sot_question
stringlengths 42
9.8k
| ds_name
stringclasses 8
values | pred_label
int64 0
2
| logits
sequencelengths 3
3
|
|---|---|---|---|
['Differences in patient adherence to various disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) are not well understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate adherence of adult MS patients in Ontario with public drug plan coverage to various DMDs: intramuscular interferon beta-1a (i.m. IFNβ-1a, Avonex), subcutaneous interferon beta-1a (s.c. IFNβ-1a, Rebif), subcutaneous interferon beta-1b (IFNβ-1b, Betaseron) or glatiramer acetate (Copaxone).', 'In this retrospective cohort study, Ontario Public Drug Plan beneficiaries aged 15 or older who were newly treated with i.m. IFNβ-1a, s.c. IFNβ-1a, IFNβ-1b or glatiramer acetate between April 2006 and March 2008 were followed forward until treatment discontinuation, switch to another DMD or a maximum two year follow-up period. Cumulative persistence rates were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. The proportion of patients reaching the study endpoints after the two year follow-up period was also calculated.', "Cumulative persistence rates for all four DMDs were similar over time (p=0.80), ranging from 73.6-79.1% at six months, 59.1-63.1% at one year and 41.5-47.4% at two years. After two years, the proportion of patients who had discontinued treatment, switched to another DMD or died was similar among DMDs (p=0.79, Fisher's exact test). Switching between DMD types was low and occurred in 3.4-6.5% of new DMD users."] Is adherence to multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapies in Ontario low? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9955000877380371,
-1.6736314296722412,
1.5906561613082886
] |
['This study reports on a hitherto undescribed autosomal recessive syndrome characterised by dysmorphic features and multiple congenital anomalies together with severe neurological impairment, chorea and seizures leading to early death, and the identification of a gene involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.', 'Homozygosity mapping was performed using Affymetrix Human Mapping 250k NspI arrays. Sequencing of all coding exons of the candidate genes was performed with primer sets designed using the Primer3 program. Fluorescence activated cell sorting was performed using conjugated antibody to CD59. Staining, acquisition and analysis were performed on a FACSCalibur flow cytometer.', 'Using homozygosity mapping, the study mapped the disease locus to 18q21.32-18q22.1 and identified the disease-causing mutation, c.2126G→A (p.Arg709Gln), in PIGN, which encodes glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) ethanolamine phosphate transferase 1, a protein involved in GPI-anchor biosynthesis. Arginine at the position 709 is a highly evolutionarily conserved residue located in the PigN domain. The expression of GPI linked protein CD59 on fibroblasts from patients as compared to that in a control individual showed a 10-fold reduction in expression, confirming the pathogenic consequences of the mutation on GPI dependent protein expression.'] Is multiple congenital anomalies-hypotonia-seizures syndrome caused by a mutation in PIGN? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4148738384246826,
-1.3033690452575684,
2.802206039428711
] |
['We sought to identify correlates of forced sex perpetration among men and victimization among women in Botswana and Swaziland.', 'We surveyed a 2-stage probability sample of 2074 adults from the 5 districts of Botswana with the highest HIV prevalence rates and all 4 regions of Swaziland. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify correlates of forced sex victimization and perpetration.', 'Lifetime prevalence rates of forced sex victimization of women were 10.3% in Botswana and 11.4% in Swaziland; among men, rates of perpetration were 3.9% in Botswana and 5.0% in Swaziland. Lifetime history of forced sex victimization was the strongest predictor of forced sex perpetration by men in Botswana (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 13.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.55, 41.50) and Swaziland (adjusted OR = 5.98; 95% CI = 1.08, 33.10). Problem or heavy drinking was the strongest predictor of forced sex victimization among women in Botswana (adjusted OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.19, 5.49) and Swaziland (OR = 14.70; 95% CI = 4.53, 47.60).'] Does prevalence and correlate of forced sex perpetration and victimization in Botswana and Swaziland? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.8421844244003296,
-0.42381930351257324,
-1.1012232303619385
] |
['Cytokines play important roles in regulating immune responses. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has usually been used as an adjuvant to enhance antitumour immune responses. However, its crucial role in activation-induced cell death, inhibition of homeostatic proliferation of CD8+ memory T cells and its notable biological side effects impair its prospect of application. IL-15 has several similar functions to IL-2 and shows potential advantages over IL-2, and is being investigated to enhance antitumour dendritic cell (DC) vaccine strategies in our ongoing studies.', 'In this preliminary study, we evaluated the ability of IL-15, compared with IL-2, to act as an adjuvant to enhance T-cell responses activated by DCs in vitro.', 'Bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were pulsed with tumour antigens and used to stimulate lymphocyte responses in the presence of IL-15 or IL-2. The activated T lymphocytes were examined by flow cytometric analysis, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot and cytotoxicity assays.', 'IL-15 was observed to activate lymphocytes with comparable phenotype characteristics of activated/memory CD8+ lymphocytes, compared with IL-2. Both in primary and secondary stimulation with DCs, when using IL-15 as an adjuvant, activated lymphocytes showed higher proportions of IFN-γ-secreting subsets. In secondary stimulation with BMDCs in the presence of IL-15, the activated lymphocytes showed a stronger cytotoxicity to antigen-specific tumour target cells.'] Does interleukin-15 enhance T-cell responses by stimulation with dendritic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3903303146362305,
-1.330873966217041,
2.762244701385498
] |
['Glutamergic excitotoxicity has been shown to play a deleterious role in the pathophysiology of spinal cord injury (SCI). The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of dizocilpine maleate, MK801 (2 mg/Kg, 30 min and 6 hours after injury) in a mice model of SCI. The spinal cord trauma was induced by the application of vascular clips to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy.', 'Spinal cord injury in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration and apoptosis. In this study we clearly demonstrated that administration of MK801 attenuated all inflammatory parameters. In fact 24 hours after injury, the degree of spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (evaluated as histological score), infiltration of neutrophils, NF-κB activation, iNOS, cytokines levels (TNF-α and IL-1β), neurotrophin expression were markedly reduced by MK801 treatment. Moreover, in a separate set of experiments, we have demonstrated that MK801 treatment significantly improved the recovery of locomotory function.'] Does mK801 attenuate secondary injury in a mouse experimental compression model of spinal cord trauma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3988497257232666,
-1.2721717357635498,
2.7218501567840576
] |
['Invasive cancers arising from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) are recognised as a morphologically and biologically heterogeneous group of neoplasms. Less is known about the epithelial subtypes of the precursor IPMN from which these lesions arise. The authors investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and the impact on survival of both the invasive component and its background IPMN.', 'The study cohort comprised 61 patients with invasive IPMN (study group) and 570 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, control group) resected at a single institution. Multivariate analyses were performed using a stage-matched Cox proportional hazard model.', 'The histology of invasive components of the IPMN cohort was tubular in 38 (62%), colloid in 16 (26%), and oncocytic in seven (12%). Compared with PDAC, invasive IPMNs were associated with a lower incidence of adverse pathological features and improved mortality by multivariate analysis (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.86). In subtype analysis, this favourable outcome remained only for colloid and oncocytic carcinomas, while tubular adenocarcinoma was associated with worse overall survival, not significantly different from that of PDAC (HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.36). Colloid and oncocytic carcinomas arose only from intestinal- and oncocytic-type IPMNs, respectively, and were mostly of the main-duct type, whereas tubular adenocarcinomas primarily originated in the gastric background, which was often associated with branch-duct IPMN. Overall survival of patients with invasive adenocarcinomas arising from gastric-type IPMN was significantly worse than that of patients with non-gastric-type IPMN (p=0.016).'] Does prognosis of invasive intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm depend on histological and precursor epithelial subtypes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1831207275390625,
-1.4487440586090088,
2.6764814853668213
] |
['Colonic transit (CT) is accelerated in 46% of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Improvement in IBS-D with gluten withdrawal is associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2 positivity; the mechanism of improvement is unclear.', 'To determine if HLA-DQ2-positive or HLA-DQ8-positive patients with IBS-D have faster small bowel (SB) or CT than HLA-DQ2-negative and HLA-DQ8-negative patients.', 'Among 94 patients with IBS-D, who previously provided DNA samples, 64 had undergone validated measurements of CT [geometric center at 24 h (GC24)]; 50 of the patients also had measurement of gastric emptying (GE) and 54 of SB transit (colonic filling at 6 h). HLA-DQ status was determined by tag single nucleotide polymorphism approach. Associations of colonic filling at 6 h and GC24 with HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 status were assessed using analysis of covariance, adjusting for BMI.', 'Mean age was 40.8±1.6 years; 98.5% were females. In 60 of the 64 patients, celiac disease was excluded by serology or histology. There were no significant differences in age or BMI among the different HLA-DQ groups. Independently, patients positive for HLA-DQ2 had numerically greater colonic filling at 6 h compared with HLA-DQ2-negative (P=0.065), and those positive for HLA-DQ8 had greater colonic filling at 6 h compared with HLA-DQ8-negative patients (P=0.021). Gastric emptying was not associated with HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 status. Patients positive for both HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 had greater colonic filling at 6 h (P=0.013) and numerically higher, but not significant, GC24 (P=0.38) compared with HLA-DQ2-negative and HLA-DQ8-negative patients.'] Is hLA-DQ genotype associated with accelerated small bowel transit in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5429209470748901,
-1.635244607925415,
2.158125877380371
] |
['To assess the effect of caspase 3 inhibition, in the expression of intracellular antigens induced by apoptosis.', 'Skin explants of neonatal Balb/c mice were used to assess the autoantigen expression. Skin was obtained by punch biopsies, tissues were cultured in DMEM; cell death was induced by chemicals and assessed by TUNEL. The expression of La, Ro, Sm, RNP, Cajal Bodies and NuMa antigens were monitored by immunohistochemistry using autoantibodies or monoclonal antibodies against these antigens.', 'Chemicals used to induce cell death, successfully produced apoptosis or necrosis in more than 60% of keratinocytes, and viability was significantly decreased when it was compared with those in controls. An increased expression of all skin intracellular antigens in skin biopsies treated with chemicals, major antigenic expression was detected with anti-La and anti-Ro antibodies. The caspase 3 inhibitor DEVD-CMK significantly decreased the expression of antigens induced by chemicals.'] Does caspase 3 blocking avoid the expression of autoantigens triggered by apoptosis in neonatal Balb/c mice skin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5323383808135986,
-1.1173176765441895,
2.6988906860351562
] |
['The Internal Medicine In-Training Exam (IM-ITE) assesses the content knowledge of internal medicine trainees. Many programs use the IM-ITE to counsel residents, to create individual remediation plans, and to make fundamental programmatic and curricular modifications.', 'To assess the association between a multiple-choice testing program administered during 12 consecutive months of ambulatory and inpatient elective experience and IM-ITE percentile scores in third post-graduate year (PGY-3) categorical residents.', 'Retrospective cohort study.', 'One hundred and four categorical internal medicine residents. Forty-five residents in the 2008 and 2009 classes participated in the study group, and the 59 residents in the three classes that preceded the use of the testing program, 2005-2007, served as controls.', 'A comprehensive, elective rotation specific, multiple-choice testing program and a separate board review program, both administered during a continuous long-block elective experience during the twelve months between the second post-graduate year (PGY-2) and PGY-3 in-training examinations.', 'We analyzed the change in median individual percent correct and percentile scores between the PGY-1 and PGY-2 IM-ITE and between the PGY-2 and PGY-3 IM-ITE in both control and study cohorts. For our main outcome measure, we compared the change in median individual percentile rank between the control and study cohorts between the PGY-2 and the PGY-3 IM-ITE testing opportunities.', 'After experiencing the educational intervention, the study group demonstrated a significant increase in median individual IM-ITE percentile score between PGY-2 and PGY-3 examinations of 8.5 percentile points (p < 0.01). This is significantly better than the increase of 1.0 percentile point seen in the control group between its PGY-2 and PGY-3 examination (p < 0.01).'] Is a multiple choice testing program coupled with a year-long elective experience associated with improved performance on the internal medicine in-training examination? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.055225133895874,
-0.2605222761631012,
1.3970613479614258
] |
['Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) is a critical cofactor for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by NO synthase (NOS). Recently, we demonstrated that disturbed flow produced by partial carotid ligation decreases BH(4) levels in vivo. We therefore aimed to determine whether atherosclerosis induced by disturbed flow is due to BH(4) deficiency and NOS uncoupling and whether increasing BH(4) would prevent endothelial dysfunction, plaque inflammation, and atherosclerosis.', 'We produced a region of disturbed flow in apolipoprotein E(-/-) mice using partial carotid ligation and fed these animals a high-fat diet. This caused endothelial NOS uncoupling as characterized by increased vascular superoxide production, altered vascular reactivity, and a change in endothelial NOS migration on low-temperature gel. These perturbations were accompanied by severe atherosclerosis, infiltration of T cells and macrophages, and an increase in cytokine production. Treatment with BH(4) recoupled NOS, decreased superoxide production, improved endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and virtually eliminated atherosclerosis. BH(4) treatment also markedly reduced vascular inflammation and improved the cytokine milieu induced by disturbed flow.'] Do tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency and nitric oxide synthase uncoupling contribute to atherosclerosis induced by disturbed flow? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6004621982574463,
-1.1712191104888916,
2.7989096641540527
] |
['Central dogma suggests that rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis develops solely through rpoB gene mutations.', 'To determine whether rifampicin induces efflux pumps activation in rifampicin resistant M. tuberculosis strains thereby defining rifampicin resistance levels and reducing ofloxacin susceptibility.', 'Rifampicin and/or ofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined in rifampicin resistant strains by culture in BACTEC 12B medium. Verapamil and reserpine were included to determine their effect on rifampicin and ofloxacin susceptibility. RT-qPCR was applied to assess expression of efflux pump/transporter genes after rifampicin exposure. To determine whether verapamil could restore susceptibility to first-line drugs, BALB/c mice were infected with a MDR-TB strain and treated with first-line drugs with/without verapamil.', 'Rifampicin MICs varied independently of rpoB mutation and genetic background. Addition reserpine and verapamil significantly restored rifampicin susceptibility (p = 0.0000). RT-qPCR demonstrated that rifampicin induced differential expression of efflux/transporter genes in MDR-TB isolates. Incubation of rifampicin mono-resistant strains in rifampicin (2 μg/ml) for 7 days induced ofloxacin resistance (MIC > 2 μg/ml) in strains with an rpoB531 mutation. Ofloxacin susceptibility was restored by exposure to efflux pump inhibitors. Studies in BALB/c mice showed that verapamil in combination with first-line drugs significantly reduced pulmonary CFUs after 1 and 2 months treatment (p < 0.05).'] Does rifampicin reduce susceptibility to ofloxacin in rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis through efflux? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.15726900100708,
-1.4858314990997314,
2.668703556060791
] |
['Acetylated Pro-Gly-Pro (Ac-PGP) is an endogenous degradation product of extracellular collagen that binds to leukocyte-expressed chemoattractant receptor CXCR2. Although certain agents that block CXCR2-mediated signaling protect against experimental sepsis, the roles of Ac-PGP and CXCR2 in sepsis are unclear.', 'To investigate the role of Ac-PGP and its receptor, CXCR2, in murine models of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis and organ injury.', 'The impact of in vivo Ac-PGP treatment on animal survival after induction of experimental sepsis was assessed. Vital organ inflammation and immune cell apoptosis were evaluated by histology, and the modulation of proinflammatory cytokine production and bactericidal activity by Ac-PGP in mouse and human blood leukocytes was measured.', 'The activation of CXCR2 by tripeptide agonist Ac-PGP dramatically improved survival in three experimental sepsis models. Ac-PGP elicited bactericidal activity via the generation of hydrogen peroxide, inhibited lung inflammation, and reduced immune cell apoptosis. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled PGP bound directly to CXCR2, and the protective effect of Ac-PGP in sepsis was abolished in CXCR2-deficient mice. Ac-PGP treatment enhanced the production of type 1 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-12) but inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in vivo. In vitro, Ac-PGP directly increased IFN-γ production and decreased the LPS-stimulated production of TNF-α by mouse splenocytes and human leukocytes. Furthermore, direct treatment of LPS-stimulated splenocytes with IFN-γ resulted in diminished secretion of TNF-α and IL-6.'] Does activation of CXCR2 by extracellular matrix degradation product acetylated Pro-Gly-Pro have therapeutic effects against sepsis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.457768678665161,
