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['Dynamic calf muscle exercise of different intensities was performed at 90 degrees knee-joint flexion. To obtain different hydrostatic pressures and calf volumes, all exercise tests were conducted both in prone and supine position after 10 min of rest in the respective positions. Severe prone exercise was associated with increased anaerobic metabolism, reduced exercise tolerance time, and pain sensation. Despite these differences, maximal heart rates were nearly identical in both positions. During light to moderate exercise, heart rate was significantly increased in the prone position. In a steady-state exercise test this difference developed gradually during the first 10 min of exercise. Neither changes in muscle metabolism nor baroreceptor influence or pain sensation could account for this effect.'] Do local fluid losses enhance heart rate drives in light to moderate exercise? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5276858806610107,
0.22685664892196655,
1.3967585563659668
] |
['The malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) is a nutritional scoring system that has been associated with muscle strength among dialysis patients. We aimed to test whether MIS is able to predict muscle strength in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD) individuals.', 'This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, Hypertension, and Nephrology Division outpatient clinic. We evaluated 190 patients with NDD-CKD stages 2-5 (median 59.5 [interquartile range 51.4-66.9] years; 64% men). MIS was calculated without computing dialysis vintage to the scoring. HGS was assessed in the dominant arm. Anthropometric, laboratory, and body composition parameters were recorded.', 'A strong negative correlation was found between HGS and MIS (r = -0.42; P ≤ .001) in univariate analysis. In multivariate regressions, adjustment for age, sex, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate, body cell mass, and C-reactive protein did not materially diminish these relationships.'] Is malnutrition-inflammation score associated with handgrip strength in nondialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1774516105651855,
-1.3218107223510742,
2.5722174644470215
] |
['Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients may suffer changes in nutritional status after starting PD. Several markers can be used to evaluate these modifications, such as body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and serum creatinine. Fluid overload should be considered because it can overestimate or underestimate nutritional status. The objective of this study was to evaluate the BMI changes over time in incident PD patients and identify interactions among BMI, signs of fluid overload, serum albumin, and serum creatinine.', 'The study included a cohort of 1,997 incident PD patients of the BRAZPD recruited from 2004 to 2007. Sociodemographic data and BMI classification were obtained at baseline. The evolutions of BMI and body weight were assessed over a period of 29 months. Changes in the evolution were analyzed when a patient presented with albumin < 3.8 g/dL, creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL, or the presence of edema. Data analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects regression models as the main statistical procedure.', 'BMI increased over time (29 months) by an average of 0.05 kg/m(2) per month, and body weight increased by 0.11 kg/month for a total increase of 3.08 kg. BMI decreased by 0.12 kg/m(2) in the presence of albumin < 3.8 g/dL and by 0.38 kg/m(2) in the presence of creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL. BMI increased by 0.61 kg/m(2) in the presence of edema. BMI increased in the presence of edema and albumin < 3.8 mg/dL or edema and creatinine < 7.0 mg/dL.'] Is increase in BMI over time associated with fluid overload and signs of wasting in incident peritoneal dialysis patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0122369527816772,
-1.676877498626709,
1.7057433128356934
] |
['This study tested the hypothesis that wideband aural absorbance predicts conductive hearing loss (CHL) in children medically classified as having otitis media with effusion.', 'Absorbance was measured in the ear canal over frequencies from 0.25 to 8 kHz at ambient pressure or as a swept tympanogram. CHL was defined using criterion air-bone gaps of 20, 25, and 30 dB at octaves from 0.25 to 4 kHz. A likelihood-ratio predictor of CHL was constructed across frequency for ambient absorbance, and across frequency and pressure for absorbance tympanometry. Performance was evaluated at individual frequencies and for any frequency at which a CHL was present.', 'Absorbance and conventional 0.226-kHz tympanograms were measured in children of age three to eight years with CHL and with normal hearing.', 'Absorbance was smaller at frequencies above 0.7 kHz in the CHL group than the control group. Based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, wideband absorbance in ambient and tympanometric tests were significantly better predictors of CHL than tympanometric width, the best 0.226-kHz predictor. Accuracies of ambient and tympanometric wideband absorbance did not differ.'] Does wideband aural acoustic absorbance predict conductive hearing loss in children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4643439054489136,
-1.1198688745498657,
1.6877540349960327
] |
['Approximately one third of the hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) families carry germline mutations in the E-cadherin gene (CDH1). Risk prediction in members of families with this rare but deadly cancer could be improved by the identification of additional HDGC genes in non-CDH1 families.', 'Affected individuals from 22 CDH1 mutation-negative families were screened for germline mutations in four catenin genes: CTNNA1, CTNNB1, JUP, and CTNND1. Catenins interact closely with E-cadherin molecules in cells, and are therefore logical candidate genes for mutation screening in HDGC families.', 'No nonsynonymous variants were seen in CTNNA1, CTNNB1, or CTNND1; only JUP contained nonsynonymous variants, of which only two rare variants were predicted to be deleterious.'] Are catenin family genes commonly mutated in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.348146677017212,
-0.14575164020061493,
1.4880390167236328
] |
['Failure of vein graft conduits due to vein graft thickening, accelerated atherosclerosis, and subsequent plaque rupture is applicable to 50% of all vein grafts within 10 years. New potential therapeutic targets to treat vein graft disease may be found in components of the innate immune system, such as mast cells and complement factors, which are known to be involved in atherosclerosis and plaque destabilization. Interestingly, mast cells can be activated by complement factor C5a and, therefore, a direct role for C5a-mediated mast cell activation in vein graft disease is anticipated. We hypothesize that C5a-mediated mast cell activation is involved in the development and destabilization of vein graft lesions.', 'Mast cells accumulated in time in murine vein graft lesions, and C5a and C5a-receptor (CD88) expression was up-regulated during vein graft disease in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. Mast cell activation with dinitrophenyl resulted in a profound increase in vein graft thickening and in the number of plaque disruptions. C5a application enhanced vein graft lesion formation, while treatment with a C5a-receptor antagonist resulted in decreased vein graft disease. C5a most likely exerts its function via mast cell activation since the mast cell inhibitor cromolyn totally blocked C5a-enhanced vein graft disease.'] Does complement factor C5a as mast cell activator mediate vascular remodelling in vein graft disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6005425453186035,
-1.108156442642212,
2.7822790145874023
] |
['Bone grafts are widely used in orthopaedic procedures. Autografts are limited by donor site morbidity while allografts are known for considerable infection and failure rates. A synthetic composite bone graft substitute poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (pHEMA-nHA) was previously developed to stably press-fit in and functionally repair critical-sized rat femoral segmental defects when it was preabsorbed with a single low dose of 300 ng recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/7 (rhBMP-2/7).', 'To facilitate clinical translation of pHEMA-nHA as a synthetic structural bone graft substitute, we examined its ability to encapsulate and release rhBMP-2 and the antibiotic vancomycin.', 'We analyzed the compressive behavior and microstructure of pHEMA-nHA as a function of vancomycin incorporation doses using a dynamic mechanical analyzer and a scanning electron microscope. In vitro release of vancomycin was monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Release of rhBMP-2 from pHEMA-nHA-vancomycin was determined by ELISA. Bioactivity of the released vancomycin and rhBMP-2 was examined by bacterial inhibition and osteogenic transdifferentiation capabilities in cell culture, respectively.', 'Up to 4.8 wt% of vancomycin was incorporated into pHEMA-nHA without compromising its structural integrity and compressive modulus. Encapsulated vancomycin was released in a dose-dependent and sustained manner in phosphate-buffered saline over 2 weeks, and the released vancomycin inhibited Escherichia coli culture. The pHEMA-nHA-vancomycin composite released preabsorbed rhBMP-2 in a sustained manner over 8 days and locally induced osteogenic transdifferentiation of C2C12 cells in culture.'] Does pHEMA-nHA encapsulation and delivery of vancomycin and rhBMP-2 enhance its role as a bone graft substitute? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3060991764068604,
-1.4600141048431396,
2.818190574645996
] |
["Marek's disease (MD) is a neoplastic disease in chickens caused by the MD virus (MDV). Successful vaccine development against MD has resulted in increased virulence of MDV and the understanding of genetic resistance to the disease is, therefore, crucial to long-term control strategies. Also, epigenetic factors are believed to be one of the major determinants of disease response.", 'Here, we carried out comprehensive analyses of the epigenetic landscape induced by MDV, utilizing genome-wide histone H3 lysine 4 and lysine 27 trimethylation maps from chicken lines with varying resistance to MD. Differential chromatin marks were observed on genes previously implicated in the disease such as MX1 and CTLA-4 and also on genes reported in other cancers including IGF2BP1 and GAL. We detected bivalent domains on immune-related transcriptional regulators BCL6, CITED2 and EGR1, which underwent dynamic changes in both lines as a result of MDV infection. In addition, putative roles for GAL in the mechanism of MD progression were revealed.'] Does marek 's disease virus infection induce widespread differential chromatin marks in inbred chicken lines? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5661895275115967,
-0.880068838596344,
2.573453664779663
] |
['The ethacrynic acid derivative, 4-(2-butyl-6,7-dichlor-2-cyclopentylindan-1-on-5-yl) oxobutyric acid (DCPIB) is considered to be a specific and potent inhibitor of volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs). In the CNS, DCPIB was shown to be neuroprotective through mechanisms principally associated to its action on VRACs. We hypothesized that DCPIB could also regulate the activity of other astroglial channels involved in cell volume homeostasis.', 'Experiments were performed in rat cortical astrocytes in primary culture and in hippocampal astrocytes in situ. The effect of DCPIB was evaluated by patch-clamp electrophysiology and immunocytochemical techniques. Results were verified by comparative analysis with recombinant channels expressed in COS-7 cells.', 'In cultured astrocytes, DCPIB promoted the activation of a K(+) conductance mediated by two-pore-domain K(+) (K(2P) ) channels. The DCPIB effect occluded that of arachidonic acid, which activates K(2P) channels K(2P) 2.1 (TREK-1) and K(2P) 10.1 (TREK-2) in cultured astrocytes. Immunocytochemical analysis suggests that cultured astrocytes express K(2P) 2.1 and K(2P) 10.1 proteins. Moreover, DCPIB opened recombinant K(2P) 2.1 and K(2P) 10.1 expressed in heterologous system. In brain slices, DCPIB did not augment the large background K(+) conductance in hippocampal astrocytes, but caused an increment in basal K(+) current of neurons.'] Does the inhibitor of volume-regulated anion channels DCPIB activate TREK potassium channels in cultured astrocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.332594633102417,
-1.350391149520874,
2.710150718688965
] |
['Vascular endothelial cells contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases by actively regulating the stromal inflammatory response; however, little is known regarding the role of endothelial inflammation in the growth of human tumors and its influence on the prognosis of human cancers.', 'Using an experimental model of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-mediated inflammation, we characterized inflammatory gene expression in immunopurified tumor-associated endothelial cells. These genes formed the basis of a multivariate molecular predictor of overall survival that was trained and validated in four types of human cancer.', 'We report that expression of experimentally derived tumor endothelial genes distinguished pathologic tissue specimens from normal controls in several human diseases associated with chronic inflammation. We trained these genes in human cancer datasets and defined a six-gene inflammatory signature that predicted significantly reduced overall survival in breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and glioma. This endothelial-derived signature predicted outcome independently of, but cooperatively with, standard clinical and pathological prognostic factors. Consistent with these findings, conditioned culture media from human endothelial cells stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines accelerated the growth of human colon and breast tumors in immunodeficient mice as compared with conditioned media from untreated endothelial cells.'] Does tumor endothelial inflammation predict clinical outcome in diverse human cancers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.627117872238159,
-0.9759284257888794,
2.7484488487243652
] |
['It has been reported that the tumor suppressor gene, PTEN, which is inactivated in many malignant tumors, plays an important role in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, cell migration, and cell spread. For cancer gene therapy, one of the most important problems is low gene transfection efficiency.', 'In the present study, to take full advantage of adenovirus in gene expression, we prepared mannan-modified recombinant adenovirus using the PTEN gene (Man-Ad5-PTEN) and investigated the effect of Man-Ad5-PTEN combined with docetaxel (Man-Ad5-PTEN-docetaxel) on tumor growth in a murine model of hepatocellular carcinoma.', 'Man-Ad5-PTEN effectively suppressed tumor growth and induced significant apoptosis of murine H22 hepatoma in vivo. Apoptosis levels in tumor-bearing mice treated with Man-Ad5-PTEN-docetaxel were significantly higher than those in tumor-bearing mice treated with naked Ad5-PTEN, Man-Ad5-PTEN, or docetaxel alone. Treatment with Man-Ad5-PTEN-docetaxel resulted in a significant inhibitory effect in this tumor model. Compared with the controls treated with phosphate-buffered solution, the tumor inhibition rate with naked Ad5-PTEN, docetaxel, Man-Ad5-PTEN, and Man-Ad5-PTEN-docetaxel was 48.69%, 49.98%, 75.88%, and 96.93%, respectively.'] Does mannan-modified Ad5-PTEN treatment combined with docetaxel improve the therapeutic effect in H22 tumor-bearing mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1778697967529297,
-1.3976163864135742,
2.5688974857330322
] |
['We investigated the relationships between the autonomic nervous system, as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) and levels of N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide (Nt-proBNP) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).', 'The mean of standard deviation of RR intervals (SDNN), the percentage of RR intervals with >50 ms variation (pNN50), square root of mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (rMSSD), and frequency domain parameters (total power (TP), high frequency and low frequency power ratio (LF/HF)) were assessed by 24 h Holter ECG monitoring. 1018 consecutive patients admitted <24 h for an acute MI were included. Plasma Nt-proBNP (Elecsys, Roche) was measured from blood samples taken on admission. The median (IQR) Nt-proBNP level was 681(159-2432) pmol/L. Patients with the highest quartile of Nt-proBNP were older, with higher rate of risk factors and lower ejection fraction. The highest Nt-proBNP quartile group had the lowest SDNN, LF/HF and total power but similar pNN50 and rMSSD levels. Nt-proBNP levels correlated negatively with SDNN (r\u200a=\u200a-0.19, p<0.001), LF/HF (r\u200a=\u200a-0.37, p<0.001), and LF (r\u200a=\u200a-0.29, p<0.001) but not HF (r\u200a=\u200a-0.043, p\u200a=\u200a0.172). Multiple regression analysis showed that plasma propeptide levels remained predictive of LF/HF (B(SE)\u200a=\u200a-0.065(0.015), p<0.001)), even after adjustment for confounders.'] Are high N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels associated with reduced heart rate variability in acute myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2178013324737549,
-1.8195934295654297,
2.0120253562927246
] |
['Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is difficult to eradicate and type III interferons (IFN-λ, composed of IL-28A, IL-28B and IL-29) are novel therapeutic candidates. We hypothesized that IFN-λ have immunomodulatory effects in HCV- infected individuals.', 'We analyzed the expression of IFN-λ and its receptor (composed of IL-10R2 and IFN-λR subunits) in the blood and livers of patients with chronic (c)HCV infection compared to controls (those who cleared HCV by sustained virological response, SVR, and those with liver inflammation of non-viral origin, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). We also compared the proliferative capacity of dendritic cells (DCs) obtained from healthy individuals and those with chronic HCV using a mixed leukocyte reaction combined with 3H-Td incorporation. In addition, the composition of the IFN-λ receptor (IFN-λR) on myeloid DCs, plasmacytoid DCs, PBMCs, and T cells was determined by FACS analysis.', 'We report that the expression of IFN-λ protein in serum and mRNA in liver is increased in cHCV patients, but not in those with HCV SVR or NASH, compared to controls. Liver level of IFN-λR mirrored the expression of serum IFN-λ and was higher in cHCV, compared to controls and HCV-SVR patients, suggesting that elevation of IFN-λ and IFN-λR are HCV-dependent. We further identified that innate immune cell populations expressed complete IFN-λ receptor. In vitro, recombinant IFN-λ promoted differentiation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) into a phenotype with low T cell stimulatory capacity and high PD-L1 expression, which further promoted expansion of existing regulatory T cells. IFN-λ-DCs failed to induce de novo generation of regulatory T cells. The inhibitory capacity of IFN-λ-DCs was counteracted by recombinant IL-12 and by neutralization of the PD-1/PD-L1 system.'] Are type III interferons , IL-28 and IL-29 , increased in chronic HCV infection and induce myeloid dendritic cell-mediated FoxP3+ regulatory T cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3151566982269287,
-1.3577876091003418,
2.7386717796325684
] |
