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['Paclitaxel often induces persistent painful neuropathy as its most common treatment-limiting side effect. Little is known concerning the underlying mechanisms. Given the prominent role of glial cells in many types of neuropathic pain, we investigated here the morphological and functional changes of spinal astrocytes and microglia in a rat model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed with samples from 109 rats up to 28 days after paclitaxel treatment. Paclitaxel (2 mg/kg, i.p.) induced a rapid and persistent activation of spinal astrocytes assessed using glial fibrillary acidic protein, but not apparent activation of microglia assessed using OX42, Iba-1, and phosphorylated p38. In the context of astocyte activation, there was a significant downregulation of glial glutamate transporters GLAST and GLT-1 in spinal dorsal horn. The activation of spinal astrocytes by paclitaxel was not associated with expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, or interleukin-6 in spinal dorsal horn. Systemic treatment with minocycline (50 mg/kg, i.p.) prevented activation of astrocytes and downregulation of glial glutamate transporters in spinal dorsal horn induced by paclitaxel. These data suggest the involvement of spinal astrocytes but not microglia in the pathogenesis of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy.'] Do evidence that spinal astrocytes but not microglia contribute to the pathogenesis of Paclitaxel-induced painful neuropathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.443664789199829,
-1.2862789630889893,
2.823072671890259
] |
['Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis was performed on patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) to investigate potential changes in normal-appearing white matter after treatment with everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor.', 'Recently, a phase I/II trial of everolimus demonstrated significant reductions in subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) volume and decreased seizure frequency. Subgroup analysis was performed on DTI data available from this study. TSC patients with SEGA received everolimus, titrated to tolerability to achieve target trough concentrations of 5-15 ng/mL. DTI (1.5 T, 15 directions) was used to calculate fractional anisotropy (FA) and axial, radial, and mean diffusivity within regions of interest (ROIs). Baseline scans were compared to 12-18 months post-treatment and compared to a TSC age- and gender-matched nontreatment control cohort.', 'Of 28 enrolled patients, 20 had sufficient DTI data. Comparing baseline values with those acquired 12-18 months after treatment, a significant change in FA was observed in the corpus callosum, internal capsule, and geniculo-calcarine region (p < 0.05). Mean change in FA was 0.04 (p < 0.01), driven primarily by a significant decrease in radial diffusivity. Mean diffusivity of the combined ROIs decreased slightly (p < 0.05), axial diffusivity remained stable. The control group showed no change over time.'] Does everolimus alter white matter diffusion in tuberous sclerosis complex? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2045438289642334,
-1.4604452848434448,
2.6721646785736084
] |
['Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by triglyceride (TG) accumulation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Because fatty acids (FAs) may trigger ER stress, we hypothesized that the absence of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL/PNPLA2)-the main enzyme for intracellular lipolysis, releasing FAs, and closest homolog to adiponutrin (PNPLA3) recently implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD-protects against hepatic ER stress. Wild-type (WT) and ATGL knockout (KO) mice were challenged with tunicamycin (TM) to induce ER stress. Serum biochemistry, hepatic TG and FA profiles, liver histology, and gene expression for markers of hepatic lipid metabolism, ER stress, and inflammation were explored. Moreover, cell-culture experiments were performed in Hepa1.6 cells after the knockdown of ATGL before FA and TM treatment. TM increased hepatic TG accumulation in ATGL KO, but not in WT, mice. Lipogenesis and β-oxidation were repressed at the gene-expression level (sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c, fatty acid synthase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase 2, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 alpha) in both WT and ATGL KO mice. Genes for very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) synthesis (microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and apolipoprotein B) were down-regulated by TM in WT and even more in ATGL KO mice, which displayed strongly reduced serum VLDL cholesterol levels. Notably, ER stress markers glucose-regulated protein, C/EBP homolog protein, spliced X-box-binding protein, endoplasmic-reticulum-localized DnaJ homolog 4, and inflammatory markers Tnfα and iNos were induced exclusively in TM-treated WT, but not ATGL KO, mice. Total hepatic FA profiling revealed a higher palmitic acid/oleic acid (PA/OA) ratio in WT mice, compared to ATGL KO mice, at baseline. Phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibitor-known to be involved in FA-derived ER stress and blocked by OA-was increased in TM-treated WT mice only. In line with this, in vitro OA protected hepatocytes from TM-induced ER stress.'] Does absence of adipose triglyceride lipase protect from hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.383636236190796,
-1.3888765573501587,
2.8072409629821777
] |
['Vascular calcification is a highly regulated process. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has been shown to accelerate the highly regulated osteogenic process in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) have been associated with beneficial cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease. We examined whether maxacalcitol, a vitamin D(3) analog, exhibits a suppressive effect on VSMC mineralization induced by phosphate and TNF-α.', 'Human VSMCs were treated with either vehicle, maxacalcitol (10(-9) to 10(-7) M), or calcitriol (10(-9) to 10(-7) M) in 2.5 mM of phosphate media with TNF-α (1 ng/mL) for 9 days. VSMC mineralization was determined and expression of genes associated with the osteogenic process was examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) messenger RNA (mRNA) in VSMCs and MMP-2 protein in media was also analyzed.', 'Vehicle-treated VSMCs exhibited massive mineralization, which was inhibited by maxacalcitol in a concentration-dependent manner. Calcitriol also inhibited the mineralization. While vehicle-treated VSMCs exhibited increased mRNA expression of genes associated with the osteogenic process (Cbfa1/Runx2 and osteocalcin) compared with VSMCs grown in normal media without TNF-α (control), maxacalcitol and calcitriol suppressed the increase in mRNA species. Furthermore, vehicle-treated VSMCs exhibited increased MMP-2 mRNA and protein in the media that were suppressed notably by maxacalcitol.'] Do vitamin D receptor activators inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell mineralization induced by phosphate and TNF-α? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4329986572265625,
-1.3587626218795776,
2.790494680404663
] |
['Diabetes frequently develops in patients with pancreatic disorders. We aimed to determine the lower threshold of beta cell area for diabetes manifestation as well as the impact of insulin sensitivity on glucose homoeostasis in patients with pancreatic diabetes.', 'Eighty-two patients undergoing pancreatic surgery underwent pre-operative oral glucose challenge. Fractional pancreatic beta cell area was determined, and indices of insulin sensitivity and beta cell function were calculated.', 'HbA1c and glucose levels were similar in patients with high and intermediate beta cell area, but were significantly higher in those with the lowest beta cell area (p < 0.0001). Insulin secretion was reduced only in patients with the lowest beta cell area (p < 0.001). The relative beta cell deficits at the onset of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance were 64% and 21%, respectively, based on 2 h glucose levels. Deteriorating insulin sensitivity was associated with a small increase in the incidence of diabetes.'] Does pancreatic diabetes manifest when beta cell area declines by approximately 65 % in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9016209840774536,
-0.6993411779403687,
1.6483032703399658
] |
['Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling participates in the innate immune response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. TLR4 gene polymorphisms may influence the risk of HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This is a single-centre-based study designed to analyse the distribution of several TLR4 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms in healthy controls and in patients chronically infected with HCV, with and without HCC.', 'We have determined three single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2149356, rs4986791 and rs5030719) at the TLR4 gene in 155 patients with HCV-related HCC, 153 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 390 healthy controls. All were white and most were Spaniards.', '(1) rs5030719 was monomorphic and was not further analysed; (2) the rs2149356 T allele carrier state was significantly less frequent in patients with HCC than in healthy controls (OR 0.421, 95% CI 0.285-0.625) and in patients with chronic hepatitis C (OR 0.426, 95% CI 0.236-0.767); (3) the proportion of rs2149356 T allele carriers progressively diminished with increasing clinical stage of HCC; (4) no significant differences were observed for the rs4986791 T allele.'] Does polymorphism of the TLR4 gene reduce the risk of hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8483725786209106,
-1.3414084911346436,
2.187497138977051
] |
['Studies have shown that perinatal exposure to the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) leads to feminization of the seminal vesicle (SV) in male mice, as illustrated by tissue hyperplasia, ectopic expression of the major estrogen-inducible uterine secretory protein lactoferrin (LF), and reduced expression of SV secretory protein IV (SVS IV).', 'The present study was designed to evaluate the role of the estrogen receptor (ER) in this action by using ER-knockout (ERKO) mice.', 'Wild-type (WT), ERα-null (αERKO), and ERβ-null (βERKO) male mice were treated with either vehicle or DES (2 μg/day) on neonatal days 1-5. These mice were divided into two groups: In the first group, intact mice were sacrificed at 10 weeks of age; in the second group, mice were castrated at 10 weeks of age, allowed to recover for 10 days, treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or placebo, and sacrificed 2 weeks later. Body weights and SV weights were recorded, and mRNA expression levels of Ltf (lactoferrin), Svs4, and androgen receptor (Ar) were assessed.', 'In DES-treated intact mice, SV weights were reduced in WT and βERKO mice but not in αERKO mice. DES-treated WT and βERKO males, but not αERKO males, exhibited ectopic expression of LF in the SV. DES treatment resulted in decreased SVS IV protein and mRNA expression in WT males, but no effect was seen in αERKO mice. In addition, DES-treated βERKO mice exhibited reduced Svs4 mRNA expression but maintained control levels of SVS IV protein. In DES-treated castrated mice, DHT implants restored SV weights to normal levels in αERKO mice but not in WT mice, suggesting full androgen responsiveness in αERKO mice.'] Does estrogen receptor-α mediate diethylstilbestrol-induced feminization of the seminal vesicle in male mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.267421007156372,
-1.3924449682235718,
2.650111675262451
] |
['Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) is involved in the modulation of acute liver injury and failure caused by acetaminophen (APAP). Although the biological activity of LBP is concentration dependent, little is known about its levels in acute liver failure.', 'Serum and hepatic LBP were measured in acute APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Serum LBP was measured in patients with acute liver failure from APAP and non-APAP causes.', 'Interestingly, contrary to other diseases, serum and hepatic LBP levels decreased significantly in mice within 24 h after being subjected to APAP-induced injury compared to the control (1.6 ± 0.1 vs. 3.5 ± 1.6 μg/ml, respectively; P < 0.05). Similar decreases were noted in another mouse model of acute liver injury due to carbon tetrachloride. Among patients with acute liver failure due to APAP (n = 5) and non-APAP (n = 5) causes, admission LBP levels were decreased compared to those of healthy controls (5.4 ± 1.4 vs. 3.2 ± 0.2 μg/ml, normal vs. acute liver failure; P = 0.07). However, the levels were not associated with the etiology of acute liver failure or 3-week outcome.'] Is lipopolysaccharide binding protein down-regulated during acute liver failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8623369932174683,
-1.4452383518218994,
2.34592866897583
] |
['To investigate in vitro interaction between two compounds, SQ109 and PNU-100480, currently in development for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB).', 'The two-drug interactions between SQ109 and PNU-100480 and its major metabolite PNU-101603 were assessed by chequerboard titration, and the rate of killing and intracellular activity were determined in both J774A.1 mouse macrophages and whole blood culture.', 'In chequerboard titration, interactions between SQ109 and either oxazolidinone were additive. In time-kill studies, SQ109 killed MTB faster than PNU compounds, and its rate of killing was further enhanced by both oxazolidinones. The order of efficacy of single compounds against intracellular MTB was SQ109 > PNU-100480 > PNU-101603. At sub-MIC, combinations of SQ109 + PNU compounds showed improved intracellular activity over individual drugs; at ≥MIC, the order of efficacy was SQ109 > SQ109 + PNU-100480 > SQ109 + PNU-101603. In whole blood culture, the combined bactericidal activities of SQ109 and PNU-100480 and its major metabolite against intracellular M. tuberculosis did not differ significantly from the sum of the compounds tested individually.'] Do sQ109 and PNU-100480 interact to kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.844253659248352,
-1.266675591468811,
2.1457927227020264
] |
['Multidrug efflux pumps are proteins known to play an important role in resistance in bacteria. These proteins are located in the inner membrane (IM), together with many other proteins, including inducible permeases that participate in the uptake of non-phosphotransferase system (PTS) carbohydrates (i.e. carbohydrates uptaken by mechanisms other than the PTS). However, lipid bilayer space in the IM is limited. Therefore, we examined whether the overexpression of unrelated IM proteins is able to interfere with the efflux-mediated resistance mechanism, consequently increasing the susceptibility towards different antimicrobial compounds.', 'We cultured bacteria under different conditions that increase the synthesis of unrelated IM proteins, either by using a non-PTS carbohydrate as the sole carbon source or by artificially overexpressing IM proteins, prior to determining the resistance to different antimicrobial compounds by disc diffusion assays.', 'We observed that efflux-pump-mediated resistance is affected by the carbon source in all the strains tested, exhibiting increased susceptibility when a non-PTS carbohydrate was used as the sole carbon source. Moreover, when we artificially overexpressed an unrelated IM protein, we also observed decreased efflux-mediated resistance.'] Does the carbon source influence the efflux pump-mediated antimicrobial resistance in clinically important Gram-negative bacteria? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.917980909347534,
-0.284334659576416,
2.276431083679199
] |
['This study tested whether interleukin (IL)-17A is involved in the pathogenesis of mouse myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and investigated the mechanisms.', 'Inflammatory processes play a major role in myocardial I/R injury. We recently identified IL-17A as an important cytokine in inflammatory cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and viral myocarditis. However, its role in myocardial I/R injury remains unknown.', 'The involvement of IL-17A was assessed in functional assays in mouse myocardial I/R injury by neutralization/repletion or genetic deficiency of IL-17A, and its mechanism on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration were further studied in vivo and in vitro.', 'Interleukin-17A was elevated after murine left coronary artery ligation and reperfusion. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed that γδT lymphocytes but not CD4(+) helper T cells were a major source of IL-17A. Anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody treatment or IL-17A knockout markedly ameliorated I/R injury, as demonstrated by reduced infarct size, reduced cardiac troponin T levels, and improved cardiac function. This improvement was associated with a reduction in cardiomyocyte apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration. In contrast, repletion of exogenous IL-17A induced the opposite effect. In vitro study showed that IL-17A mediated cardiomyocyte apoptosis through regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, induced CXC chemokine-mediated neutrophil migration and promoted neutrophil-endothelial cell adherence through induction of endothelial cell E-selectin and inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 expression.'] Does interleukin-17A contribute to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis and neutrophil infiltration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.392650604248047,
-1.3650202751159668,
2.814009189605713
] |
['In vitro studies suggest that human cytomegalovirus (CMV) modulates the functions of dendritic cells (DCs). However, there are limited data on DC homeostasis in CMV-infected patients.', 'The aim of this study was to characterize circulating DCs and plasma cytokine levels in immunocompetent patients with primary, symptomatic CMV infections.', 'The study population consisted of 14 patients suffering of CMV mononucleosis and 14 healthy volunteers (11 CMV-seropositive and 3 CMV-seronegative subjects) included as controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and used to characterize DCs and to quantify CMV in the blood. Plasma levels of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were also measured.', 'We observed that patients who were developing CMV mononucleosis presented lower myeloid and plasmacytoid DC counts in peripheral blood compared with healthy controls. We also noted elevated levels of inflammatory mediators, of which tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-which activates DCs and endothelial cells-was the highest. Notably, the decrease in blood DCs correlated with high TNF-α and IL-8 levels by a hyperbolic function.'] Do high TNF-alpha and IL-8 levels predict low blood dendritic cell counts in primary cytomegalovirus infection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.434119939804077,
-1.1629247665405273,
2.6999287605285645
] |
