) chimera were performed to discriminate the role of P2Y6R activation in structural lung cells and in cells from hematopoietic system.', "We observed that the intratracheal application of a P2Y6R antagonist (MRS2578) and P2Y6R deficiency inhibited cardinal features of asthma, such as bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia, airway remodeling, Th2 cytokine production, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the ovalbumin-alum model. MRS2578 was also effective in reducing airway inflammation in a model using house dust mite extracts to induce allergic lung inflammation. Experiments with bone marrow chimeras revealed the importance of the P2Y6R expression on lung structural cells in airway inflammation. In accordance with this finding, we found a strong up-regulation of P2Y6 expression on airway epithelial cells of animals with experimental asthma. Concerning the underlying mechanism, we observed that MRS2578 inhibited the release of IL-6 and IL-8/KC by lung epithelial cells in vivo, whereas intrapulmonary application of the P2Y6R agonist uridine-5'-diphosphate increased the bronchoalveolar levels of IL-6 and KC. In addition, selective activation of P2Y6 receptors induced the release of IL-6 and KC/IL-8 by murine and human lung epithelial cells in vitro."] Does purinergic receptor type 6 contribute to airway inflammation and remodeling in experimental allergic airway inflammation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4438321590423584,
-1.3128618001937866,
2.7379860877990723
] |
['Gastrointestinal dysmotility is common in pediatric short-bowel syndrome, leading to prolonged parenteral nutrition dependence. There is limited literature regarding the safety and efficacy of cisapride for this indication. The aim of the study was to describe the safety and efficacy of cisapride for enteral intolerance in pediatric short-bowel syndrome.', 'Open-labeled pilot study in a limited access program for cisapride. Indications were short-bowel syndrome with underlying dysmotility and difficulty advancing enteral feeds despite standard therapies and without evidence of anatomic obstruction. Patients received cisapride 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg per dose for 3 to 4 doses per day. We collected electrocardiogram, nutrition, and anthropometric data prospectively at study visits.', 'Ten patients with mean (SD) age of 30.3 (30.5) months were enrolled in our multidisciplinary pediatric intestinal rehabilitation program. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of follow-up was 8.7 (3.1-14.3) months. Median (IQR) residual bowel length was 102 (85-130) cm. Median (IQR) citrulline level was 14.5 (10.5-31.3) μmol/L. Diagnoses included isolated gastroschisis (n = 3), gastroschisis with intestinal atresia (n = 4), necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 2), and long-segment Hirschsprung disease (n = 1). Six subjects had at least 1 prior bowel-lengthening procedure. Median (IQR) change in percentage enteral energy intake was 19.9% (15.4%-29.8%) during follow-up (P = 0.01). Seven patients improved in enteral tolerance during treatment and 2 were weaned completely from parenteral nutrition. Complications during therapy were prolonged corrected QT interval (n = 2), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 2), D-lactic acidosis (n = 1), and death due to presumed sepsis (n = 1). Longitudinal analysis (general estimating equation model) showed a strong positive association between cisapride duration and improved enteral tolerance. Mean percentage of enteral intake increased by 2.9% for every month of cisapride treatment (P < 0.0001).'] Does cisapride improve enteral tolerance in pediatric short-bowel syndrome with dysmotility? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9946130514144897,
-1.5607428550720215,
2.593484401702881
] |
['Elevated immune activation persists during treated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and is associated with blunted CD4 recovery and premature mortality, but its causes remain incompletely characterized. We hypothesized that asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication might contribute to immune activation in this setting.', 'Thirty antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV-infected CMV-seropositive participants with CD4 counts <350 cells/mm(3) were randomized to receive valganciclovir 900 mg daily or placebo for 8 weeks, followed by an additional 4-week observation period. The primary outcome was the week 8 change in percentage of activated (CD38(+) HLA-DR(+)) CD8(+) T cells.', 'Fourteen participants were randomized to valganciclovir and 16 to placebo. Most participants (21 [70%] of 30) had plasma HIV RNA levels <75 copies/mL. The median CD4 count was 190 (IQR: 134-232) cells/mm(3), and 12 (40%) of 30 had detectable CMV DNA in saliva, plasma, or semen at baseline. CMV DNA continued to be detectable at weeks 4-12 in 7 (44%) of 16 placebo-treated participants, but in none of the valganciclovir-treated participants (P = .007). Valganciclovir-treated participants had significantly greater reductions in CD8 activation at weeks 8 (P = .03) and 12 (P = .02) than did placebo-treated participants. These trends were significant even among those with undetectable plasma HIV RNA levels.'] Does valganciclovir reduce T cell activation in HIV-infected individuals with incomplete CD4+ T cell recovery on antiretroviral therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5950099229812622,
-1.5735952854156494,
2.116278886795044
] |
['To determine if walking for a short distance in a natural outdoor setting will have a clinically significant effect on intraocular pressure (IOP).', 'Twenty-five healthy participants (25 eyes) aged 20.8±1.3 years had their IOP measured using noncontact tonometry at baseline, after completing a 1046 m outdoor walking course at a brisk pace and after a 20-minute resting period in a seated position. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the average IOP at each time point and Pearson correlation was used to assess relationships between the difference in IOP, baseline IOP, and walking pace.', 'IOP decreased from 16.0±2.6 mm Hg at baseline to 14.6±3.2 mm Hg (-1.4±1.1 mm Hg, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval: +0.7--3.3 mm Hg) after the walk. The IOP remained -0.7 mm Hg below the baseline level (P=0.028, paired t test with Bonferroni correction) after the 20-minute resting period. The decrease in IOP was larger in eyes with a lower baseline IOP (partial Pearson r=0.433, P=0.035, controlled for pace). The average walking pace was 4.7±0.5 km/h and was negatively correlated to the decrease in IOP (partial Pearson r=-0.432, P=0.035, controlled for baseline IOP). The postrest recovery of IOP was greater for participants who demonstrated a greater decrease in IOP during the walking period (Pearson r=-0.427, P=0.033).'] Does walking for a short distance at a brisk pace reduce intraocular pressure by a clinically significant amount? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7924274206161499,
-1.6539206504821777,
1.4934227466583252
] |
['Progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist aglepristone (RU534) has been used successfully for pregnancy termination and therapy of pyometra, vaginal tumors, and mammary hyperplasia in bitches and queens. All of these conditions share with canine mammary carcinomas the expression of PR.', 'To study the effect of RU534 on proliferation and apoptosis in canine mammary carcinomas in relation to PR expression.', 'Twenty-seven nonspayed bitches with mammary carcinomas were treated with either 2 doses of 20 mg/kg RU534 (n = 22, RU534-treated group) or oil placebo (n = 5, control group) on days 1 and 8.', 'Tumor samples were collected before (day 1) and after (day 15) treatment for immunohistochemistry. PR expression, proliferation index (PI), and apoptotic index (AI) were determined using antibodies against PR, Ki67, and cleaved lamin A/C antigens, respectively. The effect of treatment on these parameters was analyzed.', 'Differential expression of PR between day 1 (59.1% PR-positive tumors) and day 15 (36.4% PR-positive tumors) was observed in RU534-treated tumors exclusively. After RU534 treatment, mean PI was significantly decreased in PR-positive but unchanged in PR-negative RU534-treated tumors. A reduction of ≥20% in PI was found in 61.5% of RU534-treated tumors with PR expression. Conversely, no effect on AI was observed after RU534 treatment.'] Does aglepristone decrease proliferation in progesterone receptor-positive canine mammary carcinomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0671322345733643,
-1.4903486967086792,
2.5747084617614746
] |
