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['Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely-used anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing agent. VPA is also known to inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) affecting the expression of numerous genes.', 'In the present study, we examined the effect of VPA on the extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK, p42/p44) pathway (Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK) belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathways in primary human hepatocytes. In the liver, the pathway is associated with progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.', 'We found that VPA in a therapeutically relevant concentration (500 µM) activates the ERK pathway, as indicated by increased ERK Thr202/Tyr204 phosphorylation. Interestingly, a prototype HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A, also activated ERK phosphorylation in primary human hepatocytes. These data suggest that HDAC inhibition might be the primary stimulus for ERK pathway activation in primary human hepatocytes. Notably, U0126, a MEK1 inhibitor, was ineffective in inhibiting ERK pathway activation, likely due to its metabolic deactivation in metabolically competent primary human hepatocytes.'] Does valproate activate ERK signaling pathway in primary human hepatocytes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4342145919799805,
-1.1663910150527954,
2.6640167236328125
] |
['The present studies aimed at elucidating the role of prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype 3 (E-prostanoid [EP] 3) in regulating blood pressure.', 'Mice bearing a genetic disruption of the EP3 gene (EP(3)(-/-)) exhibited reduced baseline mean arterial pressure monitored by both tail-cuff and carotid arterial catheterization. The pressor responses induced by EP3 agonists M&B28767 and sulprostone were markedly attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice, whereas the reduction of blood pressure induced by prostaglandin E(2) was comparable in both genotypes. Vasopressor effect of acute or chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) was attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice. Ang II-induced vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries decreased in EP3(-/-) group. In mesenteric arteries from wild-type mice, Ang II-induced vasoconstriction was inhibited by EP3 selective antagonist DG-041 or L798106. The expression of Arhgef-1 is attenuated in EP3 deficient mesenteric arteries. EP3 antagonist DG-041 diminished Ang II-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain 20 and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 in isolated mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, in vascular smooth muscle cells, Ang II-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase was potentiated by EP3 agonist sulprostone but inhibited by DG-041.'] Does inactivation of the E-prostanoid 3 receptor attenuate the angiotensin II pressor response via decreasing arterial contractility? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.387010335922241,
-1.3802896738052368,
2.7874369621276855
] |
['The prognosis of HIV-infected patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era approaches that of the general population when they are treated with the same protocols. We analyzed the outcome of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) in the HAART era according to HIV serostatus to establish whether this also holds true for HL.', 'From 1997 to 2010, 224 patients newly diagnosed with HL, of whom 93 were HIV positive, were consecutively treated with ABVD chemotherapy. HIV-positive patients had more high-risk disease according to the International Prognostic Score (IPS) than HIV-negative patients (IPS≥3: 68% v 26%, respectively; P<.001). Forty-seven HIV-positive patients had a CD4 count less than 200/μL, and 92 patients received HAART during chemotherapy.', 'The complete response rate was 74% for HIV-positive patients and 79% for HIV-negative patients (P=not significant). After a median follow-up of 60 months (range, 8 to 174 months), 23 patients (16 HIV-negative and seven HIV-positive patients) have experienced relapse at a median time of 6 months (range, 1 to 106 months). Five-year event-free survival (EFS) was 59% (95% CI, 47% to 70%) for HIV-positive patients and 66% (95% CI, 57% to 74%) for HIV-negative patients (P=not significant). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 81% (95% CI, 69% to 89%) and 88% (95% CI, 80% to 93%) for HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, respectively (P=not significant). HIV status did not predict OS or EFS on multivariate analysis including IPS and HIV status.'] Does hIV status influence outcome in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma treated with chemotherapy using doxorubicin , bleomycin , vinblastine , and dacarbazine in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.357317566871643,
-1.6464881896972656,
1.9323548078536987
] |
['A prior study in patients undergoing breast surgery with and without the use of paravertebral blocks (PVB) found no significant difference in patient length of stay (LOS). However, patients undergoing bilateral procedures and those undergoing immediate reconstructions were excluded. We sought to determine if the use of PVB in patients undergoing unilateral or bilateral mastectomy plus immediate reconstruction decreases patient LOS.', 'We undertook a retrospective review of patients who had mastectomies with immediate reconstructions with and without the use of preoperative PVB. Outcomes including LOS, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and time to oral narcotics were compared between groups.', 'Mean LOS for the PVB group was 42\xa0h. This was significantly less than the mean LOS of 47\xa0h for the nonblock group (p\xa0=\xa0.0015). The significantly lower LOS for the PVB group was true for patients undergoing bilateral procedures (p\xa0=\xa0.045), unilateral procedures (p\xa0=\xa0.0031), tissue expander placement (p\xa0=\xa0.0114), and immediate implant placement (p\xa0=\xa0.037). Mean time to conversion to oral narcotics was significantly shorter in the PVB group (15\xa0h) compared with the nonblock group (20\xa0h) (p\xa0<\xa0.001). The incidence of postoperative nausea in the PVB group (42.8\xa0%) was also significantly less than in the nonblock group (54.7\xa0%) (p\xa0=\xa0.031).'] Does use of preoperative paravertebral block decrease length of stay in patients undergoing mastectomy plus immediate reconstruction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.566138744354248,
-1.8908685445785522,
1.4098453521728516
] |
['The mechanisms triggering nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain poorly defined.', 'Kupffer cells are the first responding cells to hepatocyte injuries, leading to TNFα production, chemokine induction, and monocyte recruitment. The silencing of TNFα in myeloid cells reduces NASH progression.'] Do kuppfer cells trigger nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development in diet-induced mouse model through tumor necrosis factor-α production? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.603436231613159,
-1.1060302257537842,
2.7921271324157715
] |
['The yeast Orm1/2 proteins regulate ceramide biosynthesis.', 'Depletion of the mammalian Orm1/2 homologues, ORMDL1-3, eliminates the negative feedback of exogenous ceramide on ceramide biosynthesis in HeLa cells.'] Do mammalian ORMDL proteins mediate the feedback response in ceramide biosynthesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6631381511688232,
-0.10995346307754517,
1.878376841545105
] |
['Evaluate the incidence of various morphologic types of congenital AS, and the association between valve morphology and long-term outcomes, including repeat BAV, AVR, and death/transplant.', 'Reports on long-term outcomes have low agreement on the influence of morphologic type.', 'We queried our institutional database and hospital billing records to identify all patients who underwent balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) from 1992 through 2009. We excluded cases where morphology was not clear based on the description in the pre-BAV echocardiogram report and patients who underwent single ventricle palliation. The primary outcome of the study was the occurrence of any of the following events: repeat valvuloplasty, AVR, heart transplant, or death.', 'There were 147 patients in our study cohort. The most common morphology was functionally bicuspid (n = 92, 63%), followed by functionally unicuspid (n = 20, 14%), dysplastic (n = 16, 11%), true bicuspid (n = 13, 9%), and true unicuspid (n = 6, 4%). The primary endpoint was less likely to occur in patients with functionally bicuspid valves (P < 0.01) and patients with true bicuspid valves (P = 0.03), whereas it was more likely to occur in patients with functionally unicuspid valves (P = 0.02) and patients with true unicuspid valves (P = 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that valve type other than functionally bicuspid was associated with diminished freedom from repeat intervention, death or transplant (HR 3.3, CI 1.2 - 8.6, P = 0.02).'] Is aortic valve morphology associated with outcomes following balloon valvuloplasty for congenital aortic stenosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1443088054656982,
-1.3733328580856323,
2.602975368499756
] |
['Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by excessive food intake during short periods of time. Recent evidence suggests that alterations in the endocannabinoid signalling could be involved in the pathophysiology of BED. In this study, we investigated whether pharmacological manipulation of endocannabinoid transmission may be effective in modulating the aberrant eating behaviour present in a validated rat model of BED.', 'Binge-type eating was induced in female rats by providing limited access to an optional source of dietary fat (margarine). Rats were divided into three groups, all with ad libitum access to chow and water: control (C), with no access to margarine; low restriction (LR), with 2 h margarine access 7 days a week; high restriction (HR), with 2 h margarine access 3 days a week.', 'Compared with the LR group, the HR group consumed more margarine and this was accompanied by an increase in body weight. The cannabinoid CB₁/CB₂ receptor agonist Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol significantly increased margarine intake selectively in LR rats, while the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor URB597 showed no effect. The CB₁ receptor inverse agonist/antagonist rimonabant dose-dependently reduced margarine intake in HR rats. Notably, in HR rats, chronic treatment with a low dose of rimonabant induced a selective long-lasting reduction in margarine intake that did not develop tolerance, and a significant and persistent reduction in body weight.'] Does pharmacological modulation of the endocannabinoid signalling alter binge-type eating behaviour in female rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4794013500213623,
-1.2136719226837158,
2.7288241386413574
] |
['Pneumonia antibiotic timing performance measures can result in unnecessary antibiotic administration to patients in whom a diagnosis of pneumonia remains possible but has not been confirmed.', 'Our objective was to determine if unnecessary antibiotic administration to admissions with Emergency Department (ED) congestive heart failure (CHF) diagnoses increased as institutional attention to pneumonia antibiotic timing intensified.', 'We performed a cross-sectional study in an academic ED with 39,000 annual visits. Our subjects included adult admissions with ED CHF diagnoses between October and March of 2004-2005, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007. We excluded patients with any concomitant infectious diagnosis from primary analysis. We obtained patient age, sex, triage acuity, vital signs, ED diagnoses, and admitting service from electronic databases. Trained abstractors confirmed infectious diagnosis presence and noted if antibiotics were administered. Inter-observer agreement was assessed. Multivariate logistic regression determined association of time period with antibiotic administration. We assessed trends in concomitant infectious diagnoses.', 'Of 778 CHF admissions, 125 had infectious diagnoses, leaving 653 for primary analysis. Inter-observer agreement was good to excellent (κ = 0.71-0.83). Demographic and presenting characteristics did not vary by period. Antibiotics were administered to 18.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.7-23.3), 15.0% (95% CI 9.6-18.5), and 15.1% (95% CI 10.2-19.8), per period, respectively. Time period was not associated with antibiotics, odds ratios were 0.8 (95% CI 0.5-1.4) and 0.9 (95% CI 0.5-1.6) for periods 2 and 3, respectively. Concomitant infectious diagnoses did not increase significantly (from 15.5% to 19.4%). Pneumonia antibiotic timing compliance remained low (50-70%).'] Measures pneumonia quality associated with antibiotics for congestive heart failure patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.278415322303772,
-1.4713785648345947,
1.8207507133483887
] |
['To investigate the relationship of aortic augmentation index (AIx) with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) plasma levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with normal left ventricular (LV) function.', 'Totally, 31 patients (23 males, mean age 65 ± 7.4) with a confirmed diagnosis of PAD of the lower limbs (ankle-brachial pressure index [ABPI] <0.90 in at least 1 leg) were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent pulse wave analysis by applanation tonometry of the radial artery using the SphygmoCor system and had a measurement of plasma NTproBNP levels.', 'Patients had a mean resting ABPI of 0.62 ± 0.19 and a mean AIx 32.6% ± 6.9. Median (interquartile range) NTproBNP plasma level was 75 (44-210) pg/mL. In a univariate analysis which included age, brachial systolic blood pressure (BSBP), brachial diastolic blood pressure (BDBP), ejection duration index (ED%), heart rate (HR), and NTproBNP, aortic AIx was significantly associated (Spearman rho) with NTproBNP, HR, and ED% (r = .49, P = .006; r = -.72, P = .000, and r = -.42, P = .02, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that AIx was associated with NTproBNP (β = 0.38, P = .02) independent of gender, HR, ED%, and use of β-blockers. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide explained 8% of the variance in aortic AIx, whereas HR explained 15% of the variance.'] Is aortic augmentation index independently associated with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with peripheral arterial disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7751089334487915,
-1.6828445196151733,
2.428619861602783
] |
['High-mobility-group box protein 1 (HMGB1), as a late mediator of inflammation, plays a key role in inflammatory responses by inducing and extending the production of proinflammatory cytokines. The effect of HGMB1 in the inflammatory disease thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the role of HMGB1 in sodium laurate-induced TAO in rats.', 'Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=8 each) for treatment: normal, sham-operated, TAO model, and low-dose (15 mg/kg) or high-dose (30 mg/kg) recombinant A box (rA box) infection (administered intraperitoneally once daily for 15 days). The TAO model was induced by sodium laurate and graded by gross appearance on day 15 after femoral artery injection. Histologic changes were measured by histopathology in rat femoral arteries. Plasma levels of HMGB1, thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1-α, and blood cell counts and blood coagulation levels were measured. Expression of HMGB1, receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.', 'The typical signs and symptoms of TAO were observed on day 15 after sodium laurate injection. The expression of HMGB1, RAGE, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 was markedly increased in rat femoral arteries. Plasma levels of HMGB1 and thromboxane B2 were elevated, but the level of 6-keto-prostaglandin F1-α was decreased. Blood was in a hypercoagulable state, and prothrombin, thrombin, and activated partial thromboplastin times were all significantly shortened, whereas fibrinogen level was increased in TAO rats compared with sham-operated rats. These effects were terminated by the HMGB1 antagonist rA box.'] Does high-mobility-group box protein 1A box reduce development of sodium laurate-induced thromboangiitis obliterans in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.413285970687866,
-1.3544994592666626,
2.8173112869262695
] |
['Total muscle triglyceride (MT) content has been associated with insulin resistance. We investigated the predictors and impact of MT on relevant metabolic parameters including peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance in elderly twins.', 'Seventy-four elderly same-sex twins underwent hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamps preceded by an iv glucose tolerance test. Aerobic capacity (VO2max) and body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) were determined in all twins. A biopsy from the vastus lateralis muscle was excised in the fasting state. The muscle triacylglycerol content was analyzed by biochemical extraction from these biopsies.', 'The percentage of total body fat was the only independent predictor of MT content. After adjustment for trunk fat percentages and sex, MT level was significantly associated to fasting plasma levels of glucose and insulin as well as hepatic insulin resistance. However, the association was weakened after adjustment for total fat percentages. A 1 SD (34.5 mmol/kg dry weight) increase in MT content was associated with a 24% increase of hepatic insulin resistance. No association between MT content and peripheral insulin sensitivity was observed.'] Is the triglyceride content in skeletal muscle associated with hepatic but not peripheral insulin resistance in elderly twins? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.167800188064575,
-1.3323686122894287,
2.5443215370178223
] |