['Studies on the relationship of metabolic syndrome (MS) and prostate cancer are controversial. We evaluated the association between MS and prostate cancer characteristics in patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.', 'From October 2003 to May 2011, patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value≥4 ng/ml or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) result underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. MS was diagnosed according to the Adult Treatment Panel III. Clinicopathologic factors including PSA, DRE, prostate volume, age, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar level, and MS were considered for analysis.', 'Three hundred fifty-four patients were enrolled (mean age, 68.86±8.95 years; mean PSA, 13.97±20.42 ng/ml). Seventy-five patients (21.2%) had MS and 90 patients (25.4%) were diagnosed as having prostate cancer, including 27 (30%) with MS and 63 (70%) without MS. Total PSA value and prostate volume were significant predictors for prostate cancer. However, MS and BMI were not significantly related to increased cancer risk. Prostate cancer patients with MS had significantly lower Gleason scores (average, 6.63±1.92) than did prostate cancer patients without MS (average, 7.54±1.71; p=0.029).'] Is prostate cancer in patients with metabolic syndrome associated with low grade Gleason score when diagnosed on biopsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0745036602020264,
-1.2529706954956055,
2.3876261711120605
] |
['Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, is a negative regulator of myogenesis in skeletal muscle. We examined the effect of myostatin and myostatin inhibition by an antagonistic agent, follistatin, on growth of human urethral rhabdosphincter satellite cells (muscle stem cells) to develop a new strategy for treatment of stress urinary incontinence.', 'Rhabdosphincter satellite cells were cultured and selected by magnetic affinity cell sorting using an anti-neural cell adhesion molecule antibody. The cells were transfected with simian virus-40 antigen to extend their lifespan. A cell proliferation assay, a cell cycle analysis and an investigation of signal transduction were carried out. The autocrine action of endogenous myostatin by western blotting, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoneutralization using an anti-myostatin antibody was also evaluated.', 'Selectively cultured cells expressed markers of striated muscles and successfully differentiated into myotubes. Myostatin inhibited proliferation of these cells through Smad2 phosphorylation and cell cycle arrest. Inhibitory effects of myostatin were reversed by addition of follistatin. However, rhabdosphincter satellite cells did not appear to use autocrine secretion of myostatin to regulate their proliferation.'] Does myostatin inhibit proliferation of human urethral rhabdosphincter satellite cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5570008754730225,
-1.1964154243469238,
2.803651809692383
] |
['Genetic factors are believed to be important in early-onset lone atrial fibrillation (AF). The gene GJA5 encodes the gap-junction protein Cx40, which together with Cx43 is responsible for the electrical coupling of the atrial cardiomyocytes. The regulatory single nucleotide polymorphism rs10465885 in GJA5 was recently associated with early-onset lone AF (< 60 years) and was also found to be strongly associated with Cx40 messenger RNA levels. We hypothesized that this gene would have a strong effect in patients with a more selected phenotype, and that the findings regarding rs10465885 could be replicated in this group.', 'The coding region and flanking intron sequences of GJA5 were resequenced in 342 patients with onset of lone AF before the age of 50 (mean age at onset 34 ± 9 years), and in 216 controls. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs10465885 was genotyped in 342 patients and 534 control subjects and odds ratios were calculated for different genetic models.', 'Genotyping of rs10465885 showed that the patients with early-onset lone AF were more likely to carry the A allele compared with controls (odds ratio = 1.30; P = 0.011). When resequencing GJA5, we identified the mutation A96S, previously associated with lone AF, which was not present in our control subjects or in any publicly available database or the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Exome Variant Server (NHLBI EVS; 10,758 alleles).'] Are rare variants in GJA5 associated with early-onset lone atrial fibrillation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.177072763442993,
-1.3397371768951416,
2.563807249069214
] |
['Infants with congenital heart lesions who undergo open heart surgery may experience physiologic and metabolic stress in the postoperative period, leading to altered metabolism and hypercatabolism. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between energy intake and hospital outcomes during the first 10 days following neonatal open heart surgery.', 'A post hoc analysis of all patients in a prospective randomized controlled trial was performed. Nutrition intake and hospital outcomes were assessed in 32 infants (40 ± 2.2 weeks, 3.4 ± 0.5 kg) in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Infants received parenteral nutrition (PN) for 1-4 days before and 10 days after open heart surgery. Infants were separated into those who received a cumulative energy intake of <689 kcal (average 63 kcal/kg/d) and those who received an intake ≥689 kcal during postoperative days 0-10.', 'Lower energy intake was associated with a significantly increased duration of artificial ventilation (5 ± 1.2 days), time to chest closure (1.4 ± 0.5 days), time in intensive care (5 ± 1.8 days), and stay in the hospital (25 ± 6.4 days). Lower energy intake was also associated with a significant increase in the length of time infants required PN (8 ± 2.9 days) and longer time to achieve full enteral intake of 100 mL/kg/d (7 ± 2.2 days) and before enteral feeds could be initiated (5 ± 1.5 days).'] Are low energy intakes associated with adverse outcomes in infants after open heart surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8718202114105225,
-0.8657450079917908,
1.821446418762207
] |
['Lamina propria Th2 cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, stimulate goblet cell (GC) proliferation and MUC2 production, which protect the intestinal mucosa. Elemental enteral nutrition (EEN) reduces tissue IL-4 and impairs barrier function. Proanthocyanidins (PACs) stimulate oral mucin levels. We hypothesized that adding PAC to EEN would maintain Th2-without stimulating Th1-cytokines and preserve luminal MUC2 vs EEN alone.', 'Seventy mice were randomized to 5 diet groups-standard chow, intragastric EEN, or EEN with lowPAC, midPAC (50 mg), or highPAC (100 mg PAC/kg BW)-for 5 days, starting 2 days after gastric cannulation. Ileal tissue was analyzed for histomorphology and the cytokines IL-4, IL-13, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MUC2 was measured in intestinal washes.', 'EEN lowered IL-13 (P < .05) compared with standard chow, whereas IL-4 was not significant (P < .07). LowPAC and midPAC increased IL-13 (P < .05), whereas highPAC increased both IL-4 and IL-13 (P < .05) compared with EEN. All EEN diets reduced (P < .05) crypt depth compared with the chow group. Compared with standard chow, GC numbers and luminal MUC2 were reduced with EEN (P < .05). These effects were attenuated (P < .05) with midPAC and highPAC. No changes were observed in tissue Th1 cytokines.'] Do cranberry proanthocyanidins improve the gut mucous layer morphology and function in mice receiving elemental enteral nutrition? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7034022808074951,
-1.610379934310913,
2.2512001991271973
] |
['Genomic imprinting is a process causing genes to be expressed according to parental origin. Imprinting acts to coordinate fetal and prenatal growth, as well as control postnatal adaptations. Studies on human imprinting are confounded by tissue availability, sampling variability and limitations posed by tissue-specific expression and cellular heterogeneity within tissues. The human umbilical cord is an easily available, embryonic-derived fetal tissue with the potential to overcome many of these limitations.', 'In a sensitive, gene-specific quantitative expression analysis, we show for the first time robust imprinted gene expression combined with methylation analysis in cords isolated from Asian Chinese full-term births.', 'Linear regression analyses revealed an inverse correlation between expression of pleckstrin homology-like domain, family A, member 2 (PHLDA2) with birth weight (BW). Furthermore, we observed significant down-regulation of the paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10) in low BW babies compared to optimum BW babies. This change in PEG10 gene expression was accompanied by concomitant methylation alterations at the PEG10 promoter.'] Does epigenetic state and expression of imprinted genes in umbilical cord correlate with growth parameters in human pregnancy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5449421405792236,
-0.8632171154022217,
2.5935027599334717
] |
['Cholesterol accumulation by macrophages plays a key role in atherogenesis. To begin to develop a global picture of this process, we used proteomics and transcriptomics to analyze foam cells generated with acetyl-low-density lipoprotein, a classic ligand for scavenger receptors.', 'Tandem mass spectrometry and stringent statistical analysis revealed that foam cells differentially expressed 15 of 542 proteins (2.8%) detected in macrophage-conditioned medium. Apolipoprotein E was one of the most upregulated proteins, confirming that proteins involved in lipid metabolism are important targets for regulation by sterol accumulation. However, levels of proteins linked to complement activation and lysosomal proteolysis also changed markedly. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated that 698 of 19,700 genes (3.5%) were regulated in foam cells, including many genes important in sterol metabolism. We also found that cholesterol accumulation regulated genes implicated in complement activation but failed to affect genes linked to proteolysis and macrophage polarization. Changes in protein levels in macrophage-conditioned medium were largely independent of changes in mRNA levels.'] Does cholesterol accumulation regulate expression of macrophage proteins implicated in proteolysis and complement activation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.396752119064331,
-1.0796313285827637,
2.5967822074890137
] |
['Recent data support the hypothesis that microvascular dysfunction may be a potential mechanism in the development of insulin resistance. We examined the association of microvascular dysfunction with incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired glucose metabolism by reviewing the literature and conducting a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies on this topic.', 'We searched Medline and Embase for articles published up to October 2011. Prospective cohort studies that focused on microvascular measurements in participants free of T2DM at baseline were included. Pooled relative risks were calculated using random effects models. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. These studies focused on T2DM or impaired fasting glucose, not on impaired glucose tolerance. The pooled relative risks for incident T2DM (3846 cases) was 1.25 (95% confidence interval, 1.15; 1.36) per 1 SD greater microvascular dysfunction when all estimates of microvascular dysfunction were combined. In analyses of single estimates of microvascular dysfunction, the pooled relative risks for incident T2DM was 1.49 (1.36; 1.64) per 1 SD higher plasma soluble E-selectin levels; 1.21(1.11; 1.31) per 1 SD higher plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels; 1.48 (1.03; 2.12) per 1 SD lower response to acetylcholine-mediated peripheral vascular reactivity; 1.18 (1.08; 1.29) per 1 SD lower retinal arteriole-to-venule ratio; and 1.43 (1.33; 1.54) per 1 logarithmically transformed unit higher albumin-to-creatinine ratio. In addition, the pooled relative risks for incident impaired fasting glucose (409 cases) was 1.15 (1.01-1.31) per 1 SD greater retinal venular diameters.'] Is microvascular dysfunction associated with a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus : a systematic review and meta-analysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4762500524520874,
-1.6411306858062744,
2.0358824729919434
] |
['To investigate the possibility that IgG anti-NR2 glutamate receptor antibodies (anti-NR2) derived from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cause an immunologic interaction with endothelial cells (ECs) in the blood-brain barrier, resulting in inflammation of the blood-brain barrier, allowing the entrance of these autoantibodies into the cerebrospinal fluid.', 'Purified IgG anti-NR2 antibodies from 14 patients with SLE were tested for their ability to bind to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and ECs, to modulate endothelial adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production by ECs, and to activate the NF-κB pathways in the ECs. Purified IgG from 5 normal subjects was used as a negative control.', 'Purified IgG anti-NR2 antibodies bound to dsDNA in an IgG-dose-dependent manner. This interaction up-regulated the expression of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on the EC surface and increased the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8, but not tumor necrosis factor α or IL-1β, by ECs. Purified IgG anti-NR2 also activated the degradation of cytoplasmic IκB, indicating the activation of NF-κB in the ECs.'] Do igG anti-NR2 glutamate receptor autoantibodies from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus activate endothelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5165445804595947,
-1.1884838342666626,
2.7923879623413086
] |
['Current staging system for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) categorizes patients into limited- or extensive-stage disease groups according to anatomical localizations. Even so, a wide-range of survival times has been observed among patients in the same staging system. This study aimed to identify whether endobronchial mucosa invasion is an independent predictor for poor survival in patients with SCLC, and to compare the survival time between patients with and without endobronchial mucosa invasion.', 'We studied 432 consecutive patients with SCLC based on histological examination of biopsy specimens or on fine-needle aspiration cytology, and received computed tomography and bone scan for staging. All the enrolled patients were assessed for endobronchial mucosa invasion by bronchoscopic and histological examination. Survival days were compared between patients with or without endobronchial mucosa invasion and the predictors of decreased survival days were investigated.', '84% (364/432) of SCLC patients had endobronchial mucosal invasion by cancer cells at initial diagnosis. Endobronchial mucosal involvement (Hazard ratio [HR], 2.01; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.30-3.10), age (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03-1.06), and extensive stage (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.06-1.84) were independent contributing factors for shorter survival time, while received chemotherapy (HR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.25-0.42) was an independent contributing factor better outcome. The survival days of SCLC patients with endobronchial involvement were markedly decreased compared with patients without (median 145 vs. 290, p<0.0001). Among SCLC patients of either limited (median 180 vs. 460, p<0.0001) or extensive (median 125 vs. 207, p<0.0001) stages, the median survival duration for patients with endobronchial mucosal invasion was shorter than those with intact endobronchial mucosa, respectively.'] Does endobronchial mucosa invasion predict survival in patients with small cell lung cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.607592225074768,
-1.5958037376403809,
2.1986279487609863
] |
['Mutations in LMNA gene cause cardiomyopathy, for which mechanistic insights are lacking.', 'Dusp4 expression is enhanced in hearts with LMNA cardiomyopathy, and its overexpression in mice causes it by activating AKT-mTOR signaling that impairs autophagy.'] Does dual specificity phosphatase 4 mediate cardiomyopathy caused by lamin A/C ( LMNA ) gene mutation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4704434871673584,
-1.15744948387146,
2.706089973449707
] |
['Motion sickness is characterized by subjective symptoms that include dizziness and nausea. Studies have shown that subjective symptoms of motion sickness are preceded by differences in standing body sway between those who experience the symptoms and those who are not. Boxers often report dizziness and nausea immediately after bouts. We predicted that pre-bout standing body sway would differ between boxers who experienced post-bout motion sickness and those who did not.', "We collected data on standing body sway before bouts. During measurement of body sway participants performed two visual tasks. In addition, we varied stance width (the distance between the heels). Postural testing was conducted separately before and after participants' regular warm-up routines. After bouts, we collected self-reports of motion sickness incidence and symptoms. Results revealed that standing body sway was greater after warm-up than before warm-up, and that wider stance width was associated with reduced sway. Eight of 15 amateur boxers reported motion sickness after a bout. Two statistically significant interactions revealed that standing body sway before bouts differed between participants who reported post-bout motion sickness and those who did not."] Does pre-bout standing body sway differ between adult boxers who do and do not report post-bout motion sickness? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-0.2673952579498291,
1.3650333881378174,
-1.8017157316207886
] |
['To determine which perioperative care practices are associated with decreased risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after colectomy surgery.', 'Optimization of perioperative care has been a common strategy for improving surgical safety, but the relationship between process measure compliance and surgical complication rates is controversial.', 'This is a retrospective cohort study performed within the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC), an organization of hospitals that prospectively collects patient data, processes of care, and 30-day outcomes. Patients undergoing colectomy surgery (n = 4331) were studied. Factors potentially associated with SSI were tested using univariate statistical tests, and a hierarchical generalized linear model was created to test for independent associations between processes of care and SSI, while adjusting for patient risk factors and clustering of patients within hospitals.', 'Several perioperative care practices were independently associated with lower risk of SSI after adjustment for patient risk, procedure type/duration, and clustering of patients by hospital site. Best practices include selection of a Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP-2)-compliant prophylactic intravenous antibiotic, postoperative normothermia, postoperative day 1 glucose control, and oral antibiotics given when bowel prep used (SCIP-1 was not significant). Further, several specific prophylactic antibiotic choices were independently associated with lower SSI rates, including cefazolin/metronidazole, ciprofloxacin/metronidazole, and ertapenem.'] Is antibiotic choice independently associated with risk of surgical site infection after colectomy : a population-based cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6269214153289795,
-1.0099577903747559,
2.7837047576904297
] |
