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['Human adipose stem cells (hASCs) can promote angiogenesis through secretion of proangiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In other cell types, it has been shown that induction of VEGF is mediated by both protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and hypoxia inducible factor 1(HIF-1). The present study hypothesized that PAR2 stimulation through activation of kinase signaling cascades lead to induction of HIF-1 and secretion of VEGF.', 'Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of PAR2 receptors on the surface of hASCs. Blocking the PAR2 receptors with a specific antibody prior to trypsin treatment showed these receptors are involved in trypsin-evoked increase in VEGF secretion from hASCs. Blocking with specific kinase inhibitors suggested that that activation of MEK/ERK and PI3-kinase/Akt pathways are involved in trypsin-eveoked induction of VEGF. The effect of the trypsin treatment on the transcription of VEGF peaked at 6 hours after the treatment and was comparable to the activation observed after keeping hASCs for 24 hours at 1% oxygen. In contrast to hypoxia, trypsin alone failed to induce HIF-1 measured with ELISA, while the combination of trypsin and hypoxia had an additive effect on both VEGF transcription and secretion, results which were confirmed by Western blot.'] Does activation of protease-activated receptor 2 induce VEGF independently of HIF-1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3582041263580322,
-1.2806649208068848,
2.6527976989746094
] |
['Typhoidal and non-typhoidal infection by Salmonella is a serious threat to human health. Ciprofloxacin is the last drug of choice to clear the infection. Ciprofloxacin, a gyrase inhibitor, kills bacteria by inducing chromosome fragmentation, SOS response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bacterial cell. Curcumin, an active ingredient from turmeric, is a major dietary molecule among Asians and possesses medicinal properties. Our research aimed at investigating whether curcumin modulates the action of ciprofloxacin.', 'We investigated the role of curcumin in interfering with the antibacterial action of ciprofloxacin in vitro and in vivo. RT-PCR, DNA fragmentation and confocal microscopy were used to investigate the modulation of ciprofloxacin-induced SOS response, DNA damage and subsequent filamentation by curcumin. Chemiluminescence and nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assays were performed to assess the interference of curcumin with ciprofloxacin-induced ROS. DNA binding and cleavage assays were done to understand the rescue of ciprofloxacin-mediated gyrase inhibition by curcumin.', 'Curcumin interferes with the action of ciprofloxacin thereby increasing the proliferation of Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Typhimurium in macrophages. In a murine model of typhoid fever, mice fed with curcumin had an increased bacterial burden in the reticuloendothelial system and succumbed to death faster. This was brought about by the inhibition of ciprofloxacin-mediated downstream signalling by curcumin.'] Does curcumin reduce the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin against Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella typhi? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.518505811691284,
-1.2495864629745483,
2.800477981567383
] |
['Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)-induced ulcers heal faster and recur less often than non-iatrogenic gastric ulcers, the optimal dosage and duration of proton pump inhibitor treatment for ESD-induced ulcers remain unclear.', 'To evaluate the efficacy of half-dose rabeprazole on endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer compared with standard dose rabeprazole.', 'The study was a prospective randomized controlled double-blind trial at a single tertiary hospital. A total of 80 patients who underwent ESD for gastric neoplasia were enrolled. Of these patients, 10 were not followed to completion. Final analysis included the remaining 70 patients. Rabeprazole 20 or 10 mg, depending on randomization, was given orally for 4 weeks after ESD.', 'Of the 70 patients, 45 (64 %) were men, and the median age was 65.2 ± 9.7 years. The mean ESD-induced ulcer area was 673 mm(2). No significant differences in ulcer area reduction ratio (p = 0.49) or ulcer-related symptoms (p = 0.91) were observed between the two groups at 4 weeks after ESD.'] Does half-dose rabeprazole have an equal efficacy to standard-dose rabeprazole on endoscopic submucosal dissection-induced ulcer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.843217134475708,
-1.4833394289016724,
2.3746914863586426
] |
['Arginine (Arg) is deficient in the serum of the preterm neonate and is lower in those developing intestinal ischemia. We investigated whether Arg or its precursor, citrulline (Cit), protects intestinal tight junctions (TJs) from hypoxia (HX) and determined whether inducible nitric oxide (NO) plays a role.', 'Neonatal piglet jejunal IPEC-J2 cell monolayers were treated with Arg or Cit, reversible and irreversible NO synthetase (NOS) inhibitors, and were exposed to HX. TJs were assessed by serial measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), flux of inulin-fluorescein isothiocyanate, and immunofluorescent staining of TJ proteins.', 'We found that Arg and Cit were protective against HX-related damage. At the final time point (14\u2009h), the mean TEER ratio (TEER as compared with baseline) for Arg + HX and Cit + HX was significantly higher than that for HX alone. Both Arg and Cit were associated with decreased inulin flux across hypoxic monolayers and qualitatively preserved TJ proteins. Irreversible inhibition of NOS blocked this protective effect. Lipid peroxidation assay showed that our model did not produce oxidant injury.'] Do arginine and citrulline protect intestinal cell monolayer tight junctions from hypoxia-induced injury in piglets? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.404353380203247,
-1.3903634548187256,
2.8131446838378906
] |
['Enhancing collaboration has been highlighted as a marker for future success in maternity care, although this suggestion comes with little methodological guidance. This study assessed the efficacy of a collaborative partnership between obstetric doctors and midwives providing Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) care.', 'A retrospective analysis was undertaken with notes from weekly case review meetings held between the obstetricians and midwives over a 12-month period; audio recordings and a prospective analysis of 16 meetings with verbal contributions of the different professions; the number and types of cases discussed and referred, medical records kept at these meetings and a professional satisfaction questionnaire. Consistency of care was measured against the Australian National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral.', "Of the 337 women booked with MGP, 50% were discussed at least once. Of these, 35% were referred for consultation with an obstetrician. Women as 'Patients' were most commonly discussed, followed by educational discussions and anecdotes with equal verbal contributions from midwives and doctors. Plans for each case were recorded 97% of the time, and adhered to 90% of the time. A high level of consistency of care between similar cases (75% of the time) and with the consultation and referral guidelines (85% of the time) were achieved. Professional satisfaction with this model of care rated highly for both groups."] Is collaboration in maternity care achievable and practical? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9325023889541626,
0.3133733868598938,
0.7203880548477173
] |
['Arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) are widespread symbioses that provide great advantages to the plant, improving its nutritional status and allowing the fungus to complete its life cycle. Nevertheless, molecular mechanisms that lead to the development of AM symbiosis are not yet fully deciphered. Here, we have focused on two putative aquaporin genes, LjNIP1 and LjXIP1, which resulted to be upregulated in a transcriptomic analysis performed on mycorrhizal roots of Lotus japonicus.', 'A phylogenetic analysis has shown that the two putative aquaporins belong to different functional families: NIPs and XIPs. Transcriptomic experiments have shown the independence of their expression from their nutritional status but also a close correlation with mycorrhizal and rhizobial interaction. Further transcript quantification has revealed a good correlation between the expression of one of them, LjNIP1, and LjPT4, the phosphate transporter which is considered a marker gene for mycorrhizal functionality. By using laser microdissection, we have demonstrated that one of the two genes, LjNIP1, is expressed exclusively in arbuscule-containing cells. LjNIP1, in agreement with its putative role as an aquaporin, is capable of transferring water when expressed in yeast protoplasts. Confocal analysis have demonstrated that eGFP-LjNIP1, under its endogenous promoter, accumulates in the inner membrane system of arbusculated cells.'] Are two putative-aquaporin genes differentially expressed during arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in Lotus japonicus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.517183303833008,
-0.9269813895225525,
2.517821788787842
] |
['Survival benefits of mild hypothermia in animals suffering from uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock (HS) may be influenced by trauma severity. We hypothesized that mild hypothermia would improve early outcomes based on our rabbit model of severe traumatic HS.', 'Fifty male New Zealand rabbits weighing between 1.6 and 2.2 kg were randomized into one of the five groups: group 1 (sham), group 2 (37°C/80 mm Hg), group 3\xa0(37°C/40 mm Hg), group 4 (34°C/80 mm Hg), and group 5 (34°C/40 mm Hg). Under urethane anesthesia, animals that suffered fractures and uncontrolled HS received prehospital fluid resuscitation (aggressive or limited) with temperature controlled at normothermia or mild hypothermia, hemostasis, and hospital resuscitation followed by observation.', 'Mild hypothermia significantly improved cardiac systolic function and decreased lung wet-to-dry weight ratios and total injury score compared with normothermia. Group 5\xa0manifested the best results in lung injury. The decreased base excess and pH and increased lactate levels during HS and limited fluid resuscitation were not exacerbated by mild hypothermia. Electrolytes including potassium and calcium and blood glucose levels as well as coagulation were not significantly influenced after mild hypothermia treatment. Seven-hour survival in the hypothermic groups was higher than that in the normothermic groups, although there was no significant difference in survival between groups 5 and\xa03.'] Does therapeutic mild hypothermia improve early outcomes in rabbits subjected to traumatic uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7247599363327026,
-1.4207971096038818,
2.1035590171813965
] |
['Blood omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels have been associated with reduced risk for total mortality in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD), but their relationships with mortality in the setting of myocardial infarction (MI) are unknown.', 'To determine the association between red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid levels measured at admission and 2-year mortality in MI patients, independent of the GRACE risk score, a traditional mode of risk stratification.', 'Admission RBC fatty acid levels were measured in patients enrolled in a prospective, 24-center MI registry (TRIUMPH). Two-year mortality was modeled with Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the extent to which the inclusion of fatty acid levels would improve, over and above the GRACE score, risk stratification for 2-year mortality.', 'RBC fatty acid data were available from 1144 patients who did not report taking fish oil supplements after discharge. Two RBC fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic n-6 (DPA)] were univariate predictors of total mortality. The combined fatty acid c-statistic (0.60, p<0.001) improved the c-statistic of the GRACE score alone from 0.747 (p<0.001) to 0.768 (p<0.05 vs. GRACE alone). The net reclassification index improved by 31% (95% CI, 15% to 48%) and the relative incremental discrimination index improved by 19.8% (7.5% to 35.7%).'] Do red blood cell fatty acid levels improve GRACE score prediction of 2-yr mortality in patients with myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6002343893051147,
-1.5477962493896484,
2.1384634971618652
] |
['Phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) plays diverse roles in lipid metabolism and cell signaling.', 'A novel yeast PAP is identified as the actin patch protein encoded by APP1.'] Is the Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin patch protein App1p a phosphatidate phosphatase enzyme? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5029304027557373,
-0.8101771473884583,
2.3747711181640625
] |
['To investigate whether diabetes mellitus (DM) was associated with postoperative outcomes, including prostate-specific antigen doubling time, among men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa).', 'Data of 661 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for node-negative prostate cancer and were followed up for ≥3 years postoperatively at our institution were analyzed. Associations between diabetes mellitus at surgery and outcomes following radical prostatectomy, such as biochemical recurrence-free survival and prostate-specific antigen doubling time, were examined. Aggressive recurrence was defined as biochemical recurrence with prostate-specific antigen doubling time <9 months.', 'Of the 661 total subjects, DM (n = 67, 10.1 %) and non-DM group (n = 594, 89.9 %) showed no significant differences in various clinicopathologic parameters including age and PSA. DM group had lower postoperative biochemical recurrence-free survival than non-DM group, with observed difference approaching statistical significance (log-rank, p = 0.077). On multivariate analysis, DM at surgery was significantly associated with aggressive recurrence following RP (p = 0.048). Pathologic Gleason score (p = 0.008) and seminal vesicle invasion (p = 0.010) were also significantly associated with aggressive recurrence on multivariate analysis.'] Is diabetes mellitus associated with short prostate-specific antigen doubling time after radical prostatectomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.081325054168701,
-1.310823678970337,
2.456345796585083
] |
['To examine the relationship between hematologic parameters at birth and prenatal progression of Doppler abnormalities in fetal growth restriction (FGR).', 'The study was a secondary analysis of FGR patients (abdominal circumference < 5th percentile and umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA-PI) elevation) with at least three examinations prior to delivery. Prenatal progression was classified as rapid, moderate or slow based on the interval between diagnosis and delivery and the extent of UA, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus Doppler abnormalities. Associations between diagnosis-to-delivery interval, Doppler Z-scores, progression and hematologic parameters at birth were examined.', 'Of 130 patients, 54 (41.5%) had rapid, 51 (39.2%) moderate and 25 (19.2%) slow deterioration, delivering within 4, 6 and 9 weeks of diagnosis, respectively. The strongest association of moderate and rapid deterioration was with a low platelet count (r2 \u2009=\u20090.37 and 0.70, respectively; P < 0.0001). In patients with moderate deterioration, platelet count correlated inversely with UA-PI (ρ\u2009=\u2009-0.44, P\u2009=\u20090.001) and was lowest when end-diastolic velocity was absent. With rapid progression, platelet count correlated inversely with nucleated red blood cell count (ρ\u2009=\u2009-0.51, P < 0.001) but no longer with UA-PI.'] Is hematologic profile of neonates with growth restriction associated with rate and degree of prenatal Doppler deterioration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8129514455795288,
-1.5996348857879639,
2.4545252323150635
] |
["The clinical uses of 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (2-CDA) or cladribine which was initially prescribed to patients with hematological and lymphoid cancers is now extended to treat patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous data has shown that 2-CDA has high affinity to the brain and readily passes through the blood brain barrier reaching CSF concentrations 25% of that found in plasma. However, whether long-term administration of 2-CDA can lead to any adverse effects in patients or animal models is not yet clearly known.", "Here we show that exposure of 2-CDA to CHO cells stably expressing wild-type APP751 increased generation and secretion of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) in to the conditioned medium. Interestingly, increased Aβ levels were noticed even at non-toxic concentrations of 2-CDA. Remarkably, chronic treatment of APdE9 mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease with 2-CDA for 60 days increased amyloid plaque burden by more than 1-fold. Increased Aβ generation appears to result from increased turnover of APP as revealed by cycloheximide-chase experiments. Additionally, surface labeling of APP with biotin and immunoprecipitation of surface labeled proteins with anti-biotin antibody also indicated increased APP at the cell surface in 2-CDA treated cells compared to controls. Increased turnover of APP by 2-CDA in turn might be a consequence of decreased protein levels of PIN 1, which is known to regulate cis-trans isomerization and phosphorylation of APP. Most importantly, like many other oncology drugs, 2-CDA administration led to significant delay in acquiring a reward-based learning task in a T maze paradigm."] Does chronic cladribine administration increase amyloid beta peptide generation and plaque burden in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.45487904548645,
-1.210914134979248,
2.754037380218506
] |
['Effect modification by obesity or obesity-related phenotypes (e.g. physical activity and diet) was observed in some candidate gene studies on lipids. We aimed to evaluate gene-obesity interaction effects on HDL (HDL-C), LDL (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels using genetic predisposition scores.', 'We derived imputed genotypes for 104 SNPs in 84 lipid-associated loci in the population-based studies KORA F3 (n = 1406) and KORA F4 (n = 1515). We inferred specific unbiased weights for each SNP from linear regression estimates in KORA F4. Weighted genotypic predisposition SNP-scores were then calculated for each lipid trait in KORA F3. Interaction terms of SNP-scores with each of the obesity parameters (BMI, waist-hip-ratio, waist circumference) were included in age- and sex-adjusted linear regression models on HDL-C, LDL-C and TC.', 'All three SNP-scores were shown to be highly associated with their respective lipid levels (p = 1.11 × 10(-47) for HDL-C, p = 3.25 × 10(-19) for LDL-C and 1.53 × 10(-13) for TC). BMI, WHR and waist circumference modified the effect of the weighted HDL-C SNP-score on HDL-C significantly (all interaction p-values < 0.0062). No interaction term was significant for LDL-C or TC. Accounting for gene-obesity interaction substantially increased the proportion of HDL-C variance explained by 3-3.5%.'] Is evaluation of gene-obesity interaction effects on cholesterol levels : a genetic predisposition score on HDL-cholesterol modified by obesity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.252663254737854,
-1.455620288848877,
1.7182433605194092
] |