['Using single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis, we observed allelic loss of the gene for serum glucocorticoid (GC) kinase 1 (SGK1), a GC-responsive kinase involved in multiple cellular functions, in a subset of cortisol-secreting adenomas.', 'Our objective was to analyze SGK1 expression in adrenocortical tumors and to further characterize its role in ACTH-independent cortisol secretion, tumor progression, and prognosis.', 'Gene expression levels of SGK1, SGK3, and CTNNB1 (coding for β-catenin) and protein expression levels of SGK1, nuclear β-catenin, and phosphorylated AKT were determined in adrenocortical tumors and normal adrenal glands.', 'A total of 227 adrenocortical tumors (40 adenomas and 187 carcinomas) and 25 normal adrenal tissues were included. Among them, 62 frozen tumor samples were used for mRNA analysis and 203 tumors were investigated on tissue microarrays or full standard slides by immunohistochemistry.', 'We evaluated the relationship between SGK1 mRNA and/or protein levels and clinical parameters.', 'SGK1 mRNA levels were lower in cortisol-secreting than in nonsecreting tumors (P < 0.005). Nonsecreting neoplasias showed a significant correlation between SGK1 and CTNNB1 mRNA levels (P < 0.001; r = 0.57). Low SGK1 protein levels, but not nuclear β-catenin and phosphorylated AKT, were associated with poor overall survival in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (P < 0.005; hazard ratio = 2.0; 95% confidence interval = 1.24-3.24), independent of tumor stage and GC secretion.'] Is low SGK1 expression in human adrenocortical tumors associated with ACTH-independent glucocorticoid secretion and poor prognosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9810047149658203,
-1.4260197877883911,
2.422928810119629
] |
['Dysfunctional adipose tissue plays an important role in the etiology of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying adipocyte dysfunction are incompletely understood.', 'The aim of the study was to identify differentially regulated pathways in sc adipocytes of dyslipidemic subjects.', 'Whole-genome expression profiling was conducted on sc adipocytes from a discovery group of nine marginally overweight subjects with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) and nine controls of comparable body sizes as well as two independent confirmation groups. In this study, FCHL served as a model of familial insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, in the absence of frank obesity.', 'Functional analyses and gene set enrichment analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes or a custom pathway database identified the complement system and complement regulators as one of the top up-regulated pathways in FCHL [false discovery rate (FDR) < 1E-30]. Higher adipocyte complement expression in FCHL was confirmed in the appropriate confirmation group. Higher complement gene expression was associated with lower adipocyte insulin receptor substrate-1 expression as marker of adipocyte insulin resistance, independent of age, sex, or disease status, and this association was corroborated in the two confirmation groups. Additionally, complement gene expression was associated with triglycerides in the discovery set and with triglycerides and/or waist circumference in the confirmation groups. Complement pathway up-regulation did not appear to be driven by hypertriglyceridemia because a 40% pharmacological reduction in triglycerides did not affect complement expression.'] Is up-regulation of the complement system in subcutaneous adipocytes from nonobese , hypertriglyceridemic subjects associated with adipocyte insulin resistance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.394956588745117,
-1.2594517469406128,
2.7349610328674316
] |
['Acrodysostosis is a rare skeletal dysplasia that is associated with multiple resistance to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling hormones in a subset of patients. Acrodysostosis is genetically heterogeneous because it results from heterozygous mutations in PRKAR1A or PDE4D, two key actors in the GPCR-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway.', 'Our objective was to identify the phenotypic features that distinguish the two genotypes causing acrodysostosis.', 'Sixteen unrelated patients with acrodysostosis underwent a candidate-gene approach and were investigated for phenotypic features.', 'All patients had heterozygous de novo mutations. Fourteen patients carried a PRKAR1A mutation (PRKAR1A patients), five each a novel PRKAR1A mutation (p.Q285R, p.G289E, p.A328V, p.R335L, or p.Q372X), nine the reported PRKAR1A p.R368X mutation; two patients harbored a mutation in PDE4D (PDE4D patients) (one novel mutation, p.A227S; one reported, p.E590A). All PRKAR1A, but none of the PDE4D mutated patients were resistant to PTH and TSH. Two PRKAR1A patients each with a novel mutation presented a specific pattern of brachydactyly. One PDE4D patient presented with acroskyphodysplasia. Additional phenotypic differences included mental retardation in PDE4D patients. In addition, we report the presence of pigmented skin lesions in PRKAR1A and PDE4D patients, a feature not yet described in the acrodysostosis entity.'] Do pRKAR1A and PDE4D mutations cause acrodysostosis but two distinct syndromes with or without GPCR-signaling hormone resistance? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.321690082550049,
-1.303504228591919,
2.646552085876465
] |
['Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most aggressive tumors that occur in childhood. Although genes, such as MYCN, have been shown to be involved in the aggressiveness of the disease, the identification of new biological markers is still desirable. The induction of differentiation is one of the strategies used in the treatment of neuroblastoma. A-type lamins are components of the nuclear lamina and are involved in differentiation. We studied the role of Lamin A/C in the differentiation and progression of neuroblastoma.', 'Knock-down of Lamin A/C (LMNA-KD) in neuroblastoma cells blocked retinoic acid-induced differentiation, preventing neurites outgrowth and the expression of neural markers. The genome-wide gene-expression profile and the proteomic analysis of LMNA-KD cells confirmed the inhibition of differentiation and demonstrated an increase of aggressiveness-related genes and molecules resulting in augmented migration/invasion, and increasing the drug resistance of the cells. The more aggressive phenotype acquired by LMNA-KD cells was also maintained in vivo after injection into nude mice. A preliminary immunohistochemistry analysis of Lamin A/C expression in nine primary stages human NB indicated that this protein is poorly expressed in most of these cases.'] Does lMNA knock-down affect differentiation and progression of human neuroblastoma cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4984195232391357,
-1.1575698852539062,
2.739778995513916
] |
["Coordination between the upper and lower extremities is important to providing dynamic stability during human gait. Though limited, previous research has suggested that interlimb coordination may be impaired in persons with Parkinson's disease. We extend this previous work using continuous analytical techniques to enhance our understanding of interlimb coordination during gait in persons with Parkinson's disease.", "Eighteen adults with Parkinson's disease and fifteen healthy older adults walked overground while undergoing three-dimensional motion capture. Ipsilateral and contralateral interlimb coordination between the sagittal shoulder and hip angles was assessed using cross-covariance techniques. Independent samples and paired samples t-tests compared measures of interlimb coordination between groups and between sides within the participants with Parkinson's disease, respectively. Pearson's correlations were applied to investigate associations between interlimb coordination measures and subscores of gait, posture, and bradykinesia on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale.", "Ipsilateral and contralateral interlimb coordination was reduced in persons with Parkinson's disease compared to the healthy older adults. Ipsilateral coordination between the upper and lower extremities more affected by disease was found to be negatively associated with clinical scores of gait and posture. Interlimb coordination was not significantly associated with clinical measures of bradykinesia."] Is interlimb coordination impaired during walking in persons with Parkinson 's disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4844985008239746,
-0.7415449619293213,
2.3038015365600586
] |
['The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and helical tomotherapy for endometrial cancer.', 'Between November 1, 2006 and November 31, 2010, 31 patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer were enrolled. All enrolled patients received total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with adjuvant whole pelvic IMRT or helical tomotherapy.', 'The actuarial 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival, locoregional control, and distant metastasis-free rates for the IMRT and helical tomotherapy groups were 87.5% versus 100%, 91.7% versus 51.7%, 91.7% versus 83.3%, and 91.7% versus 51.7%, respectively. The conformal index and uniformity index for IMRT versus helical tomotherapy was 1.25 versus 1.17 (P = 0.04) and 1.08 versus 1.05 (P < 0.01), respectively. Two of 31 patients with cervical stump failure were noted, one in the IMRT group and the other in the helical tomotherapy group. No acute or late grade 3 or 4 toxicities were noted, including proctitis, or genitourinary or gastrointestinal disturbances.'] Does helical tomotherapy provide efficacy similar to that of intensity-modulated radiation therapy with dosimetric benefits for endometrial carcinoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.306621789932251,
-1.393188714981079,
2.749544858932495
] |
['Grapevine leafroll-associated viruses are a problem for grape production globally. Symptoms are caused by a number of distinct viral species. During a survey of Napa Valley vineyards (California, USA), we found evidence of a new variant of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3). We isolated its genome from a symptomatic greenhouse-raised plant and fully sequenced it.', 'In a maximum likelihood analysis of representative GLRaV-3 gene sequences, the isolate grouped most closely with a recently sequenced variant from South Africa and a partial sequence from New Zealand. These highly divergent GLRaV-3 variants have predicted proteins that are more than 10% divergent from other GLRaV-3 variants, and appear to be missing an open reading frame for the p6 protein.'] Is a divergent variant of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 present in California? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2604663372039795,
-0.040002040565013885,
1.4701156616210938
] |
['Anti-cancer drugs are widely used in cancer treatment frequently combined with surgical therapy and/or radiation therapy. Although surgery and radiation have been suggested to facilitate invasion and metastasis of tumor cells in some cases, there is so far little information about the effect of anti-cancer drugs on cellular invasive ability and metastasis. In this study, using four different anti-cancer drugs (vincristine, paclitaxel, cisplatin and etoposide), we examined whether these drugs influence the invasive ability of tumor cells.', 'Human gastric adenocarcinoma MKN45 cells were used to evaluate the effect of anti-cancer drugs. After drug treatment, cellular invasive ability was assessed using the Matrigel invasion chamber. Cytoskeletal changes after treatment were examined microscopically with F-actin staining. In addition, we monitored cellular motility in 3D matrigel environment by time-lapse microscopic analysis. The drug-induced activation of RhoA and ROCK was evaluated by pull-down assay and Western blotting using an antibody against phosphorylated myosin light chain (MLC), respectively. Where necessary, a ROCK inhibitor Y27632 and siRNA for guanine nucleotide exchange factor-H1 (GEF-H1) were applied.', 'Among all drugs tested, only vincristine stimulated the invasive ability of MKN45 cells. Microscopic analysis revealed that vincristine induced the formation of non-apoptotic membrane blebs and amoeboid-like motility. Vincristine significantly enhanced RhoA activity and MLC phosphorylation, suggesting the involvement of RhoA/ROCK pathway in the vincristine-induced cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular invasion. Furthermore, we found that Y27632 as well as the siRNA for GEF-H1, a RhoA-specific activator, attenuated MLC phosphorylation, the formation of membrane blebs and the invasive ability after vincristine treatment.'] Does vincristine enhance amoeboid-like motility via GEF-H1/RhoA/ROCK/Myosin light chain signaling in MKN45 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.404834508895874,
-1.336478590965271,
2.805011510848999
] |
['The addition of boceprevir to therapy with peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin results in significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) in previously treated patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype-1 infection, compared with peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin alone. We assessed SVR with boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a-ribavirin (PEG2a/R) in patients with identical study entry criteria.', 'In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 201 patients with HCV genotype-1 who had relapsed or not responded to previous therapy were assigned to groups (1:2) and given a 4-week lead-in phase of PEG2a/R, followed by placebo plus PEG2a/R for 44 weeks (PEG2a/R) or boceprevir plus PEG2a/R for 44 weeks (BOC/PEG2a/R). The primary end point was SVR 24 weeks after therapy ended.', 'The addition of boceprevir after 4 weeks of lead-in therapy with PEG2a/R significantly increased the rate of SVR from 21% in the PEG2a/R group to 64% in the BOC/PEG2a/R group (P < .0001). Among patients with poor response to interferon therapy (<1-log(10) decline in HCV RNA at week 4), 39% in the BOC/PEG2a/R group had SVRs, compared with none of the patients in the PEG2a/R group. Among patients with good response to interferon (≥1-log(10) decline), 71% in the BOC/PEG2a/R group had SVRs, compared with 25% in the PEG2a/R group. A ≥1-log(10) decline in HCV RNA at treatment week 4 was the strongest independent predictor of SVR, exceeding that of IL-28B genotype. Among 8 patients who began the study with HCV amino acid variants associated with boceprevir resistance, 3 (38%) achieved SVRs. Fifty percent of patients in the BOC/PEG2a/R group developed anemia (hemoglobin <10.0 g/dL), compared with 27% in the PEG2a/R group; 43% vs 21%, respectively, developed neutropenia (neutrophil count <750/mm(3)).'] Is boceprevir with peginterferon alfa-2a-ribavirin effective for previously treated chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.462159276008606,
-1.6905438899993896,
2.109926462173462
] |
['Sickness absence is high in healthcare and contributes to nursing staff shortages reducing the efficiency and quality of patient care. Assessing the risk of sickness absence in working nurses opens opportunities for preventive strategies. Job satisfaction has attracted much attention in healthcare research and has been associated with sickness absence among nurses.', 'To investigate if job satisfaction scores are useful to identify working nurses at risk of future sickness absence.', 'Prospective cohort study with a baseline period from November 2008 to March 2009 and 1-year follow-up.', 'Hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulant care settings in Norway.', '2059 Norwegian nurses, of whom 1582 (77%) could be followed-up.', 'Nurses received a questionnaire at baseline and after 1-year follow-up. The questionnaire contained the Job Satisfaction Index (JSI), a 5-item scale measuring overall job satisfaction, and asked for sickness absence in the last 12 months. Baseline JSI scores were included in a logistic regression model with self-rated sickness absence at 1-year follow-up as outcome variable. Predictions of sickness absence were calibrated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The ability of JSI scores to discriminate between nurses with and without sickness absence was examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis and expressed as area under the curve (AUC).', 'Low job satisfaction was associated with higher odds of sickness absence (odds ratio [OR]=1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.09) and high (≥ 31 days) sickness absence (OR=1.10; 95% CI 1.06-1.14). Calibration was acceptable, but job satisfaction neither discriminated between nurses with and without sickness absence (AUC=0.54; 95% CI 0.51-0.58) nor between nurses with and without high (≥ 31 days) sickness absence (AUC=0.58; 95% CI 0.54-0.63).'] Does low job satisfaction identify nurses at risk of future sickness absence : results from a Norwegian cohort study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3340983390808105,
-0.7814332246780396,
1.1842825412750244
] |
['Fc receptor β chain (FcRβ) acts as a signaling component of FcγRIII in immune cells such as mast cells (MCs) or basophils. Recent studies reported that FcγRIII contributes to the development of arthritic inflammation. These findings suggest that FcRβ may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of arthritic inflammation. To address this possibility, we examined the function of FcRβ in arthritic inflammation employing a mouse model.', 'For the induction of arthritis, we injected 2 mg of a cocktail of anti-type II collagen (CII) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into C57BL/6J mice (FcRβ(+/+)) and FcRβ(-/-) mice intravenously. Three days later, 100 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Escherichia coli 055:B5) was intraperitoneally injected. Joint swelling was evaluated by inspection. Histopathology of joint tissues was examined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining.', 'Here, we demonstrate in a well-established experimental arthritis model induced by LPS and anti-CII mAbs that FcRβ(-/-) mice exhibit exacerbated arthritic inflammation manifested in paw swelling, leukocyte infiltration into the knee joint, and bone erosion and tissue cytokine expression.'] Does fc receptor beta chain deficiency exacerbate murine arthritis in the anti-type II collagen antibody-induced experimental model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4776675701141357,
-1.3058477640151978,
2.8223018646240234
] |