['The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of three indices i.e. adiponectin/leptin ratio, HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD in assessing insulin resistance among obese children.', 'One hundred and twenty-two obese children (57\xa0girls, 65\xa0boys): mean age 13.7±1.3\xa0years, BMI 30.1±4.5kg/m(2), eight tanner stage\xa0I, 48\xa0tanner stage\xa0II-III, 66\xa0tanner stage\xa0IV-V, participated in this study. They were classified into four groups according to sex and the presence of metabolic syndrome characteristics: with metabolic syndrome (MS; 21\xa0girls and 36\xa0boys) and controls without metabolic syndrome (CON, 36\xa0girls and 29\xa0boys). The correlations between these three indices of insulin resistance and the MS criteria were analyzed using linear and multiple regressions and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves analysis.', 'The majority of anthropometric and biological parameters as well as adiponectin/leptin ratio, HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD were significantly different between MS and CON in both sexes. Both HOMA-AD and HOMA-IR were significantly correlated with the majority of metabolic syndrome components than was the adiponectin/leptin ratio in MS of both sexes. In boys and girls with and without MS, multiple regression analyses highlighted that both HOMA-AD and adiponectin/leptin ratio (r=-0.99 and r=-0.54 for MS girls and boys respectively, 0.05<P<0.001), and HOMA-AD and HOMA-IR (r=0.66 and r=0.31 for MS girls and boys respectively, 0.05<P<0.01) affected each other but did not adiponectin/leptin ratio and HOMA-IR. Additionally, the area under the ROC curves for predicting insulin resistance were 0.69 (CI 95%, 0.60-0.77), 0.68 (CI 95%, 0.59-0.76) and 0.71 (CI 95%, 0.62-0.79) for adiponectin/leptin ratio, HOMA-IR and HOMA-AD, respectively.'] Is the Homeostasis Model Assessment-adiponectin ( HOMA-AD ) the most sensitive predictor of insulin resistance in obese children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1355966329574585,
-1.6249778270721436,
1.7778222560882568
] |
['Continued efforts are being directed toward the development of microbicides that will be used to reduce or eliminate the risk of HIV-1 sexual transmission. Unfortunately, clinical trials involving polyanion-containing microbicide formulations, including Carraguard (λ-carrageenan [LC]) and Ushercell (cellulose sulfate [CS]) demonstrated that these products were ineffective and may have, in some circumstances, increased the risk of HIV-1 infection. These findings prompted reassessments of the in vitro activities of these agents to determine whether variables that can affect agent safety and efficacy had been overlooked during preclinical testing. One such variable is product retention and loss following topical application.', 'In the present studies involving an HIV-1-susceptible cell line and primary human immune cells, product loss was mimicked by introducing and then removing polyanionic compounds prior to HIV-1 infection. In these in vitro "washout" experiments, LC and CS significantly enhanced HIV-1 infection, despite potent antiviral activity when introduced simultaneously with the virus. The presence and magnitude of this effect were dependent on compound identity and concentration; target cell; interval between compound removal and virus challenge; and coreceptor usage. Levels of enhancement (relative to controls) were considerable, exceeding a 200% increase (CS) in P4-R5 MAGI cells and a 300% increase (LC) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.'] Does application and removal of polyanionic microbicide compounds enhance subsequent infection by HIV-1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.497260093688965,
-1.2344073057174683,
2.8493151664733887
] |
['In treatment of atrial fibrillations (AF), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) at the pulmonary vein (PV) roots isolates AF triggers in the myocardial sleeves, but also can destroy PV ganglia and branches of the intrinsic cardiac nerve plexus.', 'To determine the long-term impact of RFA at the PV roots on the structure of epicardial nerves located distally from the RFA site.', 'Five black-faced sheep underwent epicardial RFA of the left and middle PV roots. Two to 3 months after RFA, we obtained samples of epicardial nerves from remote locations of the left dorsal (LD) neural subplexus that extends along the roots of the superior PVs toward the coronary sinus (CS) and dorsal left ventricle (LV). Right atrial epicardial nerves from the right ventral (RV) neural subplexus of the ablated animals and epicardial nerves from LD neural subplexus of five additional intact sheep were used as control. Nerve morphology was examined using histochemical, immunohistochemical and transmission electron microscopy.', 'Histochemical acetylcholinesterase staining did not reveal any epicardial nerve alterations. However, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) staining showed clearly the reduced numbers of TH and ChAT immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibers within epicardial nerves derived from the remote LD subplexus; control samples from all examined animals were full of evenly distributed TH-IR and ChAT-IR nerve fibers. In sharp contrast to control nerves, numerous swollen or disintegrated axons and Schwann cells with pyknotic nuclei inside unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers were identified by electron microscopy of ultrathin sections of epicardial nerves from the CS and LV regions in all ablated animals.'] Does radiofrequency catheter ablation of pulmonary vein roots result in axonal degeneration of distal epicardial nerves? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4563815593719482,
-1.3278833627700806,
2.8738341331481934
] |
['Co-amoxiclav is widely prescribed in hospitals. Although reports have suggested it may be linked to onset of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), data on the risk of CDI associated with specific antibiotics is difficult to obtain, due to confounding clinical factors. We have examined the propensity of co-amoxiclav to induce CDI using a human gut model.', 'We used a triple-stage chemostat human gut model to study the effects of co-amoxiclav on indigenous gut microorganisms and C. difficile PCR ribotype 027. C. difficile viable counts and spores were evaluated, and cytotoxin titres were assayed. Co-amoxiclav concentrations were measured using a large plate bioassay.', 'Co-amoxiclav induced rapid C. difficile germination and high toxin production in the gut model, from 5 days after commencement of instillation. Cell proliferation and toxin production were prolonged and continued throughout the duration of the experiment. Only very low levels of co-amoxiclav antimicrobial activity could be detected within the gut model, despite having a marked effect on gut flora microorganisms.'] Does co-amoxiclav induce proliferation and cytotoxin production of Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 in a human gut model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.445878744125366,
-1.2491401433944702,
2.8038549423217773
] |
['CCR5 is expressed on infiltrating T cells in hypertensive mice and CCR5 antagonists reduce hypertension making CCR5 an interesting target in treatment of hypertension.', 'To evaluate the role of CCR5 in hypertensive renal and cardiac end-organ damage, we induced hypertension with desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in wild-type (WT) and CCR5-deficient mice.', 'CCR5 expression was increased in renal cortex and cardiac tissue as measured by quantitative PCR. Systolic blood pressure and renal function did not differ between hypertensive CCR5(-/-) and WT mice. DOCA + Ang II induced massive albuminuria and glomerular injury but no difference was found between CCR5(-/-) and WT mice. In addition, no difference was found for renal inflammation as measured by infiltrating T cells, macrophages, and CCL2 expression. The renal expression of the CCR5 ligands, CCL3, and CCL5 was increased in the kidney of hypertensive mice. For CCL3 the increase was significantly higher in CCR5(-/-) than in WT mice. DOCA + Ang II induced cardiac damage as assessed by heart weight, cardiac fibrosis as well as expression of fetal and matrix components but no significant difference was found between CCR5(-/-) and WT mice.'] Does cCR5 deficiency reduce hypertensive end-organ damage in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1496002674102783,
-1.2713072299957275,
2.4111833572387695
] |
['Dopamine agonists (DA) are the first choice treatment of prolactinomas. However, a subset of patients is resistant to DA, due to undefined dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) alterations. Recently, D2R was found to associate with filamin-A (FLNA), a widely expressed cytoskeleton protein with scaffolding properties, in melanoma and neuronal cells.', 'The aim of the study was to investigate the role of FLNA in D2R expression and signaling in human tumorous lactotrophs and rat MMQ and GH3 cells.', 'We analyzed FLNA expression in a series of prolactinomas by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. We performed FLNA silencing or transfection experiments in cultured cells from DA-sensitive or -resistant prolactinomas and in MMQ and GH3 cells, followed by analysis of D2R expression and signaling.', 'We demonstrated reduced FLNA and D2R expression in DA-resistant tumors. The crucial role of FLNA on D2R was demonstrated by experiments showing that: 1) FLNA silencing in DA-sensitive prolactinomas resulted in 60% reduction of D2R expression and abrogation of DA-induced inhibition of prolactin release and antiproliferative signals, these results being replicated in MMQ cells that endogenously express FLNA and D2R; and 2) FLNA overexpression in DA-resistant prolactinomas restored D2R expression and prolactin responsiveness to DA, whereas this manipulation was ineffective in GH3 cells that express FLNA but not D2R. No alteration in FLNA promoter methylation was detected, ruling out the occurrence of epigenetic FLNA silencing in DA-resistant prolactinomas.'] Is filamin-A essential for dopamine d2 receptor expression and signaling in tumorous lactotrophs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3949759006500244,
-1.3007657527923584,
2.711921215057373
] |
['Ghrelin has been shown to suppress secretion of LH and, less regularly, of FSH in male and female animals and human males. However, no such evidence exists for human females.', 'The aim was to study the effect of ghrelin on secretion of LH and FSH in women. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS/INTERVENTION: Nocturnal (2000-0700 h) secretion profiles of LH and FSH were determined in six healthy women (age, 25.5±2.9 yr) twice, receiving 50 μg ghrelin or placebo at 2200, 2300, 2400, and 0100 h in this single-blind, randomized, crossover study.', 'LH secretion after ghrelin injection as assessed by the area under the curve (4.01±1.37 mIU/min·ml) was significantly (P=0.031) lower than after placebo injection (5.46±1.33 mIU/min·ml). Also, FSH secretion after ghrelin injection (5.54±0.64 mIU/min·ml) was significantly (P=0.038) lower than after placebo injection (5.87±0.56 mIU/min·ml). LH pulses occurred significantly (P=0.007) less frequently after ghrelin injection (2.3±0.5) than after placebo injection (3.8±0.9). Accordingly, the interval between first and second LH pulse after treatment was significantly (P=0.002) longer after ghrelin injection (300±86 min) than after placebo injection (187±60 min). One of the six women exhibited clear FSH pulses, which overall paralleled LH pulses; two FSH and LH pulses occurred after ghrelin injection, but three occurred after placebo in this woman.'] Does ghrelin suppress secretion of luteinizing hormone ( LH ) and follicle-stimulating hormone ( FSH ) in women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.335783451795578,
-1.8341660499572754,
1.1988967657089233
] |
['To evaluate the effects of HSP90 blockade by EC154 on the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase macrophage-stimulating 1 receptor (MST1R) in gastric and pancreatic cancer.', 'Impact of EC154 on signaling pathways was investigated by western blotting. Cancer cell migration was evaluated in Boyden chambers. Transcriptional regulation of MST1R was examined by using promoter-luciferase reporter constructs. Effects on MST1R expression, and tumor growth were investigated in in vivo tumor models.', 'MST1R was expressed by cancer cells without evidence of MST1R mutations. EC154 led to an effective inhibition of cancer cell growth, down-regulated MST1R, diminished its promoter activity, and disrupted oncogenic macrophage-stimulating protein 1 (MSP1) signaling. Moreover, pro-migratory activities of cancer cells were dramatically inhibited. In vivo, treatment with EC154 significantly reduced tumor growth, while MST1R expression was down-regulated.'] Does oncogenic MST1R activity in pancreatic and gastric cancer represent a valid target of HSP90 inhibitors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.370866298675537,
-1.0489897727966309,
2.427135944366455
] |
['Tumor-specific alterations of DNA methylation in circulating DNA have been associated with tumor burden and malignant progression. A wealth of information indicating the potential use of DNA methylation in circulating DNA for cancer screening, prognosis and monitoring of the efficacy of anticancer therapies has emerged. In this study, we examined prospectively whether the presence of plasma DNA with tumor characteristics before oesophagectomy is a predictive factor related to disease-free survival (DFS).', 'Promoter hypermethylation of MSH2 was analyzed using real-time methylation-specific PCR (real-time MSP) in paired tumor and plasma samples of 209 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).', 'Aberrant MSH2 methylation was found in 101 of 209 ESCC patients. Of these 101 patients, 77 cases exhibited the same alteration in their plasma DNA. No alterations were found in the plasma DNA of the remaining 108 patients. As a control, we screened for aberrant methylation in the plasma DNA of 60 health individuals. No methylation was found in plasma DNA of these control groups. Follow-up analysis indicated significantly lower DFS for patients with high MSH2 methylation compared to those with MSH2 unmethylation after surgery.'] Is mSH2 promoter hypermethylation in circulating tumor DNA a valuable predictor of disease-free survival for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3298778533935547,
-1.374413013458252,
2.7634780406951904
] |
['Single-segment great saphenous vein (ssGSV) is the conduit of choice in infrainguinal bypass for critical limb ischemia (CLI). The aim of this study was to assess results of other autologous vein grafts and risk factors for graft stenosis development and graft failure. The purpose was also to evaluate outcome of patients with high operative risk undergoing infrainguinal alternative autologous vein bypass for CLI.', 'We retrospectively reviewed 1,109 consecutive infrainguinal bypasses performed between 2000 and 2007 for CLI. Rate and type of operations needed to maintain graft patency were evaluated. Outcome of different types of vein grafts in terms of primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method. Predictors of poor outcome as well as patient- and graft-related risk factors for graft revision and graft failure were analyzed using multivariate analysis.', 'Median follow-up period was 37 (0-121) months. Primary patency, assisted primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage at 1 and 3 years were significantly better in ssGSV graft group than in alternative autologous vein graft (AAVG) group-74.4% and 67.1% versus 53.7% and 42.0% (P < 0.0001), 82.8% and 78.2% versus 67.2% and 57.8% (P < 0.0001), 84.8% and 80.8% versus 69.9% and 61.4% (P < 0.0001), and 88.9% and 86.9% versus 83.0% and 77.2% (P < 0.0001), respectively. In multivariate analysis, non-ssGSV graft was the only independent risk factor for the graft stenosis development (relative risk [RR]: 2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-4.38, P < 0.0001), for graft occlusion (RR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.52-3.40, P < 0.0001), and for graft failure (stenosis or occlusion) (RR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.39-2.88, P < 0.0001). Revision rate of non-ssGSV conduits was higher than that of ssGSV grafts (18% vs. 12%, P = 0.007). High-risk patients (age of >80 years, coronary artery disease, estimated glomerular filtration rate of <30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) who underwent bypass with arm vein or spliced vein had extremely poor outcome (1-year leg salvage rate and survival rate of 71.4% and 28.6%, respectively).'] Is outcome of infrainguinal single-segment great saphenous vein bypass for critical limb ischemia superior to alternative autologous vein bypass , especially in patients with high operative risk? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4124419689178467,
-1.678971767425537,
2.044713020324707
] |
['This study was aimed to assess whether serum S100B levels at emergency department admission can be used to omit unnecessary computed tomography (CT) in patients with minor head injury (MHI).', 'Sixty consecutive patients with recent MHI were included in this study. Serum S100B measurement and CT scanning were performed in all patients within 3h from head injury.', 'A positive CT scan was present in 20 out of 60 subjects. Significantly higher values of protein S100B were found in CT positive than in CT negative patients (1.35 versus 0.48 μg/L; p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve for protein S100B was highly significant (AUC 0.80; p<0.001) and a S100B cut-off value of 0.38 μg/L displayed 100% sensitivity and 58% specificity.'] Do serum levels of protein S100B predict intracranial lesions in mild head injury? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1137495040893555,
-1.54802405834198,
1.7397233247756958
] |
["The first identified susceptibility gene for Crohn's disease, NOD2, acts as a sensor for the bacterial-wall peptidoglycan fragment muramyl dipeptide (MDP) and activates the transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Upon NF-κB activation, intestinal macrophages (IMACs) induce expression of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α to attract memory T lymphocytes. We therefore investigated the influence of NOD2 ligation of IMAC differentiation and functional MIP-3α induction.", 'Human embryonal kidney HEK293 cells were transfected with NOD2 wild-type (NOD2(WT)) and the NOD2 SNP13 variant (NOD2(L1007fsinsC)) and stimulated with MDP. Recruitment of CD45R0+ and Th17 cells was determined by immunohistochemistry.', 'Endogenous NOD2 stimulation was followed by a dose-dependent increase in MIP-3α secretion in MONO-MAC-6 (MM6) cells. MIP-3α mRNA was also significantly (*p < 0.05) induced in HEK293 transfected with NOD2(WT) via MDP ligation. In vivo cell-cell contacts between IMACs and CD45R0+ memory T cells as well as recruitment of Th17 cells in patients of NOD2 variants were unchanged as compared to wild-type patients.'] Is mIP-3α expression in macrophages NOD dependent? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.286425828933716,
-1.3949193954467773,
2.715291976928711
] |
['High levels of dietary saturated fat have been closely associated with the development of hepatic steatosis, but the factors that mediate this process remain elusive. Here, we observed that the level of cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor-alpha-like effector a (Cidea) expression was highly correlated with the severity of hepatic steatosis in humans. Overexpression of Cidea in mouse liver resulted in increased hepatic lipid accumulation and the formation of large lipid droplets (LDs). In contrast, mice with a Cidea deficiency had decreased lipid accumulation and alleviated hepatic steatosis when they received a high-fat-diet feeding or in ob/ob mice. Furthermore, the knockdown of Cidea in livers of ob/ob mice resulted in significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and smaller LDs. Importantly, we observed that Cidea expression in hepatocytes was specifically induced by saturated fatty acids (FAs), and such induction was reduced when sterol response element-binding protein (SREBP)1c was knocked down. In contrast, the overexpression of SREBP1c restored the saturated FA-induced expression of Cidea. In addition, we observed that the stability of Cidea protein in hepatocytes increased significantly in response to treatment with FAs.'] Does cidea promote hepatic steatosis by sensing dietary fatty acids? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4893147945404053,
-1.024681568145752,
2.4639487266540527
] |