['Psoriasis has been associated with cardiovascular diseases, but its relationship to markers of subclinical atherosclerosis has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study is to analyze the association of psoriasis with common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and plaque prevalence of the carotid arteries.', 'Data of 1987 men and women aged 25-88 years from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) in north-eastern Germany were used. Cross-sectional associations of psoriasis with IMT and carotid plaque prevalence were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for relevant confounders (age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, waist circumference, physical activity, systolic blood pressure, anti-hypertensive medication, acetylsalicylic acid, HbA(1c), total/HDL cholesterol ratio, lipid-lowering medication).', 'Psoriasis was associated with mean CCA-IMT, but not with carotid plaque prevalence. Comparisons between subjects with and without psoriasis showed an adjusted mean difference of the CCA-IMT of 0.016 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.004 mm-0.028 mm, p < 0.01) and an odds ratio for plaque prevalence of 1.12 (95% CI: 0.85-1.47) after adjusting for confounders.'] Is psoriasis associated with increased intima-media thickness -- the Study of Health in Pomerania ( SHIP )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.325792074203491,
-1.0366495847702026,
2.471219062805176
] |
['Intranasal corticosteroids are effective in controlling allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms; however, chronic administration of corticosteroids may suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis function.', 'To evaluate the effects of 6 weeks of treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) hydrofluoroalkane nasal aerosol on HPA-axis function in subjects with perennial AR (PAR).', 'In this randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled study, subjects aged 12 to 45 years were randomized to receive BDP nasal aerosol 320 μg/day (n = 50), placebo (n = 46), or placebo/prednisone (prednisone 10 mg/day for the last 7 days of the treatment period [n = 11]). The primary end point was change from baseline in 24-hour serum cortisol (SC) weighted mean (expressed as geometric mean ratio [GMR]) in the BDP and placebo group after 6 weeks of treatment.', 'Geometric SC-weighted mean values were similar in the BDP and placebo groups at baseline (9.04 and 8.45 μg/dL, respectively) and after 6 weeks (8.18 and 8.01 μg/dL, respectively). After 6 weeks of treatment, BDP was noninferior to placebo with respect to the ratio from baseline in SC-weighted mean (GMR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.87, 1.06]). In contrast, 7 days of prednisone treatment substantially reduced geometric SC-weighted mean values from baseline (approximate 3-fold reduction [from 7.33 to 2.31 μg/dL]) compared with placebo. BDP nasal aerosol was well tolerated, and the safety profile was similar to that of placebo.'] Does once-daily treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate nasal aerosol affect hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4527990818023682,
-1.6959822177886963,
2.1081032752990723
] |
['Acoustically evoked neural and hair cell potentials can be measured from the round window (RW) intraoperatively in the general population of cochlear implant recipients.', 'Cochlear implant performance varies greatly among patients. Improved methods to assess and monitor functional hair cell and neural substrate before and during implantation could potentially aid in enhanced nontraumatic intracochlear electrode placement and subsequent improved outcomes.', 'Subjects (1-80 yr) undergoing cochlear implantation were included. A monopolar probe was placed at the RW after surgical access was obtained. The cochlear microphonic (CM), summating potential (SP), compound action potential (CAP), and auditory nerve neurophonic (ANN) were recorded in response to tone bursts at frequencies of 0.25 to 4 kHz at various levels.', 'Measurable hair cell/neural potentials were detected to 1 or more frequencies in 23 of 25 subjects. The greatest proportion and magnitude of cochlear responses were to low frequencies (<1,000 Hz). At these low frequencies, the ANN, when present, contributed to the ongoing response at the stimulus frequency. In many subjects, the ANN was small or absent, whereas hair cell responses remained.'] Do intraoperative round window recordings to acoustic stimuli from cochlear implant patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3227121829986572,
-1.104766607284546,
2.4904353618621826
] |
['To investigate the clinical significance of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, in particular focusing on the association of expression levels of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 with clinicopathological factors, cancer-specific survival and therapeutic outcomes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients.', 'Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 was carried out on 137 clear cell renal cell carcinoma cases, containing 77 matched pairs of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and normal adjacent kidney tissues from the same patients.', 'Significant overexpression of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 was found in clear cell renal cell carcinoma compared with normal kidney tissue. Expression of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 was not associated with prognosis in all stage groups. However, in 43 patients with stage III and IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma, low expression levels of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 correlated with a poor prognosis. Regarding cancer-free survival of 26 patients with stage III and IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma who received curative resection and cancer-specific survival of 31 patients who received postoperative therapy with interferon-α after radical nephrectomy, low expression levels of micro-ribonucleic acid-155 correlated with poor clinical outcomes in these two groups.'] Is microRNA-155 a predictive marker for survival in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4324114322662354,
-1.2892327308654785,
2.7651290893554688
] |
['To develop and evaluate survey questions that assess processes of care relevant to Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs).', 'We convened expert panels, reviewed evidence on effective care practices and existing surveys, elicited broad public input, and conducted cognitive interviews and a field test to develop items relevant to PCMHs that could be added to the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Clinician & Group (CG-CAHPS) 1.0 Survey. Surveys were tested using a 2-contact mail protocol in 10 adults and 33 pediatric practices (both private and community health centers) in Massachusetts. A total of 4875 completed surveys were received (overall response rate of 25%).', 'We calculated the rate of valid responses for each item. We conducted exploratory factor analyses and estimated item-to-total correlations, individual and site-level reliability, and correlations among proposed multi-item composites.', 'Ten items in 4 new domains (Comprehensiveness, Information, Self-Management Support, and Shared Decision-Making) and 4 items in 2 existing domains (Access and Coordination of Care) were selected to be supplemental items to be used in conjunction with the adult CG-CAHPS 1.0 Survey. For the child version, 4 items in each of 2 new domains (Information and Self-Management Support) and 5 items in existing domains (Access, Comprehensiveness-Prevention, Coordination of Care) were selected.'] Does development of and field test result for the CAHPS PCMH Survey? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6420949697494507,
-0.37533149123191833,
1.1251485347747803
] |
['Left atrial (LA) strain as a marker for discrimination of risk for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with atrial fibrillation and low-risk CHADS(2) scores (≤1) has yet to be examined.', 'Patients with atrial fibrillation, stroke or TIA, and CHADS(2) scores ≤ 1 before their events were identified retrospectively from a large single-center stroke registry and compared with age-matched and gender-matched controls. Antihypertensive use and echocardiographic parameters including chamber volumes and left ventricular mass and LA peak negative and positive strain and strain rate were compared between groups.', 'Fifty-seven patients meeting entry criteria were identified. Patients demonstrated significantly lower left ventricular ejection fractions, larger LA dimensions, and larger LA volume indexes (24.4 ± 11.9 vs 32.3 ± 13.3 mL/m(2), P\xa0= .012) compared with controls. Both peak negative LA strain (-3.2 ± 1.2% vs -6.9 ± 4.2%, P\xa0< .001) and peak positive LA strain (14 ± 11% vs 25 ± 12%, P < .001) were significantly reduced in patients compared with controls. Peak negative LA strain was significantly associated with stroke by binary logistic regression (odds ratio, 2.15; P < .001).'] Is left atrial strain reduced in patients with atrial fibrillation , stroke or TIA , and low risk CHADS ( 2 ) scores? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.489558458328247,
-1.5032292604446411,
2.041698694229126
] |
['Because of the infrequence of salivary gland tumours and their complex histopathological diagnosis it is still difficult to exactly predict their clinical course by means of recurrence, malignant progression and metastasis. In order to define new proliferation associated genes, purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of human α-defensins (DEFA) 1/3 and 4 in different tumour entities of the salivary glands with respect to malignancy.', 'Tissue of salivary glands (n=10), pleomorphic adenomas (n=10), cystadenolymphomas (n=10), adenocarcinomas (n=10), adenoidcystic carcinomas (n=10), and mucoepidermoid carcinomas (n=10) was obtained during routine surgical procedures. RNA was extracted according to standard protocols. Transcript levels of DEFA 1/3 and 4 were analyzed by quantitative realtime PCR and compared with healthy salivary gland tissue. Additionally, the proteins encoded by DEFA 1/3 and DEFA 4 were visualized in paraffin-embedded tissue sections by immunohistochemical staining.', 'Human α-defensins are traceable in healthy as well as in pathological altered salivary gland tissue. In comparison with healthy tissue, the gene expression of DEFA 1/3 and 4 was significantly (p<0.05) increased in all tumours - except for a significant decrease of DEFA 4 gene expression in pleomorphic adenomas and a similar transcript level for DEFA 1/3 compared to healthy salivary glands.'] Does human α-defensin ( DEFA ) gene expression help to characterise benign and malignant salivary gland tumours? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.219785690307617,
-1.3561805486679077,
2.676372528076172
] |
['In Xenopus early embryogenesis, various genes are involved with mesoderm formation. In particular, dorsal mesoderm contains the organizer region and induces neural tissues through the inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. In our initial study to identify novel genes necessary for maintaining the undifferentiated state, we unexpectedly revealed mesoderm-inducing activity for mNanog in Xenopus.', 'The present series of experiments investigated the effect of mNanog gene expression on Xenopus embryo. Ectopic expression of mNanog induced dorsal mesoderm gene activity, secondary axis formation, and weakly upregulated Activin/nodal signaling. The injection of mNanog also effectively inhibited the target genes of BMP signaling, while Xvent2 injection downregulated the dorsal mesoderm gene expression induced by mNanog injection.'] Does mNanog possess dorsal mesoderm-inducing ability by modulating both BMP and Activin/nodal signaling in Xenopus ectodermal cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5519490242004395,
-0.9947500228881836,
2.622410297393799
] |
['Peripheral vascular disease in pre-diabetes may involve altered sympathetically-mediated vascular control. Thus, we investigated if pre-diabetes modifies baseline sympathetic Y(1)-receptor (Y(1)R) and α(1)-receptor (α(1)R) control of hindlimb blood flow (Q(fem)) and vascular conductance (VC).', 'Q(fem) and VC were measured in pre-diabetic ZDF rats (PD) and lean controls (CTRL) under infusion of BIBP3226 (Y(1)R antagonist), prazosin (α(1)R antagonist) and BIBP3226+prazosin. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) concentration and Y(1)R and α(1)R expression were determined from hindlimb skeletal muscle samples.', 'Baseline Q(fem) and VC were similar between groups. Independent infusions of BIBP3226 and prazosin led to increases in Q(fem) and VC in CTRL and PD, where responses were greater in PD (p<0.05). The percent change in VC following both drugs was also greater in PD compared to CTRL (p<0.05). As well, Q(fem) and VC responses to combined blockade (BIBP3226+prazosin) were greater in PD compared to CTRL (p<0.05). Interestingly, an absence of synergistic effects was observed within groups, as the sum of the VC responses to independent drug infusions was similar to responses following combined blockade. Finally, white and red vastus skeletal muscle NPY concentration, Y(1)R expression and α(1)R expression were greater in PD compared to CTRL.'] Does pre-diabetes augment neuropeptide Y1- and α1-receptor control of basal hindlimb vascular tone in young ZDF rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0071847438812256,
-1.5124534368515015,
2.4908268451690674
] |
['The genetic predisposition to obesity may have contributed to the obesity epidemic through assortative mating. We investigated whether spouses were positively assorted by body mass index (BMI; = kg/m(2)) in late childhood, and whether changes in assorted marriage by upper BMI-percentiles occurred during the obesity epidemic.', 'In the Copenhagen School Health Records Register (CSHRR) boys and girls with measures of BMI at age 13 years later became 37,792 spousal-pairs who married between 1945 and 2010. Trends in the spousal BMI correlations using sex-, age-, and birth cohort-specific BMI z-scores across time were investigated. Odds ratios (ORs) of marriage among spouses both with BMI z-scores >90th or >95th percentile compared with marriage among spouses ≤90th percentile were analyzed for marriages entered during the years prior to (1945-1970), and during the obesity epidemic (1971-2010).', 'Spousal BMI correlations were around 0.05 and stayed similar across time. ORs of marriage among spouses with BMIs >90th percentile at age 13 were 1.21, 1.05-1.39, in 1945-1970, and increased to 1.63, 1.40-1.91, in 1971-2010 (p = 0.006). ORs of marriage among spouses both >95th BMI percentile were higher and increased more; from 1.39, 1.10-1.81, to 2.39, 1.85-3.09 (p = 0.004).'] Do assortative marriages by body mass index have increased simultaneously with the obesity epidemic? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 0 | [
0.5872684717178345,
-0.18710926175117493,
-1.205683946609497
] |
['The modification of radiation-induced lung injuries by melatonin was studied by measuring changes in oxidative stress, cytokine expression and histopathology in the lung tissue of mice following irradiation.', 'The thoraces of C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a single X-ray radiation dose of 12 Gy with or without 200 mg/kg of melatonin pretreatment. The level and localization of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 protein were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was established to evaluate the relative mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6.', 'Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased after irradiation and then significantly reduced (1.9-fold) under melatonin treatment. Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities, as well as glutathione (GSH) levels, after irradiation were significantly reduced by melatonin, including a notable 5.4-fold difference in catalase activity. We observed increased expression of TGF-β1 and TNF-α after irradiation and a significant reduction in the elevation of their expression by melatonin treatment. Furthermore, irradiation-induced histopathologic alterations were obviously abated in the melatonin-pretreated mice.'] Does melatonin reduce X-ray radiation-induced lung injury in mice by modulating oxidative stress and cytokine expression? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4167168140411377,
-1.360595703125,
2.8341188430786133
] |
['Vitronectin is involved in the whole process of atherosclerosis. Our aim is to determine the association of VTN functional promoter variants with different types of vascular disease, and conclude the roles of vitronectin involved in vascular disease.', 'Gel shift assays and luciferase reporter assays were used to determine the impact of variants on promoter activity. The correlation of plasma vitronectin levels with the variant was assessed in normal controls. The association of the variant with vascular disease was determined in 3 case-control studies.', 'A strong linkage disequilibrium was found between rs2227721 and rs2227720 in VTN promoter in Chinese (r(2)=1.0). Both variants resulted in a decreased transcription activity, and rs2227721 decreased the binding efficiency of transcription factor YY1 to the region. The rs2227721 was correlated with plasma vitronectin levels in normal controls (r=-0.207, P=0.028). The rs2227721 was associated with susceptibility of vascular disease; the odds ratios among subjects carrying rs2227721-T allele were 1.298 (95% Confidence Interval-CI, 1.033-1.631) for non-MI CAD (P<0.05), 1.346 (95% CI, 1.068-1.695) for chronic MI (P<0.05), 1.486 (95% CI, 1.145-1.928) for acute MI (P<0.001), and 1.619 (95% CI, 1.108-2.366) for deep venous thrombosis (P<0.05).'] Are promoter variants of VTN associated with vascular disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5205267667770386,
-1.6052851676940918,
2.0812668800354004
] |
['Total isovolumic time (t-IVT) reflects left ventricular (LV) asynchrony (when the ventricle is neither ejecting nor filling). It is prolonged in left bundle branch block (LBBB). Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a treatment for patients with heart failure, reduced LV ejection fraction and LBBB. CRT shortens t-IVT, but the long-term clinical benefit of such reduction after CRT has not been studied in this patient group.', 'Seventy-three patients who underwent CRT had t-IVT measured before and after CRT implantation. The study end-point was a composite of unplanned heart failure hospitalisation and all-cause mortality.', 'Baseline t-IVT showed considerable scatter: 30 patients had t-IVT values longer than 15s/min (upper 95% limit of normal). The change in t-IVT with CRT was also variable: t-IVT shortened in 50 patients (from 16.2 ± 4.8s/min to 11.7 ± 3.7s/min: group A), and lengthened in 23 patients (from 11.7 ± 4.2s/min to 14.5 ± 4.33 s/min: group B). The magnitude of change in t-IVT with CRT negatively correlated with baseline t-IVT (r=-0.619, p<0.001); thus t-IVT (significantly longer in group A than group B before CRT: 16.2 ± 4.8s/min vs. 11.7 ± 4.2s/min, p<0.001) became significantly shorter in group A compared to group B after CRT (11.7 ± 3.7s/min vs. 14.5 ± 4.3s/min, p=0.005). After follow-up of 30 months, 70% group A patients had event-free survival compared to 39% group B patients. The presence of any fall in t-IVT after CRT was an independent predictor of event-free survival.'] Is a reduction in total isovolumic time with cardiac resynchronisation therapy a predictor of clinical outcomes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.36661598086357117,
-1.9191374778747559,
1.2848888635635376
] |