['A growing number of studies indicate that low income, African American men and women living in urban environments are at high risk for trauma exposure, which may have intergenerational effects. The current study employed psychophysiological methods to describe biomarkers of anxiety in children of traumatized mothers.', 'Study participants were recruited from a highly traumatized urban population, comprising mother-child pairs (n=36) that included school-age children. Mothers were assessed for childhood abuse with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, as well as symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The children were measured for dark-enhanced startle responses and heart-rate variability.', "Dark-enhanced startle was found to be higher in children whose mothers had high levels of childhood physical abuse, as compared to children whose mothers had low levels of physical abuse. During the habituation phase of the startle experiment, children whose mothers had high levels of childhood emotional abuse had higher sympathetic system activation compared to children of mothers with low emotional abuse. These effects remained significant after accounting for maternal symptoms of PTSD and depression, as well as for the child's trauma exposure."] Are physiological markers of anxiety increased in children of abused mothers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.673011541366577,
0.34205326437950134,
1.4306668043136597
] |
['To determine the number of National Football League (NFL) teams using pregame hyperhydration with intravenous fluid (IVF), the most common protocols for using the IVF, the complications from this routine, and the perceived efficacy of this treatment.', 'Cross-sectional survey study.', 'National Football League.', 'The head athletic trainer from all 32 NFL teams received and completed the survey.', 'A survey designed to answer the aforementioned topics.', 'Number of teams using IVF to hyperhydrate euvolemic players before NFL games.', 'All teams (100%, 32 of 32) responded. Seventy-five percent (24 of 32) of NFL teams used pregame hyperhydration with IVF. On average, 5 to 7 players per team per game received IVF. Players received an average of 1.5 L of fluid, an average of 2.5 hours before the game. When the athletic trainers were asked to mark all the reasons why they use pregame hyperhydration with IVF, the most commonly cited reason was muscle cramps (23 of 24). However, player request was the number one answer (10 of 24) when the athletic trainers were asked to mark only the primary reason for giving IVF. Of the 27 head athletic trainers who had used pregame hyperhydration with IVF in the past, 13 (48%) reported complications.'] Do seventy-five percent of National Football League teams use pregame hyperhydration with intravenous fluid? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.08094973862171173,
-0.015372229740023613,
-0.6597272157669067
] |
['The incidence and risk factors for symptomatic vertebral fracture were analyzed in glucocorticoid-treated male patients.', 'This was an observational cohort study at Shimoshizu National Hospital in Japan. Analyzed were 161 male patients newly treated with high-dose glucocorticoid (≥20 mg/day prednisolone equivalent) (initial age: 53.5±16.9, initial glucocorticoid dose: 38.9±12.9 mg/day (0.66±0.23 mg/kg/day), follow-up time: 70.4±52.5 months) and 33 male patients with no glucocorticoid (initial age: 52.7±13.0, follow-up time: 76.4±62.7 months). The vertebral fracture was determined by x-rays.', 'Symptomatic vertebral fractures occurred more frequently in the high-dose glucocorticoid group (21.1%) than in the no glucocorticoid group (3.0%). Using Cox model, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the high-dose glucocorticoid group was 8.16 (95% confidence interval: 1.09-60.86) relative to the no glucocorticoid control group. In the high-dose glucocorticoid group, Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that the incidence of fractures in the patients with glucocorticoid dose increase was significantly higher in comparison with those with no glucocorticoid dose increase. Cox model demonstrated that the risk was independently higher in every 10-year increment of initial age with HR 1.58 (1.18-2.13), in every 10 mg increment of initial dose of prednisolone with HR 2.03 (1.43-2.88), in every dose increase of glucocorticoid increase with HR 3.63 (2.04-6.46), and with each 1-gram decrease of cumulative dose of glucocorticoid with HR 0.88 (0.84-0.93).'] Are age , initial dose and dose increase independent risk factors for symptomatic vertebral fractures in glucocorticoid-treated male patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3255761861801147,
-1.6337330341339111,
1.9493712186813354
] |
['Individuals post-stroke display abnormal Group Ia reflex excitability. Pedaling has been shown to reduce Group Ia reflexes and to normalize the relationship between EMG and reflex amplitude in the paretic soleus (SO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether these changes extend to the paretic quadriceps.', 'H-reflexes were used to examine Group Ia reflex excitability of the vastus medialis (VM). H-reflexes were elicited in paretic (n=13) and neurologically intact (n=13) individuals at 11 positions in the pedaling cycle and during static knee extension at comparable limb positions and levels of VM EMG.', 'VM H-reflexes were abnormally elevated in the paretic limb of stroke survivors. During static muscle activation, H-reflex amplitude did not change with the level of background VM activity. Pedaling reduced the amplitude of paretic VM H-reflexes and restored the normal relationship between VM EMG and H-reflex amplitude.'] Does pedaling alter the excitability and modulation of vastus medialis H-reflexes after stroke? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.657162666320801,
-0.09753863513469696,
1.795823097229004
] |
['MiR-145 functions as a protective miRNA identified in tumor tissues of lung adenocarcinoma patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between miR-145 and proliferation of lung cancer stem cells and involved molecular mechanisms in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line.', "MicroRNA microarray technology was conducted to compare miRNA signature between tumor and adjacent normal tissue of lung adenocarcinoma. The potential target gene of miR-145 was predicted by online bioinformatic softwares. Pre-miR-145 mimics and anti-miR-145 inhibitor were transfected into A549 cell line by lipofectamine 2000. miR-145 expression in each group was detected by real time PCR. The OCT4 protein level was analyzed by Western blot. The predicted miR-145 binding site in OCT4 3'-untranslated region (UTR) was validated by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. CCK-8 assay was employed to observe the proliferation activity of A549 cells. The ratio of CD133 positive cells in each group was analyzed by flow cytometry.", "miR-145 expression was significantly down-regulated in lung adenocarcinoma compared with ajacent normal tissue. OCT4 is a potential target gene of miR-145 predicted by miRanda. Compared with control group, miR-145 was significantly up-regulated and down-regulated in the pre-miR-145 mimics and anti-miR-145 inhibitor groups respectively. Overexpression of miR-145 inhibited the proliferation of A549 cells. Both the OCT4 protein level and CD133 positive ratio were remarkably decreased in the pre-miR-145 mimics group, whereas significantly increased in the anti-miR-145 inhibitor group. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay validated the predicted miR-145 binding site of OCT4 3'UTR."] Does [ miR-145 inhibit lung adenocarcinoma stem cells proliferation by targeting OCT4 gene ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0775532722473145,
-1.3724756240844727,
2.494292736053467
] |
['GRP75, a member of HSPs which is overexpressed in some resistant cancer cells, is a molecular chaperone mainly located in mitochondrial membrane. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of GRP75 on the resistant mechanisms of cancer cells by downregulating GRP75 expreesion via RNAi approach.', 'Cisplatin-resistant cell A549/CDDP was established from their parental human lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 by combining gradually increasing concentrations of cisplatin with high dosage impact. The shRNA for GRP75 was transfected into A549 and A549/CDDP cells by lentivirus. Western blot and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay were applied to detect the influence of silencing GRP75 expression on sensitivity of the cells to cisplatin.', 'The infection rate of six groups were all over 90%. After infection, the level of expression of GRP75 in both A549 and A549/CDDP were down-regulated (P < 0.05); the level of expression of p53 in A549/CDDP was up-regulated (P < 0.05) and the level of expression of bcl-2 of A549/CDDP was down-regulated (P < 0.05). The resistance index of A549/CDDP before and after infection were 21.52 and 4.14 respectively.'] Does [ RNA Interference targeting GRP75 decrease cisplatin resistance in human lung adenocarcinoma cell ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2469980716705322,
-1.224775791168213,
2.542613983154297
] |