['Mice lacking the EF-hand Ca2+ sensor S100A1 display endothelial dysfunction because of distorted Ca2+ -activated nitric oxide (NO) generation.', 'To determine the pathophysiological role of S100A1 in endothelial cell (EC) function in experimental ischemic revascularization.', 'Patients with chronic critical limb ischemia showed almost complete loss of S100A1 expression in hypoxic tissue. Ensuing studies in S100A1 knockout (SKO) mice subjected to femoral artery resection unveiled insufficient perfusion recovery and high rates of autoamputation. Defective in vivo angiogenesis prompted cellular studies in SKO ECs and human ECs, with small interfering RNA-mediated S100A1 knockdown demonstrating impaired in vitro and in vivo proangiogenic properties (proliferation, migration, tube formation) and attenuated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-stimulated and hypoxia-stimulated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity. Mechanistically, S100A1 deficiency compromised eNOS activity in ECs by interrupted stimulatory S100A1/eNOS interaction and protein kinase C hyperactivation that resulted in inhibitory eNOS phosphorylation and enhanced VEGF receptor-2 degradation with attenuated VEGF signaling. Ischemic SKO tissue recapitulated the same molecular abnormalities with insufficient in vivo NO generation. Unresolved ischemia entailed excessive VEGF accumulation in SKO mice with aggravated VEGF receptor-2 degradation and blunted in vivo signaling through the proangiogenic phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/eNOS cascade. The NO supplementation strategies rescued defective angiogenesis and salvaged limbs in SKO mice after femoral artery resection.'] Does s100A1 deficiency impair postischemic angiogenesis via compromised proangiogenic endothelial cell function and nitric oxide synthase regulation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.431601047515869,
-1.3513331413269043,
2.836545467376709
] |
['Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator system efficacy is tested at implant by induction of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Defibrillation safety margin can be assessed without VF induction using upper limit of vulnerability methods, but these methods have required manual determination of T-wave timing.', 'To test the feasibility of an inductionless system of implant testing, a multicenter prospective study of an automated vulnerability safety margin system was conducted, which measured T-wave timing using an intracardiac electrogram during a ventricular pacing train. The system delivered up to 4 T-wave shocks of 18 J. Lack of VF induction by all 4 shocks was considered evidence of defibrillation adequacy. Patients subsequently underwent conventional defibrillation testing to meet a standard implant criterion. The 95% lower CI for defibrillation success at 25 J for noninduced patients was found using Bayesian statistics. Sixty patients were enrolled at 6 centers. Vulnerability testing and defibrillation success results were obtained from 54 patients. Vulnerability testing induced VF in 10 (19%) patients, of whom 2 required system revision. All patients not induced by vulnerability testing were successfully defibrillated twice at ≤25 J. The Bayesian credible interval was 97% to 100% for the population success rate of defibrillation at 25 J for automated vulnerability safety margin noninduced patients.'] Does automated vulnerability testing identify patients with inadequate defibrillation safety margin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7183316946029663,
-1.2892529964447021,
2.1373701095581055
] |
['Hyperglycemia-induced vascular cell apoptosis is a seminal early event in diabetic retinopathy. Prolonged hyperglycemia is known to increase intracellular cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) in retinal vascular endothelial cells (RECs), suggesting that [Ca(2+)]i is a critical trigger for microvascular degeneration. This study aims to elucidate Ca(2+)-dependent signaling mechanisms that mediate hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis in RECs.', "A cultured macaque choroid-retinal endothelial cell line (RF/6A) was incubated in normal glucose (NG), NG plus the Ca(2+) entry blocker 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), high glucose (HG), or HG plus either 2-APB, the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, or the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN93. Changes in [Ca(2+)]i evoked by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) were measured in fluo-3/AM-loaded RF/6A cells by confocal microscopy. The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Expression levels of CaMKII, phosphorylated CaMKII (p-CaMKII), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK), the death receptor (Fas), and cytochrome c were detected by western blotting analysis.", 'Prolonged exposure to HG (96 h) potentiated ATP-evoked Ca(2+) entry as well as CaMKII phosphorylation and RF/6A cell apoptosis. Enhanced apoptosis was blocked by 2-APB and KN93. Furthermore, HG increased JNK phosphorylation and Fas expression, and both responses were partially blocked by 2-APB and KN93, while the JNK inhibitor SP600125 partially reduced HG-induced Fas expression. In addition, HG depolarized the ΔΨm and triggered the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. These early signs of mitochondria-dependent apoptosis were partially reversed by 2-APB and KN93.'] Does calcium entry mediate hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis through Ca ( 2+ ) /calmodulin-dependent kinase II in retinal capillary endothelial cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.406792402267456,
-1.419458270072937,
2.8100528717041016
] |
['Myopathy is the most common side effect of statins. Because nitric oxide (NO) has a key role in regulating skeletal muscle function, we studied whether the NO-donating atorvastatin NCX 6560 could show a better profile on skeletal muscle function and structure compared with atorvastatin.', 'C57BL/6 mice received atorvastatin 40 mg/kg/day or an equivalent dose of NCX 6560 for 2 months. Muscle function assessed by treadmill test, serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, citrate synthase (CS) activity, and muscle histology were evaluated.', 'Atorvastatin significantly (P < 0.001) reduced muscle endurance, increased serum CK by 6-fold, and induced muscle fiber atrophy. Conversely, NCX 6560 preserved muscle function, prevented CK increase and did not modify muscle structure. Interestingly, atorvastatin reduced CS activity, a marker for mitochondrial function, in gastrocnemius, diaphragm, and heart, whereas NCX 6560 prevented such decrease.'] Does nitric oxide prevent atorvastatin-induced skeletal muscle dysfunction and alterations in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0018081665039062,
-1.3883373737335205,
2.458352565765381
] |
['To evaluate the effects of danshensu, the main component of the extract of Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza, on the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).', 'The activation of HSC-T6 was induced by exposure to acetaldehyde. In the meantime, different doses of danshensu were added to the culture medium. After 24 h of treatment with danshensu in acetaldehyde, the viability of HSC-T6 cells was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the cell cycle was determined through flow cytometry, and the gene transcription levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.', 'The proliferation of HSCs induced by 200 μmol/L acetaldehyde could be significantly inhibited by danshensu, and the percentage of HSCs in S phase was significantly increased as compared with the control cells (P<0.05), which were respectively evidenced by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Danshensu down-regulated the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and PAI-1 and up-regulated the uPA transcription level (P<0.01), while the transcription level of MMP-2 was not significantly affected in HSC-T6.'] Does danshensu inhibit acetaldehyde-induced proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cell-T6? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2357900142669678,
-1.3945616483688354,
2.662855625152588
] |
['Restoring the barrier integrity of the alveolar epithelium after injury is pivotal. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of surfactant, surfactant protein A (SP-A), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and analogues of SP-A on alveolar epithelial repair. Additionally, we assessed the influence of microvascular endothelial cells on reepithelialization.', 'Repair was studied in an in vitro model system consisting of a bilayer coculture of A549 and human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs), which stably expressing fluorescent proteins. The epithelial repair was assessed in a scratch assay using vital fluorescence microscopy and compared with a monolayer of A549 cells.', 'HMPEC cells differentially modulated the response of the A549 cells. Surfactant and SP-A augmented the reepithelialization in the presence of HPMECs, whereas in the absence of HPMECs, surfactant inhibited wound healing and SP-A failed to alter the response. Like SP-A, a structural analogue of its collagenous tail domain augmented the reepithelialization in the model system, whereas an analogue of its head domain did not alter the response. Additionally, we demonstrated that TGF-β associated with SP-A was able to initiate the Smad-dependent TGF-β pathway and that both TGF-β and TGF-β free SP-A were able to stimulate wound healing in the bilayer model.'] Does surfactant protein A influence reepithelialization in an alveolocapillary model system? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.483718156814575,
-1.2786386013031006,
2.819629192352295
] |
['To investigate the incidence and predisposing factors of macular pucker formation after pars plana vitrectomy in patients who developed primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.', 'We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 284 eyes in 284 patients who underwent primary retinal detachment repair by pars plana vitrectomy alone between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. Patients with a history of retinal surgery or another visually significant ocular problem were excluded.', 'Postoperatively, of the 264 eyes that completed at least six months of follow-up, 16 (6.1%) eyes developed obvious macular pucker at clinical examination. Of these 16 eyes, ten (70.0%) underwent repeat vitrectomy with membrane peeling for macular pucker removal during the follow-up period. The mean time from primary vitrectomy for the retinal reattachment to the secondary vitrectomy with membrane peeling for macular pucker was 7.9 months. The mean improvement in vision after membrane peeling surgery was 0.37 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution). Using an independent t-test, chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U-test, we found that the number or size of retinal break and vitreous hemorrhage could be significant risk factors of macular pucker.'] Do the clinical features of macular pucker formation after pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3163163661956787,
-1.2663689851760864,
2.685408353805542
] |
['To identify physician and visit characteristics affecting adherence to guidelines recommending delayed antibiotic therapy for acute otitis media (AOM).', 'We used physician visit data from an Israeli health maintenance organization to identify children ages 0-15 diagnosed with AOM. We defined early antibiotic treatment as purchase, within 3 days of diagnosis, of antibiotics prescribed by the diagnosing physician. We considered the effect of physician specialty (paediatrician, otolaryngologist, and family physician), day of the week, setting (urgent care/clinic) and clinic location (peripheral/central) on the rate of early treatment.', 'Proportion of cases receiving early treatment dropped from 2002 to 2009 in cases treated by otolaryngologists (47-36%) and paediatricians (46-42%) and increased in cases treated by family physicians (43-50%). Treatment rate was higher in cases treated on weekends than on weekdays (48% vs. 44%), in urgent care as compared to clinic settings (51% vs. 44%), and in children living in peripheral as compared to central areas (52% vs. 38%).'] Is physician specialty associated with adherence to treatment guidelines for acute otitis media in children? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.392033815383911,
0.19743840396404266,
1.3423173427581787
] |
['Deregulation of forkhead box (Fox) proteins, an evolutionarily conserved family of transcriptional regulators, leads to tumorigenesis. Little is known about their regulation or functions in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Promoter hypermethylation occurs during Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis. We investigated whether the deregulated genes contribute to gastric tumorigenesis.', 'We used integrative genome-wide scans to identify concomitant hypermethylated genes in mice infected with H pylori and human gastric cancer samples. We also analyzed epigenetic gene silencing in gastric tissues from patients with H pylori infection and gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, gastric tumors, or without disease (controls). Target genes were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation microarrays and expression and luciferase reporter analyses.', 'Methylation profile analyses identified the promoter of FOXD3 as the only genomic region with increased methylation in mice and humans during progression of H pylori-associated gastric tumors. FOXD3 methylation also correlated with shorter survival times of patients with gastric cancer. Genome demethylation reactivated FOXD3 expression in gastric cancer cell lines. Transgenic overexpression of FOXD3 significantly inhibited gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and reduced growth of xenograft tumors in mice, at least partially, by promoting tumor cell apoptosis. FOXD3 bound directly to the promoters of, and activated transcription of, genes encoding the cell death regulators CYFIP2 and RARB. Levels of FOXD3, CYFIP2, and RARB messenger RNAs were reduced in human gastric tumor samples, compared with control tissues.'] Does helicobacter pylori cause epigenetic dysregulation of FOXD3 to promote gastric carcinogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.366366386413574,
-1.2470382452011108,
2.67549467086792
] |
['Immunohistochemical staining reveals that the enteroviral capsid protein VP1 is present at higher frequency in the insulin-containing islets of patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes than in controls. This is consistent with epidemiological evidence suggesting that enteroviral infection may contribute to the autoimmune response in type 1 diabetes. However, immunostaining of VP1 is not definitive since the antibody widely used to detect the protein (Clone 5D8/1) might also cross-react with additional proteins under some conditions. Therefore, we sought to verify that VP1 immunopositivity correlates with additional markers of viral infection.', 'Antigen immunoreactivity was examined in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded, pancreases from two different collections of type 1 diabetes and control cases: a historical collection from the UK and the nPOD (network of Pancreatic Organ donors with Diabetes) cohort from the USA.', 'VP1 immunoreactivity was present in ~20% of insulin-containing islets of both cohorts under stringent conditions but was absent from insulin-deficient islets. The presence of VP1 was restricted to beta cells but only a minority of these contained the antigen. The innate viral sensor, protein kinase R (PKR) was upregulated selectively in beta cells that were immunopositive for VP1. The anti-apoptotic protein myeloid cell leukaemia sequence-1 (Mcl-1) was abundant in beta cells that were immunonegative for VP1 but Mcl-1 was depleted in cells containing VP1.'] Is expression of the enteroviral capsid protein VP1 in the islet cells of patients with type 1 diabetes associated with induction of protein kinase R and downregulation of Mcl-1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.320474624633789,
-1.3742892742156982,
2.8213493824005127
] |
['Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an hereditary bone disease in which increased bone fragility leads to frequent fractures and other complications, usually in an autosomal dominant fashion. An expanding list of genes that encode proteins related to collagen metabolism are now recognised as important causes of autosomal recessive (AR) OI. Our aim was to study the contribution of known genes to AR OI in order to identify novel loci in mutation-negative cases.', 'We enrolled multiplex consanguineous families and simplex cases (also consanguineous) in which mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 had been excluded. We used autozygome guided mutation analysis of AR OI (AR OI) genes followed by exome sequencing when such analysis failed to identify the causative mutation.', 'Two simplex and 11 multiplex families were enrolled, encompassing 27 cases. In three multiplex families, autozygosity and linkage analysis revealed a novel recessive OI locus on chromosome 9q31.1-31.3, and a novel truncating deletion of exon 4 of TMEM38B was identified within that interval. In addition, gonadal or gonadal/somatic mosaic mutations in COL1A1 or COL1A2 and homozygous mutations in recently described AR OI genes were identified in all remaining families.'] Does study of autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta in Arabia reveal a novel locus defined by TMEM38B mutation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.376258611679077,
-1.0457220077514648,
2.5216426849365234
] |