['Retrospective review.', 'To determine the incremental cost-effectiveness of cell saver for single-level posterior lumbar decompression and fusion (PLDF).', 'Intraoperative cell salvage is used during surgery to reduce the need for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion. Although the use of cell saver may be beneficial in certain circumstances, its utility has not been clearly established for the common procedure of an adult single-level PLDF.', 'Randomly selected adult patients treated with a single-level PLDF between July 2010 and June 2011 at a single institution were identified. Patients who had a combined anterior and posterior approach were excluded. The final study sample for analysis consisted of 180 patients. Hospital records were reviewed to determine whether: (1) cell saver was available during surgery, (2) recovered autologous blood was infused, and (3) the patient received intra- or postoperative allogeneic transfusions. Estimated blood loss, levels fused, volume(s) transfused, and all related complications were recorded. Costs included the cost of allogeneic blood transfusion, setting up the cell saver recovery system, and infusing autologous blood from cell saver, whereas effectiveness measures were allogeneic blood transfusions averted and quality adjusted life years.', 'The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $55,538 per allogeneic transfusion averted, with a decrease in the transfusion rate from 40.0% to 38.7% associated with the cell saver approach. This translated into an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $5,555,380 per quality adjusted life years gained, which is well above the threshold for an intervention to be considered cost-effective ($100,000 per quality adjusted life years gained).'] Does blood salvage produce higher total blood product costs in single-level lumbar spine surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2219113111495972,
-1.6336647272109985,
1.7602589130401611
] |
['Prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors can induce a proangiogenic response that stimulates regeneration in soft and hard tissues. However, the effect of PHD inhibitors on the dental pulp is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of PHD inhibitors on the proangiogenic capacity of human dental pulp-derived cells.', 'To test the response of dental pulp-derived cells to PHD inhibitors, the cells were exposed to dimethyloxalylglycine, desferrioxamine, L-mimosine, and cobalt chloride. To assess the response of dental pulp cells to a capping material supplemented with PHD inhibitors, the cells were treated with supernatants from calcium hydroxide. Viability, proliferation, and protein synthesis were assessed by formazan formation, (3)[H]thymidine, and (3)[H]leucine incorporation assays. The effect on the proangiogenic capacity was measured by immunoassays for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).', 'We found that all 4 PHD inhibitors can reduce viability, proliferation, and protein synthesis at high concentrations. At nontoxic concentrations and in the presence of supernatants from calcium hydroxide, PHD inhibitors stimulated the production of VEGF in dental pulp-derived cells. When calcium hydroxide was supplemented with the PHD inhibitors, the supernatants from these preparations did not significantly elevate VEGF levels.'] Do prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors increase the production of vascular endothelial growth factor in dental pulp-derived cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5478732585906982,
-1.1776480674743652,
2.768253803253174
] |
['A diabody is a bispecific antibody that is capable of recruiting a polyclonal T cell to antibody target-expressing tumor cells. However, the two chains of diabodies tend to dissociate because they are integrated non-covalently. Therefore, it is necessary to remodel the diabody to increase its stability in order to enhance the antitumor activity.', 'We constructed an antiCD3×antiCD19 diabody with one binding site for the T cell antigen receptor (TCRCD3) and the other for the B cell-specific antigen (CD19) by recombinant gene engineering technology. Cysteine residues were introduced into the V domains of the anti-CD3 segment. The stability and cytotoxicity of the two diabodies were compared in vitro and vivo.', 'The disulfide-stabilized (ds) diabodies produced by Escherichia coli were secreted with high yields in a fully active form without a decrease in affinity. Compared with the parental diabody, the disulfide-stabilized (ds) diabody proved more stable in vitro and in vivo without reducing binding affinity. Both were able to effectively eliminate human lymphoma Raji cells by redirecting T lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo, but the ds diabody was more effective in inhibiting the growth of xenografts transplanted in BALB/C nude mice.'] Does disulfide-stabilized diabody antiCD19/antiCD3 exceed its parental antibody in tumor-targeting activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.386063814163208,
-1.2805789709091187,
2.753836154937744
] |
['What are the aneuploidy rates and incidence of mosaicism in good-quality human preimplantation embryos.'] Does microarray analysis reveal abnormal chromosomal complements in over 70 % of 14 normally developing human embryos? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.244582414627075,
-0.7149434685707092,
2.097775936126709
] |
['Current pharmacotherapy is highly effective in the clinical management of the majority of patients with stable asthma, however severe asthma remains inadequately treated. Prevention of airway remodelling is a major unmet clinical need in the management of patients with chronic severe asthma and other inflammatory lung diseases. Accumulating evidence convincingly demonstrates that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, is a key driver of airway inflammation, but its role in chronic asthmatic airway remodelling is ill-defined. Follistatin, an endogenously produced protein, binds activin A with high affinity and inhibits its bioactivity. The aim of this study was to test the potential of follistatin as a therapeutic agent to inhibit airway remodelling in an experimental model of chronic allergic airway inflammation.', 'BALB/c mice were systemically sensitised with ovalbumin (OVA), and challenged with OVA intranasally three times a week for 10 weeks. Follistatin was instilled intranasally during allergen challenge.', 'Chronic allergen challenge induced mucus hypersecretion and subepithelial collagen deposition which persisted after cessation of challenge. Intranasal follistatin (0.05, 0.5, 5 µg) inhibited the airway remodelling and dose-dependently decreased airway activin A and TGF-β1, and allergen-specific T helper 2 cytokine production in the lung-draining lymph nodes. Follistatin also impaired the loss of TGF-β1 and activin RIB immunostaining in airway epithelium which occurred following chronic allergen challenge.'] Does the activin A antagonist follistatin inhibit asthmatic airway remodelling? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.499565839767456,
-1.2798980474472046,
2.8466150760650635
] |
['Lower ambulatory performance with aging may be related to a reduced oxidative capacity within skeletal muscle. This study examined the associations between skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and efficiency with walking performance in a group of older adults.', 'Thirty-seven older adults (mean age 78 years; 21 men and 16 women) completed an aerobic capacity (VO2 peak) test and measurement of preferred walking speed over 400 m. Maximal coupled (State 3; St3) mitochondrial respiration was determined by high-resolution respirometry in saponin-permeabilized myofibers obtained from percutanous biopsies of vastus lateralis (n = 22). Maximal phosphorylation capacity (ATPmax) of vastus lateralis was determined in vivo by (31)P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n = 30). Quadriceps contractile volume was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Mitochondrial efficiency (max ATP production/max O2 consumption) was characterized using ATPmax per St3 respiration (ATPmax/St3).', 'In vitro St3 respiration was significantly correlated with in vivo ATPmax (r (2) = .47, p = .004). Total oxidative capacity of the quadriceps (St3*quadriceps contractile volume) was a determinant of VO2 peak (r (2) = .33, p = .006). ATPmax (r (2) = .158, p = .03) and VO2 peak (r (2) = .475, p < .0001) were correlated with preferred walking speed. Inclusion of both ATPmax/St3 and VO2 peak in a multiple linear regression model improved the prediction of preferred walking speed (r (2) = .647, p < .0001), suggesting that mitochondrial efficiency is an important determinant for preferred walking speed.'] Are skeletal muscle mitochondrial energetics associated with maximal aerobic capacity and walking speed in older adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4419434070587158,
-1.5385065078735352,
1.9601759910583496
] |
['Successful outcomes following high tibial osteotomy (HTO) require precise realignment of the mechanical axis of the lower extremity. The present study investigated whether the weight-bearing limb scanogram (WBS) technique provided a more accurate mechanical axis realignment than the navigation technique in open high tibial osteotomy (OHTO).', 'This prospective study involved 80 knees (78 patients) undergoing OHTO. The WBS technique was used in 40 knees and the navigation technique in 40 knees. Each technique was performed by a different surgeon in a different hospital. Postoperative coronal limb alignment was assessed using the weight-bearing line (WBL) ratio on full-length standing hip-to-ankle radiographs.', 'We found that the mean postoperative WBL ratio was greater in the WBS compared to the navigation group (p=0.001), and hence the ratio for the WBS group was closer to the ratio target of 62%. There was a greater proportion of WBL ratio outliers in the navigation group than the WBS group (25% vs. 10%, p=0.034).'] Does the weight-bearing scanogram technique provide better coronal limb alignment than the navigation technique in open high tibial osteotomy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0987505912780762,
-1.5719389915466309,
1.7238810062408447
] |
['The aim of our study was to estimate the expressions of both B7-H1 and B7-H4 as well as CD200 and CD200R co-stimulatory molecules on immature myeloid and lymphoid dendritic cells, B CD19(+) lymphocytes and monocytes in umbilical cord blood of healthy neonates and in peripheral blood of healthy adults.', "Thirty-nine healthy full-term neonates from physiological single pregnancies and 27 healthy adults were included in the study. The expressions of B7-H1, B7-H4, CD200, CD200R antigens were estimated using flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test and parametric Wilcoxon's test.", 'The expressions of B7-H1 and B7-H4 molecules on immature BDCA-1(+) myeloid dendritic cells were significantly lower in umbilical cord blood of healthy neonates when compared with those cells in peripheral blood of healthy adults (P\xa0<\xa00.0001). Furthermore, the suppression of B7-H4 molecule on BDCA-2(+) lymphoid dendritic cells was observed in cord blood of healthy neonates when compared with peripheral blood of healthy adults (P\xa0<\xa00.02). The expressions of CD200 antigen on BDCA-1(+) cells, CD200R antigen on BDCA-2(+) cells and CD200R antigen on B CD19(+) cells were significantly lower in cord blood of healthy neonates. On the other hand, the expressions of CD200 and CD200R as well as B7-H4 co-stimulatory molecules on CD14(+) cells were significantly higher in cord blood when compared with peripheral blood.'] Are the expressions of co-stimulatory molecules altered on putative antigen-presenting cells in cord blood? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9299192428588867,
-1.413392186164856,
2.419833183288574
] |
['Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade with a mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist has not yet been studied in exposure to tobacco smoke (TS) models. Thus, this study investigated the role of spironolactone on cardiac remodeling induced by exposure to tobacco smoke.', 'Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: a control group (group C, n=11); a group with 2 months of cigarette smoke exposure (group TS-C, n=13); a group that received spironolactone 20 mg/kg of diet/day and no cigarette smoke exposure (group TS-S, n=13); and a group with 2 months of cigarette smoke exposure and spironolactone supplementation (group S, n=12). The rats were observed for a period of 60 days, during which morphological, biochemical and functional analyses were performed.', 'There was no difference in invasive mean arterial pressure among the groups. There were no interactions between tobacco smoke exposure and spironolactone in the morphological and functional analysis. However, in the echocardiographic analysis, the TS groups had left chamber enlargement, higher left ventricular mass index and higher isovolumetric relaxation time corrected by heart rate compared with the non-TS groups. In vitro left ventricular diastolic function also worsened in the TS groups and was not influenced by spironolactone. In addition, there were no differences in myocardial levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, ICAM-1 and GLUT4 [TS: OR 0.52, 95%CI (-0.007; 0.11); Spironolactone: OR -0.01, 95%CI (-0.07;0.05)].'] Is aldosterone involved in the ventricular remodeling process induced by tobacco smoke exposure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2258737087249756,
-1.4573992490768433,
2.6684794425964355
] |
['The chemokine, Ccl2, and the fractalkine receptor, Cx3cr1, have both been implicated in the pathogenesis of age related macular degeneration (AMD), with mice lacking both genes exhibiting features of AMD by 3 months of age. However, recent reports indicate that this ascribed phenotype is due to the presence of a retinal degeneration mutation (crb1(rd8/rd8), rd8) on the background strain. Our aim was to characterize the retinal effects of lack of Ccl2 and Cx3cr1 (Ccl2(-/-)/Cx3cr1(EGFP/EGFP), CDKO-mice), in mice without the rd8 mutation.', 'Nine-month-old, CDKO and wildtype C57blk6J mice were investigated for retinal fundus appearance and histology. The function of the rod and cone pathways was assessed using the ERG.', "The CDKO mice did not develop lesions in the retinal fundus, and the ultrastructure of Bruch's membrane and the RPE were similar to that of C57blk6J mice. From the ERG, there was no change in the amplitude of the rod photoreceptor response, or in the rod or cone post-photoreceptor b-wave. However, the rod and cone ERG oscillatory potentials were significantly reduced in the CDKO animals, a phenotype apparent in Cx3cr1(EGFP/EGFP)- but not Ccl2(-/-)-founder lines. This correlated with aberrant amacrine cell morphology in the CDKO mice. In addition, Müller cells were gliotic and microglial morphology subtly altered, indicative of retinal stress."] Do ccl2/Cx3cr1 knockout mice have inner retinal dysfunction but are not an accelerated model of AMD? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.292249917984009,
-1.419039011001587,
2.7195732593536377
] |
['Glutamate homeostasis plays a critical role in mediating the addiction-related behaviors. Therefore, preventing the disruption or reestablishing of it is a novel strategy for the treatment of addiction. Glutamate transporters are responsible for clearing extracellular glutamate and maintaining glutamate homeostasis. Our previous work demonstrated that aquaporin-4 (AQP4) deficiency attenuated morphine dependence, but the mechanisms are unclear. According to the recent evidence that AQP4 might form a functional complex with glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), this study focused on whether AQP4 participates in the modulation of GLT-1 and glutamate homeostasis in morphine-dependent mice.', 'We found that AQP4 knockout prevented the down-regulations of GLT-1 expression and glutamate clearance when mice were repeatedly treated with morphine. Further study revealed that inhibition of GLT-1 by dihydrokainic acid (DHK) initiated morphine dependence in AQP4 knockout mice. In addition, AQP4 knockout abolished both decreases and increases in the extracellular glutamate levels in the prefrontal cortex during repeated morphine treatment and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal.'] Does aquaporin-4 deficiency attenuate opioid dependence through suppressing glutamate transporter-1 down-regulation and maintaining glutamate homeostasis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4163260459899902,
-1.0434246063232422,
2.4543776512145996
] |
['This pilot trial was designed to determine if an optimal dose of Technosphere(®) insulin (TI) inhalation powder (MannKind Corp., Valencia, CA) could be used regardless of variation in meal carbohydrate (CHO) content.', 'In total, eight subjects (seven men, one woman) with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Subjects underwent dose optimization meal challenge (MC) visits (100% CHO) and MCs with varied CHO meal contents (50%, 200%, and 0% calculated CHOs). Primary end point was change in postprandial glucose (PPG) excursions. Baseline demographics were 60±7 years of age, diabetes duration of 12.3±4.27 years, hemoglobin A1c (A1C) of 7.82±1.04%, and body mass index of 31.3±5.48 kg/m(2).', 'Maximum mean PPG excursions for the nominal 100% CHO meals were -13±15\u2009mg/dL for breakfast (B) and -14±15\u2009mg/dL for lunch (L), similar to those after 50% CHO meals (B, -17±16\u2009mg/dL; L, +14±10\u2009mg/dL). The largest excursions occurred during 200% CHO meals and remained below American Diabetes Association targets (B, +19±16\u2009mg/dL; L, +32±29\u2009mg/dL). During 15 of the MCs, subjects took their usual TI dose and then had no meal (0% CHO). For the 0% CHO MCs, the largest mean PPG excursion were -33±9\u2009mg/dL at 60\u2009min (B) and -31±10\u2009mg/dL at 60 and 90\u2009min (L). Mean A1C dropped from 7.82±1.04% at the Week 1 visit to 6.18±0.46% (P=0.00091) at the Week 19 visit.'] Does technosphere insulin effectively control postprandial glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.20473569631576538,
-1.8963172435760498,
0.7496142387390137
] |
['Diabetes mellitus (DM) is identified as a negative prognostic indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).', 'A retrospective review of HCC patients was conducted to assess the effect of DM on clinical variables.', 'Ninety-seven of 265 (34%) patients had DM at the time of diagnosis. Distant metastasis was found in 33% (30/91) of patients with DM compared with only 9.7% (17/174) of those without DM (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.3-8.8, p < .0001). This difference remained significant when adjusting for other clinical variables (OR: 10.0, 95% CI: 3.9-25.7, p < .0001).'] Is diabetes mellitus associated with the presence of metastatic spread at disease presentation in hepatocellular carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.528748631477356,
-1.4057459831237793,
1.947298526763916
] |
['To delineate a novel autosomal recessive multiple congenital anomaly-mental retardation (MCA-MR) syndrome in 2 female siblings of a consanguineous pedigree and to identify the disease-causing mutation.', 'Both siblings were clinically characterized and homozygosity mapping and sequencing of\xa0candidate genes were applied. The contribution of nonsense-mediated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay to the expression of mutant mRNA in fibroblasts of a healthy carrier and a control was studied by pyrosequencing.', 'We identified the first homozygous SALL1 mutation, c.3160C\xa0>\xa0T (p.R1054*), in 2 female siblings presenting with multiple congenital anomalies, central nervous system defects, cortical blindness, and absence of psychomotor development (ie, a novel recognizable, autosomal recessive MCA-MR). The mutant SALL1 transcript partially undergoes nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and is present at 43% of the normal transcript level in the fibroblasts of a healthy carrier.'] Does homozygous SALL1 mutation cause a novel multiple congenital anomaly-mental retardation syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2586846351623535,