-1.3178389072418213,
2.7914934158325195
] |
['Tip60 is a key histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzyme that plays a central role in diverse biological processes critical for general cell function; however, the chromatin-mediated cell-type specific developmental pathways that are dependent exclusively upon the HAT activity of Tip60 remain to be explored.', 'Here, we investigate the role of Tip60 HAT activity in transcriptional control during multicellular development in vivo by examining genome-wide changes in gene expression in a Drosophila model system specifically depleted for endogenous dTip60 HAT function.'] Does microarray analysis uncover a role for Tip60 in nervous system function and general metabolism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5567476749420166,
-0.6790271401405334,
2.311248779296875
] |
['Galactosyl transferase gene knock-out (GalTKO) swine offer a unique tool to evaluate the role of the Gal antigen in xenogenic lung hyperacute rejection.', 'We perfused GalTKO miniature swine lungs with human blood. Results were compared with those from previous studies using wild-type and human decay-accelerating factor-transgenic (hDAF(+/+) ) pig lungs.', 'GalTKO lungs survived 132 ± 52 min compared to 10 ± 9 min for wild-type lungs (P = 0.001) and 45 ± 60 min for hDAF(+/+) lungs (P = 0.18). GalTKO lungs displayed stable physiologic flow and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) until shortly before graft demise, similar to autologous perfusion, and unlike wild-type or hDAF(+/+) lungs. Early (15 and 60 min) complement (C3a) and platelet activation and intrapulmonary platelet deposition were significantly diminished in GalTKO lungs relative to wild-type or hDAF(+/+) lungs. However, GalTKO lungs adsorbed cytotoxic anti-non-Gal antibody and elaborated high levels of thrombin; their demise was associated with increased PVR, capillary congestion, intravascular thrombi and strong CD41 deposition not seen at earlier time points.'] Does absence of Gal epitope prolong survival of swine lungs in an ex vivo model of hyperacute rejection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2668726444244385,
-1.4483879804611206,
2.8029189109802246
] |
['Amorphous diamond (AD) is a durable and compatible biomaterial for joint prostheses. Knowledge regarding bone growth on AD-coated implants and their early-stage osseointegration is poor. We investigated bone growth on AD-coated cementless intramedullary implants implanted in rats. Titanium was chosen as a reference due to its well-known performance.', 'We placed AD-coated and non-coated titanium implants (R(a) ≈ 0.2 μm) into the femoral bone marrow of 25 rats. The animals were divided in 2 groups according to implant coating and they were killed after 4 or 12 weeks. The osseointegration of the implants was examined from hard tissue specimens by measuring the new bone formation on their surface.', '4 weeks after the operation, the thickness of new bone in the AD-coated group was greater than that in the non-coated group (15.3 (SD 7.1) μm vs. 7.6 (SD 6.0) μm). 12 weeks after the operation, the thickness of new bone was similar in the non-coated group and in the AD-coated group.'] Is early bone growth on the surface of titanium implants in rat femur enhanced by an amorphous diamond coating? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1781104803085327,
-1.4104094505310059,
1.6837176084518433
] |
['The mutual interactions between reactive oxygen species, airway inflammation, and alveolar cell death play crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present study, we investigated the possibility that hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) might be a novel option for intervention in COPD.', 'We used a mouse model of tobacco smoke (TS)-induced emphysema. Mice were injected with H(2)S donor NaHS (50 μmol/kg in 0.25 ml phosphate buffer saline, intraperitoneally) or vehicle daily before exposed to TS for 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 12 and 24 weeks. We found that NaHS ameliorated TS-induced increase in mean linear intercepts, the thickness of bronchial walls, and the numbers of total cell counts as well as neutrophils, monocytes, and tumor necrosis factor α in bronchial alveolar lavage. Moreover, NaHS reduced increases in right ventricular systolic pressure, the thickness of pulmonary vascular walls, and the ratio of RV/LV+S in TS-exposed mice. Further, TS exposure for 12 and 24 weeks reduced the protein contents of cystathionine γ-lyase (CGL), cystathionine β-synthetase (CBS), nuclear erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), P(ser473)-Akt, as well as glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in the lungs. TS-exposed lungs exhibited large amounts of 8-hydroxyguanine-positive and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells. Treatment with NaHS increased P(ser473)-Akt and attenuated TS-induced reduction of CGL, CBS, and Nrf2 as well as glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio in the lungs. NaHS also reduced amounts of 8-hydroxyguanine-positive, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells and active caspase-3 in TS-exposed lungs. Additionally, knocking-down Akt protein abolished the protective effects of NaHS against TS-induced apoptosis and downregulation of Nrf2, CGL, and CBS in pulmonary artery endothelial cells.'] Does hydrogen sulfide ameliorate tobacco smoke-induced oxidative stress and emphysema in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3580777645111084,
-1.445131778717041,
2.8051462173461914
] |
['The nuclear receptor liver X receptor-α (LXRα) stimulates lipogenesis, leading to steatosis. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) contributes to cellular defense mechanism by upregulating antioxidant genes, and may protect the liver from injury inflicted by fat accumulation. However, whether Nrf2 affects LXRα activity is unknown. This study investigated the inhibitory role of Nrf2 in hepatic LXRα activity and the molecular basis.', 'A deficiency of Nrf2 enhanced the ability of LXRα agonist to promote hepatic steatosis, as mediated by lipogenic gene induction. In hepatocytes, Nrf2 overexpression repressed gene transactivation by LXR-binding site activation. Consistently, treatment of mice with sulforaphane (an Nrf2 activator) suppressed T0901317-induced lipogenesis, as confirmed by the experiments using hepatocytes. Nrf2 activation promoted deacetylation of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) by competing for p300, leading to FXR-dependent induction of small heterodimer partner (SHP), which was responsible for the repression of LXRα-dependent gene transcription. In human steatotic samples, the transcript levels of LXRα and SREBP-1 inversely correlated with those of Nrf2, FXR, and SHP.', 'Our findings offer the mechanism to explain how decrease in Nrf2 activity in hepatic steatosis could contribute to the progression of NAFLD, providing the use of Nrf2 as a molecular biomarker to diagnose NAFLD. As certain antioxidants have the abilities to activate Nrf2, clinicians might utilize the activators of Nrf2 as a new therapeutic approach to prevent and/or treat NAFLD.'] Does nrf2 inhibit LXRα-dependent hepatic lipogenesis by competing with FXR for acetylase binding? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.455756664276123,
-1.2482898235321045,
2.7292637825012207
] |
['Oxidative stress is discussed to be implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine. However, data are in part controversial and the possible underlying mechanisms remain elusive to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative stress status of female patients with migraine and its implications on migraine-related metabolic alterations.', 'Oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), carbonylated proteins, parameters of associated nitric oxide stress, inflammation, lipid- and glucose-metabolism were determined in the interictal phase in female patients with migraine and controls.', 'We found significantly increased HNE levels in female migraineurs compared with controls. Logistic regression analyses of HNE revealed an odds ratio for migraine of 4.55. HNE showed significant correlations with the nitric oxide pathway, the insulin- and the lipid-metabolism.'] Is oxidative stress associated with migraine and migraine-related metabolic risk in females? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.69142746925354,
-0.8942035436630249,
2.656343698501587
] |
['Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2A (CMT2A), the most common form of CMT2, is caused by mutations in the mitofusin 2 gene (MFN2), a nuclear encoded gene essential for mitochondrial fusion and tethering the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria. Published CMT2A phenotypes have differed widely in severity.', 'To determine the prevalence and phenotypes of CMT2A within our clinics we performed genetic testing on 99 patients with CMT2 evaluated at Wayne State University in Detroit and on 27 patients with CMT2 evaluated in the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. We then preformed a cross-sectional analysis on our patients with CMT2A.', 'Twenty-one percent of patients had MFN2 mutations. Most of 27 patients evaluated with CMT2A had an earlier onset and more severe impairment than patients without CMT2A. CMT2A accounted for 91% of all our severely impaired patients with CMT2 but only 11% of mildly or moderately impaired patients. Twenty-three of 27 patients with CMT2A were nonambulatory prior to age 20 whereas just one of 78 non-CMT2A patients was nonambulatory after this age. Eleven patients with CMT2A had a pure motor neuropathy while another 5 also had profound proprioception loss. MFN2 mutations were in the GTPase domain, the coiled-coil domains, or the highly conserved R3 domain of the protein.'] Do mFN2 mutations cause severe phenotypes in most patients with CMT2A? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0918896198272705,
-1.1657929420471191,
2.28611421585083
] |
['To investigate the association between the severity of sepsis and changes in sialylation of serum proteins we have conducted a single center pilot study.', 'Sialylation of transferrin (with enzyme-linked lectin assay-ELLA) and total serum proteins (with colorimetric assay) as well as serum iron and transferrin levels were measured in 27 patients with sepsis through the first eight days of the disease.', 'Total serum sialylation increased in the first two days, transferrin sialylation decreased, while serum iron and transferrin fell. Patients who developed severe sepsis had either a small or marked change in transferrin sialylation while in patients with mild sepsis sialylation decreased moderately.'] Does change of transferrin sialylation differ between mild sepsis and severe sepsis and septic shock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.391108751296997,
-0.9083550572395325,
2.346202850341797
] |
['Recently, endoscopic submucosal dissection has been carefully applied in early gastric cancer (EGC) with undifferentiated type. However, there are no individual guidelines for endoscopic treatment of EGCs with poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma or signet ring cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the clinicopathologic features of these two types of EGC to guide the application of endoscopic treatment.', 'Patients to undergo radical gastrectomy for the treatment of EGC were selected for inclusion in this study. Histology was classified according to the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association. Between January 2005 and December 2008, 288 patients with poorly differentiated EGC and 419 patients with signet ring cell EGC were enrolled. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively.', 'Compared with signet ring cell EGC, poorly differentiated EGC had higher rates of male gender, old age (≥45\xa0years), large tumor length (>20\xa0mm), ulcer, submucosal invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis. In the multivariate analyses, poorly differentiated EGC was significantly associated with ulcer (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-3.8), submucosal invasion (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.6-5.1) and lymphovascular invasion (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6) with a reference of signet ring cell EGC. The independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis were large tumor length, submucosal invasion, and lymphovascular invasion in both types of EGC. Young age was an independent risk factor of lymph node metastasis only in poorly differentiated EGC.'] Is early gastric cancer of signet ring cell carcinoma more amenable to endoscopic treatment than is early gastric cancer of poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma in select tumor conditions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9619495868682861,
-1.6304583549499512,
2.568873882293701
] |
['To study the effects of a diet rich in salt and/or saturated fat on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-granules, hypertension, renin expression, and cardiac structure in C57Bl/6 mice.', 'Young adult male mice were separated into four groups (n\xa0=\xa012) and fed one of the following for 9\xa0weeks: standard chow/normal salt (SC-NS), high-fat chow/normal salt (HF-NS), standard chow/high salt (SC-HS) and high-fat chow/high salt (HF-HS). Alterations in the serum ANP, ultrastructural analysis of cardiomyocytes that produce ANP, structural analysis of the left ventricle, blood pressure, renin expression, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), feed efficiency, and lipid and glucose parameters were examined.', 'The HF-NS diet showed a small increase in ANP production and left ventricular hypertrophy, increased food efficiency, and abnormal lipid and glucose parameters. The SC-HS diet showed a large increase in ANP granules in myocytes and corresponding elevation in ANP serum levels, left ventricular hypertrophy, hypertension, decrease in renin levels, and increase in GFR. The combination of the two diets (HF-HS) had an additive effect.'] Do diets rich in saturated fat and/or salt differentially modulate atrial natriuretic peptide and renin expression in C57BL/6 mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4496030807495117,
-1.127912998199463,
2.609220027923584
] |
['Salvianolic acid (SAL) and tanshinone (TAN) are major hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds, respectively, from one herbal medicine, Danshen, which has been widely and successfully used for treating cardiovascular diseases in Asian countries. Because few studies have reported different molecular mechanisms between the different compounds in same herb, we investigate if separate molecular pathways are involved in cardioprotective effect by different active components of Danshen.', 'We used an acute myocardial infarction (MI) model to compare the cardioprotective effects of SAL and TAN in rats. Both infarct size and echocardiographic response were evaluated at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after surgery. Genes involved in ischemic injury and in responses to SAL or TAN treatment in ischemic hearts were identified by microarray analysis and verified by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.', 'Results showed that both SAL and TAN delay the development of ischemia by decreasing infarct size and improving systolic function post MI. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated different kinetics and gene expression profiles by SAL and TAN. SAL acts in a later period after ischemia, and its effect is probably mediated by downregulation of genes involved in oxidative stress, certain G-protein coupled receptor activities and apoptosis. On the other hand, TAN acts relatively early after ischemic injury and its effect is at least in part mediated by inhibition of intracellular calcium, cell adhesion and alternative complement pathway. Strikingly, we found that TAN, a recently identified member of selective estrogen receptor modifier (SERM), indeed regulates genes known to be involved in estrogen metabolism post MI.'] Are differential cardioprotective effects of salvianolic acid and tanshinone on acute myocardial infarction mediated by unique signaling pathways? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.537351369857788,
-1.185049057006836,
2.8082327842712402
] |
['Homozygous null mutation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (Fgfr2IIIb) or its ligand fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) results in duodenal atresia in mice. Mutations of either of these genes in humans cause Matthew-Wood syndrome and associated duodenal stenosis. Recently, mutations in the retinol-binding protein receptor gene STRA6 were reported to be implicated in this syndrome as well. This suggests that the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway interacts with the Fgf10-Fgfr2IIIb signaling pathway during duodenal development. Accordingly, we hypothesized that Fgfr2IIIb-/- mouse embryos would exhibit disruptions in expression of Raldh2, the gene for the enzyme that regulates the final step in the conversion of vitamin A to the active form RA, during duodenal atresia formation.', 'Fgfr2III -/- mice were generated from heterozygous breedings. Embryos were harvested between embryonic day (E) 11.0 to E 13.5 and genotyped by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Duodenums were dissected out, fixed and photographed. Whole mount and section in situs were performed for Raldh2.', 'Fgfr2IIIb-/- embryos demonstrate subtle changes in the duodenal morphology by E11.5 with complete involution of the atretic precursor by E 13.5. Raldh2 appears to be down-regulated as early as E 11.5 in the atretic precursor a full 2 days before this segment disappears.'] Is retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 down-regulated during duodenal atresia formation in Fgfr2IIIb-/- mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3822739124298096,
-1.4179240465164185,
2.8515756130218506
] |