['The aim of this study was to determine if a single preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level correlated with perioperative cardiac events, cardiac death, and all-cause mortality in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in the short term, intermediate term, and long term.', 'A prospective, 2-year multicenter observational cohort study in the three vascular units in Glasgow was performed. All patients who were admitted for elective open AAA repair were recruited. Preoperative BNP levels were performed and batch analyzed at the end of the study. Postoperative screening for cardiac events (nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiac death) was performed at 2, 5, and 30 days. Follow-up for all-cause mortality was sustained to a minimum of 3 years, where possible.', 'A total of 106 of 111 patients were recruited. Median BNP concentrations were higher in the 16 patients (15%) with immediate postoperative cardiac events (P = .001) and the five with cardiac death (P = .043). Area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUC) curve analysis indicated BNP concentrations of 99.5 pg/mL best predicted cardiac events (AUC, 0.927), and 448 pg/mL predicted cardiac death (AUC, 0.963). BNP also predicted all-cause mortality in the short-term (P = .028), intermediate-term (P < .001), and long-term (P < .001) postoperative periods.'] Does b-type natriuretic peptide predict postoperative cardiac events and mortality after elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8691600561141968,
-1.5278915166854858,
2.4504921436309814
] |
["To investigate blood flow and microvascular reactivity by laser speckle perfusion imager (Perimed, Jarfalla) in consecutive patients affected by Raynaud's phenomenon at baseline and following dynamic stimulations.", "Skin blood flow in the dorsum of the hand was measured at baseline and after cold test and post-occlusive hyperemia test in 56 consecutive subjects affected by Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), 20 primary (PRP) and 36 secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc). Twenty healthy subjects (HS) were studied as controls.", 'After cold test, SSc had a significant reduction of blood flow (-58%) as compared to HS (-19%) (p=0.01). Recovery time was significantly higher in SSc (58 minutes) as compared to HS (18 minutes) and PRP (19 minutes) (p=0.006 and 0.0016, respectively). Peak flow after ischaemic test was significantly reduced in SSc (+237%) as compared to PRP (+485%) (p=0.0068). Post-ischaemic hyperemic area under the curve (AUC) was blunted in SSc (79U/sec) compared to PRP (167 U/sec) (p=0.0126). Proximal distal gradient was noticed in 74% of HS, 45% of PRP and 36% of SSc (p=0.01). Homogeneous pattern of flux distribution was significantly different between HS (95%), PRP (80%), and SSc (16%) (p<0.0001). Among SSc patients, a significant difference in ischaemic challenge was shown between patients with early-SSc versus patients with definite-SSc.'] Is alteration of microcirculation a hallmark of very early systemic sclerosis patients : a laser speckle contrast analysis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6246041059494019,
-1.668936014175415,
2.287351369857788
] |
['Autonomic dysfunction, either sympathetic or parasympathetic, may explain the increased incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among preterm infants, as well as their subsequent heightened risk of hypertension in adulthood. As little is known about the development of autonomic function in preterm infants, we contrasted autonomic cardiovascular control across the first 6months after term-corrected age (CA) in preterm and term infants.', 'Preterm (n=25) and age matched term infants (n=31) were studied at 2-4weeks, 2-3months and 5-6months CA using daytime polysomnography. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured during quiet (QS) and active (AS) sleep. Autonomic control was assessed using spectral indices of blood pressure and heart rate variability (BPV and HRV) in ranges of low frequency (LF, reflecting sympathetic+parasympathetic activity), high frequency (HF, respiratory-mediated changes+parasympathetic activity), and LF/HF ratio (sympatho-vagal balance).', 'In preterm infants, HF HRV increased, LF/HF HRV decreased and LF BPV decreased with age (p<0.05); these changes were most evident in AS. Compared to term infants, preterm infants in QS exhibited lower LF, HF and total HRV at 5-6months; higher HF BPV at all ages; and lower LF BPV at 2-4weeks (p<0.05).'] Is the development of autonomic cardiovascular control altered by preterm birth? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4392249584197998,
-1.4868388175964355,
1.9403140544891357
] |
['Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an integral component of most colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs. However, little is known about clinical risk factors associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia (CRN) despite negative FIT results. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical predictors of advanced CRN despite negative FIT results.', 'We performed FITs for asymptomatic subjects ≥50 years from January 2009 to December 2010. Patients who underwent colonoscopy for a medical check-up, despite a negative FIT result, were included to evaluate the clinical predictors of advanced CRN based on colonoscopy.', 'During the study period, 373 subjects underwent screening colonoscopy despite their negative FIT results. Among those 373 subjects, 356 (95.4%) did not show any advanced CRNs; however, 17 (4.6%) subjects showed advanced CRNs on their colonoscopies despite negative FIT results. Being a first-degree relative of a CRC patient was significantly associated with advanced CRNs in univariate analysis (p = 0.031). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, being a first-degree relative of a CRC patient was a significant predictor of advanced CRNs despite negative FIT results (OR 7.33; 95% CI, 0.53-35.08; p = 0.013).'] Are first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients likely to show advanced colorectal neoplasia despite a negative fecal immunochemical test? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7810837030410767,
-1.1547486782073975,
1.9719150066375732
] |
['This study sought to investigate plasma levels of circulating cardiac natriuretic peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type or brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), in the general community, focusing on their relative differences in worsening human hypertension.', 'Although ANP and BNP are well-characterized regulators of blood pressure in humans, little is known at the population level about their relationship with hypertension. The authors hypothesized that hypertension is associated with a lack of activation of these hormones or their molecular precursors.', 'The study cohort (N = 2,082, age >45 years) was derived from a random sample from Rochester, Minnesota, and each subject had a medical history, clinical examination, and assessment of different plasma forms of ANP and BNP. Patients were stratified by blood pressure. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess differences in natriuretic peptide levels in worsening hypertension.', 'Compared to normotensive, BNP(1-32) and N-terminal proBNP(1-76) (NT-proBNP(1-76)) were significantly decreased in pre-hypertension (p < 0.05), with BNP(1-32) significantly decreased in stage 1 as well (p < 0.05). Although proBNP(1-108) remained unchanged, the processed form was significantly increased only in stage 2 hypertension (p < 0.05). ANP(1-28) remained unchanged, while NT-ANP(1-98) was reduced in pre-hypertension (p < 0.05).'] Is human hypertension characterized by a lack of activation of the antihypertensive cardiac hormones ANP and BNP? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.062248706817627,
-1.4279038906097412,
2.5483930110931396
] |
['It is not recommended to perform QTc estimation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We evaluated multiple QT interval correction formulas, including a novel time-dependent history approach, in an effort to identify the best method for correcting the QT interval in patients with AF. The ideal correction results in independence between the QTc estimate and HR.', 'Per-beat characteristics were derived using SuperECG (Mortara Instrument). Offline beat-to-beat QTc interval estimates were constructed using standard formulae and averaged (2-10) groups constructed.', 'Seventy-one patients were included, age 67 ± 10 years, 69% men. Mean-mean QTc intervals varied by correction (range 394-459 ms). Averaging resulted in the same mean-mean QTc estimate, but significantly reduced variability by up to 55%. Time-dependent RR interval history reduced variability the most (Δ 80%), increased QT/RR dynamics (m=.03 vs .17), and was independent with HR (m = 0.0008).'] Does time dependent history improve QT interval estimation in atrial fibrillation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.7809450030326843,
-1.5739176273345947,
1.4687917232513428
] |
["Patient Navigation (PN) originated in Harlem as an intervention to help poor women overcome access barriers to timely breast cancer treatment. Despite rapid, nationally widespread adoption of PN, empirical evidence on its effectiveness is lacking. In 2005, National Cancer Institute initiated a multicenter PN Research Program (PNRP) to measure PN effectiveness for several cancers. The George Washington Cancer Institute, a project participant, established District of Columbia (DC)-PNRP to determine PN's ability to reduce breast cancer diagnostic time (number of days from abnormal screening to definitive diagnosis).", 'A total of 2,601 women (1,047 navigated; 1,554 concurrent records-based nonnavigated) were examined for breast cancer from 2006 to 2010 at 9 hospitals/clinics in DC. Analyses included only women who reached complete diagnostic resolution. Differences in diagnostic time between navigation groups were tested with ANOVA models including categorical demographic and treatment variables. Log transformations normalized diagnostic time. Geometric means were estimated and compared using Tukey-Kramer P value adjustments.', 'Average-geometric mean [95% confidence interval (CI)]-diagnostic time (days) was significantly shorter for navigated, 25.1 (21.7, 29.0), than nonnavigated women, 42.1 (35.8, 49.6). Subanalyses revealed significantly shorter average diagnostic time for biopsied navigated women, 26.6 (21.8, 32.5) than biopsied nonnavigated women, 57.5 (46.3, 71.5). Among nonbiopsied women, diagnostic time was shorter for navigated, 27.2 (22.8, 32.4), than nonnavigated women, 34.9 (29.2, 41.7), but not statistically significant.'] Does patient navigation significantly reduce delays in breast cancer diagnosis in the District of Columbia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0200382471084595,
-1.51348078250885,
1.4714913368225098
] |
['Early identification and treatment of dehydration is prudent in patients requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN) or home intravenous fluids (HIVF) to prevent hospital admissions for dehydration. Our home nutrition support service (HNS) developed a protocol in 2010 to provide additional bags of HIVF to be kept on hand for immediate use in patients identified at risk of developing dehydration.', 'A retrospective review was performed on all HPN and HIVF patients from a clinical database who received additional HIVF during 2010. Standard treatment for dehydration was 1 L HIVF daily for 3 days in addition to prescribed infusions.', 'Of 308 HNS patients in 2010, additional HIVF were ordered in 161 patients with malabsorption, fistula, or obstruction. Of the 161 patients, 63% (n = 102) required additional HIVF and had 201 episodes of dehydration recorded. Increased enterostomy output (P = .021), negative intake and output (I/O data) (P = .014), and age (P = .021) were predictors of multiple dehydration episodes. I/O data were consistent with signs and symptoms of dehydration 80% of the time. One hundred seventy episodes (84.5%) of dehydration were successfully treated at home compared with 9 emergency room (ER) admissions (4.5%) and 22 hospital admissions (11%) for dehydration.'] Does identification and early treatment of dehydration in home parenteral nutrition and home intravenous fluid patients prevent hospital admissions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0387356281280518,
-1.095262885093689,
2.2169501781463623
] |
['We investigated the role and regulation of zinc transporters in the activation of the inflammatory response in macrophages. Our exploratory computational study found that Zip14 (SLC39A14) was consistently up-regulated in activated macrophages; we therefore focused subsequently on that gene in the mechanistic study.', 'The expression and function of Zip14 was assessed in primary macrophages obtained by in-vitro differentiation of monocytes from human blood.', 'Primary macrophages were subjected to treatments with lipopolysaccharides, cytokines, chemicals, and pharmacological agents. SLC39A14 and inflammatory cytokine gene expressions were assessed by RT-qPCR. Zip14 siRNA knockdown was performed to explore the gene function.', "Lipopolysaccharide's inflammatory stimulus was a strong inducer of SLC39A14 mRNA expression in macrophages. This induction was dependent on calcium signaling, GC-rich DNA-binding, and NF-κB down-regulation. Impregnation of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone further enhanced Zip14 expression while reducing interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production. Zip14 knockdown in macrophages attenuated the expression and secretion of cytokines, indicating a buffering function for this zinc transporter."] Does zip14 expression induced by lipopolysaccharides in macrophages attenuate inflammatory response? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5068347454071045,
-1.1256089210510254,
2.6561636924743652
] |
['Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is known to involve the progression of renal dysfunction through its cytotoxicity and proinflammatory effects such as the induction of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Olmesartan, one of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs), has been reported to show protective effects on injured ECs by some causal factors of renal disorder other than angiotensin II. However, the effects of olmesartan on TNF-α-induced glomerular EC damage have not been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of RNH-6270, an active metabolite of olmesartan, on TNF-α-induced human glomerular EC (HGEC) damage to clarify the renoprotective mechanisms of ARBs.', 'Cultured HGECs were stimulated by TNF-α, and then cell viability and cytotoxicity were measured by MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase release assay, respectively. TNF-α-induced oxidative stress was estimated by dihydroethidium assay and lucigenin chemiluminescence assay. ICAM-1 expression and the phosphorylations of mitogen-activated protein kinases were measured using Western blotting assay.', 'RNH-6270 suppressed cell death and the increase in ICAM-1 expression induced by TNF-α via the inhibition of reactive oxygen species in HGECs.'] Does angiotensin II receptor blocker improve tumor necrosis factor-α-induced cytotoxicity via antioxidative effect in human glomerular endothelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4693615436553955,
-1.3265641927719116,
2.844087600708008
] |
['The aim of this study is to evaluate whether contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) attenuation, using a cationic contrast agent (CA4+), correlates with the equilibrium compressive modulus (E) and coefficient of friction (μ) of ex vivo bovine articular cartilage.', 'Correlations between CECT attenuation and E (Group 1, n = 12) and μ (Group 2, n = 10) were determined using 7 mm diameter bovine osteochondral plugs from the stifle joints of six freshly slaughtered, skeletally mature cows. The equilibrium compressive modulus was measured using a four-step, unconfined, compressive stress-relaxation test, and the coefficients of friction were determined from a torsional friction test. Following mechanical testing, samples were immersed in CA4+, imaged using μCT, rinsed, and analyzed for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content using the 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB) assay.', 'The CECT attenuation was positively correlated with the GAG content of bovine cartilage (R(2) = 0.87, P < 0.0001 for Group 1 and R(2) = 0.74, P = 0.001 for Group 2). Strong and significant positive correlations were observed between E and GAG content (R(2) = 0.90, P < 0.0001) as well as CECT attenuation and E (R(2) = 0.90, P < 0.0001). The CECT attenuation was negatively correlated with the three coefficients of friction: CECT vs μ(static) (R(2) = 0.71, P = 0.002), CECT vs μ(static_equilibrium) (R(2) = 0.79, P < 0.001), and CECT vs μ(kinetic) (R(2) = 0.69, P = 0.003).'] Does cationic agent contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging of cartilage correlate with the compressive modulus and coefficient of friction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.923621654510498,
-1.531998634338379,
2.5165839195251465
] |
['Estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) are orphan nuclear receptors that modulate the estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated pathway and play roles in the regulation of breast and prostate cancer cell growth. However, the significance of the localization and the function of ERRs in uterine endometrial cancer remain unclear. We aimed to measure the expression of ERRγ and determine its association with the ER-mediated pathway in human endometrial cancer.', 'Proliferation, luciferase, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays were performed in ERα-positive (Ishikawa) and ERα-negative (HEC1A) endometrial cancer cell lines. The association between ERRγ and ERα expressions was determined by immunohistochemical analysis in uterine endometrial cancer tissues.', 'Estrogen-induced estrogen response element transcriptional activity was repressed by ERRγ in ERα-positive cells but was stimulated by ERRγ in ERα-negative cells. The stable overexpression of ERRγ regulated the in vitro cell growth in the ERα-positive and ERα-negative endometrial cancer cell lines. A selective ERRγ agonist, DY131, inhibited the growth of the ERα-positive endometrial cancer cells but promoted that of the ERα-negative cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that ERRγ is expressed in the nuclei of human uterine endometrial cancer tissues. Estrogen-related receptor γ was not associated with pathological parameters such as the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and histological type. The uterine endometrial cancer tissues with ERRγ-positive/ERα-negative status may have a significantly poor prognosis.'] Does estrogen-related receptor-γ regulate estrogen receptor-α responsiveness in uterine endometrial cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.454213857650757,
-1.2671654224395752,
2.727091073989868
] |
['The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of elevated white blood cell (WBC) count at the time of the diagnosis of cervical cancer recurrence.', 'The baseline characteristics and outcome data of 219 patients who had a diagnosis of recurrent cervical cancer between April 1996 and September 2010 were collected and reviewed. Survival after recurrence was compared between the leukocytosis group (WBC ≥9000/μL) and the nonleukocytosis group (WBC <9000/μL). A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to investigate the prognostic significance of elevated WBC count in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.', 'The patients in the leukocytosis group showed significantly shorter disease-free interval (P = 0.0005) and more frequently had multiple recurrences (P = 0.0101) than those in the nonleukocytosis group. The median survival after recurrence of the patients with elevated WBC count was 9 months, which was significantly shorter than the 21 months observed in the patients without normal WBC count (log rank; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analyses revealed that clinical stage, tumor diameter, histology, an elevated WBC count (≥9000/μL), and an elevated neutrophil count (≥6500/μL) were significant prognostic factors in survival after recurrence.'] Is elevated white blood cell count at the time of recurrence diagnosis an indicator of short survival in patients with recurrent cervical cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0434393882751465,