-1.1016696691513062,
2.4075686931610107
] |
['Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a known risk factor for the postoperative outcome of patients undergoing liver surgery/transplantation. Attempts to protect from organ damage require multidisciplinary strategies and are of emerging interest in view of patients with higher age and American Society of Anesthesiology status. Ischemic preconditioning has been successfully applied to prevent from IRI during liver resection/transplantation. Because even short periods of ischemia during preconditioning inevitably lead to hypoxia and formation of anti-inflammatory/cytoprotective acting adenosine, we reasoned that short nonischemic hypoxia also protects against hepatic IRI.', 'Mice underwent hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) by breathing 10% oxygen for 10 min followed by 10 min of 21% oxygen before left liver lobe ischemia (45 min) and reperfusion (4 hr). The interactions of hypoxia→adenosine→adenosine receptors were tested by pharmacologic antagonism at adenosine receptor (AR) sites in wild-type mice and in mice with genetic deletions at the A1, A2A, A2B, and A3 ARs. Hepatocellular damage, inflammation, and metabolic effects were quantified by enzyme activities, cytokines, liver myeloperoxidase, blood adenosine, and tissue AMP, respectively.', 'Hepatoprotection by HPC was significant in wild-type and A1, A2A, and A3 AR knockout mice as quantified by lower alanine aminotransferase serum activities, cytokine levels, histologic damage scores, tissue myeloperoxidase concentrations, and preserved AMP concentrations. Protection by HPC was blunted in mice pretreated with the A2B AR antagonist MRS1754 or in A2B AR knockout mice.'] Does in vivo hypoxic preconditioning protect from warm liver ischemia-reperfusion injury through the adenosine A2B receptor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.476491689682007,
-1.3319929838180542,
2.8583366870880127
] |
['Though highly prevalent, the pathophysiology of orthostatic hypotension (OH), postprandial hypotension (PPH), and carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) are rarely studied together. Therefore, we conducted such a comprehensive study focusing on the common role of the cardiovascular autonomic system. We hypothesized that in geriatric patients, OH, PPH, and CSH are manifestations of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction and investigated state-of-the-art cardiovascular autonomic function indices in a group of geriatric falls or syncope patients.', 'In a cross-sectional study of 203 consecutive eligible falls clinic patients, we compared heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure variability (BPV), and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) as potential autonomic function determinants of the three different hypotensive syndromes.', 'OH, PPH, and CSH were diagnosed in 53%, 57%, and 50% of the patients, respectively. In a population relevant for geriatric practice, we found no differences in HRV, BPV, and BRS between patients with and without OH, with and without PPH, and with and without CSH, respectively, nor between patients with and without falls, dizziness, or syncope as presenting symptom, respectively.'] Are geriatric hypotensive syndromes explained by cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction alone? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.47314715385437,
-0.9054160118103027,
2.425114631652832
] |
['Hepatic non-parenchymal cells are well known to be capable of providing an important microenvironment and growth factors for hepatic regeneration, but their capacity for directing embryonic stem cells (ESC) toward hepatocytes remains to be assessed. Thus, this study aims to investigate the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the major type of hepatic non-parenchymal cells, in the differentiation of ESC as well as exploring the potentiality of ESC in regeneration medicine for cell-based therapy.', 'A two-step differentiation procedure that utilized the capability of HSC to regulate proliferation and differentiation of hepatocytes was used to develop an approach for directing the differentiation of ESC towards hepatic progenitor cells. Mouse ESC were cultivated in a serum-free medium containing Activin A and fibroblast growth factor to generate definitive endodermal cells characterized by the CXCR4 cell-surface marker. After 6-8\u2009days in culture, approximately 60% of the differentiated cells expressed CXCR4, and more than 90% of the CXCR4 positive cells could be recovered by cell sorting. The purified CXCR4 positive cells were co-cultured with mouse HSC as feeder cells in basal medium without additional hepatocyte growth factors. Differentiation was complete after 10-12\u2009days of co-culture, and hepatic progenitor cell markers such as α-fetoprotein (afp) and albumin (alb) were detected in the terminally differentiated ESC.'] Do hepatic stellate cells promote the differentiation of embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endodermal cells into hepatic progenitor cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3404486179351807,
-1.32102632522583,
2.7353529930114746
] |
['We investigated the possible involvement of H2S in nitric oxide independent inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig bladder neck.', 'We used immunohistochemistry to determine the expression of the H2S synthesis enzymes cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase. We also used electrical field stimulation and myographs for isometric force recordings to study relaxation in response to endogenously released or exogenously applied H2S in urothelium denuded, phenylephrine precontracted bladder neck strips under noradrenergic, noncholinergic, nonnitrergic conditions.', 'Cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase expression was observed in nerve fibers in the smooth muscle layer. Cystathionine γ-lyase and cystathionine β-synthase immunoreactive fibers were also identified around the small arteries supplying the bladder neck. Electrical field stimulation (2 to 16 Hz) evoked frequency dependent relaxation, which was decreased by DL-propargylglycine and abolished by tetrodotoxin (blockers of cystathionine γ-lyase and neuronal voltage gated Na(+) channels, respectively). The cystathionine β-synthase inhibitor O-(carboxymethyl)hydroxylamine did not change nerve mediated responses. The H2S donor GYY4137 (0.1 nM to 10 μM) induced potent, concentration dependent relaxation, which was not modified by neuronal voltage gated Na(+) channels, or cystathionine γ-lyase or cystathionine β-synthase blockade.'] Does endogenous hydrogen sulfide have a powerful role in inhibitory neurotransmission to the pig bladder neck? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.478402853012085,
-1.3272360563278198,
2.8414273262023926
] |
['Qualitative methods were used to better understand how to obtain interviewer-administered recalls of physical activity from children.', "Subjects were 24 third- and fifth-grade children from 1 school in Columbia, South Carolina. Cognitive interviews targeted different retention intervals (about the same or previous school day). Round 1's protocols used an open format and had 4 phases (obtain free recall, review free recall, obtain details, review details). Round 2's protocols used a chronological format and had 3 phases (obtain free recall, obtain details, review details). Trained coders identified discrepancies across interview phases in children's recalls of physical activity at physical education (PE) and recess. Based on the school's schedule, children's reports of PE and recess were classified as omissions (scheduled but unreported) or intrusions (unscheduled but reported).", 'Across interview phases, there were numerous discrepancies for Round 1 (regardless of grade, sex, or retention interval) but few discrepancies for Round 2. For Rounds 1 and 2, respectively, 0% and 0% of children omitted PE, while 33% and 0% intruded PE; 44% and 56% of children omitted recess, while 33% and 0% intruded recess.'] Does a qualitative study of interviewer-administered physical activity recall by children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.059395432472229,
-0.3721315562725067,
0.6148017048835754
] |
['Although total abdominal colectomy has long been considered definitive treatment for fulminant ulcerative colitis refractory to medical management, the optimal timing of surgery remains controversial. Early surgical intervention may be beneficial to patients with acute ulcerative colitis. Our goal was to compare outcomes after colectomy for fulminant ulcerative colitis and to identify preoperative factors that are predictive of poor outcome.', 'The charts of 107 patients treated by total abdominal colectomy with ileostomy for fulminant ulcerative colitis between 2004 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-nine patients sustained a major postoperative complication; 78 patients recovered uneventfully. Perioperative statistics, 30-day readmission/reoperation rates, and perioperative morbidity and mortality were compared using the Student t and Fisher exact tests and χ(2) analysis where appropriate.', 'White blood cell count at admission was significantly higher among patients who developed postoperative complications, but there were no differences in patient characteristics, other acute illness measures, or disease extent. Univariate analysis revealed that patients who developed postoperative complications underwent colectomy significantly later (3.6 vs 7.4 days; P = .01) than those who recovered uneventfully. Laparoscopic colectomy took significantly longer than open surgery, but did not affect postoperative morbidity. Multivariate analysis revealed duration of preoperative medical treatment to be the only significant predictor of increased risk of postoperative morbidity. Follow-up data revealed that similar percentages of patients in both groups eventually underwent ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA; 68% vs 77%; P = .5).'] Does prolonged preoperative hospitalization correlate with worse outcomes after colectomy for acute fulminant ulcerative colitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8656433820724487,
-1.406677484512329,
2.2722907066345215
] |
['To examine associations between quantitatively measured retinal vessel caliber and the 10-year incidence of primary open-angle glaucoma (OAG).', 'Population-based cohort study.', 'The Blue Mountains Eye Study examined 3654 persons at baseline and 2461 persons at either 5 years, 10 years, or both times. After excluding 44 subjects with OAG at baseline, 2417 participants at risk of OAG at the 5- or 10-year examinations were included.', 'Retinal vessel calibers of baseline retinal photographs were measured using a computer-based program and summarized as central retinal artery and vein equivalents (CRAE, CRVE). Incident OAG was defined as the development of typical glaucomatous visual field loss combined with matching optic disc rim thinning and an enlarged cup-to-disc (C:D) ratio of >0.7 or C:D asymmetry between the 2 eyes (≥0.3) at either the 5- or 10-year examination. Generalized estimating equation models were used to account for correlation between eyes while adjusting for glaucoma risk characteristics including intraocular pressure (IOP) or ocular perfusion pressure (OPP).', 'We assessed the 10-year incidence of OAG.', 'There were 82 persons (104 eyes) who developed incident OAG over the 10-year follow-up. After adjusting for age, sex, family history of glaucoma, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, body mass index, spherical equivalent refraction, and C:D ratio, narrower CRAE was associated with higher risk of incident OAG (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.79, per standard deviation decrease in CRAE). This association persisted after further adjustment for IOP (adjusted OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.14-3.05) or OPP (adjusted OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.11-2.78), and remained significant when analyses were confined to eyes with IOP<20 mmHg and C:D ratio<0.6 at baseline. There were no independent associations between CRVE and incident OAG.'] Is retinal vessel caliber associated with the 10-year incidence of glaucoma : the Blue Mountains Eye Study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.788488745689392,
-1.4902113676071167,
2.304957389831543
] |
['Isoflurane has been demonstrated to produce late preconditioning against myocardial stunning. We tested the hypothesis that this effect is dependent upon an increased production of nitric oxide.', 'Studies were performed in 18 conscious dogs, chronically instrumented to measure coronary blood flow and myocardial wall thickening (WT). In Group 1 (control; n=7), a 10-min coronary occlusion was produced followed by reperfusion; WT was monitored until full recovery. In Group 2 (n=6), the same occlusion-reperfusion protocol was performed 24h after inhalation of 1 MAC isoflurane (1.4% in O(2)) for 60 min. In Group 3 (n=5), the late anti-stunning effect of isoflurane was evaluated following non-selective inhibition of NOS with N-nitro-l-arginine (l-NA, 30 mg/kg on 3 days beginning 1 day prior to isoflurane). Expression of eNOS and iNOS protein was measured by Western blotting.', 'Two to 3h of reperfusion was required for recovery of WT following isoflurane (Group 2). In contrast, without isoflurane (Group 1), WT remained markedly reduced (30% below baseline) at this time point and required more than 6h of reperfusion for recovery. Treatment with l-NA (Group 3) did not alter time-course of recovery of WT following isoflurane. Isoflurane caused an increased expression of eNOS, but not of iNOS.'] Does nitric oxide have no obligatory role in isoflurane late preconditioning against myocardial stunning? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0551624298095703,
-1.5244967937469482,
2.573793649673462
] |
['Survival and progression of mature B-cell malignancies depend on signals from the B-cell antigen receptor, and Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical signaling kinase in this pathway. We evaluated ibrutinib (PCI-32765), a small-molecule irreversible inhibitor of BTK, in patients with B-cell malignancies.', 'Patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia received escalating oral doses of ibrutinib. Two schedules were evaluated: one, 28 days on, 7 days off; and two, once-daily continuous dosing. Occupancy of BTK by ibrutinib in peripheral blood was monitored using a fluorescent affinity probe. Dose escalation proceeded until either the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was achieved or, in the absence of MTD, until three dose levels above full BTK occupancy by ibrutinib. Response was evaluated every two cycles.', 'Fifty-six patients with a variety of B-cell malignancies were treated over seven cohorts. Most adverse events were grade 1 and 2 in severity and self-limited. Dose-limiting events were not observed, even with prolonged dosing. Full occupancy of the BTK active site occurred at 2.5 mg/kg per day, and dose escalation continued to 12.5 mg/kg per day without reaching MTD. Pharmacokinetic data indicated rapid absorption and elimination, yet BTK occupancy was maintained for at least 24 hours, consistent with the irreversible mechanism. Objective response rate in 50 evaluable patients was 60%, including complete response of 16%. Median progression-free survival in all patients was 13.6 months.'] Does bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib ( PCI-32765 ) have significant activity in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0234296321868896,
-1.5237890481948853,
2.5387134552001953
] |
['Adiponectin is a key molecule involved in metabolic syndrome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ADIPOQ gene encoding adiponectin correlate with various diseases, such as diabetes mellitus; however, there is insufficient information about ADIPOQ SNPs and the onset of cardiovascular events.', 'This hospital-based cohort study included 353 patients with essential hypertension (mean age, 62.9±0.6; mean follow-up period. 7.9±0.2 years) in whom ADIPOQ SNPs encoding G276T, I164T, A349G, and/or G967A amino acid changes were detected. We analyzed the correlation between ADIPOQ SNPs and various parameters, including pulse wave velocity (PWV), and assessed whether these SNPs could be risk factors for the onset of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.', 'Subjects with the T allele of G276T showed significantly lower HDL cholesterol, and significantly higher HbA1c and brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that subjects with the T allele of G276T had a significantly higher frequency of stroke (p= 0.0489). The Cox proportional hazard model showed that the T allele of G276T was an independent and significant risk factor for stroke after adjusting for traditional risk factors (relative risk: 1.879, p= 0.0479); however, when adjusted for traditional risk factors and baPWV, the relative risk was significantly diminished (relative risk: 0.710, p= 0.4937). G276T was significantly correlated with dyslipidemia and glucose metabolism.'] Is adiponectin single nucleotide polymorphism a genetic risk factor for stroke through high pulse wave pressure : a cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9939595460891724,
-1.5022130012512207,
2.4541120529174805
] |
['Postsurgical thyrotropin (TSH)-stimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) level can be used to predict the likelihood of finding radioactive iodine (RAI) avid metastatic foci on postablation scanning. However, there is little data regarding the predictive value of a nonstimulated postoperative Tg obtained on levothyroxine therapy in patients being considered for recombinant human TSH (rhTSH)-assisted remnant ablation.', 'The study included 290 intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with a postsurgical nonstimulated Tg<10 ng/mL prior to rhTSH-assisted remnant ablation. Patients were stratified into four groups based on the postsurgical nonstimulated Tg value: Tg<0.6 ng/mL (n=146), Tg 0.6-0.9 ng/mL (n=76), Tg 1-5 ng/mL (n=51), and Tg>5-10 ng/mL (n=17). RAI avid metastatic foci were identified using post-therapy scanning with SPECT/CT (single photon emission computed tomography).', 'RAI avid metastases were identified in 16% (46/290) of patients, including 12% (17/146) with Tg<0.6 ng/mL, 14% (11/76) with Tg 0.6-0.9 ng/mL, 25% (13/51) with Tg 1-5 ng/mL, and 29% (5/17) with Tg>5-10 ng/mL (p=0.02). While 99% of the RAI avid foci were located in the neck, lung uptake was seen in one patient with Tg<0.6 ng/mL (0.7%, 1/146), one patient with Tg 0.6-0.9 ng/mL (1.3%, 1/76), and 2 patients with Tg>5-10 ng/mL (11%, 2/17 patients).'] Does a low postoperative nonstimulated serum thyroglobulin level exclude the presence of radioactive iodine avid metastatic foci in intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7609543800354004,
-1.6449946165084839,
2.4028468132019043
] |
['To determine if melanoma cells secrete chemotactic factors that result in the migration of multipotent stem cells.', 'In vitro cell culture.', 'Chemotaxis and invasion of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was determined using the modified Boyden chamber assay. Quantification of growth factors secreted by melanoma cells (A375) was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.', 'Conditioned A375 melanoma media caused significant migration and invasion of hMSCs compared to serum-free controls and conditioned media from normal melanocytes (P < .0001). The migratory effect appeared maximal after the A375 media was conditioned for 48 hours. Physiologically relevant concentrations of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) (90 pg/mL) secreted by A375 melanoma cells caused significant migration of hMSCs (P < .001) compared to serum-free and normal melanocyte controls. Neutralization of FGF2 inhibited the migration of hMSCs to that of the negative controls (conditioned media from normal melanocytes).'] Does malignant melanoma induce migration and invasion of adult mesenchymal stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5552821159362793,