['The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency and reliability of the 23-gauge (23G) transconjunctival vitrectomy system and examine possible complications of this surgical technique in a variety of vitreoretinal conditions along with early postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) changes.', 'A total of 350 eyes of 324 patients having undergone 23G transconjunctival vitrectomy were included in this prospective study. A total of 150 (46.2%) were male and 174 (53.8%) female, with a mean age of 61.28 ± 15.67 years. Mean follow-up time was 8.3 months.', 'Mean BCVA logMARs were as follows: preoperatively 0.839 ± 0.59, postoperatively first day 2.07 ± 0.76, first week 1.14 ± 0,43, first month 0.63 ± 0.26 and last examination 0.359 ± 0.17. Mean BCVA decreased significantly (P < 0.001, P < 0.028, respectively) on postoperative first day and first week, mainly due to air or gas tamponade, and increased significantly in the first month and final control in almost all indications (P < 0.001). Postoperative mild hypotony (IOP ≤ 10 mmHg) was detected in 112 (32%) eyes on day 1 and in 59 (16.8%) eyes in week 1. While postoperative serious hypotony (≤ 5 mmHg) was detected in 34 (9.7%) eyes on day 1, it was not detected in any eyes at the end of the first week. None of the eyes required an additional gas tamponade or any other procedure in the early postoperative period due to hypotony. A total of 13 (3.7%) eyes were reoperated for recurrent vitreous hemorrhage; 23 (6.5%) eyes were reoperated on a second time, nine (2.5%) a third time, and 1 (0.2%) a fourth time for recurrent rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Postoperative fibrinoid reaction was seen in 17 (4.8%) eyes on the first day and responded well to the medications. Cataract development was found in 61 (22.5%) of the 270 phakic eyes after a mean duration of 6.4 ± 3.5 months. Anatomical success was obtained in 86% of the patients and functional success in 72%.'] Do outcomes of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in vitreoretinal diseases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5562126636505127,
-1.6833312511444092,
2.257070779800415
] |
['A higher prevalence of individuals affected by Parkinsonism was found in Valcamonica, Italy. This may be related to ferro-alloy smelters in the area, releasing manganese (Mn) in the air, soil and water for about a century. There exists individual susceptibility for Mn neurotoxicity.', 'To analyse how polymorphism in genes regulating Mn metabolism and toxicity can modify neurophysiological effects of Mn exposure.', 'Elderly (N=255) and adolescents (N=311) from Northern Italy were examined for neuromotor and olfactory functions. Exposure to Mn was assessed in blood and urine by atomic absorption spectroscopy and in soil by a portable instrument based on X-Ray fluorescence technology. Polymorphisms in the Parkinson-related gene ATPase type 13A2 (ATP13A2, also called PARK9: rs3738815, rs2076602, rs4920608, rs2871776 and rs2076600), and in the secretory pathway Ca(2+)/Mn(2+) ATPase isoform 1 gene (SPCA1: rs218498, rs3773814 and rs2669858) were analysed by TaqMan probes.', 'For both adolescents and elderly, negative correlations between Mn in soil and motor coordination (R(s)=-0.20, p<0.001; R(s)=-0.13, p=0.05, respectively) were demonstrated. Also among adolescents, negative correlations were seen between Mn in soil with odor identification (R(s)=-0.17, p<0.01). No associations were seen for Mn in blood or urine. ATP13A2 polymorphisms rs4920608 and rs2871776 significantly modified the effects of Mn exposure on impaired motor coordination in elderly (p for interaction=0.029, p=0.041, respectively), also after adjustments for age and gender. The rs2871776 altered a binding site for transcription factor insulinoma-associated 1.'] Do aTP13A2 ( PARK9 ) polymorphisms influence the neurotoxic effects of manganese? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0514113903045654,
-1.3455336093902588,
2.4244143962860107
] |
['Intra-hepatic metabolism of lipids is subject to hormonal, metabolic and neural regulation, but little is known about the latter. Catecholamines stimulate the output of glucose and inhibit the release of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) from the liver.', 'To investigate the effects and involved mechanism of liver denervation on the levels of serum and liver lipids.', 'Two groups of male rats were taken as control and cases and the liver was denerved chemically by 90% phenol in the case group. On the fourth day of the operation, blood samples were taken and the liver homogenized for lipid and glycogen analyses. Cholesterol, triglyceride, HDLc and glucose were measured enzymatically. Total phospholipids were analyzed by the measuring of liberated inorganic phosphate in organic phase. Glycogen was extracted by ethanol and analyzed by phenol/sulphuric acid reagent. In a separate experiment, the rate of triglyceride secretion was measured in vivo by using tyloxapol and compared in two groups.', 'The serum concentrations of triglyceride (73.7 ± 6.3 vs. 45.8 ± 1.6 mg/dL, P ≤ 0.003) and cholesterol (87.7 ± 3.7 vs. 67.4 ± 2.2mg/dL, P ≤ 0.001) were significantly higher in the denerved compared with the control group. The serum glucose showed a significant decrease (170.5 ± 5.4 vs. 140.6 ± 10.7 mg/dL, P ≤ 0.04) in the denerved group while HDLc had no significant difference between the two groups. Denerved rats compared to the control rats had the higher levels of hepatic glycogen (201.1 ± 20.6 vs. 100.7 ± 19.9 mg/g liver, P ≤ 0.02). The contents of liver triglyceride, cholesterol and total phospholipids did not differ significantly between two groups. The mean rate of triglyceride secretion from the liver increased in the denerved group (276.1 ± 16.1 vs. 230.6 ± 7.7 mg/dL.h, P ≤ 0.03).'] Does liver denervation increase the levels of serum triglyceride and cholesterol via increases in the rate of VLDL secretion? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7213281393051147,
-1.5525989532470703,
2.2449731826782227
] |
['To evaluate whether hepcidin concentrations in serum (Hep((S))) and urine (Hep((U))) correlate with iron metabolism, erythropoiesis, and inflammation in preterm infants.', 'Thirty-one preterm infants (23-32 weeks gestational age) were included. The concentration of the mature, 25 amino-acid form of hepcidin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum, urine, blood counts, reticulocytes, and iron measurements.', 'Median (IQR) Hep((S)) was 52.4 (27.9-91.9) ng/mL. The highest values were measured in patients with systemic inflammation. Hep((S)) and Hep((U)) correlated strongly (P = .0007). Hep((S)) and Hep((U)) also correlated positively with ferritin (P = .005 and P = .0002) and with reticulocyte hemoglobin content (P = .015 and P = .015). Hep((S)) and Hep((U)) correlated negatively with soluble transferrin receptor/ferritin-ratio (P = .005 and P = .003). Infants with lower hemoglobin concentrations and higher reticulocyte counts had lower Hep((S)) (P = .0016 and P = .0089).'] Do hepcidin concentrations in serum and urine correlate with iron homeostasis in preterm infants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.593569278717041,
-1.549321174621582,
2.141282558441162
] |
['Interleukin-34 (IL-34) is a recently defined cytokine, showing a functional overlap with macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). This study was undertaken to address the expression of IL-34 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to investigate its regulation and pathogenic role in RA.', 'IL-34 levels were determined in the RA synovium, synovial fluid (SF) and fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. RA activity was assessed using Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) activity in the plasma collected at baseline and one year after treatment. Conditioned media (CM) were prepared from RA FLS culture with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) for 24 hours and used for functional assay.', 'IL-34 was expressed in the synovium, SF, and FLS from RA patients. The production of IL-34 in FLS was up-regulated by TNFα in RA samples compared with osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Importantly, the preferential induction of IL-34 rather than M-CSF by TNFα in RAFLS was mediated by the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). IL-34 elevation in plasma from RA patients was decreased after the administration of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in accordance with a decrease in DAS28. CM from RAFLS cultured with TNFα promoted chemotactic migration of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and subsequent osteoclast (OC) formation, effects that were attenuated by an anti-IL-34 antibody.'] Does interleukin-34 produced by human fibroblast-like synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis support osteoclastogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.362840414047241,
-1.4165191650390625,
2.8250746726989746
] |
['Fibrinogen is a target of autoimmune reactions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fibrin(ogen) derivatives are involved in inflammatory processes and the generation of a stable fibrin network is necessary for sufficient inflammation control. As the density and stability of fibrin networks depend on complex interactions between factor XIIIA (F13A) and fibrinogen genotypes, the authors studied whether these genotypes were related to C-reactive protein (CRP) levels during acute-phase reactions.', 'Association between α-fibrinogen (FGA), β-fibrinogen (FGB) and F13A genotypes with CRP levels was tested in two cohorts with longitudinal CRP measurements. Discovery and replication cohorts consisted of 288 RA (913 observations) and 636 non-RA patients (2541 observations), respectively.', 'Genotype FGB -455G>A (rs1800790) was associated with CRP elevations (≥ 10 mg/l) in both cohorts (RA, OR per allele 0.69, p=0.0007/P(adj)<0.015; non-RA, OR 0.70, p=0.0004/p(adj)<0.02; combined, OR 0.69, p<10(-5)/p(adj)=0.001). Genotype F13A 34VV (rs5985) was conditional for the association of FGB -455G>A with CRP as indicated by a clear restriction on F13A 34VV individuals and a highly significant heterogeneity between F13A 34VV and F13A 34L genotypes (p<10(-5), p(adj)=0.001). In both cohorts, mean CRP levels significantly declined with ascending numbers of FGB -455A alleles. Genotype FGA T312A (rs6050) exhibited opposite effects on CRP compared with FGB -455G>A. Again, this relation was dependent on F13A V34L genotype.'] Do fibrinogen and factor XIII A-subunit genotypes interactively influence C-reactive protein levels during inflammation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5402024984359741,
-1.58961820602417,
2.1494030952453613
] |
['The purposes of the present study were to detect the expression of metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC), and to evaluate the relevance of MTA1 protein expression to the tumor progression, angiogenesis, and prognosis.', 'Both MTA1 protein and intratumoral microvessels were examined by immunohistochemical staining in 131 ESCC patients who successfully underwent subtotal esophagectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis at Qilu Hospital between Jan 2004 and Dec 2005. Intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) was recorded by counting CD-34 positive immunostained endothelial cells. All statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0 statistical software.', 'High expression of MTA1 protein was detected in 57 cases and significantly correlated with tumor invasion depth (P = 0.041), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.021), pathologic stage (P = 0.003), and MVD (P = 0.044). Survival analysis showed that patients with MTA1 protein high expression had significantly poor overall 5-year survival (P = 0.002), and the factor found on multivariate analysis to significantly affect overall survival was only pathologic stage (P = 0.040). Further stratified survival analysis split by pathologic stage demonstrated that MTA1 protein high expression significantly predicted unfavorable prognosis among patients with pathologic stage II disease (P = 0.006).'] Is metastasis-associated protein 1 nuclear expression closely associated with tumor progression and angiogenesis in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.233276128768921,
-1.4041577577590942,
2.6816532611846924
] |
['In the present study we undertook a retrospective analysis of gallbladder carcinoma to assess whether histologically determined hepatic artery (HA) invasion and portal vein (PV) invasion can be considered prognostic factors.', 'Seventy-one patients who had undergone radical resection for gallbladder carcinoma between 1995 and 2008 at University of Tsukuba were selected from the database for analysis. Patients who required extended surgery for para-aortic lymph node metastasis were also included. Correlation between invasion of the HA and the PV and prognosis and other clinicopathologic factors were analyzed.', 'There were two postoperative deaths among the 71 patients. Pathological invasion of the HA was confirmed in 16 (22.5%) cases and PV invasion was confirmed in 15 patients. Patients with invasion of the HA had a significantly poorer prognosis than those without HA invasion (P < 0.0001). Additionally, in univariate analysis, gender (male), positive para-aortic lymph node metastasis, PV invasion, and HA invasion were identified as significant poor prognostic factors. In multivariate analysis, only HA invasion was an independent prognostic factor (Odds Ratio 0.323; P = 0.029).'] Is invasion of the hepatic artery a crucial predictor of poor outcomes in gallbladder carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9226417541503906,
-1.3821723461151123,
2.313206672668457
] |
['Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-initiated angiogenesis requires coordinated proteolytic degradation of extracellular matrix provided by the urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase receptor (uPA/uPAR) system and regulation of cell migration provided by integrin-matrix interaction. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the uPAR-dependent modulation of VEGF-induced endothelial migration.', 'We used flow cytometry to quantify integrins at the cell surface. Stimulation of human and murine endothelial cells with VEGF resulted in internalization of α5β1-integrins. Micropatterning and immunocytochemistry revealed co-clustering of uPAR and α5β1-integrins and retrieval via clathrin-coated vesicles. It was also contingent on receptors of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) family. VEGF-induced integrin redistribution was inhibited by elimination of uPAR from the endothelial cell surface or by inhibitory peptides that block the uPAR-integrin interaction. Under these conditions, the migratory response of endothelial cells upon VEGF stimulation was impaired both in vitro and in vivo.'] Does vEGF-induced endothelial cell migration require urokinase receptor ( uPAR ) -dependent integrin redistribution? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.515925645828247,
-1.2361279726028442,
2.814570903778076
] |
['Arterialized vein grafts often fail due to intimal hyperplasia. Hydrogen potently protects organs and cells from many insults via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. We investigated the efficacy of oral administration of hydrogen-rich water (HW) for prevention of intimal hyperplasia.', 'The inferior vena cava was excised, stored in cold Ringer solution for 2 h, and placed as an interposition graft in the abdominal aorta of syngeneic Lewis rats. HW was generated by immersing a magnesium stick in tap water (Mg + 2H(2)O → Mg (OH)(2) + H(2)). Beginning on the day of graft implantation, recipients were given tap water [regular water (RW)], HW or HW that had been subsequently degassed water (DW). Six weeks after grafting, the grafts in the rats given RW or DW had developed intimal hyperplasia, accompanied by increased oxidative injury. HW significantly suppressed intimal hyperplasia. One week after grafting, the grafts in HW-treated rats exhibited improved endothelial integrity with less platelet and white blood cell aggregation. Up-regulation of the mRNAs for intracellular adhesion molecules was attenuated in the vein grafts of the rats receiving HW. Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9 was also significantly inhibited in grafts receiving HW. In rat smooth muscle cell (A7r5) cultures, hydrogen treatment for 24 h reduced smooth muscle cell migration.'] Does oral intake of hydrogen-rich water inhibit intimal hyperplasia in arterialized vein grafts in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.47856068611145,
-1.384394884109497,
2.880748748779297
] |
['We investigated the signaling pathways activated in response to interleukin 6 (IL-6) in pancreatic cell lines, with a focus on signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein (Pim-1) kinase.', 'Interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) expression and IL-6-induced cell signaling was measured by Western blotting in human pancreatic cell lines. Cucurbitacin I was used as a pharmacological tool to investigate the role of STAT3 in Pim-1 activation. Stably overexpressing Pim-1 kinase cell lines were characterized for their response to IL-6 in vitro and for their growth rate as flank tumors in scid mice.', 'Interleukin 6 receptor was expressed across multiple cancer cell lines. In Panc-1 cells, IL-6 treatment increased expression of phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and Pim-1 kinase. Cucurbitacin I treatment alone increased pErk1/2 expression in wild-type and Pim-1-overexpressing cell lines and resulted in exaggerated Pim-1 kinase protein levels in control and IL-6-stimulated cells, suggesting that up-regulation of Pim-1 may be partially STAT3 independent. Pim-1 overexpression did not significantly affect growth rate in vitro or in vivo in Panc-1 or MiaPaCa2 cell lines.'] Does iL-6 stimulate STAT3 and Pim-1 kinase in pancreatic cancer cell lines? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4619762897491455,
-1.1141895055770874,
2.588351249694824
] |
['Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 plays an important role. This study aimed to investigate miRNA-140-mediated negative regulation of MMP-13 expression in interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-stimulated human cartilage cells.', 'The human cartilage cell line C28/I2 was cultured in the presence of IL-1β to mimic an osteoarthritic environment. Expression of miRNA-140 and MMP-13 was analyzed after 48\xa0h by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analyses. MiRNA-140 mediated regulation of MMP-13 expression was analyzed by luciferase reporter assays and anti-miRNA-140 oligonucleotide transfection. Furthermore, miRNA-140 and MMP-13 expression was analyzed following DHMEQ treatment.', "Expression of miRNA-140 and MMP-13 was elevated in IL-1β-stimulated C28/I2 cells. Bioinformatic prediction showed that the 3'-UTR of MMP-13 mRNA contained a potential binding miRNA-140 site and luciferase mRNA fused with 3'-UTR of MMP-13 mRNA was shown to be repressed by miRNA-140 in reporter assays. Expression of MMP-13 was elevated in IL-1β-stimulated C28/I2 cells following anti-miRNA-140 oligonucleotide transfection. NF-κB activity was inhibited in DHMEQ treated IL-1β-stimulated C28/I2 cells and was associated with decreased miRNA-140 and MMP-13 expression."] Is miRNA-140 a negative feedback regulator of MMP-13 in IL-1β-stimulated human articular chondrocyte C28/I2 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2152254581451416,
-1.3977644443511963,
2.5962700843811035
] |
['Psoriasis involves skin inflammation that often worsens with stress, but the mechanism of this effect remains obscure. We have shown that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is increased in the serum of patients with psoriasis. A peptide, neurotensin (NT), can trigger skin histamine release and augment the ability of CRH to increase skin vascular permeability.', 'To investigate the serum level of NT, and the expression of genes for NT and NT receptor-1 (NTR-1) in lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with psoriasis, compared with normal controls. Also, to study the effect of NT on human mast cell release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is increased in psoriatic skin.', 'Serum was obtained from patients with psoriasis (n = 56) and controls (n = 33); NT levels were measured with the Milliplex microbead assay. Biopsies were obtained from the lesional and nonlesional skin of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis (n = 40), who had not received any treatment for at least 15 days and were free of any systemic inflammatory diseases. Control skin samples were obtained from healthy subjects (n = 30). Expression of genes for NT and NTR-1 in the skin was evaluated by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. LAD2 human mast cells were stimulated by NT (1 μmol L(-1)) for 24 h and VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.', 'Serum NT was increased in patients with psoriasis, while expression of genes for NT and NTR-1 in lesional skin was decreased compared with controls. NT induced VEGF release from mast cells and was augmented by interleukin-33.'] Is serum neurotensin ( NT ) increased in psoriasis and NT induces vascular endothelial growth factor release from human mast cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3293650150299072,