-1.3211908340454102,
2.4475269317626953
] |
['Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) supplies deoxyribonucleotide diphosphates demanded by cells to repair radiation-induced DNA damage. Here, we investigate the impact of pretherapy RNR M1, M2, and M2b (p53R3) subunit level upon human cervical cancer radiochemosensitivity.', 'Immunohistochemistry was performed on a tissue array comprised of 18 paired benign uterine cervix and stage IB2 cervical cancers to evaluate the relationship between cytosolic RNR M1, M2, and M2b staining intensity and radiochemotherapy cancer response. Patients underwent surgical hysterectomy (n = 8), or daily radiation (45 Gy), coadministered once-weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m), then low-dose rate brachytherapy (30 Gy) followed by adjuvant hysterectomy (n = 10). Radiochemotherapy response was determined by Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.0 criteria during brachytherapy. Cancer relapse rates and disease-free survival were calculated.', 'M1, M2, and M2b antibody staining intensity was low (0-1+) in benign uterine cervical tissue. M1 and M2b immunoreactivity was 2+ or 3+ in most (13/18) cervical cancers. M2 immunoreactivity was 3+ in nearly all (16/18) cervical cancers. Cervical cancers overexpressing M1 and M2b had an increased hazard for incomplete radiochemotherapy response, relapse, and shortened disease-free survival.'] Do elevated ribonucleotide reductase levels associate with suppressed radiochemotherapy response in human cervical cancers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.199781656265259,
-1.5256187915802002,
2.7534701824188232
] |
['The efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) in treating lower urinary tract symptoms is supported by the extremely high expression and activity of PDE5 in male bladder. Although bladder function regulation is similar among genders, no data are available on PDE5 expression and activity in female bladder.', 'To investigate sex differences in PDE5 expression and biological activity in female bladder, as opposed to the male counterpart.', 'Gene and protein expression and enzymatic activity of PDE5.', 'We studied gene and protein expression, and enzymatic activity of PDE5 in bladder of male and female rats. A subgroup of female rats was ovariectomized and alternatively replaced with estradiol (E2), progesterone, and testosterone (T) alone or in combination with letrozole to completely abrogate T-induced E formation. As a readout of PDE5 activity, we studied vardenafil efficacy in potentiating sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation in bladder of the different experimental groups.', "SNP was three-log unit less potent in relaxing the male bladder than the female one. On the contrary, the PDE5-resistant cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog (Bromo-β-phenyl-1, N(2) -ethenoguanosine-3', 5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate, Sp-isomer [SP-8-Br-PET-cGMPS]) was equipotent in relaxing male and female bladder. Vardenafil was more effective in potentiating SNP-induced bladder relaxation in male than in female. Accordingly, the cGMP-hydrolyzing activity of PDE5 was higher in male vs. female homogenates. In ovariectomized female rats, with or without sex-steroid replacement, vardenafil activity in potentiating SNP-induced bladder relaxation was associated with an increased T/E2 ratio. In particular, masculinization of ovariectomized rats--by the administration of T + letrozole--dramatically increased vardenafil capacity to potentiate SNP-induced relaxation."] Does testosterone/estradiol ratio regulate NO-induced bladder relaxation and responsiveness to PDE5 inhibitors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3674819469451904,
-1.2922718524932861,
2.70166015625
] |
['Dysfunction of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) is a common cause of oral-pharyngeal dysphagia (OPD). Dilation is a primary treatment, although current techniques are subject to a high rate of failure and recurrence. Devices available for UES dilation are cylindrical and were designed to distend the round lumen of the esophagus. Our objective was to determine the cross-sectional dimension of the UES in an ovine model of OPD and compare it with that of the cervical esophagus.', 'Prospective cadaveric animal study.', 'Three-dimensional casts of the upper aerodigestive tract of 10 fresh cadaveric ewes were constructed using a platinum-cured liquid silicone polymer. Cross-sections at the level of the UES and cervical esophagus were digitized and mathematically compared using geometric morphometric shape analysis.', 'Consensus shape among all 10 animals revealed that the narrowest region of the maximally distended UES has a cross-sectional shape that resembles a kidney, whereas the cervical esophagus approximates a circle. The shape of the UES and cervical esophagus were significantly different (P < .0001), and surface area calculations demonstrated that an inscribed circle significantly underestimated the area implied by the kidney-shaped UES model.'] Does geometric morphometric shape analysis in an ovine model confirm that the upper esophageal sphincter is not round? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.020576238632202,
-1.3264983892440796,
2.4707531929016113
] |
['The ternary complex factors (TCFs; Elk1, Net, and Sap-1) are growth factor-responsive transcription cofactors of serum response factor (SRF) and are activated by MAP kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation to regulate immediate early gene transcription. Although cell adhesion also can regulate immediate early genes and proliferation, the mechanism for this effect has remained unexplored.', 'Restricting adhesion and spreading of G(0)-synchronized cells on substrates with decreasing size of micropatterned islands of fibronectin suppressed serum-induced immediate early gene expression and S phase entry. Knockdown of Sap-1 decreased expression of the immediate early genes egr1 and fos and subsequent proliferation normally present with high adhesion, whereas knockdown of Net rescued egr1 and fos expression and proliferation normally suppressed by low adhesion. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed increased occupancy of egr1 and fos promoters by Sap-1 with high adhesion, whereas low adhesion increased Net occupancy. This switch in TCF promoter binding was regulated by an adhesion-mediated switch in MAPK activity. Increasing adhesion enhanced serum-induced JNK activity while suppressing p38 activity, leading to increased Sap-1 phosphorylation and Net dephosphorylation, and switching Net with Sap-1 at egr1 and fos promoters to support proliferation. Microarray studies confirmed this switch in TCF regulation of proliferative genes and uncovered novel gene targets and functions coregulated by Sap-1 and Net.'] Does adhesion regulate MAP kinase/ternary complex factor exchange to control a proliferative transcriptional switch? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5330514907836914,
-1.0417183637619019,
2.608288288116455
] |
['Gambogic acid (GBA) targeted Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and prohibited TNF-α/NF-κB signaling pathway. It can be inferred that the anti-inflammatory activity of GBA results from inhibiting the cytokine production via NF-κB signaling pathway. We used the RAW264.7 cell line and the endotoxin shock mouse model to confirm the hypothesis that GBA protects mice from endotoxin shock by suppressing cytokine synthesis.', 'RAW264.7 cells were cultured and the endotoxin shocked mice model was constructed. ELISA was employed to evaluate the change of cytokine secretion levels. The effects of GBA on the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway were also determined by western blot and immune-fluorescent analysis. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, and the cell migration was tested by wound healing assay.', "Our results demonstrated that GBA significantly inhibited the LPS-induced release of pro-inflammatory factors both in cell lines and mice serum, thereby protecting mice from endotoxin shock. Furthermore, we observed that the reduction of inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6 and TNF-α resulted from the Hsp90's client protein IKK degradation and the suppression of NF-κB pathway. Moreover, GBA suppressed the migration of LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells."] Does gambogic acid protect from endotoxin shock by suppressing pro-inflammatory factors in vivo and in vitro? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4050490856170654,
-1.1734356880187988,
2.6264572143554688
] |
['To compare native aortic (AV) and mitral valve (MV) image quality on limited-dose retrospectively ECG-gated CTA of the thoracoabdominal aorta reconstructed with iterative reconstruction (IR) and filtered back projection (FBP).', 'Fifty patients underwent routine care retrospectively ECG-gated thoracoabdominal limited-dose 256-slice CTA. At 30 % (systole) and 75 % (diastole) of the R-R interval AV and MV were reconstructed using FBP and IR. Objective image quality [density and noise (SD of density measurement)] was measured. Two independent observers scored subjective valve image quality using four-point Likert scales.', 'IR significantly decreased image noise, but did not alter the aorta and interventricular septum density. Interobserver variability was moderate to good. Valve image quality was scored at least moderate in most cases. IR scored one or two Likert scale points higher than FBP in 10 (first observer) and 27 (second observer) scores. Conversely, IR scored one Likert scale point lower than FBP in 1 (first observer) and 4 (second observer) scores.'] Does iterative reconstruction improve evaluation of native aortic and mitral valves by retrospectively ECG-gated thoracoabdominal CTA? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4981752634048462,
-1.6187140941619873,
2.1242918968200684
] |
['To test if the treatment adherence to branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules influences the serum albumin level and prognosis in prospective 2984 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis who were prescribed BCAA granules containing 952\u2009mg of L-isoleucine, 1904\u2009mg of L-leucine and 1144\u2009mg of L-valine at 4.15\u2009g/sachet three times a day after meals.', 'The primary end-point was the time to the event defined as "hospital admission due to progression of hepatic failure", and factors affecting this outcome were explored. Changes in serum albumin level were evaluated as the secondary end-point.', 'Patients were divided into the good adherence group (those who reported to have taken "nearly all" prescribed doses) and the poor adherence group (those who reported to have taken "approximately half" or "less" doses), because such stratification was validated by treatment responses in plasma BCAA/tyrosine ratio. Factors related to the primary end-point were age, drug adherence during 6 months of study treatment, previous hepatic cancer, current clinical manifestations, previous clinical manifestations, baseline serum albumin level, platelet count and total bilirubin level. The cumulative event-free survival was significantly higher in the good adherence group. Increase in the serum albumin level was also greater in the good adherence group.'] Are effects of branched-chain amino acid granules on serum albumin level and prognosis dependent on treatment adherence in patients with liver cirrhosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5580193996429443,
-0.9738981127738953,
2.580601930618286
] |
['IL-15 can either be transpresented by IL-15Rα or be secreted.', 'New N- and C-terminal splice versions of human IL-15Rα determine whether IL-15 is secreted or stays bound to the cell membrane.'] Are paracrine and transpresentation functions of IL-15 mediated by diverse splice versions of IL-15Rα in human monocytes and dendritic cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5067529678344727,
-0.7242681384086609,
2.2508082389831543
] |
['Early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a clinically distinct form of CRC that is often associated with a poor prognosis. Methylation levels of genomic repeats such as LINE-1 elements have been recognized as independent factors for increased cancer-related mortality. The methylation status of LINE-1 elements in early-onset CRC has not been analyzed previously.', 'We analyzed 343 CRC tissues and 32 normal colonic mucosa samples, including 2 independent cohorts of CRC diagnosed ≤ 50 years old (n=188), a group of sporadic CRC >50 years (MSS n=89; MSI n=46), and a group of Lynch syndrome CRCs (n=20). Tumor mismatch repair protein expression, microsatellite instability status, LINE-1 and MLH1 methylation, somatic BRAF V600E mutation, and germline MUTYH mutations were evaluated.', 'Mean LINE-1 methylation levels (± SD) in the five study groups were early-onset CRC, 56.6% (8.6); sporadic MSI, 67.1% (5.5); sporadic MSS, 65.1% (6.3); Lynch syndrome, 66.3% (4.5) and normal mucosa, 76.5% (1.5). Early-onset CRC had significantly lower LINE-1 methylation than any other group (p<0.0001). Compared to patients with <65% LINE-1 methylation in tumors, those with ≥ 65% LINE-1 methylation had significantly better overall survival (p=0.026, log rank test).'] Is a high degree of LINE-1 hypomethylation a unique feature of early-onset colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.652168869972229,
-1.6139408349990845,
2.264622211456299
] |
['Natural compounds with anti-microbial properties are attractive reagents to reduce the use of conventional antibiotics. Carvacrol, the main constituent of oregano oil, inhibits the growth of a variety of bacterial foodborne pathogens. As concentrations of carvacrol may vary in vivo or when used in animal feed, we here investigated the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of the compound on major virulence traits of the principal bacterial foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni.', 'Motility assays revealed that subinhibitory concentrations of carvacrol inhibited the motility of C. jejuni without affecting bacterial growth. Immunoblotting and electron microscopy showed that carvacrol-treated C. jejuni still expressed flagella. The loss of motility was not caused by reduced intracellular ATP levels. In vitro infection assays demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of carvacrol also abolished C. jejuni invasion of human epithelial cells. Bacterial uptake of invasive Escherichia coli was not blocked by carvacrol. Exposure of C. jejuni to carvacrol prior to infection also inhibited cellular infection, indicating that the inhibition of invasion was likely caused by an effect on the bacteria rather than inhibition of epithelial cell function.'] Does the natural antimicrobial carvacrol inhibit Campylobacter jejuni motility and infection of epithelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.63139009475708,
-0.973294734954834,
2.7263882160186768
] |
['Control of HIV is suggested to depend on potent effector functions of the virus-specific CD8(+) T-cell response. Antigen opsonization can modulate the capture of antigen, its presentation, and the priming of specific CD8(+) T-cell responses.', 'We have previously shown that opsonization of retroviruses acts as an endogenous adjuvant for dendritic cell (DC)-mediated induction of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). However, in some HIV-positive subjects, high levels of antibodies and low levels of complement fragments coat the HIV surface.', 'Therefore we analyzed the effect of IgG opsonization on the antigen-presenting capacity of DCs by using CD8(+) T-cell proliferation assays after repeated prime boosting, by measuring the antiviral activity against HIV-infected autologous CD4(+) T cells, and by determining IFN-γ secretion from HIV-specific CTL clones.', 'We find that DCs exposed to IgG-opsonized HIV significantly decreased the HIV-specific CD8(+) T-cell response compared with the earlier described efficient CD8(+) T-cell activation induced by DCs loaded with complement-opsonized HIV. DCs exposed to HIV bearing high surface IgG levels after incubation in plasma from HIV-infected subjects acted as weak stimulators for HIV-specific CTL clones. In contrast, HIV opsonized with plasma from patients exhibiting high complement and low IgG deposition on the viral surface favored significantly higher activation of HIV-specific CD8(+) T-cell clones.'] Do antibodies attenuate the capacity of dendritic cells to stimulate HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3670170307159424,
-1.2898579835891724,
2.733351230621338
] |
['A single session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) is known to act on the parasympathetic system and also increase the production of reactive oxygen species. However, the impact of a treatment series consisting of 20 to 40 sessions on blood pressure (BP) remains unknown. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the effect of this type of treatment in patients administered HBO2T as an adjunct therapy for wound healing.', 'We retrospectively analyzed data from 93 patients treated for wound healing. All patients were treated in the Perry Sigma Plus DuoPlace hyperbaric chamber at the CSSS Alphonse Desjardins Centre Hospitalier Affilié Universitaire/CHAU de Lévis (Québec, Canada) between 2003 and 2010. They were exposed daily to 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (atm abs) for 90 minutes. The systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before each HBO2T session, and patient age and sex were also recorded. The impact of HBO2T on BP was evaluated using linear mixed models.', 'The mean age of the patients was 66.6 years (standard deviation: 10.8). The majority of the subjects was male (79.6%) and suffered from Type 2 diabetes (71.9%) and hypertension (65.6%). These patients received an average of 25 HBO2T sessions. Before the first treatment, the mean SBP and DBP measurements were 145 (24.8) mmHg and 78 (13.1) mmHg, respectively; the median recorded HR was 69.0 beats/minute (interquartile range: 63.0-81.5). The age- and sex-adjusted mixed models revealed that HBO2T was significantly associated with a decrease in the HR and SBP measurements; the greatest impact was observed during the first 20 treatments for HR (p-value < 0.5) and the last 20 treatments for SBP (p-value < 0.0001). No effects of HBO2T on DBP were detected (p-value = 0.36).'] Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy decrease blood pressure in patients with chronic wounds? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3862720727920532,
-1.6553218364715576,
1.9862525463104248
] |
['Previous research has shown that motive congruence, as observed in convergingly high or low scores on implicit and explicit motive measures, promotes well-being and health. Extending this individual perspective to the realm of couple relationships, the present investigation examined intra- and interpersonal effects of communal motive (in)congruence on relationship satisfaction and stability.', 'The implicit partner-related need for communion, the explicit desire for closeness, and relationship satisfaction were assessed in a sample of 547 heterosexual couples aged 18 to 73 years. In a one-year follow-up study, information on relationship stability was obtained, and relationship satisfaction was reassessed. The researchers tested cross-sectional and longitudinal effects of motive (in)congruence by dyadic moderation analyses.', 'Individuals scoring congruently high on both motives reported the highest relationship satisfaction in concurrence with motive assessment and 1 year later. In addition, motive incongruence predicted an increased risk of relationship breakup over 1 year.'] Does ( In ) Congruence of implicit and explicit communal motives predict the quality and stability of couple relationships? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.590895175933838,