-1.0709917545318604,
2.721205234527588
] |
['The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic function in a rodent obesity model induced by monosodium glutamate injections during the first seven days of life.', 'The animals were assigned to control (control, n = 10) and monosodium glutamate (monosodium glutamate, n = 13) groups. Thirty-three weeks after birth, arterial and venous catheters were implanted for arterial pressure measurements, drug administration, and blood sampling. Baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated according to the tachycardic and bradycardic responses induced by sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine infusion, respectively. Sympathetic and vagal effects were determined by administering methylatropine and propranolol.', 'Body weight, Lee index, and epididymal white adipose tissue values were higher in the monosodium glutamate group in comparison to the control group. The monosodium glutamate-treated rats displayed insulin resistance, as shown by a reduced glucose/insulin index (-62.5%), an increased area under the curve of total insulin secretion during glucose overload (39.3%), and basal hyperinsulinemia. The mean arterial pressure values were higher in the monosodium glutamate rats, whereas heart rate variability (>7 times), bradycardic responses (>4 times), and vagal (~38%) and sympathetic effects (~36%) were reduced as compared to the control group.'] Does monosodium glutamate neonatal treatment induce cardiovascular autonomic function changes in rodents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2031445503234863,
-1.3277379274368286,
2.5526115894317627
] |
['Although PAK1 regulates cytoskeleton and microtubule dynamics, its role in controlling the functions of MCAK remains unknown.', 'PAK1 phosphorylates MCAK and thereby regulates both its localization and function.'] Does signaling-dependent phosphorylation of mitotic centromere-associated kinesin regulate microtubule depolymerization and its centrosomal localization? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3621675968170166,
-0.6711227297782898,
2.149153232574463
] |
['Postoperative adhesion formation after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) remains a complication associated with high revision rates. This study determines the efficacy of a sprayable chitosan/starch-based sealant for reducing adhesions in an ESS sheep model for chronic sinusitis.', 'Prospective, blinded, randomized controlled trial.', 'Sheep (n = 14) with eosinophilic rhinitis (determined by the presence of eosinophilia in nasal secretions) underwent ESS with middle turbinectomies, standardized mucosal injuries created on the lateral nasal wall, and partial thickness wounds created around the ethmoid cell region. Surgery was performed bilaterally (28 nasal cavities). Animals were randomized into treatment with sprayable chitosan/starch-based sealant (n = 7, 14 nasal cavities) or no treatment (n = 7, 14 nasal cavities). Two animals in the treatment group expired due to anesthetic complications associated with the turbinectomies, leaving five animals (10 sites) that completed the study. Presence of adhesions was assessed by endoscopic evaluation at days 14 and 28 after initial surgery. Adhesion formation was confirmed via necropsy of sinus cavities at day 28 after initial surgery.', 'Adhesions were observed in all seven control animals, resulting in an 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65-100) adhesion rate (12 of 14 sites). The five surviving treatment animals had a 10% (95% CI, 0-33) adhesion rate (one of 10 sites). Treatment with the sprayable chitosan/starch-based sealant resulted in a 76% reduction (95% CI, 32-100) of adhesions (P < .002).'] Does sprayable chitosan/starch-based sealant reduce adhesion formation in a sheep model for chronic sinusitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.005458116531372,
-1.4947373867034912,
2.495173215866089
] |
['Glucose and fatty acids comprise the primary substrates for myocardial energy metabolism. The normal myocardium switches toward glucose metabolism in the setting of stress; the inability to affect such a switch is a fundamental mechanism behind "diabetic" or "insulin-resistant" cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this mechanistic study was to evaluate the effects of treatment with the dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) 4 inhibitor sitagliptin on myocardial glucose uptake in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy.', 'Twelve nondiabetic subjects with nonischemic cardiomyopathy underwent metabolic testing and assessment of myocardial glucose uptake by (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomographic/computerized tomographic imaging at baseline and after 4 weeks of sitagliptin therapy. Sitagliptin therapy resulted in a significant increase in myocardial glucose uptake (19% increase; P\xa0= .04). Although most patients had at least a slight increase in glucose uptake, there was an overall bimodal response, with 6 patients ("responders") demonstrating large increases (>20%) in glucose uptake and 6 patients ("nonresponders") demonstrating <5% increases or slight decreases. Triglyceride-high-density lipoprotein ratios significantly dropped in the 6 responders compared with the 6 nonresponders (P < .02).'] Does dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibition increase myocardial glucose uptake in nonischemic cardiomyopathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3158228397369385,
-1.40558660030365,
2.7106690406799316
] |
['Exposing the brain to a sub-damaging stimulus can protect against a subsequent lethal insult, a phenomenon termed preconditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effect of low dose LPS (lipopolysaccharide) pretreatment in endotoxin induced periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in a rat model.', 'Wistar rats with dated pregnancies were allocated to 5 groups: (i) no LPS administered, intraperitoneally (i.p.) pyrogen-free saline injected (Control group), (ii) 500μg/kg LPS administrated i.p. on days 18 and 19 (PVL group), (iii) 50μg/kg LPS administrated i.p. on day 17 followed by 500μg/kg LPS i.p. on days 18 and 19 (PC-PVL group), (iv) 50μg/kg LPS administrated on day 17 (PC only), and (v) i.p. pyrogen-free saline injected control group on day 17.', 'LPS-preconditioning given 24h before potent LPS exposure significantly reduced the number of apoptotic cell deaths and prevented hypomyelination. Antioxidant enzyme gene expression levels (Superoxide Dismutase-SOD1, SOD2, and SOD3) were increased and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)α expression levels were decreased in the PC+PVL group when compared with the PVL group.'] Does lipopolysaccharide-preconditioning protect against endotoxin-induced white matter injury in the neonatal rat brain? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.189805269241333,
-1.464813232421875,
2.6834607124328613
] |
['The immune system has been shown to play an important role in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in blood is an easily assessable parameter of systemic inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to determine whether the NLR is prognostic in GIST.', 'A total of 339 previously untreated patients with primary, localized GIST operated at our institution between 1995 and 2010 were identified from a prospectively collected sarcoma database. NLR was assessed preoperatively. Patients who received adjuvant imatinib treatment were excluded from the analysis (n = 64). Cox regression models were calculated and correlation analyses were performed.', 'On univariate analysis, NLR was associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.003, hazard ratio 3.3, 95 % confidence interval 1.5-7.4). Patients with a low NLR had a 1- and 5-year RFS of 98 and 91 %, compared with 89 and 76 % in those with a high NLR. The median RFS was not reached. Positive correlations were found between NLR and mitotic rate (Pearson correlation coefficient [r] = 0.15, P = 0.03), and NLR and tumor size (r = 0.36, P = 0.0001). RFS in patients with a GIST >5 cm with low NLR was significantly longer compared to patients with high NLR (P = 0.002). Flow cytometry analysis of freshly obtained GISTs revealed that neutrophils constituted a minimal percentage of intratumoral immune cells.'] Is blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio prognostic in gastrointestinal stromal tumor? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.692535400390625,
-1.6608831882476807,
2.326779365539551
] |
['The impact of home monitoring system in the early detection of ventricular arrhythmia and inappropriate shock in daily work is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of home monitoring system on the early detection of ventricular arrhythmia and inappropriate shock in daily clinical practice.', 'Cases of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation with or without the home monitoring system from June 2010 to October 2011 at our center were reviewed. Follow-up was scheduled after implantation. Data relating to the home monitoring ICD were retrieved using a remote transmitter system. Data relating to the other devices were obtained during scheduled follow-up or unscheduled visits.', 'Our study involved 69 patients (mean age (68.4 ± 17.6) years, 64.3% males, 26 in the home monitoring group vs. 43 in the non-home monitoring group). In all, 561 ventricular arrhythmia episodes were detected in 17 patients (39.5%) in the non-home monitoring group: 495 episodes were ventricular tachycardia and 66 episodes were ventricular fibrillation; among these, 476 episodes of ventricular tachycardia and 45 episodes of ventricular fibrillation were appropriately diagnosed (96.1% and 68.2%, respectively). In the home monitoring group, 389 ventricular arrhythmia episodes were transmitted by the home monitoring system in nine patients (34.6%): 348 ventricular tachycardia episodes and 41 ventricular fibrillation episodes. Device detection was appropriate in 348 ventricular tachycardia episodes (100.0%) and 36 ventricular fibrillation episodes (87.8%). The home monitoring group showed a higher appropriate detection rate of ventricular tachycardia (P < 0.01) and ventricular fibrillation (P = 0.02). The proportion of inappropriate shock was comparable in the two groups (6/11 in the non-home monitoring group vs. 1/7 in the home monitoring group; P = 0.08).'] Does home monitoring system improve the detection of ventricular arrhythmia and inappropriate shock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3697338104248047,
-1.4109134674072266,
1.8037915229797363
] |
['Men have a higher stroke incidence compared to women until advanced age. The contribution of hormones to these sex differences has been extensively debated. In experimental stroke, estradiol is neuroprotective, whereas androgens are detrimental. However, prior studies have only examined the effects of acute treatment paradigms; therefore, the timing and mechanism by which ischemic sexual dimorphism arises are unknown.', 'The effects of exogenous neonatal androgen exposure on subsequent injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in adulthood in male rats were examined. Rats were administered vehicle (oil), testosterone propionate (TP) or the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for 5 days after birth. At 3 months of age, a focal stroke was induced.', 'Testosterone-treated rats (but not DHT-treated animals) had decreased infarct volumes (20 vs. 33%, p < 0.05) as well as increased estradiol levels (39.4 vs. 18.6 pg/ml, p < 0.0001) compared to oil-treated animals. TP-injected males had increased testicular aromatase (P450arom) levels (3.6 vs. 0.2 ng/ml, p < 0.0001) compared to oil-treated males. The level of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, the primary endogenous inhibitor of caspase-induced apoptosis, was increased in TP-treated rats compared with the oil-treated males.'] Does neonatal testosterone exposure protect adult male rats from stroke? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4024460315704346,
-1.1367475986480713,
2.4753150939941406
] |
['Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (pESCs) derived from artificially activated oocytes without fertilization presumably raise minimal ethical concerns and may serve as attractive candidates for regenerative medicine. Here we investigated whether pESCs could repair myocardial infarction (MI), in comparison to embryonic stem cells (ESCs).', 'A total of 89 mice that survived coronary artery ligation randomly received an intramyocardial injection of undifferentiated pESCs, ESCs, or saline. Sham-operated mice (n = 21) that received no treatment served as control animals. After 7 days, transplantation of pESCs increased expression of pro-angiogenic factors and reduced leucocyte infiltration. By 14 and 30 days post-MI, similar to treatment with ESCs, treatment with pESCs efficiently prevented cardiac remodelling and enhanced angiogenesis, in contrast to saline-treated hearts. Improved heart contractile function was also notable 30 days following transplantation of pESCs. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that tissues regenerated from pESCs in the infarcted myocardium were positive for markers of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. Unlike ESC-treated mice, which exhibited a high incidence of teratoma (6 of 34), the pESC-treated mice showed no teratomas (0 of 30) 30 days following transplantation.'] Does transplantation of parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells ameliorate cardiac dysfunction and remodelling after myocardial infarction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3354671001434326,
-1.2281506061553955,
2.6303939819335938
] |
['It has been speculated that the amount of leucine in a meal largely determines the post-prandial muscle protein synthetic response to food intake. The present study investigates the impact of leucine co-ingestion on subsequent post-prandial muscle protein accretion following the ingestion of a single bolus of dietary protein in elderly males.', 'Twenty-four elderly men (74.3±1.0 y) were randomly assigned to ingest 20 g intrinsically L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine-labeled casein protein with (PRO+LEU) or without (PRO) 2.5 g crystalline leucine. Ingestion of specifically produced intrinsically labeled protein allowed us to create a plasma phenylalanine enrichment pattern similar to the absorption pattern of phenylalanine from the ingested protein and assess the subsequent post-prandial incorporation of L-[1-(13)C] phenylalanine into muscle protein.', 'Plasma amino acid concentrations increased rapidly following protein ingestion in both groups, with higher leucine concentrations observed in the PRO+LEU compared with the PRO group (P<0.01). Plasma L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine enrichments increased rapidly and to a similar extent in both groups following protein ingestion. Muscle protein-bound L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine enrichments were significantly greater after PRO+LEU when compared with PRO at 2 h (72%; 0.0078±0.0010 vs. 0.0046±0.00100 MPE, respectively; P<0.05) and 6 h (25%; 0.0232±0.0015 vs. 0.0185±0.0010 MPE, respectively; P<0.05) following protein ingestion. The latter translated into a greater muscle protein synthetic rate following PRO+LEU compared with PRO over the entire 6 h post-prandial period (22%; 0.049±0.003 vs. 0.040±0.003% h(-1), respectively; P<0.05).'] Does leucine co-ingestion improve post-prandial muscle protein accretion in elderly men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1444698572158813,
-1.62601637840271,
1.7156522274017334
] |
['While the death rate from acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has been in decline for more than 50 years, out-of-hospital mortality remains high despite improvements in care.', 'To evaluate the importance of out-of-hospital mortality and identify the main predictors of in-hospital and 1-year mortality in France.', 'Analyses were based on data from the French MONICA population-based registry, which included all cases of ACS occurring in people aged 35-74 years during 2006 in three geographic areas in France. We first evaluated out-of-hospital mortality; then, using data from patients with incident ACS who reached hospital alive, Cox models were performed to determine the main predictors of 1-year mortality. The number of attributable deaths was assessed for variables of interest.', 'After 1-year follow-up, case-fatality was 29.3% for incident events (n=2547); the proportion of out-of-hospital deaths was 70.3%, and 91.5% of deaths occurred in the 28 days following the ACS. On multivariable analysis, the number of attributable deaths associated with three scenarios (out-of-hospital life-and-death emergency, hospitalization before ACS occurrence, and lack of coronary angiography) was 130 (accounting for 59% of deaths occurring after reaching the hospital) during 1-year follow-up. These scenarios corresponded to patients with an initial severe clinical presentation in whom rates of use of specific treatments and invasive procedures were very low.'] Is the major element of 1-year prognosis in acute coronary syndromes severity of initial clinical presentation : Results from the French MONICA registries? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8649228811264038,
-0.5685699582099915,
1.5099124908447266
] |
['Epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) hyperactivity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis (CF) by dysregulation of fluid and electrolytes in the airways. In the present study, we show proof-of-principle for ENaC inhibition by lentiviral-mediated RNA interference.', 'Immortalized normal (H441) and CF mutant (CFBE) airway cells, and differentiated human bronchial epithelial cells in air liquid interface culture (HBEC-ALI) were transduced with a vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein pseudotyped lentiviral (LV) vector expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting the α subunit of ENaC (ENaCα), and a marker gene. Efficacy of ENaCα down-regulation was assayed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), membrane potential assay, western blotting, short-circuit currents and fluid absorption. Off-target effects were investigated by a lab-on-a-chip quantitative PCR array.', 'Transduction to near one hundred percentage efficiency of H441, CFBE and HBEC-ALI was achieved by the addition of the LV vector before differentiation and polarization. Transduction resulted in the inhibition of ENaCα mRNA and antigen expression, and a proportional decrease in ENaC-dependent short circuit current and fluid transport. No effect on transepithelial resistance or cAMP-induced secretion responses was observed in HBEC-ALI. The production of interferon α and pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA, indicating Toll-like receptor 3 or RNA-induced silencing complex mediated off-target effects, was not observed in HBEC-ALI transduced with this vector.'] Does lentiviral small hairpin RNA delivery reduce apical sodium channel activity in differentiated human airway epithelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.423853635787964,
-1.3902510404586792,
2.87722110748291
] |