['Accelerated central arterial stiffening as represented by progression of aortic pulse-wave velocity (PWV) may be influenced by cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Little is known about the relationships between CVD risk factors and PWV progression among women transitioning through the menopause, or whether these relationships vary by ethnicity.', "We conducted a subgroup analysis of 303 African-American and Caucasian participants in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) Heart Study which received PWV scans at baseline examination and at a follow-up examination at an average of 2.3 years later. CVD risk factors were also assessed at baseline.", 'Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and waist circumference were the strongest predictors of PWV progression, after adjustment for age, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), glucose, and triglyceride levels. The magnitude of the influence of SBP, DBP, LDL-C, and glucose on PWV progression varied by ethnicity (difference in slopes: P = 0.02 for SBP, P = 0.0009 for DBP, P = 0.005 for LDL-C, and P = 0.02 for glucose). The positive relationship between SBP and PWV progression was significant among women of both ethnicities. LDL-C, DBP, and, to a lesser extent, glucose levels were positively associated with PWV progression only among African Americans.'] Are african-American ethnicity and cardiovascular risk factors related to aortic pulse-wave velocity progression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9773521423339844,
-1.1871166229248047,
2.175788402557373
] |
['The purpose of this study was to investigate whether inhibition of Kupffer cells (KCs) affects the expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and mortality in septic peritonitis. The role of the spleen in septic peritonitis was also investigated.', 'Rats were given liposome-entrapped dichloromethylene diphosphonate (lipo-MDP) to eliminate KCs or non-entrapped liposome (lipo) before cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and serum HMGB1 levels and mortality were assessed after CLP. Furthermore, KCs and tissue macrophages were isolated, and production of HMGB1 was investigated. Effects of splenectomy on serum HMGB1 levels and mortality were also investigated after CLP.', 'Elimination of the Kupffer cells by lipo-MDP increased serum HMGB1 concentrations and mortality significantly. Furthermore, HMGB1 expression in both the periportal area of the liver and the spleen was greater in the lipo-MDP group than the lipo group. On the other hand, splenectomy blunted serum HMGB1 levels and improved mortality after CLP. The HMGB1 expression was greater in the spleen compared with the liver after CLP. Furthermore, production of HMGB1 was greatest in splenic macrophages in vitro. The number of ED3-positive cells increased significantly in non-splenectomized animals but not in splenectomized animals after CLP. In the lipo-MDP treated groups, the number of ED3-positive macrophages also increased in the liver from non-splenectomized animals but not in the splenectomized animals after CLP.'] Does the Kupffer cell inhibition exacerbate but splenectomy prevents mortality in a rat septic peritonitis model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.207857370376587,
-1.3390944004058838,
2.555603504180908
] |
['Abdominal adhesions are a common side effect of surgical procedures with complications including infertility, chronic pain, and bowel obstruction, which may lead to the need for surgical lyses of the adhesions. Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) has been implicated in several diseases, involving inflammation and fibrosis. Thus, the development of a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) that modulates MK2 activity may confer therapeutic benefit after abdominal surgery in general and more specifically after bowel anastomosis.', 'This study evaluated the function of a CPP inhibitor of MK2 in human mesothelial cells and in a rat bowel anastomosis model. To determine IC50 and basic specificity, kinase inhibition was performed using a radiometric assay. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was used to evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in response to IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation in vitro to validate MK2 kinase inhibition. Following bowel anastomosis (10 rats for each control and treatment at 4 and 10 d), the rats were evaluated for weight loss, normal healing (colonic burst strength and hydroxyproline content at the anastomosis), and number and density of adhesions.', 'The IC50 of the MK2 inhibitor peptide (22 μM) was similar to that of the nonspecific small molecule rottlerin (IC50 = 5 μM). The MK2 inhibitor peptide was effective at suppressing IL-1β and TNF-α stimulated IL-6 expression in mesothelial cells. In vivo, the MK2 inhibitor peptide was effective at suppressing both the density and number of adhesions formed as a result of bowel an anastamosis. Importantly, the peptide had no negative effect on normal healing.'] Do peptide inhibitors of MK2 show promise for inhibition of abdominal adhesions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.243891954421997,
-1.4347867965698242,
2.6690871715545654
] |
['To investigate the utility of random anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in assessing ovarian response among women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) diagnosed by elevated early follicular-phase FSH levels.', 'Retrospective study.', 'Academic and academically affiliated assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs.', 'Seventy-three women undergoing ART with elevated early follicular FSH levels.', 'None.', 'Number of oocytes retrieved during ART cycle, number of day 3 embryos, and cycle cancellation and clinical pregnancy rates.', 'Random AMH levels were strongly correlated with the number of oocytes retrieved during an ART cycle among women with elevated FSH (r=0.55). Women with elevated FSH who had a random serum AMH level of 0.6 ng/mL or higher had twice the number of oocytes retrieved (11±1.3 vs. 5.6±0.6), a greater number of day 3 embryos (5.7±0.9 vs. 3±0.5), and approximately a third of the cycle cancellation rate (14% vs. 41%) compared with women with a random serum AMH below 0.6 ng/mL. The clinical pregnancy rate was also higher among women with a random serum AMH≥0.6 ng/mL (28% vs. 14%), however, the difference was not statistically significant.'] Is random anti-Müllerian hormone ( AMH ) a predictor of ovarian response in women with elevated baseline early follicular follicle-stimulating hormone levels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3128623962402344,
-0.7802249193191528,
2.1883294582366943
] |
['To refine a previously reported linkage peak for endometriosis on chromosome 10q26, and conduct follow-up analyses and a fine-mapping association study across the region to identify new candidate genes for endometriosis.', 'Case-control study.', 'Academic research.', 'Cases=3,223 women with surgically confirmed endometriosis; controls=1,190 women without endometriosis and 7,060 population samples.', 'Analysis of 11,984 single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosome 10.', 'Allele frequency differences between cases and controls.', 'Linkage analyses on families grouped by endometriosis symptoms (primarily subfertility) provided increased evidence for linkage (logarithm of odds score=3.62) near a previously reported linkage peak. Three independent association signals were found at 96.59 Mb (rs11592737), 105.63 Mb (rs1253130), and 124.25 Mb (rs2250804). Analyses including only samples from linkage families supported the association at all three regions. However, only rs11592737 in the cytochrome P450 subfamily C (CYP2C19) gene was replicated in an independent sample of 2,079 cases and 7,060 population controls.'] Does high-density fine-mapping of a chromosome 10q26 linkage peak suggest association between endometriosis and variants close to CYP2C19? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7501517534255981,
-1.1569280624389648,
1.984161138534546
] |
['Current evidence suggests a relationship between seasonal Influenza viral infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Experimental animals inoculated with Influenza A virus have shown to develop thrombotic complications similar to those seen in humans. Conversely, several epidemiological studies and clinical trials have suggested that Influenza vaccination may have a protective effect on CVD. However, the potential mechanisms behind this protective effect remain unstudied. We aimed to study the effect of Influenza vaccination on atherosclerotic plaque development in apoE(-/-) mice.', 'The effect of immunization with increasing doses of Influenza vaccine (0.38, 1.8, 9 and 45 μg/0.5 mL Vaxigrip®, Sanofi-Aventis) on atherogenesis was compared with that of animals immunized with Pneumo23® (pneumococcus vaccine, Sanofi-Aventis) and control group inoculated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Animals vaccinated with 45 μg/0.5 mL Vaxigrip®, (the same dose used to immunize humans adults against Influenza) developed smaller atherosclerotic lesions with lower lipid content but richer in smooth muscle cells and collagen when compared with control animals. Concomitantly, they showed lower levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) but higher levels of IL-4. Furthermore, we found increased levels of anti-Influenza immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 or anti-Pneumo23® IgM specific antibodies in a time and dose dependent fashion in animals immunized with these vaccines.'] Does influenza vaccination promote stable atherosclerotic plaques in apoE knockout mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3448967933654785,
-1.3264731168746948,
2.7311205863952637
] |