['Although a family history of type 2 diabetes is a strong risk factor for the disease, the factors mediating this excess risk are poorly understood. In the InterAct case-cohort study, we investigated the association between a family history of diabetes among different family members and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, as well as the extent to which genetic, anthropometric and lifestyle risk factors mediated this association.', 'A total of 13,869 individuals (including 6,168 incident cases of type 2 diabetes) had family history data available, and 6,887 individuals had complete data on all mediators. Country-specific Prentice-weighted Cox models were fitted within country, and HRs were combined using random effects meta-analysis. Lifestyle and anthropometric measurements were performed at baseline, and a genetic risk score comprising 35 polymorphisms associated with type 2 diabetes was created.', 'A family history of type 2 diabetes was associated with a higher incidence of the condition (HR 2.72, 95% CI 2.48, 2.99). Adjustment for established risk factors including BMI and waist circumference only modestly attenuated this association (HR 2.44, 95% CI 2.03, 2.95); the genetic score alone explained only 2% of the family history-associated risk of type 2 diabetes. The greatest risk of type 2 diabetes was observed in those with a biparental history of type 2 diabetes (HR 5.14, 95% CI 3.74, 7.07) and those whose parents had been diagnosed with diabetes at a younger age (<50 years; HR 4.69, 95% CI 3.35, 6.58), an effect largely confined to a maternal family history.'] Is the link between family history and risk of type 2 diabetes explained by anthropometric , lifestyle or genetic risk factors : the EPIC-InterAct study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9580670595169067,
-0.7938847541809082,
1.8453034162521362
] |
['To evaluate whether T(2) and T(1ρ) relaxation times of knee cartilage determined with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline predict longitudinal progression of cartilage degenerative changes.', 'Quantitative analysis of cartilage was performed using 3T MRI with both T(2) and T(1ρ) mapping techniques in 55 subjects without evidence of severe osteoarthritis (OA) [Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score of 0-3] at baseline. Morphological abnormalities of cartilage, menisci, ligaments and bone marrow were analyzed on sagittal fat-saturated intermediate-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) sequences. Progression of degenerative changes was analyzed over a period of 2 years. Progression was detected in 27 subjects while in 28 subjects no changes were found. Differences between T(2) and T(1ρ) relaxation times in these two cohorts were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t tests.', 'Baseline T(2) and T(1ρ) values were significantly higher in the progression cohort in all compartments (P < 0.05) except the lateral tibia (LT) for T(2) and the medial tibia (MT) for T(1ρ). Progression of cartilage degenerative disease was most pronounced at the medial femoral condyles and at the femoro-patellar joint; differences between the two cohorts for T(2) and T(1ρ) were also most significant in these compartments.'] Do t₁ρ and T₂ relaxation times predict progression of knee osteoarthritis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7375506162643433,
-1.444759726524353,
2.1563405990600586
] |
["The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of dopamine as a possible regulator of epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) in the Reissner's membrane (RM).", 'RM was freshly dissected from the gerbil cochlea, and short-circuit current (Isc) was measured using the voltage-sensitive vibrating probe technique. The dopamine receptor expression was examined using immunohistochemistry.', 'The results showed that dopamine induced activation of the amiloride-sensitive Isc, but not after pre-treatment with amiloride. The D1-like receptor antagonist SCH-23390, but not the D2-like receptor antagonist sulpiride, decreased the stimulatory effect of dopamine on RM. The effect of dopamine on Na(+) transport via ENaC was still observed after blockade of the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase by ouabain. D1 receptor immunoreactivity was observed in RM, stria vascularis and spiral ganglion.'] Does dopamine increase Na+ absorption in the Reissner 's membrane of the gerbil cochlea? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.49491810798645,
-1.3002551794052124,
2.856086254119873
] |
['Studies suggest that children born very preterm have a high risk of developmental coordination disorder (DCD). We examined the relation between the larger spectrum of gestational age at birth and the risk of DCD.', '\u2002 We used the 7-year follow-up data from 22898 singletons in the Danish National Birth Cohort. We calculated a total score from the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ), incorporated in the 7-year follow-up, and defined children with a score of 46 or below as having probable DCD. Information on gestational age was obtained from the Medical Birth Register.', '\u2002 Gestational age at birth was inversely associated with the risk of DCD; a decline in gestational age by a week was associated with a 19% [95% confidence interval 14%, 25%] increased risk of DCD screening positive among children delivered before 40 weeks. No significant increased risk of DCD was seen for children born post-term.'] Does risk for developmental coordination disorder correlate with gestational age at birth? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4650307893753052,
-0.3694176971912384,
0.9023964405059814
] |
['This study was conducted to (1) compare the recovery times from rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation after reversal with sugammadex between young and elderly patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and (2) to examine the existence of a correlation between cardiac index and reversibility of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block with sugammadex after ECT.', 'Seventeen patients (young group, 50 years or younger, n = 8; elderly group, 70 years or older, n = 9) who were scheduled to undergo ECT were studied. Anesthesia was induced using propofol (1.0 mg/kg) followed by rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). Assisted mask ventilation was initiated with 100% oxygen. Cardiac index was monitored noninvasively throughout the procedure. After the first twitch of the train of four (TOF) was assessed as being zero by neuromuscular monitoring, an electroshock stimulus was applied bilaterally. Immediately after the seizure stopped, patients were given 8-mg/kg sugammadex intravenously to reverse the muscle relaxation. Neuromuscular monitoring was continued until recovery of the TOF ratio to 0.9 at the tibial nerve in the leg. The time to recovery of the TOF to 0.1 and 0.9 was compared in both groups.', 'Although no significant difference in return to a TOF of 0.1 was found between the groups, there were significant differences in both recovery to a TOF of 0.9 and the time interval to the first spontaneous breath between groups (time to recovery to a TOF of 0.9, young group, 403 ± 37 seconds; elderly group, 443 ± 36 seconds; P < 0.05). In contrast, there was no relationship between cardiac index after ECT and recovery time to TOF of 0.9.'] Is recovery time after sugammadex reversal of rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation for electroconvulsive therapy independent of cardiac output in both young and elderly patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0243549346923828,
-1.7768934965133667,
1.7038288116455078
] |
['To examine clinical outcomes in hospitalized Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) using the National Hospital Discharge Survey for 2005 to 2009.', 'CDI can cause serious complications in hospitalized adults. On the basis of expert opinion, guidelines recommend AKI as a marker of severe CDI, but this has not been extensively validated.', 'CDI and AKI patients were identified using International Classification of Diseases 9th edition codes. Weighted data analyses were performed to provide national estimates and compare outcomes in patients with AKI and CDI to CDI patients without AKI.', 'There were an estimated 1,261,712 patients with CDI identified with a median age of 75 years; 59.2% were female and 17.5% developed AKI. On multiple variable analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbid conditions, AKI was independently associated with length of hospital stay increase by 1.9 days, risk of colectomy with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.35, all-cause in-hospital mortality (OR, 2.76), and dismissal to a care facility (OR, 1.43), all P<0.0001.'] Is acute kidney injury an independent marker of severity in Clostridium difficile infection : a nationwide survey? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8706527948379517,
-1.094704508781433,
2.1287708282470703
] |
['The aim of this study was to present our technique to implant unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) using navigation and to give our first results regarding the accuracy of the device.', 'A total of 33 patients with medial femorotibial osteoarthritis (31) or avascular necrosis (2) were included in this study. The mean preoperative hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle was 172.7\u2009±\u20092.2° (range 167-177°) and the preoperative planning aimed to reach an HKA angle between 175 and 179° (177\u2009±\u20092°), a tibial varus at 3\u2009±\u20091°, which means a tibial mechanical angle (TMA) close to 87\u2009±\u20091°, and posterior tibial slope at 3\u2009±\u20092°. In all cases, we used the OrthoPilot® device with dedicated software allowing us to navigate only the tibial plateau.', 'The preoperative plan was reached in 93.9\xa0% of cases for HKA angle, 84.8\xa0% for TMA and 100\xa0% for the posterior slope.'] Does navigation of the tibial plateau alone appear to be sufficient in computer-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6681631803512573,
-1.5521163940429688,
2.217827320098877
] |
['Ixodes scapularis saliva enables the transmission of infectious agents to the mammalian host due to its immunomodulatory, anesthetic and anti-coagulant properties. However, how I. scapularis saliva influences host cytokine secretion in the presence of the obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum remains elusive.', 'Bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) were stimulated with pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and A. phagocytophilum. Cytokine secretion was measured in the presence and absence of I. scapularis saliva. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were also stimulated with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α in the presence and absence of I. scapularis saliva and interleukin (IL)-8 was measured.', 'I. scapularis saliva inhibits inflammatory cytokine secretion by macrophages during stimulation of Toll-like (TLR) and Nod-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathways. The effect of I. scapularis saliva on immune cells is not restricted to murine macrophages because decreasing levels of interleukin (IL)-8 were observed after TNF-α stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. I. scapularis saliva also mitigates pro-inflammatory cytokine response by murine macrophages during challenge with A. phagocytophilum.'] Does ixodes scapularis saliva mitigate inflammatory cytokine secretion during Anaplasma phagocytophilum stimulation of immune cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5841147899627686,
-1.1728792190551758,
2.8659915924072266
] |
['Testicular Germ Cell Tumours (TGCT) are the most frequently occurring malignancy in males from 15-45 years of age. They are derived from germ cells unable to undergo physiological maturation, although the genetic basis for this is poorly understood. A recent report showed that mutations in the RNase IIIb domain of DICER1, a micro-RNA (miRNA) processing enzyme, are common in non-epithelial ovarian cancers. DICER1 mutations were found in 60% of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours, clustering in four codons encoding metal-binding sites. Additional analysis of 14 TGCT DNA samples identified one case that also contained a mutation at one of these sites.', 'A number of previous studies have shown that DICER1 mutations are found in <1% of most cancers. To provide a more accurate estimate of the frequency of such mutations in TGCTs, we have analysed 96 TGCT samples using high resolution melting curve analysis for sequence variants in these four codons. Although we did not detect any mutations in any of these sites, we did identify a novel mutation (c.1725 R>Q) within the RNase IIIb domain in one TGCT sample, which was predicted to disturb DICER1 function.'] Are dICER1 RNase IIIb domain mutations infrequent in testicular germ cell tumours? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2600324153900146,
-1.15604567527771,
2.4480457305908203
] |
['We have previously reported that macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) is associated with an unfavorable prognosis in hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Here, we quantified MIF expression in oral cavity carcinomas and looked for possible correlations with clinical outcome.', 'MIF expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 154 oral cavity carcinomas and was compared to eight specimens of tumor-free epithelia, 32 cases of low-grade dysplasia and 137 cases of high-grade dysplasia.', 'Marked increases in MIF-immunostaining intensity and MIF-positive tissue areas were seen in carcinomas as compared to dysplasia (p<10(-6)). MIF expression showed no correlation with recurrence, but was significantly higher (p=0.01) when a second primary tumor occurred. In addition, HPV(+) malignancies exhibited lower MIF expression.'] Is expression of macrophage migration-inhibitory factor correlated with progression in oral cavity carcinomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2527482509613037,
-1.3516631126403809,
2.709289073944092
] |
['The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex and the need to identify molecular biomarkers is critical. Epithelial cells play a central role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. We previously identified five "signature" biomarkers in colonic epithelial cells (CEC) that are predictive of disease phenotype in Crohn\'s disease. Here we investigate the ability of CEC biomarkers to define the mechanism and severity of intestinal inflammation.', 'We analyzed the expression of RelA, A20, pIgR, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 in CEC of mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) acute colitis or T-cell-mediated chronic colitis. Factor analysis was used to combine the five biomarkers into two multifactorial principal components (PCs). PC scores for individual mice were correlated with disease severity.', 'For both colitis models, PC1 was strongly weighted toward RelA, A20, and pIgR, and PC2 was strongly weighted toward TNF and MIP-2, while the contributions of other biomarkers varied depending on the etiology of inflammation. Disease severity was correlated with elevated PC2 scores in DSS colitis and reduced PC1 scores in T-cell transfer colitis. Downregulation of pIgR was a common feature observed in both colitis models and was associated with altered cellular localization of pIgR and failure to transport IgA.'] Do multifactorial patterns of gene expression in colonic epithelial cells predict disease phenotypes in experimental colitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4495537281036377,
-1.1706552505493164,
2.6853814125061035
] |
['Leptin has been considered a link between metabolic state and reproductive activity. Defective reproductive function can occur in leptin-deficient and leptin-excessive conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of centrally injected leptin on the hypothalamic KiSS-1 system in relation to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) action in the initial stage of puberty.', 'Leptin (1 µg) was injected directly into the ventricle of pubertal female mice. The resultant gene expressions of hypothalamic GnRH and KiSS-1 and pituitary LH, 2 and 4 hours after injection, were compared with those of saline-injected control mice. The changes in the gene expressions after blocking the GnRH action were also analyzed.', 'The basal expression levels of KiSS-1, GnRH, and LH were significantly higher in the pubertal mice than in the prepubertal mice. The 1-µg leptin dose significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of KiSS-1, GnRH, and LH in the pubertal mice. A GnRH antagonist significantly increased the KiSS-1 and GnRH mRNA expression levels, and the additional leptin injection decreased the gene expression levels compared with those in the control group.'] Does excess of leptin inhibit hypothalamic KiSS-1 expression in pubertal mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.285454750061035,
-1.1339900493621826,
2.350511312484741
] |
['In order to compare white matter syndrome of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS), an assessment on demographic, medical history, and clinical data was proposed.', 'Sixty-four patients with NPSLE and 178 with MS answered a questionnaire and were evaluated regarding functional system, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI).', 'The prevalence of autoimmune diseases and altered consciousness was similar in both groups, however it was higher than in the general population. Systemic signs and symptoms occurred from 2.9 to 61.9% of the MS cases, while neurological signs and symptoms occurred in 9.4 to 76.4% of the NPSLE ones. The motor, visual, and mental systems were the most affected in both diseases. The BDI in NPSLE had higher scores and the BAI in MS.'] Are functional impairments in white matter syndrome of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus similar to those observed in patients with multiple sclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.134939432144165,
-0.9531452655792236,
2.2509849071502686
] |
['Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an important barrier to liver surgery and transplantation because it impairs remnant liver/reduced-size-graft regeneration. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), as an effective measure to overcome I/R injury, has been shown to enhance the regenerative capacity of hepatocytes. However, investigations have always focused on regeneration in the late phase after reperfusion. This study aimed to investigate whether IPC enhances hepatocyte proliferation in the early phase after reperfusion and possible underlying mechanisms.', 'A total of 90 rats were divided into three groups: hemi-hepatectomy alone (PHx group), 60 minutes of ischemia plus hemi-hepatectomy (I/R group), and a cycle of 10 minutes of alternating I/R prior to 60 minutes of ischemia plus hemi-hepatectomy (IPC group). Each group was divided into five subgroups sacrificed after 0.5, 2, 6, 12 or 24 hours (n=6/subgroup). Subsequently, serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured; caspase-3 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) proteins were also determined by Western blotting. Furthermore, PCNA was detected by immunohistochemistry to identify the expression site.', 'Serum ALT and AST levels after 2-24 hours of reperfusion in the PHx and IPC groups were remarkably decreased compared to the I/R group, and the serum TNF-alpha was relatively lower. A significant increase of serum IL-6 levels was found in the PHx and IPC groups compared with the I/R group at each time point. Furthermore, PCNA expression was remarkably increased in the IPC group after 6-12 hours of reperfusion, and in the earlier 0.5 and 6 hours time points after reperfusion have shown the massive PCNA-positive hepatocytes. At the same time, the expression of liver p-JNK was higher in the IPC group in the early phase after reperfusion than that of the I/R group and its expression was consistent with the PCNA.'] Does ischemic preconditioning enhance hepatocyte proliferation in the early phase after ischemia under hemi-hepatectomy in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1493914127349854,
