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['Surgical restoration of the left ventricular wall (Dor procedure) has been advocated as a therapy for left ventricular dysfunction due to ischemic cardiomyopathy. This procedure involves placement of an endoventricular patch through a ventriculotomy.', 'We reviewed our series of patients that underwent the Dor procedure within the past 4 years and examined their pre and postoperative ventricular function and mitral valve function. Pre and postoperative ejection fraction and degree of mitral regurgitation were analyzed using the paired Student t-test. We hypothesized that this procedure would result in improved ventricular function and that it would also help improve mitral valve function.', 'Thirty-four patients underwent this procedure, with one death. Of these, 30 patients underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting and 8 patients had mitral intervention (seven had an Alfieri repair of the mitral valve, and one had mitral valve annuloplasty). The average preoperative ejection fraction among these patients was 26.8% (range 10-45%). The postoperative ejection fraction was significantly higher at 35.4% (range 25-52%) (P <.001). We noted an improvement in ejection fraction in 27 patients (82%). We also noted that 21 of 33 patients (64%) had improvement in the degree of mitral regurgitation based on echocardiography data (P <.001).'] Does ventricular reconstruction result in improved left ventricular function and amelioration of mitral insufficiency? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.026777982711792,
-1.3556921482086182,
2.3929834365844727
] |
['Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors have been used to express several different proteins in the eye. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AAV-mediated intraocular gene transfer of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) inhibits the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a murine model.', "C57BL/6 mice were given intravitreous or subretinal injections of a PEDF expression construct packaged in an AAV vector (AAV-chicken beta-actin promoter-exon 1-intron 1[CBA]-PEDF) or control vector (AAV-CBA-green fluorescent protein[GFP]). After 4 or 6 weeks, the Bruch's membrane was ruptured by laser photocoagulation at three sites in each eye. After 14 days, the area of CNV at each rupture site was measured by image analysis. Intraocular levels of PEDF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.", "Four to six weeks after intraocular injection of AAV-CBA-PEDF, levels of PEDF in whole-eye homogenates were 6 to 70 ng. The average area of CNV at sites of the Bruch's membrane rupture showed no significant difference in eyes injected with AAV-CBA-PEDF compared with uninjected eyes. In contrast, 4 to 6 weeks after intraocular injection of 1.5 x 10(9) or 2.0 x 10(10) particles of AAV-CBA-PEDF, the area of CNV at the Bruch's membrane rupture sites had significantly decreased compared with CNV area at rupture sites in eyes injected with AAV-CBA-GFP."] Does aAV-mediated gene transfer of pigment epithelium-derived factor inhibit choroidal neovascularization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8953508138656616,
-1.6101408004760742,
2.4686217308044434
] |
['Recent studies have reported neuroprotective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The purpose of the present study was to clarify their influence on neurite outgrowth and regeneration of rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in vitro and to elucidate the expression of corresponding receptors in the rat retina in vivo.', 'Retinal explants from postnatal rats were stimulated with VEGF alone; VEGF in combination with anti-VEGF-receptor (VEGF-R)-2 antibody or T-type Ca2+ channel blocker ethosuximide (ESX); EPO alone; or EPO in combination with anti-EPO-receptor antibody or ESX. The presence of the corresponding receptors in the rat retina was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by immunohistochemistry.', 'EPO induced a stable improvement of neurite outgrowth of RGCs in a dose-dependent manner (5 x 10(-15) M to 5 x 10(-13) M) up to 169% (P < 0.05). Treatment of the explants with anti-EPO-R antibody (1:80 dilution) and with ESX (5 microM) totally inhibited EPO-mediated effects on RGCs. In comparison, VEGF (50 ng/mL), induced neurite outgrowth of retina explants up to 167% (P < 0.05), which again was inhibited in the presence of anti-VEGF-R2 antibody or ESX. Transcripts of EPO-R, VEGF-R1, and VEGF-R2 were detected by RT-PCR. Intense immunoreactivity for VEGF-R1, VEGF-R2, and EPO-R were found in the RGC layer of the retina.'] Do erythropoietin and VEGF promote neural outgrowth from retinal explants in postnatal rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1713273525238037,
-1.4773900508880615,
2.641960382461548
] |
["Most coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations still involve the use of greater saphenous vein (GSV) for one or more grafts, even with the increasing use of arterial conduits for coronary revascularization. Wound complications from GSV harvesting are common, and sometimes severe. In order to reduce the morbidity of this procedure, we adopted a technique of endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH). EVH allows nearly complete harvest of the GSV, with excellent visualization, through minimal incisions. At our institution, a physician's assistant routinely performs EVH, usually while a cardiothoracic surgeon harvests an arterial conduit. In 1997, all GSV harvesting was performed by open technique. During a transition period in 1998 and 1999 we used several different endoscopic techniques. By the beginning of 2000, our technique of EVH was standardized and used routinely.", 'To determine whether EVH reduced the morbidity associated with conventional open vein harvesting (OVH), we reviewed the charts of all patients having primary coronary artery bypass operations utilizing GSV during the years 1997 and 2000.', 'The two groups were comparable in risk factors for leg incision complications. The year 2000 EVH group had a marked reduction in the number of wound complications compared with the year 1997 OVH group (7.1% versus 26.1%, P < 0.00001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in total operative time (OVH 224 minutes, EVH 223 minutes, number of distal coronary anastomoses (OVH 3.38 +/- 0.90, EVH 3.38 +/- 0.94), or the rate of clinically apparent early graft failure. There was a significant increase in the use of sequential grafting techniques in the 2000 group (OVH 21.9%, EVH 43.6%, P < 0.00001).'] Does endoscopic greater saphenous vein harvesting reduce the morbidity of coronary artery bypass surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6878221035003662,
-1.602947473526001,
1.2347230911254883
] |
['A sudden decrease in arterial blood pressure (ABP) will cause the intracranial blood volume (IBV) to rise, despite the fact that arterial cerebral blood flow decreases. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the increase in IBV is caused by a relative decrease of intracranial venous outflow.', 'In 10 healthy volunteers we studied cerebral autoregulation (CA) by causing an ABP drop with bilaterally deflating leg cuffs. Blood flow velocities (BFV) in the middle cerebral artery and the straight sinus were monitored continuously with transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and the ABP with a non-invasive photoplethysmographic method. After transforming all variables in relative changes, the arterio-venous BFV difference was calculated. Allowing for diameter changes of the intracranial vessels of up to 10 %, and assuming a resting averaged cerebral blood flow of 55 to 60 ml per 100 g brain tissue per minute, an IBV increase of 9 to 10 ml could be calculated.'] Is a sudden arterial blood pressure decrease compensated by an increase in intracranial blood volume? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7014899253845215,
-1.0609235763549805,
1.8740407228469849
] |
['Coumarin derivatives are still widely used for prophylaxis of thromboembolic events and therefore represent important comparator substances for new anticoagulants. Measurement of the efficacy of such novel compounds in a human coagulation model with adequate biomarkers could be useful for early-phase clinical drug development. To evaluate the applicability of a well-established model of tissue factor-dependent coagulation for defining anticoagulant potency, we investigated the effects of acenocoumarol in experimental human endotoxemia.', 'In a randomized, controlled, 2-by-2 factorial design, healthy volunteers received an infusion of 2 ng/kg endotoxin or placebo after 18 days of pretreatment with acenocoumarol or placebo. Prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F(1+2)), soluble fibrin, and D-dimer were used as markers of thrombin and fibrin formation.', 'As expected, pretreatment with acenocoumarol decreased vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, but it also decreased spontaneous thrombin formation. Acenocoumarol inhibited endotoxin-induced thrombin generation as measured by F(1+2) levels: endotoxin infusion increased F(1+2) levels 8-fold-from 0.5 to 4.1 nmol/L-in the placebo group, whereas peak F(1+2) levels reached only 1.0 nmol/L in subjects after acenocoumarol pretreatment. This inhibition was also reflected in decreased formation of soluble fibrin and decreased D-dimer levels, showing that depletion of endogenous coagulation factors limits the propagation of nonovert disseminated intravascular coagulation.'] Does acenocoumarol decrease tissue factor-dependent coagulation during systemic inflammation in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2925865650177,
-1.3934106826782227,
2.735029697418213
] |
['Regulation of preglomerular vasomotor tone vessels ultimately control glomerular filtration rate, sodium reabsorption and systemic blood pressure. To gain insight into the complex renal hemodynamic factors that may result in hypertension, we studied calcium signaling pathways.', 'Fresh, single, preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were isolated from 5- to 6-week-old SHR and WKY utilizing a magnetized microsphere/sieving technique. Cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) was measured with fura-2 ratiometric fluorescence. To examine store-operated calcium entry (SOC), VSMC were activated in calcium-free buffer containing nifedipine. To deplete the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of Ca2+, vasopressin-1 receptor agonist [V1R; inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated mobilization], ryanodine (non-IP3 induced mobilization), and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA; Ca2+-ATPase inhibition) were utilized. Addition of external calcium followed by quenching of the fura/Ca2+ signal with Mn2+ permitted assessment of divalent cation entry via SOC.', 'V1R caused greater mobilization in SHR than WKY (P < 0.01) as well as greater calcium entry (P < 0.001). Ryanodine and CPA both caused SR calcium depletion that was not statistically different between strains, but absolute calcium entry through SOC was more than double in SHR following either maneuver (P < 0.001). 2-Amino-ethoxybiphenyl borane (2-APB), an inhibitor not only of IP3 receptors, but also of SOC, blocked calcium entry in the ryanodine and CPA experiments independent of IP3. As well, Gd3+, a selective inhibitor of SOC, inhibited the Ca2+ response. We also studied L-channel calcium entry stimulated by V1R. The total calcium response was greater in SHR as was the absolute inhibition by nifedipine. As a percent of the total response, participation of L-type channels sensitive to nifedipine was about 45% in both strains of rat.'] Does store-operated Ca2+ entry is exaggerate in fresh preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells of SHR? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2560508251190186,
-1.5054014921188354,
2.7498276233673096
] |
['Deficiencies in serotonin function have been associated with irritability and aggression but enhancing serotonin has also been shown to promote social status and affiliative behaviour in non-human primates and more recently in humans.', 'To investigate the effects of citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on social behaviour with a flatmate and a stranger.', 'Ten pairs of healthy volunteers took part in a randomized double-blind crossover study of 2 weeks treatment with citalopram (20 mg/day) and placebo with a 2-week washout period. In each pair, one person (subject) took the tablets and the other (flatmate) received no treatment. On the last day of each treatment period, the subjects socially interacted with a confederate behaving as a responsive person in a stranger-dyadic social interaction paradigm. After the interaction, subjects played the Mixed-motive game, which measures cooperative behaviour and communication, with the confederate. The flatmates evaluated the social behaviour of the subjects before and at the end of the treatment periods.', 'On citalopram, the subjects were rated as significantly less submissive by their flatmates and they showed a dominant pattern of eye contact in the stranger-dyadic social interaction paradigm. They also reduced the number of points they awarded themselves and sent more cooperative messages during the game.'] Does serotonergic intervention affect both social dominance and affiliative behaviour? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.773627519607544,
-0.46342167258262634,
2.1989922523498535
] |
['We evaluated the long-term influence of intramural delivery of advanced c-myc neutrally charged antisense oligonucleotides (Resten-NG) on neointimal hyperplasia after stenting in a pig model.', 'Neointimal hyperplasia after percutaneous coronary interventions is one of the key components of the restenotic process. The c-myc is a critical cell division cycle protein involved in the formation of neointima.', 'In short-term experiments, different doses (from 500 microg to 5 mg) of Resten-NG or saline were delivered to the stent implantation site with an infiltrator delivery system (Interventional Technologies, San Diego, California). Animals were euthanized at 2, 6 and 18 h after interventions, and excised vessels were analyzed for c-myc expression by Western blot. In long-term experiments, either saline or a dose of 1, 5 or 10 mg of Resten-NG was delivered in the same fashion, and animals were euthanized at 28 days after the intervention.', 'Western blot analysis demonstrated inhibition of c-myc expression and was dose dependent. Morphometry showed that the intimal area was 3.88 +/- 1.04 mm(2) in the control. There was statistically significant reduction of intimal areas in the 5 and 10 mg groups (2.01 +/- 0.66 and 1.95 +/- 0.91, respectively, p < 0.001) but no significant reduction in the 1 mg group (2.81 +/- 0.56, p > 0.5) in comparison with control.'] Does intramural coronary delivery of advanced antisense oligonucleotides reduce neointimal formation in the porcine stent restenosis model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.731352686882019,
-1.6322076320648193,
2.3044562339782715
] |
['Porcelain aorta is an indication for axillofemoral bypass. However, the procedure has definitive flaws. We present a new method for achievement of aortofemoral bypass.', 'The portion of the distal aorta for anastomosis is wrapped with a double polytetrafluoroethylene mesh and fixed to the adventitia with continuous sutures. The adventitia of the anastomotic site is cut over the mesh until the calcified surface is disclosed. Margins of the mesh and the peeled adventitia are fixed along the anastomotic margin with continuous sutures. After the aorta and distal arteries are occluded with balloon catheters, an opening on the bared calcification is made with an airdrill and enlarged with a laminectomy rongeur. The anastomosis is performed between a graft and the mesh-reinforced adventitia with continuous sutures. Over 6 years, this method has been applied to nine patients with porcelain aorta who are diabetic or undergoing dialysis. The indications were disabling claudication in three patients and limb salvage in six patients.', 'No anastomotic complications or operative deaths were seen, and satisfactory mid-term results were obtained, with follow-up ranging from 3 to 62 months after surgery. One patient died of coronary heart disease 3 years after surgery, but the grafts retained a good function.'] Does novel anastomotic method enable aortofemoral bypass for patients with porcelain aorta? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.421649694442749,
-1.2369887828826904,
2.739269733428955
] |
['Thrombocytopenia in patients with advanced liver disease may stem from a deficient hepatic thrombopoietin production.', 'We determined the relationship between thrombopoietin, thrombocytopenia, aetiology and extent of liver damage by incorporating serum thrombopoietin measurements in the pretransplant evaluation of 111 patients with liver disease.', "The extent of thrombocytopenia was related to the underlying cause of disease. The platelet count directly correlated with factor V, II, fibrinogen, and PTT, and a negative correlation was found for splenic size and Child's stage. The thrombopoietin concentrations were age-dependent, and no significant difference resulted between the median thrombopoietin level of liver disease patients with age-matched healthy controls. Thrombopoietin concentrations and platelet counts were not correlated. Although noncirrhotic patients had higher platelet counts than those with Child's A-C cirrhosis (p < 0.001, U-test), no such difference was found in thrombopoietin levels. Patients with hepatitis B and/or C had lower platelet counts compared to patients with nonviral diseases (p < 0.001), and their median thrombopoietin concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.001)."] Are thrombopoietin serum levels elevated in patients with hepatitis B/C infection compared to other causes of chronic liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0253093242645264,
-1.3941885232925415,
2.385629177093506
] |
['The association of calcium crystals with renal tubular cells is an important factor during the formation of urinary stones. We previously reported the strong expression of osteopontin (OPN) on renal tubular cells in the stone-forming kidney, suggesting that OPN plays a role in the crystal-cell interaction. In the present study, we examined the biological consequences of inhibiting OPN expression at the translational level on the formation and adhesion of crystals.', 'We synthesized antisense OPN expression vector (pTet-OPNas) using the tetracycline-regulated expression system. The pTet-OPNas was constructed using a mouse OPN cDNA sequence in an inverted (antisense) orientation. Two clones (NRK-52E/ASs) were identified by transfection of pTet-OPNas into NRK-52E cells and they showed a marked reduction of OPN synthesis in the absence of tetracycline. Calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystal suspension was spread homogeneously on top of the NRK-52E cells. After incubation, the association of CaOx crystals and cells was visualized by scanning electron microscopy.', 'Intact NRK-52E cells, NRK-52E cells transfected with empty vector and tetracycline-treated antisense clones (NRK-52E/ASs), under identical conditions, were associated with CaOx crystals. In contrast, the expression of antisense OPN prevented the association of CaOx crystals with NRK-52E cells.'] Does osteopontin regulate adhesion of calcium oxalate crystals to renal epithelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.452511787414551,
-1.2015223503112793,
2.704174757003784
] |