-1.3433713912963867,
2.7154126167297363
] |
['Chronic ankle instability is a common occurrence after an ankle sprain. Yet, some people (copers) possess a mechanism that limits recurrent injury and disability. During gait termination, those with chronic ankle instability exhibit altered feed-forward and feedback control but little is known about alterations in copers. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the biomechanical control alterations present in controls, copers, and those with chronic ankle instability during planned and unplanned gait termination.', 'Twenty subjects with chronic ankle instability, 20 copers, and 20 uninjured controls completed planned and unplanned gait termination tasks. Unplanned gait termination required subjects to stop, when cued, during randomly selected trials. Planned gait termination required intended stopping. A total of 10 trials were recorded for each condition. Normalized propulsive and braking force magnitudes and dynamic postural stability indices were calculated and compared among the groups.', 'Normalized maximum braking forces were significantly higher in the chronic ankle instability group (Mean: 2.82 SD: 0.93N/kg), relative to copers (Mean: 2.59 SD: 0.84N/kg) and controls (Mean: 2.51 SD: 0.78N/kg). Similarly, the antero-posterior postural stability index revealed higher scores in the chronic ankle instability group (Mean: 0.15 SD: 0.03) compared to the coper (Mean: 0.14 SD: 0.02) and control group (Mean: 0.14 SD: 0.02). Copers did not differ from controls.'] Do gait termination strategies differ between those with and without ankle instability? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3275282382965088,
-1.1874544620513916,
1.544344425201416
] |
['Serovars of the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis occupy one of three specific tissue niches. Genomic analyses indicate that the serovars have a phylogeny congruent with their pathobiology and have an average substitution rate of less than one nucleotide per kilobase. In contrast, the gene that determines serovar specificity, ompA, has a phylogenetic association that is not congruent with tissue tropism and has a degree of nucleotide variability much higher than other genomic loci. The ompA gene encodes the major surface-exposed antigenic determinant, and the observed nucleotide diversity at the ompA locus is thought to be due to recombination and host immune selection pressure. The possible contribution of a localized increase in mutation rate, however, has not been investigated.', 'Nucleotide diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the five constant and four variable domains of the ompA gene, as well as several loci surrounding ompA, were examined for each serovar. The loci flanking the ompA gene demonstrated that nucleotide diversity increased monotonically as ompA is approached and that their gene trees are not congruent with either ompA or tissue tropism. The variable domains of the ompA gene had a very high level of non-synonymous change, which is expected as these regions encode the surface-exposed epitopes and are under positive selection. However, the synonymous changes are clustered in the variable regions compared to the constant domains; if hitchhiking were to account for the increase in synonymous changes, these substitutions should be more evenly distributed across the gene. Recombination also cannot entirely account for this increase as the phylogenetic relationships of the constant and variable domains are congruent with each other.'] Does nucleotide and phylogenetic analyses of the Chlamydia trachomatis ompA gene indicate it is a hotspot for mutation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.219080686569214,
-1.0653579235076904,
2.324507236480713
] |
['Fascin is a globular actin cross-linking protein, which plays a major role in forming parallel actin bundles in cell protrusions and is found to be associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis in various type of cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Previously, we have demonstrated that fascin regulates actin polymerization and thereby promotes cell motility in K8-depleted OSCC cells. In the present study we have investigated the role of fascin in tumor progression of OSCC.', 'To understand the role of fascin in OSCC development and/or progression, fascin was overexpressed along with vector control in OSCC derived cells AW13516. The phenotype was studied using wound healing, Boyden chamber, cell adhesion, Hanging drop, soft agar and tumorigenicity assays. Further, fascin expression was examined in human OSCC samples (N = 131) using immunohistochemistry and level of its expression was correlated with clinico-pathological parameters of the patients.', 'Fascin overexpression in OSCC derived cells led to significant increase in cell migration, cell invasion and MMP-2 activity. In addition these cells demonstrated increased levels of phosphorylated AKT, ERK1/2 and JNK1/2. Our in vitro results were consistent with correlative studies of fascin expression with the clinico-pathological parameters of the OSCC patients. Fascin expression in OSCC showed statistically significant correlation with increased tumor stage (P = 0.041), increased lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001), less differentiation (P = 0.005), increased recurrence (P = 0.038) and shorter survival (P = 0.004) of the patients.'] Does fascin overexpression promote neoplastic progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3441672325134277,
-1.3719508647918701,
2.7486634254455566
] |
['To evaluate the association between variants in the FSHR receptor (FSHR) gene and current markers of ovarian reserve (antimüllerian hormone, antral follicle count, FSH).', 'Prospective observational study.', 'Tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine.', 'Women (n = 421) undergoing their first cycle of controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF.', 'Baseline pelvic ultrasound and blood tests were taken on day 2-3 of the cycle for assessment of baseline hormones and for DNA extraction. Genotypes for FSHR p.Asn680Ser and p.Thr307Ala variants were determined using TaqMan allelic discrimination assays.', 'Association of FSHR single nucleotide polymorphisms with markers of ovarian reserve.', 'There was no evidence of any difference in basal FSH, antimüllerian hormone, or antral follicle count between the patients with different genotypes, with or without an adjustment for age or body mass index.'] Are follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene polymorphisms associated with ovarian reserve markers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5470359325408936,
-1.2042973041534424,
2.8302440643310547
] |
['Following trauma and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), the typical response is an elevation of the total complete blood count (CBC) and a reduction of the lymphocyte count. This leukocytosis typically returns to normal within 48 hours. The persistence of a leukocytosis following trauma is associated with adverse outcomes. Although lymphocyte anergy and dysfunction following trauma is associated with increased risk for infection and sepsis, there is a paucity of data regarding the impact of a persistence of a low lymphocyte count in trauma patients.', 'This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from trauma patients collected over the 5 years of September 2003 to September 2008. Patients were included if the injury severity score (ISS) was >or=15, and they survived at least 3 days. Demographic data, mechanism and injury severity score, mortality, and length of stay were collected from the medical record. Laboratory values for the first 4 hospital days were collected. Leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were extracted from the daily complete blood count (CBC). Patients were then grouped based on response (elevation/depression) of each component of the CBC, and their return, or failure thereof, to normal. Proportional hazards regression with time-varying covariates as well as Kaplan-Meier curves were used to predict risk of death, time to death and time to healthy discharge based on fluctuations of the individual components of the CBC.', 'There were 2448 patients admitted over the 5 years included in the analysis. When adjusting for age, gender and ISS the relative risk of death was elevated with a persistent leukocytosis (2.501 (95% CI=1.477-4.235)) or failure to normalize lymphopenia (1.639 (95% CI=10.17-2.643)) within the first 4 days following admission. Similar results were seen when Kaplan-Meier curves were created. Persistent lymphopenia was associated with shortest time to death. Paradoxically in survivors persistent lymphopenia was associated with the shortest time to discharge.'] Is failure to normalize lymphopenia following trauma associated with increased mortality , independent of the leukocytosis pattern? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7722197771072388,
-1.2845532894134521,
2.106069564819336
] |
['The purpose of this study was to examine whether diabetes free healthy non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), and Mexican-Americans (MA) who are told of their diabetes risk were more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle behavior defined as current weight control, physical activity and reduced fat/calories intake than those who were not told that they were at increased risk.', 'A nationally representative data (n=5073) from the 2007-2008 U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were used for this investigation. Odds ratio from multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether diabetes free NHW, NHB, and MA who are told of their increased diabetes risk were more likely than those who are not told of their diabetes risk to adopt healthy lifestyle behavior.', 'Being told of increased diabetes risk was associated with increased adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors as indicated by odds ratio of 2.38 (95% CI=1.34-4.05) in NHW, 2.46 (95% CI=1.20-5.05) in NHB and 2.27 (95% CI=1.32-3.89) in MA who have no diabetes, after adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, hypertension, education, household income and total cholesterol.'] Is awareness of diabetes risks associated with healthy lifestyle behavior in diabetes free American adults : evidence from a nationally representative sample? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9914088249206543,
0.5983915328979492,
0.7185035943984985
] |
['Lentiviral-mediated shRNA against RelB was used to produce tolerogenic dendritic cells from murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs).', 'RelB expression in the BMDCs was silenced by lentivirus carrying RelB shRNA. The apoptosis rate and surface markers of DCs were assessed by flow cytometry. IL-12,IL-10,TGF-β1 secreted by DCs and DNA binding capacity of NF-κB subunits in the nucleus were measured by ELISA, independently. MLR was used to analyze the capacity of DCs to inhibit immune response.', 'RelB expression was significantly inhibited in DCs following lentiviral mediated delivery of RelB specific shRNA. The RelB shRNA-DC produced lower IL-12 and higher IL-10 than mature dendritic cells (mDCs) and silencing control DCs. There was no difference in the apoptosis rate between shRNA RelB-DCs and mDCs. The expression levels of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86 and CD83) and MHC-II class molecule were lower in the RelB shRNA-DCs than in the mDCs and silencing control DCs. In addition, RelB shRNA also inhibited the RelB DNA binding capacity but had no effect on other NF-κB subunits. The shRNA RelB-DCs can significantly inhibit mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and down-regulate Th1 cytokines and prompt the production of Th2 cytokines.'] Does lentiviral-mediated shRNA against RelB induce the generation of tolerogenic dendritic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3247764110565186,
-1.3200304508209229,
2.6526780128479004
] |
['To date, most floral nectarins (nectar proteins) are reported to function in nectar defence, particularly for insect-pollinated outcrossing species. We compared nectarin composition and abundance in selfing common tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) with outcrossing ornamental tobacco plants to elucidate the functional difference of nectarins in different reproductive systems.', 'Common tobacco (CT) nectarins were separated by SDS-PAGE and the N terminus of the most abundant nectarin was sequenced via Edman degradation. The full-length nectarin gene was amplified and cloned from genomic DNA and mRNA with hiTail-PCR and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends), and expression patterns were then investigated in different tissues using semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Additionally, high-performance liquid chromatography and enzymatic analyses of nectar sugar composition, and other biochemical traits and functions of the novel nectarin were studied.', 'The most abundant nectarin in CT nectar is an acidic α-galactosidase, here designated NTα-Gal. This compound has a molecular mass of 40 013 Da and a theoretical pI of 5·33. NTα-Gal has a conserved α-Gal characteristic signature, encodes a mature protein of 364 amino acids and is expressed in different organs. Compared with 27 other melliferous plant species from different families, CT floral nectar demonstrated the highest α-Gal activity, which is inhibited by d-galactose. Raffinose family oligosaccharides were not detected in CT nectar, indicating that NTα-Gal does not function in post-secretory hydrolysis. Moreover, tobacco plant fruits did not develop intact skin with galactose inhibition of NTα-Gal activity in nectar, suggesting that NTα-Gal induces cell-wall surface restructuring during the initial stages of fruit development.'] Is acidic α-galactosidase the most abundant nectarin in floral nectar of common tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.419492483139038,
-0.9785019755363464,
2.3906121253967285
] |
['Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to risk factors of coronary artery disease, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, which are closely linked with visceral adiposity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NAFLD was associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), which is used as a surrogate marker for coronary atherosclerosis independent of computed tomography (CT)-measured visceral adiposity. Out of 5,648 subjects who visited one of our health screening centers between 2003 and 2008, we enrolled 4,023 subjects (mean age, 56.9 ± 9.4 years; 60.7% males) without known liver disease or a history of ischemic heart disease. CAC score was evaluated using the Agatston method. On univariate analysis, the presence of CAC (score >0) was significantly associated with age, sex, body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and NAFLD. Increasing CAC scores (0, <10, 10-100, ≥ 100) were associated with higher prevalence of NAFLD (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-2.10; P<0.001). Multivariable ordinal regression analysis was adjusted for traditional risk factors, and CT-measured visceral adipose tissue area in a subgroup of subjects showed that the increased CAC scores were significantly associated with the presence of NAFLD (OR, 1.28, 95% CI, 1.04-1.59; P = 0.023) independent of visceral adiposity.'] Is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease associated with coronary artery calcification? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.037259578704834,
-1.4390681982040405,
2.505140781402588
] |
['Most physiologic processes exhibit diurnal fluctuations controlled by the circadian regulation of sleep-wake behavior and feeding cycles. In addition, many cell types express endogenous circadian rhythms that affect cell-specific processes. Independent reports support the hypothesis that thrombopoietin (TPO) is under circadian control.', 'The current study tested the hypothesis that CLOCK, a circadian transcription factor, may regulate Thpo, the gene encoding TPO.', 'Circadian gene expression patterns were analyzed in mice and in human cell lines, Small interfering RNA was used to knock down CLOCK expression in cell lines, and gene expression was also examined in Clock(Δ19/Δ19) mutant mice.', 'It was found that there was a diurnal rhythm in the expression of Thpoin vivo in mice, and that this was associated with concomitant rhythms of protein abundance. Thpo was rhythmically expressed in human cell lines, consistent with the gene being directly or indirectly regulated by the circadian clock. Silencing of CLOCK in the Huh7 human hepatoma cell line led to a significant reduction in the rhythmicity of Thpo expression. The expression of Mpl in murine marrow also displayed diurnal rhythmicity in vivo. In Clock(Δ19/Δ19) mutant mice, Thpo and Mpl expression was disrupted and there was an increase in the number of mature megakaryocytes, but no change in the ploidy distribution within the megakaryocyte population.'] Is diurnal expression of the thrombopoietin gene regulated by CLOCK? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.575392723083496,
-0.7474232316017151,
2.3956103324890137
] |
['The presence of discontinuous or "skip" metastases in breast cancer is crucial for determining the optimal therapeutic choice. In this study, we compared the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with or without skip metastases (SMs).', 'We retrospectively analyzed the records of 1,502 breast cancer patients who underwent radical mastectomy and a separate group of 118 patients who had sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB). The median follow-up time was 10 years.', 'Axillary lymph nodes (ALN) were involved in 814/1502 patients, and SMs was found in 119 patients (14.6%). Age, tumor size, location, clinical stage, and the proportion of interpectoral lymph node (IPN) metastases were similar in patients with or without SMs (p > .05). In stage I and II disease, the event-free survival rate of patients with SMs was significantly lower than patients without (p < .05); there was no significant difference in stage III patients (p > .05). The Cox multivariate analysis showed that the tumor size, number of lymphatic metastases, lymph node involvement, and SMs were important prognostic factors. The false-negative rate of SLNB was 12.0% (3/25).'] Do clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancers with axillary skip metastases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1237263679504395,
-1.3269565105438232,
2.5318784713745117
] |
['Individual factors such as gender, age, coping and personality traits and injury-related factors such as injury severity have been implicated as risk factors for poor perceived health after burns. As psychiatric morbidity is common in individuals who sustain burns, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of preinjury psychiatric problems on perceived health after injury.', 'A total of 85 consecutive patients treated at a national burn center were prospectively assessed: the patients were interviewed during acute care with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders. One year after injury, perceived health was assessed with the Burn-Specific Health Scale-Brief (BSHS-B). Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictive effect of preinjury psychiatric history on perceived postinjury health.', 'Psychiatric morbidity, especially mood disorders, affected outcome for six of the nine BSHS-B subscales, with the covariates mainly being the length of hospital stay and total burn size.'] Does psychiatric morbidity predict perceived burn-specific health 1 year after a burn? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8661534786224365,