['To evaluate whether the protective effect of melatonin on H2O2-induced caspase activation and DNA fragmentation depends on the interaction between melatonin and its surface receptors.', 'Laboratory study.', 'Center for assisted human reproduction at a Spanish hospital.', 'Twenty-one healthy donors.', 'Human spermatozoa were treated with increasing concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 1 μM, 10 μM, 100 μM, 1 mM) and preincubated with 1 mM melatonin.', 'Activation of caspase-3 and -9 as well as DNA fragmentation were examined by fluorescence methods.', 'Our findings showed that H2O2 induced a significant increase in caspase-9 and caspase-3, which was dose independent. Conversely, pretreatment with melatonin reduced H2O2-mediated caspase activation in a dose-dependent way. Moreover, the antiapoptotic effects of melatonin in ejaculated human spermatozoa may involve membrane melatonin receptor MT1. In addition, we found that the survival-promoting pathway extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is likely to have a role in the protective actions of melatonin in ejaculated human spermatozoa. Finally, we confirmed these results further by demonstrating that melatonin prevention of H2O2-induced DNA fragmentation is dependent on both MT1 receptor and ERK signaling.'] Does melatonin protect human spermatozoa from apoptosis via melatonin receptor- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-mediated pathways? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6025466918945312,
-1.0743815898895264,
2.717768669128418
] |
['Acute and chronic heart failure (HF) may affect the liver, but the underlying mechanisms that lead to progressive liver damage are poorly understood. The hepatic cytokeratin-18 (CK18) epitopes M65 and M30 have been reported to distinguish between overall (necrotic) and apoptotic cell death, respectively. We aimed to evaluate the predominant hepatic cell death pattern in acute vs. chronic heart failure and examined if these assays predict the course of the disease.', 'In a prospective study comprising 21 patients with acute HF (AHF) and 18 patients with chronic HF (CHF) serum levels of M65 and M30 were assessed. Compared with CHF, M65 levels were significantly increased in patients with AHF (CHF: 1,283 ± 591.6U/l vs. AHF: 20,912 ± 15,132U/l, p < 0.001). In addition, M30 levels were significantly increased in AHF (CHF: 642.2 ± 177.4U/l vs. AHF: 3,844 ± 5,293U/l, p < 0.05), but the M30/M65 ratio was significantly higher in CHF (CHF: 0.54 ± 0.15 vs. AHF: 0.20 ± 0.19, p < 0.001), indicating a greater contribution of apoptotic cell death in CHF. AHF patients with higher M30 values had a worse prognosis.'] Does onset of heart failure determine the hepatic cell death pattern? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5812419652938843,
-1.4595210552215576,
2.076265811920166
] |
['We hypothesized that drug resistance mutations would impact clinical outcomes associated with HIV-1 infection.', 'A matched case-control study of participants in AIDS Clinical Trials Group Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials (ALLRT). Cases experienced an AIDS-defining event (ADE) or mortality, and controls did not. One hundred thirty-four cases were identified and matched to a total of 266 controls by age, sex, treatment regimen, and length of follow-up. Both cases and controls had HIV RNA levels of ≥ 500 copies/mL within 24 weeks of an event. Population-based genotyping at or near the time of the event was used to evaluate the impact of resistance mutations on incidence of ADE and/or death using conditional logistic regression models.', 'One hundred four cases and 183 controls were analyzed. Median time to event was 99 weeks; 6 cases were deaths. At baseline, cases had lower CD4 (median 117 vs 235 cells/mm3; P < .0001) and higher HIV RNA levels (median 205,000 vs 57,000 copies/mL; P = .003). No significant differences in resistance were seen between cases and controls.'] Are lower CD4 cell count and higher virus load , but not antiretroviral drug resistance , associated with AIDS-defining events and mortality : an ACTG Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials ( ALLRT ) analysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8594694137573242,
-1.2063827514648438,
2.107492446899414
] |
['To determine vascular signaling pathways involved in inhaled air pollution (vehicular engine emission) exposure-induced exacerbation of atherosclerosis that are associated with onset of clinical cardiovascular events.', 'To elucidate the role of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and its primary receptor on endothelial cells, the lectin-like oxLDL receptor (LOX-1), in regulation of endothelin-1 expression and matrix metalloproteinase activity associated with inhalational exposure to vehicular engine emissions.', 'Atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E knockout mice were exposed by inhalation to filtered air or mixed whole engine emissions (250 μg particulate matter [PM]/m(3) diesel + 50 μg PM/m(3) gasoline exhausts) 6 h/d for 7 days. Concurrently, mice were treated with either mouse IgG or neutralizing antibodies to LOX-1 every other day. Vascular and plasma markers of oxidative stress and expression proatherogenic factors were assessed. In a parallel study, healthy human subjects were exposed to either 100 μg PM/m(3) diesel whole exhaust or high-efficiency particulate air and charcoal-filtered "clean" air (control subjects) for 2 hours, on separate occasions.', 'Mixed emissions exposure increased oxLDL and vascular reactive oxygen species, as well as LOX-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and endothelin-1 mRNA expression and also monocyte/macrophage infiltration, each of which was attenuated with LOX-1 antibody treatment. In a parallel study, diesel exhaust exposure in volunteer human subjects induced significant increases in plasma-soluble LOX-1.'] Does the oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor mediate vascular effects of inhaled vehicle emissions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3867275714874268,
-1.3405745029449463,
2.7588658332824707
] |
['Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with liver inflammation and carcinogenesis. The prevalence of T2DM among patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is increasing. However, the effect of T2DM on the natural history of hepatocellular carcinoma is not known.', 'To examine the effect of T2DM on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) survival in treated and untreated disease.', 'Retrospective analysis was performed on HCC cases diagnosed during 2000-2005, and prospectively during 2006-August 2007. Demographics, HCC staging, response to treatment, and survival were collected. A comparison was made between patients with T2DM and without T2DM.', 'One hundred and thirty-five patients were recruited in total; 58 (43%) had T2DM. Seventy (37 diabetic) patients were treated with percutaneous radiological therapies, with 168 treatments given. Treatment was determined by AASLD guidelines and patient tolerance, there was no randomisation. There was no significant difference in survival between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. There was a nonsignificant trend towards greater survival in diabetic patients (overall median survival diabetics 21 mths vs nondiabetics 5 mths, P=0.355).'] Does type 2 diabetes worsen prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0307838916778564,
-1.218714714050293,
2.2854435443878174
] |
['Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a nuclear protein that is a mitogen for a wide variety of cells. Mass spectrometry based methods have identified HDGF as a phosphoprotein without validation or a functional consequence of this post-translational modification.', 'We found that HDGF in primary mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was phosphorylated. Wild type HDGF was phosphorylated in asynchronous cells and substitution of S103, S165 and S202 to alanine each demonstrated a decrease in HDGF phosphorylation. A phospho-S103 HDGF specific antibody was developed and demonstrated mitosis-specific phosphorylation. HDGF-S103A was not mitogenic and FACS analysis demonstrated a G2/M arrest in HDGF-S103A expressing cells, whereas cells expressing HDGF-S103D showed cell cycle progression. Nocodazole arrest increased S103 phosphorylation from 1.6% to 29% (P = 0.037).'] Does mitotic phosphorylation activate hepatoma-derived growth factor as a mitogen? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.22279953956604,
-1.3916044235229492,
2.6737027168273926
] |
['N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is elevated in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. This trial aimed to generate data for gestational diabetes mellitus patients, who are at risk to develop these complications.', 'We have measured NT-proBNP in 223 otherwise healthy women between gestational week 24 and 32 referred to the outpatient diabetes unit in a cross-sectional study.', '88 control subjects, 45 patients with indication for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) alone and 90 patients who required insulin therapy were included. Groups of women were comparable regarding gestational week. Body mass index before pregnancy and at blood draw was significantly higher in subjects with insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus compared to MNT controlled gestational diabetes mellitus. NT-proBNP was significantly lower in patients with insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus (35 ± 25 pg/ml) compared to controls (53 ± 43 pg/ml, p = 0.012).'] Is n-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide decreased in insulin dependent gestational diabetes mellitus : a prospective cohort trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7948018312454224,
-1.3878757953643799,
2.3143715858459473
] |
["Overlaps in clinical, pathological and molecular characteristics of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MD-D) have promoted association studies in search of common genetic risk factors that may predispose or modify this spectrum of disorders. Experimental and clinical data suggest that genetic variations in Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene may increase the risk for PD and MD-D.", 'Two hundred and sixty-six PD, 83 MD-D and 400 controls were recruited for this study, assessed using a battery of neuropsychological tests, and genotyped for 11757C/G, 712A/G, 196A/G, and 270C/T in BDNF gene.', '712A/G was associated with 2.50-fold time risk of PD. By combining genotypes AG/AA with 712 GG genotype as reference (OR=1) in stratification analysis, AG/AA genotypes were associated with PD (OR=2.94, 95% CI=1.88-4.61). Accordingly, the A allele was significantly overrepresented in PD compared with the G allele (OR=3.16, 95% CI=2.08-4.81). This distribution in females and males were similar.'] Is the 712A/G polymorphism of Brain-derived neurotrophic factor associated with Parkinson 's disease but not Major Depressive Disorder in a Chinese Han population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4477424621582031,
-1.325148582458496,
1.8480244874954224
] |
['The liver is considered a tolerogenic organ that favors the induction of peripheral tolerance and protects other organs from the same donor from rejection. This has been exploited in combined auxiliary liver-kidney transplantation, where a renal graft is transplanted against a positive crossmatch under the protection of a liver transplanted from the same donor.', 'To elucidate mechanisms behind the liver protective effect, we studied early transcriptional changes of inflammatory mediators in the grafts during combined auxiliary liver-kidney transplantation using microarrays and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results were correlated to clinical data.', 'Liver and kidney grafts both exhibited an upregulation of the leukocyte-recruiting chemokines CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4. Notably, liver grafts strongly upregulated CCL20, a dendritic cell, and T-cell recruiting chemokine. By comparing the gene expression in liver grafts with the clinical outcome, we found that 14 of 45 investigated inflammatory genes were expressed significantly higher in patients without early rejection when compared with those with early rejections. This included the above-mentioned chemokines and the T-cell-recruiting CX3CL1, NFKB1, and the tolerance-inducing gene indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.'] Does postischemic inflammatory response in an auxiliary liver graft predict renal graft outcome in sensitized patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5595438480377197,
-1.1407842636108398,
2.7497904300689697
] |
['Differentiation of the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line HL-60 can be induced by all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA); however, the mechanism regulating this process has not been fully characterized.', 'Using bioinformatics and in vitro experiments, we identified the microRNA gene expression profile of HL-60 cells during ATRA induced granulocytic differentiation.', 'Six microRNAs were upregulated by ATRA treatment, miR-663, miR-494, miR-145, miR-22, miR-363* and miR-223; and three microRNAs were downregulated, miR-10a, miR-181 and miR-612. Additionally, miR-663 expression was regulated by ATRA. We used a lentivirus (LV) backbone incorporating the spleen focus forming virus (SFFV-F) promoter to drive miR-663 expression, as the CMV (Cytomegalovirus) promoter is ineffective in some lymphocyte cells. Transfection of LV-miR-663 induced significant HL-60 cell differentiation in vitro.'] Does retinoic acid induce HL-60 cell differentiation via the upregulation of miR-663? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3183605670928955,
-1.1233394145965576,
2.485179901123047
] |
['Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world and more than one million women are diagnosed leading to 410,000 deaths every year. In our previous studies new chalcone-imidazolone conjugates were prepared and evaluated for their anticancer activity in a panel of 53 human tumor cell lines and the lead compounds identified were 6 and 8. This prompted us to investigate the mechanism of apoptotic event.', 'Involvement of pro-apoptotic protein (Bax), active caspase-9 and cleavage of retinoblastoma protein was studied. Interestingly, the compounds caused upregulation of p21, check point proteins (Chk1, Chk2) and as well as their phosphorylated forms which are known to regulate the DNA damage pathway. Increased p53BP1 foci by immunolocalisation studies and TRF1 suggested the possible involvement of telomere and associated proteins in the apoptotic event. The telomeric protein such as TRF2 which is an important target for anticancer therapy against human breast cancer was extensively studied along with proteins involved in proper functioning of telomeres.'] Do chalcone-imidazolone conjugates induce apoptosis through DNA damage pathway by affecting telomeres? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.659902334213257,
-0.9688732028007507,
2.7137537002563477
] |
['To investigate the interrelation between the P-selectin gene (SELP) Pro715 allele, P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor reactivity and levels of soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) in clopidogrel treated patients.', 'The Pro715 allele within SELP was tested by allele specific PCR, sP-selectin was determined by ELISA, and P2Y12 receptor reactivity was analyzed by the VASP assay in 156 patients after angioplasty and stenting.', 'Carriers of the SELP Pro715 allele had significantly lower levels of sP-selectin and P2Y12 receptor reactivity, and high on-treatment residual P2Y12 receptor reactivity (HRPR) was significantly less frequent compared to non-carriers (both p<0.05). Further, patients within the lowest quartile of sP-selectin had significantly lower reactivity values and also less often HRPR compared to patients with higher sP-selectin (both p<0.01).'] Are the P-selectin gene Pro715 allele and low levels of soluble P-selectin associated with reduced P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate receptor reactivity in clopidogrel-treated patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2173895835876465,
-1.3509052991867065,
2.557424545288086
] |
["To examine the extent to which the illness perceptions of Oesophageal cancer survivors and the illness perceptions of their carers explain the survivors' levels of psychological distress (in terms of anxiety and depression symptoms) relative to demographic and biomedical variables and patients' coping strategies.", "Everyone registered with the Oesophageal Patients' Association in the UK was mailed a questionnaire booklet containing questions about medical and demographic variables, the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised, the Cancer Coping Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients were asked to pass a modified version of the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised to someone they identified as a carer. Complete responses were received from 317 dyads.", "Regression models indicated that the variables measured could explain 56% of the variance in anxiety and 54% of the variance in depression. Patients' illness perceptions explained the majority of this variance. Positive focus coping strategies were also found to be important in explaining psychological well-being. Some of the carers' illness perceptions made a significant contribution to the explanation of the patients' levels of psychological distress, and in some instances, carer perceptions were found to moderate the relationship between patients' perceptions and psychological distress."] Are illness perceptions among carer-survivor dyads related to psychological distress among Oesophageal cancer survivors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.554619550704956,
1.7390406131744385,
0.021171679720282555
] |
['The transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels have been implicated to play a role in blood pressure regulation. However, contribution of tissue specific TRPV1 to blood pressure regulation is largely unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that TRPV1 expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of lower thoracic and upper lumbar segments (T8-L3) of the spinal cord and their central and peripheral terminals constitutes a counter regulatory mechanism preventing the increases in blood pressure.', 'The expression of TRPV1 was knocked down by intrathecal injection of TRPV1 short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) in rats. Systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded. The level of TRPV1 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was measured by Western blot.', 'Intrathecal injection of TRPV1 shRNA (6 μg kg(-1) day(-1) ) for 3 days increased systolic blood pressure and MAP when compared to rats that received control shRNA (control shRNA: 112 ± 2 vs. TRPV1 shRNA: 123 ± 2 mmHg). TRPV1 expression was suppressed in T8-L3 segments of dorsal horn and DRG as well as mesenteric arteries of rats given TRPV1 shRNA. Contents of TH, a marker of sympathetic nerves, were increased in mesenteric arteries of rats treated with TRPV1 shRNA. Pretreatment with the α1-adrenoceptor blocker, prazosin (1 mg kg(-1) day(-1) , p.o.), abolished the TRPV1 shRNA-induced pressor effects.'] Does intrathecal injection of TRPV1 shRNA lead to increases in blood pressure in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2740559577941895,
-1.4344549179077148,
2.7097327709198
] |