0.7317723631858826,
0.9402471780776978
] |
['Several studies have shown that adiponectin can lower blood glucose in diabetic mice. The aim of this study was to establish an effective adiponectin production process and to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of the different adiponectin forms in diabetic mice and sand rats.', 'Human high molecular weight, mouse low molecular weight and mouse plus human globular adiponectin forms were expressed and purified from mammalian cells or yeast. The purified protein was administered at 10-30 mg/kg i.p. b.i.d. to diabetic db/db mice for 2 weeks. Furthermore, high molecular weight human and globular mouse adiponectin batches were administered at 5-15 mg/kg i.p. b.i.d. to diabetic sand rats for 12 days.', 'Surprisingly, none of our batches had any effect on blood glucose, HbA1c, plasma lipids or body weight in diabetic db/db mice or sand rats. In vitro biological, biochemical and biophysical data suggest that the protein was correctly folded and biologically active.'] Does recombinant adiponectin lower plasma glucose in animal models of type 2 diabetes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.264838218688965,
-1.2458570003509521,
2.573352098464966
] |
['Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by progressive inflammation associated with rampantly proliferating synoviocytes and joint destruction due to oxidative stress. Recently, we described nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as a major requirement for limiting cartilage destruction. NF-κB and AP-1 are the main transcription factors triggering the inflammatory progression in RA. We used sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate, which is both an Nrf2 inducer and a NF-κB and AP-1 inhibitor.', 'Cultured synoviocytes were stimulated with sulforaphane (SFN) with or without TNF-α pre-treatment. NF-κB, AP-1, and Nrf2 activation was investigated via dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were measured via zymography and luminex technique. Cytokine levels were detected using ELISA. Cell viability, apoptosis and caspase activity were studied. Cell proliferation was analysed by real-time cell analysis.', 'SFN treatment decreased inflammation and proliferation dose-dependently in TNF-α-stimulated synoviocytes. SFN did not reduce MMP-3 and MMP-9 activity or expression significantly. Interestingly, we demonstrated that SFN has opposing effects on naïve and TNF-α-stimulated synoviocytes. In naïve cells, SFN activated the cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2. In marked contrast to this, SFN induced apoptosis in TNF-α-pre-stimulated synoviocytes.'] Does sulforaphane have opposing effects on TNF-alpha stimulated and unstimulated synoviocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.472870111465454,
-1.3278249502182007,
2.8201189041137695
] |
['Parenting confidence with regards to caring for their infants is crucial for the healthy adaptation to parenthood and the development of positive parent-infant relationships. The postpartum period is a tremendous transitional time for parents, so their unique needs should be considered. This study explored parenting confidence and needs in parents when their newborns are discharged from hospital, and explored the best predictors of parenting confidence and needs.', 'A cross-sectional design with a questionnaire survey was used in this study. The questionnaire included three parts: Demographic, Parenting Needs and Parenting Confidence Questionnaire. We survey a convenience sample of 96 parents from a postnatal ward and a neonatal intermediate care unit of the medical central hospital in Taichung, Taiwan.', "The mean age of the subjects was 32 years and 67.7% of the subjects' education level was college or above. Approximately one half of the subjects was multiparous, vaginal delivery and had planned pregnancy. The mean gestational age and birth weight of the newborns was 37.7 weeks and 2902 g, respectively. Parents who had a planned pregnancy (t=2.1, P=0.04) or preterm infants (t=2.0, P=0.046) and those whose infants were delivered by cesarean section (t=2.2, P=0.03) had higher parenting needs. In addition, parents of low birth weight infants had higher parenting needs (r=-0.23, P=0.02). Regarding parenting confidence, multipara parents perceived higher confidence than primipara parents (t=2.9, P=0.005). Needs in psychosocial support were significantly correlated with parenting confidence (r=0.21, P<0.05). The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that parity and needs in psychosocial support predict parenting confidence of 13.8% variance."] Does parenting confidence and need for parents of newborns in taiwan? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.867606520652771,
-0.6921829581260681,
0.6110292077064514
] |
['The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the local control effects of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using epirubicin (EPIR) and that using miriplatin (MPT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).', 'Between January 2010 and July 2011, 218 HCC cases were treated with TACE, including 69 cases using EPIR or MPT as initial treatment. All 69 patients were treated with iodized oil and gelatin sponge particles. The local control rate (modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] ver.\u20091.0), time to treatment failure (Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test) and adverse events were evaluated.', 'Forty-two cases were treated using EPIR, and 27 cases were treated using MPT. All 69 patients had no previous treatment with TACE or hepatic arterial infusion. No serious adverse events were observed in either group. The response rates, including complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), of the EPIR group and the MPT group were 85.7% and 81.5%, respectively, with a time to treatment failure of 5.1 and 7.5 months, respectively. Excluding whole liver TACE cases, time to treatment failure was 5.4 months for the EPIR group and 10.1 months for the MPT group.'] Do comparison of epirubicin hydrochloride and miriplatin hydrate as anticancer agents for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.21406626701355,
-1.4245166778564453,
2.7030067443847656
] |
['Phenolic compounds are the most commonly studied of all secondary metabolites because of their significant protective-defensive roles and their significant concentration in plant tissues. However, there has been little study on relationships between gas exchange parameters and the concentration of leaf phenolic compounds (total phenolics (TP) and condensed tannins (CT)) across a range of species. Therefore, we addressed the question: is there any correlation between photosynthetic capacity (A(max)) and TP and CT across species from different ecosystems in different continents?', 'A plethora of functional and structural parameters were measured in 49 plant species following different growth strategies from five sampling sites located in Greece and Australia. The relationships between several leaf traits were analysed by means of regression and principal component analysis.', 'The results revealed a negative relationship between TP and CT and A(max) among the different plant species, growth strategies and sampling sites, irrespective of expression (with respect to mass, area or nitrogen content). Principal component analysis showed that high concentrations of TP and CT are associated with thick, dense leaves with low nitrogen. This leaf type is characterized by low growth, A(max) and transpiration rates, and is common in environments with low water and nutrient availability, high temperatures and high light intensities. Therefore, the high TP and CT in such leaves are compatible with the protective and defensive functions ascribed to them.'] Is photosynthetic capacity negatively correlated with the concentration of leaf phenolic compounds across a range of different species? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7884433269500732,
0.4959828555583954,
1.5175228118896484
] |
["Exposure to higher-than-optimal temperatures reduces crop yield and quality, mainly due to sensitivity of developing pollen grains. The mechanisms maintaining high pollen quality under heat-stress conditions are poorly understood. Our recently published data indicate high heat-stress-induced expression of ethylene-responsive genes in tomato pollen, indicating ethylene involvement in the pollen heat-stress response. Here we elucidated ethylene's involvement in pollen heat-stress response and thermotolerance by assessing the effects of interfering with the ethylene signalling pathway and altering ethylene levels on tomato pollen functioning under heat stress.", 'Plants of the ethylene-insensitive mutant Never ripe (Nr)-defective in an ethylene response sensor (ERS)-like ethylene receptor-and the corresponding wild type were exposed to control or heat-stress growing conditions, and pollen quality was determined. Starch and carbohydrates were measured in isolated pollen grains from these plants. The effect of pretreating cv. Micro-Tom tomato plants, prior to heat-stress exposure, with an ethylene releaser or inhibitor of ethylene biosynthesis on pollen quality was assessed.', 'Never ripe pollen grains exhibited higher heat-stress sensitivity, manifested by a significant reduction in the total number of pollen grains, reduction in the number of viable pollen and elevation of the number of non-viable pollen, compared with wild-type plants. Mature Nr pollen grains accumulated only 40 % of the sucrose level accumulated by the wild type. Pretreatment of tomato plants with an ethylene releaser increased pollen quality under heat stress, with an over 5-fold increase in the number of germinating pollen grains per flower. Pretreatment with an ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor reduced the number of germinating pollen grains following heat-stress exposure over 5-fold compared with non-treated controls.'] Is ethylene involved in maintaining tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) pollen quality under heat-stress conditions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6893837451934814,
-0.5940602421760559,
2.3354873657226562
] |
['The etiology of the geriatric syndrome frailty is multifactorial. Besides hormonal and inflammatory processes, nutritional influences may be of major relevance. In this cross-sectional study, the association between dietary quality and frailty was investigated.', 'In 192 community-dwelling older volunteers (>75 years), an interview-based food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutritional data. A Mediterranean diet (MED) score (maximum 9 points) was used to evaluate dietary quality. Frailty was defined as the presence of at least three and prefrailty as the presence of one or two of the following criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, low handgrip strength, and slow walking speed. Older adults without any of these attributes were defined as "nonfrail" Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of being frail (vs prefrail and nonfrail) in each quartile (vs lowest quartile) of the MED score.', 'The mean (SD) age of the participants was 83 (4) years; 41.1% were prefrail and 15.1% were frail. The risk of being frail was significantly reduced in the highest quartile of the MED score (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.98).'] Is dietary quality related to frailty in community-dwelling older adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4923580884933472,
-1.1058533191680908,
1.6371569633483887
] |
['A subset of patients requires reoperative antireflux surgery (Re-ARS) after failed fundoplication. The aim of this study was to determine symptomatic outcomes beyond 1 year following Re-ARS and to assess the relative utility of two different surgical approaches.', 'After Institutional Review Board approval, patients who underwent Re-ARS were identified from a prospective database. Symptom severity was graded on a 0-3 scale. Patients with postoperative symptoms of grade ≥ 2 were considered to have a poor outcome. Patient satisfaction was graded using a 10-point visual analog scale.', 'At least 1 year of follow-up was available for 130 patients. There were 94 redo fundoplications (RF) and 36 Roux-en-Y reconstructions (RNYR). Symptom risk factors (significant preoperative dysphagia, significant preoperative heartburn, esophageal dysmotility, short esophagus, delayed gastric emptying, multiple failed hiatal surgeries, reflux-related respiratory symptoms) were more prevalent in patients who underwent RNYR compared to RF (mean 3.0 vs. 2.2; p = 0.003). Postoperative leaks and major complications occurred in 4.5 % (5/110) versus 0% and 21.6 % versus 33.3 % of the RF and RNYR groups, respectively. Twenty-eight RF patients (29.8 %) and 9 RNYR patients (25.0 %) reported poor outcomes. Among patients with ≥ 4 risk factors, those who underwent RNYR had a lower incidence of poor outcome (7.7 % vs. 55 %, p = 0.018) and higher satisfaction scores (8.4 vs. 5.8, p = 0.001) compared to those who had RF. Overall, 85 % of patients were satisfied or highly satisfied with their results and the average satisfaction score was 8.2.'] Is roux-en-Y reconstruction superior to redo fundoplication in a subset of patients with failed antireflux surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8776299357414246,
-1.7033796310424805,
1.4900879859924316
] |
['To investigate the use of random ultrasensitive (US) luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to monitor children being treated with a histrelin implant for central precocious puberty (CPP).', 'This was a prospective, uncontrolled, observational study at a pediatric endocrinology tertiary center. Thirty-three children (26 girls; mean age 7.2\xa0±\xa02.5 years) treated with a histrelin implant for CPP were enrolled. A random US LH measurement was obtained at 6 months, and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog stimulation test was performed at 12 months. Clinic visits occurred at baseline and at 6-month intervals.', 'In 59% of the patients (17 of 29), the 6-month random US LH exceeded the prepubertal range of ≤0.3 IU/L. In contrast, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog stimulation tests revealed complete hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis suppression (peak LH <4 IU/L) in all 31 patients who underwent testing. US LH levels were highly correlated with peak stimulated LH levels. The mean peak stimulated LH level was higher in patients with a pubertal random LH than in those with a prepubertal random LH (1.2\xa0±\xa00.5 IU/L vs 0.5\xa0±\xa00.1 IU/L; P\xa0<\xa0.01). No patient had clinical evidence of pubertal progression.'] Does random luteinizing hormone often remain pubertal in children treated with the histrelin implant for central precocious puberty? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6107319593429565,
-1.6110970973968506,
2.1978464126586914
] |
['High-performance sunscreen protects both healthy consumers and photosensitive patients from strong ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The sun-protection factor (SPF), which indicates the efficacy of UV protection, is determined using a prescribed sunscreen application thickness of 2.0 mg/cm(2). Therefore, users should apply at least 2.0 mg/cm(2) of sunscreen to obtain the level of UV protection expected from a product. In most cases, however, users apply insufficient amounts of sunscreen.', 'To determine the amount of sunscreen applied under specific conditions, and the relationship between application thickness and SPF value in high-performance sunscreen.', 'The amount of applied sunscreen was calculated under practical conditions and conditions that directed a double application. The SPF values of high-performance sunscreen applied at three thicknesses (2.0, 1.0 and 0.5 mg/cm(2)) were determined according to the international SPF testing method. RESULTS. The relationship between SPF value and application thickness correlated in a logarithmic curve. The mean application thickness under practical conditions was approximately 1 mg/cm(2), and directing subjects to use a double application increased the application thickness to nearly 2 mg/cm(2).'] Is relationship between sun-protection factor and application thickness in high-performance sunscreen : double application of sunscreen recommended? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.5208137631416321,
-1.4432737827301025,
0.13692353665828705
] |
['To evaluate the effect of a synthetic progestin on the vascular resistance of the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries in climacteric women, compared to placebo, using transorbital ultrasound with Doppler velocimetry.', 'We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with 216 climacteric women. Subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups: either the group receiving placebo (one pill/day for 30 days) (n = 108) or the group receiving progestin (5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate/day for 30 days) (n = 108). Transorbital Doppler velocimetric ultrasound was performed, before and after treatment; we measured the pulsatility index, resistance index and systole/diastole ratio.', 'The mean ages of the participants in the study group and the control group were 54 ± 6.2 years (range 48-59 years) and 55 ± 6.8 years (range 46-60 years), respectively. When we compared the effect of the progestin on the central retinal artery before and after treatment, we observed a significant increase after the treatment in all Doppler indices. The same was observed when we compared the effect of the progestin on the ophthalmic artery. In the group of women receiving placebo, the Doppler indices were similar before and after treatment.'] Does progesterone increase resistance of ophthalmic and central retinal arteries in climacteric women? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0393106937408447,
-1.3922871351242065,
2.4542348384857178
] |
['Medline, Embase and the Chinese Biomedical Literature databases were searched with no language restrictions.', 'Studies evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography in detecting TMJ disc displacement in participants with any symptoms or clinical signs related to temporomandibular disorders (TMD), with use of MRI as the gold standard, were included.', 'Study selection, data abstraction and risk of bias assessment were carried out independently by two reviewers. A meta-analysis was conducted.', 'Fifteen studies (14 cohort studies and one case control) were included in this review; six studies had a low risk of bias, six studies an unclear risk and three studies a high risk. Meta-regression indicated that the detected results were not influenced by the types of ultrasonography, image dimensions, types of transducer and ultrasonic image of the disc (P= .05). The Q* values (the point where sensitivity equals specificity on the summary reviewer operator characteristics curve) of ultrasonography for the closed- and open-mouth positions were 0.79 and 0.91, respectively. The diagnostic efficacy of disc displacement with reduction had a sensitivity of 0.76, a specificity of 0.82, a positive likelihood ratio of 3.80, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.36, a diagnostic odds ratio of 10.95, an area under the curve of 0.83 and a Q* of 0.76. The diagnostic efficacy of disc displacement without reduction had a sensitivity of 0.79, a specificity of 0.91, a positive likelihood ratio of 80.5, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.25, diagnostic odds ratio of 36.80, an area under the curve of 0.97 and a Q* of 0.92.'] Does ultrasonography have an acceptable diagnostic efficacy for temporomandibular disc displacement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6259297132492065,