['The expression, activity and functions of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases in primary human hematopoietic progenitors (HP) have not yet been fully clarified.', 'To perform our experiments we used a stroma-free cell culture system in which the combination of FLT3 ligand (FL), stem cell factor (SCF) and thrombopoietin (TPO) induces massive expansion and proliferation of cord blood HP. The addition of IL-3 results in a rapid decrease of HP due to the prevalence of maturation and cell death. To detect extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) immunoenzymatic activity we recovered HP from FL, SCF and TPO stimulated long term cultures (LTC) after four weeks of culture. Some samples were recovered 16 h after addition of IL-3 to the LTC. We selectively immunoprecipitated p44/42 ERK kinase from 245 microg of cell lysates. We then analysed dual-phosphorylation of ERK-activating kinase-kinase (p45 MEK1/2) and of p44 ERK1 and p42 ERK2, and investigated MEK and ERK expression.', 'ERK activity, MEK1, and p42 and p44 ERK dual-phosphorylation were undetectable in the expanding, greatly proliferating and self-renewing HP. However, after addition of IL-3 sustained (still detectable 16 h after the stimulus) and high levels of ERK activity and dual-phosphorylation of the kinases were seen. The levels of MEK and ERK expression were stable in the different phases.'] Is mEK-ERK pathway expressed but not activated in high proliferating , self-renewing cord blood hematopoietic progenitors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3305904865264893,
-1.3414090871810913,
2.700533151626587
] |
['Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by neurohormonal activation, including increased plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and N-terminal ANP (N-ANP). Onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) further increases these peptides, but it may be hypothesized that concentrations decrease during longstanding AF due to inherent atrial degeneration.', 'We sought to investigate the relation between neurohormonal activation in patients with CHF and the duration of concomitant AF.', 'The study group comprised 60 patients (age 70 +/- 8 years) with advanced CHF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 0.35) and chronic AF (duration 21 (1-340) months). Plasma neurohormone concentrations were measured, and multiple regression analysis was performed to identify their clinical predictors.', 'Median plasma neurohormone concentrations were: ANP 113 pmol/l, N-ANP 1187 pmol/l, norepinephrine 496 pg/ml, renin 127 micro units/l, aldosterone 128 pg/ml and endothelin 8.1 pg/ml. Norepinephrine, renin, aldosterone and endothelin were not significantly related to the duration of AF. In contrast, ANP decreased along with the duration of AF (P = 0.03), while the same trend was observed for N-ANP (P = 0.10). However, for these peptides a first order interaction with LVEF was present, which was not observed in the other neurohormones. In patients with LVEF > 0.25 ANP and N-ANP increased along with the duration of AF, whereas in patients with LVEF < or = 0.25 an inverse relation between ANP (P = 0.02) and N-ANP (P = 0.04) and the duration of AF was present, longer-standing AF being associated with lower concentrations.'] Does longstanding atrial fibrillation cause depletion of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with advanced congestive heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9925004243850708,
-1.5062944889068604,
2.520988941192627
] |
['To compare the predictive values of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) techniques for the detection of M2 anti-mitochondrial antibodies.', "Commercial ELISAs are widely available for the detection of anti-mitochondrial antibody subtypes in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). We compared the results from two ELISAs (one recombinant, one purified antigen) with those from two IIF methods in a well-defined cohort of PBC patients and in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, sicca syndrome, systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and blood donor controls.", 'There was good correlation between a rodent substrate IIF and ELISA A (r=0.9134), but poor correlation with ELISA B (r=0.5999), which produced many false-positive results in the control population. We show that rodent IIF alone or human epithelial cell (HEp-2000) screening with confirmation by ELISA produce similar predictive values for PBC and require lesser degrees of skilled interpretation of IIF patterns.'] Is detection of serum M2 anti-mitochondrial antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay potentially less specific than by immunofluorescence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.248300790786743,
-1.361405849456787,
2.7152247428894043
] |
['Recent reports have shown elevated concentrations of serum cystatin C (CC) in patients with solid tumours. The aim of our study was to investigate whether patients with proliferative haematological disorders have increased serum concentrations of CC compared with normal subjects.', 'Full blood count, serum CC, beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) and serum creatinine were determined in 27 apparently healthy subjects and 35 patients with proliferative haematological disorders. Creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cockroft-Gault formula.', 'CC and beta2M showed a significant correlation with each other (r=0.96, P<0.0001). Serum beta2M (P=0.001) and the serum beta2M:CC ratio (P=0.001) were significantly higher in the patients with normal renal function than in controls, but serum CC was not significantly different (P=0.08). CC did not show a significant correlation with blood count parameters.'] Is serum concentration of cystatin C affected by cellular proliferation in patients with proliferative haematological disorders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.952422857284546,
-1.2395200729370117,
2.2607345581054688
] |
['The association between body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk factors, widely recognized in Western populations, was evaluated on subjects living in a rural Japanese area.', 'A cross-sectional survey.', 'A total of 16 871 subjects aged 40-59 y, from a rural area in Japan, participated in an annual health examination. All of the subjects were required to answer six items in a questionnaire on health behavior and provide blood samples.', "Quetelet's index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, health practices on exercise, drinking and smoking.", 'The mean BMI in the population was 23.1+/-2.9. After adjustment for sex, age and six health habits, the BMI was found to be significantly associated with blood pressure and the serum lipid levels by multivariate logistic regression analysis. The adjusted odds ratio for hypertension (> or =140/90 mmHg) against the lowest quartiles of BMI (separated by 20, 25 and 28) were 1.6, 2.8 and 5.2, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio for hypercholesterolemia (> or =240 mg/dl) against the lowest quartiles of BMI were 2.1, 3.3 and 4.6, respectively.'] Is body mass index a good predictor of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in a rural Japanese population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.3891293406486511,
-1.1751371622085571,
0.6627061367034912
] |
['To investigate cytokine expression following irradiation of mice, predominantly in lung tissue but also in selected other tissues.', 'Mice of strain ICR were whole-body (unilaterally) exposed to 3-20 Gy of (60)Co gamma-rays. Colony-stimulating activity (CSA) of lung-conditioned media (LCM), and also other non-haemopoietic and haemopoietic organs, and blood serum of mice was assayed using a GM-CFC bioassay. The production of GM-CSF, IL-6 and TNF-alpha protein in LCM and sera was determined by an ELISA method.', 'Greatest CSA was detected in conditioned media from the lungs and was induced in a dose- and time-dependent fashion, peaking at 3-9 days after irradiation with a lethal dose of 9 Gy. Conditioned medium prepared from lungs that had been irradiated with a dose of 9 Gy in vitro did not exhibit an increase in CSA. However, whereas the lung-conditioned medium from irradiated mice was found to produce CSA, sera from normal or irradiated mice did not lead to this effect. A significant increase in CSA in sera was observed in the presence of a suboptimal concentration of IL-3, implying that they comprise the co-stimulatory activity (CoSA). The results showed that radiation exposure increased GM-CSF and TNF-alpha protein levels but did not affect IL-6 production in LCM. In contrast, IL-6 and TNF-alpha protein levels in serum were increased after irradiation but no GM-CSF production could be detected.'] Does irradiation induce increased production of haemopoietic and proinflammatory cytokines in the mouse lung? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2913520336151123,
-1.3878422975540161,
2.7285194396972656
] |
['The prognosis of patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is poor. To determine prognosis and guide therapy, an acute hemodynamic trial of selective pulmonary vasodilators, usually inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), was performed. We hypothesized that oral sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, is a safe and effective alternative to iNO.', 'We studied 13 consecutive patients (mean+/-SEM, 44+/-2 years of age; 9 women) referred for consideration of heart-lung transplantation or as a guide to medical therapy. All but one were functional class III or IV. Patients had primary PHT (n=9), pulmonary arterial hypertension (n=2), or secondary PHT (n=2). Hemodynamics and serum cyclic guanosine-monophosphate levels (cGMP) were measured at baseline and at peak effects of iNO (80 ppm), sildenafil (75 mg), and their combination. The decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance was similar with iNO (-19+/-5%) and sildenafil (-27+/-3%), whereas sildenafil+iNO was more effective than iNO alone (-32+/-5%, P<0.003). Sildenafil and sildenafil+iNO increased cardiac index (17+/-5% and 17+/-4%, respectively), whereas iNO did not (-0.2+/-2.0%, P<0.003). iNO increased, whereas sildenafil tended to decrease, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (+15+/-6 versus -9+/-7%, P<0.0007). Systemic arterial pressure was similar among groups and did not decrease with treatment. cGMP levels increased similarly with iNO and sildenafil, and their combination synergistically elevated cGMP (P<0.0001).'] Is oral sildenafil an effective and specific pulmonary vasodilator in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension : comparison with inhaled nitric oxide? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7664681673049927,
-1.5711170434951782,
2.3774843215942383
] |
['Stenting has proved beneficial for treating threatened closure and reducing restenosis after balloon angioplasty. However, the implantation of a coronary metallic prosthesis has been related to impaired vasomotion distal to the stent as assessed by acetylcholine infusion. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine the vasomotion of stented coronary arteries and to assess its influence on the vasomotion of adjacent vessel segments during bicycle exercise.', 'Biplane quantitative coronary angiography was performed at rest and during bicycle exercise in 26 patients with coronary artery disease. Twelve patients had single vessel disease with stable angina pectoris (controls; group 1). Fourteen patients underwent coronary stenting for therapeutic reasons and were studied 10+/-3 months after the intervention (group 2). Minimal luminal area, stent area, and proximal and distal vessel areas were determined. In controls (group 1), vasoconstriction of the stenotic artery (- 29+/-4%; P<0.001) was observed during exercise, whereas the normal segment showed vasodilation (15+/-4%; P<0.05). In group 2, vasomotion of the stented segment was eliminated (0+/-1%), whereas the proximal and distal segments showed exercise-induced vasodilation (8+/-2% and 11+/-3%, respectively; P<0.005), which was not different from control segments (10+/-2%). Sublingual nitroglycerin was associated with maximal vasodilation of the proximal and distal vessel segments (30+/-8% and 38+/-13%, respectively; P<0.005).'] Is exercise-induced coronary artery vasodilation impaired by stent placement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0002832412719727,
-1.5384502410888672,
2.566305637359619
] |
['Red wine polyphenols (RWPs) have been shown to have an antiatherogenic activity mainly through antioxidative effects on LDL oxidation. Although vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration is critical to atherosclerosis formation, the effect of RWPs on SMC migration has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether RWPs could affect the migration of cultured SMCs stimulated by growth factors.', "RWP concentration dependently inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced and serum-induced SMC migration in wounding assay and Boyden chamber assay. However, these inhibitory effects of RWPs were not seen in serum-stimulated vascular endothelial cell migration in either assay. Moreover, specific inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase (PI3K) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38(MAPK)), but not of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), reduced PDGF-BB-induced SMC migration. To elucidate the signaling mechanism underlying the RWP effects, we investigated the effects of RWPs on the activity of PI3K and the phosphorylation of MAPK pathways in PDGF-BB-stimulated SMCs. RWPs inhibited the PI3K activity and p38(MAPK) phosphorylation, but not ERK1/2 phosphorylation, in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, the phosphorylation of MKK3/6, an upstream kinase of p38(MAPK), was also inhibited by RWP treatment in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of RWPs on the p38(MAPK) pathway works upstream of MKK3/6. The concentration-effect relationship of RWPs necessary for the inhibition of PI3K and p38(MAPK) pathways was similar to that of cell migration assays."] Do red wine polyphenols inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell migration through two distinct signaling pathways? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.347458600997925,
-1.2829742431640625,
2.6453356742858887
] |
['The mechanisms underlying the reduced neointimal proliferation (NP) by intracoronary brachytherapy (ICBT) are unknown. We hypothesized that ICBT inhibits NP by reducing expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF).', 'Thirty coronary arteries from 10 pigs were divided into 3 groups of 10 each: control (C), balloon injury (BI), and BI followed by ICBT (16 Gy at 0.5-mm tissue depth with a (32)P balloon system). Pigs were killed at 24 hours (n=3) and at 7 (n=4) and 14 (n=3) days. Expression of M-CSF was assessed by Western blot, ELISA, and quantitative immunostaining. Persistently increased levels of M-CSF after BI (to 1.4+/-0.2 nmol/L [ELISA] and 29.4+/-4.9% of cross-sectional area stained [immunocytochemistry]; P< 0.001 versus control for both) were observed in the injured arteries. Treatment of BI arteries with ICBT reduced M-CSF expression compared with BI alone (to 0.7+/-0.1 nmol/L [ELISA] and 13.5+/-2.9% of cross-sectional area stained [immunocytochemistry]; P<0.001 versus BI and P=NS versus control for both) and remained similar to control M-CSF expression for the 14-day study period. Neointimal thickness increased after BI (to 4.8+/-2.9 mm(2); P<0.001 versus control), but this was reduced by ICBT (1.4+/-0.4 mm(2); P<0.001 versus BI).'] Is increased expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor after coronary artery balloon injury inhibited by intracoronary brachytherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3967958688735962,
-1.799454927444458,
2.153761863708496
] |
['The mismatch repair gene, MLH1, appears to occur as two main haplotypes at least in white populations. These are referred to as A and G types with reference to the A/G polymorphism at IVS14-19. On the basis of preliminary experimental data, we hypothesised that deviations from the expected frequency of these two haplotypes could exist in carriers of disease associated MLH1 germline mutations.', 'We assembled a series (n=119) of germline MLH1 mutation carriers in whom phase between the haplotype and the mutation had been conclusively established. Controls, without cancer, were obtained from each contributing centre. Cases and controls were genotyped for the polymorphism in IVS14.', 'Overall, 66 of 119 MLH1 mutations occurred on a G haplotype (55.5%), compared with 315 G haplotypes on 804 control chromosomes (39.2%, p=0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of a mutation occurring on a G rather than an A haplotype was 1.93 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.91). When we compared the haplotype frequencies in mutation bearing chromosomes carried by people of different nationalities with those seen in pooled controls, all groups showed a ratio of A/G haplotypes that was skewed towards G, except the Dutch group. On further analysis of the type of each mutation, it was notable that, compared with control frequencies, deletion and substitution mutations were preferentially represented on the G haplotype (p=0.003 and 0.005, respectively).'] Is an MLH1 haplotype over-represented on chromosomes carrying an HNPCC predisposing mutation in MLH1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7454206943511963,
-1.3728612661361694,
1.1735224723815918
] |
['The complex pharmacological profile of the antiparkinsonian drug budipine influences neurotransmission beyond the dopaminergic system. Previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of budipine on motor symptoms in insufficiently treated patients with Parkinson disease.', 'To demonstrate the efficacy of 20 mg of budipine, 3 times daily, in addition to a stable, prior, optimum-titrated dopaminergic substitution consisting of a combination of levodopa and a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor, bromocriptine mesylate, and optional selegiline hydrochloride in 99 patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.', 'Budipine significantly (P<.001) decreased the Columbia University Rating Scale sum score (median, 15.0; 95% confidence interval, 11.3-17.0) compared with placebo (median, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-7.5) at study end point. Budipine reduced Columbia University Rating Scale subscores for tremor, rigidity, and akinesia.'] Does budipine provide additional benefit in patients with Parkinson disease receiving a stable optimum dopaminergic drug regimen? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2731611728668213,
-1.2880185842514038,
2.6766085624694824
] |
['To overcome radioresistance for patients with unfavorable prostate cancer, a prospective trial of pelvic external beam irradiation (EBRT) interdigitated with dose-escalating conformal high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy was performed.', 'Between November 1991 and August 2000, 207 patients were treated with 46 Gy pelvic EBRT and increasing HDR brachytherapy boost doses (5.50-11.5 Gy/fraction) during 5 weeks. The eligibility criteria were pretreatment prostate-specific antigen level >or=10.0 ng/mL, Gleason score >or=7, or clinical Stage T2b or higher. Patients were divided into 2 dose levels, low-dose biologically effective dose <93 Gy (58 patients) and high-dose biologically effective dose >93 Gy (149 patients). No patient received hormones. We used the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology definition for biochemical failure.', 'The median age was 69 years. The mean follow-up for the group was 4.4 years, and for the low and high-dose levels, it was 7.0 and 3.4 years, respectively. The actuarial 5-year biochemical control rate was 74%, and the overall, cause-specific, and disease-free survival rate was 92%, 98%, and 68%, respectively. The 5-year biochemical control rate for the low-dose group was 52%; the rate for the high-dose group was 87% (p <0.001). Improvement occurred in the cause-specific survival in favor of the brachytherapy high-dose level (p = 0.014). On multivariate analysis, a low-dose level, higher Gleason score, and higher nadir value were associated with increased biochemical failure. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Grade 3 gastrointestinal/genitourinary complications ranged from 0.5% to 9%. The actuarial 5-year impotency rate was 51%.'] Does dose escalation using conformal high-dose-rate brachytherapy improve outcome in unfavorable prostate cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9791868925094604,