-1.4949393272399902,
2.6524059772491455
] |
['The present study aims to assess the extent to which attention to UK cigarette warnings is attributable to the graphic nature of the content.', 'A visual dot probe task was utilised, with the warnings serving as critical stimuli that were manipulated for the presence of graphic versus neutral image content, and the accompanying text caption. This mixed design yielded image content (graphic versus neutrally-matched images) and presence (versus absence) of text caption as within subjects variables and smoking status as a between-participants variable.', 'The experiment took place within the laboratories of a UK university.', 'Eighty-six psychology undergraduates (51% smokers, 69% female), predominantly of Caucasian ethnicity took part.', 'Reaction times towards probes replacing graphic images relative to probes replacing neutral images were utilised to create an index of attentional bias.', 'Bias scores (M = 10.20 ± 2.56) highlighted that the graphic image content of the warnings elicited attentional biases (relative to neutral images) for smokers. This only occurred in the presence of an accompanying text caption [t (43) = 3.950, P < 0.001] as opposed to when no caption was present [t (43) = 0.029, P = 0.977]. Non-smokers showed no biases in both instances.'] Is graphic imagery sufficient for increased attention to cigarette warnings : the role of text captions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8423770666122437,
-0.10824719816446304,
1.1257814168930054
] |
['The VKORC1 gene codes for the VKORC1 enzyme, which is responsible for the reduction of vitamin K epoxide into vitamin K. VKORC1 enzyme is the target of vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Twenty-eight rare single mutations in the VKORC1 coding sequence have been reported from resistant patients receiving unusually high doses of VKA to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation.', 'It has been suggested that these mutations are responsible for the resistant phenotype, while biochemical consequences of these mutations on the VKORC1 enzyme have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the causality of the VKORC1 mutations in the resistance phenotype.', 'Wild-type VKORC1 and its spontaneous mutants were expressed in Pichia pastoris and susceptibility to VKA was assessed by the in vitro determination of kinetic and inhibition constants.'] Are vKORC1 mutations detected in patients resistant to vitamin K antagonists all associated with a resistant VKOR activity? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.526484251022339,
-0.8871715664863586,
2.447136163711548
] |
['The transcription factor NF-κB consisting of the subunits RelA/p65 and p50 is known to be quickly activated after partial hepatectomy (PH), the functional relevance of which is still a matter of debate. Current concepts suggest that activation of NF-κB is especially critical in non-parenchymal cells to produce cytokines (TNF, IL-6) to adequately prime hepatocytes to proliferate after PH, while NF-κB within hepatocytes mainly bears cytoprotective functions.', 'To study the role of the NF-κB pathway in different liver cell compartments, we generated conditional knockout mice in which the transactivating NF-κB subunit RelA/p65 can be inactivated specifically in hepatocytes (Rela(F/F)AlbCre) or both in hepatocytes plus non-parenchymal cells including Kupffer cells (Rela(F/F)MxCre). 2/3 and 80% PH were performed in controls (Rela(F/F)) and conditional knockout mice (Rela(F/F)AlbCre and Rela(F/F)MxCre) and analyzed for regeneration.', 'Hepatocyte-specific deletion of RelA/p65 in Rela(F/F)AlbCre mice resulted in an accelerated cell cycle progression without altering liver mass regeneration after 2/3 PH. Surprisingly, hepatocyte apoptosis or liver damage were not enhanced in Rela(F/F)AlbCre mice, even when performing 80% PH. The additional inactivation of RelA/p65 in non-parenchymal cells in Rela(F/F)MxCre mice reversed the small proliferative advantage observed after hepatocyte-specific deletion of RelA/p65 so that Rela(F/F)MxCre mice displayed normal cell cycle progression, DNA-synthesis and liver mass regeneration.'] Is the NF-κB subunit RelA/p65 dispensable for successful liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.19590163230896,
-1.379269003868103,
2.5625669956207275
] |
['To examine how voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) regulate sperm function in capacitation conditions.', 'Experimental prospective study.', 'Academic research laboratory.', 'Male ICR and female B6D2F1/CrljOri mice (8-12 weeks old).', 'Female mice were superovulated with 5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin given IP and 5 IU of hCG given IP 48 hours later. Oocytes were applied to assess fertilization and embryo development.', 'Immunofluorescence assay, computer-assisted sperm analysis, hypo-osmotic swelling test, combined Hoechst 33258/chlortetracycline fluorescence assessment of capacitation status, measurement of [Ca(2+)](i) and [pH](i), Western blotting, and IVF.', 'VDAC2 was localized on the acrosomal region and principal piece, while VDAC3 was localized on the acrosomal region and midpiece. Blocking VDAC with DIDS (500 μM) significantly decreased motility, viability, acrosome reaction, capacitation, tyrosine phosphorylation, fertilization, and embryo development regardless of Ca(2+). However, the most severe decreases were observed in the presence (+) of DIDS and absence (-) of Ca(2+), respectively. A significant decrease in [Ca(2+)](i) concentration was observed in (-) DIDS, while [pH](i) was significantly increased in (-) DIDS regardless of Ca(2+). However, a significantly elevated [pH](i) was observed in (+) Ca(2+).'] Are voltage-dependent anion channels a key factor of male fertility? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.140500068664551,
-1.4935479164123535,
2.662750482559204
] |
['To examine the prevalence, etiology, risk factors, and outcomes of liver abnormality in pregnancy, in a tertiary medical center, and to study the potential impact of artificial reproduction techniques (ART) on the incidence and the outcome of pregnancy-related liver abnormality.', "A retrospective case-control study using an electronic database and patients' files.", 'Tertiary referral center.', 'Women in the third trimester of pregnancy who were hospitalized for delivery.', 'None.', 'Development of significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT ≥ 100 IU/L). Secondary outcomes included development of maternal and fetal complications.', 'The upper limit of normal of ALT was ≥ 1.5 times and it occurred in 440 (1.6%) pregnancies; of those, 228 (0.8%) had ALT ≥ 100 IU/L. The etiology of significant liver test abnormality was idiopathic in 47% of patients. Compared with spontaneous pregnancies (295/23,793), ART was significantly associated with liver test abnormality (145/4, 520). The presence of ALT ≥ 100 IU/L in the third trimester was associated with higher rates of cesarean sections, prematurity, low birthweight, and fetal complications.'] Is idiopathic liver function test abnormality in pregnancy associated with assisted reproduction techniques? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3447344303131104,
-1.0619382858276367,
2.487884044647217
] |
['Controversy exists about the correlation between liver ultrasonography and serum parameters for evaluating the severity of liver involvement in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was designed to determine the association between liver ultrasonography staging in NAFLD and serum parameters correlated with disease severity in previous studies; and set optimal cut-off points for those serum parameters correlated with NAFLD staging at ultrasonography, in order to differentiate ultrasonographic groups (USGs).', 'This cross-sectional study evaluated outpatients with evidence of NAFLD in ultrasonography referred to a general hospital. Those with positive viral markers, abnormal serum ceruloplasmin or gamma-globulin concentrations were excluded. A radiologist performed the ultrasonography staging and stratified the patients into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Fasting serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride (TG), high and low density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL), and cholesterol were checked.', 'Two hundred and forty-five patients with a mean age (+/-standard deviation) of 41.63(+/-11.46) years were included. There were no significant differences when mean laboratory concentrations were compared between moderate and severe USGs. Therefore, these groups were combined to create revised USGs ("mild" versus "moderate or severe"). There were associations between the revised USGs, and ALT, TG, HDL levels, and diabetes mellitus [odds ratios=2.81 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-5.76), 2.48 (95% CI: 1.29- 4.78), 0.36 (95% CI: 0.18-0.74), and 5.65 (95% CI: 2.86-11.16) respectively; all P values <0.01]. A cut-off value of 32.5 mg/dL for ALT gave a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 62%, for differentiating between the revised USGs.'] Do serum parameters predict the severity of ultrasonographic findings in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8872846364974976,
-1.545011281967163,
2.4534692764282227
] |
["Clinical and sociodemographic findings have supported that OCD is heterogeneous and composed of multiple potentially overlapping and stable symptom dimensions. Previous neuroimaging investigations have correlated different patterns of OCD dimension scores and gray matter (GM) volumes. Despite their relevant contribution, some methodological limitations, such as patient's previous medication intake, may have contributed to inconsistent findings.", 'Voxel-based morphometry was used to investigate correlations between regional GM volumes and symptom dimensions severity scores in a sample of 38 treatment-naïve OCD patients. Several standardized instruments were applied, including an interview exclusively developed for assessing symptom dimensions severity (DY-BOCS).', 'Scores on the "aggression" dimension were positively correlated with GM volumes in lateral parietal cortex in both hemispheres and negatively correlated with bilateral insula, left putamen and left inferior OFC. Scores on the "sexual/religious" dimension were positively correlated with GM volumes within the right middle lateral OFC and right DLPFC and negatively correlated with bilateral ACC. Scores on the "hoarding" dimension were positively correlated with GM volumes in the left superior lateral OFC and negatively correlated in the right parahippocampal gyrus. No significant correlations between GM volumes and the "contamination" or "symmetry" dimensions were found.'] Do obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions correlate to specific gray matter volumes in treatment-naïve patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.452775478363037,
-1.075963020324707,
2.5590946674346924
] |
["The use of multiple trajectories microelectrode recording (MER) during implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes into the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is discussed controversially because of possible risks and unclear benefits. The aim of the study is to investigate whether MER combined with intraoperative evaluation of stimulation effects improve clinical outcome in PD patients undergoing STN DBS surgery.", 'Prior to final DBS electrode implantation, we performed multiple trajectories MER and intraoperative test stimulations after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided planning in 32 PD patients. In further 10 patients no MER (only intraoperative test stimulation) was used.', "We found a significantly better clinical outcome (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale [UPDRS] III) in patients undergoing MER compared with non-MER patients. In MER patients, DBS electrode placement was performed using the central trajectory in 73%. Another than the central trajectory was taken in 27% of the patients. No difference in clinical outcome between DBS electrodes implanted on the central or a decentral trajectory was observed."] Is clinical outcome of subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson 's disease improved by intraoperative multiple trajectories microelectrode recording? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.191274404525757,
-1.1394551992416382,
2.4053850173950195
] |
['Practice variation in the primary care treatment of depression may be considerable in the Netherlands, due to relatively small and unregulated practices. We adapted the collaborative care model for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to accommodate existing practice variation and tested whether this had added value over Care as Usual (CAU).', 'A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare an adapted target driven collaborative care model with Care as Usual (CAU). Randomization was at the level of 18 (sub)urban primary care centers. The care manager and GP were supported by a web-based tracking and decision aid system that advised targeted treatment actions to achieve rapid response and if possible remission, and that warned the consultant psychiatrist if such treatment advice was not followed up. Eligible patients had a score of 10 or higher on the PHQ9, and met diagnostic criteria for major depression at the subsequent MINI Neuropsychiatric interview. A total of 93 patients were identified by screening. They received either collaborative care (CC) or CAU. Another 56 patients received collaborative care after identification by the GP. The outcome measures were response to treatment (50% or greater reduction of the PHQ9-total score from baseline) at three, six, nine and twelve months, and remission (a score of 0-4 on the PHQ9 at follow-up).', 'Treatment response and remission in CAU were low. Collaborative care was more effective on achieving treatment response than CAU at three months for the total group of patients who received collaborative care [OR 5.2 ((1.41-16.09), NNT 2] and at nine months [OR 5.6 ((1.40-22.58)), NNT 3]. The effect was not statistically significant at 6 and 12 months.'] Is a target-driven collaborative care model for Major Depressive Disorder effective in primary care in the Netherlands . A randomized clinical trial from the depression initiative? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0332703590393066,
-1.3893383741378784,
1.476260781288147
] |
['Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is a standard care regimen for patients with breast cancer. However, the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate remains at 30%. We hypothesized that a cancer stem cell marker may identify NAC-resistant patients, and evaluated CD133 and ALDH1 as a potential surrogate marker for breast cancer. The aim of this study was to find a surrogate maker to predict chemosensitivity of NAC for breast cancer.', 'A total of 102 patients with breast cancer were treated with NAC consisting of epirubicin followed by paclitaxel. Core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens and resected tumors were obtained from all patients before and after NAC, respectively. Chemosensitivity and prognostic potential of CD133 or ALDH1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Clinical CR (cCR) and pCR rates were 18% (18/102) and 29% (30/102), respectively. Forty-seven (46%) patients had CD133-positive tumors before NAC, and CD133 expression was significantly associated with a low pCR rate (p=0.035) and clinical non-responders. Multivariate analysis revealed that CD133 expression was significantly (p=0.03) related to pCR. Recurrence was more frequent in patients with CD133-positive tumors (21/47, 45%) than that in patients with CD133-negative tumors (7/55, 13%). The number of patients with CD133-positive tumors (62%) after NAC was higher than that (46%) before NAC. Furthermore, most patients with CD133-positive tumors before NAC maintained the same status after NAC.'] Is cD133 a useful surrogate marker for predicting chemosensitivity to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2724519968032837,
-1.731626272201538,
1.9021656513214111
] |
['Stomach adenocarcinoma represents a major health problem and is regarded as the second commonest cause of cancer-associated mortality, universally, since it is still difficult to be perceived at a curable stage. Several lines of evidence have pointed out that the expression of L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) gene and/or protein becomes distinctively modulated in several human neuroendocrine neoplasms as well as adenocarcinomas.', 'In order to elucidate the clinical role of DDC on primary gastric adenocarcinomas, we determined qualitatively and quantitatively the mRNA levels of the gene with regular PCR and real-time PCR by using the comparative threshold cycle method, correspondingly, and detected the expression of DDC protein by immunoblotting in cancerous and normal stomach tissue specimens.', 'A statistically significant association was disclosed between DDC expression and gastric intestinal histotype as well as tumor localization at the distal third part of the stomach (p = 0.025 and p = 0.029, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analyses highlighted the powerful prognostic importance of DDC in relation to disease-free survival and overall survival of gastric cancer patients. According to Kaplan-Meier curves, the relative risk of relapse was found to be decreased in DDC-positive (p = 0.031) patients who, also, exhibited higher overall survival rates (p = 0.016) than those with DDC-negative tumors.'] Does l-Dopa decarboxylase ( DDC ) constitute an emerging biomarker in predicting patients ' survival with stomach adenocarcinomas? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3526415824890137,