['Transthoracic echocardiographic estimates of peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure are conventionally calculated from the maximal velocity of the tricuspid regurgitation (TR) jet. Unfortunately, there is insufficient TR to determine estimated peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure (EPSPAP) in a significant number of patients. To date, in the absence of TR, no noninvasive method of deriving EPSPAP has been developed.', 'Five hundred clinically indicated transthoracic echocardiograms were reviewed over a period of 6 months. Patients with pulmonic stenosis were excluded. Pulsed-wave Doppler was used to measure pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT) and right ventricular ejection time. Continuous-wave Doppler was used to measure the peak velocity of TR (TR(Vmax)), and EPSPAP was calculated as 4 × TR(Vmax)(2)\xa0+ 10 mm Hg (to account for right atrial pressure). The relationship between PAAT and EPSPAP was then assessed.', 'Adequate imaging to measure PAAT was available in 99.6% of patients (498 of 500), but 25.3% (126 of 498) had insufficient TR to determine EPSPAP, and 1 patient had significant pulmonic stenosis. Therefore, 371 were included in the final analysis. Interobserver variability for PAAT was 0.97. There were strong inverse correlations between PAAT and TR(Vmax) (r\xa0= -0.96), the right atrial/right ventricular pressure gradient (r\xa0= -0.95), and EPSPAP (r\xa0= -0.95). The regression equation describing the relationship between PAAT and EPSPAP was log(10)(EPSPAP)\xa0= -0.004 (PAAT)\xa0+ 2.1 (P < .001).'] Does pulmonary artery acceleration time provide an accurate estimate of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure during transthoracic echocardiography? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2164897918701172,
-1.7936465740203857,
1.987265706062317
] |
['Genetic variation in arginase (ARG) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been associated with exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in children. Little is known about whether epigenetic variation in these genes modulates FeNO.', 'To evaluate whether DNA methylation in ARG and NOS genes is associated with FeNO.', "A subset of 940 participants in the Children's Health Study were selected for this study. Children were eligible if they had FeNO measurements and buccal cells collected on the same day. CpG loci located in the promoter regions of NOS1, NOS2A, NOS3, ARG1, and ARG2 genes were analyzed. Multiple loci in each gene were evaluated individually and averaged together. DNA methylation was measured using a bisulfite-polymerase chain reaction pyrosequencing assay. Linear regression models were used to investigate the association between DNA methylation and FeNO and whether associations differed by asthma status.", 'DNA methylation in ARG2 was significantly associated with FeNO. A 1% increase in average DNA methylation of ARG2 was associated with a 2.3% decrease in FeNO (95% confidence interval, -4 to -0.6). This association was significantly larger in children with asthma (%diff = -8.7%) than in children with no asthma (%diff = -1.6%; p(int) = 0.01). Differences in FeNO by asthma status were also observed for ARG1 (%diff(asthma) = -4.4%; %diff(non-asthma) = 0.3%; p(int) = 0.02). DNA methylation in NOS genes was not associated with FeNO.'] Is dNA methylation in the arginase-nitric oxide synthase pathway associated with exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6229299306869507,
-1.5300331115722656,
2.0984997749328613
] |
['We have previously characterized a cGMP-dependent Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) current in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and have shown its dependence on bestrophin-3 expression. We hypothesize that this current is important for synchronization of SMCs in the vascular wall. In the present study, we aimed to test this hypothesis by transfecting rat mesenteric small arteries in vivo with siRNA specifically targeting bestrophin-3.', 'The arteries were tested 3 days after transfection in vitro for isometric force development and for intracellular Ca(2+) in SMCs. Bestrophin-3 expression was significantly reduced compared with arteries transfected with mutated siRNA. mRNA levels for bestrophin-1 and -2 were also significantly reduced by bestrophin-3 down-regulation. This is suggested to be secondary to specific bestrophin-3 down-regulation since siRNAs targeting different exons of the bestrophin-3 gene had identical effects on bestrophin-1 and -2 expression. The transfection affected neither the maximal contractile response nor the sensitivity to norepinephrine and arginine-vasopressin. The amplitude of agonist-induced vasomotion was significantly reduced in arteries down-regulated for bestrophins compared with controls, and asynchronous Ca(2+) waves appeared in the SMCs. The average frequency of vasomotion was not different. 8Br-cGMP restored vasomotion in arteries where the endothelium was removed, but oscillation amplitude was still significantly less in bestrophin-down-regulated arteries. Thus, vasomotion properties were consistent with those previously characterized for rat mesenteric small arteries. Data from our mathematical model are consistent with the experimental results.'] Is bestrophin important for the rhythmic but not the tonic contraction in rat mesenteric small arteries? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.245912551879883,
-1.3593003749847412,
2.5568461418151855
] |
['Preclinical data suggest a possible role for 5-HT6 receptors in depression and anxiety. However, the results of pharmacological studies are equivocal since both blockade and stimulation of 5-HT6 receptors may evoke antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects.', 'In the present study, the effects of the 5-HT6 receptor agonist EMD 386088, administered intrahippocampally (i.hp.) to rats, were assessed in behavioral tests commonly used for evaluating antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like activities.', "EMD 386088 (10 and 20\xa0μg, i.hp.) exerted a significant antidepressant-like effect as revealed by decreased duration of rats' immobility in the forced swim test. This effect was blocked by systemic administration of the selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonist SB-399885. Additionally, the anxiolytic-like activity was demonstrated in the Vogel conflict and elevated plus maze tests, as EMD 386088 reduced the number of punished responding (5-20\xa0μg, i.hp.) and increased the percentage of open arm entries (10 and 20\xa0μg, i.hp.). The tested 5-HT6 agonist (5-20\xa0μg, i.hp.) affected neither distance traveled in the open field test nor motor coordination assessed in the rotarod test."] Does the 5-HT6 receptor agonist EMD 386088 produce antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in rats after intrahippocampal administration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1107115745544434,
-1.4230409860610962,
2.5273311138153076
] |
['Few studies have recently showed functional and morphological changes of the thyroid gland in relation to obesity. To our knowledge, no data are available about the prevalence of thyroid nodules in female obese patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules in morbidly obese women.', 'One hundred eight consecutive female obese patients were selected from those referred to our medical and surgery outpatients providing that following criteria were satisfied: (1) affected by morbid obesity (body mass index (BMI) >40\xa0kg/m(2)); (2) no previous diagnosis of thyroid disease; (3) biochemically proven euthyroid state at the time of recruitment. Ninety-seven control subjects, constituted by normo-weight and/or slightly overweight (BMI\u2009≤\u200930\xa0kg/m(2)) women, should satisfy the above criteria 2 and 3. All the subjects were submitted to ultrasound investigation.', 'The two groups of patients displayed no differences for age and fT4 levels. Obese patients clearly showed a lower prevalence of thyroid nodules [odds ratio 0.294, 95% confidence interval 0.206-0.382]. A single nodule was found in 23% of obese patients as compared to 65% of control subjects (p\u2009<\u20090.0001). No difference for age (year) was found between obese and non-obese subjects with nodules (40.5\u2009±\u20098.2 vs. 44.2\u2009±\u20098.9, respectively, p\u2009=\u20090.07).'] Is morbid obesity in women associated to a lower prevalence of thyroid nodules? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5317878127098083,
-1.590625524520874,
1.175790786743164
] |
['To determine whether 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) is involved in rotenone-induced injury in PC12 cells, which is a cell model of Parkinson disease.', 'After rotenone treatment for various durations, cell viability was determined by colorimetric MTT reduction assay, and 5-LOX translocation was detected by immunocytochemistry. The effect of 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton was also investigated.', 'Rotenone (0.3-30 μmol/L) induced PC12 cell injury, and zileuton (3-100 μmol/L) attenuated this injury. Rotenone also time-and concentration-dependently induced 5-LOX translocation into the nuclear envelope, and zileuton (1-30 μmo/L) significantly inhibited rotenone-induced 5-LOX translocation.'] Is [ 5-lipoxygenase involved in rotenone-induced injury in PC12 cells ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2344210147857666,
-1.245073914527893,
2.6035728454589844
] |
['Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine with potent antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, IL-10 has a very short plasma half-life in vivo. This prompted the question whether a short intravenous treatment might have prolonged effects on more chronic processes like sclerosis.', 'Glomerulosclerosis was induced by anti-Thymocyte 1 (Anti-Thy 1) antibody. Four days after induction, an intravenous injection of recombinant human IL-10 (rhIL-10) was given for 3 consecutive days. Untreated rats received vehicle only (phosphate-buffered saline). Parameters of inflammation and fibrosis were assessed at protein and mRNA levels. Untreated rats showed renal histopathological changes as compared to normal rats.', 'Glomerular matrix expansion and inflammatory cell influx was observed and an increase in glomerular-inducible nitric oxide synthetase and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were found on the protein level, factors that were clearly attenuated by IL-10 treatment. In particular, the decrease of matrix metalloproteinase-13 levels between days 4 and 7 was completely prevented by IL-10. In contrast, IL-10 did not significantly reduce mRNA levels for procollagen α1(1), α-SMA, and transforming growth factor 1.'] Does intravenous administration of recombinant human IL-10 suppress the development of anti-thy 1-induced glomerulosclerosis in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.451378583908081,
-1.3500316143035889,
2.815993309020996
] |
['We investigated the significance of microbial translocation measured on average 3 years after HIV seroconversion in driving disease progression in HIV untreated patients with high CD4(+) cell count.', 'We included ICONA patients with documented last HIV-negative and first HIV-positive test, at least one plasma sample stored while antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive and CD4(+) cell count greater than 200 cells/μl.', "Microbial translocation [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), sCD14 and EndoCAb] and immune activation (IL-6 and TNF-α) were measured. Correlation between immune activation, microbial translocation, CD4(+) and plasma HIV-RNA was evaluated by linear regression and nonparametric Spearman's rho. The independent predictive value of these markers on time to progression to the combined endpoint of AIDS, death, CD4(+) cell count less than 200 cells/μl or start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was assessed using survival analysis.", 'We analysed 1488 biomarker measures from 379 patients. A median of 3.1 years after the estimated seroconversion date [interquartile range (IQR) 1.6-5.4], median (IQR) markers values were LPS, 110 pg/ml (IQR 75-215), sCD14, 3.3 μg/ml (2.2-4.8), IL-6, 1.1 pg/ml (0.6-1.9) and TNF-α, 2.4 pg/ml (1.8-3.4). Two hundred and sixty progression events were recorded over a median of 1.6 years from the first sample (2% AIDS, 84% ART initiation, 12% CD4(+) cell count less than 200 cells/μl and 2% death). LPS was the only biomarker associated with this primary composite outcome independently of age, HIV-RNA and CD4(+) (relative hazard = 1.40 per loge higher, 95% confidence interval 1.18-1.66, P < 0.001).'] Does microbial translocation predict disease progression of HIV-infected antiretroviral-naive patients with high CD4+ cell count? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5661262273788452,
-1.679235577583313,
2.2490062713623047
] |
['Animal studies indicate that dopamine pathways in the ventral striatum code for the motivational salience of both rewarding and aversive stimuli, but evidence for this mechanism in humans is less established. We have developed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) model which permits examination of the neural processing of both rewarding and aversive stimuli.', 'The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the dopamine receptor antagonist, sulpiride, on the neural processing of rewarding and aversive stimuli in healthy volunteers.', 'We studied 30 healthy participants who were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of sulpiride (400\xa0mg) or placebo, in a double-blind, parallel-group design. We used fMRI to measure the neural response to rewarding (taste or sight of chocolate) and aversive stimuli (sight of mouldy strawberries or unpleasant strawberry taste) 4\xa0h after drug treatment.', 'Relative to placebo, sulpiride reduced blood oxygenation level-dependent responses to chocolate stimuli in the striatum (ventral striatum) and anterior cingulate cortex. Sulpiride also reduced lateral orbitofrontal cortex and insula activations to the taste and sight of the aversive condition.'] Does the D2 antagonist sulpiride modulate the neural processing of both rewarding and aversive stimuli in healthy volunteers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4973411560058594,
-1.1181061267852783,
2.630180835723877
] |
['Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is known to be a key fibrogenic cytokine in a number of chronic fibrotic diseases, including chronic allograft nephropathy. We examined the effects of inhibition of TGF-β1 expression by RNA interference on renal allograft fibrosis, and explored the mechanisms responsible for these effects.', 'A Sprague-Dawley-to-Wistar rat model of accelerated kidney transplant fibrosis was used. Sixty recipient adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: group J (sham-operated group), group T (plasmid-transfected group), group H (control plasmid group), and group Y (transplant only group). Rats in group T were transfected with 200 µg of TGF-β1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of TGF-β1, Smad3/7, E-cadherin, and type I collagen. The distribution of type I collagen was measured by immunohistochemistry. The pathologic changes and extent of fibrosis were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical staining were used to label tubular epithelial cells and fibroblasts, respectively.', 'Plasmid transfection significantly inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, as well as that of its target gene, type I collagen (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, the degree of fibrosis was mild, and its development was delayed in plasmid-transfected rats. In contrast, TGF-β1-shRNA transfection maintained the expression of E-cadherin in tubular epithelial cells while it inhibited the transformation from epithelial cells to fibroblasts. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were lower in the plasmid group than in the control groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).'] Does transforming growth factor-β1 short hairpin RNA inhibit renal allograft fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3498589992523193,
-1.4085001945495605,
2.78825306892395
] |
['Overweight adolescents have low bone mineral content for weight and are at increased risk for fractures.', 'The aim was to determine whether overweight and obesity influence the positive relationship between dietary calcium intake and skeletal calcium retention in adolescents.', 'Analysis of pooled data from calcium balance studies in adolescents.', 'Participants each underwent a 3-wk calcium balance study in a controlled environment.', 'Participants included 280 White, Black, and Asian boys (n = 73) and girls (n = 207) ages 10-16 yr.', 'The relationship among body mass index (BMI), calcium intake, and calcium retention was modeled using linear regression.', 'Calcium intake, BMI, sex, race, and age explained 27.9% of the variation in calcium retention. At low calcium intakes, there was no effect of BMI on skeletal calcium retention, but at higher calcium intakes, BMI increased skeletal calcium retention.'] Does obesity augment calcium-induced increases in skeletal calcium retention in adolescents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8984167575836182,
0.29011961817741394,
0.7611877918243408
] |
['Glucokinase (GCK) phosphorylates glucose to form glucose 6-phosphate and thereby regulates hepatic glucose disposal and activates hepatic lipogenesis. Hepatic GCK activity is regulated on the level of GCK mRNA expression and by the inhibitory glucokinase regulatory protein. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation between GCK mRNA expression and markers of lipogenesis as well as liver fat content in human liver biopsies. Additionally, we investigated whether genetic variation in the liver specific GCK promoter determines liver fat content in humans.', 'Hepatic mRNA expression and liver triglyceride content was analyzed in 50 human liver biopsies. In a second cohort of 330 individuals, liver fat was precisely measured by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy.', 'Hepatic GCK mRNA expression is associated with triglyceride content in human liver biopsies (r = 0.50, P = 0.0002). Furthermore, hepatic GCK mRNA expression is associated with lipogenic gene expression (fatty acid synthase, r = 0.49, P = 0.0003; acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-α, r = 0.44, P = 0.0015, and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase-β, r = 0.48, P = 0.0004) and the de novo lipogenesis index (r = 0.36, P = 0.01). In support of these findings, the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2041547 in the liver-specific GCK promoter is associated with liver fat content in prediabetic individuals (P = 0.047).'] Is hepatic glucokinase expression associated with lipogenesis and fatty liver in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.16678786277771,