['There is increasing interest in the role of immune activation and inflammation in HIV disease, but data on direct effects of HIV replication on immune cell activation are limited.', 'High sensitivity multiplex bead array assays (MBAAs) were used to measure changes in plasma cytokines and chemokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, CXCL10] from randomization (month 0) to month 2 in a random sample of 200 patients from both the drug conservation (DC) and viral suppression (VS) arms of the Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) trial. IL-6 was also measured by ELISA. Data were evaluated using nonparametric correlation and censored parametric analysis of covariance and associations were declared as statistically significant when the Bonferroni-adjusted P-value was less than 0.003.', "Compared with the VS arm, significant increases were seen in the DC arm for TNFα (+0.34 log(e) pg/ml, P = 0.0001), IL-10 (+0.33 log(e) pg/ml, P = 0.00001) and CXCL10 (+0.66 log(e) pg/ml, P = 0.00001). IL-6 ELISA poorly correlated with IL-6 MBAA (Spearman's rho = 0.29, P = 0.0001)."] Is resumption of HIV replication associated with monocyte/macrophage derived cytokine and chemokine changes : results from a large international clinical trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7923024892807007,
-1.5958137512207031,
2.426642894744873
] |
['Acute HIV-1 infection (AHI) may present with symptoms for which urgent healthcare is sought. However, little is known about healthcare seeking around the time of HIV-1 seroconversion in sub-Saharan Africa.', 'Review of clinical, counselling, treatment and laboratory records of previously HIV-1 seronegative at-risk adults, followed at monthly or 3-monthly visits, who seroconverted and enrolled in an AHI cohort. All HIV-seronegative plasma samples were tested for p24 antigen (p24) and stored preseroconversion samples for HIV-1 RNA (RNA). Factors associated with malaria treatment while acquiring HIV-1 were evaluated in multiple logistic regression.', 'Sixty men and 12 women (95% of 75 seroconverters) were evaluated, including 43 (60%) with either p24-positive or RNA-positive or HIV-1 discordant rapid antibodies prior to seroconversion. Prior to diagnosis, 54 patients (75%) reported fever and 50 (69%) sought urgent care for symptomatic illness, including 23 (32%) who sought care in a nonresearch setting. Twenty-nine patients (40%) received presumptive malaria treatment. Only 24% of febrile patients were tested for malaria parasites. All documented smear results were negative. Malaria treatment was strongly associated with fever [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 46, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3-725] and nonresearch setting (aOR: 5, 95% CI: 3-64). AHI was suspected in six (12%) patients who presented for urgent care during research evaluation.'] Do most adults seek urgent healthcare when acquiring HIV-1 and are frequently treated for malaria in coastal Kenya? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.627609133720398,
-1.3248343467712402,
1.9996130466461182
] |
['Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is increased in HIV-infected patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between EAT and coronary artery calcium (CAC) a marker of atherosclerosis; furthermore, we investigated the association of EAT with HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and lipodystrophy.', 'This was a cross-sectional study of 876 consecutive HIV-infected ART experienced patients. Patients underwent CAC imaging with multidetector computed tomography (CT) for atherosclerosis screening and risk of cardiovascular events (CAC score >100); EAT was measured in the same CT images. Factors independently associated with EAT were explored in a multivariable backward stepwise linear regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of EAT and CAC score greater than 100.', "Patients' mean age was 47.2 ± 8 years, 68% were men. EAT was associated with central fat accumulation and mixed lipodystrophy phenotypes. Factors independently associated with EAT were: age [β = 0.6, confidence interval (CI) 0.2-1.0], male sex (β = 6.6, CI 0.5-12.7), visceral adipose tissue (β = 0.12, CI 0.08-0.17), waist circumference (β = 0.7, CI 0.04-1.3), current CD4⁺ (β = 0.6, CI 0.1-1.2, per 50 cells), total cholesterol (β = 0.1, CI 0.02-0.15), and cumulative exposure to ART (months) (β = 0.05, CI 0.00-0.11). EAT (per 10 cm³) was associated with CAC greater than 100 (odds ratio = 1.10, CI 1.02-1.19) after adjustment for age, male sex, and diabetes."] Is epicardial adipose tissue an independent marker of cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7131110429763794,
-1.5977331399917603,
2.3228464126586914
] |
['In this study, we characterized elvitegravir activity in the context of raltegravir resistance mutations.', 'Using site-directed mutagenesis, we generated recombinant integrase proteins and viruses harboring raltegravir resistance mutation to assess the biochemical and cellular activity of elvitegravir in the presence of such mutants.', 'Recombinant proteins were used in gel-based assays. Antiviral data were obtained with reporter viruses in a single-round infection using a luciferase-based assay.', 'Although main raltegravir resistance pathways involving mutations at integrase position 148 and 155 confer cross-resistance to elvitegravir, elvitegravir remains fully active against the Y143R mutant integrase and virus particles.'] Does elvitegravir overcome resistance to raltegravir induced by integrase mutation Y143? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4293923377990723,
-0.9370776414871216,
2.454169511795044
] |
['In our clinical experience, cystatin C (CysC) concentrations are not as high as expected in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and high-stage renal dysfunction. We therefore investigated whether measurements of serum CysC result in an underestimation of renal dysfunction in pediatric patients with CKD.', 'Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated from serum creatinine (Cr) concentration, using the equation Cr-GFR (%)\xa0=\xa0[0.30\xa0×\xa0body length (m)/serum Cr]\xa0×\xa0100; and from serum CysC concentration, using the equation Cys-GFR (%)\xa0=\xa0(0.70/serum CysC)\xa0×\xa0100. We investigated the relationship between GFR estimated by these 2 equations. Patients aged 2-12\xa0years were assorted into 5 groups, based on GFR-Cr categories of <12.5, ≥12.5 to <25, ≥25 to <50, ≥50 to <75, and ≥75%, and GFR-CysC/GFR-Cr ratios were compared in these 5 groups.', 'The median GFR-CysC/GFR-Cr ratio in groups of patients with GFR-Cr of <12.5, ≥12.5 to <25, ≥25 to <50, ≥50 to <75, and ≥75% were 2.28, 1.48, 1.22, 1.18 and 0.98, respectively, with statistically significant differences between any two groups (p\xa0<\xa00.001).'] Do measurements of serum cystatin C concentrations underestimate renal dysfunction in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.5964581370353699,
-1.836551308631897,
0.34707382321357727
] |
['To compare interference screw fixation to Pulvertaft weave fixation in a cadaveric basal joint abductor pollicis longus (APL) suspensionplasty model with an early range of motion protocol. We asked whether the interference screw fixation would provide comparable initial stability while minimizing the dorsal incision and eliminating the prominent dorsal mass associated with the traditional Pulvertaft weave.', 'Six matched cadaveric forearms underwent suspensionplasty with tendon fixation via an interference screw or a Pulvertaft weave. We then loaded the specimens to 10,000 cycles and used a modification of a previously validated cyclic pinch model. One third of the load required for maximal pinch strength was used. The APL was not loaded because we used the tendon for ligament reconstruction. We obtained measurements of residual trapezial space with feeler gauges after trapeziectomy, after suspensionplasty, and at 1,000-cycle intervals.', 'Suspensionplasty with interference screw fixation maintained statistically significantly larger trapezial space heights compared with the Pulvertaft weave. Moreover, after the first 1,000 cycles, none of the specimens fixed with the interference screw lost further height up to the 10,000th cycle. All of the specimens fixed with the Pulvertaft weave continued to lose height with cycling, and 1 specimen showed contact of the first metacarpal with the scaphoid after only 1,000 cycles. With interference screw fixation, the height achieved initially and maintained through 10,000 cycles was an average of 5.5 mm. When the Pulvertaft weave was used, the height achieved was 3.0 mm initially, declining to 2.3 mm after 10,000 cycles. The polylactic acid interference screw was placed through a 5-mm dorsal stab incision and the extra tendon graft was cut flush as it exited the bone tunnel, eliminating the dorsal prominence associated with the Pulvertaft weave.'] Do interference screw fixation versus Pulvertaft weave in a simulated early-motion suspensionplasty protocol? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6116563081741333,
-1.4615027904510498,
2.150190830230713
] |
['Bright light therapy has been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in humans.', 'The antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of infrared radiation were evaluated using an experimental animal model.', 'Rats were randomly assigned to either an acutely or chronically exposed infrared radiation group or to a nonexposed control group. Acutely exposed rats were treated with an infrared radiation machine for one session, whereas chronically exposed animals were treated with an infrared radiation for 10 sessions. Control group rats were exposed to the sound of the infrared radiation machine as a sham treatment. After infrared radiation or control exposure, rats underwent behavioral evaluation, including elevated plus maze test, light/dark box, and forced swim test.', 'Chronic infrared radiation exposure decreased indicators of depression- and anxiety-like behavior. No significant effect on general locomotor activity was observed. The number of BrdU-positive cells in CA1 of the hippocampus was significantly increased in both acutely and chronically exposed infrared radiation groups compared with the control group.'] Does infrared radiation have potential antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in animal model of depression and anxiety? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.69160532951355,
-0.5848838090896606,
2.2841360569000244
] |
['Recent guidelines for the management of hypertension recommend an individualised stepped-care treatment approach in mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients, to achieve blood pressure (BP) goals. This study evaluated the probability of patients achieving BP targets with an aliskiren-based stepped-care treatment regimen.', 'This was a 24-week, open-label, non-comparator study design that included six sequential 4-week treatment periods in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Over the potential 24 weeks of active treatment, incremental therapy included the following add-on therapies at 4-week intervals: aliskiren 150-300 mg once daily, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) 12.5-25 mg once daily, and finally amlodipine 5-10 mg once daily, as needed to achieve target BP. Subjects achieving BP targets following any given 4 weeks of therapy were considered study completers, while subjects not achieving their clinical BP target entered into the next step of incremental therapy. The primary efficacy end-point was the estimated cumulative probability of patients achieving BP target.', 'Of 256 patients treated, 232 (90.6%) completed the study. Baseline mean sitting BP was 155.7/91.7 mmHg. At study end-point, the estimated cumulative probability of reaching BP target was 86.12%. The stepped-care treatment regimen was well tolerated at the maximal recommended doses of all the individual complimentary therapies.'] Does aliskiren-based stepped-care treatment algorithm provide effective blood pressure control? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9310529232025146,
-1.3366115093231201,
2.3215553760528564
] |
['Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a key risk factor significantly affecting morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation (LT). B7 homolog 1 (B7-H1), a recently identified member of the B7 family, is known to play important roles in regulating local immune responses. We hypothesized that B7-H1 plays crucial roles during innate immune responses induced by hepatic I/R injury, and using B7-H1 knockout (KO) liver grafts, we tested this hypothesis in the mouse LT model with 24 hours of cold storage. Cold I/R injury in wild type (WT)-to-WT LT enhanced constitutive B7-H1 expression on dendritic cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells and promptly induced B7-H1 on hepatocytes. When B7-H1 KO liver grafts were transplanted into WT recipients, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and graft necrosis levels were significantly higher than those after WT-to-WT LT. Augmented tissue injury in B7-H1 KO grafts was associated with increased frequencies and absolute numbers of graft CD3(+) T cells (particularly CD8(+) T cells). B7-H1 KO grafts had significantly fewer annexin V(+) CD8(+) T cells, and this indicated a failure to delete infiltrating CD8(+) T cells. To evaluate the relative contributions of parenchymal cell and bone marrow-derived cell (BMDC) B7-H1 expression, we generated and transplanted into WT recipients chimeric liver grafts lacking B7-H1 on parenchymal cells or BMDCs. A selective B7-H1 deficiency on parenchymal cells or BMDCs resulted in similar levels of ALT and liver injury, and this suggested that parenchymal cell and BMDC B7-H1 expression was involved in liver damage control. Human livers up-regulated B7-H1 expression after LT.'] Is hepatic B7 homolog 1 expression essential for controlling cold ischemia/reperfusion injury after mouse liver transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2296738624572754,
-1.399824619293213,
2.6612844467163086
] |
['Placenta accreta is one of the most devastating pregnancy complications. We sought to compare outcomes between women with placenta accreta when diagnosed antenatally or intrapartum, and to define predictors of the antenatal diagnosis.', 'Retrospective case-control study.', 'University teaching hospital.', 'Twenty-four women with placenta accreta diagnosed antenatally and 20 women discovered intrapartum.', 'Chart review of historical and delivery-associated variables. Rates were compared between the groups.', 'Placenta accreta diagnosed antenatally or intrapartum.', 'Women with antenatal diagnosis had a lower estimated blood loss of a median of 4500ml (range 100-15000ml) compared with 7800ml (range 2500-17000ml, p=0.012) and required fewer units of packed red blood cells transfused (median 7; range 0-27 compared with 13.5; range 4-31, p=0.026). Nineteen (79%) women diagnosed antenatally had balloon catheter occlusion carried out during the cesarean section. Five (21%) had the entire placenta left in situ. There was no difference in the rate of surgical complications or duration of hospitalization. The clinical diagnosis among women with antenatal diagnosis was more often placenta percreta (p=0.013). The risk factor profile of women with antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta included higher gravidity (p=0.014) and parity (p<0.0001), history of cesarean section (p=0.004), and placenta previa in the current pregnancy (p<0.001).'] Does antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta lead to reduced blood loss? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6998165845870972,
-1.3056801557540894,
2.0486907958984375
] |
['Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small DNA virus that requires cellular transcription factors for the expression of its genes. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate HBV gene expression, we conducted a yeast one-hybrid screen to identify novel cellular transcription factors that may control HBV gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), a liver-enriched transcription factor, can robustly activate HBV surface and core promoters. Mutations in the putative KLF15 binding site in the HBV core promoter abolished the ability of KLF15 to activate the core promoter in luciferase assays. Furthermore, the overexpression of KLF15 stimulated the expression of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and the core protein and enhanced viral replication. Conversely, small interfering RNA knockdown of the endogenous KLF15 in Huh7 cells resulted in a reduction in HBV surface- and core-promoter activities. In electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, KLF15 binds to DNA probes derived from the core promoter and the surface promoter. Introduction of an expression vector for KLF15 short hairpin RNA, together with the HBV genome into the mouse liver using hydrodynamic injection, resulted in a significant reduction in viral gene expression and DNA replication. Additionally, mutations in the KLF15 response element in the HBV core promoter significantly reduced viral DNA levels in the mouse serum.'] Does krüppel-like factor 15 activate hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3628222942352295,
-0.9970503449440002,
2.3901491165161133
] |
['Diabetes mellitus is characterized by oxidative stress, which in turn induces endothelial dysfunction. As a potent antioxidant compound, lycopene might rescue diabetic endothelial dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress.', 'The present study investigated whether lycopene could lower oxidative stress and attenuate endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rats.', 'Different doses of lycopene (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered for 30 days to streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats. Biochemical parameters and aortic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity, nitric oxide (NO) levels, constitutive NOS (cNOS) activity, and inducible NOS (iNOS) activity were determined. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation were measured in aortas for estimating endothelial function.', 'Compared with normal controls, endothelial function was significantly reduced in diabetic rats and the blunted endothelial function was dependently ameliorated with lycopene treatment. Compared with normal controls, the serum oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels, the aortic MDA levels, and iNOS activity in diabetic rats were increased by 113, 197, and 100%, respectively, whereas aortic SOD activity, NO levels, and cNOS activity were decreased by 73, 53, and 65%, respectively. Exogenous administration of lycopene to diabetic rats caused a dose-dependent decrease of serum glucose and ox-LDL levels, an increase of aortic SOD activity, NO levels, and cNOS activity, and a decrease of aortic MDA levels and iNOS activity.'] Does lycopene attenuate endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by reducing oxidative stress? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.242719888687134,
-1.4013285636901855,
2.663630962371826
] |