-1.3107028007507324,
2.7496464252471924
] |
['Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has the potential to improve adequacy rates and affect other outcomes; however, there have been few comparative studies to assess the impact of ROSE in the setting of ultrasound-guided endoscopic fine-needle aspiration cytology for pancreatic lesions.', 'To determine whether ROSE improves adequacy rates of endoscopic fine-needle aspiration cytology for pancreatic lesions.', 'Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting a head-to-head comparison of adequacy or diagnostic accuracy (with ROSE vs. without ROSE) at a single site.', 'ROSE was associated with a statistically significant (p\xa0<\xa00.001) improvement in the adequacy rate (average 10\xa0%, 95\xa0% CI: 5-24\xa0%). The impact of ROSE depends on the per-pass adequacy rate without ROSE. ROSE had no impact on diagnostic yield (p\xa0<\xa00.76).'] Does rapid on-site evaluation increase endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration adequacy for pancreatic lesions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1028506755828857,
-1.353344440460205,
2.523702621459961
] |
['The immune microenvironment is key to the pathophysiology of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL). Twenty percent of patients experience failure of their initial treatment, and others receive excessively toxic treatment. Prognostic scores and biomarkers have yet to influence outcomes significantly. Previous biomarker studies have been limited by the extent of tissue analyzed, statistical inconsistencies, and failure to validate findings. We aimed to overcome these limitations by validating recently identified microenvironment biomarkers (CD68, FOXP3, and CD20) in a new patient cohort with a greater extent of tissue and by using rigorous statistical methodology.', 'Diagnostic tissue from 122 patients with CHL was microarrayed and stained, and positive cells were counted across 10 to 20 high-powered fields per patient by using an automated system. Two statistical analyses were performed: a categorical analysis with test/validation set-defined cut points and Kaplan-Meier estimated outcome measures of 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and freedom from first-line treatment failure (FFTF) and an independent multivariate analysis of absolute uncategorized counts.', 'Increased CD20 expression confers superior OS. Increased FOXP3 expression confers superior OS, and increased CD68 confers inferior FFTF and OS. FOXP3 varies independently of CD68 expression and retains significance when analyzed as a continuous variable in multivariate analysis. A simple score combining FOXP3 and CD68 discriminates three groups: FFTF 93%, 62%, and 47% (P < .001), DSS 93%, 82%, and 63% (P = .03), and OS 93%, 82%, and 59% (P = .002).'] Is expression of FOXP3 , CD68 , and CD20 at diagnosis in the microenvironment of classical Hodgkin lymphoma predictive of outcome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9047642946243286,
-1.457100749015808,
2.396256446838379
] |
['We used the GK/Par rat, a spontaneous model of type 2 diabetes with early defective beta cell neogenesis, to determine whether the development of GK/Par offspring in a non-diabetic intrauterine/postnatal environment would prevent the alteration of fetal beta cell mass (BCM) and ultimately decrease the risk of diabetes later in adult life.', 'We used an embryo-transfer approach, with fertilised GK/Par ovocytes (oGK) being transferred into pregnant Wistar (W) or GK/Par females (pW and pGK). Offspring were phenotyped at fetal age E18.5 and at 10\xa0weeks of age, for BCM, expression of genes of pancreatic progenitor cell regulators (Igf2, Igf1r, Sox9, Pdx1 and Ngn3), glucose tolerance and insulin secretion.', '(1) Alterations in neogenesis markers/regulators and BCM were as severe in the oGK/pW E18.5 fetuses as in the oGK/pGK group. (2) Adult offspring from oGK transfers into GK (oGK/pGK/sGK) had the expected diabetic phenotype compared with unmanipulated GK rats. (3) Adult offspring from oGK reared in pW mothers and milked by GK foster mothers had reduced BCM, basal hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance and low insulin, to an extent similar to that of oGK/pGK/sGK offspring. (4) In adult offspring from oGK transferred into pW mothers and milked by their W mothers (oGK/pW/sW), the phenotype was similar to that in oGK/pGK/sGK or oGK/pW/sGK offspring.'] Does a euglycaemic/non-diabetic perinatal environment alleviate early beta cell maldevelopment and type 2 diabetes risk in the GK/Par rat model? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2019922733306885,
-1.0494539737701416,
2.3098342418670654
] |
['PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL via EBSCO and Cochrane library databases were searched.', 'Randomised controlled trials that investigated the protective effects of honey in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy that used either the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) or World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria for evaluating the severity of the radiation mucositis were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane methodology.', 'A meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.', 'Three randomised trials involving a total of 120 patients were included. The overall relative risk of developing mucositis was almost 80% lower (risk ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.098 - 0.371) in the honey treatment group than in the control group.'] Is evidence to support the use of honey for prevention of oral mucositis in cancer patients limited? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5883190631866455,
-0.7621212601661682,
2.5532619953155518
] |
['Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Dissertation Abstracts, SIGLE, the WorldWideWeb (Google) and the Community of Science Database were searched for relevant trials and references. Reference lists from relevant articles were scanned and the authors contacted to identify trials and obtain additional information. There were no language restrictions. Trials pre-1966 were not searched.', 'Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials of conscious sedation comparing two or more drugs/techniques/placebo undertaken by the dentist or one of the dental team in children up to 16 years of age.', 'Reference lists from relevant articles were scanned and the authors contacted to identify trials and obtain additional information. There were no language restrictions. Trials pre-1966 were not searched.', 'Thirty-six studies (2810 participants) were included. The majority of the trials (30) were of high risk of bias, the other six trials were at unclear risk of bias. Twenty-eight different sedatives were used with or without inhalational nitrous oxide, and the dosages, mode and timing of administration varied greatly. The trials were grouped into placebo-controlled, dosage and head-to-head comparisons. Meta-analysis was possible for studies investigating oral midazolam vs placebo only. There is weak evidence from five trials at high risk of bias, that the use of oral midazolam in doses between 0.25 mg/kg to 0.75 mg/kg is associated with more co-operative behaviour compared to placebo; standardised mean difference (SMD) favoured midazolam (SMD 2.98, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.37, P < 0.001, I² = 91%). There was also very weak evidence from two trials which could not be pooled that inhalational nitrous oxide is more effective than placebo.'] Is weak evidence that oral midazolam an effective sedative agent for children undergoing dental treatment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3544880151748657,
-1.5542675256729126,
1.939039707183838
] |
['To report the long term result following complications that arose after "prophylactic" placement of midurethral sling (MUS) during prolapse repair.', 'After institutional review board approval, the records of patients who presented with complications of prophylactic MUS and had a minimum 1 year follow up after repair of their complication were reviewed. Data collected included age, body mass index, operative note documenting primary procedure and type of prophylactic MUS, indication for prophylactic MUS, presenting complaint, duration and severity of symptoms since MUS placement, operative events if any, and outcomes after repair of the complication.', 'Between 2007 and 2009, ten patients presented with complications of prophylactic MUS and underwent transvaginal suburethral tape excision. At a median 35 (mean 36) month follow up post-MUS excision, a secondary midurethral stricture, an infected paravesical retropubic tape, and symptomatic incontinence and/or secondary anterior compartment prolapse requiring additional repair in five patients, occurred. Three patients experienced residual lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Pain resolved in all four patients.'] Does long term result after complication of `` prophylactic '' suburethral tape placement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.393775224685669,
-1.1100049018859863,
2.6375033855438232
] |
['ETHNOPHARMCOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginseng, a folk medicine which has been used for thousands of years in Asia, has been promoted for the treatment or prevention of health problems including cardiovascular disease. However, the molecular mechanism of ginseng-induced cardiovascular protection is unclear. Thus, we investigated signaling mechanism by which American ginseng inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, a key feature of diverse vascular disease.', 'A standardized crude extract of American ginseng was supplied by the National Research Council of Canada, Institute for National Measurement Standards. Rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) were exposed to fetal bovine serum (FBS), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin, or angiotensin II (Ang II) to induce proliferation that was examined by measuring DNA synthesis and cell numbers. Western blot was applied to determine the activations of Jak, Stat, Akt, and ERK.', 'American ginseng inhibited RASMC proliferation induced by FBS, PDGF, insulin or Ang II. American ginseng slightly increased both basal and FBS-, PDGF- or Ang II-induced activities of Akt and ERK in RASMCs; however, it dramatically inhibited the activation of Jak2 and Stat3.'] Does american ginseng inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via suppressing Jak/Stat pathway? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6785120964050293,
-0.8443241715431213,
2.6339287757873535
] |
['Successful drug treatment for sepsis-related acute lung injury (ALI) remains a major clinical problem. This study was designed to assess the beneficial effects of post-treatment of oroxylin A (OroA), a flavonoid, in ameliorating lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced lung inflammation and fatality.', 'Rats were injected with LPS (10 mg/kg, iv) to induce ALI, and OroA was given (15 mg/kg, iv) 1 hr or 6 hrs after LPS challenge. Twenty four hrs after LPS challenge, biochemical changes in the blood and lung tissues, and morphological/histological alterations in the lung associated with inflammation and injury were examined. Therapeutic effect of OroA was assessed by measuring the survival rate in endotoxemic mice.', 'LPS (10 mg/kg, iv) significantly altered WBC counts, elevated plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nitric oxide (NO), increased pulmonary edema, thickened alveolar septa, and decreased survival rate. These changes were ameliorated by OroA (15 mg/kg, iv) administered 1 hr or 6 hrs after LPS challenge. This post-treatment also significantly attenuated LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in lung tissues. Furthermore, post-treatment with OroA (60 mg/kg, ip) administered 1 hr or 6 hrs after LPS challenge in mice significantly increased survival rate.'] Does oroxylin-A rescue LPS-induced acute lung injury via regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway in rodents? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.091758966445923,
-1.4573017358779907,
2.5900301933288574
] |
['Diphencyprone (DPCP) is a therapeutic agent for treating alopecia areata. To improve skin absorption and follicular targeting nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were developed.', 'Nanoparticles were characterized by size, zeta potential, molecular environment, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In vitro and in vivo skin absorption experiments were performed. Fluorescence and confocal microscopes for imaging skin distribution were used.', 'NLCs with different designs were 208\u2009~\u2009265\xa0nm with \u2009>\u200977% DPCP encapsulation. NLCs incorporating a cationic surfactant or more soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) showed higher lipophilicity compared to typical NLCs by Nile red emission. All NLCs tested revealed controlled DPCP release; burst release was observed for control. The formulation with more SPC provided 275\xa0μg/g DPCP skin retention, which was greater than control and other NLCs. Intersubject deviation was reduced after DPCP loading into NLCs. Cyanoacrylate skin biopsy demonstrated greater follicular deposition for NLCs with more SPC compared to control. Cationic NLCs but not typical or SPC-containing carriers were largely internalized into keratinocytes. In vivo skin retention of NLCs with more SPC was higher than free control. Confocal imaging confirmed localization of NLCs in follicles and intercellular lipids of stratum corneum.'] Do squalene-containing nanostructured lipid carriers promote percutaneous absorption and hair follicle targeting of diphencyprone for treating alopecia areata? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.260500431060791,
-1.5267201662063599,
2.805734634399414
] |
['Dominant frequencies (DFs) of activation are higher in the atria of patients with persistent than paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), and left atrial (LA)-to-right atrial (RA) DF gradients have been identified in both. However, whether such gradients are maintained as long-term persistent AF is established remains unexplored. We aimed at determining in vivo the time course in atrial DF values from paroxysmal to persistent AF in sheep and testing the hypothesis that an LA-to-RA DF difference is associated with LA drivers in persistent AF.', 'AF was induced using RA tachypacing (n=8). Electrograms were obtained weekly from an RA lead and an implantable loop recorder implanted near the LA. DFs were determined for 5-second-long electrograms (QRST subtracted) during AF in vivo and in ex vivo optical mapping. Underlying structural changes were compared with weight-matched controls (n=4). After the first AF episode, DF increased gradually during a 2-week period (7±0.21 to 9.92±0.31 Hz; n=6; P<0.05). During 9 to 24 weeks of AF, the DF values on the implantable loop recorder were higher than the RA (10.6±0.08 versus 9.3±0.1 Hz, respectively; n=7; P<0.0001). Subsequent optical mapping confirmed a DF gradient from posterior LA-to-RA (9.1±1.0 to 6.9±0.9 Hz; P<0.05) and demonstrated patterns of activation compatible with drifting rotors in the posterior LA. Persistent AF sheep showed significant enlargement of the posterior LA compared with controls.'] Are long-term frequency gradients during persistent atrial fibrillation in sheep associated with stable sources in the left atrium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6496659517288208,
-1.615256428718567,
2.2782206535339355
] |
['MicroRNA-100 (miR-100), a small noncoding RNA molecule, acts as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene in different cancers. The aberrant expression of this microRNA has been demonstrated as a frequent event in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but little is known for pediatric AML. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of miR-100 in pediatric AML.', 'The expression levels of miR-100 in bone marrow mononuclear cells were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in a cohort of 106 patients with de novo pediatric AML. The prognostic values of miR-100 in pediatric AML were also analyzed.', 'Compared with normal controls, upregulation of miR-100 in the bone marrow of pediatric AML patients with statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) was found. The expression levels of miR-100 were found to be significantly higher in pediatric AML patients with extramedullary disease, with the French-American-British classification subtype M7, and with unfavorable day 7 response to induction chemotherapy (P = 0.008, 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). Moreover, both univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that miR-100 upregulation was associated with poorer relapse-free and overall survival in pediatric AML patients.'] Does upregulation of microRNA-100 predict poor prognosis in patients with pediatric acute myeloid leukemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1318345069885254,
-1.191133737564087,
2.2995312213897705
] |
['B-cell-activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) has been found to have the function of activating B cells and participating in the class switching of B cells; however, its clinical application needs further study. In the present study, the serum BAFF levels of patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with different histopathological phenotypes were measured.', 'Levels of serum BAFF in 153 patients with IgAN, 55 healthy controls and 20 disease controls were recorded using commercially available ELISA kits. Their correlations with clinical and histopathological features of patients with IgAN were further evaluated.', 'Levels of serum BAFF in patients with IgAN were significantly higher than in controls. Serum BAFF levels were significantly higher in patients with mesangial hypercellularity and segmental glomerulosclerosis than in those without. Serum BAFF levels were associated with the severity of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis. Serum BAFF levels were significantly positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine. Patients with elevated serum BAFF levels showed significantly greater severity in clinical and histopathological stages.'] Is serum BAFF elevated in patients with IgA nephropathy and associated with clinical and histopathological features? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2629683017730713,