0.10998797416687012,
0.829362154006958
] |
['The kinin B(1) receptor (B(1)R) is upregulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxydative stress, which are enhanced by transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) activation. To examine the link between TRPV1 and B(1)R in inflammatory pain, this study aimed to determine the ability of TRPV1 to regulate microglial B(1)R expression in the spinal cord dorsal horn, and the underlying mechanism.', 'B(1)R expression (mRNA, protein and binding sites) was measured in cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord in response to TRPV1 activation by systemic capsaicin (1-50 mg/kg, s.c) in rats pre-treated with TRPV1 antagonists (capsazepine or SB-366791), the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), or vehicle. B(1)R function was assessed using a tail-flick test after intrathecal (i.t.) injection of a selective B(1)R agonist (des-Arg(9)-BK), and its microglial localization was investigated by confocal microscopy with the selective fluorescent B(1)R agonist, [Nα-bodipy]-des-Arg(9)-BK. The effect of i.t. capsaicin (1 μg/site) was also investigated.', 'Capsaicin (10 to 50 mg/kg, s.c.) enhanced time-dependently (0-24h) B(1)R mRNA levels in the lumbar spinal cord; this effect was prevented by capsazepine (10 mg/kg, i.p.; 10 μg/site, i.t.) and SB-366791 (1 mg/kg, i.p.; 30 μg/site, i.t.). Increases of B(1)R mRNA were correlated with IL-1β mRNA levels, and they were significantly less in cervical and thoracic spinal cord. Intrathecal capsaicin (1 μg/site) also enhanced B(1)R mRNA in lumbar spinal cord. NAC (1 g/kg/d × 7 days) prevented B(1)R up-regulation, superoxide anion production and NF-kB activation induced by capsaicin (15 mg/kg). Des-Arg(9)-BK (9.6 nmol/site, i.t.) decreased by 25-30% the nociceptive threshold at 1 min post-injection in capsaicin-treated rats (10-50 mg/kg) while it was without effect in control rats. Des-Arg(9)-BK-induced thermal hyperalgesia was blocked by capsazepine, SB-366791 and by antagonists/inhibitors of B(1)R (SSR240612, 10 mg/kg, p.o.), glutamate NMDA receptor (DL-AP5, 10 μg/site, i.t.), substance P NK-1 receptor (RP-67580, 10 μg/site, i.t.) and nitric oxide synthase (L-NNA, 10 μg/site, i.t.). The B(1)R fluorescent agonist was co-localized with an immunomarker of microglia (Iba-1) in spinal cord dorsal horn of capsaicin-treated rats.'] Does activation of TRPV1 by capsaicin induce functional kinin B ( 1 ) receptor in rat spinal cord microglia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.097104787826538,
-1.495139479637146,
2.6032819747924805
] |
['Raised blood pressure is a significant surgical risk factor. Post operative complications are worse in both orthopaedic and plastic patients when there is associated hypertension. There has not been any known study on blood pressure variables in patients presenting at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, Nigeria. This informed the need for the authors to evaluate the blood pressure correlates in patients presenting at this hospital.', 'Patients attending the outpatient clinics of the hospital, between June 2003 and September 2004, were recruited into the study. Their biodata, demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded under standard conditions. Their blood pressure awareness indices, lifestyle habits and co-morbid conditions were evaluated. Structured questionnaires were used with self administered screening done.', 'Two hundred and eighteen patients with mean age 41.4 (+/- 17.2) years, were screened, Fifty three percent of them were hypertensive, with 87% of these presenting as orthopaedic cases. While 68% irregularly or never checked their blood pressure, those who took alcohol had 54.5% among them, with hypertension.'] Does blood pressure correlate in orthopaedic and plastic patients at a regional orthopaedic hospital in Nigeria? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.6996854543685913,
0.6311168074607849,
0.32601287961006165
] |
['Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is performed during the diagnostic workup for giant cell arteritis (GCA), a vasculitis with the potential to cause irreversible blindness or stroke. However, treatment is often started on clinical grounds, and TAB result frequently does not influence patient management. The aim of this study was to assess the need for TAB in cases of suspected GCA.', 'We performed a retrospective review of 185 TABs performed in our institution from 1990 to 2010. Patients were identified through the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry database and theater records. Clinical findings, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, steroid treatment preoperatively, American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for GCA score, biopsy result, and follow-up were recorded.', 'Fifty-eight (31.4%) biopsies were positive for GCA. Presence of jaw claudication (P = 0.001), abnormal fundoscopy (P = 0.001), and raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with GCA. The strongest association with positive biopsy was seen with the prebiopsy ACR score (P < 0.001). Twenty-four (13.7%) patients had undergone biopsy, despite no potential for meeting ACR criteria preoperatively. None of these were positive. Overall, 29 (16.4%) patients had management altered by TAB result.'] Is temporal artery biopsy required in all cases of suspected giant cell arteritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.160521984100342,
-1.3285963535308838,
2.573718786239624
] |
['Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Our retrospective study aimed to evaluate the influence of enteral nutrition (EN) on DGE incidence after standard PD with antrectomy and Child reconstruction.', 'We retrospectively analyzed 275 consecutive patients who underwent standard PD between January 2000 and September 2009. Patients operated on after January 2005 received EN (EN group, n\u2009=\u2009152) until total oral alimentation. Patients operated on prior to 2005 did not receive EN (control group, n\u2009=\u2009123) and were orally fed after removing the nasogastric tube. Primary endpoint was the incidence of DGE according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery criteria. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of any other complications.', 'The incidence of DGE was 26% vs. 38% (p\u2009=\u20090.04) in the EN and control groups, respectively, with 17% vs. 19% for grade B DGE (NS) and 9% vs. 19% for grade C DGE (p\u2009=\u20090.02). The differences in DGE did not significantly decrease the duration of stay (18\u2009±\u200911 vs. 19\u2009±\u200913\xa0days; NS). Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage was significantly reduced in the EN group (8% vs. 20%, p\u2009=\u20090.008), with the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula being similar in both groups (15% vs. 12%; NS). Using multivariate analysis, EN (p\u2009=\u20090.047, OR\u2009=\u20090.559 [0.315; 0.994]), operative time (p\u2009<\u20090.001, OR\u2009=\u20091.007 [1.003; 1.010]), and patient age (p\u2009=\u20090.014, OR\u2009=\u20091.031 [1.006; 1.057]) were independent factors affecting the incidence of DGE.'] Does enteral nutrition reduce delayed gastric emptying after standard pancreaticoduodenectomy with child reconstruction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2666596174240112,
-1.8634514808654785,
2.0613784790039062
] |
['Cyclooxygenase isoenzyme-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contribute to angiogenesis and are overexpressed in various malignancies. The aim of the study was to evaluate expression, prognostic value and correlation between COX-2 and VEGF expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).', 'Surgical specimens of 154 patients with EAC were used to construct a tissue micro array (TMA). TMA sections were immunohistochemically stained for COX-2 and VEGF and scored on intensity of staining.', 'Estimated 5-year cancer specific survival was 37%. High COX-2 and VEGF expression was observed in 39 (26.5%) and in 77 (53.8%) tumors, respectively. Both markers were associated with poor cancer specific survival (p\u2009=\u2009.022 and p\u2009=\u2009.004, respectively, log rank). No significant correlation was found between VEGF and COX-2 expression (r\u2009=\u2009063; p\u2009=\u2009.455). In multivariate analysis, high COX-2 expression (HR 1.65; 95% CI 1.04-2.61; p\u2009=\u2009.034) was associated with overall survival. In patients with T3 tumors, COX-2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for cancer specific survival (HR 1.81 95% CI 1.10-2.95; p\u2009=\u2009.019).'] Are cyclooxygenase isoenzyme-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor associated with poor prognosis in esophageal adenocarcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.651009202003479,
-1.6506078243255615,
2.261868715286255
] |
['The ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy in inflammatory bowel disease is focused on the effects on fish oil-derived polyunsaturated fatty acids. We speculated that a vegetal oil rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA) might also inhibit colitis. Therefore, we evaluated whether dietary ALA would decrease the expression of adhesion molecules by inducing the protective enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a rat colitis model.', 'Colitis was induced at day 0 by an intrarectal injection of 2-4-6-trinitrobenzen sulfonic acid (TNBS), whereas control rats received the vehicle. Rats were fed an ALA-rich formula 450 mg · kg⁻¹ · d⁻¹, whereas the other colitic group (TNBS) and the control group were fed an isocaloric corn oil formula for 14 d (from day -7 to day 7). The colonic expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), vascular endothelial growth factor A receptor-2 (VEGFR2), and HO-1 were studied by immunohistochemistry.', 'The ALA-rich diet significantly decreased the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and VEGFR-2 compared the TNBS group, but it did not affect the expression of HO-1.'] Does dietary α-linolenic acid-rich formula reduce adhesion molecules in rats with experimental colitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.476240396499634,
-1.2244974374771118,
2.7346973419189453
] |
['Patients treated with radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer invariably suffer its deleterious side effect, xerostomia. Salivary hypofunction ensuing from the irreversible destruction of glands is the most common and debilitating oral complication affecting patients undergoing regional radiotherapy. Given that the current management of xerostomia is palliative and ineffective, efforts are now directed toward preventive measures to preserve gland function. The human homolog of Tousled protein, TLK1B, facilitates chromatin remodeling at DNA repair sites and improves cell survival against ionizing radiation (IR). Therefore, we wanted to determine whether a direct transfer of TLK1B protein to rat salivary glands could protect against IR-induced salivary hypofunction.', 'The cell-permeable TAT-TLK1B fusion protein was generated. Rat acinar cell line and rat salivary glands were pretreated with TAT peptide or TAT-TLK1B before IR. The acinar cell survival in vitro and salivary function in vivo were assessed after radiation.', 'We demonstrated that rat acinar cells transduced with TAT-TLK1B were more resistant to radiation (D₀ = 4.13 ± 1.0 Gy; α/β = 0 Gy) compared with cells transduced with the TAT peptide (D₀ = 4.91 ± 1.0 Gy; α/β = 20.2 Gy). Correspondingly, retroductal instillation of TAT-TLK1B in rat submandibular glands better preserved salivary flow after IR (89%) compared with animals pretreated with Opti-MEM or TAT peptide (31% and 39%, respectively; p < 0.01).'] Does tAT-mediated delivery of Tousled protein to salivary glands protect against radiation-induced hypofunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.164426565170288,
-1.5186026096343994,
2.6780600547790527
] |
['Accumulated evidence suggests that a variant within the CR1 gene (single nucleotide polymorphism rs6656401), known to increase risk for Alzheimer disease (AD), influences β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in brain tissue. Given the biologic overlap between AD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a leading cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in elderly individuals, we investigated whether rs6656401 increases the risk of CAA-related ICH and influences vascular Aβ deposition.', 'We performed a case-control genetic association study of 89 individuals with CAA-related ICH and 280 individuals with ICH unrelated to CAA and compared them with 324 ICH-free control subjects. We also investigated the effect of rs6656401 on risk of recurrent CAA-ICH in a prospective longitudinal cohort of ICH survivors. Finally, association with severity of histopathologic CAA was investigated in 544 autopsy specimens from 2 longitudinal studies of aging.', 'rs6656401 was associated with CAA-ICH (odds ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-2.17, p = 8.0 × 10(-4)) as well as with risk of recurrent CAA-ICH (hazard ratio = 1.35, 95% CI 1.04-1.76, p = 0.024). Genotype at rs6656401 was also associated with severity of CAA pathology at autopsy (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.71, p = 0.009). Adjustment for parenchymal amyloid burden did not cancel this effect, suggesting that, despite the correlation between parenchymal and vascular amyloid pathology, CR1 acts independently on both processes, thus increasing risk of both AD and CAA.'] Does genetic variation at CR1 increase risk of cerebral amyloid angiopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.414879322052002,
-1.6939895153045654,
2.027285575866699
] |
['To determine whether immature spermatids increase in semen in response to hormonal contraceptive treatments. Such a finding would support the existence of a defect in spermiogenesis, which in turn may explain the reported variability in sperm output.', 'Semen smears were obtained from healthy men undergoing randomized control trials of T plus progestin contraceptive treatments.', 'Healthy men (21-49 years) with normal semen analyses received T (50-100 mg IM weekly) in combination with either desogestrel (150-300 microg daily, n = 5) or levonorgestrel (125-250 microg daily, n = 10) for 24 weeks. Semen smears were made during spermatogenic suppression and recovery. Nine control subjects were also assessed.', 'Semen analyses were performed using World Health Organization criteria. Immature spermatids and white blood cells in semen were identified by immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies to the human intra-acrosomal antigen SP-10 and the ubiquitous white cell CD-45 antigen, respectively.', 'In a total of 14 normal ejaculates (9 control and 5 pretreatment) 74+/-14 million/mL sperm (mean+/-SEM) were seen together with a few immature spermatids (0.69+/-0.20 million/mL). During contraceptive treatments, spermatid number decreased in parallel with the sperm concentration and spermatids disappeared in most subjects. No significant changes were seen in either leukocyte or immunonegative round cell concentration (0.41+/-0.25 and 0.25+/-0.09 million/mL in controls, respectively) in response to treatments.'] Are immature spermatids prevalent in semen from men who are receiving androgen-based contraceptive regimens? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7633088827133179,
-1.5273572206497192,
2.279487133026123
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine whether restrictive left ventricular (LV) filling patterns are associated with diastolic ventricular interaction in patients with chronic heart failure.', 'We recently demonstrated a diastolic ventricular interaction in approximately 50% of a series of patients with chronic heart failure, as evidenced by paradoxic increases in LV end-diastolic volume despite reductions in right ventricular end-diastolic volume during volume unloading achieved by lower body negative pressure (LBNP). We reasoned that such an interaction would impede LV filling in mid and late diastole, but would be minimal in early diastole, resulting in a restrictive LV filling pattern.', 'Transmitral flow was assessed using pulsed wave Doppler echocardiography in 30 patients with chronic heart failure and an LV ejection fraction < or = 35%. Peak early (E) and atrial (A) filling velocities and E wave deceleration time were measured. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was measured using radionuclide ventriculography before and during -30-mm Hg LBNP.', 'Nine of the 11 patients with and 2 of the 16 patients without restrictive LV filling patterns (E/A > 2 or E/A 1 to 2 and E wave deceleration time < or = 140 ms) increased LV end-diastolic volume during LBNP (p = 0.001). The change in LV end-diastolic volume during LBNP was correlated with the baseline A wave velocity (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) and E/A ratio (r = 0.50, p = 0.01).'] Are restrictive left ventricular filling patterns predictive of diastolic ventricular interaction in chronic heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.540925145149231,
-1.6155372858047485,
2.150827407836914
] |
['The purpose of this study was to investigate whether atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP, respectively) represent autocrine/paracrine factors and are accumulated in pericardial fluid.', 'ANP and BNP, systemic hormones produced by the heart, have elevated circulating levels in patients with heart failure. Recent evidence suggests that the heart itself is one of the target organs for these peptides.', 'With an immunoreactive radiometric assay, we measured the concentrations of these peptides in plasma and pericardial fluid simultaneously in 28 patients during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.', 'The pericardial levels of BNP were markedly elevated in patients with impaired left ventricular function. We investigated the correlation of ANP and BNP levels in plasma or pericardial fluid with left ventricular hemodynamic variables. None of the hemodynamic variables correlated with ANP levels in plasma or pericardial fluid. Both plasma and pericardial fluid levels of BNP were significantly related to left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volume indexes (LVEDVI and LVESVI, respectively). In addition, BNP pericardial fluid levels had closer relations with LVEDVI (r = 0.679, p < 0.0001) and LVESVI (r = 0.686, p < 0.0001) than did BNP plasma levels (LVEDVI: r = 0.567, p = 0.0017; LVESVI: r = 0.607, p = 0.0010). BNP levels in pericardial fluid but not in plasma correlated with left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (r = 0.495, p = 0.0074).'] Is marked elevation of brain natriuretic peptide levels in pericardial fluid closely associated with left ventricular dysfunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9537854194641113,
-1.513149380683899,
2.478367328643799
] |
['Both endothelin-1 and nitric oxide make important contributions to the maintenance of basal peripheral arteriolar tone. However, the role of angiotensin II, a key hormone regulating cardiovascular and renal function, in the regulation of peripheral vascular tone has not been fully characterised.', 'Using local intra-arterial administration of losartan, a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, we examined the contribution of endogenous angiotensin II to the maintenance of basal and sympathetically stimulated vascular tone in the forearm of healthy man under conditions of sodium repletion and depletion. The effects of losartan on responses to exogenous angiotensin I, angiotensin II, bradykinin and noradrenaline were also determined.', 'Losartan, in keeping with its actions as a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, inhibited responses to angiotensin I and II, but had no effect on responses to bradykinin or noradrenaline. The dose of angiotensin II required to cause a 20% vasoconstriction was 40- and 250-fold greater with 30 and 300 micrograms/min of losartan, respectively. However, in sodium replete subjects, losartan alone caused no significant changes in basal forearm blood flow (95% confidence interval of -7.2 to +8.0%), forearm vascular resistance or sympathetically stimulated forearm vasoconstriction. Sodium depletion elevated plasma renin activity and angiotensin II concentrations (p < or = 0.002) after which acute local administration of losartan increased forearm blood flow in a dose dependent manner (maximum of 69 +/- 17%; p < 0.001).'] Does endogenous angiotensin II contribute to basal peripheral vascular tone in sodium deplete but not sodium replete man? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.187701463699341,