["Arousal symptoms (e.g., sleepiness) are common in Parkinson's disease, and pupillary unrest (spontaneous changes in pupil diameter) is positively associated with sleepiness. We explored pupillary unrest in Parkinson's disease.", "Arousal symptoms (Epworth sleepiness scale and sleep/fatigue domain of the nonmotor symptoms scale for Parkinson's disease) and pupillary unrest were assessed in 31 participants (14 patients with Parkinson's disease, 17 controls). Effect sizes and t tests compared patients with Parkinson's disease with control participants. Correlation coefficients were calculated among arousal symptoms, pupillary unrest, and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III. Linear regression was performed with arousal symptoms or pupillary unrest as outcome.", "Participants with Parkinson's disease reported more arousal symptoms than controls. Pupillary unrest, arousal symptoms, and Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III were positively correlated. The association between nonmotor symptoms scale-sleep score and pupillary unrest was higher in participants with Parkinson's disease than controls and higher in those with more Parkinsonian motor signs. Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III was positively associated with pupillary unrest."] Does pupillary unrest correlate with arousal symptoms and motor signs in Parkinson disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5542705059051514,
-0.3280195891857147,
0.9774682521820068
] |
['To evaluate the preventive effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on photoreceptor degeneration, synaptic connectivity and functional activity of the retina in the transgenic P23H rat, an animal model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP).', 'P23H line-3 rats were injected with TUDCA once a week from postnatal day (P)21 to P120, in parallel with vehicle-administered controls. At P120, functional activity of the retina was evaluated by electroretinographic (ERG) recording. The effects of TUDCA on the number, morphology, integrity, and synaptic connectivity of retinal cells were characterized by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy.', 'The amplitude of ERG a- and b-waves was significantly higher in TUDCA-treated animals under both scotopic and photopic conditions than in control animals. In the central area of the retina, TUDCA-treated P23H rats showed threefold more photoreceptors than control animals. The number of TUNEL-positive cells was significantly smaller in TUDCA-treated rats, in which photoreceptor morphology was preserved. Presynaptic and postsynaptic elements, as well as the synaptic contacts between photoreceptors and bipolar or horizontal cells, were preserved in TUDCA-treated P23H rats. Furthermore, in TUDCA-treated rat retinas, the number of both rod bipolar and horizontal cell bodies, as well as the density of their synaptic terminals in the outer plexiform layer, was greater than in control rats.'] Does tauroursodeoxycholic acid prevent retinal degeneration in transgenic P23H rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.273956060409546,
-1.4346487522125244,
2.7017838954925537
] |
['Dental mesenchymal stem cells (dMSCs) might differentiate into odontoblast-like cells and form mineralized nodules. In the current study, we investigated the effects of senescence on odontogenic differentiation of dMSCs.', 'dMSCs were serially subcultured until senescence. Telomere lengths and telomerase activities were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, eg, Bmi-1, p16(INK4A), osteocalcin (OC), dentin sialoprotein (DSP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) were assayed by Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Exogenous Bmi-1 was expressed in dMSCs by using retroviral vectors. Odontogenic differentiation was assayed by alkaline phosphatase activity.', 'Subculture-induced replicative senescence of dMSCs led to reduced expression of Bmi-1, OC, DSP, and BSP compared with rapidly proliferating cells, whereas p16(INK4A) level increased. The cells exhibited progressive loss of telomeric DNA during subculture, presumably as a result of lack of telomerase activity. Bmi-1 transduction did not affect proliferation of cells but enhanced the expression of OC and DSP in the late passage cultures. Bmi-1-transduced cells also demonstrated enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation.'] Is impaired odontogenic differentiation of senescent dental mesenchymal stem cells associated with loss of Bmi-1 expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4432737827301025,
-1.2865874767303467,
2.784310817718506
] |
['The tuberculin skin test (TST) is often used to screen for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in school children, many of whom were bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated in infancy. The reliability of the TST in such children is unknown.', 'TSTs performed in low-risk BCG-vaccinated and -nonvaccinated grade 1 and grade 6 First Nations (North American Indian) school children in the province of Alberta, Canada, were evaluated retrospectively. To further assess the specificity of the TST, BCG-vaccinated children with a positive TST (≥10 mm of induration) and no treatment of LTBI were administered a QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT, Cellestis International).', 'A total of 3996 children, 2063 (51.6%) BCG-vaccinated and 1933 (48.4%) BCG-nonvaccinated, were screened for LTBI. Vaccinated children were more likely than nonvaccinated children to be TST positive (5.7% vs. 0.2%, P < 0.001). Vaccinated children with a positive TST were more likely to have a recent past TST as compared with those with a negative TST (6.8% versus 2.8%, P = 0.01). Among 65 BCG-vaccinated TST-positive children who underwent a QFT-GIT, only 5 (7.7%; 95% CI: 2.5%, 17.0%) were QFT-GIT positive. A TST of ≥15 mm was more likely to be associated with a positive QFT-GIT than a TST of 10 to 14 mm, 16.0% (95% CI: 4.5%, 36.1%) versus 2.5% (95% CI: 0.1%, 13.2%), P = 0.047.'] Is the tuberculin skin test unreliable in school children BCG-vaccinated in infancy and at low risk of tuberculosis infection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.172659993171692,
-1.5125056505203247,
1.7615466117858887
] |
['To determine which of the following is the best method to identify PSORS1-associated psoriasis in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA): age at disease onset or positive family history of disease.', 'A total of 71 patients with PsA who met the CASPAR criteria were recruited on a randomized basis. The patients were stratified according to age at disease onset, with cutoff points at 25, 30, 35 and 40years of age. The alleles of locus Cw were analyzed by PCR-based methods, and their distribution was compared to that of 177 healthy blood donors.', 'HLA-Cw*0602-PSORS1- was associated with disease risk (56% vs. 18%) OR 5.8, 95%CI: 3.2-10.7, P=0.00001. A close relationship was established between this allele and onset of psoriasis under 30years of age (68% vs. 24%) OR 6.4, 95%CI: 2.3-18.2, P=0.0003. The relationship in turn lost significance above this age limit. An association was found between a family history of psoriasis and disease risk, though there was no specific cutoff point according to age at onset of the disease. Sixty-four percent of the subjects with positive family history were HLA-Cw*06 (+) compared to 44% of those without a family history, OR 2.3, 95% CI: 0.82-6.36, P=0.08.'] Is stratification by age of onset with 30 years as age limit an effective means of identifying PSORS1-associated psoriasis in patients with psoriatic arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9680948853492737,
-1.6486111879348755,
1.589353084564209
] |
['We evaluated the effect of time to surgery on tumor growth by comparing initial imaging and pathologic tumor size estimates. We also determined predictors of delay to surgery.', 'Preoperative work-up, coordination of reconstructive surgery, and referral to tertiary care centers can delay surgical treatment of breast cancer. Whether these delays are associated with interim tumor progression is unknown.', 'We identified 818 clinically node-negative breast cancer patients at our cancer center who had undergone surgery as their first therapeutic modality for invasive breast cancer from September 2003 to December 2006. Baseline tumor size was determined by mammography and sonography; tumor size at surgery was determined from pathology reports.', 'The median time from imaging to surgery was 21 days (1-132 days). In multivariate analysis, increased time to surgery was associated with older age, total mastectomy versus breast-conserving surgery, and reconstructive surgery. The median difference from baseline mammographic tumor size to surgery was 0 cm (8.6 cm smaller to 7.3 cm larger at surgery). The median difference from baseline sonographic tumor size to surgery was 0.1 cm (7.5 cm smaller to 8.3 cm larger at surgery). Neither of these differences was significantly associated with time to surgery. Time to surgery was associated with positive lymph nodes at surgery; however, no association was found after controlling for other prognostic factors.'] Are delays in primary surgical treatment associated with significant tumor size progression in breast cancer patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0815722942352295,
-1.0008256435394287,
2.1491901874542236
] |
['Airway thiol redox disturbances, including depletion of the antioxidant, glutathione, are differentiating features of severe asthma in children.', 'Given the role of the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in maintaining glutathione homeostasis and antioxidant defense, we quantified expression and activity of Nrf2 and its downstream targets in the airways and systemic circulation of children with asthma. We hypothesized that Nrf2 activation and function would be impaired in severe asthma, resulting in depletion of thiol pools and insufficient glutathione synthesis and conjugation.', 'PBMCs and airway lavage cells were collected from children 6 to 17 years with severe (n\xa0= 51) and mild-to-moderate asthma (n\xa0= 38). The thiols glutathione and cysteine were quantified, and expression and activity of Nrf2 and its downstream targets were assessed.', 'Children with severe asthma had greater oxidation and lower concentrations of glutathione and cysteine in the plasma and airway lavage. Although Nrf2 mRNA and protein increased in severe asthma as a function of increased thiol oxidation, the Nrf2 expressed was highly dysfunctional. Nrf2 activation and downstream targets of Nrf2 binding, including glutathione-dependent enzymes, were not different between groups. The duration of asthma was a key factor associated with Nrf2 dysfunction in severe asthma.'] Are thiol redox disturbances in children with severe asthma associated with posttranslational modification of the transcription factor nuclear factor ( erythroid-derived 2 ) -like 2? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4977989196777344,
-1.1782292127609253,
2.6514127254486084
] |
['The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment leukocytosis in patients with cervical cancer in relation to well-established conventional risk factors.', 'The baseline characteristics and outcome data from 536 patients treated for cervical cancer between 1996 April to 2007 March were collected and reviewed. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Subsequently, the prognostic significance of pretreatment WBC count was prospectively investigated in 156 patients newly diagnosed cervical cancer from 2007 April to 2010 March.', 'In a retrospective analysis, patients with leukocytosis (WBC ≥ 10,000/μl) showed significantly higher treatment failure rate (P < 0.0001) and shorter OS (P < 0.0001) than the patients without leukocytosis. Tumors from patients with leukocytosis showed significantly stronger immunoreactivity for G-CSF than those obtained from patients without leukocytosis. Multivariate analyses revealed that clinical stage, tumor diameter, histology, and elevated WBC count (≥ 10,000/μl) were significant prognostic factors in terms of overall survival. In a prospective investigation, patients with leukocytosis showed significantly higher treatment failure rate (P < 0.0001), shorter PFS (P < 0.0001), and higher serum G-CSF concentrations (p = 0.001) than the patients without leukocytosis. Multivariate analyses revealed that clinical stage, tumor diameter, and elevated WBC count were significant prognostic factors in terms of PFS.'] Is pretreatment leukocytosis an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with cervical cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9687970876693726,
-1.4290775060653687,
2.458731174468994
] |
['There is clinical evidence to show that sperm DNA damage could be a marker of sperm quality and extensive data exist on the relationship between DNA damage and male fertility status. Detecting such damage in sperm could provide new elements besides semen parameters in diagnosing male infertility. We aimed to assess sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation and to study the association between these two markers, routine semen parameters and malondialdehyde formation.', 'Semen samples from 55 men attending the Histology-Embryology Laboratory of Sfax Faculty of Medicine, Tunisia, for semen investigations were analysed for sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation using flow cytometry. The Sperm was also assessed spectrophotometrically for malondialdehyde formation.', 'Within the studied group, 21 patients were nonasthenozoospermic (sperm motility ≥ 50%) and 34 patients were considered asthenozoospermic (sperm motility < 50%). A positive correlation was found between sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation (p = 0.01; r = 0.33). We also found a negative correlation between sperm DNA fragmentation and some sperm parameters: total motility (p = 0.001; r = -0.43), rapid progressive motility (type a motility) (p = 0.04; r = -0.27), slow progressive motility (type b motility) (p = 0.03; r = -0.28), and vitality (p < 0.001; r = -0.65). Sperm DNA fragmentation was positively correlated with coiled tail (p = 0.01; r = 0.34). The two parameters that were found to be correlated with oxidative DNA damage were leucocytes concentrations (p = 0.01; r = 0.38) and broken neck (p = 0.02; r = 0.29). Sperm MDA levels were negatively correlated with sperm concentration (p < 0.001; r = -0.57), total motility (p = 0.01; r = -0.35) and type a motility (p = 0.03; r = -0.32); but not correlated with DNA fragmentation and DNA oxidation.'] Are sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation independent of malondialdheyde? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5784591436386108,
-1.372460126876831,
1.96998131275177
] |
['Repairing bone defects after drilling in skull base surgery is difficult in deeper locations, the posterior wall of the internal auditory canal, and the petrous apex. These defects traditionally have been repaired by soft tissue, such as fascia, muscle, or adipose tissue, coupled with lumbar drainage for several days postoperatively.', 'To repair cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage through air cells in the petrous bone, we applied a multilayer technique using hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) in three patients with postoperative CSF leakage. The opening of air cells was drilled widely to visualize the whole site of the opening and then packed with HAC covered with dura mater, fat, and fibrin glue.', 'In all patients, CSF leak did not recur after repair with HAC, and there was no postoperative would infection, local inflammation, or cranial nerve damage.'] Do repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak via petrous bone using multilayer technique with hydroxyapatite paste? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.718235731124878,
-0.7630411982536316,
2.545578956604004
] |
['To describe clinical and genetic observations in a patient with horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis (HGPPS) without identified mutations in the ROBO3 gene.', 'Neurologic and orthopedic evaluation of the proband; sequencing all exons, exon-intron boundaries, and promoter region of ROBO3 in the proband and his mother. Array CGH was also carried out in the proband and his mother to evaluate possible chromosomal deletion(s) and/or duplication(s).', 'The proband had complete horizontal gaze restriction with full vertical gaze and small amplitude horizontal pendular nystagmus. He also had severe scoliosis and brainstem hypoplasia pathognomonic of HGPPS. However, complete sequencing of ROBO3 twice in both forward and reverse directions did not reveal any mutations. Array CGH investigation revealed no chromosomal abnormalities.'] Do horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis without ROBO3 mutations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3335604667663574,
-1.3423501253128052,
2.743586301803589
] |
['Psychiatric illness and anxiety disorders have strong neurodevelopmental components. Environmental insults such as prenatal exposure to stress and genetic differences in stress responses may affect brain development.', 'A rat model of random variable prenatal stress was used to study the expression and processing of hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the offspring of the stressed rat dams. To account for unknown genetic influences that may play a role in the outcome of this prenatal stress paradigm, three different rat strains with known differences in stress responsivity were studied: Fischer, Sprague-Dawley, and Lewis rats (n=132).', 'Multiple disparities in mRNA expression levels of BDNF, and transcripts related to its processing and signaling were found in the three strains. Of the numerous splice variants transcribed from the BDNF gene, the transcript containing BDNF exon VI was most aberrant in the prenatally stressed animals. Protein levels of both uncleaved proBDNF and mature BDNF were also altered, as was intra-cellular signaling by phosphorylation of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2 (NTRK2, TrkB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (Erk 1/2). Changes were not only dependent on prenatal stress, but were also strain dependent, demonstrating the importance of genetic background.'] Does prenatal stress differentially alter brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and signaling across rat strains? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5596718788146973,
-0.7617555260658264,
2.396967887878418
] |
['The influence of liver fibrosis on the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after ablation therapy has not been fully elucidated. We previously reported that P2/MS [(platelet count [10(9)/L])2/(monocyte fraction[%] x segmented neutrophil fraction[%])] is an effective and noninvasive marker reflecting the degree of hepatic fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between P2/MS value and hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after radiofrequency ablation therapy in this study.', 'Chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent RFA for hypervascular single hepatocellular carcinoma at Seoul National University Hospital between 2004 and 2007 were prospectively included. We identified the predictors of recurrence using Cox-regression model.', 'Fifty one patients were included. Median follow-up duration was 14.2 months. Twenty patients experienced tumor recurrence. Multivariable analyses showed that low P2/MS level [HR, 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99); p = 0.008] and alpha-fetoprotein level >100 ng/mL [HR, 8.65 (95% CI, 2.37-31.67); p = 0.001] were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence. Patients with P2/MS < 45.0 showed 3.68-fold (p = 0.048) increase in the risk of recurrence compared to those with P2/MS > or =45.0. However, tumor size, HBeAg and HBV DNA level failed to significantly affect the time-to-recurrence.'] Is low P2/MS value an independent risk factor for early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1801141500473022,