-1.5689821243286133,
2.5808796882629395
] |
['Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic gastritis and results in increased serum concentrations of pepsinogens I and II as well as gastrin, while the ratio of pepsinogen I to II (I : II) is decreased. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced in H. pylori-associated gastritis and may modulate inflammation. However serum nitrate and nitrite (NOx) concentrations in patients with H. pylori-induced chronic gastritis have not been reported. We examined differences in serum NOx between H. pylori-negative and positive volunteers relative to differences in pepsinogens and gastrin.', 'Sera from 80 healthy asymptomatic volunteers younger than 36 years were analyzed for anti-H. pylori antibody, NOx, gastrin and pepsinogens.', 'In H. pylori antibody-positive subjects serum NOx concentrations were higher than in negative subjects (p < .005). In H. pylori-negative subjects, NOx correlated with pepsinogen II (r = .405, p < .05). In subjects with low pepsinogen I or II, NOx was higher in H. pylori-positive than negative subjects (p < .001). In subjects with high pepsinogen I : II (6 or higher), serum NOx was higher in H. pylori-positive than in negative subjects.'] Does helicobacter pylori infection increase serum nitrate and nitrite more prominently than serum pepsinogens? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9748016595840454,
-1.476046085357666,
2.4657320976257324
] |
['Most cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous malformations (CSdAVM) have a benign clinical course. Those CSdAVM that drain into cortical veins have an increased risk for neurologic complications.', 'To find whether a specific clinical sign predicts cortical venous drainage (CVD) in CSdAVM.', 'The records of 118 patients with CSdAVM were evaluated for the clinical features of the disorder and tested for predictive value of CVD demonstrated angiographically or suggested by MRI using logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) analysis.', 'Clinical signs that predicted the presence of CVD included bilateral orbital signs (p = 0.004, OR = 23.84) and presence of a postauricular bruit (p = 0.035, OR = 23.8). No other clinical sign predicted the presence of CVD, including extraocular muscle dysfunction, abducens or oculomotor dysfunction, increased intraocular pressure, venous stasis retinopathy, choroidal effusion, optic neuropathy, subjective bruit, and objective orbital bruit.'] Do bilateral orbital signs predict cortical venous drainage in cavernous sinus dural AVMs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5064055919647217,
-1.1366626024246216,
2.763301372528076
] |
['To correlate clinical presentation and therapeutic outcomes in children with a diagnosis of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia.', 'The medical records of 14 children who fulfilled the International Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukaemia Working Group Criteria for a diagnosis of juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia (JMML) presenting to a single institution were reviewed, and their clinical status at September 2000 was documented.', 'The most common presenting features were hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Fifty per cent of cases presented in the first year of life. Nine of 14 patients initially received chemotherapy otherwise used in the treatment of acute myeloid or lymphoblastic leukaemia with no apparent benefit. All six patients who received conditioning therapy with chemotherapy alone, followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT), are in complete remission at a median follow-up duration of 12 months (range 5-91 months). Five of six patients surviving post-allogeneic BMT received marrow from an unrelated donor. Only one of seven patients who did not receive BMT survived long-term.'] Does allogeneic bone marrow transplant improve outcome for juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8222593069076538,
-0.7410684823989868,
1.6566789150238037
] |
['Given the high incidence of sudden death in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and the efficacy of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, an appropriate tool for the prediction of sudden death is desirable. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has prognostic significance in CHF, and the stimuli for its production cause electrophysiological abnormalities. This study tests BNP levels as a predictor of sudden death.', 'BNP levels, in addition to other neurohormonal, clinical, and hemodynamic variables, were obtained from 452 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or =35%. For prediction of sudden death, only survivors without heart transplantation (HTx) or a mechanical assist device and patients who died suddenly were analyzed. Up to 3 years, 293 patients survived without HTx or a mechanical assist device, 89 patients died, and 65 patients underwent HTx. Mode of death was sudden in 44 patients (49%), whereas 31 patients (35%) had pump failure and 14 patients (16%) died from other causes. Univariate risk factors of sudden death were log BNP (P=0.0006), log N-terminal atrial natriuretic peptide (P=0.003), LVEF (P=0.005), log N-terminal BNP (P=0.006), systolic blood pressure (P=0.01), big endothelin (P=0.03), and NYHA class (P=0.04). In the multivariate model, log BNP level was the only independent predictor of sudden death (P=0.0006). Using a cutoff point of log BNP <2.11 (130 pg/mL), Kaplan-Meier sudden death-free survival rates were significantly higher in patients below (99%) compared with patients above (81%) this cutoff point (P=0.0001).'] Does b-type natriuretic peptide predict sudden death in patients with chronic heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.631640076637268,
-1.6238634586334229,
2.320204019546509
] |
['the aim of this study was to determine the pattern of shrinkage after endovascular aneurysm repair (EAR) using logarithmic, exponential and linear models and to calculate a lag time is present.', 'patients with a complete CTA follow-up of 2 years and a primary shrinking aneurysm were included, resulting in a study group of 29 patients. Six functions, logarithmic, exponential and linear, all with and without lag time, were fitted to the thrombus volume obtained from measurements postoperative and after 6, 12 and 24 months. The correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between the calculated and measured values. A correlation coefficient >0.95 was considered a good fit.', 'a logarithmic model produced the best fits. From the 29 patients, two patients could not be described by any model. The remaining 27 patients could be fitted using a logarithmic function with a correlation coefficient of >0.95 (median 0.99, range 0.95-1.00). Twenty-two of these patients had a lag time (median 63.4 days, range 5.8-252.3). Only five of the initial 44 patients (11%) showed immediate sac shrinkage.'] Does the sac shrinking process after EAR start immediately in most patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.158416748046875,
-1.1025855541229248,
1.3435760736465454
] |
['Eotaxin and MCP-3 (CC chemokines), owing to their preferential action on eosinophils, seem to be the very importance in the patophysiology of allergic rhinitis and asthma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of intranasally administered eotaxin and MCP-3 after specific allergen priming on the influx of inflammatory cells and their soluble mediators into the nasal mucosa.', "Eotaxin and MCP-3 have been applied intranasally at the increasing doses of 1, 5 and 10 microg to allergic patients after allergen priming. The 'nasal pool' technique was used. The cell count and biochemical parameters in nasal lavage were evaluated before 30 min, and 4 and 24 h after the challenge with chemokines.", "Both eotaxin and MCP-3 induced the increase in clinical 'score' lasting till 24 h. Eosinophil influx into nasal mucosa after provocation with eotaxin was also observed. The challenge with MCP-3 did not induce any significant changes in nasal lavage fluid."] Does eotaxin but not MCP-3 induce eosinophil influx into nasal fluid in allergic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4205586910247803,
-1.2280542850494385,
2.7299115657806396
] |
['Pre-clinical and clinical investigations have provided a great deal of evidence that the fear-potentiated startle paradigm represents a valid model for the objective assessment of emotional states of anxiety and fear.', 'The four studies presented in this report sought to further validate the "threat of shock" paradigm as a human analogue to fear-potentiated startle in rats, by examining the effect of benzodiazepine administration on both baseline and fear-potentiated startle.', 'Three studies, conducted at Utrecht University, evaluated the effects of oxazepam and of diazepam on baseline and fear-potentiated startle, whereas a fourth study, conducted at Yale University, evaluated the effect of diazepam on baseline, contextual and cue-specific fear-potentiated startle. The threat of shock paradigm consisted of verbal instruction about two visual cues (the threat cue predicted the possible administration of electric shock, the other predicted a safe period), followed by a series of presentations of these cues. During these conditions, acoustic startle stimuli were presented in order to elicit startle responses. The magnitude of the startle response was used to index the degree of fear or alarm experienced during the periods of threat and safety. The fourth study examined the effect of IV administration of diazepam in a similar threat of shock paradigm except that there were two additional context manipulations: electrode placement and darkness.', 'None of the drug manipulations affected specific threat-cue potentiation of startle. However, reductions in baseline startle were observed. Further, startle potentiation by darkness was inhibited by diazepam.'] Do benzodiazepines have no effect on fear-potentiated startle in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5117695331573486,
-0.8302295804023743,
2.3954238891601562
] |
['To examine the HLA-DRB1 genotype of patients with cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis (CLA), a small-sized blood vessel vasculitis limited to skin, and determine if differences exist with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), a small-sized blood vessel vasculitis with cutaneous and systemic complications.', "A retrospective study was performed on an unselected population of patients from Northwest Spain with primary cutaneous vasculitis classified according to proposed criteria. Patients who fulfilled classification criteria for hypersensitivity vasculitis were included in this study if they had a biopsy proven leukocytoclastic vasculitis limited to skin and, due to this, they also met the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference on the Nomenclature of Systemic Vasculitis definitions for CLA. Patients were included in this study if they had at least 2 years' followup. We studied 96 Caucasian patients (58 HSP, 38 CLA). Patients and ethnically matched controls (n = 145) were HLA-DRB1 genotyped from DNA using molecular based methods.", 'No HLA-DRB1 genotype differences between patients with CLA and controls were seen. HLA-DRB1*01 was increased and HLA-DRB1*07 reduced in HSP patients compared to controls. When HLA-DRB1 genotypes of patients with CLA and HSP were compared a significant increase of HLA-DRB1*15/16 and especially of HLA-DRB1*07 was observed in the patients fulfilling definitions for CLA compared to those with HSP.'] Do henoch-Schönlein purpura and cutaneous leukocytoclastic angiitis exhibit different HLA-DRB1 associations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9772987365722656,
-1.4608018398284912,
2.4000377655029297
] |
['The pelvic examination is an important component of reproductive health services for adolescent girls and is recommended for those who become sexually active. The aims of this study were to describe self-reported rates of pelvic examinations in sexually active adolescent girls and to determine factors associated with having obtained an examination.', "Cross-sectional data from a national self-administered survey of nurses' adolescent daughters were used. Subjects were those girls (N = 635) who reported ever having had sexual intercourse. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify demographic and psychological variables, preventive health behaviors, and risk behaviors associated with having ever obtained a pelvic examination.", 'Median subject age was 16.0 years (range 12-19 years), and 46% of subjects reported having had a pelvic examination. Variables associated with having obtained an examination were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.53), cigarette smoking (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02-2.24), higher number of sexual partners (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.14-1.47), and no condom use during last sexual intercourse (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.19-2.70).'] Does prevalence and correlate of pelvic examinations in sexually active female adolescents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4908380508422852,
-0.749379575252533,
1.3744794130325317
] |
['Major hepatic resection in patients with unrelieved obstructive jaundice carries an increased risk of postoperative liver failure. We hypothesized that cholestasis induces hepatocyte apoptosis and impairs hepatic regeneration by inhibiting up-regulation of the known immediate-early response genes, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and activating protein-1 (AP-1). The aim of this study was to determine whether the immediate-early gene response in hepatic regeneration remains intact in extrahepatic cholestasis.', 'Eight-week-old BALB/c mice underwent either sham operation (SO) or common bile duct ligation (BDL). Two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed at 4 and 7 days, with remnant liver harvested 0, 15, 30, or 60 minutes after PH. Serum analysis for markers of cholestasis and histopathology was obtained. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen and terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) immunohistochemistry for detection of DNA synthesis and apoptosis, respectively, was performed 4, 7, or 10 days after SO or BDL. Liver samples from 0, 15, 30, or 60 minutes after PH were analyzed for NF-kappaB and AP-1 DNA binding activity by using electrophoretic mobility shift assays.', 'Increased serum bilirubin level and hematoxylin-eosin-stained liver sections confirmed cholestasis in BDL mice. BDL induced marked DNA synthesis and hepatocyte apoptosis in prehepatectomy liver at both 4 and 7 days. Substantially higher basal levels of both NF-kappaB and AP-1 binding activity were present in BDL compared with SO mice. Fold induction of NF-kappaB and AP-1, however, was similar between BDL and SO mice. Cholestasis induced hepatocyte DNA synthesis and apoptosis. Basal NF-kappaB and AP-1 DNA binding activity was increased in BDL mice, but fold induction of these immediate-early genes did not differ from controls.'] Does cholestasis induce murine hepatocyte apoptosis and DNA synthesis with preservation of the immediate-early gene response? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.396636724472046,
-1.4347350597381592,
2.85013484954834
] |
['To determine whether persons with poorer lower extremity functioning have reduced physical activity levels.', 'Cross-sectional.', 'Three Chicago-area medical centers.', 'Two hundred twenty-five people with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and 121 individuals without PAD.', 'The summary performance score (SPS) was determined for all participants. The SPS combines data on walking velocity, time for five repeated chair rises, and standing balance. Each test is scored on a 0 to 4 scale (4 = best). Scores are summed to create the SPS (0-12 scale, 12 = best). All participants wore a vertical accelerometer for 7 days to measure physical activity.', 'The SPS was associated linearly with 7-day physical activity levels of participants with (P< .0001) and without PAD (P< .0001). This relationship was maintained even after restricting analyses to subsets of participants who reported that they could walk a quarter of a mile and up and down stairs without difficulty (P< .001) and were able to walk for 6-minutes without stopping (P< .001). In multiple linear regression analyses, the SPS was associated with physical activity in participants with (P< .01) and without PAD (P< .001), adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidities, ankle brachial index, neuropathy, and leg symptoms.'] Is lower extremity performance associated with daily life physical activity in individuals with and without peripheral arterial disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6748942136764526,
-0.8003978729248047,
1.6115360260009766
] |
['We tested the hypothesis that, under relatively low tidal volume (VT) mechanical ventilation, continuing lung decruitment induced by negative end-expiratory pressure (NEEP) would increase the lung cytokine response, potentially contributing to lung injury. Mouse lungs were excised and randomly assigned to one of 3 different ventilatory strategies: 1) the zero end-expiratory pressure group served as a control, 2) the NEEP7 group received a NEEP of -7.5 cm H(2)O, and 3) the NEEP15 group received a NEEP of -15 cm H(2)O. In all 3 groups, a VT of 7 mL/kg was used. After 2 h of ventilation, lung lavage fluid was collected for measurements of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and lactate dehydrogenase. Increases in plateau pressure before and after mechanical ventilation were significantly greater in the NEEP15 group compared with the zero end-expiratory pressure group or NEEP7 group. Lung compliance was decreased in the NEEP15 compared with the other two groups. Concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and lactate dehydrogenase in lung lavage were larger in the NEEP15 group than in the other groups. Atelectatic lung during repeated collapse and reopening of lung units accentuates the lung cytokine response that may contribute to lung injury even during relatively low VT mechanical ventilation.'] Does ventilation with negative airway pressure induce a cytokine response in isolated mouse lung? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.435260534286499,
-1.1059114933013916,
2.524200916290283
] |