['The objective of this study is to determine the utility of simple asthma control questionnaires in assessing the asthma control in our practice setting.', 'The Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Therapy Assessment Questionnaire (ATAQ), and mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini AQLQ) were administered to previously diagnosed asthma patients. Spirometry was performed to obtain the prebronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). The relationship between test scores (ACT and ATAQ) and the FEV1 and mini AQLQ scores, respectively, was explored.', "A total of 106 patients (mean age 41 ± 15.3 years, 61 (57.5%) females) participated in the study. The mean ACT score was 17 ± 5.3 and the mean ATAQ score was 1.46 ± 1.34. There was a significant positive correlation between the ACT score and FEV1% predicted indicating the improvement in asthma control when FEV1% predicted increases (Pearson's correlation = 0.518, R² = 0.268, p < .0001) and a negative correlation between the ATAQ score and FEV1% predicted also indicating the improvement in asthma control when FEV1% predicted increases (Pearson's correlation = -0.516, R² = 0.266, p < .0001). The ACT score was significantly and positively related to the mini AQLQ score signifying an improvement in quality of life with increasing ACT score (Pearson's correlation = 0.691, R² = 0.461, p < .0001).The ATAQ score was significantly and negatively related to the mini AQLQ score indicating an improvement in quality of life with decreasing ATAQ score (Pearson's correlation = -0.654, R² = 0.428, p ≤ .0001). The FEV1% predicted and the mini AQLQ score were the only significant determinants of both the ACT score and the ATAQ score."] Are the ACT and the ATAQ useful surrogates for asthma control in resource-poor countries with inadequate spirometric facilities? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9063975214958191,
-1.3048536777496338,
1.2774055004119873
] |
['Recurrent hypoglycaemia leads to an attenuation of hypoglycaemic symptoms and hormonal counterregulatory responses. This phenomenon poses a severe problem in the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus, but the underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms are unclear. On the basis of animal experimental findings, we hypothesized that counterregulatory attenuation represents a basic adaptive learning process relying on synaptic long-term potentiation or depression. If so, attenuation should be prevented by blocking glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors.', 'Sixteen healthy young men participated in two conditions, separated by 4\u2009weeks. Participants received the NMDA antagonist memantine over 5\u2009days (15\u2009mg/day) in one condition and placebo in the other one. After 3\u2009days of drug administration, participants underwent two hypoglycaemic clamps on day 4 and another one on day 5. We assessed blood concentrations of counterregulatory hormones (cortisol, ACTH, epinephrine, norepinephrine, growth hormone and glucagon) as well as subjective symptoms of hypoglycaemia and word-list recall as an indicator of short-term memory.', 'Counterregulatory responses of all hormones as well as neuroglycopenic and autonomic symptom ratings showed robust attenuation following the third as compared to the first hypoglycaemia (p\u2009<\u20090.05). NMDA receptor antagonization by memantine impaired memory function but did not alter any neuroendocrine measure of counterregulatory attenuation (p > 0.17).'] Does nMDA receptor blockade by memantine prevent adaptation to recurrent hypoglycaemia in healthy men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.324469804763794,
-1.357542634010315,
2.67594313621521
] |
['Adults with cochlear implants (CIs) are usually implanted unilaterally. To preserve binaural advantages, a noninvasive method involves maintaining the hearing aid (HA) on the contralateral ear; the choice of HA for this purpose is therefore crucial. In recent years, the use of frequency transposition has gained a renewed interest in clinical practice. This type of processing records information from the high-frequency region and conveys it to a low-frequency region where there is still some residual hearing.', 'To conduct an investigation and examine whether adults with unilateral CI derive benefits from a HA utilizing linear frequency transposition (LFT) on the contralateral ear.', 'A two-period, single-blind, repeated-measures crossover design was conducted to examine the combination of LFT in conjunction with a CI. Speech recognition tests were performed in quiet and in noise with LFT either activated or deactivated. The Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Questionnaire (SSQ) was used to measure subjective benefit.', 'The participants were nine frequent bimodal users, five males and four females, with a moderate to profound high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss in the nonimplanted ear.', 'The current study was conducted using the Widex Mind440 power (m4-19) behind-the-ear HA. The participants acted as their own control in a total of seven conditions: (1) bimodal with own HA, (2) CI only, (3) own HA alone, (4) bimodal new HA LFT-off, (5) new HA LFT-off, (6) bimodal new HA LFT-on, and (7) new HA LFT-on.', 'Monosyllabic words in quiet and the Swedish version of Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) were used as speech test materials. Stimuli were presented in sound field at a speech level of 65 dB sound pressure level (SPL) via a loudspeaker at a distance of 1 m from the participant in a sound-treated room. The SSQ was administered in each session evaluating the three bimodal conditions. SPSS software was used for statistical analyses. General linear model (GLM) analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed and followed with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc pairwise comparisons.', 'Participants performed better with CI only than with HA alone, and the bimodal conditions were superior to the CI alone. No significant differences (p > .05) were observed when comparing the LFT-on with LFT-off regardless of whether the use of CI was included in the different listening conditions in objective and subjective measurements.'] Do cochlear implant combined with a linear frequency transposing hearing aid? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.265103578567505,
-1.2598683834075928,
2.5539979934692383
] |
['[corrected] After autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) the immunological B cell compartment recovers slowly. Delays on the recovery of B cell function after autologous stem cell transplantation are due to the low lymphocytes count and to their intrinsic dysfunction.', 'We studied the in vivo B cell reconstitution after ASCT examining the independent effect of polyclonal IgG (PolyIg), Fab or Fc fragments infusions in a murine animal model during a period of 12 weeks. These molecules were used in low doses, mimicking the recommended use of IVIg in the case of hypogammaglobulinemia in humans. Flow cytometry analysis and ELISA tests were conducted to monitor the reconstitution of B cells and serum immunoglobulin production. Panama blot and PCA factor 1 analysis were used to study the kinetics of immunoglobulin repertoires reconstitution. Mechanistic studies were also performed using in vitro cell culture.', 'During follow-up after ASCT, peripheral B cells expand independently of treatment, correcting the immediate increase in sBAFF (soluble B cell activating factor) induced by previous intense myeloablation. Treatments with Fab and Fc fragments infusions promote significant IgM and IgG production comparing to control. Although the complete recovery of antibody repertoire is only achieved at the end of follow-up after ASCT, there is an earlier and significantly stronger recovery in the treated mice, which is evident at 9 weeks after ASCT. At 30 weeks after ASCT, normal values of antibody repertoire were detected in all individuals. Mechanistic studies show that Fab and Fc fragments promote IgG1 production by indirect pathways.'] Does treatment with low doses of polyclonal immunoglobulin improve B cell function during immune reconstitution in a murine model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3821775913238525,
-1.3657104969024658,
2.804492712020874
] |
['For 2000 years, traditional Chinese medicine has been used as a remedy for general health improvement, including the fight against aging. Pearl powder has recently been used as a health food that has antioxidant, antiaging, antiradioactive, and tonic activities for cells; it is also applied to cure aphthous ulcer, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer on clinical therapy. In addition, the mother of pearl, nacre, could enhance the cell adhesion and tissue regeneration of skin fibroblasts.', 'Fibroblast is regarded as indispensable in the processes of wound healing. Therefore, the effect of pearl extract (PL) on fibroblasts is investigated in this study.', 'PL is produced by a room temperature super extraction system (Taiwan patent no. I271 220). DMEM medium containing PL (300 μg/mL) was used to examine the effect of migration-promoting potential on human fibroblast cell line or human primary fibroblast cells in a wound healing model in vitro.', 'Medium containing PL (300 μg/mL) demonstrated that the migratory cell numbers of fibroblasts were three times more than that without PL, and mRNA expression of collagen type III was higher than in collagen type I in fibroblasts. It revealed a migration-promoting potential of human fibroblasts in a wound healing model in vitro.'] Does pearl extract enhance the migratory ability of fibroblasts in a wound healing model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2817986011505127,
-0.7674204707145691,
2.1520838737487793
] |
['Whether the expression of Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) correlates with esophageal cancer tumorigenesis is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to examine GOLPH3 expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) and explore its clinical significance.', 'Differences in the expression of GOLPH3 at the mRNA and protein level were examined via quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and western blotting, respectively. GOLPH3 expression levels in ESCC tissue were determined through immunohistochemistry, and were compared in accordance with specific clinicopathological features of the patients and tissue specimens. Factors associated with patient survival were also analyzed.', 'A notably higher level of GOLPH3 expression was found in ESCC cell lines and tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. High expression of GOLPH3 in ESCC patients was positively associated with clinical stage, TNM classification, histological differentiation and vital status (all P<0.0001). Expression of GOLPH3 was found to be an independent prognostic factor in ESCC patients. ESCC patients expressing high levels of GOLPH3 exhibited a substantially lower 5-year overall survival than GOLPH3-negative patients. Furthermore, a significant correlation between high GOLPH3 expression and shorter overall survival time was found in different subgroups of ESCC patients stratified by the clinical stage, T classification, and lymph node metastasis.'] Does high expression of GOLPH3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma correlate with poor prognosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3180088996887207,
-1.2246938943862915,
2.581784725189209
] |
['Mild hypoglycemia is associated with increased mortality in critically ill patients. However, data regarding the association between mild hypoglycemia and patient outcomes among patients with sepsis are limited.', 'Patients admitted to a medical ICU for sepsis, as defined by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, during a 3-year period were enrolled retrospectively. Data on blood glucose (BG) control parameters and patient outcomes were collected. The primary outcome was the relationship of mild hypoglycemia (defined as minimum BG of 40 to 69 mg/dl during ICU stay) to hospital mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU-acquired complication rates, ICU and 1-year mortality rates. A relationship between glucose variability and hypoglycemic events was also investigated.', 'Three-hundred and thirteen consecutive patients with sepsis were enrolled (mean age, 71.8 ± 11.3 years; male, n = 166; diabetics, n = 102). A total of 14,249 (5.6/day/patient) BG tests were performed, and 175 hypoglycemic events (spontaneous, n = 71; iatrogenic, n = 104) occurred in 80 (25.6%) patients during the ICU stay; severe hypoglycemia (minimum BG level < 40 mg/dl) occurred in 24 (7.7%) patients, and mild hypoglycemia (minimum BG level 40 to 69 mg/dl) was found in 56 (17.9%) patients. The frequency of hypoglycemic events increased with higher glucose variability, and patients with mild hypoglycemia had higher rates of ICU-acquired complications than did those with no hypoglycemia (renal, 36.2% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.003; cardiac, 31.9% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.008; hepatic, 34.0% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.024; bacteremia, 14.9% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis revealed that mild hypoglycemia was independently associated with increased hospital mortality (odds ratio, 3.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.51 to 7.82), and even a single event was an independent risk factor (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 8.09). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that mild hypoglycemia was significantly associated with a lower 1-year cumulative survival rate among patients with sepsis (P < 0.001).'] Is mild hypoglycemia independently associated with increased risk of mortality in patients with sepsis : a 3-year retrospective observational study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2784875631332397,
-1.5836989879608154,
1.7783665657043457
] |
['Existential/spiritual needs of advanced cancer patients are not always met in healthcare. Potential barriers for health professionals exploring existential concerns include lack of time, training, tools, and confidence. Yet patients with life-threatening illnesses require holistic care, and interest in their existential/spiritual needs is growing. Preparation and life completion interventions have shown positive results in the existential/spiritual care of hospice-eligible patients in the United States. Nurses are in the ideal position to deliver such interventions, but have not been previously evaluated in this context.', 'The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a nurse-facilitated preparation and life completion intervention (Outlook) in an Australian palliative care patient population.', 'Patients discussed their life story, forgiveness, and heritage and legacy over 3 audiotaped sessions. Preintervention/postintervention outcome measures included the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Spirituality Well-being, Profile of Mood States, Quality of Life at End of Life Scale, and Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale. Participant feedback was subjected to thematic analysis to understand the patient experience of receiving the intervention.', 'Ten palliative care patients with advanced cancer completed the study. Patients reported the intervention and assessments to be acceptable and feasible and to be overall positively received although with nonsignificant improvements in measures of "meaning and peace" and "preparation for end of life."'] Are nurse-facilitated preparation and life completion interventions acceptable and feasible in the Australian palliative care setting : results from a phase 2 trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6501972675323486,
0.4889616370201111,
1.3494162559509277
] |
['We examined depressive symptoms, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels during early to-midgestation.', 'We measured depressive symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels twice in 27 pregnant women.', 'After adjustment, depressive symptoms prospectively (β=0.42, p<0.05 at 16-20 weeks of gestation) and concurrently (β=0.54, p<0.01 at 7-10 weeks of gestation) predicted elevated CRP [F (2, 14)=9.20, p=0.003, R(2)=0.57 and F (3, 15)=9.08, p=0.001, R(2)=0.64, respectively]. There were similar patterns of results for TNF-α (β=0.72, p<0.01) and IL-6 levels (β=0.39, p<0.05) at 7-10 weeks of gestation [F (2,19)=8.84, p=0.002, R(2)=0.48]. Furthermore, the association between depressive symptoms at 7-10 weeks of gestation and increased IL-6 levels at 16-20 weeks of gestation approached statistical significance. We confirmed the findings with the Wilcoxon signed rank test (IL-6: Z=2.44, p=0.015; TNF-α: Z=1.94, p=0.05; CRP: approached statistical significance).'] Are mild depressive symptoms associated with elevated C-reactive protein and proinflammatory cytokine levels during early to midgestation : a prospective pilot study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9244574308395386,
-1.4562616348266602,
2.4335861206054688
] |
['Aberrant expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play an important role in lung carcinogenesis. Whether IL-6 promoter haplotypes are associated with lung cancer risk and their functions have not yet been studied. We tested the hypothesis that single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and/or haplotypes of IL-6 promoter are associated with risk of lung cancer.', 'Two functional IL-6 promoter SNPs (-6331T>C and -572C>G) were genotyped in the discovery group including 622 patients and 614 controls, and the results were replicated in an independent validation group including 615 patients and 638 controls. Luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to examine the function of IL-6 promoter haplotypes.', 'None of the functional IL-6 promoter SNPs were associated with lung cancer risk in either study. However, a two-SNP CC (-6331C and -572C) IL-6 promoter haplotype was significantly more common among cases than among controls in both groups (P = 0.031 and P = 0.035, respectively), indicating that this haplotype is associated with increased lung cancer risk {adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.56 [95 % confidence interval (95 % CI), 1.04-2.34] and 1.51 [95 % CI, 1.03-2.22], respectively}. Combined analysis of both studies showed a strong association of this two-SNP haplotype with increased lung cancer risk (adjusted OR, 1.53; 95 % CI, 1.16-2.03; P = 0.003). Comparably, luciferase reporter assays of A549 lung cancer cell lines transfected with the CC haplotype revealed that the two-SNP haplotype had significantly higher IL-6 transcriptional activity compared with cells transfected with the common haplotype.'] Is a two-SNP IL-6 promoter haplotype associated with increased lung cancer risk? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3860710859298706,
-1.526498556137085,
1.8512526750564575
] |
['Hypoxia has been found to play an important role in regulating the biological characteristics of cancer stem cells (cCSCs). In this study, we tested whether a tumor hypoxic niche serves to the chemotherapeutic resistance of colon cCSCs.', 'Each of 23 fresh samples of human colon adenocarcinoma was transplanted into nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice randomly and equally received (A) saline, (B) 5-fluorouracil (15 mg/kg), (C) oxaliplatin (10 mg/kg), and (D) oxaliplatin plus 5-fluorouracil when xenografts reached 250 mm(3) (n = 10). After 2-week treatment, tumor cells were quantified by flow cytometry for expression of CD133 and the hypoxic proportion of CD133(+) and CD133(-) cells which were also sorted and detected for ki67 and pimonidazole via immunofluorescence.', 'The hypoxic subpopulation of CD133(+) and CD133(-) cells was 66.5 and 26.4 %, respectively. Although there was no marked change for the hypoxic subpopulation of CD133(+) cells after treatment, the hypoxic fraction of proliferative CD133(+) cells was increased by 14.62, 16.45, and 20.46 % in groups B, C, and D, respectively. Furthermore, proliferative cells in CD133(+) and CD133(-) cells were reduced by 29.93 and 62.5 % in group C, and by 25.26 and 68.22 % in group D; in group B, however, the proliferative CD133(+) cells were increased by 37.09 %; the CD133(-) cells were unchanged.'] Does a tumor hypoxic niche protect human colon cancer stem cells from chemotherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9912065267562866,