-1.3305585384368896,
2.6139512062072754
] |
['Literature data suggest that sleep disturbances are prevalent among patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and have a close correlation with pain. Other studies indicate that sleep disturbances are constantly accompanied by depression and anxiety in AS, but their interrelations are poorly understood. This study was designed to evaluate sleep disturbances and their association with demographic variables, pain, disease-specific variables, functional status, covering depression and anxiety in AS patients.', 'The 314 patients with AS and age- and sex-matched controls took part in the study, completed a battery of questionnaires, and participated in long-term follow-up. Blood samples were taken to measure C-reactive protein (CRP) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The association among sleep, pain, disease activity, functional status, depression, and anxiety were assessed by using Pearson/Spearman correlations and multiple regression analysis.', 'The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of the Chinese version was significantly higher in the AS group than in the control group (P = 0.020). Of the 314 patients with AS, 184 (58.6%) had a high risk for sleep disturbances. The PSQI score was associated with age, years of education, ESR, CRP, overall assessment of health, pain, morning stiffness, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), depression, and anxiety (all P < 0.001), but were not associated with disease duration, fingertip-to-floor distance, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) (P > 0.05). In hierarchic multiple regression analysis, the medical and psychological variables contributed significantly to the variance in sleep-disturbances scores, adding an additional 23.9% to the overall R2 beyond that accounted for by demographic variables (R-square, 8.5%), resulting in a final R2of 42.6%. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that anxiety was the maximal statistical contribution in predicting sleep disturbances (standardized coefficients, 0.287).'] Are sleep disturbances associated with increased pain , disease activity , depression , and anxiety in ankylosing spondylitis : a case-control study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0153019428253174,
-1.0650315284729004,
2.1167116165161133
] |
['Episodic memory impairment is a common but poorly-understood phenomenon in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aim to establish the relative contributions of reduced integrity of components of the extended hippocampal-diencephalic system to memory performance in MS patients using quantitative neuroimaging.', '34 patients with relapsing-remitting MS and 24 healthy age-matched controls underwent 3 T MRI including diffusion tensor imaging and 3-D T1-weighted volume acquisition. Manual fornix regions-of-interest were used to derive fornix fractional anisotropy (FA). Normalized hippocampal, mammillary body and thalamic volumes were derived by manual segmentation. MS subjects underwent visual recall, verbal recall, verbal recognition and verbal fluency assessment. Significant differences between MS patients and controls were found for fornix FA (0.38 vs. 0.46, means adjusted for age and fornix volume, P<.0005) and mammillary body volumes (age-adjusted means 0.114 ml vs. 0.126 ml, P<.023). Multivariate regression analysis identified fornix FA and mammillary bodies as predictor of visual recall (R(2)\u200a=\u200a.31, P\u200a=\u200a.003, P\u200a=\u200a.006), and thalamic volume as predictive of verbal recall (R(2)\u200a=\u200a.37, P<.0005). No limbic measures predicted verbal recognition or verbal fluency.'] Does extra-hippocampal subcortical limbic involvement predict episodic recall performance in multiple sclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8908019065856934,
-1.5375723838806152,
2.411776065826416
] |
['Several factors affect the end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (P(ET)CO(2)) and increase the arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure gradient (P(a-ET)CO(2)) during general anesthesia. We evaluated the relationship between age and P(a-ET)CO(2) during pneumoperitoneum in the steep Trendelenburg position in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).', 'Ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing RALP were divided by age into a middle-aged (45-65 years) and an elderly (> 65 years) group. Anesthesia was standardized. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, lung compliance, minute ventilation, P(a)O(2), P(ET)CO(2), P(a)CO(2), and P(a-ET)CO(2) were measured 10 min after intubation in the supine position without pneumoperitoneum (T0); and 10 (T1), 60 (T2), and 120 (T3) min after pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position.', 'Although P(ET)CO(2) did not change significantly during surgery, PaCO(2) and P(a-ET)CO(2) increased gradually with time during pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, and both parameters showed greater increases in the elderly than in the middle-aged group. Simple linear regression analyses revealed significant correlations between age and P(a-ET)CO(2) at T0 (P = 0.018), T1 (P = 0.006), T2 (P < 0.001), and T3 (P = 0.001). Linear mixed model analysis showed that P(a-ET)CO(2) was associated statistically significantly with age and duration of pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position, but age and duration of pneumoperitoneum in the Trendelenburg position were not associated (P = 0.090).'] Does arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure gradient increase with age in the steep Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9345699548721313,
-1.408949851989746,
2.3568971157073975
] |
['This study examines the relationship between the number of lymph nodes removed during modified radical neck dissection and the incidence of disease recurrence.', 'A retrospective review of 117 patients with papillary thyroid cancer and lateral neck involvement (levels 2-5) who underwent modified radical neck dissection was performed. Data were analyzed for patient demographics, operative procedure, lymph node involvement, complications, radioactive iodine therapy, and disease recurrence.', 'Of 117 patients who underwent modified radical neck dissection, the median follow-up of the entire study group was 25 months (range, 1-256 months). Recurrent disease was found in 8% of patients, with a median time to recurrence of 35 months. The median number of lymph nodes removed during modified radical neck dissection was similar in recurrent and nonrecurrent patients (P = .78). There was also no difference in the median number of positive lymph nodes removed (P = .14) between these 2 groups. On multivariate analysis, however, the number of positive lymph nodes (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.34]) and tumor size (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.49]) were independent predictors of recurrence of disease after modified radical neck dissection.'] Does number of lymph nodes removed during modified radical neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer influence lateral neck recurrence? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2094539403915405,
-1.4202659130096436,
1.7309749126434326
] |
['Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with adverse effects on cardiac geometry and function. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been proved an effective treatment modality for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), whereas adaptive servoventilation (ASV) is more effective in patients with central sleep apnoea (CSA). The impact of selection of therapy and effective apnoea alleviation on cardiac performance and reverse left ventricular remodelling (r-LVR) has not yet been evaluated.', 'Eighty five patients with stable CHF were screened for SDB and underwent polysomnography and treatment according to the type of SDB. Clinical evaluation and a comprehensive echocardiographic study was performed before initiation of therapy and after six months of effective treatment (ventilator use >5h/day with AHI <5 events/h).', "Seventeen compliant patients under effective treatment were included in the analysis (8 OSA under Autoset CPAP and 9 CSA under ASV). In both groups, a significant improvement in all measured, conventional and TDI LV systolic indexes was recorded, including LVEF (32% ± 6% vs. 27% ± 6%, p<0.001). A decrease in LV end-systolic volume (189 ± 94 ml vs. 211 ± 88 ml, p=0.015, difference >10%) was indicative of r-LVR. Furthermore, RV systolic parameters were also increased (TAPSE, p<0.001; systolic TDI wave from lateral tricuspid annular aspect, p=0.001), whereas right heart dimensions and areas were diminished, indicating better pulmonary haemodynamics. Moreover, a significant improvement in patients' clinical status, as evaluated by New York Heart Association Class was also documented at the end of six months follow-up."] Does effective sleep apnoea treatment improve cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9832234382629395,
-1.5730901956558228,
2.553631544113159
] |
['Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing at alarming rates in obese children. The study aim was to describe body composition/somatotype and its interrelationships to biomarkers of liver disease, insulin resistance, and lipid and cytokine expression in youth with NAFLD.', 'Somatotype and body composition of children (7-18 years) diagnosed with NAFLD (n= 18) were compared with obese (n = 11) and lean children (n = 17). Anthropometric variables assessed included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHTR), and multiple skinfold thicknesses. Fat mass (FM) and somatotype analysis were measured using validated methodologies. Fasting liver biochemistries (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], γ-glutamyltransferase [GGT]), insulin, glucose, leptin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL) factors 6/10, apolipoproteins B-100/B-48 and C-III, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were measured. Insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).', 'BMI z score, WC, FM, and somatotype did not differ between NAFLD and obese groups; however, lean children were lighter/leaner across all anthropometric measures (P < .001). Children with NAFLD had a higher sum-of-trunk to sum-of-extremity ratio (1.6 ± 0.4) than did obese (1.3 ± 0.2) and lean (1.1 ± 0.5) children (P < .001). Markers of central visceral (WC/WHTR) and subcutaneous fat (subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac skinfolds) were associated with elevated plasma concentrations of insulin, HOMA-IR, ALT, GGT, and AST and lower HDL cholesterol and IL-10 (P < .001).'] Are anthropometric measures of visceral and subcutaneous fat important in the determination of metabolic dysregulation in boys and girls at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.021655797958374,
-1.4428279399871826,
2.552598714828491
] |
['The role of CNVs in male infertility is poorly defined, and only those linked to the Y chromosome have been the object of extensive research. Although it has been predicted that the X chromosome is also enriched in spermatogenesis genes, no clinically relevant gene mutations have been identified so far.', 'In order to advance our understanding of the role of X-linked genetic factors in male infertility, we applied high resolution X chromosome specific array-CGH in 199 men with different sperm count followed by the analysis of selected, patient-specific deletions in large groups of cases and normozoospermic controls.', 'We identified 73 CNVs, among which 55 are novel, providing the largest collection of X-linked CNVs in relation to spermatogenesis. We found 12 patient-specific deletions with potential clinical implication. Cancer Testis Antigen gene family members were the most frequently affected genes, and represent new genetic targets in relationship with altered spermatogenesis. One of the most relevant findings of our study is the significantly higher global burden of deletions in patients compared to controls due to an excessive rate of deletions/person (0.57 versus 0.21, respectively; p\u200a=\u200a8.785×10(-6)) and to a higher mean sequence loss/person (11.79 Kb and 8.13 Kb, respectively; p\u200a=\u200a3.435×10(-4)).'] Does high resolution X chromosome-specific array-CGH detect new CNVs in infertile males? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8872708082199097,
-1.1232450008392334,
2.0762195587158203
] |
['Characteristics of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to pandemic influenza A 2009 (H1N1) have been inadequately compared to CAP caused by other respiratory pathogens. The performance of prediction rules for CAP during an epidemic with a new infectious agent are unknown.', 'Prospective, population-based study from November 2008-November 2009, in centers representing 70% of hospital beds in Iceland. Patients admitted with CAP underwent evaluation and etiologic testing, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for influenza. Data on influenza-like illness in the community and overall hospital admissions were collected. Clinical and laboratory data, including pneumonia severity index (PSI) and CURB-65 of patients with CAP due to H1N1 were compared to those caused by other agents.', 'Of 338 consecutive and eligible patients 313 (93%) were enrolled. During the pandemic peak, influenza A 2009 (H1N1) patients constituted 38% of admissions due to CAP. These patients were younger, more dyspnoeic and more frequently reported hemoptysis. They had significantly lower severity scores than other patients with CAP (1.23 vs. 1.61, P= .02 for CURB-65, 2.05 vs. 2.87 for PSI, P<.001) and were more likely to require intensive care admission (41% vs. 5%, P<.001) and receive mechanical ventilation (14% vs. 2%, P= .01). Bacterial co-infection was detected in 23% of influenza A 2009 (H1N1) patients with CAP.'] Is severity of influenza A 2009 ( H1N1 ) pneumonia underestimated by routine prediction rules . Results from a prospective , population-based study? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2894004583358765,
-1.348274827003479,
1.705737829208374
] |
['The aim of this study was to evaluate triglyceride and cholesterol levels in diabetic rats and their relationship with pulpal and periodontal diseases.', "Eighty male rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) were divided into the following eight groups comprising ten animals each: normal rats (G1), rats with pulpal diseases (G2), rats with periodontal diseases (G3), rats with both pulpal and periodontal diseases (G4), diabetic rats (G5), diabetic rats with pulpal diseases (G6), diabetic rats with periodontal diseases (G7), and diabetic rats with both periodontal and pulpal diseases (G8). Diabetes was induced by injecting streptozotocin, periapical lesions were induced by exposing pulpal tissue to the oral environment, and periodontal diseases were induced by periodontal ligature. The animals were killed after 30 days, and lipid profile was enzymatically measured using Trinder's method. The total assessed values were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey test (p\u2009<\u20090.05).", 'The triglyceride levels of diabetic rats with periodontal disease and of diabetic rats with both periodontal and pulpal diseases were significantly higher than those of normal rats and nondiabetic group rats, respectively. The differences in the cholesterol levels among the groups were not significant.'] Do pulpal and periodontal diseases increase triglyceride levels in diabetic rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.3960082530975342,
-1.1307612657546997,
1.6722157001495361
] |
['In humans, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) production is controlled by many intricate mechanisms that, to date, remain only partly understood.', 'Pharmacogenomic analysis of the effects of hydroxyurea (HU) on HbF production was undertaken in a collection of Hellenic β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) compound heterozygotes and a collection of healthy and KLF1-haploinsufficient Maltese adults, to identify genomic signatures that follow high HbF patterns.', "KLF10 emerged as a top candidate. Moreover, genotype analysis of β-thalassemia major and intermedia patients and an independent cohort of β-thalassemia/SCD compound heterozygous patients that do or do not respond to HU treatment showed that the homozygous mutant state of a tagSNP in the KLF10 3'UTR is not present in β-thalassemia intermedia patients and is underrepresented in β-thalassemia/SCD compound heterozygous patients that respond well to HU treatment."] Is kLF10 gene expression associated with high fetal hemoglobin levels and with response to hydroxyurea treatment in β-hemoglobinopathy patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.386566400527954,
-1.2566584348678589,
2.7419066429138184
] |
['Development of a skin rash under treatment with EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (EGFRIs) has been linked to a favorable prognosis in some studies, suggesting a possible immunological role for EGFRIs in addition to direct antagonistic downstream effects. The present study aimed to investigate whether particular HLA polymorphisms found in cancer patients treated with EGFRIs are associated with the development of skin rash and overall survival rates.', 'HLA typing was performed on 105 cancer patients and the development of skin rash was rated during the first 4 weeks of therapy with EGFRIs.', 'A significantly lower incidence of skin rash was found in patients carrying the HLA-A*02:01 or HLA-A*03:01 alleles (hazard ratio: 0.277; 95% CI: 0.121-0.634; p = 0.002 and hazard ratio: 0.292; 95% CI: 0.113-0.752; p = 0.011, respectively); however, no association with worse survival was seen.'] Do hLA polymorphisms influence the development of skin rash arising from treatment with EGF receptor inhibitors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.276721715927124,
-1.2265443801879883,
2.564549446105957
] |