['We investigated the effects of the statins, cerivastatin and fluvastatin, on the induction of nitric oxide (NO) production in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) stimulated by interleukin-1beta (IL-1) or in combination with interferon-gamma (IFN).', 'We measured NO release, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA and protein levels, iNOS gene transcription rates, and iNOS mRNA stabilities in cytokine-activated VSMC. We also evaluated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis.', 'NO production induced by cytokines was dose-dependently enhanced by both statins. Incubating VSMC with IL-1/IFN stimulated iNOS mRNA and protein expression. Both statins significantly upregulated IL-1/IFN-stimulated iNOS mRNA and protein expression, and enhanced iNOS gene transcription as shown by nuclear run-on assays. However, they did not alter the stability of iNOS mRNA. Both statins slightly modulated IL-1/IFN-induced NF-kappaB activation, which was not associated with their effect on NO production. Cytokines induce the de novo synthesis of BH4 in VSMC. This event is essential for the induction of NO synthesis, which requires transcriptional induction of the genes that encode not only iNOS but also guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH), the first and rate-limiting enzyme in de novo BH4 synthesis. The synthesis of BH4 and GTPCH mRNA induced by IL-1/IFN were enhanced by both statins. Exogenous mevalonate significantly prevented and geranylgeranylpyrophosphate reversed the stimulatory effect of both statins. Furthermore, the geranylgeranyltransferase I inhibitor GGTI-298 significantly increased IL-1/IFN-induced NO production.'] Does statin enhance cytokine-mediated induction of nitric oxide synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.403454542160034,
-1.2647292613983154,
2.7023513317108154
] |
['In addition to nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin, endothelium-dependent dilation is mediated by the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) which, in the coronary circulation, has been characterised as a metabolite of arachidonic acid synthesised by an cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase homologous to CYP 2C8/9. As the promotor regions of CYP 2C8 and 2C9 contain consensus sequences for glucocorticoid response elements, we determined the effect of cortisol on EDHF-mediated relaxations as well as on the expression of CYP 2C in isolated segments of porcine coronary artery.', 'Bradykinin-induced NO-mediated relaxation of KCl-constricted arterial rings was slightly attenuated following exposure to cortisol. However, EDHF-mediated relaxations of U46619-constricted arterial rings assessed in the presence of the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor diclofenac and the NO synthase inhibitor N(omega)nitro-L-arginine (0.3 mM), were significantly enhanced (maximum relaxation: 66+/-7%, P<0.05 vs. control rings: 36+/-8%). Cortisol treatment (0.1 microM, 24 h) did not affect the endothelium-independent relaxation elicited by sodium nitroprusside and acute incubation with cortisol (0.1 microM, 30 min) did not alter either NO- or EDHF-mediated responses. The expression of CYP 2C (quantified by RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy) was enhanced in porcine coronary endothelial cells following incubation with cortisol for 18-24 h.'] Is cytochrome P450 2C expression and EDHF-mediated relaxation in porcine coronary arteries increased by cortisol? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.318267583847046,
-1.4723572731018066,
2.820711374282837
] |
['Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is an angiogenic mitogen which stimulates migration in various cell types and has been shown to induce the production of nitric oxide (NO) in epithelial cells. Conflicting data exist on the effect of NO on endothelial cell migration. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible role for NO in HGF-stimulated endothelial cell motility.', 'The study was performed primarily using an endothelial cell line derived from adult human saphenous vein. Transient transfection experiments were additionally performed using an adult human coronary artery endothelial cell line. Nitric oxide synthase expression was examined by western blot analysis. Time-lapse digital image microscopy was used to measure cell motility. A DNA construct was used in transient transfections to over-express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as an N-terminal fusion to enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP).', 'HGF upregulated the expression of iNOS but not constitutive endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Treatment of cells with the specific iNOS inhibitor 1400 W revealed that functional iNOS was required for HGF-stimulated endothelial cell motility. HGF-induced iNOS expression was partially abrogated in the presence of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor LY294002, but not the Src kinase inhibitor, PP1. Endothelial cell motility increased significantly (P<0.0001) in the presence of the exogenous NO donor spermine-NO and cells expressing the iNOS-EGFP fusion protein exhibited significantly greater (P=0.0038) motility than those expressing EGFP alone.'] Is hepatocyte growth factor-induced endothelial cell motility mediated by the upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3870372772216797,
-1.393035650253296,
2.8223700523376465
] |
['Recommendations from the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggest that monitoring for apnea using the detection of exhaled carbon dioxide (capnography) is a useful adjunct in the assessment of ventilatory status of patients undergoing sedation and analgesia. There are no data on the utility of capnography in GI endoscopy, nor is the frequency of abnormal ventilatory activity during endoscopy known. The aims of this study were to determine the following: (1) the frequency of abnormal ventilatory activity during therapeutic upper endoscopy, (2) the sensitivity of observation and pulse oximetry in the detection of apnea or disordered respiration, and (3) whether capnography provides an improvement over accepted monitoring techniques.', 'Forty-nine patients undergoing therapeutic upper endoscopy were monitored with standard methods including pulse oximetry, automated blood pressure measurement, and visual assessment. In addition, graphic assessment of respiratory activity with sidestream capnography was performed in all patients. Endoscopy personnel were blinded to capnography data. Episodes of apnea or disordered respiration detected by capnography were documented and compared with the occurrence of hypoxemia, hypercapnea, hypotension, and the recognition of abnormal respiratory activity by endoscopy personnel.', 'Comparison of simultaneous respiratory rate measurements obtained by capnography and by auscultation with a pretracheal stethoscope verified that capnography was an excellent indicator of respiratory rate when compared with the reference standard (auscultation) (r = 0.967, p < 0.001). Fifty-four episodes of apnea or disordered respiration occurred in 28 patients (mean duration 70.8 seconds). Only 50% of apnea or disordered respiration episodes were eventually detected by pulse oximetry. None were detected by visual assessment (p < 0.0010).'] Is automated graphic assessment of respiratory activity superior to pulse oximetry and visual assessment for the detection of early respiratory depression during therapeutic upper endoscopy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9688845872879028,
-1.3967931270599365,
2.447967290878296
] |
['To investigate the effectiveness of angiostatin gene therapy for renal cancer using a mouse model. The generally poor prognosis of advanced renal cancer indicates the need for new therapeutic modalities. The dependency of solid tumor growth on angiogenesis suggests that antiangiogenic therapy would be effective against renal cell carcinoma, which is generally a hypervascular tumor.', 'Murine renal cancer cells (Renca) transfected with murine angiostatin cDNA (AST-Renca) were subcutaneously implanted in BALB/c mice. Subsequently, the macroscopic appearance and volume of tumors were evaluated once per week. Renca cells transfected with empty plasmid DNA (mock-Renca) were used as a control. In addition, histologic sections of tumor were analyzed for neovascularization on the basis of an immunohistochemical analysis for CD31. The antitumor effect of AST-Renca on a parental Renca tumor at a distant site was also evaluated.', 'The mean volume of AST-Renca tumors was significantly less than that of the control vector-transfected tumors 3 weeks after implantation. In the cell proliferation assay, the expression of angiostatin did not inhibit the proliferation of Renca cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical analysis of neovascularization by staining with anti-CD31 antibody revealed that angiostatin suppressed tumor vessel formation. Moreover, implantation of AST-Renca inhibited the growth of parental Renca implanted simultaneously at a distant site.'] Does expression of angiostatin cDNA in a murine renal cell carcinoma suppress tumor growth in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.399644374847412,
-1.3832439184188843,
2.8312432765960693
] |
['Aging is associated with involution of both limbs of the autonomic nervous system, and the prejunctional and postjunctional effects of adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation are altered with senescence. Hence, postjunctional age-related changes in adrenergic-cholinergic interaction are a likely occurrence and may contribute to an altered substrate for arrhythmias.', "Microelectrode techniques were used to record action potentials from epicardial slices of Bachmann's bundles of dogs aged 3 to 5 years (adult) and 8 to 12 years (old) in the absence or presence of acetylcholine and isoproterenol (separately and in combination). In control, action potential duration to 90% repolarization (APD) was longer in old atria. Acetylcholine (10(-8) to 10(-5) mol/L) in a concentration-dependent manner hyperpolarized and shortened APD in both tissues, with more prominent effects in the old. The effects of isoproterenol (10(-9) to 10(-6) mol/L) to elevate the plateau and shorten APD were about the same in both adult and old tissues. In adults, low concentrations of isoproterenol (10(-9) and 10(-8) mol/L) significantly prolonged APD, which had been first shortened by acetylcholine. This effect of isoproterenol was decreased in old atrial tissue, resulting in shorter APD in old than adult atria in the combined presence of beta-adrenergic and muscarinic agonists."] Does adrenergic-cholinergic interaction that modulate repolarization in the atrium is altered with aging? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.304567337036133,
-1.331434726715088,
2.6110215187072754
] |
['While angiotensin-con-verting enzyme inhibitors and zidovudine may improve the course of the most common HIV-related renal disease, HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), the effect of anti-retroviral combination therapy on this and other HIV-related renal diseases has not been assessed. This study describes the clinical course of HIV-related renal diseases and the effect of protease inhibitors on their progression.', 'This retrospective cohort study reviews the clinical course of 19 patients with a clinical or biopsy-proven diagnosis of HIVAN or other HIV-related renal diseases. Groups progressing and not progressing to ESRD were compared using longitudinal analyses to assess the association between creatinine clearance and clinical and therapeutic factors.', 'The cohort consisted of 16 African-Americans, 2 Caucasians and 1 Native American. Their modes of HIV infection were intravenous drug use (7), a history of men having sex with men (3) and heterosexual behavior (5). Patients were followed for a median of 16.6 months. Seven patients reached ESRD. Loss of creatinine clearance over time did not differ among genders, races, or patients with different modes of HIV infection. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated an association between protease inhibitors and prednisone and a slower decline in creatinine clearance in multivariable models (p = 0.04 and 0.003, respectively).'] Are protease inhibitors associated with a slowed progression of HIV-related renal diseases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3792669773101807,
-1.185396432876587,
2.6250364780426025
] |
['As a response to a published report documenting some expression of folate receptor alpha in human mesothelioma, studies were carried out examining the role of this receptor versus that of the reduced folate carrier in the internalization of folate analogs in this neoplasm.', 'Influx measurements of tritiated methotrexate were carried out in 4 mesothelioma cell lines, and 2 additional cell lines were used as comparators. Relative gene-expression analysis for the carrier and receptor gene was done by using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in the above-mentioned cell lines and mesothelioma tumor tissues obtained from patients.', 'Internalization of tritiated methotrexate in mesothelioma cell lines grown at physiologic folate levels was carrier mediated rather than receptor mediated. Influx of this model permeant by these cells exhibited characteristics of carrier-mediated membrane transport and was only minimally reduced by the addition of 5 micromol/L folic acid, a concentration of this natural folate that would have completely inhibited influx by the folate receptor. Gene-expression analysis revealed prominent expression of the folate receptor in some but not all mesothelioma cell lines, and in only one case was expression of this receptor gene greater than expression of the reduced folate carrier gene. Similar analysis of human mesothelioma tumor tissue showed that, with few exceptions, receptor gene expression was substantially less than that for the carrier gene.'] Is despite some expression of folate receptor alpha in human mesothelioma cells , internalization of methotrexate predominantly carrier mediated? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.413753032684326,
-1.262514352798462,
2.747835636138916
] |
['The aim of this study was to compare the size of the right internal jugular vein between neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) who need extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and non-CDH neonates. The purpose also was to describe a method for cannulation of the right brachiocephalic vein if the internal jugular vein was too small for ECMO cannulation.', "Birth weight and size of the right internal jugular vein were compared between CDH and non-CDH neonates subjected to ECMO treatment. A corrected venous size was calculated, estimating the venous size if the patient's birth weight was 3,000 g.", 'The mean birth weight of the CDH patients (3,214 g) was lower than that of the non-CDH patients (3,497 g; P <.04). The mean venous size of the CDH patients (12.1 Charierre [Ch]) was significantly smaller (P <<.001) than that of non CDH patients (13.6 Ch). The corrected venous size also was significantly (P <.001) smaller among CDH patients.'] Do neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia have smaller neck veins than other neonates-An alternative route for ECMO cannulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.229302167892456,
-1.2859890460968018,
1.592106580734253
] |
['Even moderate increases in levels of homocysteine cause cardiovascular degeneration. Various genetic and nutritional factors affect plasma homocysteine concentrations, and hyperhomocysteinemia damages vascular endothelial cells; hence their functions are disrupted. In diabetes mellitus, homocysteine metabolism is altered and as a result, more severe diabetic complications are expected when hyperhomocysteinemia occurs.', 'In the present study we experimentally induced diabetes in rats and examined effects of low or high dose of insulin administration on homocysteine metabolism.', 'We determined that homocysteine levels were reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This reduction was normalized by insulin in a dose-dependent manner. On the other hand, increased levels of lipid parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL) were reduced by insulin.'] Does insulin increase homocysteine levels in a dose-dependent manner in diabetic rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6373836994171143,
-0.30953991413116455,
1.955409049987793
] |
['Coronary artery disease is the significant cause of morbidity and mortality today. The treatment of coronary artery disease is improving, but its prevalence is increasing. Both primary and secondary prevention measures are of vital importance.', 'In this study, vitamin C, total antioxidant status, malondialdehyde in serum and erythrocyte-reduced glutathione levels were investigated in patients with atherosclerosis and compared with those of controls. Levels of serum MDA, vitamin C, total antioxidant status, and erythrocyte-reduced glutathione were determined according to the methods of Yagi, Bauer et al., Miller et al., and Beutler, respectively.', 'Erythrocyte-reduced glutathione, serum vitamin C, total antioxidant status, and malondialdehyde values of both patients with atherosclerosis and controls were as follows: 2.80 +/- 0.76, 5.82 +/- 0.67 micromol GSH/g Hb; 1.00 +/- 0.19, 1.62 +/- 0.30 mg/dL; 0.86 +/- 0.14, 1.43 +/- 0.16 mmol/L, and 4.26 +/- 0.9, 1.02 +/- 0.80 nmol/mL, respectively. There was a decrease in the levels of serum vitamin C, erythrocyte-reduced glutathione, and total antioxidant status (p <0.001), and increase in the levels of serum malondialdehyde (p <0.001) in patients with atherosclerosis when compared with those of controls.'] Are decreased serum total antioxidant status and erythrocyte-reduced glutathione levels associated with increased serum malondialdehyde in atherosclerotic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6365830898284912,
-1.6078137159347534,
2.1875128746032715
] |
['Vecuronium depresses carotid body chemosensitivity during hypoxia. We hypothesized that this is caused by inhibition of cholinergic transmission of the carotid body.', 'The carotid body with its sinus nerve was removed en bloc from thiopentone-anaesthetized adult male New Zealand rabbits and perfused in vitro with modified Tyrodes buffer solution at constant perfusion pressure, temperature, a buffer pH of 7.4 and normocapnia. Chemoreceptor discharge and spike frequencies (fx) were recorded from the whole sinus nerve after administration of 500 microg nicotine, given as duplicated controls and thereafter following 30 min perfusion of equipotent concentrations of atracurium (28.1 microM) or vecuronium(10 microM), after 30 min of neostigmine perfusion (9.2 microM) and finally after 30 min wash-out with buffer solution only. A short-lasting hypoxic test was performed before and at the end of the experimental period to confirm the responsiveness and validity of the preparation.', 'Atracurium (n = 7) and vecuronium (n = 6) reduced chemoreceptor responses to nicotine by 70 +/- 30% and 66 +/- 19% (SEM) (P<0.05). Chemoreceptor discharges showed full recovery after neostigmine in the atracurium group and partial recovery in the vecuronium group (P<0.05). Finally, after wash-out the chemoreceptor responses to nicotine had fully recovered in both groups.'] Do atracurium and vecuronium block nicotine-induced carotid body chemoreceptor responses? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.233506679534912,
-1.4541654586791992,
2.7433347702026367
] |