-1.4572927951812744,
2.6359691619873047
] |
['This study examined the effects of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) on cardiac function and cellular injury following ischemia (30 min) and reperfusion (60 min) in isolated perfused rat hearts.', '3-Morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1, 0.1 mM), an ONOO- donor, was administered alone or combined with superoxide dismutase (SOD, 300 U/ml) or glutathione (GSH, 1 mM) at the time of reperfusion.', 'Administration of SIN-1 alone significantly aggravated post-ischemic myocardial injury characterized by depressed cardiac function recovery (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle), increased lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) release (p < 0.01 vs. vehicle), and enlarged necrotic size (p < 0.01 vs. vehicle). The co-administration of either SOD to decrease the formation of ONOO-, or GSH to increase the detoxification of ONOO-, completely blocked the detrimental effects of SIN-1 and exerted significant cardioprotective effects against reperfusion injury.'] Does peroxynitrite aggravate myocardial reperfusion injury in the isolated perfused rat heart? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.386796236038208,
-1.288700819015503,
2.7566471099853516
] |
['Our purpose was to assess the possible relationship between human embryo growth rates and sexual differentiation.', 'We analyzed 142 conceptional in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles undertaken in 137 women (151 embryos transferred) in which each embryo transferred led to a gestational sac. Embryos were sorted into three groups according to the number of blastomeres assessed just before embryo transfers < or = 3, 4, and > or = 5 blastomeres.', 'Percentages of girls and boys remained roughly unaltered irrespective of the number of blastomeres observed just before embryo transfer: < or = 3 blastomeres, 45% and 55%; 4 blastomeres, 44% and 56%; and > or = 5 blastomeres, 45% and 55%, respectively (statistical power 90% at the 5% significance level).'] Are female and male human embryo growth rates similar before the eight-cell stage? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
1.931705117225647,
-0.9396236538887024,
-1.775274395942688
] |
['Previous reports in experimental models have suggested that ventricular fibrillation threshold (VFT) can be changed by manipulating cardiac neural tone using agents such as phenylephrine. The purpose of this study was to determine whether phenylephrine increased the energy required to induce VF in humans undergoing such induction using DC energy applied to the T wave.', 'In this prospective investigation, 18 consecutive patients with previously implanted cardioverter defibrillators had induction of VF by placing DC monophasic shocks into the T wave coupled 310 msec after the eighth paced ventricular complex at 400 msec. The T wave shock energy was titrated from 0.2 to 12 J until sustained VF or ventricular tachycardia was induced. Phenylephrine was infused either before the first or second VF induction in a randomized fashion to increase systolic blood pressure by more than 20 mmHg. The mean energy required to induce VF was 1.1 J at baseline and increased to 1.7 J during phenylephrine infusion (P = 0.036). The mean arterial pressure increased from 88 to 114 mmHg (P < 0.001), and the mean sinus cycle length increased from 850 to 1070 msec (P < 0.001). Ten of 13 (77%) patients with sinus cycle length prolongation had increased energy requirements to induce VF compared with only 1 of 5 patients (20%) without sinus cycle length prolongation (P < 0.05).'] Does phenylephrine increase T wave shock energy required to induce ventricular fibrillation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5720313787460327,
-1.5099399089813232,
2.085113525390625
] |
['Intravenous lipid emulsions and the i.v. catheters through which they were administered were the major risk factors for nosocomial coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CONS) bacteremia among newborns in our neonatal intensive care units a decade ago. However, medical practice is changing, and these and other interventions may have different effects in the current setting.', 'We determined the independent risk factors for CONS bacteremia in current very low birth weight newborns after adjusting for severity of underlying illness.', 'We surveyed 590 consecutively admitted newborns with birth weights < 1500 g hospitalized in 2 neonatal intensive care units and conducted a case-control study in a sample of 74 cases of CONS bacteremia and 74 pairs of matched controls. Adjusted relative odds of bacteremia were estimated for a number of attributes and therapeutic interventions in 2 time intervals before CONS bacteremia: any time before bacteremia and the week before bacteremia.', 'Using conditional logistic regression to adjust for indicators of severity of illness, two procedures were independently associated with subsequent risk of CONS bacteremia at any time during hospitalization: i.v. lipids, odds ratio (OR) = 9.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 to 74.2]; and any surgical or percutaneously placed central venous catheter, OR = 2.0 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.9). Considering only the week immediately preceding bacteremia, the independent risk factors were: mechanical ventilation, OR = 3.2 (95% CI 1.3 to 7.6); and short peripheral venous catheters, OR = 2.6 (95% CI 1.0 to 6.5).'] Are intravenous lipid emulsions the major determinant of coagulase-negative staphylococcal bacteremia in very low birth weight newborns? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3592454195022583,
-1.6074398756027222,
1.9441953897476196
] |
['A growing body of evidence has suggested that the renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy induced by hemodynamic overload and left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. The role of the renin-angiotensin system in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, however, has not been established.', 'To determine the role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in IR injury, we examined infarct size and arrhythmias after IR using Ang II type 1a receptor (AT1a) knockout mice. The left coronary artery was occluded for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 120 minutes. There were no significant differences in infarct size between wild-type and knockout mice determined by dual staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Evans blue dye. The number of ventricular premature beats after reperfusion in knockout mice, however, was much less than in wild-type mice. Treatment with a selective AT1 antagonist, CV-11974, before ischemia blocked reperfusion arrhythmias in wild-type mice but had no effects on infarct size.'] Is angiotensin II type 1a receptor involved in the occurrence of reperfusion arrhythmias? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4225499629974365,
-1.3271387815475464,
2.795488119125366
] |
['The aim of the present study was to characterize temporal changes in cyclic variation of ultrasonic integrated backscatter (IBS), which reflects intrinsic contractile performance, in patients with reperfused acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to elucidate the clinical value of tissue characterization in predicting myocardial viability.', 'We recorded short-axis IBS images before and 3, 7, and 21 days after reperfusion in 26 patients with AMI and obtained the cyclic variation of IBS in the normal and infarct zones. When cyclic variation showed synchrony and asynchrony, we expressed its magnitude as positive and negative values, respectively, called the phase-corrected magnitude. We also measured average wall motion score (dyskinesis, 4; normal, 0) of the infarct segments. The phase-corrected magnitude was lower in the infarct zone than in the normal zone before reperfusion (0.3+/-2.5 versus 5.2+/-1.7 dB, P<.05). At day 3, the phase-corrected magnitude increased by 2.1+/-2.6 dB despite no improvement in wall motion. Improvement in wall motion was observed only at day 21. The patients with the phase-corrected magnitude of > or =2.0 dB at day 3 showed significantly lower wall motion score at day 21 than did the other patients (1.7+/-0.6 versus 2.4+/-0.5, P<.01).'] Does ultrasonic tissue characterization predict myocardial viability in early stage of reperfused acute myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8033241033554077,
-1.4950764179229736,
2.326270818710327
] |
['This study was designed to investigate whether the in vivo metabolism of tramadol was influenced by CYP2D6 polymorphism.', 'The extent of tramadol O- and N-demethylation was calculated by determining the amounts of tramadol and O- and N-desmethyltramadol in 24 h urine after ingestion of a test dose of tramadol. The O- and N-demethylation rates were calculated by dividing the 24-h urinary excretion amount of tramadol by that of O- and N-desmethyltramadol. Volunteers were phenotyped for CYP2D6 polymorphism using sparteine as an in vivo probe.'] Does polymorphic CYP2D6 mediate O-demethylation of the opioid analgesic tramadol? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3473098278045654,
-1.3327442407608032,
2.7069623470306396
] |
['To determine if treatment with low-dose aspirin (ASA) influences the bioavailability of orally administered alcohol and to assess whether this is caused by altered gastric emptying as measured by the paracetamol absorption test.', 'In a single-center controlled crossover trial, ten healthy male medical students, aged 20-27 years, participated in two experiments in random order. Both times they took paracetamol (1.5 g together with a standardized breakfast) and drank ethanol (0.3 g/kg) 1 h after eating breakfast. On one drinking occasion, no previous medication was given. The other alcohol session was performed after the subjects had taken 75 mg ASA once daily for 7 days. On both occasions, venous blood samples were obtained at exactly timed intervals for a period of 3.5 h.', 'The blood-ethanol profiles showed large interindividual variations for both experiments. After treatment with ASA, the maximum blood-ethanol concentration was distinctly lower in seven subjects, almost unchanged in two subjects and increased in one subject. Overall, a statistically significant decrease in the peak blood-ethanol concentration was observed. The time required to reach peak blood-ethanol levels was somewhat longer after treatment with ASA. Although the areas under the concentration-time profiles were smaller after ASA treatment, these differences were not statistically significant. The concentrations of paracetamol in plasma were lower when ethanol was ingested after treatment with ASA and the areas under the concentration-time curves (0-170 min) were smaller.'] Does low-dose aspirin decrease blood alcohol concentrations by delaying gastric emptying? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7261642217636108,
-1.154504418373108,
1.921692967414856
] |
['This study is a retrospective chart review designed to evaluate the incidence and reasons for removal of plates and screws after Le Fort I osteotomy.', 'The study sample consisted of patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy at the University of California, San Francisco, and Northwestern University in Chicago between December 1985 and December 1994. All patients in the study were treated with internal fixation using 2.0-mm plates and screws. All data were obtained from medical records and operative reports. The following intraoperative variables were evaluated: hardware material, plate size and shape, plate location, screw size, graft material, and intraoperative complications. For patients requiring removal of hardware, the number, location and type of plates and screws removed were recorded, as well as the reasons for removal.', 'A total of 738 plates were placed in 190 patients. Twenty-one of the 190 patients (11.1%) had at least a portion of the hardware removed because they either requested removal or required removal secondary to complications related to the plate or screw. This represented 70 of 738 plates (9.5%). The percentage of titanium plates removed was greater than the percentage of Vitallium plates removed. The reasons for removal included pain, palpation by the patient, sinusitis, temperature sensitivity, infection, and patient request.'] Do the removal of plates and screws after Le Fort I osteotomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0361847877502441,
-1.4555931091308594,
1.5785828828811646
] |
['The purpose of this study was to determine whether subhypnotic doses of propofol effectively relieve pruritus in women who received intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery. Twenty-nine women who developed pruritus after undergoing an elective cesarean section and receiving intrathecal morphine (0.25 mg) for postoperative analgesia were enrolled in this randomized, prospective, double-blind study. The women were randomly assigned to receive either 1 mL of propofol (n = 17) or 1 mL of placebo (n = 12) I.V. Pruritus was evaluated 5 min after treatment. In the absence of successful treatment, the women received another 1 mL of the same drug. Pruritus was again evaluated 5 min after the second dose. We found that pruritus was successfully treated twice in the propofol group and once in the placebo group (P = not significant). The antipruritic action of propofol lasted for up to 6 h in one woman and 15 min in the other. The one success in the placebo group lasted for 15 min. We conclude that the success rate of propofol in treating pruritus in women who received intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery is not significantly different from that of placebo.'] Do subhypnotic doses of propofol relieve pruritus induced by intrathecal morphine after cesarean section? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.579651117324829,
-1.2386832237243652,
1.8732070922851562
] |
['In a prospective study of psychobiological responses in patients with operable breast cancer, psychological data were collected one day before surgery and immunological data one day before and seven days after surgery.', 'Explore psychoimmunological correlates related to primary surgical treatment of women with operable breast cancer.', 'Distress was assessed with Impact of Event Scale (IES), depression with Montgomery-Aasberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), coping with Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale, emotional suppression with Courtauld Emotional Control scale (CECS) and neuroticism with EPQ-N. Number of lymphocytes and subsets of lymphocytes were analyzed using a flow-cytometric method.', "Intrusive anxiety and anxious preoccupation were statistically significant inversely correlated to number of lymphocytes, B, T total and T4 lymphocytes and depression to B and T4 lymphocytes using Bonferroni's correction for multiple testing. Multivariate analyses including menopausal status, type of surgery and health behaviour variables demonstrated an independent, inverse effect of depression on total number of lymphocytes, T total and T4 lymphocytes 7 days after surgery. Pre-post immune changes were influenced reversely by depression (decreased) and intrusion (increased)."] Do pre-operative [ correction of Properative ] psychological variables predict immunological status in patients with operable breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5268046855926514,
-1.1148102283477783,
2.817549228668213
] |
['To study the ventilatory effects of closely monitored cycle ergometer conditioning (HR target, 145-150 beats x min(-1); 25 min/session; three sessions per week) during the second and third pregnancy trimesters (TMs) in healthy human pregnancy.', 'Subjects were 27 previously sedentary pregnant women (exercised group, EG). A sedentary control group (CG, N = 20) was also studied. Subjects were tested at rest and during upright cycle ergometry at three steady-state power outputs (approximately 20, 45, and 65 W) at the start of the second TM (ENTRY), at the end of the second and third TMs (post-training), and 3 months postpartum (PP, nonpregnant control).', 'Significant reductions in exercise HR were observed in the EG at each exercise level, confirming achievement of an aerobic conditioning effect. In both groups the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/O2) was significantly higher at all work rates during pregnancy compared with that during PP. This effect was caused by significantly higher exercise tidal volumes (VT) at each work rate in both groups during pregnancy versus PP. Respiratory sensitivity as reflected by the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (E/VECO2) and calculated arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) was significantly increased at all three work rates in late gestation versus PP and increased slightly with advancing gestational age in both groups. The main effects of physical conditioning were attenuation of increases in VE/VO2 observed at all exercise levels between the end of TM2 and TM3 and reductions in respiratory perception of effort (RPEr) between ENTRY and the end of TM3. Attenuation of increases in VE/VO2 during TM3 in the EG was attributed to the combined effects of enhanced fat versus carbohydrate utilization (resulting in reduced CO2 output and drive to ventilate) and attenuation of pregnancy-induced increases in dead space ventilation in late gestation.'] Does physical conditioning attenuate respiratory responses to steady-state exercise in late gestation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1883769035339355,
-0.9489054679870605,
2.1891322135925293
] |
["Peyronie's disease is a connective tissue disorder resulting in fibrotic plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. One approach to repair consists of plaque excision and patching with one of many potential patch materials. Because the optimal patch material for covering the resultant defect has not been determined, this study compares histological and cavernosometric changes in the penis as a result of the placement of three different types of patch grafts used in surgery for Peyronie's disease.", "Eleven mongrel dogs were divided into three groups, each receiving a different patch material (superficial dorsal penile vein, silicone fabric, and dermabraded preputial flap). Each dog had dynamic infusion cavernosometry (DIC) performed prior to placement of the patch over a 6 x 3 mm. defect surgically created in the tunica albuginea. Three months later, DIC was repeated prior to sacrifice. Histology of the penis was examined using Masson's trichrome, and hematoxylin and eosin stains.", 'The only difference among the cavernosometric parameters (preop versus postop) was a higher initial pressure in the dermabraded preputial flap group postoperatively. The dogs undergoing vein patch had moderate fibrosis with apparent reformation of the tunica albuginea over the patch site. The normal venous architecture of the graft was no longer recognizable. Those dogs receiving a silicone patch had moderate fibrosis with a fibrous sheath of compressed histiocytes and fibroblasts enveloping the graft site. Finally, the dermabraded preputial flap patch group had mild-moderate fibrosis with focal loss of the cavernosal space underlying the flap.'] Does comparison of tunica albuginea substitute for the treatment of Peyronie 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4497931003570557,
-1.3053934574127197,
2.814645528793335
] |
['Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with endothelial dysfunction including impaired endothelium-mediated, flow-dependent dilation (FDD). There is evidence for increased radical formation in CHF, raising the possibility that nitric oxide is inactivated by radicals, thereby impairing endothelial function. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of the antioxidant vitamin C on FDD in patients with CHF.', 'High-resolution ultrasound and Doppler was used to measure radial artery diameter and blood flow in 15 patients with CHF and 8 healthy volunteers. Vascular effects of vitamin C (25 mg/min IA) and placebo were determined at rest and during reactive hyperemia (causing endothelium-mediated dilation) before and after intra-arterial infusion of N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) to inhibit endothelial synthesis of nitric oxide. Vitamin C restored FDD in patients with heart failure after acute intra-arterial administration (13.2+/-1.7% versus 8.2+/-1.0%; P<.01) and after 4 weeks of oral therapy (11.9+/-0.9% versus 8.2+/-1.0%; P<.05). In particular, the portion of FDD mediated by nitric oxide (ie, inhibited by L-NMMA) was increased after acute as well as after chronic treatment (CHF baseline: 4.2+/-0.7%; acute: 9.1+/-1.3%; chronic: 7.3+/-1.2%; normal subjects: 8.9+/-0.8%; P<.01).'] Does vitamin C improve endothelial function of conduit arteries in patients with chronic heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9287313222885132,
-1.5769355297088623,
2.4793262481689453
] |
['Injection of different size ranges and concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam particles was performed to determine the optimal and maximum size ranges and concentrations that may be injected reliably through microcatheters used for vascular embolization.', 'Eight different microcatheters were tested. Six different size ranges of PVA foam particles (three each from two manufacturers) at three different concentrations were tested with each catheter. All PVA foam particles were suspended in dilute low-osmolarity contrast material. For each size range and concentration of PVA foam particles, sixty 1-mL injections were made into each catheter tested. Continuous pressure monitoring was employed during all injections.', 'For each catheter, the authors determined recommended maximum size ranges of PVA foam particles that may be injected with reasonable pressure and minimal risk of inadvertent catheter occlusion. Among the four catheters used with 0.014-0.016-inch guide wires, the authors found that PVA foam particles as large as 1,000-1,500 microm could be injected without catheter occlusion. PVA foam particles as large as 710-1,000 microm could be injected through one catheter used with 0.010-0.013-inch guide wires. Particles as small as 300-500 microm occluded the other catheter used with the same size guide wires. Both of the flow-directed microcatheters tested would allow injection of PVA foam particles as large as 355-500 microm.'] Do polyvinyl alcohol foam particle sizes and concentrations injectable through microcatheters? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.3464851379394531,
-1.543443202972412,
0.38284873962402344
] |
['To compare the views of women from non-English-speaking backgrounds who received antenatal care at a public hospital clinic with those whose care was shared between a public hospital clinic and a general practitioner.', "Structured interviews in the language of the woman's choice.", 'Women were recruited from the postnatal wards of three maternity teaching hospitals in Melbourne between July 1994 and November 1995, and interviewed six to nine months later.', 'Women born in Vietnam, Turkey and the Philippines who gave birth to a live healthy baby (over 1500 g) were eligible. Of 435 women recruited, 318 (Vietnamese [32.7%], Filipino [33.6%] and Turkish [33.6%]) completed the study.', "Women's ratings of their antenatal care overall and views on specific aspects of their antenatal care.", 'Women in shared care (n = 151) were not more likely than women in public clinic care (n = 143) to rate their care as "very good" (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.72-2.63). Satisfaction with particular aspects of care (waiting times, opportunity to ask questions, whether caregivers were rushed, whether concerns were taken seriously) did not differ significantly between those in shared care and those in public clinic care. Women in shared care were not happier with their medical care than women in public clinic care (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.35-1.96), but were more likely to see a caregiver who spoke their language (OR, 17.69; 95% CI, 6.15-69.06), although two-thirds still saw a GP who spoke only English.'] Does shared antenatal care fail to rate well with women of non-English-speaking backgrounds? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.1490088850259781,
1.2172092199325562,
-1.8297467231750488
] |
['Following cold water immersion, the post-cooling decrease in esophageal temperature (Tes) (i.e., afterdrop) is 3 times greater during exercise than during shivering, presumably due to increased muscular blood flow and convective core-to-periphery heat loss with exercise (J. Appl. Physiol. 63:2375, 1987). We felt that if exercise were to commence once the afterdrop period during shivering is complete, the threat of a further decrease in Tes (i.e., a second afterdrop) during the subsequent exercise would be minimized because much of the convective capacity for core cooling would already be dissipated.', 'Six subjects were each cooled three times in 8 degrees C water, until Tes decreased to 35.3 +/- 0.7 degrees C, and rewarmed by either shivering alone, exercise, or exercise commencing once a shivering afterdrop period was complete.', 'The initial afterdrop was greater during Exercise only (1.1 +/- 0.4 degrees C) than Shivering only (0.35 +/- 0.3 degrees C) and Shivering-Exercise (0.45 +/- 0.2 degrees C) (p < 0.05). In contrast, exercise caused a secondary afterdrop of only 0.38 +/- 0.3 degrees C during Shivering-Exercise (p < 0.05). The initial rewarming rate during Exercise only (3.45 degrees C.h-1) was greater than the initial (2.7 degrees C.h-1) and second (2.4 degrees C.h-1) rewarming rates during Shivering-Exercise (p < 0.05), but not significantly greater than during Shivering only (2.99 degrees C.h-1) (p < 0.1).'] Does the convective afterdrop component during hypothermic exercise decrease with delayed exercise onset? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.87427818775177,
-0.7777073383331299,
0.7705231308937073
] |
['Information about venous gas emboli (VGE) detected in the pulmonary artery such as the occurrence of VGE, Grade of VGE, the time when VGE first appear, and the time course of the Grade or occurrence of VGE, could be used to better assess the probability of decompression sickness [P(DCS)] in any hypobaric decompression. We hypothesized that these data would improve the estimate of P(DCS) since objective measurements of the decompression stress are available for the individual.', 'A binary correlation and survival analysis approach were used on information from 1,322 hypobaric chamber exposures to establish the relationships between VGE and DCS.', 'Based on the correlation analysis, the absence of VGE is highly correlated with the absence of a DCS symptom, as evident from a negative predictive value of 0.98. However, the presence of VGE in the pulmonary artery is not highly correlated with a subsequent DCS symptom, as evident from a positive predictive value of 0.39 for Grades III and IV VGE. The correlation results suggest the presence of VGE in the pulmonary artery is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for DCS. Based on the survival analysis, the log logistic survival model, a one-variable model with two parameters gave a log likelihood (LL) of -757. This model was expanded to include seven additional variables, including four about VGE, and the nine-parameter model gave a better LL of -481.'] Does information about venous gas emboli improve prediction of hypobaric decompression sickness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2958332300186157,
-1.5006355047225952,
1.7750790119171143
] |
['To assess whether the biological quality of corneoscleral tissue dissected in situ is, after organ culture, comparable to that harvested after enucleation.', 'Corneoscleral discs were prepared from 23 donor eyes, either after enucleation, under laminar flow conditions (right eyes; group 1) or by direct excision in situ (left eyes; group 2). Endothelial cell counts were made and the degree of tissue contamination assessed both prior to and upon termination of organ culture.', 'Microbial growth was found in 12/22 conjunctival swabs collected from group 1 eyes and in 14/22 of those obtained from group 2 globes (p = 0.76). Bacterial growth was detected in four primary culture media, two from each group, at low colony densities. No significant difference in endothelial cell counts were encountered between the two groups, either immediately after dissection [group 1: 2940 +/- 308 (2100-3500) c/mm2; group 2: 2947 +/- 345 (2200-3700) c/mm2; p = 0.945] or upon termination of organ culture [group 1: 2646 +/- 321 (1895-3200); group 2: 2723 +/- 312 (2100-3650); p = 0.413].'] Are corneoscleral discs excised from enucleated and non-enucleated eyes equally suitable for transplantation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6852726936340332,
-1.4797464609146118,
2.2687790393829346
] |
['In superficial urothelial tumors of the bladder, p53 status is currently the most informative pretreatment parameter to define a population at higher risk for invasive carcinoma. Also, in T1 tumors, occurrence of muscular invasion is often related to an early relapse following BCG therapy. With the knowledge of biological parameters able to identify the group of initial BCG therapy non-responders, it would be possible to offer earlier treatment to the patients who need a more aggressive mode of therapy. The aim of this work was to study the predictive value of the p53 tumor status on the early BCG therapy response.', 'The population included a selected group of 43 patients presenting T1 bladder tumors with no carcinoma in situ (Tis), treated by transurethral resection (TUR) followed by intravesical BCG therapy. Clinical outcome was analyzed in relation to usual clinical and histopathological parameters, and pretreatment p53 tumor status was assayed by an immunohistochemical technique using DO7 monoclonal antibody. For 16 specimens, p53 gene was investigated using a Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and sequence determination.', 'p53 anomalies were strongly correlated to smoking behavior (p = 0.003) and tumoral grade (p = 0.025). Univariate analysis revealed an absence of correlation between p53 immunostaining and initial, one and two years response-rate to BCG therapy. However, longterm followup revealed a trend between positive staining and disease progression. The p53 molecular study validated the use of DO7 immunostaining in detection of p53 anomalies.'] Does p53 status predict initial clinical response to bacillus Calmette-Guerin intravesical therapy in T1 bladder tumors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3097989559173584,
-1.402790904045105,
2.801307201385498
] |
['Because clonidine has analgesic and sedative properties, it may influence the awakening concentration or dose of an anesthetic. To investigate the effects of oral clonidine premedication on emergence from isoflurane anesthesia, we studied 61 ASA physical status I or II patients undergoing superficial operations. They were randomly allocated to one of three groups according to the dose of clonidine they received: the clonidine-2.5 group (n = 21), clonidine-5 group (n = 20), and control group (n = 20) received approximately 2.5, 5, or 0 microg/kg oral clonidine, respectively, in addition to 20 mg of famotidine 90 min before general anesthesia induction. Anesthesia was induced by thiamylal 5 mg/kg, and tracheal intubation was facilitated with succinylcholine 1.5 mg/kg I.V. Anesthesia was maintained with a 1.1% end-tidal isoflurane concentration and 67% N2O in oxygen, while ventilation was controlled to maintain end-tidal CO2 tension between 33 and 38 mm Hg. After surgery, N2O was discontinued while the end-tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained at 1.1%. After confirming the end-tidal N2O concentration of 0%, isoflurane was discontinued. The end-tidal isoflurane concentration at the time when patients responded to a standardized verbal command to open their eyes was recorded as MAC-Awake. The MAC-Awake values in the clonidine-5 group (0.22% +/- 0.09% [mean +/- SD]) was significantly less than those in the clonidine-2.5 and control groups (0.28% +/- 0.07% and 0.30% +/- 0.07%, respectively, P < 0.05). The wake-up time, from discontinuance of isoflurane until arousal, was longer in the clonidine-2.5 and clonidine-5 groups than in the control group (17.3 +/- 8.0, 16.9 +/- 7.0, and 10.6 +/- 5.3 min, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, oral clonidine premedication 5 microg/kg decreases the awakening concentration of isoflurane, and arousal from isoflurane anesthesia is prolonged with oral clonidine in a dose of 2.5-5 microg/kg.'] Does oral clonidine premedication reduce the awakening concentration of isoflurane? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5155073404312134,
-1.7150073051452637,
2.2317867279052734
] |
['Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) sometimes provides substantial cerebral protection during hypoxia or ischemia. 31P/1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of cerebrocortical slices was used to study the effects of FBP on hypoxia-induced metabolic changes. In addition, 13C-labeled glucose was administered and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to search for FBP-induced modulations in glycolysis and the pentose-phosphate pathway.', 'In each experiment, 80 slices (350 microm) obtained from ten 7-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat litter mates were placed together in a 20-mm nuclear magnetic resonance tube, perfused, and subjected to 30 min of hypoxia (PO2 < 3 mmHg). Nine experiments were performed, with n = 3 in each of three groups: (1) no treatment with FBP; (2) 60 min of prehypoxia treatment with FBP (2 mM); and (3) 60 min of posthypoxia treatment with FBP (2 mM). 31P/1H Interleaved nuclear magnetic resonance spectra at 4.7 T provided average adenosine triphosphate, intracellular pH, and lactate. Cresyl violet stains of random slices taken at predetermined time points were studied histologically. Some experiments had [2-13C]glucose in the perfusate. Slices from these studies were frozen for perchloric acid extraction of intracellular metabolites and studied with high-resolution 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 11.75 T.', 'With no pretreatment with FBP, hypoxia caused an approximately 50% loss of adenosine triphosphate, an approximately 700% increase in lactate, and a decrease in intracellular pH to approximately 6.4. Pretreatment with FBP resulted in no detectable loss of adenosine triphosphate, no increase in lactate, and minimal morphologic changes but did not alter decreases in intracellular pH. 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of extracted metabolites showed that pretreatment caused accumulation of [1-13C]fructose-6-phosphate, an early pentose-phosphate pathway metabolite. Posthypoxic treatment with FBP had no effects compared with no treatment.'] Does fructose-1,6-bisphosphate preserve adenosine triphosphate but not intracellular pH during hypoxia in respiring neonatal rat brain slices? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0373196601867676,
-1.5462231636047363,
2.556647300720215
] |
['Sexual transmission of HIV is the most common route of HIV transmission throughout the world. To prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection, a vaccine is urgently needed. A previous report demonstrated the targeted immunization of the iliac lymph nodes with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) subunits protects rhesus macaques from rectal challenge with SIV. We sought to determine whether this immunization strategy could protect rhesus macaques from vaginal challenge with SIV.', 'Macaques were immunized with either whole-killed SIV or envelope and core subunit antigen vaccines. Using three independent groups, with three macaques in each group, macaques were immunized by the targeted iliac lymph-node (TILN) route, injecting the vaccine close to the iliac lymph nodes that drain the genital tract.', 'The TILN immunization procedure induced high-titer SIV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies in serum in all animals and anti-SIV IgG and IgA antibodies in the cervicovaginal secretions of most animals. After a series of three or four TILN immunizations, the animals were intravaginally challenged with SIVmac251. All animals became virus isolation-positive, except one animal immunized with SIV p27 and gp120. This animal was virus isolation-negative but SIV DNA proviral sequences were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.'] Does targeted lymph-node immunization with whole inactivated simian immunodeficiency virus ( SIV ) or envelope and core subunit antigen vaccines reliably protect rhesus macaques from vaginal challenge with SIVmac251? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3145453929901123,
-1.3588438034057617,
2.821516752243042
] |
["To determine whether radiologists' review of radiographs is unwarranted when emergency physicians are confident in their interpretations.", 'This was a prospective, descriptive study. Treating emergency physicians at a high-volume, urban teaching hospital and a moderate-volume nonteaching hospital indicated their confidence or lack of confidence in their plain-film radiographic study interpretations. All radiographs were then reviewed by radiologists according to the preexisting practice of each hospital. A total of 16,410 emergency department radiographic studies were included, comprising consecutive patients at each hospital. Charts of all discordant readings in the confident group were reviewed and judged clinically significant if treatment was altered. Charges for radiologic review of the confident ED interpretations were calculated.', 'The ED physicians were confident in 9,599 sets of radiographs out of a total of 16,410 (58%). Discordant interpretation rates for the "confident" and "not confident" groups were 1.2% and 3.1%, respectively (difference, 1.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] of the difference, 1.44% to 2.36%). Review of the 118 discordant interpretations in the confident group demonstrated that 11 were significant. Few management changes were made as a result of radiologists\' review of these radiographs. Total radiology review charges for the confident group were $215,338. Therefore the average radiology charge for each significant discordant interpretation was $19,576.'] Does radiologists ' review of radiographs interpreted confidently by emergency physicians infrequently lead to changes in patient management? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.4302922785282135,
-1.1539051532745361,
0.6371462941169739
] |
['The use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) by EMS initial responders is widely advocated. Evidence supporting the use of AEDs is based largely on the experience of one metropolitan area, with effect on survival in many systems not yet proved. We conducted this study to determine whether the addition of AEDs to an EMS system with a response time of 4 minutes for first-responder emergency medical technicians (FREMTs) and 10 minutes for paramedics would affect survival from cardiac arrest.', 'This prospective, controlled, crossover study (AED versus no AED) of consecutive cardiac arrests managed by 24 FREMT fire companies took place from 1992 to 1995 in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city of 455,000. Patients were stratified using the Utstein criteria. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge among patients with bystander-witnessed arrests of cardiac origin.', 'Of the 627 patients, 243 were bystander-witnessed arrests of cardiac origin. Survival to hospital discharge was accomplished in 5 of 110 patients (4.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6% to 8.4%) with AED compared with 7 of 133 (5.3%, 95% CI 1.5% to 9.1%) without AED (P = .8). Both groups were comparable with regard to age, gender, history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or diabetes, arrest at home, bystander CPR, and whether or not ventricular fibrillation (VF) was the initial rhythm. For arrests of any cause, witnessed by bystanders or EMS personnel, with an initial rhythm of VF or ventricular tachycardia (VT), 5 of 77 (6.5%, 95% CI 1.0% to 12.0%) with AED survived compared with 8 of 105 patients (7.6%, 95% CI 2.5% to 12.7%) without AED (P = .8). Statistically significant differences were noted in race and EMS response times between the two groups, which did not affect survival.'] Does eMT defibrillation increase survival from sudden cardiac death in a two-tiered urban-suburban EMS system? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9756416082382202,