-1.537909984588623,
2.2182962894439697
] |
['The Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase databases were searched as well as the references of identified articles and reviews.', 'Studies were selected independently by two authors with disagreements being resolved by discussion. Only English language papers were included.', 'Data abstraction was conducted independently and meta-analysis conducted where appropriate.', 'Twelve studies were included; seven on toothbrushing, one on dental flossing and four on chewing were included. Plaque and gingival indices were found to have a significant effect on the prevalence of bacteraemia following toothbrushing, with pooled odds ratios of 2.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45-4.69] and 2.77 (95% CI = 1.50-5.11) respectively. None of five studies on bacteraemia following dental flossing and chewing revealed a statistically significant association between oral hygiene, gingival or periodontal status and the development of bacteraemia.'] Is impact of everyday oral activities on the risk of bacteraemia unclear? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.636857509613037,
-0.14601559937000275,
1.7946693897247314
] |
['Oxidative stress (oxidant-antioxidant imbalance) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of neonatal sepsis. This study evaluated whether an antisense peptide endothelin receptor antagonist, ETR-P1/fl, could attenuate oxidative stress in a neonatal sepsis model.', 'A total of 18 3-d-old piglets were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Six piglets received cecal ligation and perforation (CLP group) for induction of sepsis. Six piglets also received continuous infusion (0.05\u2009mg/kg/h) of ETR-P1/fl 30\u2009min after CLP (ETR-P1/fl group). Six piglets received a sham operation. Serum total hydroperoxide (TH), biological antioxidant potentials (BAPs), oxidative stress index (OSI, calculated as TH/BAP), interleukin (IL)-6, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and creatinine were measured before CLP and at 1, 3, and 6\u2009h after CLP.', 'CLP evoked a state of shock resulting in elevated TH, OSI, and IL-6 levels. ETR-P1/fl administration after CLP resulted in lower serum TH at 1 and 3\u2009h after CLP, OSI at 1 and 3\u2009h after CLP, IL-6 at 1 and 3\u2009h after CLP, and GOT at 3 and 6\u2009h after CLP as compared with the CLP group.'] Does endothelin receptor antagonist attenuate oxidative stress in a neonatal sepsis piglet model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.104172945022583,
-1.5644466876983643,
2.662087917327881
] |
['D-dimer levels have been reported to increase progressively during pregnancy, but how this affects Nigerian women is not well known.', 'This study aims to determine the D-dimer concentration and its relationship to other coagulation parameters among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.', 'In a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, 120 pregnant women and 60 nonpregnant controls, drawn from a tertiary health institution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, were assessed, using the standard procedures, for the following parameters: D-dimer concentration, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume.', 'The median D-dimer concentration of 153.1 ng/mL in the pregnant group was found to be significantly elevated when compared with the control value of 118.5 ng/mL (t = 2.348, P = 0.021). Conversely, there was a marked depression in the platelet count among pregnant women (193.5 × 10(9)/L) when compared with 229.0 × 10(9)/L in the control group (t = 3.424; P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the values for the prothrombin time and the activated partial thromboplastin time between pregnant and nonpregnant women. D-dimer values correlated positively and significantly with gestation (r = 0.36; P < 0.01) and negatively with international normalized ratio values (r = -0.281; P < 0.05). About 63.3% of the pregnant women had normal D-dimer values (0-200 ng/mL), 26.7% of the pregnant women had elevated D-dimer levels (201-499 ng/mL), while 10.0% of the pregnant women were found to be at risk of thrombosis (D-dimer > 500 ng/mL). A linear relationship was found to exist between D-dimer and gestation (y = 8.355x + 36.55; R(2) = 0.130; P < 0.005).'] Is elevation in D-dimer concentrations positively correlated with gestation in normal uncomplicated pregnancy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.689268946647644,
-1.6252882480621338,
1.2745481729507446
] |
['Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor in various types of cancer. However, it promotes colon cancer progression. The aim of this study is to clarify the underlying mechanism by which PROX1 regulates tumorigenicity of colon cancer.', 'Association of PROX1 and clinicopathological features was studied by immunohistochemical staining. Pri-miR-9-2 and miR-9 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Assays of cell invasion, adhesion, and matrix metalloproteinase activity were used to study PROX1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).', "PROX1 was overexpressed in 43% (59/136) of colon cancer tissues and its expression was correlated with E-cadherin downregulation (P = 0.00005), advanced tumor staging (P = 0.005), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000009). Enforced expression of PROX1 in DLD-1 cells caused downregulation of E-cadherin and integrins and attenuated cell adhesion. These cells showed increase of matrix metalloproteinase activity and invasive ability. Conversely, knockdown of PROX1 in SW620 cells restored E-cadherin protein expression and reduced invasiveness. Unexpectedly, repression of E-cadherin by PROX1 was not mediated by transcriptional inhibition. We found that PROX1 bound to miR-9-2 promoter and triggered its expression to suppress E-cadherin 3'UTR reporter activity and protein expression. Anti-miR-9 restored E-cadherin in SW620 cells, whereas precursor miR-9 inhibited E-cadherin in PROX1-knockdown cells. The miR-9 level was higher in tumor tissues with high PROX1/low E-cadherin than that of tumor tissues with low PROX1/high E-cadherin."] Does prospero homeobox 1 promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colon cancer cells by inhibiting E-cadherin via miR-9? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2928199768066406,
-1.355576992034912,
2.677168846130371
] |
['To evaluate the relationship between nutritional status early in life and the timing and velocity of height growth, lung function, complications of cystic fibrosis, and survival.', 'Prospective, observational study using data from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Registry (US) for patients born between 1989 and 1992 (n\xa0=\xa03142).', 'Weight-for-age percentile (WAP) at 4 years of age was positively associated with height-for-age percentiles throughout childhood. Age 4 years WAP >10% was associated with better lung function from 6-18 years of age. In boys and girls with current WAP >50%, peak pubertal height velocities approximated but remained lower than that of the healthy reference population. By age 18 years, patients with an age 4 years WAP >50% suffered fewer acute pulmonary exacerbations, spent fewer days in the hospital, and had lower rates of impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. Patients attaining higher age 4 years WAP and height-for-age percentiles had a survival advantage throughout childhood.'] Is better nutritional status in early childhood associated with improved clinical outcomes and survival in patients with cystic fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3986904621124268,
-0.39401647448539734,
1.966880202293396
] |
['To assess the effect of massage on weight gain and body fat deposition in preterm infants.', 'Preterm infants (29-32 weeks) were randomized to the massage group (n\xa0=\xa022, 12 girls, 10 boys) or the control group (n\xa0=\xa022, 12 girls, 10 boys). Treatment was masked with massage or control care administered twice-daily by licensed massage therapists (6 d/wk for 4 weeks). Body weight, length, Ponderal Index (PI), body circumferences, and skinfold thickness (triceps, mid-thigh, and subscapular [SSF]) were measured. Circulating insulin-like growth factor I, leptin, and adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Daily dietary intake was collected.', 'Energy and protein intake as well as increase in weight, length, and body circumferences were similar. Male infants in the massage group had smaller PI, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-thigh skinfold thickness, and SSF and increases over time compared with control male infants (P\xa0<\xa0.05). Female infants in the massage group had larger SSF increases than control female infants (P\xa0<\xa0.05). Circulating adiponectin increased over time in control group male infants (group\xa0×\xa0time\xa0×\xa0sex interaction, P\xa0<\xa0.01) and was correlated to PI (r\xa0=\xa00.39, P\xa0<\xa0.01).'] Does massage improve growth quality by decreasing body fat deposition in male preterm infants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9539326429367065,
-1.6476857662200928,
1.566671371459961
] |
['Melatonin has been shown to attenuate the reflex sympathetic increases that arise in response to orthostatic challenges. We tested the hypothesis that the attenuated sympathetic increase induced by melatonin premedication may weaken the arterial blood pressure (ABP) preserving the capability during acute hypotension, thereby altering dynamic cerebral autoregulation and causing a further decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF).', 'Acute hypotension was induced in 12 healthy subjects by releasing bilateral thigh cuffs before and after an oral dose of melatonin (0.2 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (ABP), Modelflow estimate of cardiac output (CO), total peripheral resistance (TPR) and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) by transcranial Doppler were measured.', 'Steady state HR, the mean arterial pressure and CBFV were not altered 60 minutes after melatonin ingestion. Reduced systolic arterial pressure (ΔSAP), changes in HR (ΔHR), CO (ΔCO), and TPR (ΔTPR), ΔHR/ΔSAP and percentage restoration of SAP were not affected after a temporal decrease in ABP induced by thigh cuff release. In the cerebral circulation, melatonin did not affect changes in CBFV, cerebrovascular resistance index, the rate of regulation and percentage restoration of CBFV following a sudden decrease in ABP.'] Does melatonin attenuate dynamic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular reflex responses to acute hypotension in healthy men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4406137466430664,
-1.0968196392059326,
2.64054536819458
] |
['Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α(2)-adrenoceptor agonist that is widely used for sedation and analgesia during the perioperative period. Intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine induces transient hypertension due to vasoconstriction via the activation of the α(2)-adrenoceptor on vascular smooth muscle. The goal of this in vitro study is to investigate the calcium-dependent mechanism underlying dexmedetomidine-induced contraction of isolated endothelium-denuded rat aorta.', 'Isolated endothelium-denuded rat thoracic aortic rings were suspended for isometric tension recording. Cumulative dexmedetomidine concentration-response curves were generated in the presence or absence of the following inhibitors: α(2)-adrenoceptor inhibitor rauwolscine; voltage-operated calcium channel blocker verapamil (5 × 10(-7), 10(-6) and 5 × 10(-5) M); purported inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor blocker 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate (5 × 10(-6), 10(-5) and 5 × 10(-5) M); phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 (10(-6) and 3 × 10(-6) M); and store-operated calcium channel inhibitor gadolinium chloride hexahydrate (Gd(3+); 5 × 10(-6) M). Dexmedetomidine concentration-response curves were also generated in low calcium concentrations (1 mM) and calcium-free Krebs solution.', 'Rauwolscine, verapamil, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate attenuated dexmedetomidine-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Low calcium concentrations attenuated dexmedetomidine-induced contraction, and calcium-free Krebs solution nearly abolished dexmedetomidine-induced contraction. However, U-73122 and Gd(3+) had no effect on dexmedetomidine-induced contraction.'] Is dexmedetomidine-induced contraction of isolated rat aorta dependent on extracellular calcium concentration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2975504398345947,
-1.3781418800354004,
2.743091106414795
] |
['A rapid method of reversal is required for patients on warfarin who suffer acute bleeding or require emergency surgery. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) have recently been recommended by the Canadian Blood Services for use at a fixed low dose of 1000 IU of Factor (F)IX activity. The main goal of this study was to investigate both the effectiveness and the safety of fixed low-dose PCCs.', 'We retrospectively reviewed charts from 103 patients who received PCCs for reversal of warfarin therapy.', 'A total of 103 patients were treated with PCC at a single fixed dose of 1000 IU of F IX activity. Fifty patients (48.5%) had a final international normalized ratio (INR) response of not more than 1.5 and an additional 45 patients (43.7%) had a final INR response between 1.6 and 2.0. However, 86 patients (83.5%) had an excellent clinical response consisting of control of bleeding without the requirement of additional measures. In a multivariable model, patients who received fresh-frozen plasma and patients who were given doses greater than 1000 IU of PCC were both identified as predictors of a poor clinical response (odds ratio [OR] 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-15.89, p = 0.11; and OR 10.8, 95% CI 2.08-56.28, 95% CI, p = 0.005, respectively). There were five adverse events up to 30 days after PCC use.'] Does the effectiveness and safety of fixed low-dose prothrombin complex concentrate in patients requiring urgent reversal of warfarin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3473429679870605,
-1.4213511943817139,
1.7777929306030273
] |
["Enabling women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) to have successful pregnancies requires complex decisions. The study aimed to assess patients' views on IBD and pregnancy and to evaluate any association with subject knowledge.", "General attitudes of females with IBD were assessed on fertility, medication use, delivery mode and pregnancy outcomes. Attitudes regarding personal situation were assessed in participants nulliparous since IBD diagnosis. Knowledge of pregnancy-related issues in IBD was assessed by the Crohn's and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge Score 'CCPKnow'.", "Of 145 participants 68% of participants agreed with need for medical therapy for flares during pregnancy, but 24% felt it more important to tolerate symptoms. 36% believed that all IBD medication is harmful to unborn children. Of 96 women nulliparous after IBD diagnosis, 46% were worried about infertility, 75% expressed concern about passing IBD to offspring and 30% considered not having children. Nearly all participants worried about the effects of IBD on pregnancy and the effects of pregnancy on IBD. General attitudes that 'medication should be stopped prior to conception' (P<0.001), 'pregnant women should avoid all IBD drugs' (P<0.001), and 'put up with symptoms' (P<0.001) were associated with significantly lower CCPKnow scores."] Is inflammatory bowel disease and pregnancy : lack of knowledge associated with negative views? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.441218614578247,
0.2401588410139084,
1.2451589107513428
] |
['White blood cell count is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a biomarker that can single out individuals at risk for vascular events.', 'To evaluate whether NLR adds additional information beyond that provided by conventional risk factors and biomarkers for coronary artery disease (CAD) severity and adverse outcome, in a large cohort of consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography.', 'NLR was computed from the absolute values of neutrophils and lymphocytes from the complete blood count of 3005 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography for various indications. CAD severity was determined by an interventional cardiologist unaware of the study aims. The association between NLR and CAD severity was assessed by logistic regression and the association between NLR and 3-years outcome were analyzed using Cox regression models, adjusting for potential clinical, metabolic, and inflammatory confounders.', 'The cohort was divided into 3 groups according to the NLR value (<2, 2-3, and >3). NLR was independently associated with CAD severity and it contributed significantly to the regression models. Patients with NLR >3 had more advanced obstructive CAD (OR = 2.45, CI 95% 1.76-3.42, p < 0.001) and worse prognosis, with a higher rate of major CVD events during up to 3 years of follow-up (HR = 1.55, CI 95% 1.09-2.2, p = 0.01).'] Is neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio related to the severity of coronary artery disease and clinical outcome in patients undergoing angiography? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2860215902328491,
-1.7462507486343384,
2.0421504974365234
] |
['Phenotypic modulation of adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of proliferative vascular diseases. The current study aimed to identify the role of cellular repressor E1A-stimulated genes (CREG), a critical mediator in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis, in AF phenotypic modulation and adventitial remodeling.', 'Using in situ double-immunofluorescence staining, we ascertained that CREG expression was significantly down-regulated in the adventitia after vascular injury, and its expression pattern was conversely correlated with the expression of smooth muscle α-actin (α-SMA), a marker for differentiation of AFs into myofibroblasts. In vitro data confirmed the association of CREG in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AF differentiation. Additionally, overexpression of CREG attenuated Ang II-induced α-SMA expression in AFs. CREGoverexpressing AFs showed decreased levels of proliferation on days 2-5 following stimulation by Ang II compared with controls, with changes in the cell cycle profile as shown by BrdU incorporation assay and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis. Moreover, wound healing assay and transwell migration model demonstrated that upregulation of CREG expression inhibited Ang II-induced AF migration. We found that CREG-mediated its counterbalancing effects in Ang II-induced phenotypic modulation, proliferation and migration by inhibition of the p38MAPK signaling pathway, validated by pharmacological blockade of p38MAPK with SB 203580 and by overexpression of p38MAPK with transfectants expressing constitutively active p38αMAPK.'] Does cellular repressor E1A-stimulated genes control phenotypic switching of adventitial fibroblasts by blocking p38MAPK activation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3900845050811768,
-1.369218111038208,
2.8193302154541016
] |
['Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a calcium-binding matricellular glycoprotein, is implicated in the progressions of some cancers. However, no information has been available to date regarding the function of SPARC in cervical cancer cell growth and metastasis.', 'In this study, we isolated and established high invasive subclones and low invasive subclones from human cervical cancer cell lines HeLa and SiHa by the limited dilution method. Real-time q-RT-PCR, Western Blot and ICC were performed to investigate SPARC mRNA and protein expressions in high invasive subclones and low invasive subclones. Then lentivirus vector with SPARC shRNA was constructed and infected the highly invasive subclones. Real-time q-RT-PCR, Western Blot and ICC were also performed to investigate the changes of SPARC expression after viral infection. In functional assays, effects of SPARC knockdown on the biological behaviors of cervical cancer cells were investigated. The mechanisms of SPARC in cervical cancer proliferation, apoptosis and invasion were also researched.', 'SPARC was over-expressed in the highly invasive subclones compared with the low invasive subclones. Knockdown of SPARC significantly suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G1/G0 phase through the p53/p21 pathway, also caused cell apoptosis accompanied by the decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, and inhibited cell invasion and metastasis accompanied by down-regulated MMP2 and MMP9 expressions and up-regulated E-cadherin expression.'] Does targeting SPARC by lentivirus-mediated RNA interference inhibit cervical cancer cell growth and metastasis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.482434034347534,
-1.2437100410461426,
2.8043503761291504
] |
['CYR61 (cysteine-rich protein 61, also named IGFBP10) is a secreted signaling molecule that promotes angiogenesis and tumor growth. The goal of this study is to determine whether a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the CYR61 gene (rs3753793) is associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk and gene expression in Chinese patients.', 'A total of 665 patients diagnosed with PCa and 703 cancer-free controls were genotyped in this hospital-based case-control study, and 26 PCa tissue samples were evaluated for mRNA expression of CYR61 by real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR.', 'Men carrying the G allele of rs3753793 (TG+GG) had significantly lower risk of PCa when compared with the TT genotype (odds ratio (OR) = 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61-0.95). The association was generally more pronounced among subgroups of PCa patients with advanced stage (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53-0.94), Gleason score >7 (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.46-0.86) and PSA>20 ng ml(-1) (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53-0.88). Prostate tumors derived from cases with the GT/GG genotypes had significantly lower levels of CYR61 mRNA when compared with cases with the TT genotypes (P = 0.02).'] Is a functional polymorphism in the CYR61 ( IGFBP10 ) gene associated with prostate cancer risk? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6634033918380737,
-1.530760645866394,
2.2069263458251953
] |
['Despite improved post-transplantation care, progress in long-term kidney allograft survival of diabetic renal transplant recipients (pre-DM RTR) is worse than that of non-diabetic recipients (non-DM). We hypothesized that there are other potential risk factors, that predispose RTR to adverse renal allograft outcomes.', 'A total of 323 transplant recipients who underwent renal transplantation between March 2000 and January 2008 were recruited. The composite end-point consisted of serum creatinine (SCr) doubling, graft failure, and death. Baseline clinical data were recorded, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism measurements of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-23, glutathione S-transferase (GST)A1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms were determined. The risk factors for developing the primary outcome were analyzed among these clinical and genetic factors.', 'Within a mean follow-up of 71.1 ± 24 months, there were 43 (13.3 %) patients with the primary outcome. Stepwise multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for the primary outcome of RTR. Renal transplant recipients who possessed the GSTM1 null genotype had a 2.2-fold risk (95 % CI: 1.10-4.40; P = 0.026) of developing the primary outcome. Additionally, RTR that had DM before transplantation (aHR: 3.31; 95 % CI: 1.77-6.20; P = 0.0002) or changes in SCr 6 to 12 months after transplantation (aHR: 2.83; 95 % CI: 1.29-6.19; P = 0.0095) had an increased risk of developing the primary outcome.'] Is glutathione S-transferase M1 gene polymorphism associated with susceptibility to impaired long-term allograft outcomes in renal transplant recipients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6767653226852417,
-1.6199548244476318,
2.288362741470337
] |
['Hepatic metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) is best managed with a multimodal approach; however, the optimal timing of liver resection in relation to administration of perioperative chemotherapy remains unclear. Our strategy has been to offer up-front liver resection for patients with resectable hepatic metastases, followed by post-liver resection chemotherapy. We report the outcomes of patients based on this surgical approach.', 'A retrospective review of all patients undergoing liver resection for CRC metastases over a 5-year period (2002-2007) was performed. Associations between clinicopathologic factors and survival were evaluated by the Cox proportional hazard method.', 'A total of 320 patients underwent 336 liver resections. Median follow-up was 40 (range 8-80) months. The majority (n=195, 60.9%) had metachronous disease, and most patients (n=286, 85%) had a major hepatectomy (>3 segments). Thirty-six patients (11%) received preoperative chemotherapy, predominantly for downstaging unresectable disease. Ninety-day mortality was 2.1%, and perioperative morbidity occurred in 68 patients (20.2%). Actual disease-free survival at 3 and 5 years was 46.2% and 42%, respectively. Actual overall survival (OS) at 3 and 5 years was 63.7% and 55%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified four factors that were independently associated with differences in OS (hazard ratio; 95% confidence interval): size of metastasis>6 cm (2.2; 1.3-3.5), positive lymph node status of the primary CRC (N1 (2.0; 1.0-3.8), N2 (2.4; 1.2-4.9)), synchronous disease (2.1; 1.3-3.5), and treatment with chemotherapy after liver resection (0.42; 0.23-0.75).'] Does up-front hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer result in favorable long-term survival? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6802293062210083,
-1.579217553138733,
2.306945562362671
] |
['Chronic pain is believed to be related to a dysfunction of descending pain modulatory mechanisms. Functioning of descending pain modulation can be assessed by various methods, including conditioned pain modulation (CPM). CPM refers to the inhibition of one source of pain by a second noxious stimulus, termed the conditioning stimulus. This procedure can activate an endogenous pain inhibitory mechanism that inhibits early nociceptive processing. Chronic pain and anxiety disorders are more prevalent among females and it has been hypothesized that females react with more negative emotions towards unpleasant stimuli and this might be part of the explanation of greater pain sensitivity in females. The present study investigated whether expectations modulate the effect of conditioning stimulation on pain, subjective stress, and heart rate. In addition, we investigated whether the modulation of CPM by expectations differed between males and females.', 'Seventy-two subjects (including 36 women) received six noxious heat stimuli to the forearm. During three of these stimuli, a conditioning stimulus (cold-water bath) was applied to the contralateral arm in order to activate CPM. One third of the subjects were told that this would reduce pain (analgesia group), one-third that it would increase pain (hyperalgesia group), and one third received no information about its effect (no info group).', 'Information that conditioning stimulation decreased or enhanced pain had the corresponding effect in females, but not in males. Conditioning stimulation increased stress, but not heart rate in females in the hyperalgesia group. A higher expectation of analgesia and lower stress during conditioning stimulation was associated with larger inhibitory CPM.'] Do expectations of increased and decreased pain explain the effect of conditioned pain modulation in females? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4630229473114014,
-0.5315048098564148,
2.0305685997009277
] |
['To assess the impact of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol) on the insulin sensitivity and metabolic health of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).', 'Twenty-eight adult patients with CKD stages 3-4 were recruited from the outpatient department of the Princess Alexandra Hospital (Brisbane, Australia) to a double-blind randomized trial of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) 2000\u2009IU/day or placebo for 6 months. Metabolic parameters at baseline were compared with 20 non-CKD adults. The primary outcome was an improvement in insulin resistance (glucose disposal rate, GDR) at 6 months (quantified by hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp). Carbohydrate and lipid oxidation rates were assessed by indirect calorimetry.', 'At baseline, patients were significantly insulin-resistant compared with lean younger non-CKD individuals (n\u2009=\u20099; GDR 3.42 vs. 5.76\u2009mg/kg per minute, P\u2009=\u20090.001), but comparable with their age-, gender- and weight-matched non-CKD counterparts (n\u2009=\u200911; 3.42 vs. 3.98\u2009mg/kg per minute, P\u2009=\u20090.4). 25-Hydroxyvitamin D did not change in the placebo group, but rose from 95\u2009±\u200937 to 146\u2009±\u200925\u2009nmol/L with treatment (P\u2009=\u20090.0001). Post treatment, there was no difference in GDR between groups (GDR 3.38 vs. 3.52\u2009mg/kg per minute, ancova P\u2009=\u20090.4). There was a relative increase in hyperinsulinaemic oxidative disposal of glucose with treatment (within-group P\u2009=\u20090.03).'] Does vitamin D improve the metabolic health of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3-4 : a randomized controlled trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5935441255569458,
-1.6172354221343994,
2.178231716156006
] |
['To test whether the combined use of total plasma/serum bilirubin (TSB) levels and clinical risk factors more accurately identifies infants who receive phototherapy than does the use of either method alone.', "We recruited healthy infants of ≥35 weeks' gestation at 6 centers that practiced universal predischarge TSB screening. Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) was measured at 24 hours, with TSB at 24-60 hours and at 3- to 5- and 7- to 14-day follow-up visits. Clinical risk factors were identified systematically.", 'Of 1157 infants, 1060 (92%) completed follow-up, and 982 (85%) had complete datasets for analysis. Infant characteristics included 25% were nonwhite and 55% were Hispanic/Latino; >90% were breastfed. During the first week, jaundice was documented in 84% of subjects. Predischarge TSB identified the 41 (4.2%) and 34 (3.5%) infants who received phototherapy before and after discharge, respectively. Prediction of postdischarge phototherapy was similar for combined clinical risk factors (earlier gestational age [GA], bruising, positive direct antiglobulin test, Asian race, exclusive breastfeeding, blood type incompatibility, jaundice extent) and age-adjusted TSB (area under the curve [AUC]\xa0=\xa0.86 vs .87), but combined screening was better (AUC\xa0=\xa0.95). TcB/TSB combined with GA alone was equally predictive (AUC\xa0=\xa0.95; 95% CI .93-.97).'] Does predischarge screening for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia identify infants who need phototherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1955848932266235,
-1.7557134628295898,
1.908280611038208
] |
['Cucurbitacin B, an oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoid compound extracted from the Thai medicinal plant Trichosanthes cucumerina L., has been reported to have several biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer. Cucurbitacin B is great of interest because of its biological activity. This agent inhibits growth of various types of human cancer cells lines.', 'In this study, we explored the novel molecular response of cucurbitacin B in human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The growth inhibitory effect of cucurbitacin B on breast cancer cells was assessed by MTT assay. The effects of cucurbitacin B on microtubules morphological structure and tubulin polymerization were analyzed using immunofluorescence technique and tubulin polymerization assay kit, respectively. Proteomic analysis was used to identify the target-specific proteins that involved in cucurbitacin B treatment. Some of the differentially expressed genes and protein products were validated by real-time RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell cycle distributions and apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry.', 'Cucurbitacin B exhibited strong antiproliferative effects against breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. We show that cucurbitacin B prominently alters the cytoskeletal network of breast cancer cells, inducing rapid morphologic changes and improper polymerization of the microtubule network. Moreover, the results of 2D-PAGE, real-time RT-PCR, and western blot analysis revealed that the expression of nucleophosmin/B23 and c-Myc decreased markedly after cucurbitacin B treatment. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that cucurbitacin B induced translocation of nucleophosmin/B23 from the nucleolus to nucleoplasm. Treatment with cucurbitacin B resulted in cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and the enhancement of apoptosis.'] Does cucurbitacin B inhibit human breast cancer cell proliferation through disruption of microtubule polymerization and nucleophosmin/B23 translocation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.39823842048645,
-1.322149634361267,
2.8036670684814453
] |
['Contrast enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) with T1 mapping enables quantification of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Various factors, however, can interfere with T1 measurements. The purpose of the current study was to assess the effect of co-medication with a typical protein binding drug (ibuprofen) on T1 values in vitro and in vivo.', '50 vials were prepared with different concentrations of gadobenate dimeglumine, ibuprofen and human serum albumin in physiologic NaCl solution and imaged at 1.5T with a spin echo sequence at multiple TRs to measure T1 values and calculate relaxivities. 10 volunteers (5 men; 31 ± 6.3 years) were imaged at 1.5T. T1 values for myocardium and blood pool were determined for various time points after administration of 0.15 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine using a modified look-locker inversion-recovery sequence before and after administration of ibuprofen over 24 hours. The partition coefficient was calculated as ΔR1myocardium/ΔR1blood, where R1=1/T1.', 'In vitro no significant correlation was found between relaxivity and ibuprofen concentration, neither in absence (r=-0.15, p=0.40) nor in presence of albumin (r=-0.32, p=0.30). In vivo there was no significant difference in post contrast T1 times of myocardium and blood, respectively and also in the partition coefficient between exam 1 and 2 (p>0.05). There was good agreement of the T1 times of myocardium and blood and the partition coefficient, respectively between exam 1 and 2.'] Does the protein binding substance ibuprofen affect the T1 time or partition coefficient in contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.587946891784668,
-1.6852011680603027,
2.2560901641845703
] |
['Benzodiazepines modulate γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors throughout the brain. However, it is not fully understood which brain regions within anxiety-related brain circuits are really responsible for their anxiolytic effects and how these regions interact.', 'We investigated whether the benzodiazepine alprazolam affects activity in distinct brain regions within anxiety-related circuits during an experimental anxiety paradigm by means of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Panic symptoms were elicited by a bolus injection of the neuropeptide cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in 16 healthy male subjects in a double-blind, placebo-controlled design. Functional brain activation patterns were determined before and during the CCK-4-challenge without pretreatment and after treatment with either placebo or 1 mg alprazolam.', 'The CCK-4 induced anxiety and elicited widely distributed activation patterns in anxiety-related brain circuits, especially in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC), which was attenuated after alprazolam treatment. In contrast to placebo, alprazolam abolished the activation of the rACC after challenge with CCK-4 (p<.005, corrected for multiple comparisons) and increased functional connectivity between the rACC and other anxiety-related brain regions such as amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Moreover, the reduction in the CCK-4 induced activation of the rACC correlated with the anxiolytic effect of alprazolam (r(p) = .52; p = .04).'] Do benzodiazepines counteract rostral anterior cingulate cortex activation induced by cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide in humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4098541736602783,
-1.2763350009918213,
2.7289695739746094
] |
['To characterize the effect of HIV infection on IL-27-induced gene expression.', 'During HIV infection, cytokine expression and function become deregulated. IL-27 is an important modulator of inflammatory responses. Interestingly, IL-27 can inhibit HIV replication in T cells and monocytes, implicating IL-27 as a potential adjunct to anti-viral treatment. Our previous work demonstrated that circulating HIV may suppress IL-27 expression, therefore, this study, in continuation of our previous work, aimed to understand how HIV affects expression levels of the IL-27 receptor and downstream functions of IL-27.', 'Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from whole blood of HIV negative and HIV positive (viremic) individuals to assess IL-27-induced gene expression by flow cytometry and ELISA. PBMC were also processed for monocyte enrichment to assess IL-27 receptor expression by flow cytometry and real-time PCR.', 'Expression of the IL-27 receptor subunit, gp130, was upregulated in response to IL-27 in HIV negative individuals, however, in HIV positive individuals, this IL-27 response was diminished. Furthermore, we observed downregulation of IL-27-induced IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 expression in HIV positive subjects.'] Is iL-27-induced gene expression downregulated in HIV-infected subjects? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4945895671844482,
-1.0705299377441406,
2.599508285522461
] |
['The indications for laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) and its morbidity compared with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS) are ill-defined. This study aimed to share the indications for spleen-preservation and investigate the safety and outcome of LSPDP at our institution.', 'A retrospective review of patients who were scheduled to receive laparoscopic surgery for distal pancreatic lesions was conducted. The indications, surgical procedures, intra-operative data, and outcomes of the two procedures were collected and compared by statistical analysis.', 'LDPS and LSPDP were successfully performed in 16 and 21 patients respectively, whereas they were converted to open surgery in 9 patients. There were no significant differences in age, gender, operation time, blood loss, and conversion rate between the LDPS and LSPDP groups. The mean tumor size showed an inter-group difference (5.05 vs 2.53 cm, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in complication and morbidity rates between the two groups. All patients remained alive without recurrence during a follow-up of 9 to 67 months (median 35).'] Does laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy : spleen-preservation increase morbidity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.276832103729248,