['The use of multiplanar reconstructed computed tomography (CT) images of frontal recess and sinuses was assessed with regard to depiction and understanding of anatomy and effect on surgical approach.', 'Three otorhinolaryngologists and one radiologist read CT scans of 43 patients referred for routine paranasal sinus scans. Spiral (helical) CT scans were obtained and coronal and parasagittal reconstructions were imaged. Three hundred forty-two readings were analyzed. The scans were assessed in the coronal plane and then in the parasagittal plane. The images were assessed for (i) Bent and Kuhn classification of frontal ethmoidal sinus air cells, (ii) size of frontal sinus ostium (assessed as unsure, normal, small, or large), (iii) use of parasagittal scans regarding additional understanding of the anatomy with particular reference as to how the agger nasi cell and frontal ethmoidal cells were arranged in a three-dimensional space, and (iv) if the parasagittal scan and subsequent three-dimensional picture created altered the surgical approach. The first two criteria were assessed in the coronal plane and then in the parasagittal plane.', "There was no statistically significant difference between the Bent and Kuhn classification of frontoethmoidal cells on coronal and reconstructed parasagittal images (t-test; p > 0.05). The parasagittal scans were significantly better than the coronal scans for identifying and assessing the size of the frontal sinus ostium (p < 0.001; chi-square test). Assuming an intraobserver change rate (repeat error) of 10% on CT scan observations, an exact binomial test was performed on S-PLUS, which showed that there was a significant (p < 0.001) proportion of observers who changed their rating after looking at the parasagittal scan. There also was significant improvement in observers' abilities to identify and classify the size of the frontal ostium as reflected by the number of observers who changed from being unsure on the coronal scans to sure on the parasagittal scans. Observers felt that the parasagittal scans improved their three-dimensional understanding of the anatomy of the frontal recess by 58% on a 10-point Lickert scale. In 55% of these observations, the surgical plan was altered by a mean of 70.2% on a 10-point Lickert scale based on additional information obtained by viewing the parasagittal scans."] Does multiplanar reconstructed computed tomography images improve depiction and understanding of the anatomy of the frontal sinus and recess? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.991519808769226,
-1.543968677520752,
2.6047515869140625
] |
['Knowledge of the prevalence and correlates of personality disorders in the community is important for identifying treatment needs and for provision of psychiatric services.', 'To estimate the prevalence of personality disorders in a community sample and to identify demographic subgroups with especially high prevalence.', 'Clinical psychologists used the International Personality Disorder Examination to assess DSM-IV and ICD-10 personality disorders in a sample of 742 subjects, ages 34-94 years, residing in Baltimore, Maryland. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between demographic characteristics and DSM-IV personality disorder clusters.', 'The estimated overall prevalence of DSM-IV personality disorders was 9%. Cluster A disorders were most prevalent in men who had never married. Cluster B disorders were most prevalent in young men without a high school degree, and cluster C disorders in high school graduates who had never married.'] Does prevalence and correlate of personality disorders in a community sample? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.015305757522583,
2.293830394744873,
-0.9031599760055542
] |
['We sought to detect cross-talk between the beating heart and coronary vascular bed during myocardial ischemia and to test the hypothesis that the cross-talk is mediated by pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins (G(PTX)) in vessels.', 'Coronary flow is closely related to the myocardial metabolic state, indicating the existence of a close interaction between cardiac muscle and coronary vascular beds. Experimental methods for the analysis of the interaction, however, have not been established.', 'Coronary detector vessels (DVs) were isolated from rabbit hearts. One end of the vessel was cannulated to a micropipette, and the other end was ligated. After the DV was pressurized (60 cm H(2)O), it was gently placed on the myocardium, which was perfused by the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) of anesthetized, open-chest dogs (n = 23). The LAD was occluded, and the DV diameter was observed using an intravital microscope with a floating objective system. To evaluate the involvement of G(PTX), the DV was pre-incubated with PTX (100 ng/ml).', 'The LAD occlusion of the beating heart produced significant dilation of DVs (241 +/- 25 microm) by 10%. The DVs pretreated with PTX (250 +/- 27 microm) did not dilate in response to myocardial ischemia. N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine (100 micromol/l), but not glibenclamide (5 micromol/l), abolished the ischemia-induced DV dilation.'] Are vasodilator signals from the ischemic myocardium transduced to the coronary vascular wall by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins : a new experimental method for the analysis of the interaction between the myocardium and coronary vessels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2116143703460693,
-1.484608769416809,
2.7523183822631836
] |
['Impaired allostimulatory function of dendritic cells in patients with AIDS has been reported previously. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) can restore the T-cell stimulatory function in transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1)-inhibited murine accessory cells. We now report the effect of intravenous recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) on accessory cells of HIV-infected patients.', 'The in vivo effect of GM-CSF on allostimulatory function of accessory cells was evaluated. Seventeen individuals with AIDS received a single infusion of rhGM-CSF (125 mg/m(2) over 120 minutes). Samples of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were taken at 1, 5, and 24 hours after infusion, and the allostimulatory capacity was measured.', 'A single bolus infusion of rhGM-CSF resulted in significantly increased accessory cell function in 13/17 (88%) patients at one or more assayed time points after infusion.'] Does granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor ( GM-CSF ) restore allostimulatory function to accessory cells in patients with AIDS? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1630642414093018,
-1.4054492712020874,
2.598154306411743
] |
['Thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) is the active form of thiamine, and it serves as a cofactor for several enzymes, both cytosolic and mitochondrial. Isolated mitochondria have been shown to take up thiamine yet thiamine diphosphokinase is cytosolic and not present in mitochondria. Previous reports indicate that ThDP can also be taken up by rat mitochondria, but the kinetic constants associated with such uptake seemed not to be physiologically relevant.', 'Here we examine ThDP uptake by mitochondria from several human cell types, including cells from patients with thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia (TRMA) that lack a functional thiamine transporter of the plasma membrane. Although mitochondria from normal lymphoblasts took up thiamine in the low micromolar range, surprisingly mitochondria from TRMA lymphoblasts lacked this uptake component. ThDP was taken up efficiently by mitochondria isolated from either normal or TRMA lymphoblasts. Uptake was saturable and biphasic with a high affinity component characterized by a Km of 0.4 to 0.6 microM. Mitochondria from other cell types possessed a similar high affinity uptake component with variation seen in uptake capacity as revealed by differences in Vmax values.'] Do mitochondria from cultured cells derived from normal and thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anemia individuals efficiently import thiamine diphosphate? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4831347465515137,
-1.059532880783081,
2.5515594482421875
] |
['From a cohort of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) who required admission to hospital, to describe the subset of patients having a do not resuscitate (DNR) order and to compare them with those who did not have such an order.', 'Retrospective subset analysis of data from the pneumonia patient outcomes research team study.', 'Three hospitals in the United States and one in Canada.', 'Hospitalized patients aged 18 and older with CAP.', 'Sociodemographic features, severity of illness, antibiotic therapy, length of stay, mortality, admission to special care units, and mortality attributable to pneumonia.', 'The 199 (14.9) of 1,339 inpatients with CAP who had a DNR order written within 24 hours of admission and an additional 96 (7.2) patients who had such an order written later were compared with the 1,044 who never had a DNR order. The 199 patients with an initial DNR and 96 later DNR were older (median age 81 and 78 vs 65 years, respectively; P< .001), more likely to be white (92.5 and 90.6 vs 84.8; P = .007), and more likely to have come from a nursing home or chronic care facility (53.8 and 31.3 vs 4.5; P< .001). The two DNR groups received more antibiotics for a longer time than the never DNR patients. The DNR patients had longer lengths of stay than the never DNR patients (medians 9 and 12 vs 7 days). There were 89 in-hospital deaths among the 1,339 patients, but only 11 of these were among patients who did not have a DNR order during the first 30 days (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of a DNR order for in-hospital mortality were 87.6, 82.6, 26.4, and 98.9, respectively). The 90-day mortality rates were 43.2 for the initial DNR group, 61.5 in the later DNR group, and 4.7 for the never DNR group (P< .001). Pneumonia-attributable mortality accounted for most of the in-hospital deaths but did not differ by DNR status. Only 31.7 of the initial DNR patients and 24.0 of the later DNR patients were discharged home, versus 82.6 of the other patients (P< .001). In a multivariate analysis, the following were predictive of initial DNR: age, nursing home care, active cancer, dementia, neuromuscular disorders, altered mental status, low systolic blood pressure, tachypnea, abnormal hematocrit, abnormal blood urea nitrogen, and absence of alcohol or intravenous drug abuse. In similar analyses of DNR at any time, additional predictors included aspiration, low white blood count, chronic pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, and congestive heart failure.'] Do community-acquired pneumonia and resuscitate orders? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0549007654190063,
-0.9772066473960876,
1.0735795497894287
] |
['To elucidate the genetic relationships between Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian men by studying Y-chromosomal variation in these people.', 'The allelic status of five deep-rooted marker loci (YAP, Tat, M9, 92R7 and SRY-1532) was determined for 346 Baltic males. On the basis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes, Y chromosomes were divided into six haplogroups, and the Baltic haplogroup distribution compared with that in 7 European reference populations. Haplogroup frequencies, diversities and genetic distances (F(ST) values) were calculated. The relationships between populations were further illustrated using Mantel test, neighbor-joining tree and principal-component map.', 'We found the Indo-European-speaking Latvians and Lithuanians to be genetically very similar to the Finno-Ugric-speaking Estonians. When compared to the reference populations, Baltic males were most closely related to the Finno-Ugric-speaking Mari, followed by their Finnish and Slavonic neighbors.'] Does y-chromosomal diversity suggest that Baltic males share common Finno-Ugric-speaking forefathers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.822468638420105,
0.4079205095767975,
0.5997476577758789
] |
['Clinical impact of magnesium (Mg) therapy remains controversial in acute myocardial infarction. We investigated the infarct size limiting effects of Mg and its mechanism in rabbits.', "Anesthetized rabbits underwent 30 min coronary occlusion and 3 h reperfusion in ten groups: (1) Control, (2) Low Mg, (3) Mg, (4) High Mg, (5) calcium (Ca), (6) Mg+Ca, (7) 8-phenyltheophylline (8PT), an adenosine receptor blockade, (8) 8PT+Mg, (9) alpha, beta-methylene-adenosine diphosphate (AOPCP), a selective inhibitor of ecto-5'-nucleotidase, and (10) AOPCP+Mg groups. Infract size (IS) to area at risk (AR) was measured by triphenyltetrazorium chloride method.", 'The IS/AR ratio was significantly smaller in Mg, 27+/-3% (P<0.05) and High Mg, 24+/-2% (P<0.05) compared to Control, 50+/-3% and Low Mg, 42+/-4%. The IS limiting effects of Mg were abolished in 8PT+Mg, AOPCP+Mg and Mg+Ca. The IS/AR ratio correlated with neither rate-pressure products nor incidence of arrhythmia.'] Does magnesium reduce myocardial infarct size via enhancement of adenosine mechanism in rabbits? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9855340719223022,
-1.5732864141464233,
2.5843865871429443
] |
['To assess whether renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAA) system gene polymorphisms shown to be associated with alterations in the activity of the system, may predict cardiac function changes subsequent to initiating medical therapy in heart failure.', 'The impact of RAA system genotypes on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following therapy to patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) and class II-III heart failure was assessed. In 107 patients LVEF and LV dimensions were determined using radionuclide ventriculography and echocardiography prior to and subsequent to receiving furosemide, digoxin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy. Patients and controls were genotyped for variants of the ACE (insertion-deletion polymorphism), angiotensinogen (AGT; M235T polymorphism) and the aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2, C-344T polymorphism) genes.', 'RAA system genotypes were not significantly associated with LVEF prior to initiating medical therapy. However, the CYP11B2 gene variant (P=0.0064 on covariate analysis [adjusted for multiple genotyping] with a 1-2% chance of false positive data), but neither the ACE, nor the AGT variants, predicted improvement in LV ejection fraction in patients on medical therapy.'] Is an aldosterone synthase gene variant associated with improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction in dilated cardiomyopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.313966989517212,
-1.4156850576400757,
2.82919979095459
] |
['Elevated expression of the beta-thymosin isotypes T beta(4), T beta(10), and T(15) appears to be involved in the manifestation of a malignant phenotype of human tumor cells, including those of mammary carcinomas. This has evoked an interest in these peptides as diagnostic/prognostic tumor markers. If increased levels of beta-thymosins correspond to tumor malignancy, the question arises whether tumor growth inhibition induced by chemotherapeutic drugs would reduce their expression.', 'Two human breast cancer cell lines, the estrogen receptor(ER)-positive MCF-7 and the ER-negative MDA-MB231, were thus analyzed for the amount of beta-thymosin mRNAs by RNase protection assay and for the respective peptide levels by HPLC following different hormonal and drug treatments.', 'Both cell lines, growing in medium with 10% FCS, contain T beta(4) (400-500 fg/cell) and Tbeta(10) (about 100 fg/cell), but no T beta(15). Incubating MCF-7 cells with tamoxifen (1 microM) for 5 days resulted in about 80% growth inhibition and in reduction of intracellular T beta(4) and T beta(10) concentrations by about 40%. Levels of T beta(4) and T beta(10)-mRNA were reduced by about 60%. In contrast, cisplatin (2 microM) changed neither the peptide concentrations nor the mRNA levels of beta-thymosins, in spite of marked growth inhibition. In addition, no changes in beta-thymosin expression were observed in MDA-MB231 cells treated with either drug. MCF-7 cells maintained in estrogen-poor medium (10% horse serum) or stimulated to grow with estradiol (1 nM) had Tbeta(4) and T beta(10) concentrations reduced by about 30%, but changes in T beta(4)- and T beta(10)-mRNA levels did not correspond to those of the peptide.'] Do chemotherapeutic drugs change actin skeleton organization and the expression of beta-thymosins in human breast cancer cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.185350179672241,
-1.4062776565551758,
2.6002867221832275
] |
['Apoptosis has recently been implicated as a process that may contribute to loss of cardiomyocytes and to adverse myocardial remodeling in congestive heart failure (CHF). We investigated to what extent myocardial ischemia and CHF lead to induction of apoptotic gene programs and loss of cardiomyocytes through apoptosis, and subsequently to what extent the beneficial effects of endothelin (ET) receptor antagonism after myocardial infarction (MI) could be attributed to reduction of apoptotic cell loss in the myocardium.', 'Northern blot analysis, analysis of DNA fragmentation, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed after induction of MI in rats.', 'After induction of MI, the mRNA levels of the pro-apoptotic genes FAS, BAX, P53, and CASPASE-1 were significantly increased in the non-ischemic region of the left ventricle (LV) with highest levels of expression in the peri-infarct area. High levels of FAS, BAX, P53, and CASPASE-1 mRNA were also observed in the infarcted region. Concomitantly, numerous TUNEL-positive cells and internucleosomal degradation of DNA were found in tissue from the peri-infarct area and in the infarcted zone, indicating apoptotic cell death. Treatment with bosentan, a mixed ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist, during the first 24 h after induction of MI significantly reduced the area of TUNEL-positive myocardium in the ischemic region (64 +/- 2% of LV circumference in the vehicle group vs 55 +/- 2% of LV circumference in the bosentan group, p < 0.05). Consistently, bosentan also caused a similar reduction of infarct size.'] Does endothelin receptor antagonism attenuate cardiomyocyte apoptosis after induction of ischemia in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3145008087158203,
-1.4277606010437012,
2.766887664794922
] |
['We investigated the role of whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) which has been widely used as an adjuvant therapy for brain metastases.', 'The authors retrospectively reviewed 132 patients who underwent surgical resection for brain metastases. They were classified into five groups according to the dose of radiation therapy to the local brain (L) or to the whole-brain (W), independently; 0 Gy (Group A[L or W]), 20-29 Gy (Group B[L or W]), 30-39 Gy (Group C[L or W]), 40-49 Gy (Group D[L or W]) and 50 Gy or more (Group E[L or W]).', 'Local recurrence rates and times to tumor progression (TTP) of the original tumor were 53% and 3 months for Group A(L), 25% and 6 months for Group C(L), 11% and 7 months for Group D(L) and 12% and 12 months for Group E(L). Median survival times (MST) were 6 months for Group A(L), 8 months for Group C(L), 8 months for Group D(L) and 11 months for Group E(L). Distant recurrence rates and the TTP of new lesions in the distant area were 27% and 7 months for Group A(W), 20% and 6 months for Group B(W), 8% and 9 months for Group C(W), 13% and 13 months for Group D(W) and 4% and 14 months for Group E(W). The MST were 11 months for Group A(W), 11 months for Group B(W), 10 months for Group C(W), 9 months for Group D(W) and 6 months for group E(W).'] Is whole-brain radiation therapy beneficial as an adjuvant therapy for brain metastases compared with localized irradiation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.028684139251709,
-1.7415013313293457,
1.7611600160598755
] |