-1.8293575048446655,
1.9597208499908447
] |
['Heparin has anti-inflammatory properties. Serum tests after ERCP might serve as surrogate markers for inflammatory reactions. The aims were to study effects of low-dose unfractionated heparin on post-ERCP laboratory tests and on safety.', 'The design was prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled. Eighty-nine patients were randomized to 5000 IE Heparin (0.2 ml of 25000 IE) or 0.2 ml 0.9% NaCL given s.c. 4h before and 4h and 18h after ERCP. Amylase, AST, ALT, CRP and leucocyte count were analyzed at these times and also after 48h. Adverse events were registered.', 'Significant increase was observed after 18h in the placebo group (n=44) for amylase (mean: 0.66 microkat/l, SD:0.8 vs. mean: 4.56 microkat/l, SD:9.9, p = 0.011), AST (mean: 1.37 microkat/l, SD: 1.5 vs. mean: l.96 microkat/l, SD:2.1, p = 0.049) and ALT (mean: 2.42 microkat/l, SD:2.7 vs. mean: 2.91, SD: 2.9% kat/l, p = 0.042). Corresponding elevations were not seen in the heparin group (n=41): p = 0.371, 0.395 and 0.25 respectively. Leucocyte count elevation was higher with longer duration in the placebo group. Mild pancreatitis occurred in 4.7% (placebo: 3, heparin: (1) and 4/89 (placebo: 2, heparin:(2) were excluded due to minor bleeding after the first injection.'] Is a preventive effect of unfractionated heparin on post-ERCP pancreatitis suggested by positive effects on laboratory markers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4457038640975952,
-1.73540198802948,
2.1915977001190186
] |
["The aim of this study was to compare serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels and clinical and laboratory parameters reflecting expression of disease between female patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and age-matched healthy women and to examine in pSS patients the correlation of these variables with fatigue, well-being, and functioning.", 'Comparisons were made between 60 female pSS patients and 60 age-matched healthy women. We assessed questionnaire scores of general fatigue, depressed mood, mental wellbeing, and physical functioning, tear production (Schirmer I test), tender point counts, serum DHEAS level, haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and serum immunoglobulin G.', 'As compared to healthy participants, patients had more fatigue and depressed mood, reduced well-being and functioning, more dryness and pain, lower serum DHEAS levels, and more expression of disease as reflected by laboratory assessments (p≤0.001). In pSS patients, fatigue, well-being, and functioning correlated with tender point counts, but not with the extent of dryness and also not with laboratory assessments including serum DHEAS levels.'] Are serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels and laboratory and clinical parameters indicating expression of disease associated with fatigue , well-being and functioning in patients with primary Sjögren 's syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2920000553131104,
-1.1315217018127441,
2.5237178802490234
] |
['Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is the major cause for urinary tract infections (UTI). Due to emerging antimicrobial resistances treatment of UTI is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, alternative treatment strategies are required. We sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of a traditionally used decoction from Vietnamese dandelion (Lactuca indica L.) mediating local protection of the bladder epithelium.', 'To study the influence of herbal preparations on the interaction between bladder epithelial cells and uropthogenic Escherichia coli, a cell culture model of UTI was applied. In addition, the direct effect of the herbal extract on Escherichia coli was analyzed.', 'Although no direct antibacterial activity was determined, Lactuca indica decreased bacterial colonization of bladder epithelial cells remarkably. Reduced bacterial adherence was accompanied by lowered activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in Lactuca indica exposed cells. Treatment with a chemical FAK inhibitor supported this mechanism of action.'] Does lactuca indica extract interfere with uroepithelial infection by Escherichia coli? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.9119322299957275,
-0.6106671094894409,
2.6154086589813232
] |
['Heterozygous deleterious mutations in the gene encoding the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 13b (TNFRSF13B), or transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI), have been associated with the development of common variable immunodeficiency. Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, behavioral disturbances, craniofacial anomalies, and recurrent respiratory tract infections. Eighty percent of subjects have a chromosome 17p11.2 microdeletion, which includes TACI. The remaining subjects have mutations sparing this gene.', 'We examined TACI protein expression and function in patients with SMS to define the role of TACI haploinsufficiency in B-cell function.', 'We studied TACI expression and function in a cohort of 29 patients with SMS.', 'In patients with SMS with only 1 TACI allele, we found decreased B-cell extracellular and intracellular expression of TACI, reduced binding of a proliferation-inducing ligand, and decreased TACI-induced expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase mRNA, but these were normal for cells from patients with SMS and 2 TACI alleles. Impaired upregulation of B-cell surface TACI expression by a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist was also observed in cells from patients with 1 TACI allele. Gene sequence analysis of the remaining TACI allele revealed common polymorphisms, with the exception of 1 patient with an amino acid change of uncertain significance. Patients with SMS with the lowest TACI expression had significantly reduced antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccine serotypes.'] Does transmembrane activator and CAML interactor ( TACI ) haploinsufficiency result in B-cell dysfunction in patients with Smith-Magenis syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3892476558685303,
-1.311237096786499,
2.7740542888641357
] |
['Since 1958 many, but not all studies have demonstrated that paternal age is a risk factor for schizophrenia. There may be many different explanations for differences between studies, including study design, sample size, collection criteria, heterogeneity and the confounding effects of environmental factors that can for example perturb epigenetic programming and lead to an increase in disease risk. The small number of children in Western families makes risk comparisons between siblings born at different paternal ages difficult. In contrast, more Eastern families have children both at early and later periods of life. In the present study, a cross-sectional population study in an Iranian population was performed to compare frequency of schizophrenia in younger offspring (that is, older paternal age) versus older offspring.', 'A total of 220 patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia (cases) from both psychiatric hospitals and private clinics and 220 individuals from other hospital wards (controls), matched for sex and age were recruited for this study. Patients with neurological problem, substance abuse, mental retardation and mood disorder were excluded from both groups.', "Birth rank comparisons revealed that 35% vs 24% of the cases vs the controls were in the third or upper birth rank (P = 0.01). Also, the mean age of fathers at birth in case group (30 ± 6.26 years) was significantly more than the control group (26.45 ± 5.64 years; P = 0.0001). The age of 76 fathers at birth in case group was over 32 versus 33 fathers in control group. Individuals whose fathers' age was more than 32 (at birth) were at higher risk (2.77 times) for schizophrenia versus others (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 1.80 to 4.27). The maternal age at parturition of the case versus controls groups was 26.1 ± 5.41 vs 25.07 ± 4.47 (P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis suggests that maternal age is less likely to be involved in the higher risk of schizophrenia than advanced parental age."] Is advanced paternal age a risk factor for schizophrenia in Iranians? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.773462176322937,
-0.9090577363967896,
-0.7873365879058838
] |
['Pneumoperitoneum with an intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of 14 mmHg is known to decrease renal function. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) requires an IAP of more than 15 mmHg for operation. Therefore, we retrospectively investigated whether patients who underwent RARP experienced renal insufficiency during the postoperative period (at postoperative days 7 and 30).', 'One hundred patients who underwent RARP were enrolled in this study. Preoperative serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) levels were measured. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was calculated using the Cockcroft and Gault formula. CrCl was calculated at 1 day before surgery (baseline), 2 hr postoperatively, and at 1, 3, 7, and 30 days postoperatively (POD 1, POD 3, POP 7, and POD 30). Patients were assigned to abnormal CrCl (n = 52) or normal CrCl groups (n = 48) on the basis of these measurements.', 'Significant inter-group differences in BUN, Cr, and CrCl were observed at all postoperative time points. BUN and Cr decreased significantly at postoperative 2 hr and POD 1, 3, and 7 versus baseline in both groups, whereas CrCl increased significantly at postoperative 2 hr and POD 1, 3, and 7 versus baseline in both groups. However, BUN, Cr, and CrCl were similar at POD 30 and preoperatively in the two groups.'] Is postoperative renal function in patients unaltered after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.984248161315918,
-1.393621802330017,
2.4518909454345703
] |
['Postural instability is a concern in several neurologic conditions and also among the elderly. Dysfunction in serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic pathways may be involved in the etiology of postural imbalance.', 'The objective of this case report was to quantify, using computerized posturography, substitution with venlafaxine, and later levodopa, in a suspected case of postural instability with paroxetine.', 'Presented is an 86-year-old woman with frequent falls and a Parkinson-like syndrome of the lower limbs secondary to microvascular dementia. Paroxetine was gradually discontinued and exchanged for venlafaxine, 37.5 mg twice daily. Before and after medication changes, static posturography was performed under eyes open and closed conditions. Following 3 months of venlafaxine, the patient showed significant improvement from baseline, however, venlafaxine was then reduced to 37.5 mg at bedtime. Six months later, levodopa was introduced and further improvement was observed. It is possible that venlafaxine, which maintains a more balanced affinity for serotonin and norepinephrine transporters, may have provided postural benefit. Decreased sedation secondary to venlafaxine reduction may have elicited further improvements in addition to the increased lower limb functionality observed with levodopa.'] Does balance control improve following replacement of paroxetine with venlafaxine and levodopa in a case of microvascular dementia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.55157208442688,
-1.141730546951294,
2.798621654510498
] |
["Euglenophytes are a group of photosynthetic flagellates possessing a plastid derived from a green algal endosymbiont, which was incorporated into an ancestral host cell via secondary endosymbiosis. However, the impact of endosymbiosis on the euglenophyte nuclear genome is not fully understood due to its complex nature as a 'hybrid' of a non-photosynthetic host cell and a secondary endosymbiont.", "We analyzed an EST dataset of the model euglenophyte Euglena gracilis using a gene mining program designed to detect laterally transferred genes. We found E. gracilis genes showing affinity not only with green algae, from which the secondary plastid in euglenophytes evolved, but also red algae and/or secondary algae containing red algal-derived plastids. Phylogenetic analyses of these 'red lineage' genes suggest that E. gracilis acquired at least 14 genes via eukaryote-to-eukaryote lateral gene transfer from algal sources other than the green algal endosymbiont that gave rise to its current plastid. We constructed an EST library of the aplastidic euglenid Peranema trichophorum, which is a eukaryovorous relative of euglenophytes, and also identified 'red lineage' genes in its genome."] Does eukaryote-to-eukaryote gene transfer give rise to genome mosaicism in euglenids? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.398258924484253,
0.17587265372276306,
1.3422131538391113
] |
['Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) mediates gene silencing through histone H3K27 methylation. PRC2 components are over-expressed in metastatic prostate cancer (PC), and are required for cancer stem cell (CSC) self-renewal. 3-Dezaneplanocin-A (DZNeP) is an inhibitor of PRC2 with broad anticancer activity.', 'we investigated the effects of DZNeP on cell proliferation, tumorigenicity and invasive potential of PC cell lines (LNCaP and DU145).', 'Exploring GEO and Oncomine databases, we found that specific PRC2 genes (EED, EZH2, SUZ12) predict poor prognosis in PC. Non-toxic DZNeP concentrations completely eradicated LNCaP and DU145 prostatosphere formation, and significantly reduced the expression of CSC markers. At comparable doses, other epigenetic drugs were not able to eradicate CSCs. DZNeP was also able to reduce PC cell invasion. Cells pre-treated with DZNeP were significantly less tumorigenic (LNCaP) and formed smaller tumors (DU145) in immunocompromised mice.'] Does pharmacologic disruption of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 inhibit tumorigenicity and tumor progression in prostate cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.515294313430786,
-1.2267911434173584,
2.794950246810913
] |
['Obesity related dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress were associated with atherosclerotic sequels. We analysed oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) plasma levels of 797 participants of the STyrian Juvenile OBesity (STYJOBS) / Early DEteCTion of Atherosclerosis (EDECTA) Study cohort aged from 5 to 50 years. The rationale of STYJOBS/EDECTA is to investigate the preclinical phase of obesity by a well defined cohort of young and middle aged overweight/obese and normal weight subjects.', 'Plasma oxLDL was analysed by ELISA (Mercodia, Sweden). In the overweight/obese (OW/OB) study group, oxLDL levels were significantly increased compared to normal weighted controls (p<0.001). Probands with metabolic syndrome (MS) had significantly higher oxLDL levels than probands without MS; between overweight and obese participants, and between females and males, no significant difference was seen. In a multiple stepwise regression analysis including all study subjects, age, gender, anthropometric data, presence of metabolic syndrome, systolic, diastolic blood pressure, carotis communis intima media thickness, lipids, adipokines, metabolic, and inflammatory biomarkers, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) and increased total cholesterol were the best predictors for increased oxLDL levels.'] Is high density lipoprotein cholesterol level a robust predictor of lipid peroxidation irrespective of gender , age , obesity , and inflammatory or metabolic biomarkers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.327716112136841,
-1.36021089553833,
2.7611711025238037
] |
["To analyze whether the antioxidant melatonin could reduce the hyperoxidative status in the blood of patients with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy.", 'Ten patients aged 12.8±0.9 years were treated with melatonin (60mg at 21:00h plus 10mg at 09:00h) for 9 months, and erythrocyte markers of oxidative stress were determined at 3, 6, and 9 months of treatment. Healthy age- and sex-matched subjects served as controls.', 'Prior to treatment, the patients had higher glutathione disulfide/glutathione ratio and higher glutathione transferase and superoxide dismutase activities, and lower glutathione reductase activity than controls. After 3 months of melatonin treatment, the hyperoxidative status of these patients was counteracted, being reduced to the normal redox state between 3 and 9 months.'] Does melatonin treatment counteract the hyperoxidative status in erythrocytes of patients suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.353647232055664,
-1.042536973953247,
2.390683650970459
] |
["To investigate the damage to the retinal nerve fiber layer as part of the anterior visual pathway as well as an impairment of the neuronal and axonal integrity in the visual cortex as part of the posterior visual pathway with complementary neuroimaging techniques, and to correlate our results to patients' clinical symptoms concerning the visual pathway.", 'Survey of 86 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis that were subjected to retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) measurement by optical coherence tomography, to a routine MRI scan including the calculation of the brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), and to magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3 tesla, quantifying N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) concentrations in the visual cortex and normal-appearing white matter.', "RNFLT correlated significantly with BPF and visual cortex NAA, but not with normal-appearing white matter NAA. This was connected with the patients' history of a previous optic neuritis. In a combined model, both BPF and visual cortex NAA were independently associated with RNFLT."] Are metabolic changes in the visual cortex linked to retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in multiple sclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.49879789352417,
-1.204914927482605,
2.771148443222046
] |