-0.9882776141166687,
2.0248594284057617
] |
['The relationship between deep and superficial venous reflux and healing of venous ulceration by non-operative compression therapy has not been studied previously.', 'A total of 155 patients with chronic venous ulcers underwent duplex ultrasonography before treatment with compression bandaging at a hospital-based venous clinic.', 'At 24 weeks, 104 (67 per cent) of ulcers had healed. There was no significant difference in the pattern of either deep or superficial venous reflux between healed and non-healed ulcers except with respect to the popliteal vein. In healed ulcers, 39 scans (38 per cent) indicated competence of the above-knee popliteal vein compared with five (10 per cent) in the non-healing group (P < 0.001, chi 2 test). Similarly, 43 scans (42 per cent) showed below-knee popliteal vein competence in the healed ulcers compared with only five (10 per cent) performed in legs remaining ulcerated (P < 0.001, chi 2 test).'] Does popliteal vein reflux reduce the healing of chronic venous ulcer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8724720478057861,
-1.3187389373779297,
1.2265231609344482
] |
['The aim of this study was to investigate whether the introduction of routine transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography during carotid endarterectomy reduces the incidence of microembolization by altering operative technique.', 'The number and nature of microemboli detected during the first 75 consecutive carotid endarterectomies performed with TCD monitoring during 1992-1993 (group 1) were compared with those in a similar series of 75 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy in 1995 (group 2), after substantial experience (210 patients) with TCD monitoring. Emboli were classified as either particulate or gaseous.', 'In patients with evidence of particulate emboli during the dissection phase of the operation, the total number of particulate emboli fell significantly in patients in group 2 (P = 0.019). Similarly, in patients in whom microembolization was detected on immediate opening of the shunt, the total number of microemboli also fell significantly in group 2 (P = 0.003). Overall, the median (95 per cent confidence interval) number of particulate emboli detected during the entire procedure fell significantly from 21 (16-29) in group 1 to 9 (7-14) in group 2 (P = 0.0008).'] Does experience with transcranial Doppler monitoring reduce the incidence of particulate embolization during carotid endarterectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4733914136886597,
-1.1326241493225098,
1.6541260480880737
] |
['This study examined two matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their association with deposition of collagen during wound repair.', 'In 15 hernia wounds, wound fluid was collected using two Cellstick devices, which were implanted adjacent to two expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubes. MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were analysed 24 and 48 h after operation using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and collagen deposition in the ePTFE tubes was measured 10 days after operation as hydroxyproline.', 'The levels of both MMPs in wound fluid were increased compared with those of control serum, although MMP-9 decreased (P < 0.01) in the wounds 24-48 h after operation. The MMP-9 level at 24 h correlated inversely and specifically to deposited collagen measured as hydroxyproline (rs = -0.80, P < 0.01).'] Does matrix metalloproteinase 9 level predict optimal collagen deposition during early wound repair in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9410114288330078,
-1.4747655391693115,
2.4578845500946045
] |
['Both experimental and clinical studies have shown that the increase in regional blood flow induced by acetylcholine is not completely prevented by inhibitors of the synthesis of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. To establish the role of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and prostacyclin in mediating acetylcholine-induced increase in peripheral blood flow in humans, we assessed the effects of acetylcholine on the iliac artery blood flow velocity before and after glibenclamide, an antagonist of KATP channels, or before and after acetylsalicylic acid, an inhibitor of prostacyclin production.', 'Seventeen patients without evidence of peripheral vascular disease and normal coronary arteries at angiography received intra-iliac incremental bolus injections of acetylcholine (0.2, 2, 20 and 50 micrograms) via a 5F femoral sheath, at the end of routine cardiac catheterization. All injections were repeated 90 minutes after oral administration of glibenclamide (10 mg) in 10 patients of 15 minutes after i.v. infusion of acetylsalicylic acid (1000 mg) in the remaining 7 patients. Right iliac artery blood flow velocity was measured by using an intravascular 0.014-in Doppler guidewire.', 'Before glibenclamide or acetylsalicylic acid administration, acetylcholine infusion increased average peak velocity by 128% (p < 0.001) and by 121% (p < 0.001), respectively. After glibenclamide or acetylsalicylic acid the increases of average peak velocity during acetylcholine infusion (by 121%, p < 0.001, and by 121%, p < 0.001, respectively) were similar (p = ns) to those observed during the control infusion.'] Is acetylcholine-induced vasodilatation in the human peripheral circulation independent of ATP-sensitive K+ channels and prostacyclin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.179672956466675,
-1.4684165716171265,
2.673689126968384
] |
['Hemodialysis sessions with high-flux filters ask for a reconsideration of the kinetics of xenobiotics. The aim of this study was to analyze whether individual high-flux hemodialysis treatment parameters are of predictive value for dosing guidelines, with use of vancomycin as a model compound.', 'Twenty-six patients receiving high-flux hemodialysis were studied prospectively. After an intravenous infusion of 1000 mg or 500 mg vancomycin, respectively, six to eight blood samples were collected within a period of 5 to 9 days, including one hemodialysis session. Serum vancomycin concentrations were measured by HPLC. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling (NONMEM) was used to fit a two-compartment population pharmacokinetic model to the data of 20 patients; the data of the remaining six patients (group II) were used for a prospective evaluation of the model.', 'A linear relationship was found between vancomycin filter clearance (CLDV) and urea filter clearance (CLDBUN), derived from Kt/V (the product of urea clearance [K] and dialysis treatment time [t], standardized for the urea volume of distribution [V]). Mean (coefficient of variation) steady-state volume of distribution was 1.05 L/kg (22%), CLDV was 0.336.CLDBUN (13%), and residual interdialytic clearance was 2.25 ml/min (90%) in patients with creatinine clearance values (CLCR) below 2 ml/min and 2.25 ml/min + 0.59.CLCR (32%) in patients with CLCR values above 2 ml/min. The model predicted predialysis vancomycin concentrations before the first and the second postinfusion dialysis session in the six patients of group II, with a deviation of 1.8 +/- 1.0 mg/L and 0.8 +/- 0.5 mg/L, respectively.'] Do urea kinetics and dialysis treatment time predict vancomycin elimination during high-flux hemodialysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.832863450050354,
-1.6142222881317139,
2.506676197052002
] |
['Differential growth is fundamental to most mechanisms proposed for axial rotation in amniotes. Other mechanisms such as changes in cell shape are not consistently suggested by ultrastructure. Lateral asymmetries in cell proliferation exist in mouse and chick embryos undergoing normal, anticlockwise axial rotation, but there has been no investigation of inverse clockwise rotation that could test the correlation.', 'We used the BALB/cHu-iv/iv, situs inversus mouse to test the apparent correlation of lateral asymmetries with morphogenesis that we saw in cell division patterns of normally rotating mice. Proliferation indices were collected from tritium autoradiograms.', 'Asymmetry of cell proliferation in inverse axial rotation is a mirror image of the pattern seen for normal axial rotation: right predominates over left. This asymmetry is statistically significant and correlates with morphology. Patterns of proliferation in constraining extraembryonic membranes, particularly visceral yolk sac, suggest that rotation could be pushed by uneven lateral growth as body and gut tubes form, for they are attached to these membranes.'] Does right-left asymmetry of cell proliferation predominate in mouse embryos undergoing clockwise axial rotation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5590357780456543,
-1.088997721672058,
2.769684314727783
] |
['Ischemic brain injury secondary to an arterial occlusion is characterized by acute local inflammation. Blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), primarily neutrophils, adhere to endothelial cells and rapidly invade the injured brain after the arterial occlusion. This neutrophilic invasion might correlate with the production of certain chemoattractants by blood mononuclear cells (MNC). We evaluated mRNA expression of the CXC chemokine interleukin (IL)-8, and the CC chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and MIP-1beta in blood MNC from patients with ischemic stroke.', 'Peripheral blood was obtained at 8 AM on days 1 to 7 (mean, day 3) after onset of symptoms. In situ hybridization with radiolabeled synthetic oligonucleotide probes for the chemokines was adopted to measure chemokine mRNA expression in MNC. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-8 was used to measure IL-8 levels in plasma.', 'Most patients with ischemic stroke had high numbers of IL-8 mRNA expressing blood MNC, regardless of the time interval between onset of clinical symptoms and examination. There was a marked difference between patients with ischemic stroke and healthy subjects (median, 6228 versus 885 positive cells per 10(5) MNC; P<.0001). IL-8 levels in plasma correlated positively to IL-8 mRNA expression in examined patients (n=7) with ischemic stroke (r=.78, P<.05). In contrast, mRNA expression for the CC chemokines showed no significant difference between patients with ischemic stroke and healthy control subjects.'] Is ischemic stroke associated with a systemic increase of blood mononuclear cells expressing interleukin-8 mRNA? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.16511607170105,
-1.5082223415374756,
2.6652090549468994
] |
['Animal studies suggest that nitric oxide (NO) is important in basal cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation and that it may mediate the vasodilatory response to carbon dioxide. We investigated its role in the human circulation using the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA).', 'L-NMMA was administered as an intravenous bolus at three doses (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg). CBF was assessed by color velocity ultrasonic imaging of internal and common carotid artery volume flow (ICA flow and CCA flow) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound measurement of middle cerebral artery flow velocity (MCAv). The pressor effect of L-NMMA was controlled for by comparison with noradrenaline titrated to effect an equivalent blood pressure elevation.', 'L-NMMA produced a dose-dependent reduction in basal mean+/-SD CCA flow from 415.2+/-51.9 to 294+/-56.2 mL/min (at 10 mg/kg) and ICA flow from 268.8+/-59.4 to 226.2+/-72.6 mL/min (P<.005 and P<.05, respectively, comparing areas under the dose-response curve). This was reversed by L-arginine. Mean+/-SD systemic blood pressure rose from 85.2+/-6.4 to 100.8+/-9.6 mm Hg (P<.01). There was no significant reduction in MCAv. There was no significant change in the CBF response to either 6% or 8% carbon dioxide after L-NMMA. Noradrenaline produced a lesser fall in basal CCA flow (12.0%) but had a similar effect on the hypercapnic response.'] Does nitric oxide synthase inhibition in humans reduce cerebral blood flow but not the hyperemic response to hypercapnia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8388701677322388,
-1.5606355667114258,
2.4195170402526855
] |
['Patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest have a high early mortality rate. Prognostic evaluation based on clinical observations is uncertain and would benefit from the use of biochemical markers of hypoxic brain damage. The astroglial protein S-100 is an established biochemical marker of central nervous system injury. The purpose of the present study was to validate the use of serum determinations of S-100 with regard to outcome after cardiac arrest.', 'Levels of serum S-100 were measured with a radioimmunoassay in 41 patients the first 3 days after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The main outcome variable was fatal outcome within 14 days.', 'S-100 levels were increased after cardiac arrest compared with controls with the highest levels observed the first day. S-100 levels day 1 and 2 correlated to the degree of coma as well as to the time of anoxia. Seventeen patients died within 14 days after the cardiac arrest. The deceased patients had increased S-100 levels on days 1 through 3 compared with survivors. All patients (100%) with an S-100 level of > or =0.2 on day 2 after the cardiac arrest died within 14 days, and 89% of the patients with levels below this limit value survived (positive and negative predictive values). The corresponding predictive values on day 1 were 71% and 85%, respectively.'] Are increased serum levels of the S-100 protein associated with hypoxic brain damage after cardiac arrest? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.6337952017784119,
-1.5951628684997559,
1.2649672031402588
] |
['Differential gene expression has been reported following the onset of focal stroke. To identify de novo expression of ischemia-induced genes, we applied subtractive cDNA library strategy to identify the genes that are selectively upregulated by focal stroke.', 'Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subjected to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). mRNAs prepared from ischemic and nonischemic cortex 2 and 12 hours after MCAO were subtracted, and a subtractive cDNA library was constructed. A cDNA that encodes for tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) was identified in the subtractive cDNA library. The temporal expression of cortical TIMP-1 mRNA was further characterized in ischemic cortex subjected to permanent or temporary (160-minute) MCAO.', 'A panel of genes isolated from the subtractive cDNA library was subjected to Southern analysis to confirm ischemia-induced gene expression. TIMP-1 demonstrated robust induction after ischemic injury. Time-course studies revealed that TIMP-1 mRNA was induced threefold over controls at 12 hours (P<.001, n=4 animals) and reached a peak level at 2 days after permanent MCAO (sevenfold increase, P<.001). Similar induction profile of TIMP-1 mRNA was observed in the ischemic cortex after temporary MCAO followed by reperfusion.'] Does subtractive cloning identify tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 ( TIMP-1 ) increased gene expression following focal stroke? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.316434621810913,
-1.3413881063461304,
2.7048869132995605
] |
['Propofol and thiopental have been used clinically in combination for induction of anesthesia. Studies suggest that this mixture has synergistic activity, recovery characteristics similar to propofol alone, and bactericidal effects on multiple organisms. It may therefore be both clinically useful and cost-effective. In this study, we examined the chemical stability of this mixture. We used high-performance liquid chromatography to quantify the concentration of both propofol and thiopental in a given sample. This technique allows the detection of loss in total drug mass and of the appearance of breakdown products resulting from drug interaction. Ten samples of a 1:1 mixture by volume were prepared and assayed at Time 0 and Days 1, 3, and 7. Half the samples were incubated at 23 degrees C and the rest were stored at 4 degrees C. Other mixtures were assayed before and after filtration at Time 0 and Days 1 and 7 after storage at 23 degrees C. The assay was able to measure accurately the quantity of drug present in the samples. There was no significant decrease in the quantities of either propofol or thiopental in the mixture over the 7-day period. We conclude that the 1:1 volume mixture of propofol and thiopental is chemically stable for 1 wk at room temperature.'] Is propofol and thiopental in a 1:1 volume mixture chemically stable? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1561094522476196,
-1.3522380590438843,
1.6295506954193115
] |
['Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a ubiquitous signaling protein that has been associated with cellular proliferation; however, its role in cellular migration has not been established. In this study, we investigate the role of MAPK in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced migration and proliferation of human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs).', 'SMC migration was measured using a microchemotaxis assay (4 hours), and proliferation was assessed using 3H-thymidine uptake and cell counts. PD098059 was used as a specific noncompetitive inhibitor of MAPK activation.', 'Coincubation of SMCs with PD098059 resulted in significant inhibition of PDGF-BB (5 ng/ml)-induced SMC chemotaxis and proliferation. The IC50 for both processes was approximately 10 mumol/L with complete inhibition at 50 mumol/L. Stimulation of SMCs with PDGF produced an early peak in MAPK activity followed by a plateau of activity that persisted for 24 hours. We hypothesized that variations in the temporal activation of MAPK might explain the action of this enzyme on these two disparate cellular events. By adding PD098059 at intervals after stimulation of SMCs with PDGF, we demonstrated an association between MAPK activity within the first 15 minutes and SMC migration, whereas MAPK activity between 1 and 4 hours was associated with SMC proliferation.'] Are smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation mediated by distinct phases of activation of the intracellular messenger mitogen-activated protein kinase? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4157068729400635,
-1.0939072370529175,
2.487734317779541
] |
['To compare patterns of cytokine secretion in patients with new onset synovitis (< 1 yr duration, n = 14), chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 16), and healthy controls (n = 17).', 'ELIspot assays were used to detect mononuclear cells in the peripheral blood (PMBC) and synovial fluid (SFMC) secretion the type 1 cytokines interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), the type 2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10, and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Results were correlated with measures of disease activity.', 'Patients with new onset synovitis had increased (p < 0.05) numbers of PBMC secreting IL-2. The number of PBMC secreting IFN-gamma correlated with the joint score in the new onset synovitis population (p = 0.006). By comparison, patients with chronic RA had significantly increased numbers of PBMC secreting IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-alpha (p < 0.05). The production of these cytokines correlated with joint score in chronic RA (p = 0.008, 0.06, 0.001, respectively).'] Do distinct patterns of cytokine secretion characterize new onset synovitis versus chronic rheumatoid arthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.395204782485962,
-1.1363188028335571,
2.6064670085906982
] |
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