-1.3820301294326782,
2.5778629779815674
] |
['Although postprandial hyperglycemia is recognized as an important target in type 2 diabetes treatment, information on the prevalence of postprandial hyperglycemia throughout the day is limited. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of hyperglycemia throughout the day in type 2 diabetes patients and healthy controls under standardized dietary, but otherwise free-living conditions.', '60 male type 2 diabetes patients (HbA(1c) 7.5±0.1% [58±1 mmol/mol]) and 24 age- and BMI-matched normal glucose tolerant controls were recruited to participate in a comparative study of daily glycemic control. During a 3-day experimental period, blood glucose concentrations throughout the day were assessed by continuous glucose monitoring.', 'Type 2 diabetes patients experienced hyperglycemia (glucose concentrations >10 mmol/L) 38±4% of the day. Even diabetes patients with an HbA(1c) level below 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) experienced hyperglycemia for as much as 24±5% throughout the day. Hyperglycemia was negligible in the control group (3±1%).'] Is postprandial hyperglycemia highly prevalent throughout the day in type 2 diabetes patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1115953922271729,
-1.1052807569503784,
1.2565042972564697
] |
['The goal of this study was to investigate the association between omentin-1 and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).', 'We enrolled randomly 60 MetS patients, evaluated their carotid atherosclerosis employing ultrasonography and then divided them into two subgroups, MetS with atherosclerosis (MetS+AS) and MetS without atherosclerosis (MetS-AS) according to the level of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and presence of plaque. Stiffness, strain and distensibility were calculated. Waist circumference and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Fasting blood sample was collected to determine biochemical indicators and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Omentin-1 plasma level was assessed by ELISA. Association of omentin-1 with CIMT and metabolic markers were studied.', 'Levels of omentin-1 were lower in MetS than in controls and reduced further in MetS+AS compared with MetS-AS. In correlation analysis, omentin-1 was negative associated with CIMT, stiffness, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), fast blood glucose (FBG), and HOMA-IR.'] Is omentin-1 associated with carotid atherosclerosis in patients with metabolic syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1716296672821045,
-1.4550199508666992,
2.652872323989868
] |
['Epidermal keratinocytes, which can be severely damaged after ionizing radiation (IR), are rapid turnover cells that function as a barrier, protecting the host from pathogenic invasion and fluid loss. We tested fibroblast growth factor-peptide (FGF-P), a small peptide derived from the receptor-binding domain of FGF-2, as a potential mitigator of radiation effects via proliferation and the barrier function of keratinocytes.', 'Keratinocytes isolated from neonatal foreskin were grown on transwells. After being exposed to 0, 5, or 10 Gy IR, the cells were treated with a vehicle or FGF-P. The permeability of IR cells was assessed by using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and a paracellular tracer flux of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) with Ussing chambers. The cell proliferation was measured with yellow tetrazolium salt (MTT) and tritiated thymidine ([3H]-TdR) assays. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) was measured in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA)-like assay, and the proteins related to tight junctions (TJ) and adherens junctions (AJ) were examined with Western blotting. We used a mouse model to assess the ability of FGF-P to promote the healing of skin β burns created with a strontium applicator.', 'We found (1) FGF-P reduced the permeability of irradiated keratinocytes, as evidenced by increased TEER and decreased diffusion of FITC-BSA, both associated with the regulation of different proteins and levels of TJ and AJ; and (2) FGF-P enhanced the proliferation of irradiated keratinocytes, as evidenced by increased MTT activity and [3H]-TdR incorporation, which was associated with activation of the ERK pathway; and (3) FGF-P promoted the healing of skin β burns.'] Does fibroblast growth factor-peptide improve barrier function and proliferation in human keratinocytes after radiation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.433711051940918,
-1.3310048580169678,
2.816483974456787
] |
['The irradiation of blood components is used to inactivate T-lymphocytes to prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host (GVH) disease in susceptible recipients. X-irradiation can be used as an alternative to gamma irradiation and does not involve the use of a radioactive source. This study investigated the effect of X-irradiation on the quality of various red cell concentrates (RCC).', 'Whole blood units were processed into RCC in additive solution (SAG-M) or RCC in plasma suitable for intra-uterine (IUT) or neonatal exchange transfusion. RCC-SAG-M were irradiated at day 14 and sampled before and 0, 7 and 14 days following irradiation. RCC-IUT and RCC-Exchange were irradiated on day 4 and sampled before and 0 and 24 h following irradiation. Extracellular potassium levels and free plasma haemoglobin (haemolysis) were compared in X or gamma-irradiated units during storage.', 'X-irradiation of RCC in SAG-M, or RCC for IUT or Exchange resulted in haemolysis comparable with gamma irradiation and levels were below the current UK/CE limit of 0.8% at the end of shelf life. X-irradiation of RCC-SAG-M or RCC-IUT with haematocrit of 75% and 85% resulted in potassium leakage comparable with gamma-irradiation. However, X-irradiation of RCC for neonatal exchange transfusion showed statistically significantly higher supernatant potassium levels after 24 h than gamma irradiation, although this difference is considered to be clinically insignificant.'] Does effect of X-irradiation on the quality of red cell concentrate? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0184743404388428,
-1.4549541473388672,
2.5379719734191895
] |
['Non-invasive detection of vascular dysfunction in the early stage is clinically important in patients with sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is a novel clinical marker of endothelial function. However, it is not clear whether this is useful in the SAS patient.', 'Echocardiographic parameters and FMD were measured in 129 patients with SAS. Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was defined by polygraphy, and patients were divided into the two Groups: Group A (moderate-severe SAS: AHI≥ 15 times/hr, n=93) and Group B (mild SAS: AHI 5-15 times/hr, n=36).', 'There were no significant differences in echocardiographic parameters between the two groups. However, FMD was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B (3.5±1.6 vs. 7.8±3.1, P< 0.01).'] Does flow-mediated dilatation identify impaired endothelial function in patients with sleep apnea syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0173497200012207,
-1.4359930753707886,
2.470064163208008
] |
['Clinical parameters such as probing depth and bleeding on probing are commonly used for monitoring after periodontal treatment. However, these parameters have poor prognostic utility. The biomarker calprotectin is used to monitor conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease because of its ability to predict disease activity. Levels of calprotectin in gingival crevicular fluid correlate with periodontal disease severity and treatment outcome. The validity of calprotectin as predictor for future periodontal disease activity has not yet been investigated.', 'Thirty-six subjects with generalized aggressive periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP), and with adjunctive antimicrobial medications. Probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 6mo after SRP. A gingival crevicular fluid sample was collected from the initially deepest site in each patient 3mo after SRP and analysed for calprotectin levels. Activity was defined as a probing depth increase of >0.5mm between 3 and 6mo at the sample site. The ability of individual parameters to predict activity was analysed by construction of receiver operating characteristic curves.', 'Nine active sites were identified. Clinical attachment level, probing depth, bleeding on probing and gingival crevicular fluid volume showed no predictive utility [area under the curve (AUC) <0.6, p>0.05]. However, calprotectin concentration (AUC=0.793, p=0.01) and the total amount/sample of calprotectin (AUC=0.776, p=0.02) significantly predicted activity. Patients with calprotectin levels above calculated cut-off values had significantly more active sites than patients with negative results.'] Do calprotectin levels in gingival crevicular fluid predict disease activity in patients treated for generalized aggressive periodontitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7631791830062866,
-1.605584979057312,
2.373229503631592
] |