['Assortative mating can help explain how genetic variation for male quality is maintained even in highly polygynous species. Here, we present a longitudinal study examining how female and male ages, as well as male social dominance, affect assortative mating in fallow deer (Dama dama) over 10 years. Assortative mating could help explain the substantial proportion of females that do not mate with prime-aged, high ranking males, despite very high mating skew. We investigated the temporal pattern of female and male matings, and the relationship between female age and the age and dominance of their mates.', 'The peak of yearling female matings was four days later than the peak for older females. Younger females, and especially yearlings, mated with younger and lower-ranking males than older females. Similarly, young males and lower-ranking males mated with younger females than older males and higher-ranking males. Furthermore, the timing of matings by young males coincided with the peak of yearling female matings, whereas the timing of older male matings (irrespective of rank) coincided with the peak of older female matings.'] Does assortative mating in fallow deer reduce the strength of sexual selection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.6906124353408813,
3.1069557666778564,
-1.9407896995544434
] |
['HIV disease is associated with increased arterial stiffness, which may be related to inflammation provoked by HIV-related immune perturbation. We assessed the association of T cell markers of immune activation and immunosenescence with carotid artery stiffness among HIV-infected women.', "Among 114 HIV-infected and 43 HIV-uninfected women, we measured CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations expressing activation (CD38+HLA-DR+) and senescence (CD28-CD57+) markers. We then related these measures of immune status with parameters of carotid artery stiffness, including decreased distensibility, and increased Young's elastic modulus, as assessed by B-mode ultrasound.", "HIV infection was associated with increased CD4+ T cell activation, CD8+ T cell activation and CD8+ T cell senescence. Among HIV-infected women, adjusted for age, HIV medications, and vascular risk factors, higher CD4+CD38+HLA-DR+ T cell frequency was associated with decreased carotid artery distensibility (β=-2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]=-3.86, -0.14, P=0.04) and increased Young's modulus (β=1.00, 95% CI=0.03, 1.97, P=0.04). These associations were affected little by further adjustment for CD4+ T cell count and viral load. Among HIV-infected women, higher frequencies of immunosenescent T cells, including CD4+CD28-CD57+ and CD8+CD28-CD57+ T cells, were also associated with decreased arterial distensibility. Among HIV-uninfected women, frequencies of activated or senescent T cells were not significantly associated with measures of carotid stiffness."] Does t cell activation predict carotid artery stiffness among HIV-infected women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0198442935943604,
-1.274730920791626,
2.276945114135742
] |
['To examine the demographic and workplace risk factors of serious falls and associated economic burden in Canadian health care workers.', "Fall injury data during 2005-2008 from a workplace health and safety surveillance system were linked with workers' compensation claims and payroll records. The costs for treatment and wage loss and days lost for accepted time-loss claims were calculated. Demographic and work-related factors were identified to distinguish the risk for more serious falls from less serious falls.", 'Nine hundred and thirty-eight fall injury claims were captured among 48\u2009519 full-time equivalent workers. Workers >60 years, part time or employed in the long-term care sector sustained a higher proportion of serious falls (>70%). Over 75% of falls were serious for care aides, facility support service workers and community health workers. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of serious falls remained higher for workers in the long-term care sector [odds ratio (OR) 1.71; P < 0.05] compared with those in acute care and for care aides (OR 1.72; P < 0.05), facility support service workers (OR 2.58; P < 0.01) and community health workers (OR 3.61; P < 0.001) compared with registered nurses (RNs). The median number of days lost was higher for females, long-term care workers, licensed practical nurses and care aides. Females, long-term care workers, RNs, licensed practical nurses, care aides and maintenance workers had the most costly falls.'] Does predictors and economic burden of serious workplace fall in health care? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.3630168437957764,
1.0399781465530396,
-0.32343393564224243
] |
['A large Danish birth cohort was used to test the independent and joint effects of perinatal measures associated with premature birth as predictors of the development of alcoholism in male and female subjects.', 'Subjects were born at the Copenhagen University Hospital between 1959 and 1961 (N = 9,125). A comprehensive series of measures was obtained for each of the 8,109 surviving and eligible infants before birth, during birth, shortly after birth, and at 1 year. The adult alcoholism outcome was defined as any ICD-10 F10 diagnosis (Mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use) or an equivalent ICD-8 diagnosis found in the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Register or the Municipal Alcohol Clinics of Copenhagen by 2007.', 'Multiple perinatal markers of premature birth independently predicted the development of an alcoholism diagnosis in male (n = 310) but not female (n = 138) subjects. Logistic regression modeling with a global prematurity score, adjusted for social status, maternal smoking, and gender, indicated a significant association of prematurity score for males (p < .02), but not females (p = .51), on the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.'] Do effects of premature birth on the risk for alcoholism appear to be greater in males than females? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6463162899017334,
-0.6289827823638916,
1.351534366607666
] |
['The influence of human prolactin (hPRL) on the development of breast and other types of cancer is well established. Little information, however, exists on the effects of hPRL on squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHNs).', 'In this study, we evaluated prolactin receptor (PRLR) expression in SCCHN cell lines and assessed by immunohistochemistry the expression in 89 patients with SCCHNs. The PRLR expression was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics as well as clinical outcome. The effect of hPRL treatment on tumour cell growth was evaluated in vitro.', 'Immunoreactivity for PRLR was observed in 85 out of 89 (95%) tumours. Multivariate COX regression analysis confirmed high levels of PRLR expression (>25% of tumour cells) to be an independent prognostic factor with respect to overall survival (HR=3.70, 95% CI: 1.14-12.01; P=0.029) and disease-free survival (P=0.017). Growth of PRLR-positive cancer cells increased in response to hPRL treatment.'] Is prolactin receptor a negative prognostic factor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3227341175079346,
-1.3494837284088135,
2.749757766723633
] |
['The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels and fibrin d-dimer in a large cohort of anticoagulated permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.', 'In nonanticoagulated AF patients, plasma vWF levels have been related to stroke and vascular events. There are limited data on the prognostic role of biomarkers in anticoagulated AF patients in relation to adverse events (including thromboembolism), mortality, and major bleeding.', 'We studied 829 patients (50% male; median age 76 years) with permanent AF who were stabilized (for at least 6 months) on oral anticoagulation therapy (international normalized ratio: 2.0 to 3.0). Plasma d-dimer and vWF levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were followed for 2 years, and adverse events (thrombotic and vascular events, mortality, and major bleeding) were recorded.', 'Patients were followed for a median of 828 days (range 18 to 1,085 days). On multivariate analysis, age 75 years and older, previous stroke, heart failure, and high plasma vWF levels (≥ 221 IU/dl) were associated with future adverse cardiovascular events (all p values <0.05). High plasma vWF levels, elderly patients, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and current smoking were associated with mortality (all p values <0.05). High plasma vWF levels were also an independent predictor of major bleeding (hazard ratio: 4.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.86 to 10.75; p < 0.001). High plasma vWF levels were able to refine clinical risk stratification schema for stroke (CHADS₂ [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75, Diabetes mellitus, and prior Stroke or transient ischemic attack (doubled)], CHA₂DS₂-VASc [Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥ 75 years, Diabetes mellitus, Stroke, Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex category]) and bleeding (HAS-BLED [Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile International Normalized Ratio, Elderly, Drugs/alcohol concomitantly]). d-dimer did not show any significant impact on adverse events.'] Are plasma von Willebrand factor levels an independent risk factor for adverse events including mortality and major bleeding in anticoagulated atrial fibrillation patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0840134620666504,
-1.4625935554504395,
2.5694587230682373
] |
['To examine the relationship between leisure time physical activity in 15-year-old students, and weight status and self-rated health 3 years later.', "Data were used from two follow-up waves, one in 2002 (grade 9, age 15 years) and one in 2005 (grade 12, age 18 years) of a cohort of approximately 2,500 adolescents. Adolescents reported height and weight, health behaviors, and self-rated health by a questionnaire at both occasions. Age and gender-specific body mass index cut-off points for thinness, overweight, and obesity were used to assess weight status. Logistic regression analyses were performed with weight status and self-rated health as the outcomes and level of leisure time physical activity as the independent variable. Adjustments were made for parental years of education, student's current smoking habits, and baseline body mass index.", 'As compared with students who were active for more than 4 hours per week during leisure time, being active 2-4 hours (odds ratio [OR]: 4.15, confidence interval [CI]: 1.62-10.60) and <2 hours (OR: 3.92, CI: 1.30-11.78) predicted thinness in boys. In girls, the risk was smaller and became significant at <2 hours per week (OR: 2.57, CI: 1.38-4.77). Overweight or obesity was not significantly predicted by physical activity. A significant risk of low self-rated health was found at follow-up in boys active for <4 hours per week compared with those active for >4 hours per week.'] Is low physical activity a predictor of thinness and low self-rated health : gender differences in a Swedish cohort? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.3398115038871765,
-0.7639687657356262,
0.22032952308654785
] |
['To assess the cross-sectional association between exercise capacity, gas exchange efficiency and endothelial function, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) of the brachial artery, in a large-scale population-based survey.', 'The study population was comprised of 1416 volunteers 25 to 85 years old. Oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO2@AT), peak exercise (peakVO2) and ventilatory efficiency (VE vs. VCO2 slope and VE/VCO2@AT) were assessed on a breath-by-breath basis during incremental symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise. FMD and NMD measurements at rest were performed using standardised ultrasound techniques.', 'Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between FMD and ventilatory efficiency in current smokers but not in ex-smokers or non-smokers. There was no association between FMD and VO2@AT or peak VO2. In current smokers, for each one millimetre decrement in FMD, VE/VCO2@AT improved by -3.6 (95% CI -6.8, -0.4) in the overall population [VE vs. VCO2 slope -3.9 (-7.1, -0.6)]. These results remained robust after adjusting for all major influencing factors. Neither exercise capacity nor ventilatory efficiency was significantly associated with NMD.'] Is peripheral endothelial dysfunction associated with gas exchange inefficiency in smokers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1110610961914062,
-1.3568131923675537,
2.5372252464294434
] |
['To assess any direct effect of extract of Paris polyphylla Simth (EPPS), a Chinese plant, on a cardiomyocyte subject to ischemia-reperfusion injury and to further elucidate its protective effect against myocardium ischemia on the cellular level.', 'Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were isolated and subjected to an anoxia-reoxia injury simulating the ischemia-reperfusion injury in vivo in the presence or absence of EPPS or diltizem, a positive control. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in culture supernatants and cell viabilities were analyzed using the enzymatic reaction kinetics monitoring-method and MTT method, respectively. Free intracellular calcium concentrations and activities of Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and Ca(2+) ATPase in cells were also measured with laser confocal microscopy and the inorganic phosphorus-transformation method, respectively.', 'In cardiomyocytes subject to anoxia-reoxia injury, EPPS at 50-400 mg/L showed a concentration-dependent inhibition on LDH leakage and maintenance of cell viability, and the effect was significant at 275 and 400 mg/L (both P<0.01). In addition, EPPS at 275 and 400 mg/L significantly inhibited the increase in intracellular free calcium (both P<0.01) as well as decreased the activities of Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and Ca(2+) ATPase (P<0.01, P<0.05).'] Does extract of Paris polyphylla Simth protect cardiomyocytes from anoxia-reoxia injury through inhibition of calcium overload? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2977187633514404,
-1.3606982231140137,
2.722283124923706
] |
['The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the most effective treatment for preventing arrhythmic deaths in patients with heart failure, but periprocedural complications, including in-hospital mortality or cardiac arrest, may occur, and little is known about risk factors. We asked whether elevated B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality or cardiac arrest in patients undergoing ICD implantation.', 'From the National Cardiovascular Data Registry ICD Registry, we identified 53 198 patients who received ICD implants and underwent preoperative BNP measurement from 2006 to 2008. The patients were categorized into 4 groups by BNP levels (<100, 100 to <300, 300 to <1000, and ≥1000 pg/mL). Complication rates were compared among groups, and odds ratios for in-hospital mortality or cardiac arrest were estimated by multiple hierarchical logistic regressions. There were 2952 complications reported, including 510 in-hospital deaths and 365 cardiac arrests. The rate of in-hospital mortality or cardiac arrest significantly increased with elevated BNP level (P<0.001). The adjusted odds ratios of in-hospital mortality or cardiac arrest were statistically significant in all 3 higher BNP groups [odds ratio (95% CI), 1.99 (1.17 to 3.39), 2.49 (1.50 to 4.13), and 4.25 (2.57 to 7.06) in the second, third, and fourth groups using <100 as reference]. Among subgroups, the association was more significant in men, patients with renal dysfunction, and patients undergoing biventricular ICD implantation.'] Is elevated B-type natriuretic peptide associated with increased in-hospital mortality or cardiac arrest in patients undergoing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3076919317245483,
-1.5724165439605713,
1.9135491847991943
] |
['This study aimed to evaluate whether synthetic secretin is effective in reducing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis.', 'This is a single academic medical center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using secretin (dose of 16 μg) administered intravenously immediately before ERCP. Patients were evaluated for the primary outcome of post-ERCP pancreatitis as diagnosed by a single investigator.', 'A total of 1100 patients were screened, of whom 869 were randomly assigned to receive secretin (n = 426) or placebo (n = 443) before ERCP and were evaluated after the procedure for efficacy of secretin. The incidence of pancreatitis in the secretin group compared with the placebo group was 36 (8.7%) of 413 patients versus 65 (15.1%) of 431 patients, respectively, P = 0.004. In the subgroup analysis, secretin was highly protective against post-ERCP pancreatitis for patients undergoing biliary sphincterotomy (6/129 vs 32/142, P < 0.001), patients undergoing cannulation of the common bile duct (26/339 vs 56/342, P < 0.001), and patients not undergoing pancreatic sphincterotomy (26/388 vs 57/403, P = 0.001). Analysis of the interaction between these groups reveals that the primary effect of secretin prophylaxis was prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients undergoing biliary sphincterotomy.'] Does intravenous synthetic secretin reduce the incidence of pancreatitis induced by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0895473957061768,
-1.4416673183441162,
2.593257427215576
] |
['Human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG) is responsible for channels that mediate the rapid delayed rectifier K(+) channel current (I(Kr) ), which participates in repolarization of the ventricles and is a target for some antiarrhythmic drugs. Acidosis occurs in the heart in some pathological situations and can modify the function and responses to drugs of ion channels. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of extracellular and intracellular acidosis on the potency of hERG channel current (I(hERG)) inhibition by the antiarrhythmic agents dofetilide, flecainide, and amiodarone at 37 °C.', 'Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of I(hERG) were made at 37 °C from hERG-expressing Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293) cells. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values for I(hERG) tail inhibition at -40 mV following depolarizing commands to +20 mV were significantly higher at external pH 6.3 than at pH 7.4 for both flecainide and dofetilide, but not for amiodarone. Lowering pipette pH from 7.2 to 6.3 altered neither I(hERG) kinetics nor the extent of observed I(hERG) blockade by any of these drugs.'] Is pharmacological inhibition of the hERG potassium channel modulated by extracellular but not intracellular acidosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4090869426727295,
-1.355285882949829,
2.802560329437256
] |
['Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased morbidity following invasive procedures. We hypothesized that patients with CKD have higher complication rates following device implantation than patients with normal renal function.', 'We reviewed the medical records of patients undergoing ICD or pacemaker implantation from August 2004 to August 2007. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated using the Cockroft-Gault equation. Those with GFR ≥ 90 cc/min served as controls. The remainder was grouped according to American Kidney Foundation stages of CKD. Bleeding complications were defined as need for pocket exploration or blood transfusion; cardiac tamponade; or hematoma requiring pressure dressing, change in medications or prolonged hospitalization. Infection was defined as infection of the pocket or lead system, or development of bacteremia/sepsis within 60 days.', 'There were 82 bleeding complications (5.7%) and 7 infections (0.5%) temporally related to device implantation in 1,440 patients. End-stage renal disease (ESRD), defined as GFR < 15 mL/min or need for dialysis, was identified in 32 patients. Infection rates were significantly higher in patients with ESRD versus controls (12.5% vs 0.2%; P < 0.0001). A significant increase in bleeding complications was observed in ESRD versus controls (21.9% vs 3.2%, respectively; P<0.0001). Bleeding complications were considerably greater than controls in moderate (GFR 30-59 mL/min) and severe (GFR 15-29 mL/min) CKD (7.4% and 9.8% vs 3.2%, respectively; P < 0.005).'] Does end-stage renal disease predict complications in pacemaker and ICD implants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.221260905265808,