-1.4894520044326782,
2.4670462608337402
] |
["Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons. We investigated the effects of treadmill exercise on dopaminergic neuronal loss and microglial activation using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/P)-induced Parkinson's disease mice.", "Parkinson's disease was induced in mice by injection of MPTP/P. The mice in the exercise groups were put on a treadmill to run for 30min/day, five times per week for four weeks. Motor balance and coordination was measured using rota-rod test. Expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated NH(2)-terminal kinase (p-JNK), phosphorylated p-38 (p-p38), CD200, and CD200 receptor were determined by western blotting. Expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and CD11b were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.", "Parkinson's disease mice displayed poor motor balance and coordination with loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. iNOS expression was enhanced via up-regulation of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-MAPKs) signaling, such as p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p-38 in the Parkinson's disease mice. Microglial activation was also observed in the Parkinson's disease mice, showing increased CD11b expression with suppressed CD200 and CD200 receptor expressions. Treadmill exercise prevented the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, and ameliorated the motor balance and coordination dysfunction in the Parkinson's disease mice. Treadmill exercise suppressed iNOS expression via down-regulation of MAPKs and also inhibited microglial activation in the Parkinson's disease mice."] Does treadmill exercise ameliorate dopaminergic neuronal loss through suppressing microglial activation in Parkinson 's disease mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4998586177825928,
-1.2307473421096802,
2.7227835655212402
] |
['In asthma, reduced histone deacetylase activity and enhanced histone acetyltransferase activity in the lungs have been reported. However, the precise function of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), a class III histone deacetylase, and the effect of the Sirt1 activator SRT1720 on allergic inflammation have not been fully elucidated.', 'The effect of SRT1720, a synthetic activator of Sirt1, in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model was investigated. The effect of SRT1720 and resveratrol on OVA stimulation in splenocytes from OVA-sensitized and challenged mice was also examined.', 'In OVA-sensitized and challenged mice (OVA mice) compared with saline-sensitized and challenged mice (control mice), Sirt1 messenger RNA expression in the lungs was decreased (P = 0.02), while cellular infiltration, airway eosinophilia and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-13 were increased (P < 0.01). In OVA mice, SRT1720 treatment decreased total and eosinophil cell counts and IL-5 and IL-13 levels in the BAL fluid compared with the vehicle treatment (P < 0.05). In OVA mice, SRT1720 treatment also decreased inflammatory cell lung infiltrates histologically (P = 0.002). Both SRT1720 and resveratrol suppressed OVA-induced cell proliferation and IL-6 (P < 0.05) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P < 0.05) production in splenocytes (P < 0.01).'] Does sirtuin 1 activator SRT1720 suppress inflammation in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model of asthma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2372074127197266,
-1.401313304901123,
2.6240110397338867
] |
['Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is worldwide distributed and highly endemic in Argentina. Among the strategies to prevent BLV dissemination, a control plan based on the selective segregation of animals according to their proviral load (PVL) is promising for our dairy productive system. The objective of this work was to study the relationship between the blood PVL and the antibody level, in order to identify whether the individual humoral response, i.e. the anti-p24 or anti-whole-BLV particle, could be used as a marker of the blood level of infection and thus help to recruit animals that may pose a lower risk of dissemination under natural conditions.', 'The prevalence of p24 antibodies on the 15 farms studied was over 66%. The prevalence of p24 and whole-BLV antibodies and PVL quantification were analyzed in all the samples (n = 196) taken from herds T1 and 51. ROC analysis showed a higher AUC for p24 antibodies than whole-BLV antibodies (Z(reactivity): 3.55, P < 0.001; Z(titer): 2.88, P < 0.01), and as consequence a better performance to predict the proviral load status in herd 51. No significant differences were found between the performance of p24 and whole-BLV antibodies in herd T1. A significant positive correlation was observed between PVL values and p24 antibody reactivity in both farms (r (T1) = 0.7, P < 0.001, r (51) = 0.71, P < 0.0001). The analysis was extended to the whole number of weak p24 antibody reactors (n = 311) of the other 13 farms. The mean of high PVL reactors within weak p24 reactors was 17.38% (SD = 8.92). In 5/15 farms, the number of weak p24 reactors with high PVL was lower than 10%.'] Do bovine leukemia virus p24 antibodies reflect blood proviral load? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
0.0469055138528347,
-1.6334326267242432,
0.7030496001243591
] |
['Recently, lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) have emerged as an innovative model system for mapping gene variants that predict the dose response to chemotherapy drugs.', 'In the current study, this strategy was expanded to the in-vitro genome-wide association approach, using 516 LCLs derived from a White cohort to assess the cytotoxic response to temozolomide.', 'Genome-wide association analysis using ∼2.1 million quality-controlled single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified a statistically significant association (P<10(-8)) with SNPs in the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene. We also show that the primary SNP in this region is significantly associated with the differential gene expression of MGMT (P<10(-26)) in LCLs and differential methylation in glioblastoma samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas.'] Does a genome-wide association analysis of temozolomide response using lymphoblastoid cell lines show a clinically relevant association with MGMT? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3417441844940186,
-1.2818961143493652,
2.700141668319702
] |
['Low-frequency heart rate variability (LF-HRV) at rest has already been successfully modeled as self-sustained oscillations in a nonlinear control loop, but these models fail to simulate LF-HRV decreases either during aerobic exercise or in heart failure patients. Following control engineering practices, we assume the existence of a biological excitation (dither) within the heart rate control loop that softens the nonlinearity and studied LF-HRV behavior in a dither-embedded model.', 'We adopted the Ottesen model with some revisions and induced a dither of high-frequency stochastic perturbations. We simulated scenarios of a healthy subject at rest and during aerobic exercise (by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance) and a heart failure patient (by decreasing stroke volume).', 'The simulations resembled physiological LF-HRV behavior, i.e., LF-HRV decreased during aerobic exercise and in the heart failure patient. The simulations exhibited LF-HRV dependency on the open-loop gain, which is related to the product of the feedback gain and the feed forward gain.'] Does a novel heart rate control model provide insights linking LF-HRV behavior to the open-loop gain? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.516685724258423,
-0.5025612115859985,
2.1282143592834473
] |
['Genetic variation at 1p13 modulates serum lipid levels and the risk of coronary heart disease through the regulation of serum lipid levels. Here we investigate if the interaction between genetic variants at 1p13 and serum lipid levels affects the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in the Stockholm Heart Epidemiology Program (SHEEP), a large population based case control study.', 'In the present study only non fatal MI cases (n\u2009=\u20091213, men/women: 852/361) and controls (n\u2009=\u20091516, men/women =1054/507) matched by age, sex and residential area, were included. Three SNPs 12740374\u2009G/T, rs599839A/G and rs646776T/C mapping at 1p13 were analysed for association with serum lipid levels and the risk of MI by a weighted least square regression and logistic regression analyses, respectively. To analyse the effect of the interaction between genetic variants and serum lipid levels on the risk of MI, we applied the biological model of interaction that estimates the difference in risk, expressed as OR (95%CI), observed in the presence and in the absence of both exposures. One derived measure is the Synergy index (S) and 95%CI, where S\u2009>\u20091 indicates synergy and S\u2009<\u20091 antagonism between the two interaction terms.', 'Rs12740374G/T and rs646776T/C were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) (r2\u2009=\u20090.99), therefore only rs599839A/G and rs646776 were included in the analysis. Consistently with published data, presence of the rare genotypes was associated with reduced total-, LDL-cholesterol and ApoB serum levels (all p\u2009<\u20090.05) as compared to the reference genotype, but was not associated with the risk of MI.However, the increased risk of MI observed in individual exposed to high (≥75th percentile) serum lipid levels was offset in subjects carrying the rare alleles G and C. In particular, the risk of MI associated with high ApoB serum levels OR (95%CI) 2.27 (1.86-2.77) was reduced to 1.76 (1.33-2.34) in the presence of the G allele at rs599839 with an S of 0.47 (0.20-0.90).'] Do chromosome 1p13 genetic variants antagonize the risk of myocardial infarction associated with high ApoB serum levels? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4858633279800415,
-1.6044652462005615,
2.1349809169769287
] |
['To determine the role of Notch signaling in corneal epithelial migration and wound healing.', 'Immunolocalization of Notch1 was performed during epithelial wound healing in vivo in mouse corneal epithelial debridement wounds and in vitro in primary human corneal epithelial cells following a linear scratch wound. The effects of Notch inhibition, using the γ-secretase inhibitor N-(N-[3,5-difluorophenacetyl]-l-alanyl)-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT) or following stable transfection with Notch1-short hairpin RNA (shRNA), was evaluated in a scratch assay and transwell migration assay. Likewise, in vitro adhesion, proliferation and the actin cytoskeleton was examined. The DAPT effect was also evaluated in vivo in a mouse model of corneal epithelial wound healing.', 'The expression of Notch1 was reduced at the leading edge of a healing corneal epithelium both in vivo and in vitro. Notch inhibition using DAPT and using Notch1-shRNA both enhanced in vitro migration in scratch and transwell migration assays. Consistent with this increased migratory behavior, Notch inhibited cells demonstrated decreased cell-matrix adhesion and enhanced lamellipodia formation. Notch inhibition by DAPT was also found to accelerate corneal epithelial wound closure in an in vivo murine model without affecting proliferation.'] Does notch inhibition during corneal epithelial wound healing promote migration? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4607326984405518,
-1.2431721687316895,
2.7275569438934326
] |
['Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) adhere to host cell receptors, allowing parasites to sequester into deep vascular beds of various organs. This defining phenomenon of malaria pathogenesis is key to the severe clinical complications associated with cerebral and placental malaria. The principal ligand associated with the binding to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) that allows placental sequestration of IEs is a P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1) family member encoded by the var2csa gene.', 'Here, we investigated the transcription pattern of var genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction, the expression of VAR2CSA, protein by flow cytometry, and the CSA-binding ability of IEs collected at different stages of pregnancy using a static-based Petri dish assay.', 'Through comparison with the profiles of isolates from nonpregnant hosts, we report several lines of evidence showing that parasites infecting women during pregnancy preferentially express VAR2CSA protein, and that selection for the capacity to adhere to CSA via VAR2CSA expression occurs early in pregnancy.'] Do first-trimester Plasmodium falciparum infections display a typical `` placental '' phenotype? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5969951152801514,
-1.1392005681991577,
2.8724522590637207
] |
['This study examines if ischemic postconditioning is preserved in hypertrophied myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).', 'Infarct sizes, hemodynamic, morphometric, and biochemical parameters were obtained from normotensive controls [Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats] and compared with SHRs. In open-chest rats, the infarct size was determined after 30 minutes of regional ischemia. Postconditioning was performed by 3 cycles of ischemia/reperfusion with 30 seconds each or 6 cycles of ischemia/reperfusion with 10 seconds each immediately after the infarction.', 'Infarct size was comparable between control rats and SHRs. In WKY rats, postconditioning reduced the infarct size significantly. However, in SHRs, the postconditioning effect was completely lost for both postconditioning protocols. Even shortening of the ischemic period to 20 minutes did not restore the infarct sparing effect in SHRs. The phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β increased 2.1-fold by ischemic postconditioning in WKY rats; however, this increase was completely absent in SHRs with both postconditioning protocols.'] Is cardioprotection by ischemic postconditioning abrogated in hypertrophied myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2943038940429688,
-1.3534469604492188,
2.707720994949341
] |
['Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a family of recessive disorders of intracellular trafficking defects that are associated with highly penetrant pulmonary fibrosis. Naturally occurring HPS mice reliably model important features of the human disease, including constitutive alveolar macrophage activation and susceptibility to profibrotic stimuli.', 'To decipher which cell lineage(s) in the alveolar compartment is the predominant driver of fibrotic susceptibility in HPS.', 'We used five different HPS and Chediak-Higashi mouse models to evaluate genotype-specific fibrotic susceptibility. To determine whether intrinsic defects in HPS alveolar macrophages cause fibrotic susceptibility, we generated bone marrow chimeras in HPS and wild-type mice. To directly test the contribution of the pulmonary epithelium, we developed a transgenic model with epithelial-specific correction of the HPS2 defect in an HPS mouse model.', 'Bone marrow transplantation experiments demonstrated that both constitutive alveolar macrophage activation and increased susceptibility to bleomycin-induced fibrosis were conferred by the genotype of the lung epithelium, rather than that of the bone marrow-derived, cellular compartment. Furthermore, transgenic epithelial-specific correction of the HPS defect significantly attenuated bleomycin-induced alveolar epithelial apoptosis, fibrotic susceptibility, and macrophage activation. Type II cell apoptosis was genotype specific, caspase dependent, and correlated with the degree of fibrotic susceptibility.'] Does the alveolar epithelium determine susceptibility to lung fibrosis in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4935672283172607,
-1.263035535812378,
2.828862190246582
] |
['The rates of nonunion after femoral nailing are currently reported to be 4.1-12.5 %. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors of noninfected nonunion after femoral nailing, focusing in particular on the effects of the length of the distal main fragment.', 'A case-control study was conducted with 105 patients, with a case (nonunion group)-control (control group) ratio of 1:2. The nonunion group (n = 35) comprised patients with consecutive symptomatic nonunions after femoral nailing who were treated in our institute; the control group (n = 70) were matched by age to the nonunion group. Type of fracture, soft tissue injury, length of femur and nail length, incidence of screw breakage, nail diameter, mean length of distal main fragment, and any episode of dynamization were retrospectively examined. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to elucidate the risk factors of nonunion after femoral nailing.', 'Increased risk of nonunion after femoral nailing was associated with (1) open fracture, (2) screw breakage, (3) shorter length of a distal fragment, and (4) any episodes of dynamization. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that a distal fragment length of <43 % of the total femur length was the cutoff level for nonunion after nailing. The odds ratio for nonunion was 6.40 (95 % CI 2.70-15.2) when the length of the distal main fragment was <43 % of the femur length. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the risk of nonunion after femoral nailing increased (1) with breakage of locking screws (p = 0.0021), (2) with dynamization (p = 0.0029), (3) with a shorter distal fragment length (p = 0.0379), and (4) with an open fracture (p = 0.0397).'] Is infra-isthmal fracture a risk factor for nonunion after femoral nailing : a case-control study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5248342752456665,
-1.538975477218628,
2.1754889488220215
] |
['This study aimed to compare recurrence and survival in patients undergoing either selective neck dissection or modified radical neck dissection to treat metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to the cervical lymph nodes (levels I-V) only.', 'Twenty-eight year, retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database from a tertiary referral hospital, with a minimum follow up of two years.', 'There were 122 eligible patients: 96 males (79 per cent) and 26 (21 per cent) females (median age, 66 years). Sixty-six patients (54 per cent) underwent selective neck dissection and 56 (46 per cent) modified radical neck dissection. The former patients had a lower rate of regional recurrence compared with the latter (17 vs 23 per cent, respectively). There was no significant difference in five-year overall survival (61 vs 57 per cent, respectively) or five-year disease-free survival (74 vs 60 per cent, respectively), comparing the two groups. Overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly improved by the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy.'] Does in patients with metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to cervical lymph nodes , the extent of neck dissection influence outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8770166635513306,
-1.038050651550293,
2.058976650238037
] |