['This study explores the relationship between instructional strategies and effective health education curricula.', "A content analysis of 10 health education curricula was conducted to determine if they include common instructional strategies for actively engaging students in acquisition of health skills. To be included, the curricula had to (1) be research-based and proven via empirical testing to positively influence the health behaviors and (2) address 1 of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 6 priority health risk behaviors.", 'Content analysis revealed 5 active learning strategies incorporated to involve students in acquiring health skills. Role play, group cooperation, and small group discussion were found in all 10 curricula. To a lesser extent, interactive technology and team games were also included.'] Does it 's all in the delivery ! An analysis of instructional strategies from effective health education curricula? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.5109537839889526,
2.8896729946136475,
-1.750015139579773
] |
['Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane-bound heparan sulphate proteoglycan. Glypicans are predominantly expressed during development in cell- and tissue-specific manners and act as co-receptors for many heparin-binding growth factors, playing important roles in cell growth and differentiation. GPC3 expression has been linked to several visceral malignancies, but its role in sarcomas is unexplored. Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), the most common paediatric soft tissue sarcomas (STS), are aggressive tumours that frequently show histological overlap with other STS. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays to study GPC3 expression in paediatric RMS and a variety of the more common spindle cell and pleomorphic adult sarcomas.', '642 tumour samples encompassing alveolar and embryonal RMS and adult STS (fibrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma) were stained with anti- GPC3, and percentage expression in tumour cells was scored on a scale of 0 to +3.', 'GPC3 immunostaining was positive (+1 to +3 expression) in 34.7% (74/213) of RMS samples (15/60 alveolar, 54/143 embryonal, 5 RMS not otherwise specified), but negative or negligible in all other sarcoma samples.'] Is glypican-3 expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas but not adult spindle cell and pleomorphic sarcomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9935762882232666,
-1.486037015914917,
2.4907937049865723
] |
['Abstract Background: Skeletal muscle adipose tissue (AT) infiltration, or myosteatosis, appears to be greater in African compared with European ancestry individuals and may play a role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a disease that disproportionally affects African ancestry populations. Inflammation is one mechanism that may link myosteatosis with increased T2DM risk, but studies examining the relationship between inflammation and myosteatosis are lacking.', 'To examine these associations, we measured skeletal muscle subcutaneous AT, intermuscular AT, and skeletal muscle density using quantitative computed tomography and serum markers of inflammation in 471 individuals from 8 Afro-Caribbean multigenerational families [mean family size 67; mean age 43 years; mean body mass index (BMI) 28\u2009kg/m(2)].', 'After removing the variation attributable to significant covariates, heritabilities of inflammation markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] ranged from 33% (TNFα) to 40% (CRP); all P<0.01. Higher CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α were associated with lower subcutaneous AT around skeletal muscle (r=-0.13 to -0.19, P<0.05). Higher CRP was additionally associated with lower skeletal muscle density, indicative of greater intramuscular AT (r=-0.10, P<0.05), hyperinsulinemia (r=0.12, P<0.05), and increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r=0.17, P<0.01).'] Are markers of inflammation heritable and associated with subcutaneous and ectopic skeletal muscle adiposity in African ancestry families? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.098402261734009,
-1.4207571744918823,
2.5871448516845703
] |
["Hypothyroidism (HT) is a frequent late side effect of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine dose-volume constraints that correlate with functional impairment of the thyroid gland in HL patients treated with three-dimensional radiotherapy.", 'A total of 61 consecutive patients undergoing antiblastic chemotherapy and involved field radiation treatment (median dose, 32 Gy; range, 30-36 Gy) for HL were retrospectively considered. Their median age was 28 years (range, 14-70 years). Blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodo-thyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroglobulin antibody (ATG) were recorded basally and at different times after the end of therapy. For the thyroid gland, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), dosimetric parameters, and the percentage of thyroid volume exceeding 10, 20, and 30 Gy (V10, V20, and V30) were calculated in all patients. To evaluate clinical and dosimetric factors possibly associated with HT, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.', 'Eight of 61 (13.1%) patients had HT before treatment and were excluded from further evaluation. At a median follow-up of 32 months (range, 6-99 months), 41.5% (22/53) of patients developed HT after treatment. Univariate analyses showed that all dosimetric factors were associated with HT (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the thyroid V30 value was the single independent predictor associated with HT (p = 0.001). This parameter divided the patients into low- vs. high-risk groups: if V30 was ≤ 62.5%, the risk of developing HT was 11.5%, and if V30 was >62.5%, the risk was 70.8% (p < 0.0001). A Cox regression curve stratified by two levels of V30 value was created (odds ratio, 12.6).'] Does thyroid V30 predict radiation-induced hypothyroidism in patients treated with sequential chemo-radiotherapy for Hodgkin 's lymphoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.653104305267334,
-1.6488478183746338,
2.2940926551818848
] |
['Preoperative determinants of surgical risk in elderly patients with meningioma are not fully defined. This study was undertaken to determine whether the Charlson comorbidity index could be used to accurately predict postoperative outcomes among older patients with meningiomas undergoing neurosurgical resection and thereby make a selection for surgery easier.', 'We performed a multi-institutional retrospective cohort analysis via the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (1998-2005). Patients 65 years of age and older who underwent tumor resection of intracranial meningiomas were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, coding. The primary independent variable in multivariate regression was the Charlson comorbidity score, and the primary outcome was inpatient death. Secondary outcomes included inpatient complications, length of stay, and total hospital charges.', 'We identified 5717 patients (66.6% female, and 81.8% white) with mean age of 73.6 years. Mean Charlson comorbidity score was 0.99. Inpatient mortality was 3.2%. Mean length of stay was 9.1 days, and mean total charges were $62,983. In multivariate analysis, the only factors consistently associated with worse outcome were increased Charlson comorbidity score and increased patient age (ie, >65 years of age). Only greater Charlson scores were additionally associated with greater odds of all major complications such as neurological, respiratory, and cardiac complications. Elective procedures were consistently associated with less inpatient death, length of stay, and total charges. All associations were statistically significant (P < 0.05).'] Does preoperative charlson comorbidity score predict postoperative outcomes among older intracranial meningioma patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6558223962783813,
-1.421570062637329,
2.090320587158203
] |
['The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between birth weight, pulmonary artery (PA) size, and outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) to establish if PA size has prognostic value.', 'The subjects for this study were 39 consecutive left-sided CDH patients treated at our institution according to the same protocol from 2002 to 2009. Other CDH patients with concurrent anomalies that eventually caused death or who became symptomatic more than 6 h after birth were excluded. Birth weight was used to create two groups; low birth weight (LBW; birth weight ≤ 2,500 g; n = 15) and normal birth weight (NBW; birth weight >2,500 g; n = 24). Right PA (RPA) and left PA (LPA) were measured by echocardiography (EC) during late pregnancy (fetal; gestational age (GA): 32-34 weeks), and on days 0, and 2 of life and compared.', 'Mean birth weights were significantly different between the two groups; however, gender, mean GA, and outcome were similar. In LBW survivors, RPA was significantly larger than in non-survivors. PA size was not related to outcome in NBW.'] Does pulmonary artery size have prognostic value in low birth weight infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9598114490509033,
-1.1009511947631836,
1.1399728059768677
] |