-1.704899787902832,
1.859412431716919
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lymph node sampling and taking of blind biopsies as part of the surgical staging procedure for early ovarian cancer on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients who received no adjuvant chemotherapy.', 'In the EORTC ACTION Trial, 448 patients with early ovarian carcinoma were randomized between November 1990 and March 2000-224 patients to observation and 224 to adjuvant platin-based chemotherapy. Only patients allocated to observation were included for the current study. Analyses were performed in a subgroup of 75 optimally staged patients (group A), 46 patients in whom all staging steps were performed except para-aortic or pelvic lymph node sampling (group B), and 14 patients who fulfilled all staging criteria but in whom no blind peritoneal biopsies were taken (group C). The study group did not differ in stage distribution, cell type, or tumor grade.', 'Significantly improved 5-year DFS (P = 0.03) and 5-year OS (P = 0.01) were found in group A (optimally staged) versus group B (no lymph node sampling). A significant difference was also shown in 5-year DFS (P = 0.02) and 5-year OS (P = 0.003) between group A and group C (no blind biopsies). Recurrences occurred in 11 (14.6%) of 75 patients in group A, 16 (34.8%) of 46 patients in group B, and 5 (35.7%) of 14 in group C. The 5-year DFS in group A was 79% versus 61% and 64% in groups B and C, respectively. The 5-year OS decreased from 89% in group A to 71% in group B and 65% in group C.'] Are lymph node sampling and taking of blind biopsies important elements of the surgical staging of early ovarian cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2753764390945435,
-1.6233415603637695,
1.8338725566864014
] |
['Manitoba-oculo-tricho-anal (MOTA) syndrome is a rare condition defined by eyelid colobomas, cryptophthalmos and anophthalmia/microphthalmia, an aberrant hairline, a bifid or broad nasal tip, and gastrointestinal anomalies such as omphalocele and anal stenosis. Autosomal recessive inheritance had been assumed because of consanguinity in the Oji-Cre population of Manitoba and reports of affected siblings, but no locus or cytogenetic aberration had previously been described.', 'This study shows that MOTA syndrome is caused by mutations in FREM1, a gene previously mutated in bifid nose, renal agenesis, and anorectal malformations (BNAR) syndrome. MOTA syndrome and BNAR syndrome can therefore be considered as part of a phenotypic spectrum that is similar to, but distinct from and less severe than, Fraser syndrome. Re-examination of Frem1(bat/bat) mutant mice found new evidence that Frem1 is involved in anal and craniofacial development, with anal prolapse, eyelid colobomas, telecanthus, a shortened snout and reduced philtral height present in the mutant mice, similar to the human phenotype in MOTA syndrome.'] Is manitoba-oculo-tricho-anal ( MOTA ) syndrome caused by mutations in FREM1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.483058452606201,
-1.167834758758545,
2.7613525390625
] |
['There is limited literature on hypernatreamia in the setting of hyperglycaemic crisis. This is despite the fact that the presence of hypernatreamia may impact on the classification of hyperglycaemic crisis and its management particularly with regards to the nature of fluid therapy. We determined the prevalence of hypernatreamia and its associated factors at presentation for hyperglycaemic crisis.', 'This was a retrospective review of data for hyperglycaemic crisis admissions in Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa. The prevalence of hypernatreamia (uncorrected Serum Sodium at presentation >145 mmol/L) was determined. Hyperosmolality was defined by calculated effective osmolality >320 mosmols/Kg. Multivariate logistic regression was undertaken using variables that were statistically significant in univariate analysis to ascertain those that were independently associated (Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI)) with hypernatreamia.', 'The prevalence of hypernatreamia in our admissions for hyperglycaemic crisis was 11.7% (n = 32/273 including 171 females and 102 males). All admissions with hypernatreamia met the criteria for hyperosmolality. Age ≥ 60 years (OR = 3.9 95% CI 1.3-12.3; P = 0.018), Altered level of consciousness (OR = 8.8 95% CI 2.3-32.8; P < 0.001) and a new diagnosis of diabetes (OR = 3.7 95%CI 1.2-11.5; P = 0.025) were independently associated with hypernatreamia.'] Are advanced age , altered level of consciousness and a new diagnosis of diabetes independently associated with hypernatreamia in hyperglycaemic crisis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2299340963363647,
-1.5426185131072998,
1.754172921180725
] |
['To assess the predictive value of procalcitonin, a serum inflammatory marker, in the identification of children with first urinary tract infection (UTI) who might have high-grade (≥3) vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).', 'We conducted a meta-analysis of individual data, including all series of children aged 1 month to 4 years with a first UTI, a procalcitonin (PCT) level measurement, cystograms, and an early dimercaptosuccinic acid scan.', 'Of the 152 relevant identified articles, 12 studies representing 526 patients (10% with VUR ≥3) were included. PCT level was associated with VUR ≥3 as a continuous (P = .001), and as a binary variable, with a 0.5 ng/mL preferred threshold (adjusted OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 5.4). The sensitivity of PCT ≥0.5 ng/mL was 83% (95% CI, 71 to 91) with 43% specificity rate (95% CI, 38 to 47). In the subgroup of children with a positive results on dimercaptosuccinic acid scan, PCT ≥0.5 ng/mL was also associated with high-grade VUR (adjusted OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 17.6).'] Is procalcitonin a predictor for high-grade vesicoureteral reflux in children : meta-analysis of individual patient data? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0655133724212646,
-1.414480209350586,
2.5859696865081787
] |
['Animal and human data suggest insulin resistance is common in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although routine assessment of insulin resistance is difficult, hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) is a sensitive test to detect diabetes mellitus (DM) and those at high risk for DM. We aimed to define the prevalence of elevated HbA(1c) in PAH patients and to correlate HbA(1c) levels with functional assessment.', 'HbA(1c) was measured in 41 PAH patients without a diagnosis of DM, along with demographic, functional, and hemodynamic data. Using published criteria, HbA(1c) ≤ 5.9% defined normal, 6.0% to 6.4% was glucose intolerance, and ≥ 6.5% was DM.', 'Twenty-three patients (56%) had HbA(1c) ≥ 6.0%, and 6 (15%) had unrecognized DM (HbA(1c) ≥ 6.5%). Age and body mass index were similar in patients with HbA(1c) ≥ 6.0% vs < 6.0%. There was a trend towards lower mean 6-minute walk distance in patients with elevated HbA(1c) (331.0 ± 126.6 vs 413.6 ± 74.9 meters, p = 0.07). The 6-month event-free survival was not significantly different in patients with elevated HbA(1c).'] Is unrecognized glucose intolerance common in pulmonary arterial hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2158433198928833,
-1.58698570728302,
1.8270750045776367
] |
['To assess whether adults, aged 50-59 years, who are obese or moderately to severely obese have impaired quadriceps strength and muscle quality in comparison with adults who are not obese, both groups with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA).', 'Cross-sectional observational study.', 'Rural community acquired sample.', 'Seventy-seven men and 84 women, aged 50-59 years.', 'Comparisons by using mixed models for clustered data (2 lower limbs per participant) between groups defined by body mass index (BMI) (<30 kg/m(2), 30-35 kg/m(2), and ≥35 kg/m(2)), with and without knee OA MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The slope of the relationship between quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and isokinetic knee extensor strength (dynamometer) in each BMI and OA group.', 'There were 113 limbs (48.7% women), 101 limbs (38.6% women), and 89 limbs (73.0% women) in the <30 kg/m(2), 30-35 kg/m(2), and ≥35 kg/m(2) BMI groups, respectively; knee OA was present in 10.6%, 28.7%, and 58.4% of the limbs in each of these respective groups. Quadriceps CSA did not significantly differ among BMI groups in either gender or between subjects with and without knee OA. Peak quadriceps strength also did not significantly differ by BMI group or by the presence of knee OA. Multivariable analyses also demonstrated that peak quadriceps strength did not differ by BMI group, even after adjusting for (a) gender, (b) OA status, (c) intramuscular fat, or (d) quadriceps attenuation. The slopes for the relationships between quadriceps strength and CSA did not differ by BMI group, OA status, or their interaction.'] Are obesity and knee osteoarthritis associated with impaired quadriceps specific strength in adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.787902593612671,
-0.9850901365280151,
1.8650968074798584
] |
['We evaluated the differential impact of stress-associated vs high pharmacologic concentrations of hydrocortisone pretreatment on heart rate variability (HRV) during a subsequent systemic inflammatory stimulus.', 'Healthy volunteers were randomized to receive placebo (Control) and hydrocortisone at 1.5 μg/kg per minute (STRESS) or at 3.0 μg/kg per minute (PHARM) as a 6-hour infusion. The STRESS dose was chosen to replicate the condition of physiologic adrenal cortical output during acute systemic stress. The PHARM dose was chosen to induce a supraphysiologic concentration of cortisol. The next day, all subjects received 2 ng/kg Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide). Heart rate variability was analyzed with the statistic approximate entropy (ApEn). A lower ApEn correlates with decreased HRV.', 'At the 3-hour nadir, the decrease in ApEn in the STRESS group was significantly less compared to placebo (P < .03), whereas ApEn in the PHARM group was not statistically different. We also found that the maximal decrease in ApEn preceded maximal increase in heart rate in all groups. The decrease in R-R interval was maximal at 4 hours, whereas the ApEn nadir was 1 hour earlier at 3 hours.'] Does hydrocortisone at stress-associated concentrations help maintain human heart rate variability during subsequent endotoxin challenge? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8439505100250244,
-1.5626497268676758,
2.3743135929107666
] |
['High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is associated with risk of arterial cardiovascular disease but conflicting results have been reported on its role in venous thromboembolic disease. The objective of our study was to investigate the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and risk of future venous thromboembolism in a prospective cohort recruited from a general population.', "High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured in serum samples from 6,426 men and women, aged 25-84 years, recruited from the Tromsø Study in the period 1994-1995. Incident venous thromboembolism events (n=209) were registered during a median of 12.5 years of follow up. Cox's proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate age- and gender-and multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for total venous thromboembolism, and for provoked and unprovoked venous thromboembolism by increasing levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.", 'There was no increased risk of venous thromboembolism per 1 standard deviation increase in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hazard ratio 1.08; 95% confidence interval 0.95-1.23) or across quartiles of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P for trend 0.6) in analyses adjusted for age and gender. Further adjustment for body mass index, smoking and diabetes did not alter the risk estimates. Moreover, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was not associated with venous thromboembolism in either gender specific analysis or in separate analyses of provoked and unprovoked venous thromboembolism events.'] Is high-sensitivity C-reactive protein a risk factor for venous thromboembolism : the Tromso study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1802961826324463,
-1.2903764247894287,
2.5179104804992676
] |
['The study aimed at investigating the independent and the combined effects of the two common genetic variants in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, 677C > T and 1298A > C, and their interaction with lifestyle factors on timing of menarche and natural menopause.', 'Postmenopausal women (N = 792) were assessed for the association of the two genetic variants with age at menarche (AM). A subsample of 578 of them who had a natural menopause were further investigated for the association of the two genetic variants with age at natural menopause (ANM). Genotyping was done by means of the TaqMan(®) allelic discrimination method. The effect of genetic variants and of lifestyle factors on AM and ANM were calculated by linear regression models.', 'The study revealed no association between the individual or combined effects of the two genetic variants and AM or ANM. The genetic variant 677C > T showed a significant interaction effect with duration of breastfeeding on ANM (p = 0.047).'] Is age at menarche and menopause associated with two common genetic variants in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR ) gene? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2959892749786377,
-1.1755139827728271,
2.5223302841186523
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in vertebral column height (VCH) of males and females, at every one-half mile, for a total walking distance of 3 miles.', "Twenty males and twenty females between the ages of 21 and 40 years walked 3 miles on a treadmill maintaining a walking speed that the subject rated between 12 and 14 on Borg's rate of perceived exertion scale. Blood pressure, heart rate, and VCH measurements were taken initially and at each half-mile interval throughout the three-mile walk. Vertebral column height (VCH) was measured from the spinous process of C7 to S2 using a standard tape measure.", 'Significant differences existed in vertebral column height according to sex (F = 16.18; p < .05) and significant differences in vertebral column height at the different distances (F = 65.02: p < .0001). Significant changes occurred in the VCH between half-mile intervals only between 0.5 miles and 1.0 mile and between 1.0 mile and 1.5 miles during the walk. As found with a regression analysis, curvilinear relationship exists between the distance walked and VCH; with VCH decreasing throughout the distance of the walk.'] Do changes in Vertebral Column Height ( VCH ) at Different Distance Intervals During a 3-Mile Walk? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9591487646102905,
-0.98686283826828,
1.1438366174697876
] |
['Cancers are supported by a distinct type of stroma, and versican is overexpressed in the stroma of malignant tumors, including breast cancer. Versican interacts with hyaluronan and fibrillin-1 at its amino terminus (G1) and carboxyl terminus (G3), respectively. Fibrillin-1 also associates with latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein (LTBP)-1 and -4. The detailed alteration of these molecules in breast cancer tissues is still unclear.', 'In 18 patients, alteration of versican, fibrillin-1 and LTBP-1 and 4 was elucidated in comparison with matched normal tissues, using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, slot blotting and immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the protein expression and clinicopathological features was also investigated.', 'In breast cancer tissues, mRNAs for versican V1 and V0 were upregulated, and the extracted protein levels of the versican G1 and G3 domains were increased. Meanwhile, LTBP-4 was decreased, and fibrillin-1 and LTBP-1 remained unchanged. The immunohistochemical observations were consistent with the biochemical findings, and the molecules were localized in the stromal tissue rather than in the cancer cells themselves. The expression of versican G3 and G1 domains was positively related to the Ki67 index of carcinoma cells and tumor size, respectively.'] Are versican G1 and G3 domains upregulated and latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein-4 is downregulated in breast cancer stroma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.417067289352417,
-1.2432838678359985,
2.727924346923828
] |
['Allergic contact dermatitis in children is less recognized than in adults. However, recently, allergic contact dermatitis has started to attract more interest as a cause of or contributor to eczema in children, and patch testing has been gaining in recognition as a useful diagnostic tool in this group.', "The aim of this analysis was to investigate the results of patch testing of selected children with eczema of various types (mostly atopic dermatitis) attending the Sheffield Children's Hospital, and to assess potential allergens that might elicit allergic contact dermatitis.", 'We analysed retrospectively the patch test results in 110 children aged between 2 and 18 years, referred to a contact dermatitis clinic between April 2002 and December 2008. We looked at the percentages of relevant positive reactions in boys and girls, by age groups, and recorded the outcome of treatment following patch testing.', 'One or more positive allergic reactions of current or past relevance was found in 48/110 children (44%; 29 females and 19 males). There were 94 allergy-positive patch test reactions in 110 patients: 81 had a reaction of current or past relevance, 12 had a reaction of unknown relevance, and 1 had reaction that was a cross-reaction. The commonest allergens with present or past relevance were medicaments, plant allergens, house dust mite, nickel, Amerchol® L101 (a lanolin derivative), and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol. However, finding a positive allergen was not associated with a better clinical outcome.'] Is patch testing a useful investigation in children with eczema? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4733145236968994,
-0.8470057845115662,
2.489901542663574
] |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.