['The FDA-approved dose of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) may not provide adequate thromboprophylaxis in morbidly obese patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Suboptimal dosing, delayed initiation, and overreliance on mechanical methods may also limit the effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis.', 'We explored the associations between the type of thromboprophylaxis, obesity, time of mobilization, and undergoing bilateral TKA on development of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after TKA.', "This was a case-control study of patients undergoing TKA in 15 teaching hospitals between October 2008 and March 2010. Cases were screened using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Patient Safety Indicator 12 and had objectively documented acute VTE within 9 days of surgery; controls were randomly selected from the same hospital. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for postoperative VTE, adjusted for age and gender.", 'Among 130 cases with and 463 controls without acute VTE, body mass index (BMI) ranged from 17 to 61 (median = 34). Thromboprophylaxis was LMWH in 284 (48%), warfarin in 189 (32%), both in 55 (10%), and mechanical prophylaxis alone in 120 (20%). Overall, 77% ambulated on day 1 or 2 after surgery. Factors significantly associated with VTE were bilateral simultaneous TKA (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9-9.1), receipt of FDA-approved pharmacological prophylaxis (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8), and ambulation by postoperative day 2 (OR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.9). Obesity was neither a significant confounder nor a modifier of these effects.'] Are mechanical and suboptimal pharmacologic prophylaxis and delayed mobilization but not morbid obesity associated with venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty : a case-control study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9704993963241577,
-1.4469671249389648,
2.423375368118286
] |
['To gain new insights into the molecular mechanisms of action of doxazosin, we investigated the prostatic stroma ultrastructure and the expression of genes involved with fibrosis, such as collagen type I and III (COL1A1 and COL3A1, respectively) and TGF-beta 1, in the rat ventral prostate.', 'Adult Wistar rats were treated with doxazosin (25mg/kg/day), and the ventral prostates were excised at 7 and 30days after treatment. Untreated rats were controls. Ventral prostates were subjected to ultrastructural, immunohistochemical, biochemical and molecular analyses.', 'Doxazosin-treated prostates showed thickened bundles of collagen fibrils, activated fibroblasts, enlarged neurotransmitter vesicles and increased tissue immunostaining for collagen type I and type III when compared to untreated prostates. After 7 and 30days of doxazosin treatment mRNA expression of COL1A1 and COL3A1 was significantly increased and reduced, respectively, compared to the control group. TGF-beta 1 mRNA and protein levels were increased after 7days of doxazosin treatment, whereas only mRNA levels remained increased after 30days of treatment.'] Is fibrosis-related gene expression in the prostate modulated by doxazosin treatment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.43338680267334,
-1.3001986742019653,
2.744622230529785
] |
['Platelet transfusions are performed almost entirely according to expert experience. This study assessed the effectiveness of a restrictive guideline to reduce platelet transfusions in preterm infants.', 'A retrospective cohort of preterm infants with a birth weight of <1500 g had been born in 2 periods. In Period 1, a transfusion was indicated for a platelet count of <50,000/ml in clinically stable neonates or <100,000/ml in bleeding or clinically unstable infants. In Period 2, the indications were restricted to <25,000/ml in clinically stable neonates, or <50,000/ml in newborns who were either on mechanical ventilation, subject to imminent invasive procedures, within 72 h following a seizure, or extremely premature and <7 days old. A count of <100,000/ml was indicated for bleeding or major surgery.', 'Periods 1 and 2 comprised 121 and 134 neonates, respectively. The rates of ventricular haemorrhage and intrahospital death were similar in both periods. The percentage of transfused infants, the odds of receiving a platelet transfusion, the mean platelet count before transfusion and the percentage of transfusions with a platelet count >50,000/ml were greater in Period 1. Among thrombocytopenic neonates, the percentage of transfused neonates and the number of transfusions were similar in both groups.'] Does restrictive guideline reduce platelet count thresholds for transfusions in very low birth weight preterm infants? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5568796396255493,
-0.9749261140823364,
1.5609110593795776
] |
['To study the post-natal characteristics and the survival of offspring derived from DNA damaged sperm.', 'This experimental prospective study was conducted on Swiss Albino mice (Mus musculus). Sperm DNA damage was induced by different doses of γ-irradiation in male mice who were then mated with healthy female mice. The post-natal characteristics including the survival of first generation offspring were studied and then correlated with the amount of paternal sperm DNA damage.', 'A significant reduction of survival in the early post-natal period was observed in the first generation offspring derived from the DNA damaged sperm, and a strong association was observed between the extent of sperm DNA damage and the survival of the offspring.'] Does the extent of paternal sperm DNA damage influence early post-natal survival of first generation mouse offspring? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.620356321334839,
0.788802444934845,
0.921131432056427
] |
['Autoantigen presentation by HLA-DR molecules is thought to be a central component of many autoimmune diseases, but identifying disease-relevant autoantigens has been a difficult challenge. In this study we aimed to identify autoantigens in patients with antibiotic-refractory Lyme arthritis, in which infection-induced autoimmunity is thought to play an important role.', "Using tandem mass spectrometry, naturally presented HLA-DR self peptides from a patient's synovium were identified, synthesized, and reacted with his peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Immunoreactive peptides and their source proteins were then tested for T and B cell responses using large numbers of patient cells or sera.", 'Of 120 HLA-DR-presented self peptides identified from one patient, one peptide derived from endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) caused his PBMCs to proliferate. T and B cell responses to ECGF occurred systemically in ∼10-30% of patients with early or late manifestations of Lyme disease, primarily in those with refractory arthritis-associated HLA-DR alleles, such as DRB1*0101 and 0401. Compared with patients with antibiotic-responsive arthritis, those with antibiotic-refractory arthritis had significantly higher concentrations of ECGF in synovial fluid (P<0.0001) and more often had ECGF antibody reactivity. Among non-antibiotic-treated historical patients who developed arthritis, 26% had ECGF reactivity, which often developed before the onset of arthritis and was associated with significantly longer courses of arthritis.'] Is a novel human autoantigen , endothelial cell growth factor , a target of T and B cell responses in patients with Lyme disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3164327144622803,
-1.3208024501800537,
2.7181544303894043
] |
['\u2002 Nestin (a neuronal stem cell/progenitor cell marker of central nervous system development), vimentin (which is ubiquitously expressed in mesenchymal cells), and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR, which is involved in the immune response, cell proliferation, and apoptosis) have been shown to interact in embryonic and undifferentiated tissues in modulating cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to analyse nestin, vimentin and GR expression in tumour tissue (melanoma), and their association with clinicopathological variables, to evaluate any effect on tumour progression.', "\u2002 Immunohistochemistry, double-label immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed on biopsy specimens of cutaneous melanoma from 81 patients. Fisher's and Pearson's tests showed a correlation between nestin, vimentin and subcellular GR location (P\u2003=\u20030.008). Their concomitant expression also correlated with Clark level and thickness (P\u2003=\u20030.02 and P\u2003=\u20030.029, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a poorer outcome for stage III and IV patients with associated expression of nestin, vimentin and cytoplasmic GR in tumour tissue (P\u2003=\u20030.02)."] Does nestin and vimentin colocalization affect the subcellular location of glucocorticoid receptor in cutaneous melanoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2796952724456787,
-1.4144291877746582,
2.747191905975342
] |
['Knowledge about signaling pathways in malignant cells may provide prognostic and diagnostic information in addition to identify potential molecular targets for therapy. B-cell receptor (BCR) and co-receptor CD40 signaling is essential for normal B cells, and there is increasing evidence that signaling via BCR and CD40 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoma. The aim of this study was to investigate basal and induced signaling in lymphoma B cells and infiltrating T cells in single-cell suspensions of biopsies from small cell lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) patients.', 'Samples from untreated SLL/CLL and MZL patients were examined for basal and activation induced signaling by phospho-specific flow cytometry. A panel of 9 stimulation conditions targeting B and T cells, including crosslinking of the B cell receptor (BCR), CD40 ligand and interleukins in combination with 12 matching phospho-protein readouts was used to study signaling.', 'Malignant B cells from SLL/CLL patients had higher basal levels of phosphorylated (p)-SFKs, p-PLCγ, p-ERK, p-p38, p-p65 (NF-κB), p-STAT5 and p-STAT6, compared to healthy donor B cells. In contrast, anti-BCR induced signaling was highly impaired in SLL/CLL and MZL B cells as determined by low p-SFK, p-SYK and p-PLCγ levels. Impaired anti-BCR-induced p-PLCγ was associated with reduced surface expression of IgM and CD79b. Similarly, CD40L-induced p-ERK and p-p38 were also significantly reduced in lymphoma B cells, whereas p-p65 (NF-κB) was equal to that of normal B cells. In contrast, IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15 induced p-STAT5 in tumor-infiltrating T cells were not different from normal T cells.'] Does phospho-specific flow cytometry identify aberrant signaling in indolent B-cell lymphoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3837993144989014,
-1.353097915649414,
2.7808120250701904
] |
["While obesity may increase the risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, the relationship between waist circumference (WC) and central auditory dysfunction is unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship of WC and pitch pattern sequence (PPS) score in adults.", 'The association of WC with PPS score was analysed.', 'Volunteer helpers at a community hospital, 391 adults ≥40 years, with normal or symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss were randomly selected.', 'After adjusting for age, gender, pure-tone average, systemic diseases, and habits, WC was significantly negatively associated with PPS. In a subgroup analysis by gender and age, the PPS score was negatively associated with WC only for males who were older than 55 years old, but not for males who were younger than 55 years old or females in either age group. Meanwhile, central obesity showed positive association with abnormal PPS recognition ability (PPS score < 90%) of borderline significance only for males who were older than 55 years old, but not for males who were younger than 55 years old or females in both age groups.'] Is waist circumference associated with pitch pattern sequence score in older male adults? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9616999626159668,
-0.7561201453208923,
1.8110160827636719
] |
['The presence of disease-specific autoantibodies in RA but not spondyloarthritis (SpA) suggests that B-cell tolerance is preserved in the latter condition despite chronic joint inflammation. Which factors control B-cell tolerance vs autoimmunity in chronic arthritis remains incompletely understood. As single nucleotide polymorphisms in the B-cell scaffold protein with ankyrin repeats (BANK1) gene have recently been associated with various autoantibody-positive autoimmune diseases including RA, we explored whether altered expression of BANK1 was associated with humoral autoimmunity in arthritis.', 'Peripheral B-cell subsets and inflamed synovial tissue were obtained from active SpA and RA. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of full-length BANK1 and delta2 BANK1, a splice variant lacking exon 2 that counteracts BANK1 function. B-cell subsets, autoantibody titres and clinical disease were monitored upon CIA induction in Bank1 knockout (KO) mice.', 'Whereas full-length BANK1 was not differentially expressed, the BANK1 delta2 splicing variant was decreased in naïve peripheral B cells as well as in synovial tissue of SpA compared with RA. However, no differences were observed in seropositive vs seronegative RA. Performing functional analysis in mice, we found no differences in B-cell subsets and anti-collagen antibodies upon CIA induction between Bank1 KO mice and littermate controls. Accordingly, the incidence and severity of clinical disease were not altered in Bank1 KO mice.'] Is altered BANK1 expression associated with humoral autoimmunity in chronic joint inflammation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2752835750579834,
-1.3463820219039917,
2.664748191833496
] |
['Obesity has become a major epidemic in the United States. Although research suggests obesity does not increase major morbidity or mortality after thoracic operations, it likely results in greater use of health care resources.', 'We examined all patients in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery database with primary lung cancer who underwent lobectomy from 2006 to 2010. We investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on total operating room time using a linear mixed-effects regression model and multiple imputations to account for missing data. Secondary outcomes included postoperative length of stay and 30-day mortality. Covariates included age, sex, race, forced expiratory volume, smoking status, Zubrod score, prior chemotherapy or radiation, steroid use, number of comorbidities, surgical approach, hospital lobectomy volume, hospital percent obesity, and the addition of mediastinoscopy or wedge resection.', 'A total of 19,337 patients were included. The mean BMI was 27.3 kg/m2, with 4,898 patients (25.3%) having a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. The mean total operating room time, length of stay, and 30-day mortality were 240 minutes, 6.7 days, and 1.8%, respectively. For every 10-unit increase in BMI, mean operating room time increased by 7.2 minutes (range, 4.8 to 8.4 minutes; p<0.0001). Higher hospital lobectomy volume and hospital percentage of obese patients did not affect the association between BMI and operative time. Body mass index was not associated with 30-day mortality or increased length of stay.'] Does obesity increase operating room time for lobectomy in the society of thoracic surgeons database? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8151519298553467,
-1.422936201095581,
1.2638647556304932
] |
['β-Blockers are known to improve survival of patients with cardiovascular disease, but their administration in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of β-blocker administration in patients with COPD undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.', 'A total of 388 consecutive patients with COPD who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were studied, and clinical follow-up was completed. Diagnosis of COPD was based on preoperative forced expiration volume; exacerbation episodes were defined as a pulsed-dose prescription of prednisolone or a hospital admission for an exacerbation. Two propensity-matched cohorts of 104 patients each either receiving or not receiving β-blockers were identified.', 'At baseline, there was no significant difference among groups. After a median follow-up of 36 months, there were 8 deaths in 104 patients (7.7%) receiving β-blockers versus 19 deaths in 104 patients (18.3%) who did not receive β-blockers (p = 0.03). Kaplan-Meyer analysis showed a survival of 91.8% ± 2.8% for patients taking β-blockers versus 80.6% ± 4.0% for control subjects (χ(2), 29.4; p = 0.003; hazard ratio, 0.38). In addition, β-blocker administration did not increase rates of COPD exacerbation, which was experienced by 46 of 104 patients (44.2%) receiving β-blockers versus 45 of 104 patients (43.3%) not receiving β-blockers (p = 0.99).'] Do β-Blockers improve survival of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after coronary artery bypass grafting? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.564819097518921,
-1.5043630599975586,
1.9840810298919678
] |
['To assess whether the fasting glucose level on admission, day 14 or their variation in patients with aSAH was associated with 1-year mortality.', 'A prospective study was undertaken to analyze the effects of fasting glucose on admission, day 14 and their variation on the 1-year mortality rate after aSAH. Patients with aSAH were enrolled to assess the mortality rate relationship with fasting glucose, medical history, clinical and radiological grades. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors for 1-year mortality.', 'A total of 239 aSAH patients without history of diabetes were followed up, with the 1-year mortality being 11.7%. Admission glucose levels were found to be associated with 1-year mortality after being adjusted for other confounding factors in Cox regression (HR: 1.524 per mmol/L; 95%CI, 1.250-1.859). Within 14 days, fasting glucose levels of 85 patients had increased. Patients who died also exhibited higher levels of glucose (dead vs. survival: 61.54% vs. 33.66%, p<0.01). In addition, higher blood glucose levels were associated with an elevated 1-year mortality (HR: 1.350 per mmol/L; 95%CI, 1.153-1.580).'] Does hyperglycemia within day 14 of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage predict 1-year mortality? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0276803970336914,
-1.4155874252319336,
1.4134870767593384
] |
['TIMP1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1) regulates extracellular matrix turnover and also promotes cell growth and has anti-apoptotic activity, which promotes malignant processes in tumor tissue. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relation of plasma TIMP1 protein levels with prognosis in patients with liver metastases, with particular regard to possible early-prediction of recurrence of the disease.', 'We studied a group of 87 patients with metastatic liver disease (mostly from colorectal cancer) who underwent surgery for liver metastases, and assessed their preoperative plasma TIMP1 levels. These levels were evaluated according to prognosis. Furthermore, we measured plasma TIMP1 in the post-operative period and tried to relate the changes with the diagnosis of relapse.', 'We found preoperative plasma TIMP1 levels to be related to overall survival in the group of all patients with metastatic liver disease (p=0.0047), with a higher level being associated with an adverse outcome; the cut-off value was set at 165 ng/ml. This applied to all patients, regardless of the type of surgery. Assessment of the post-operative dynamics of TIMP1 was not found to be statistically significant to indicate disease recurrence.'] Is plasma TIMP1 level a prognostic factor in patients with liver metastases? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.285942316055298,
-1.0547668933868408,
2.4107553958892822
] |
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