['Notch proteins are a family of transmembrane receptors that coordinate binary cell fate decisions and differentiation in wet-surfaced epithelia. We sought to determine whether Notch signaling contributes to maintaining mucosal homeostasis by modulating the biosynthesis of cell surface-associated mucins in an in vitro model of human corneal (HCLE) and conjunctival (HCjE) epithelial cell differentiation.', 'HCLE and HCjE cells were grown at different stages of differentiation, representing nondifferentiated (preconfluent and confluent) and differentiated (stratified) epithelial cultures. Notch signaling was blocked with the γ-secretase inhibitor dibenzazepine (DBZ). The presence of Notch intracellular domains (Notch1 to Notch3) and mucin protein (MUC1, -4, -16) was evaluated by electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. Mucin gene expression was determined by TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction.', 'Here we demonstrate that Notch3 is highly expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated HCLE and HCjE cells, and that Notch1 and Notch2 biosynthesis is enhanced by induction of differentiation with serum-containing media. Inhibition of Notch signaling with DBZ impaired MUC16 biosynthesis in a concentration-dependent manner in undifferentiated cells at both preconfluent and confluent stages, but not in postmitotic stratified cells. In contrast to protein levels, the amount of MUC16 transcripts were not significantly reduced after DBZ treatment, suggesting that Notch regulates MUC16 posttranscriptionally. Immunoblots of DBZ-treated epithelial cells grown at different stages of differentiation revealed no differences in the levels of MUC1 and MUC4.'] Does notch signaling modulate MUC16 biosynthesis in an in vitro model of human corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell differentiation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.381614923477173,
-1.33603036403656,
2.769874095916748
] |
['This was a pilot study to establish a protein difference between thyroglossal duct cyst fluid relative to oral saliva, in order to differentiate patients with residual thyroglossal cyst from those with salivary fistula in the case of post-Sistrunk procedure incisional drainage. Past immunohistochemistry studies on archived tissue blocks from post-Sistrunk procedure patients have shown MUC5AC to have elevated concentrations in thyroglossal duct relative to salivary tissue; secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) was also chosen as a candidate protein based on previously published reports of its increased concentration in saliva relative to respiratory secretions.', 'Diagnostic tests were assessed. Thyroglossal duct cyst fluid and oral saliva were obtained from 12 patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was then performed on the samples to identify the presence of MUC5AC and IgA.', 'Tertiary care hospital.', 'Patient fluid samples were taken immediately postoperatively for patients undergoing Sistrunk procedure at one institution. Presence of thyroglossal duct cyst was confirmed in all cases by pathology.', 'Seven of 12 thyroglossal duct cyst fluid samples were shown to have elevated absorbance with ELISA for MUC5AC. In experiments for IgA, 10 of the 12 saliva samples had elevated absorbance compared with thyroglossal duct fluid samples obtained from the same patient.'] Does immunoglobulin A define secretions from salivary tissue in post-Sistrunk procedure drainage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.450026035308838,
-1.2562224864959717,
2.807807445526123
] |
['We determine whether mandatory formal triage of walk-in emergency department (ED) patients provides timely recognition of the most acutely ill.', 'This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a US urban academic ED, annual census 39,000, which uses Emergency Severity Index-5 triage (ESI-5) for all arriving patients. ESI-5 recommends that level 1 and 2 patients be treated by a physician immediately or within 10 minutes, respectively. For all high-acuity (ESI 1 or 2) patients presenting between January 1 and December 31, 2008, data from electronic medical records and registration and tracking systems were used to determine elapsed time from arrival to completion of triage (median, range, 95th percentile), proportion of these intervals that met ESI-5 recommendations, and whether triage throughput differed during peak arrival hours.', 'For 3,932 high-acuity walk-in visits (ESI 1=63; ESI 2=3,869), median time from arrival to triage completion was 12.3 minutes, range 0 to 128 minutes. Twenty-seven percent (95% confidence interval [CI] 26% to 29%) of high-acuity patients were taken to rooms on arrival; 41% (95% CI 40%, 43%), including those roomed immediately, completed triage within 10 minutes. Twenty-five percent (95% CI 24% to 26%) completed triage in greater than 20 minutes and 10% (95% CI 9% to 11%) greater than 30 minutes after arrival. Between 10 am and 10 pm (peak arrival hours), triage took longer for level 2 patients, and fewer met ESI recommendations.'] Does mandatory triage identify high-acuity patients within recommended time frames? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
1.2109808921813965,
-1.6664351224899292,
-0.4366464614868164
] |
['The pathogenesis and diagnostic methods for idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) have been active areas of research in recent years. This study was performed to determine whether there is a venous return abnormality in the intracranial circulation of patients with iNPH.', 'The subjects were 20 patients with iNPH (Group N) and 24 normal controls (Group C). MR venography (MRV) was performed at the superior sagittal sinus 2 cm above the confluence of the sinuses, and the flow velocities were compared between Groups N and C.', 'During normal breathing, the maximum velocities were significantly lower in Group N (18.8 cm/second) than in Group C (22.9 cm/second; (P < .01). During the Valsalva maneuver, compared to normal breathing, the velocity decreased in both groups, but both the maximum (Max V) and minimum (Min V) velocities were significantly lower in Group N than in Group C (P < .01).'] Is flow velocity of the superior sagittal sinus reduced in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0404212474823,
-1.3386236429214478,
2.4152045249938965
] |
['Oval-shaped canals represent a challenge for rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) files because buccal and/or lingual recesses are commonly left uninstrumented. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the debridement quality of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) system in oval canals and compare it with the debridement achieved by a commonly used NiTi rotary system.', 'A careful specimen selection resulted in two equal groups each consisting of 12 extracted mandibular canines with oval canals that had vital pulps before extraction. All canals had a buccolingual diameter that was at least 2.5 times larger than that of the mesiodistal one as defined from radiographs. One group was subjected to the SAF protocol, whereas the other group underwent conventional protocol; the ProTaper system up to the F2 instrument was used with syringe and open end needle irrigation. Sodium hypochlorite (5.25%) was used as an irrigant for both groups. The roots were then histologically processed and 0.6-μm-thick cross-sections were obtained every 0.5 mm from the 1- to 5-mm apical levels. Morphometric evaluation was performed on cross-sections to determine the amount of remaining pulp tissue as a percent of the root canal area.', 'The group-by-location interaction was not significant (P > .05), which means that the group comparisons were not dependent on the cross-sectional level. There was significantly greater residual pulp tissue left after ProTaper system instrumentation versus SAF instrumentation (21.4% vs 9.3%, P < .05).'] Does the self-adjusting file optimize debridement quality in oval-shaped root canals? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8367735147476196,
-1.5050544738769531,
2.427635669708252
] |
['To compare valve-related morbidity among patients aged < 70 and ≥ 70 years, receiving either a mechanical or a biological prosthesis in a population-based setting.', 'In total, 3279 patients (21 644 patient-years) were followed up through the Swedish National In-Patients Register, which registers all hospital admissions. Death, thromboembolism, bleeding, endocarditis, valve thrombosis and reoperations were all captured.', 'Survival was lower among patients aged <70 years with a bioprosthesis compared to a mechanical prosthesis (p < 0.0001), but equal among older patients. A mechanical prosthesis indicated a lower risk (p < 0.001) of thromboembolism (1.5% per patient year, ppy), than bioprosthesis (2.6% ppy), irrespective of age. Bleeding was increased (p = 0.002) with a mechanical prosthesis (1.7% ppy) compared to a bioprosthesis (1.1% ppy); the risk of bleeding increased early (<5 years) whereas thromboembolism increased late (>5 years). Event-free survival was higher in younger patients with a mechanical prosthesis compared to bioprosthesis recipients (p < 0.001), but equal among older patients.'] Do biological versus mechanical prosthesis in 3279 patients from the Swedish in-patients register? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.3619818687438965,
-1.2586712837219238,
0.0690469816327095
] |
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