['We previously reported that daily supplementation with alpha-tocopherol reduced prostate cancer risk in a large, randomized trial, the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study. One potential mechanism explaining this is that alpha-tocopherol inhibited tumor angiogenesis, an effect demonstrated in animal models.', 'We evaluated whether long-term supplementation with alpha-tocopherol modified serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, a cytokine integrally involved in angiogenesis, in men who were not diagnosed with cancer and had baseline and follow-up blood available. One hundred of these men who received alpha-tocopherol (50 mg daily) were randomly selected and matched on age, study center and time between blood draws to 100 men who received placebo (median follow-up 3.7 years). VEGF levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of alpha-tocopherol supplementation on serum VEGF was evaluated using a matched-paired t-test for differences in the change in VEGF over the intervention period between groups.', 'There was an 11% reduction in VEGF levels in the alpha-tocopherol group as compared with a 10% increase in the placebo group (p=0.03).'] Is long-term alpha-tocopherol supplementation associated with lower serum vascular endothelial growth factor levels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.252011775970459,
-1.372691035270691,
2.6683645248413086
] |
['Although there is no evidence that the reconstructed bladder neck actively contributes to post-radical prostatectomy continence, we set out to determine whether buttressing sutures, which prevent the bladder neck from pulling open as the bladder fills, would result in the earlier return of urinary control.', 'Forty-five men (mean age 57 years, range 37 to 67) with clinical localized prostate cancer underwent anatomic radical retropubic prostatectomy with standard tennis racket bladder neck reconstruction. The bladder neck was then intussuscepted using two 2-0 Maxon Lembert sutures placed lateral and posterior to the reconstructed bladder neck. Filling of the bladder with saline at this point revealed little leakage. Patient-reported continence at 3 months was compared with the published outcome of 64 men using the same quality-of-life instrument (the UCLA Prostate Cancer Index). At 3 months, 82% of men who underwent intussusception of the bladder neck were continent (no pad/dry pad) compared with 54% in our prior report (P = 0.0035). The occurrence of bladder neck contracture was similar: 7% versus 5%.'] Does intussusception of the reconstructed bladder neck lead to earlier continence after radical prostatectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6189168691635132,
-1.3176627159118652,
1.9501359462738037
] |
['To investigate the extent to which treatment with tacrine is associated with a reduction in mortality in nursing home residents with dementia.', 'We performed a retrospective cohort study using the Systematic Assessment and Geriatric drug use via Epidemiology database, which contains data collected with the Minimum Data Set on a cross-section of over 400,000 nursing home residents in five U.S. states.', 'Retrospective data analysis of residents in nursing homes.', 'We identified 1,449 users of tacrine and 6,119 nonusers matched on facility, date of tacrine use, level of cognitive function, and dementia diagnosis.', 'Comparisons of the two groups were made for sociodemographic variables, dementia severity, number of medications, and major comorbid illness (heart disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malnutrition), and survival over the 3-year study period.', 'Based on Cox proportional hazards models, tacrine users showed a significantly lower mortality rate than nonusers. The hazard rate ratio was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.70-0.83). After adjusting for the confounding variables of sociodemographic factors, level of function in activities of daily living, cognitive function, number of drugs, and comorbid illnesses, this survival advantage was still significant at 0.85 (95% CI = 0.77-0.93).'] Is tacrine therapy associated with reduced mortality in nursing home residents with dementia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1257522106170654,
-1.033834457397461,
2.3166239261627197
] |
['Since chronic renal failure is associated with metabolic acidosis and down-regulation of intrarenal nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, I tested the hypothesis that acidosis may impair the intrarenal NO synthesis. The effects of alterations in extracellular pH were examined on inducible NO synthesis in murine mesangial cells (MMC) in culture.', 'NO synthesis was induced in MMC by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and assayed by an NO analyzer that measured nitrites and nitrates (NOx). The activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) enzyme was assayed by conversion of [3H]-arginine to [3H]-citrulline. Experimental groups included cells cultured with a pH of 7.3 (normal), or 7.0 (low) or 7.6 (high), and the assigned pH values were maintained by HEPES and Tris.', 'NOx was decreased in MMC exposed to the reduced pH compared to other groups. [3H]-citrulline assay showed an 80% reduction in iNOS activity in stimulated MMC exposed to a reduced pH versus control pH (P < 0.01). iNOS mRNA and protein expression were similar in control and low pH cells. The iNOS inhibition was not reversed by supplementation of MMC with either l-arginine or tetrahydrobiopterin, a major co-factor for NOS enzyme. MMC re-incubated in control pH after being exposed to the low pH demonstrated re-inducibility of NOS activity. Furthermore, MMC exposed to low pH were associated with a higher NADP+/+[H]-citrulline ratio (3.2) compared to standard pH (1.7), indicating an increase in NADP+/+[H]-citrulline stoichiometries and uncoupling of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidation. In contrast, macrophages exposed to the reduced pH did not demonstrate uncoupling of NADPH oxidation.'] Is inhibition of mesangial iNOS by reduced extracellular pH associated with uncoupling of NADPH oxidation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.375385284423828,
-1.3859729766845703,
2.7903127670288086
] |
['We have previously shown that renovascular hypertension does not inhibit healing of the acute Thy-1 nephritis. To test whether a chronic model of the Thy-1 nephritis is more susceptible to high blood pressure, the repetitive hit model was evaluated in rats with 2-kidney, 1-clip Goldblatt hypertension.', 'Six weeks after initiation of 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension, chronic Thy-1 glomerulonephritis was induced in hypertensive rats by four consecutive injections of rabbit antiserum in weekly intervals. Renal structure and function were examined two weeks after the last injection. Glomerular binding of rabbit IgG as well as expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 were evaluated by Western blotting.', 'Similar glomerular deposition of rabbit IgG was detected in normotensive rats and in both kidneys of Goldblatt hypertensive rats indicating similar delivery and binding of the heterologous antibody. Induction of the repetitive Thy-1 model significantly enhanced glomerular damage in the nonclipped kidney and increased albuminuria. Surprisingly, no glomerular damage developed in the clipped kidney of nephritic hypertensive rats. In contrast, increased glomerular volume and increased expression of TGF-beta, alpha-SMA as well as COX-1 and COX-2 were found in normotensive nephritic rats and in both kidneys of nephritic hypertensive rats.'] Is chronic anti-Thy-1 nephritis aggravated in the nonclipped but not in the clipped kidney of Goldblatt hypertensive rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3925302028656006,
-1.346435785293579,
2.8165438175201416
] |
['The identification of tumor-specific antigens is an important topic for potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Melanoma-inhibiting activity (MIA/CD-RAP), a protein involved in the regulation of tumor growth, invasion, dissemination and immunoreactivity in melanomas and other tumors, is expressed by almost all melanomas and melanoma metastases screened to date so far. Elevated levels of melanoma-inhibiting activity (MIA/CD-RAP) have also been measured in a subgroup of patients with advanced stage breast carcinomas.', 'To further evaluate the extent and distribution of MIA/CD-RAP expression, early passage melanoma, glioma and other tumor cell lines as well as non-malignant cell lines were screened for the expression of MIA/CD-RAP by PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.', 'All melanomas tested (n = 19) expressed high levels of MIA mRNA and protein. A high incidence of MIA expression was also found in glial tumors (6 out of 27). In contrast, MIA message (mRNA) could not be detected in non-glial CNS-tumors (n = 13). In addition, in CSF of patients harboring a brain tumor, significant higher levels of MIA protein were detectable compared to the systemic values. MIA/CD-RAP-message was detectable in 7 out of 20 systemic tumors, mainly carcinomas of the colon (2 out of 2) and, in low levels, in 8 out of 20 normal non-transformed cell cultures, for example fibroblasts and peripheral lymphocytes. These data indicate that MIA/CD-RAP is widely expressed in human and murine primary cell cultures and cell lines, with nevertheless relative high specificity for melanocytic tumors. Measurements of MIA protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients harboring metastatic melanoma revealed higher levels in the CSF than in serum. To address functional aspects of MIA/CD-RAP expression, we stably transformed a MIA/CD-RAP-negative glial tumor cell line to express MIA/CD-RAP. When tested in colony forming assay (CFA), these clones showed a marked reduction in colony formation.'] Is melanoma-inhibiting activity ( MIA/CD-RAP ) expressed in a variety of malignant tumors of mainly neuroectodermal origin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0791542530059814,
-1.4187158346176147,
2.568833351135254
] |
["Monocyte/macrophages are known to infiltrate the brain of patients with HIV-1 encephalitis (HIVE). In Alzheimer's disease brain, the origin of activated microglia has not been determined.", "We employed the antigen retrieval technique, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescense, and confocal microscopy to identify macrophages and microglia in relation to amyloid-beta plaques and the blood-brain barrier in autopsy brain tissues from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and HIVE.", 'In both conditions, cyclooxygenase-2 positive macrophages and, to a lesser degree, T and B cells infiltrate brain perivascular spaces and neuropil. The macrophages are distinguishable from ramified microglia, and decorate the vessels at the sites of apparent of endothelial tight junction protein ZO-1 disruption. The macrophages also infiltrate amyloid-beta plaques, display intracellular amyloid-beta and are surrounded by amyloid-beta-free lacunae. Furthermore, the macrophages partially encircle the walls of amyloid-beta-containing vessels in amyloid angiopathy, and exhibit intracellular amyloid-beta but not paracellular lacunae. Significantly larger zones of fibrinogen leakage surround the microvessels in HIVE brain tissues compared with AD tissues (P = 0.034), and AD tissues have significantly greater leakage than control tissues (P = 0.0339). The AD group differs from a normal control age-matched group with respect to both the area occupied by CD68 (P = 0.03) and cyclooxygenase-2 immunoreactive cells (P = 0.004).'] Do cyclooxygenase-2-positive macrophages infiltrate the Alzheimer 's disease brain and damage the blood-brain barrier? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4102590084075928,
-1.3756237030029297,
2.870238780975342
] |
['The management of gallbladder polyps/masses in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (i.e., cholecystectomy vs observation) remains problematic. Given the risk of biliary tract cancer in PSC in the face of the benign nature of most gallbladder polyps in the general population, our aim was to determine the prevalence of gallbladder cancer in PSC patients with a gallbladder mass who had undergone cholecystectomy.', 'The case records of all patients with PSC undergoing a cholecystectomy at the Mayo Clinic between 1977-1999 were reviewed.', 'Of the 102 patients with PSC who underwent a cholecystectomy, 14 of 102 (13.7%) had a gallbladder mass. In the subset of patients with gallbladder masses, eight of 14 (57%) had adenocarcinomas (seven primary adenocarcinomas and one metastatic cholangiocarcinoma); the other six had benign masses (five adenomas and one cholesterol polyp). In those patients with benign masses, 33% had associated epithelial cell dysplasia; in patients with primary gallbladder cancers, 57% had associated dysplasia. The patients with primary gallbladder adenocarcinoma had a favorable outcome after cholecystectomy, with a 36-month survival of 66%.'] Are in primary sclerosing cholangitis , gallbladder polyps frequently malignant? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.254671812057495,
-1.026483416557312,
2.3144564628601074
] |
['Calciphylaxis, historically considered rare, seems to be increasing in frequency. In our single center, 36 new cases have accumulated in seven years. The majority of these cases were non-ulcerating, which we believe to be early disease, in contradistinction to the vast majority of published cases that presented with ulcers.', 'Prospective data were collected on all patients with calciphylaxis. As well, a case control study, with two controls per patient, was performed on patients presenting with non-ulcerating plaques.', 'The incidence of calciphylaxis in dialysis patients increased with a rate of 4.5/100 patient-years in the past three years. Eighty percent of cases presented with non-ulcerating subcutaneous plaques in the calves, easily confused with cellulitis. In those patients presenting with plaques only, the mortality rate was 33% at six months. Once ulceration develops, the mortality rate increased to above 80%. Bone scan was positive in 97% of patients. Steroid therapy appeared to be beneficial in some patients. Peritoneal dialysis, female sex and diabetes were risk factors. In the case control study of patients presenting with plaques only, serum phosphate (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.05 to 6.45, P = 0.038) and Ca x P product (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.02 to 20, P = 0.038) predicted the disease, as did being on calcium salts + vitamin D (OR 4.05; 95% CI 1.14 to 14.5, P = 0.03).'] Is calciphylaxis usually non-ulcerating : risk factors , outcome and therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2978519201278687,
-1.5349881649017334,
1.8086864948272705
] |
['In the animal model, segmentation of the atria with radiofrequency-generated linear lesions (LL) using the loop catheter has been shown to be highly effective in terminating chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). This study addresses the question whether the same lesion set also would prevent reinduction and sustainability of AF.', 'We studied two groups of dogs. The AF group included eight dogs in which the atria were paced until chronic AF was present. After 6 months of sustained AF, the dogs were converted to normal sinus rhythm (NSR) by the creation of LL in both atria. Rapid atrial pacing was restarted 6 months later and continued for 4 weeks. In the NSR group, there were nine dogs in NSR without inducible AF at baseline. LL were created, and after 6 months rapid atrial pacing was applied for 4 weeks. Rhythm status was monitored weekly. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline, before linear lesion placement, and before pacing/repacing. At the conclusion of the study, the hearts were excised and examined. The lesions were stained, and their quality was assessed. AF was induced in a much shorter interval in the dogs in which AF had previously been present than in NSR dogs (8 +/- 5 days vs 25 +/- 13 days; P < 0.05). LL prevented sustainability of AF induced via rapid pacing once the pacing stimulus was stopped. Incomplete lesions were associated with increased inducibility of atrial tachycardia and AF.'] Do linear lesions provide protection from atrial fibrillation induction with rapid atrial pacing? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1944589614868164,
-1.2790639400482178,
2.457545042037964
] |
['Intimal smooth muscle cell (SMC) hyperplasia is a main component of the arterial wall response to injury. We have investigated the capacity of a water-soluble nonanticoagulant functionalized dextran (E9) in inhibition of SMC growth in vitro and in vivo.', 'E9 was obtained with chemical substitutions with anionic and hydrophobic groups on the dextran backbone. SMC proliferation (cell counting, thymidine uptake, cell cycle analysis) was followed in culture in the presence of E9. Western blot analysis against phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, and assessment of MAPK activity on serum-stimulated SMCs also were investigated. Binding/displacement experiments, electron microscopy, and cell fractionations were used to follow the binding and internalization of radiolabeled and fluorescentlabeled E9. New Zealand white rabbit iliac arteries were injured with balloon dilatation and stent deployment. Animals were treated for 14 days with saline solution or E9 (5 mg/kg injected subcutaneously, twice daily). Morphometric analyses were carried out in each group (n = 6 arteries, 18 sections).', 'Nonanticoagulant E9 inhibited SMC proliferation in vitro. Tyrosine phosphorylation of MAPK 1/2 and MAPK activity were inhibited with E9 within 5 minutes of incubation. The binding and rapid cytoplasmic internalization of the synthetic compound was evidenced, but, in contrast to heparin, we did not detect any nuclear localization of the antiproliferative E9. In the in vivo model, qualitative modifications of neointimal structure with a thinner fibrocellular neointima were noticed after E9 treatment. Morphometric analyses of stented arteries in E9-treated animals indicated an important reduction (P <.01) of intimal growth: 33% and 45% for intimal area and intima/media ratio, respectively.'] Does a chemically modified dextran inhibit smooth muscle cell growth in vitro and intimal in stent hyperplasia in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.358447313308716,
-1.4376295804977417,
2.840825080871582
] |
['Supplemental oxygen can reduce intimal hyperplasia (IH) after stent deployment in a rabbit model.', 'Endovascular stent placement is technically feasible, but long-term durability in vessels outside the aortoiliac system is compromised with postinterventional IH, which causes restenosis and failure of the arterial conduit.', "Groups (n = 4 to 6) of female New Zealand white rabbits underwent placement of a 3-mm intraaortic stent with laparotomy and were placed in either normoxic (21% inspired oxygen concentration) or supplemental-oxygen (40% inspired oxygen concentration) environments for 0, 7, 14, and 28 days. The transarterial wall oxygen gradient was measured at 0, 7, and 28 days with an oxygen microelectrode. 5-Bromo-2'deoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected into the peritoneum before death to assess cellular proliferation. Aortic specimens were harvested en bloc and sectioned for analysis of cellular proliferation and intimal thickness.", "Intraaortic stent placement significantly decreased the transarterial wall oxygen gradient in the outer 70% of the vessel wall and was easily reversed at 7, 14, and 28 days with application of supplemental oxygen. Cellular proliferation was significantly decreased at 14 days (0.5% +/- 0.001% versus 2.3% +/- 0.002%; P <.001) and 28 days (0.4% +/- 0.001% versus 1.0% +/- 0.001%; P <.025) as measured with count of nuclei staining for 5-Bromo-2'deoxyuridine in the intima and media. Intimal thickness was significantly decreased at 28 days in oxygen-supplemented rabbits (intimal area/medial area = 0.50 +/- 0.07) as compared with controls (intimal area/medial area = 0.89 +/- 0.11; P <.025)."] Does supplemental oxygen reduce intimal hyperplasia after intraarterial stenting in the rabbit? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9282169342041016,