-1.10834801197052,
2.4861464500427246
] |
['Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis has been associated with a broad range of clinical manifestations ranging from a simple cutaneous ulcer to destructive mucosal lesions. Factors leading to this diversity of clinical presentations are not clear, but parasite factors have lately been recognized as important in determining disease progression. Given the fact that the activity of ecto-nucleotidases correlates with parasitism and the development of infection, we evaluated the activity of these enzymes in promastigotes from 23 L. braziliensis isolates as a possible parasite-related factor that could influence the clinical outcome of the disease.', 'Our results show that the isolates differ in their ability to hydrolyze adenine nucleotides. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between the time for peak of lesion development in C57BL/6J mice and enzymatic activity and clinical manifestation of the isolate. In addition, we found that L. (V.) braziliensis isolates obtained from mucosal lesions hydrolyze higher amounts of adenine nucleotides than isolates obtained from skin lesions. One isolate with high (PPS6m) and another with low (SSF) ecto-nucleotidase activity were chosen for further studies. Mice inoculated with PPS6m show delayed lesion development and present larger parasite loads than animals inoculated with the SSF isolate. In addition, PPS6m modulates the host immune response by inhibiting dendritic cell activation and NO production by activated J774 macrophages. Finally, we observed that the amastigote forms from PPS6m and SSF isolates present low enzymatic activity that does not interfere with NO production and parasite survival in macrophages.'] Does ecto-nucleotidase activities of promastigotes from Leishmania ( Viannia ) braziliensis relate to parasite infectivity and disease clinical outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3782684803009033,
-1.249185562133789,
2.6896610260009766
] |
['The activation of immune cells in the brain is believed to be one of the earliest events in prion disease development, where misfolded PrionSc protein deposits are thought to act as irritants leading to a series of events that culminate in neuronal cell dysfunction and death. The role of these events in prion disease though is still a matter of debate. To elucidate the mechanisms leading from abnormal protein deposition to neuronal injury, we have performed a detailed network analysis of genes differentially expressed in several mouse prion models.', 'We found a master regulatory core of genes related to immune response controlling other genes involved in prion protein replication and accumulation, and neuronal cell death. This regulatory core determines the existence of two stable states that are consistent with the transcriptome analysis comparing prion infected versus uninfected mouse brain. An in silico perturbation analysis demonstrates that core genes are individually capable of triggering the transition and that the network remains locked once the diseased state is reached.'] Does gene regulatory network analysis support inflammation as a key neurodegeneration process in prion disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.7236320972442627,
-0.2757464349269867,
2.090622901916504
] |
["Acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC) predicts poor outcome after injury. Females have been demonstrated to be hypercoagulable early in the posttrauma period. It remains unclear whether presence of ATC alters sex-based outcomes after injury. This study's objective was to characterize the sex dimorphism after severe injury in the presence and absence of ATC.", 'Data were obtained from a multicenter prospective cohort study of patients with blunt trauma and hemorrhagic shock. ATC was defined as arrival international normalized ratio (INR) of greater than 1.5. Cox regression was used to determine the independent risks of mortality and multiple-organ failure associated with sex in subjects with ATC and without (non-ATC) while controlling for important confounders. The sex mortality differences were characterized over time to determine at what point after injury any differential risks diverge.', 'Of 2,007 enrolled subjects, 1,877 had an arrival INR with 439 (23%) having ATC. There was no difference in incidence of ATC across sex (24% vs. 23%; p = 0.95). In the ATC group, no difference in Injury Severity Score, arrival INR, base deficit, temperature, or 24-hour blood requirements were found across sex. Cox hazard regression revealed that sex was not associated with mortality in non-ATC patients (hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.5). Female sex was independently associated with mortality only in the ATC group (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.9; p = 0.03). These mortality risk differences across sex diverged within the first 24 hours after injury.'] Do characterization of acute coagulopathy and sexual dimorphism after injury : females and coagulopathy just mix? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4358166456222534,
-1.3870785236358643,
1.8682992458343506
] |
['During development, the presence of strabismus and anisometropia frequently leads to amblyopia, a visual disorder characterized by interocular acuity differences. Although additional deficits in contrast sensitivity, crowding (the impaired recognition of closely spaced objects), and stereoacuity are common, the relationship between these abilities is unclear.', 'We measured the covariation between these four abilities in children 4 to 9 years of age (n = 72) with strabismus, anisometropia, or mixed strabismus/anisometropia, and unaffected controls. Children reported the orientation of a target (a modified "Pac-Man," similar to Landolt-C stimuli) using four "ghosts" as references. Using a modified staircase procedure we measured threshold size (acuity), contrast detection, foveal crowding (the minimum separation between target and ghost-flankers supporting accurate identification), and stereoacuity (with random-dot stereogram ghosts).', 'Group averages revealed significant interocular differences (IODs) in acuity for all three clinical groups (0.2-0.3 log minutes), and significant crowding IODs for the strabismic and mixed groups (0.6 and 0.4°, respectively). Nonetheless, crowding IODs were correlated with acuity IODs in all four groups (r values between 0.43 and 0.59 and P < 0.05; P = 0.07 in the mixed group). Similarly, the occurrence of stereo-blindness (most common in strabismic and mixed groups) was associated with a significant increase in IODs for both acuity and crowding (each P < 0.05). No correlations were found with contrast detection.'] Are visual acuity , crowding , and stereo-vision linked in children with and without amblyopia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9437755346298218,
-1.340221881866455,
2.2990705966949463
] |
['Fibrosis is a major contributor to joint stiffness in osteoarthritis (OA). We investigated several factors associated with the persistence of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced fibrosis and whether these factors also play a role in OA-related fibrosis.', 'Mice were injected intra-articularly (i.a.) with an adenovirus encoding either TGF-β or connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). In addition, we induced OA by i.a. injection of bacterial collagenase into the right knee joint of C57BL/6 mice. mRNA was isolated from the synovium for Q-PCR analysis of the gene expression of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ECM degraders, growth factors and collagen cross-linking-related enzymes. Sections of murine knee joints injected with Ad-TGF-β or Ad-CTGF or from experimental OA were stained for lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2). The number of pyridinoline cross-links per triple helix collagen in synovium biopsies was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).', 'Expression of collagen alpha-1(I) chain precursor (Col1a1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) and especially procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 2b (Plod2b) were highly upregulated by TGF-β but not by CTGF. Elevated expression of Plod2b mRNA was associated with high lysyl hydroxylase 2 (LH2) protein staining after TGF-β overexpression and in experimental OA. Furthermore, in experimental OA the number of hydroxypyridinoline cross-links was significant increased compared to control knee joints.'] Is osteoarthritis-related fibrosis associated with both elevated pyridinoline cross-link formation and lysyl hydroxylase 2b expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4134457111358643,
-1.3945627212524414,
2.833789825439453
] |
['Disease-related malnutrition is highly prevalent in hospital patients and varies from 25-40%. Early nutritional screening of patients at admission helps to improve recognition of malnourished patients to allow early interventions and enhance clinical outcomes.', 'A total of 104 preoperative surgical patients with oesophageal (34), stomach (17) or pancreatic cancer (53) were recruited in our study. The risk of malnutrition was examined using the quick-and-easy Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST). Anthropometric data and information on percent weight change over the past six months, unintentional weight loss, dietician referrals, and history of nutritional intervention were collected.', 'A total of 75% of our participants were at high malnutrition risk with a mean (±SD) percentage weight loss of 5.18 (±6.23)%, despite a mean BMI of 26.09 (±5.73) kgm-2. Participants with a significantly higher percent weight loss, unintentional weight loss, dietician referral and nutritional intervention had a higher risk of malnutrition (p<0.05). Presence of unintentional weight loss was the only significant predictor (OR 3.22; 95%CI 1.23, 8.40) associated with risk of malnutrition after adjusted for all confounders.'] Is unintentional weight loss the most important indicator of malnutrition among surgical cancer patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3865898847579956,
-0.9544779658317566,
1.4482618570327759
] |
['Diallyl polysulfanes have been shown to exert cell cycle arrest, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory activities in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. Although diallyl polysulfanes cause oxidative stress, little is known about the underlying signaling cascades leading to antioxidant defense or apoptosis.', 'Cells were treated with DATTS at different concentrations and for different time periods. Reactive oxygen species and thiol concentrations were determined by commercially available kits. The expression levels of signal molecules were determined by Western Blot analysis. A direct influence of Nrf2 on the promoter of HO-1 gene was determined by a luciferase assay with the StRE promoter element from the HO-1 gene.', 'We found an immediate increase in the level of the superoxide anion radical O(2)(-) and hydrogen peroxide H(2)O(2) and an overall thiol depletion. DATTS treatment of HCT116 cells also caused an up-regulation of phospho-eIF2α, nuclear Nrf2 and HO-1 protein levels in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Pre-treatment of cells with antioxidants significantly reduced the elevated expression levels of these proteins. A direct contribution of Nrf2 was shown by its interaction with the stress-response element of the HO-1 promoter.'] Does diallyl tetrasulfane activate both the eIF2α and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.477891445159912,
-1.211918592453003,
2.726327419281006
] |
['STAT1 is an essential transcription factor for interferon-γ-mediated gene responses. A distinct sumoylation consensus site (ψKxE) 702IKTE705 is localized in the C-terminal region of STAT1, where Lys703 is a target for PIAS-induced SUMO modification. Several studies indicate that sumoylation has an inhibitory role on STAT1-mediated gene expression but the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood.', 'Here, we have performed a structural and functional analysis of sumoylation in STAT1. We show that deconjugation of SUMO by SENP1 enhances the transcriptional activity of STAT1, confirming a negative regulatory effect of sumoylation on STAT1 activity. Inspection of molecular model indicated that consensus site is well exposed to SUMO-conjugation in STAT1 homodimer and that the conjugated SUMO moiety is directed towards DNA, thus able to form a sterical hindrance affecting promoter binding of dimeric STAT1. In addition, oligoprecipitation experiments indicated that sumoylation deficient STAT1 E705Q mutant has higher DNA-binding activity on STAT1 responsive gene promoters than wild-type STAT1. Furthermore, sumoylation deficient STAT1 E705Q mutant displayed enhanced histone H4 acetylation on interferon-γ-responsive promoter compared to wild-type STAT1.'] Does structure-function analysis indicate that sumoylation modulates DNA-binding activity of STAT1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2606112957000732,
-1.0486836433410645,
2.3042349815368652
] |
['Childhood obesity is associated with reduced quality of life, physical fitness, and a higher prevalence of lower extremity (LE) pain; however, it is unclear whether and how these factors are related.', 'For this study we asked if obese children with LE pain (LE+) had higher BMI-Z scores, lower physical function and psychosocial health, and lower physical fitness compared with obese children without LE pain (LE-). We determined the association of BMI-Z score with physical function, psychosocial health, or physical fitness in obese children.', "Medical charts of 183 obese children were reviewed. Recorded data included anthropometrics, demographics, reports of musculoskeletal pain, Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL)-Physical Function score, PedsQL-Psychosocial Health score, and physical fitness levels. Data from 175 individuals were included in the analysis, with 51 in the LE+\xa0group and 124 in the LE- group. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman's rank order correlations.", 'Between the LE+\xa0and LE- groups, BMI-Z and physical fitness scores were not different. The LE+\xa0group scored worse on the PedsQL-Physical Function scale (LE+: 72.4 [17.1], LE-: 79.5 [15.0]) and PedsQL-Psychosocial Health scale (LE+: 70.0 [16.1], LE-: 75.8 [16.3]). BMI-Z scores negatively correlated with PedsQL-Physical Function scores, PedsQL-Psychosocial Health scores, and physical fitness scores.'] Is lower extremity pain associated with reduced function and psychosocial health in obese children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9154184460639954,
-1.0062217712402344,
1.0417828559875488
] |
['To examine the rates and predictors of mental health services use for a nationally representative cohort of youths who had been investigated for alleged maltreatment.', 'Data came from caregiver and caseworker baseline and 18-month interviews in the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being. These interviews took place from March 2008 to September 2008 and September 2010 to March 2011. Data on family and child characteristics and service use were gathered and examined by using weighted univariate and multivariate analyses.', 'Children had numerous challenges: 61.8% had a previous report of maltreatment, 46.3% had poor socialization skills, and 23.9% had a mental health problem measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). At baseline, 33.3% received some mental health service and this varied by age, with younger children receiving fewer services. This percentage decreased to 30.9% at the 18-month follow-up, although the youngest children had increases in services use. For younger children, race/ethnicity, out-of-home placement, chronic physical health problems, low adaptive behaviors, and CBCL scores in the clinical range were related to use. For children ≥ 11, out-of-home placement, high CBCL scores, and family risk factors predicted services use at 18 months.'] Do mental health services use by children investigated by child welfare agencies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.1332814693450928,
0.8829585313796997,
0.4521024823188782
] |
["Biological, psychological and social factors may interact with the mental health status of Graves' disease (GD) patients before and after antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment. Our aim was to quantify the impact of supportive and risk factors after recovery from GD which may enhance cure rates.", '300 patients were recruited for a 6-year prospective cohort study. Before and after treatment, we assessed the impact of biopsychosocial factors on the success of ATD treatment and mental health using the Symptom Checklist 90, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, the Life Event Scale, Simplified Coping Styles and the Perceived Social Support Scale. The patients routinely received ATD at least over 18 months. End-point was defined as cured (at least 2 years without a relapse after the withdrawal of ATD), otherwise as not cured.', 'Regression analysis explained 80.5% of the influences affecting mental health. The odds ratios (OR) revealed positive coping styles (OR: 2.90, 95% CI, 1.09-7.68), negative events (OR: 1.04, 95% CI, 1.01-1.07) and social support (OR: 5.10, 95% CI, 2.77-9.40) as protective factors, predicting a cure for GD patients. These variables explained 61.7% of the influences leading to a cure or no cure. Large thyroid volume was a risk factor, predicting failure (OR: 0.865, 95% CI, 0.83-0.90, P<0.000).'] Do mental health status and factors that influence the course of Graves ' disease and antithyroid treatments? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3669787645339966,
-0.5667480230331421,
1.0022249221801758
] |
['A low absolute lymphocyte count is a likely index of poor systemic immunity that may be associated with aggressive features and inferior survival in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.', 'To determine the absolute lymphocyte count we retrospectively analyzed the preoperative blood count of 430 patients with a mean age of 60 years treated with primary surgical resection at our cancer center. Absolute lymphocyte count values as a continuous variable and at a level below 1,300 cells per μl, which was our lowest reference value, were correlated with nuclear grade, pathological stage and TNM stage. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate overall survival, stratified by absolute lymphocyte count status.', 'As a continuous variable, low absolute lymphocyte count was associated with higher grade (p = 0.009), and higher pT stage (p = 0.034) and TNM stage (p <0.0001). Lymphopenia below 1,300 cells per μl was associated with high grade (p = 0.0043), pT stage (p = 0.051) and TNM stage (p <0.0001). At a median followup of 33.5 months lymphopenia was associated with inferior overall survival in a univariate model (p <0.0001), and on multivariate analysis independent of pT, N and M stages, patient age, grade, smoking history and comorbidities (p = 0.0102). Lymphopenia was also associated with inferior overall survival in a subset of young patients (age 60 years or less) with no distant metastasis (p = 0.014).'] Is lymphopenia an independent predictor of inferior outcome in clear cell renal carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.051710844039917,
-1.496095895767212,
2.6124677658081055
] |
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