-1.5222299098968506,
2.4350366592407227
] |
['Toll-like receptors (TLRs) serve as mediators of innate immune responses to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) which include lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB). TLR-4 is thought to act as the primary effector of LPS recognition and TLR-2 is thought to mediate responses to Gram-positive bacterial proteins. Chemokines such as macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2) are peptides that are responsible for lung neutrophil (PMN) sequestration following an infectious or inflammatory insult. Given the Gram-positive origin of SEB, we hypothesized that mice with altered TLR-4 signaling would exhibit no difference in lung PMN sequestration following SEB when compared to wild-type mice.', 'Wild-type and TLR-4 mutant mice were administered intratracheal saline, LPS (Escherichia coli 0.1 mg/kg), or SEB (1 mg/kg). After 24 h, lung PMN accumulation was determined by myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell count (BALfcc). Total lung and BALf MIP-2 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.', 'There was an increase in lung PMN accumulation (by both MPO and BALfcc) and MIP-2 following LPS and SEB in wild-type mice compared to saline-treated controls. In contrast, TLR-4 mice failed to exhibit an increase in lung MIP-2 or PMN accumulation following either LPS or SEB compared to wild-type mice.'] Does toll-like receptor-4 signaling mediate pulmonary neutrophil sequestration in response to gram-positive bacterial enterotoxin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3095221519470215,
-1.4411745071411133,
2.7320034503936768
] |
['We investigated whether sildenafil citrate (Viagra) may reduce the dose of nitrovasodilators to induce deliberate hypotension. Ten mongrel dogs were acutely instrumented with a femoral artery catheter and a pulmonary artery catheter. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 1-16 microg. kg(-1). min(-1)) or nitroglycerin (NTG; 2-32 microg. kg(-1). min(-1)) was IV given to induce hypotension. The study consisted of two occasions, in a random order, in each animal: one with sildenafil pretreatment (1 mg/kg IV followed by 0.3 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)) and the other without to serve as a control. Hemodynamic variables were continuously monitored. Plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Both SNP and NTG produced dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial blood pressure without affecting the heart rate in the presence as well as in the absence of sildenafil. Systemic vascular resistance index and mean pulmonary arterial pressure were also decreased. The magnitude of mean arterial blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance index reductions caused by SNP was augmented by sildenafil, whereas that caused by NTG was not affected. Neither SNP nor NTG alone altered the plasma cGMP concentrations. Sildenafil increased the plasma cGMP concentration, which was further increased by SNP but not affected by NTG. These results indicate that sildenafil may reduce the dose of SNP in producing deliberate hypotension in the dog. The potentiation of SNP-induced hypotension by sildenafil may be related to an augmented accumulation of cGMP.'] Does sildenafil ( Viagra ) augment sodium nitroprusside-induced but not nitroglycerin-induced hypotension in dogs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.090803861618042,
-1.5054776668548584,
2.613966703414917
] |
['Acetylcholine receptors transmit excitatory impulses, are broadly distributed throughout the central nervous system, and are particularly sensitive to the depressant effects of inhaled anesthetics. Thus these receptors are potential mediators of the immobility produced by inhaled anesthetics. We tested this potential in rats by giving intraperitoneal atropine, scopolamine, and mecamylamine to block muscarinic (atropine and scopolamine) and neuronal nicotinic (mecamylamine) acetylcholine receptors. Block with scopolamine (up to 100 mg/kg), atropine (10 mg/kg), mecamylamine (up to 4 mg/kg), or atropine (10 mg/kg) plus mecamylamine (up to 4 mg/kg) did not significantly decrease the isoflurane concentration required to suppress movement to noxious stimulation (minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration). We also gave atropine intrathecally, finding that the infusions that did not cause permanent paralysis produced slight or no decreases in the minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration. We conclude that acetylcholine receptors do not seem to play a role as mediators of immobilization by inhaled anesthetics.'] Do acetylcholine receptors mediate the immobilization produced by inhaled anesthetics? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.443392515182495,
-1.0936790704727173,
2.5416226387023926
] |
['The aim of this study was to analyze whether VDR status is a prognostic factor that may be of importance for the assessment of recurrence in cervical cancer.', 'VDR-, Ki-67- and p53-status were analyzed immunohistochemically in cervical cancer patients (n=50) and in benign cervical tissue (n=15). The histopathological data of the tumours were evaluated. RNA was extracted from normal cervical tissue (n=4) and cervical carcinomas (n=8) using the method of Chomczynski. RNA was reverse-transcribed and RNA-levels were semiquantitatively detected by PCR.', 'The expression of VDR was significantly increased in cervical cancer compared to normal cervical tissue on the protein-level but not on the RNA-level. No statistically significant correlations were found comparing VDR status with histopathological data (tumour stage, lymph node status, grading, histological tumour type), with the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and of the tumour suppressor gene p53.'] Is vitamin D receptor ( VDR ) expression a prognostic factor in cervical cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3857059478759766,
-1.3107362985610962,
2.782763957977295
] |
['According to the current Japanese Classification of Gastric Cancer, patients with peritoneal cytology-positive (CY1) gastric cancer are classified as stage IV and the curative potential of resection for these patients is regarded as non-curative.', 'We compared the clinical outcome of CY1 patients (n=55) with those of patients with other non-curative factors (n=87), to clarify the optimal surgical strategy for CY1 patients.', 'The 5-year survival rate of CY1 patients was 10.8%, which was significantly better than that observed in the patients with the other non-curative factors. Among CY1 cases, survival outcome of the patients with lymph node metastasis limited to within group 2 was significantly better than the patients with group 3 lymph node metastasis.'] Does d2-lymphadenectomy improve the survival of patients with peritoneal cytology-positive gastric cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8681648969650269,
-1.008636236190796,
1.8930197954177856
] |
['To evaluate parameters associated with and the impact of advance information given in a regular outpatient setting on user satisfaction with the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.', 'A questionnaire was sent to 23,885 women in Finland who had had a levonorgestrel intrauterine system inserted between 1990 and 1993. The number of returned questionnaires was 17,914 (response rate 75%). Cumulative logistic regression analysis was based on the five-grade scale of satisfaction as a dependent variable.', 'Most users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (74%) were very or fairly satisfied with it, although over 70% of them had chosen it because of dissatisfaction with their previous method of contraception. User satisfaction increased with age and was associated with the amount of information about different symptoms (menstrual, greasiness of hair/skin, pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and missed periods) regardless of whether the symptom in question was actually experienced. The women who received information about the possibility of absence of menstruation were more satisfied than the less informed women (odds ratio 5.0, 95% confidence interval 4.1, 5.9).'] Does advance information improve user satisfaction with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1984117031097412,
-0.6909822821617126,
0.8872270584106445
] |
['In paediatric ophthalmology retinoscopy may be performed immediately after an orthoptic examination or during an additional ambulatory visit. So far, no studies have been performed to investigate which of both procedures is preferred by the persons accompanying or examining the children.', '32 consecutive children under the age of 16 were randomly assigned to have retinoscopy immediately after the orthoptic examination or during an additional visit. Children coming from far away or needing a cycloplegia with atropine were excluded from this study. The accompanying persons and the examiners (orthopedist/physician) were interviewed using a validated, written questionnaire. Associations between answers were determined via a cluster analysis.', '84 % (28/32) of all accompanying persons returned the questionnaire. The timing of retinoscopy was not associated with other variables. The question "Would you recommend our Department?" was strongly associated with how the accompanying persons judged the medical and orthoptic examination and also with the waiting times.'] Is [ In paediatric ophthalmology there no preferred timing for retinoscopy ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5611798763275146,
0.008646616712212563,
1.70759916305542
] |
['This paper explores the unique nutrition transition shifts in diet and activity patterns from the period termed the receding famine pattern to the one dominated by nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NR-NCDs). The paper examines the speed and timing of these changes; unique components, such as the issue of finding both under- and overnutrition in the same household; potential exacerbating biological relationships that contribute to differences in the rates of change; and political issues.', 'The focus is on lower- and middle-income countries of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.', "These changes are occurring at great speed and at earlier stages of these countries' economic and social development. There are some unique issues that relate to body composition and potential genetic factors. The significance of the high number of persons exposed to heavy insults during pregnancy and infancy (foetal origins hypothesis) and the subsequent rapid shifts in energy imbalance remains to be understood. Countries that are still addressing major concerns of undernutrition are not ready to address these NR-NCDs."] Does the shift in stages of the nutrition transition in the developing world differ from past experiences? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.738955020904541,
2.7600314617156982,
-0.7681607007980347
] |
['Cisplatin (CDDP) is known to cause inner ear damage while carboplatin (CBDCA) induces less ototoxicity than CDDP. We examined apoptotic changes in the cochlea of guinea pigs after injection of CDDP or CBDCA using immunohistochemical and electrophysiological techniques.', 'Three days after the injection of each solution, the cochleas were immunohistochemically examined for the presence of fragments of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). The auditory brain stem response was recorded before and three days after the injection.', 'We detected fragments of ssDNA in the stria vascularis and the spiral ligament of the CDDP-treated cochlea. In this group, the threshold of the auditory brainstem response was significantly elevated, however, in the CBDCA group, no apparent change of the threshold was detected. In the CBDCA group, fragments of ssDNA were detected in the stria vascularis and the spiral ligament. The number of cells that stained positive for ssDNA, was less than that in the CDDP group.'] Does carboplatin induce less apoptosis in the cochlea of guinea pigs than cisplatin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0110011100769043,
-1.3522813320159912,
2.359194278717041
] |
['The clinical implication of the tortuosity of white matter medullary arterioles has never been clarified precisely. We quantitatively investigated the relationship between such vascular tortuosity and the severity of hypertension (HT), which was graded according to the WHO classification.', 'Forty-seven autopsied brains with age-adjusted stages of HT were evaluated. The largest tortuosity diameter and the largest vascular diameter in the same tortuous lesion were measured by light microscopic observation at the level of the corona radiata and centrum semiovale. A maximum ratio of these diameters was calculated for each patient.', 'Maximum ratios were found in almost all arterioles and were significantly increased according to the HT stages.'] Is tortuosity of the white matter medullary arterioles related to the severity of hypertension? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0061538219451904,
-0.922706127166748,
2.1045753955841064
] |
['Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) increases in several insulin-resistant conditions such as obesity. We tested the hypothesis that the PAI-1 gene might be a candidate for obesity and Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.', 'We investigated the frequency of a common and functional -675 4G/5G promoter polymorphism in the PAI-1 gene in 188 lean, 70 overweight (BMI 25-30 kg/m(2)) and 247 obese otherwise healthy Scandinavian subjects.', 'The genotypic ( p = 0.002), or allelic ( p = 0.0004) distribution differed markedly between the three groups. Homozygosity for 4G was more common among obese people, whereas homozygosity for 5G was more common among lean subjects. Heterozygosity was evenly distributed. The lean and overweight groups did not differ in frequency distribution. The relative risk for being obese in comparison to being lean for 4G/4G was threefold higher ( p = 0.0003). Also, carriers of the 4G allele in the heterozygous or homozygous form were distributed differently between the three groups ( p = 0.006). The 4G carriers were more common among the obese than the lean group. The latter group did not differ from the overweight group. The relative risk of being obese in comparison with lean was twofold increased in 4G carriers ( p = 0.0015). Similar results were obtained in men and women.'] Is the common -675 4G/5G polymorphism in the plasminogen activator inhibitor -1 gene strongly associated with obesity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5092236399650574,
-1.500342845916748,
0.9984710812568665
] |
['Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased extracellular volume. Sodium restriction might seem a logical form of treatment but data on its renal effects is conflicting. We therefore studied the effects of sodium restriction on renal haemodynamics in uncomplicated Type I diabetes mellitus.', 'Uncomplicated Type I diabetic patients ( n = 24) and matched control subjects ( n = 24) were studied twice in random order: after a week of 50 mmol or after 200 mmol sodium intake, respectively. The diabetic patients were studied under normoglycaemic clamp conditions. Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow were measured as the clearances of iothalamate and hippuran, respectively.', 'During liberal sodium intake, glomerular filtration, effective renal plasma flow and filtration fraction were similar between the diabetic patients and the control subjects. Sodium restriction decreased the effective renal plasma flow in both groups, whereas glomerular filtration rate only decreased in the control subjects. Consequently, in the diabetic patients, the filtration fraction was increased on low sodium (4.1 +/- 8.4 %, p < 0.05 vs liberal sodium). As a consequence, filtration fraction (24.0 +/- 2.6 vs 22.1 +/- 2.0 %, p < 0.05) and glomerular filtration (119 +/- 14 vs 110 +/- 13 ml/min, p < 0.05) were higher in the diabetic patients than in the control subjects during sodium restriction.'] Does short-term moderate sodium restriction induce relative hyperfiltration in normotensive normoalbuminuric Type I diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6752058267593384,
-1.6467671394348145,
2.2341928482055664
] |
['Thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development during foetal and neonatal life. In very preterm infants, transient low levels of plasma T4 and T3 are commonly found, a phenomenon referred to as transient hypothyroxinaemia of prematurity. We investigated whether breast milk is a substantial resource of thyroid hormone for very preterm neonates and can alleviate transient hypothyroxinaemia. Both the influence of breast feeding on plasma thyroid hormone levels and the thyroid hormone concentration in preterm human milk were studied.', "Two groups were formed from the placebo group of a randomized thyroxine supplementation trial in infants born at < 30 weeks' gestational age on the basis of the mean breast milk intake during the third, fourth and fifth weeks of life. One group received more than 50% breast milk (mean breast milk intake 84%, n = 32) and the other group less than 25% breast milk (mean breast milk intake 3.3%, n = 25). Plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were compared between the two groups. Breast milk was collected from mothers of infants participating in the same trial and the thyroxine concentration in breast milk was measured with RIA after extraction.", 'No significant differences were found between both groups in plasma concentrations of T4, free T4, T3, TSH, rT3 and thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), which were measured once a week. Thyroxine concentration in breast milk ranged between 0.17 microg/l and 1.83 microg/l (mean 0.83, SD 0.3 microg/l) resulting in a maximum T4 supply of 0.3 microg/kg via ingested breast milk. In formula milk, the T4 concentration was equally low. Protease treatment did not influence the measured T4 concentrations.'] Is the quantity of thyroid hormone in human milk too low to influence plasma thyroid hormone levels in the very preterm infant? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3043211698532104,
-1.4947092533111572,
1.7550933361053467
] |
['Ghrelin, a 28-amino-acid peptide purified from the stomach and showing a unique structure with an n-octanoyl ester at the serine 3 residue, is a natural ligand of the GH secretagogue (GHS) receptor (GHS-R). Ghrelin strongly stimulates GH secretion in both animals and humans, showing a synergistic effect with GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) but no interaction with synthetic GHS. However, the activity of ghrelin as well as that of non-natural GHS is not fully specific for GH; ghrelin also induces a stimulatory effect on lactotroph and corticotroph secretion, at least in humans.', 'To further clarify the mechanisms underlying the GH-releasing activity of this natural GHS, we studied the effects of somatostatin (SS, 2.0 microg/kg/h from -30 to +90 min) on the endocrine responses to ghrelin (1.0 microg/kg i.v. at 0 min) in seven normal young male volunteers [age (mean +/- SEM) 28.6 +/- 2.9 years; body mass index (BMI) 22.1 +/- 0.8 kg/m2]. In the same subjects, the effect of SS on the GH response to GHRH (1.0 microm/kg i.v. at 0 min) was also studied.', 'Blood samples were taken every 15 min from -30 up to +120 min. GH levels were assayed at each time point in all sessions; PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels were assayed after ghrelin administration alone and during SS infusion.', "The GH response to ghrelin (hAUC0'-->120' 2695.0 +/- 492.6 microg min/l) was higher (P < 0.01) than that after GHRH (757.1 +/- 44.1 microg min/l). SS infusion almost abolished the GH response to GHRH (177.0 +/- 37.7 microg min/l, P < 0.01); the GH response to ghrelin was inhibited by SS (993.8 +/- 248.5 microg min/l, P < 0.01) but GH levels remained higher (P < 0.05) than with GHRH. Ghrelin induced significant increases in PRL, ACTH and cortisol levels and these responses were not modified by SS."] Is the GH-releasing effect of ghrelin , a natural GH secretagogue , only blunted by the infusion of exogenous somatostatin in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4727004766464233,
-1.5797796249389648,
1.997659683227539
] |
['To assess the involvement of oxidative stress in optic nerves after chronic intake of ethanol in adult rats, when compared to animals fed with an ethanol-free isocaloric diet.', 'Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used throughout the study. They were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet, whereas the pair-fed group was given an ethanol-free isocaloric diet. After six weeks of the experiment, optic nerves were extracted and markers of oxidative stress were assayed, i.e., antioxidants such as glutathione and lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde (MDA).', 'The GSH content in the optic nerves of ethanol-fed animals was significantly reduced, and the concentration of MDA was significantly higher in this group when compared with the pair-fed group. Time-course of body weight of animals in both groups varied identically throughout the six weeks of the experiment.'] Does [ Chronic ethanol feeding induce oxidative stress in the optic nerve of rats ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.8054463863372803,
0.0005654304404743016,
1.8895528316497803
] |
['To determine the value of repeat liver resection for recurrent colorectal metastases to the liver.', 'Liver resection represents the best and a potentially curative treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver. After resection, however, most patients develop recurrent disease, often isolated to the liver.', 'This study reports the combined experience of repeat liver resection for recurrent liver metastases at an American and a European surgical oncology center. Patients were identified from prospective databases and records were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 126 patients (American n = 96, 1986-2001; European n = 30, 1985-1999) underwent repeat liver resection. Patient characteristics were similar in the two institutions. Median follow-up from first liver resection was 88 and 105 months, respectively.', 'Operations performed included 90 minor resections and 36 resections of a lobe or more. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 86%, 51%, and 34%. There were 19 actual 5-year survivors to date. By multivariate regression analysis (proportional hazard model), more than one lesion and tumor size larger than 5 cm were independent prognostic indicators of reduced survival. The interval between the first and second liver resection was not predictive of outcome.'] Are second liver resections safe and effective treatment for recurrent hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer : a bi-institutional analysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1541428565979004,
-1.1313576698303223,
2.4291608333587646
] |
['Advanced hepatoblastoma often is lethal despite current therapies, yet development of novel approaches has been hampered by the lack of biologically relevant models. One new strategy selectively targets endothelium rather than tumor cells using frequently administered, low-dose ("metronome") chemotherapy. Metronome topotecan has antiangiogenic activity in some experimental tumors. The authors developed a xenograft model of human hepatoblastoma to test the effect of metronome topotecan in this system.', 'Xenografts resulted from intrarenal injection of cultured human hepatoblastoma cells in athymic mice. Topotecan (0.36 mg/kg/dose) or vehicle was injected intraperitoneally 5 times per week. At week 6, 10 control/treated mice were killed, and remaining animals were maintained without treatment until week 8. Tumor weights were compared by Kruskal-Wallis analysis, and vascular alterations were ascertained by specific immunostaining.', 'Metronome topotecan affected tumor weights in a delayed fashion: weights were diminished significantly only at 8 weeks (treated v control: 6 weeks, 0.59 g v 82 g, P value, not significant; 8 weeks, 1.13 g v 3.82; P <.02). Decreased vascularity and increased endothelial cell apoptosis were observed in treated xenografts.'] Is topotecan anti-angiogenic in experimental hepatoblastoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1869826316833496,
-1.4373139142990112,
2.688037872314453
] |
['To assess the usefulness of indexes derived from renal vein renin measurements.', 'A 12-year prospective study.', 'A tertiary institutional referral centre.', 'Between 1988 and 2000, we studied 152 consecutive hypertensive patients with a high pre-test probability of renovascular hypertension (RVH). RVH was diagnosed retrospectively on the basis of reduction in blood pressure after correction of ischaemia at follow-up. Renal vein renin measurements were used to calculate the ratios: Visch/Vctl (renal vein renin ratio; RVRR); Vctl/Viivc; (Visch - Viivc)/Viivc; (Vctl - Viivc)/Viivc, where Visch and Vctl indicate plasma renin activity (PRA) in the ischaemic and contralateral renal veins, respectively, and Viivc denotes PRA in the infrarenal inferior vena cava. A receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off value of renal vein renin measurement indexes that provided the best discrimination between patients with and without RVH and to identify patients with RVH caused by total occlusion of the renal artery.', 'Sixty-seven patients were diagnosed as having RVH: 51 had significant renal artery stenoses (RVH non-occluded) and 16 had total renal artery occlusion (RVH occluded). Of the remaining 85 patients in whom RVH was excluded (non-RVH group), 27 had reno-parenchymal hypertension and 58 had essential hypertension. Of the renal vein renin measurement indexes, only RVRR and (Visch - Viivc)/Viivc in RVH-occluded patients differed significantly (P < 0.005) from those in the non-RVH group and showed the best performance by ROC curve analysis. This analysis also showed that, at any cut-off value, RVRR was far more accurate for identification of RVH-occluded patients than for identification of RVH non-occluded patients, both in the subgroup with unilateral and, even more so, in those with bilateral renal artery lesions. The best trade-off between sensitivity and false-positive rate was provided by cut-off values of 1.55 and 1.70 of the RVRR for identification of non-occluded and occluded RVH, respectively.'] Do renal vein renin measurements accurately identify renovascular hypertension caused by total occlusion of the renal artery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6396595239639282,
-1.6533780097961426,
2.243253469467163
] |
['The baroreflex, which is important for the minute-to-minute regulation of blood pressure and heart rate, is influenced by genetic variance. Ion channels are important to baroreflex afferent and efferent function. Mice missing the beta1 subunit of the Ca2+-sensitive potassium channel (BK) are hypertensive and have a reset baroreflex. We tested the hypothesis that variants in the gene (KCNMB1) coding for the BK beta1 subunit are associated with baroreflex function.', 'We studied six single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KCNMB1.', 'Four SNPs in intron 3, exon 4a, exon 4b and exon 4c gave significant results. For instance, exon 4b SNP AA individuals had higher heart rate variability, compared to CA, or CC persons, in particular in the high-frequency range. The low-frequency range showed no association. Consistent with the heart rate variability data, homozygous AA persons had greater baroreflex slopes than CA or CC persons, also in the high-frequency range. These associations could not be shown in the low-frequency range for heart rate variability and baroreflex slopes.'] Is the BK channel beta1 subunit gene associated with human baroreflex and blood pressure regulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1837480068206787,
-1.0398921966552734,
2.23134183883667
] |
['Chronic attenuation of hyperinsulinemia by diazoxide (DZ), an inhibitor of glucose-mediated insulin secretion, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance and caused down-regulation of lipid metabolizing enzymes in adipose tissue and decreased the rate of weight gain in mildly hyperglycemic obese Zucker rats. Since the liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis, we studied the effect of chronic insulin suppression on key insulin-sensitive enzymes regulating hepatic gluconeogenesis.', 'DZ (150 mg/kg per day) or vehicle (control) was administered to 7-week-old female obese and lean Zucker rats for a period of 4 weeks.', 'DZ-treated animals showed lower fasting plasma insulin levels (P<0.001) than their controls. Plasma glucose levels were lower in DZ obese rats than in controls (P<0.001), without a significant change in DZ lean animals. DZ had no effect on glucose transporter 2 protein expression in either strain. DZ treatment resulted in lower hepatic glucokinase (P<0.001) and glucose-6-phosphatase (P<0.0001) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities only in obese rats compared with controls (P<0.001). However, DZ-treated lean rats demonstrated higher PEPCK activity than controls (P<0.002). DZ-treated animals demonstrated enhanced hepatic glucose-6-phosphate content (P<0.01), glycogen synthase activity (P<0.0001) and glycogen content (P<0.02) compared with their controls despite increased hepatic glycogen phosphorylase a activity in these animals (P<0.02).'] Does chronic suppression of insulin by diazoxide alter the activities of key enzymes regulating hepatic gluconeogenesis in Zucker rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9877903461456299,
-1.4230773448944092,
2.3533923625946045
] |
['We have previously shown that dexamethasone increases serum leptin in fed but not in fasted human subjects. We hypothesized that insulin and/or glucose mediated the effect of food intake. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of a pulse of insulin with dexamethasone was sufficient to increase serum leptin in vivo in fasted human subjects. Whether the presence of transient hyperglycemia and the dose of insulin were important was tested as a secondary aim.', 'Twenty-nine normal subjects were studied. In experiment 1 (meal-like), a pulse of insulin (0.03 U/kg s.c.) and of dexamethasone (2 mg i.v.) was given, and the blood glucose transiently elevated to 50 mg/dl above baseline for the first 2 h. In experiments 2 and 3 (dose-response), the effect of two doses of insulin (0.03 U/kg in experiment 2 and 0.06 U/kg in experiment 3) was tested in combination with dexamethasone, this time without transient hyperglycemia. Nine subjects were studied under fasting conditions, with or without dexamethasone, as a control experiment.', 'A meal-like transient hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia, with a pulse of dexamethasone, increased serum leptin levels from baseline by 54+/-21% at 9 h (P=0.038). In the absence of transient hyperglycemia, leptin increased significantly after doses of both insulin and dexamethasone. The effect of insulin was dose-dependent, with a larger increment of serum leptin at 9 h after the highest dose of insulin (75.2+/-15.7% vs 21.3+/-8.5%, P=0.013). Fasting, with or without dexamethasone, resulted in a significant 20% decrease in leptin from morning basal levels. Conversely, the administration of a pulse of insulin and glucose, in the absence of dexamethasone, prevented the drop in serum leptin observed during fasting, regardless of the insulin dose or the serum glucose elevation.'] Does a pulse of insulin and dexamethasone stimulate serum leptin in fasting human subjects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.016771078109741,
-1.329904317855835,
2.3589024543762207
] |
['To determine factors affecting the success of radiation therapy (RT) of spinal epidural metastases and patient survival after RT.', 'One hundred thirty-nine male veterans with an initial spinal epidural metastases treated with dexamethasone and RT were evaluated prospectively. Patients were followed until death.', 'At presentation, 84 patients could walk. After RT, 119 patients walked. The likelihood of regaining ambulation increased if treatment began <12 hours after loss of ambulation and if patients had bladder and bowel function and sacral sensory sparing. Treatment reduced pain levels, and ambulatory patients had less pain compared with nonambulatory patients. Median length of survival was 104 weeks for ambulatory patients and 6 weeks for nonambulatory patients. Mean interval between loss of ambulation and death was 4.0 +/- 0.5 weeks. Recurrent spinal epidural metastases occurred in 8.63% of patients.'] Does treatment of spinal epidural metastasis improve patient survival and functional state? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9988902807235718,
-0.5879691243171692,
1.658634901046753
] |
['The effect of high organic loading rate (OLR) on the physical characteristics of aerobic granules was studied.', 'Two column-type sequential aerobic sludge blanket reactors were fed with either glucose or acetate as the main carbon source, and the OLR was gradually raised from 6 to 9, 12 and 15 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD) m(-3) d(-1). Glucose-fed granules could sustain the maximum OLR tested. At a low OLR, these granules exhibited a loose fluffy morphology dominated by filamentous bacteria. At higher OLRs, these granules became irregularly shaped, with folds, crevices and depressions. In contrast, acetate-fed granules had a compact spherical morphology at OLRs of 6 and 9 kg COD m(-3) d(-1), with better settling and strength characteristics than glucose-fed granules at similar OLRs. However, acetate-fed granules could not sustain high OLRs and disintegrated when the OLR reached 9 kg COD m(-3) d(-1).'] Does high organic loading influence the physical characteristics of aerobic sludge granules? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.774988055229187,
0.8559475541114807,
0.14483928680419922
] |
['Recently, two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX) have been identified, a constitutive form (COX-1) and a mitogen-inducible form (COX-2). Several studies have suggested that COX is activated in renal insufficiency, but little is known about the relationship between progression of renal insufficiency and the COX isoforms.', 'Five-sixths-nephrectomized (NX) rats were used. 4, 8, and 12 weeks after nephrectomy, the renal cortical prostaglandin contents and the expression levels of the two isoforms of COX were determined by enzyme immunoassay and Western-blotting, respectively. The localization of COX was examined by immunohistochemistry.', 'Renal cortical prostacyclin (PGI2) and COX-2 were significantly upregulated 8 and 12 weeks after NX, while COX-1 remained at the basal level. There was a high correlation between COX-2 and creatinine clearance (r = -0.845). There was also a high correlation between COX-2 and PGI2 (r = 0.816). Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of COX-2 to be enhanced in the macula densa in NX rats.'] Does subtotal nephrectomy stimulate cyclooxygenase 2 expression and prostacyclin synthesis in the rat remnant kidney? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.36674165725708,
-1.330195665359497,
2.704996347427368
] |
['To reduce tobacco use among adolescents.', 'Thirty schools in New Delhi, India, were randomly assigned to 3 conditions: school-based and family-based intervention, school-based intervention only, or control group. Students were in the seventh grade at pretest (N = 4,776). The smoking intervention included posters, booklets, classroom activities, debates, and a signature campaign. The family intervention involved home activities. The survey measured tobacco knowledge, attitudes, offers, use, and intentions.', 'Intervention students were significantly less likely than controls to have been offered, received, experimented with, or have intentions to use tobacco.'] Do tobacco and alcohol use outcomes of a school-based intervention in New Delhi? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.818853497505188,
1.767047643661499,
-0.5692428946495056
] |
['It has been suggested that an oxidative mechanism is involved with the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation that occurs after a high-fat meal.', 'The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of a single oral dose of vitamin C (2 g) on postprandially impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).', 'This study included 74 patients with CHD and 50 subjects without CHD with risk factors. The two groups were divided into two subgroups that did or did not receive 2 g of vitamin C (CHD/VitC and CHD/control, n = 37; non-CHD/VitC and non-CHD/control, n = 25) after a high-fat meal (800 calories, 50 g fat). Serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the fasting state and at 2, 4, 5, and 7 h after the high-fat meal were measured. Endothelial function was assessed in the brachial artery by high-resolution ultrasound at baseline and at 4 h postprandially.', 'The postprandial serum triglyceride concentration increased significantly at 2-5 h after the high-fat meal in all groups. The fasting flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) (p < 0.02) and nitroglycerin-induced dilatation (NID) (p < 0.05) of patients with CHD were impaired compared with those of non-CHD subjects. Postprandial FMD was significantly aggravated in the non-CHD/control group (p < 0.01) and the CHD/control group (p < 0.001), but the postprandial FMD in patients and subjects taking vitamin C showed no significant change, although the CHD/VitC group had a mild tendency toward improvement (p = 0.064) and non-CHD/VitC group had a mild tendency toward aggravation (p = 0.852). The change of NID after a high-fat meal did not reach statistical significance in the four groups. The decrement of postprandial FMD correlated positively with the increment of 2-h serum triglyceride concentration in the patients without vitamin C (n = 62, r = 0.545, p < 0.001).'] Does vitamin C preserve endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease after a high-fat meal? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9784564971923828,
-1.5429761409759521,
2.4811010360717773
] |
['Previous studies on mammalian preimplantation embryos have suggested an association between caspase activation, blastomere fragmentation and apoptosis. However, some reports on human embryos questioned the causal relationship between blastomere fragmentation and apoptosis, and information about the presence and activity of caspases in human embryos is lacking.', 'A fluorochrome-labelled universal caspase inhibitor was used to visualize active caspases in blastomeres and fragments of preimplantation human embryos.', 'Caspase activity was detected only after fertilization, and was rare in blastomeres but frequent in fragments. The incidence of caspase activity in blastomeres and fragments was stable between the 2-cell and 12-cell stages. Caspase-positive blastomeres were only seen in poor-morphology embryos. The percentage of caspase-positive fragments was increased in embryos with multinucleated blastomeres but was unrelated to embryo morphology. Moreover, caspase-positive fragments detached from healthy blastomeres that were isolated by embryo biopsy and subsequently underwent mitotic division in culture.'] Is caspase activity in preimplantation human embryos associated with apoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4290759563446045,
-0.9853282570838928,
2.483428955078125
] |
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