['Traditional Japanese medicine, known as Kampo medicine, consists of mixtures of several medicinal herbs widely used to treat upper gastrointestinal disorders in Japan. Rikkunshito, one of these medicines, has not been evaluated with respect to its influence on gastrointestinal motor activity. We investigated the effect of rikkunshito on upper gastrointestinal motility and plasma ghrelin concentrations in conscious dogs.', 'Contractile response to intragastric administration of rikkunshito was studied via surgically implanted force transducers. A powdered extract of rikkunshito (1.3, 2.7, and 4.0 g) dissolved in water was administered into the stomachs of normal and vagotomized dogs before feeding and gastric emptying was evaluated. Several inhibitors of gastrointestinal motility (atropine, hexamethonium, and ondansetron) were injected intravenously before intragastric administration of rikkunshito. Plasma acylated ghrelin levels after intragastric administration of rikkunshito were measured.', 'In a fasting state, intragastric administration of rikkunshito induced phasic contractions in the duodenum and jejunum in normal dogs. Rikkunshito-induced contractions were inhibited by atropine, hexamethonium and ondansetron. In vagotomized dogs, rikkunshito induced phasic contractions, similar to normal dogs. Gastric emptying was accelerated by intragastric administration of rikkunshito in a dose-dependent manner. The plasma acylated ghrelin level 150 min after intragastric administration of 4.0 g of rikkunshito was significantly higher than the control value.'] Does intragastric administration of rikkunshito stimulate upper gastrointestinal motility and gastric emptying in conscious dogs? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.451035261154175,
-1.1803570985794067,
2.614506244659424
] |
['We aimed to characterize the association between levels of serum and follicular fluid (FF) adipocytokines, reflected by the leptin to adiponectin ratio (L:A ratio), and oocyte quality and in vitro embryo development in women undergoing assisted reproduction. We also aimed to assess whether follicular hormonal pathways mediate this interaction.', 'We prospectively collected FF from up to four individual preovulatory follicles (n\u2009=\u200976) and fasting sera from women (n\u2009=\u200931) without endocrinopathies undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a university-based center for assisted reproduction. Leptin, total adiponectin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and ovarian steriods were measured using enzyme immunoassay. Oocyte maturity, fertilization, and embryo development were assessed.', 'FF leptin was similar to serum levels while FF adiponectin was lower. FF leptin (27.10\u2009±\u20094.05\xa0ng/mL) and the L:A ratio (11.48E-3\u2009±\u20092.57E-3) were related to FF insulin (R (2)\u2009=\u20090.370 and 0.419, p\u2009<\u20090.001) but not to ovarian steroids or IGF-1, whereas FF adiponectin ( 4.22\u2009±\u20090.52\xa0ug/mL) correlated only with leptin (R (2)\u2009=\u2009-0.138, p\u2009=\u20090.001). Oocytes from a high FF L:A ratio environment were 81\xa0% (RR 1.81 [95%CI 0.97-3.37]) more likely to undergo successful cleavage and 117\xa0% (RR 2.17 [95\xa0% CI 1.06-4.44]) more likely to obtain viable cleavage morphology compared to a low FF L:A ratio environment, even when adjusted for FF insulin, an independent predictor of cleavage.'] Are ovarian adipocytokines associated with early in vitro human embryo development independent of the action of ovarian insulin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1295348405838013,
-1.7210160493850708,
1.8405086994171143
] |
['To investigate whether therapeutic treatment with melatonin could protect rats against acute pancreatitis and its associated lung injury.', 'Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the sham operation (SO), severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), and melatonin treatment (MT) groups. Acute pancreatitis was induced by infusion of 1 mL/kg of sodium taurocholate (4% solution) into the biliopancreatic duct. Melatonin (50 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before pancreatitis was induced, and the severity of pancreatic and pulmonary injuries was evaluated 1, 4 and 8 h after induction. Serum samples were collected to measure amylase activities, and lung tissues were removed to measure levels of mRNAs encoding interleukin 22 (IL-22) and T helper cell 22 (Th22), as well as levels of IL-22.', 'At each time point, levels of mRNAs encoding IL-22 and Th22 were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the MT group than in the SAP group (0.526 ± 0.143 vs 0.156 ± 0.027, respectively, here and throughout, after 1 h; 0.489 ± 0.150 vs 0.113 ± 0.014 after 4 h; 0.524 ± 0.168 vs 0.069 ± 0.013 after 8 h, 0.378 ± 0.134 vs 0.122 ± 0.015 after 1 h; 0.205 ± 0.041 vs 0.076 ± 0.019 after 4 h; 0.302 ± 0.108 vs 0.045 ± 0.013 after 8 h, respectively) and significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the SAP group than in the SO group (0.156 ± 0.027 vs 1.000 ± 0.010 after 1 h; 0.113 ± 0.014 vs 1.041 ± 0.235 after 4 h; 0.069 ± 0.013 vs 1.110 ± 0.213 after 8 h, 0.122 ± 0.015 vs 1.000 ± 0.188 after 1 h; 0.076 ± 0.019 vs 0.899 ± 0.125 after 4 h; 0.045 ± 0.013 vs 0.991 ± 0.222 after 8 h, respectively). The mean pathological scores for pancreatic tissues in the MT group were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those for samples in the SO group (1.088 ± 0.187 vs 0.488 ± 0.183 after 1 h; 2.450 ± 0.212 vs 0.469 ± 0.242 after 4 h; 4.994 ± 0.184 vs 0.513 ± 0.210 after 8 h), but were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those for samples in the SAP group at each time point (1.088 ± 0.187 vs 1.969 ± 0.290 after 1 h; 2.450 ± 0.212 vs 3.344 ± 0.386 after 4 h; 4.994 ± 0.184 vs 6.981 ± 0.301 after 8 h). The severity of SAP increased significantly (P < 0.01) over time in the SAP group (1.088 ± 0.187 vs 2.450 ± 0.212 between 1 h and 4 h after inducing pancreatitis; and 2.450 ± 0.212 vs 4.994 ± 0.184 between 4 and 8 h after inducing pancreatitis).'] Does melatonin attenuate acute pancreatitis-associated lung injury in rats by modulating interleukin 22? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.0354337692260742,
-1.7455518245697021,
1.7823225259780884
] |
['Latex from Hevea brasiliensis (natural rubber tree primarily cultivated for its rubber particles) has no known primary metabolic function, although its biological role is as a plant defence system. The present study has evaluated specific anti-proliferative effects of latex whole C-serum and its subfractions, on human cancer cell lines.', 'Cell viability assay using MTT, DNA fragmentation assay and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of latex whole C-serum and its subfractions on the cell lines.', 'MTT assay revealed very low LC(50) values, 2.0 and 280\xa0ng/ml, for DCS and DCP treatments, respectively. DCS was proven to be more potent compared to DCP, in conferring specific anti-proliferative effects on the cancer cell lines. The study also indicated that anti-proliferative activity of pre-heated C-serum fractions diminished significantly.'] Does latex C-serum from Hevea brasiliensis induce non-apoptotic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line ( HepG2 )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2956979274749756,
-1.2683818340301514,
2.6398777961730957
] |
['To assess the relative effect of clinical factors and medications on pain intensity, physical function, and health status in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).', 'We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of data from children with JIA enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry. We tested whether clinical characteristics of JIA were associated with pain intensity, physical function, and health status using multivariable linear and ordinal logistic regression.', 'During the study period, 2571 subjects with JIA enrolled in the CARRA Registry. Ratings of pain intensity, physical function, and health status differed significantly between JIA categories. In comparison to other categories of JIA, subjects with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) reported worse pain and function. In multivariable analyses, higher active joint count and current use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID), biologics, or corticosteroids were associated with worse scores on all patient-reported measures. ERA and older age were significantly associated with higher pain intensity and poorer health status. Systemic JIA and uveitis were significantly associated with worse health status. Enthesitis, sacroiliac tenderness, and NSAID use were independently associated with increased pain intensity in ERA. The correlation was low between physician global assessment of disease activity and patient-reported pain intensity, physical function, and health status.'] Is enthesitis-related arthritis associated with higher pain intensity and poorer health status in comparison with other categories of juvenile idiopathic arthritis : the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4891200065612793,
-0.7935612201690674,
2.4638760089874268
] |
['Older men tend to have poorer semen quality and are generally at higher risks for infertility and abnormal reproductive outcomes.', 'We employed proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE, 3 MeV proton beam) to investigate the concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, titanium, iron and nickel in washed sperm and seminal plasma from non-smoking groups of 10 older men (65-80 years old) and 10 younger men (22-28 years old) who were concurrently assayed for sperm function and genomicly defective sperm.', 'The older group showed elevated zinc, copper and calcium in sperm and elevated sulfur in seminal plasma compared with the younger men. The older group also showed reduced motility as well as increased sperm DNA fragmentation, achondroplasia mutations, DNA strand breaks and chromosomal aberrations. Sperm calcium and copper were positively associated with sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.03). Seminal sulfur was positively associated with sperm DNA fragmentation and chromosomal aberrations (P < 0.04), and negatively associated with sperm motility (P < 0.05). Sperm calcium was negatively associated with sperm motility, independent of male age (P = 0.01).'] Is elemental composition of human semen associated with motility and genomic sperm defects among older men? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.324502944946289,
-0.680064857006073,
2.1294431686401367
] |
['Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a new causative agent of chronic hepatitis in solid organ transplant recipients. Clinical studies suggest that the occurrence and persistence of chronic HEV infection are related to the immunological status of patients.', 'We used whole-genome microarray and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to compare the transcriptional profiles of whole blood from 8 kidney transplant recipients with chronic HEV infection and 8 matched kidney transplant recipients without HEV infection.', 'We found that 30 genes in HEV-infected patients were upregulated, compared with those in control patients, as determined by microarray analysis. In contrast, no genes were downregulated. The 30 upregulated genes included 25 interferon-stimulated genes. Increased expression of the genes that encode IFIT1, IFI44L, RSAD2, EPSTI1, and ISG15 was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Interestingly, the expression levels of these genes were associated with the persistence of HEV infection.'] Is chronic hepatitis E virus infection specifically associated with an interferon-related transcriptional program? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.325061559677124,
-1.104928970336914,
2.5933446884155273
] |
['Both brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and volume overload are reported to be powerful predictors of survival for peritoneal dialysis patients. The usefulness of single BNP determinations in helping determine volume status in peritoneal dialysis patients remains controversial, so we reviewed serial BNP and multifrequency bioimpedance measurements to determine whether changes in BNP reflected changes in volume status.', 'Prospective measurements of fluid volume by multifrequency bioimpedance and serum N-terminal pro-BNP (NTproBNP) were conducted in stable adult peritoneal dialysis outpatients attending for routine assessments of peritoneal dialysis adequacy and transport status.', 'A total of 189 serial measurements were made in 92 patients, and NTproBNP increased from a median of 162.5 pmol/l (interquartile range 82-385.4) to 195 pmol/l (interquartile range 101.9-348.6; p < 0.05). Changes in NTproBNP correlated with changes in extracellular water (ECW), total body water (TBW) and ECW/TBW (r = 0.38, 0.31 and 0.45, respectively; all p < 0.0001). Patients were divided into quartiles depending upon NTproBNP changes; those with the greatest fall in NTproBNP had significant falls in ECW (p < 0.001), TBW (p = 0.001) and ECW/TBW (p < 0.001) compared to the quartile with the greatest increase in NTproBNP, who also had an increase in systolic blood pressure from 133.5 ± 22.7 to 142.7 ± 28.8 mm Hg (p = 0.0078), whereas it fell in the quartile with the greatest fall in NTproBNP (143.8 ± 24.6 vs. 136.5 ± 18.7 mm Hg).'] Do changes in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide correlate with fluid volume changes assessed by bioimpedance in peritoneal dialysis patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.235904574394226,
-1.7516478300094604,
1.9909647703170776
] |
['Helicobacter pylori infection causes chronic oxidative stress on gastric mucosa, thereby causing mucosal damage and increasing the risk of gastric adenocarcinoma. Nrf2 is an important transcription factor, regulating the antioxidant response in the cells. Nrf2 signaling is repressed by Keap1 at basal condition and induced by oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to analyze whether the H. pylori proteins interfered in the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.', 'Gene expression in AGS cells transiently and stably transfected was analyzed by real-time PCR. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the ability of H. pylori proteins to interfere with the Nrf2 pathway.', 'We demonstrated that the H. pylori HspB protein interferes with Nrf2/Keap1 pathway. When HspB was transiently transfected in AGS cells, a significant increase in Keap1 gene expression was induced. The same result was observed when AGS cells were HspB stably transfected. In this case, the increase in Keap1 was associated with reduced gene expression of Nrf2, and of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, hemeoxygenase-1, and phase II detoxifying enzyme NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays confirmed the ability of HspB protein to interfere with the Nrf2 pathway. Lastly, in HspB-transfected AGS cells, sustained activation of IL-8, COX2, MMP3, and MMP7 was demonstrated.'] Does the Helicobacter pylori protein HspB interfere with Nrf2/Keap1 pathway altering the antioxidant response of Ags cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.457615375518799,
-1.2431166172027588,
2.75650691986084
] |
['The precise immunological mechanisms for the early clinical protection of venom immunotherapy (VIT) have not yet been explained. Our aim was to evaluate whether high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) and the related basophil function have a role in the induction of short-term VIT protection.', 'We included 60 adults and 48 children. Basophil threshold sensitivity (CD-sens) to anti-FcεRI stimulation, and FcεRI gene and cell-surface expression were assessed at the beginning and just before the first maintenance dose (MD) of 100 μg of ultra-rush VIT (day 5) and at the beginning, during buildup, and just before the first MD of 70 μg and of 100 μg of semi-rush VIT (weeks 1-2 and 5).', 'We demonstrated a significant reduction in CD-sens to anti-FcεRI stimulation before the first MD in both ultra-rush and semi-rush VIT in all included subjects. FcεRI gene and/or cell-surface expression was decreased in 34-100% of subjects, with different dynamics between VIT protocols.'] Does short-term venom immunotherapy induce desensitization of FcεRI-mediated basophil response? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.248945474624634,
-1.3740322589874268,
2.6502556800842285
] |
['The aim of this study was to explore the role of expectations in relation to patient-rated global treatment outcome in patients undergoing hip preservation surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).', 'Pre-operatively, 86 patients completed the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), a question about the motivation for undergoing surgery, and Likert-scales rating the improvement expected in various domains (pain, general function, sport, walking capacity, independence, social function, mental well-being). 12-months post-operatively, they rated the actual perceived improvement in each domain and the global outcome of surgery (GTO, 5-point Likert-scale: operation "helped a lot" through to "made things worse"), and completed the OHS again.', 'The most frequent "top reason" for surgery was "alleviation of pain", being indicated by 33% patients; 20% patients chose "fear of worsening", 16% "improvement in everyday activities", 11% "other therapies failed", 10% "improvement in sporting activities" and 10% other. The 12-month data revealed prior expectations had been overly optimistic in more than 50% patients for hip pain, sport, and general physical capacity, and in 33-45% patients for independence, mental well-being, and walking capacity. Multiple regression revealed significant (P<0.05) unique associations between GTO and "fulfilled expectations" for pain and sport (explaining 47% and 12% variance, respectively).'] Does fulfilment of patient-rated expectations predict the outcome of surgery for femoroacetabular impingement? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5855029821395874,
-0.5488464832305908,
1.259850025177002
] |
['Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major periodontopathogen that plays a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), a natural triterpenoid compound derived from licorice root extract, on P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular permeability, which is a hallmark of inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis.', 'The inhibitory effects of 18α-GA on endothelial permeability were determined by measuring in vivo and in vitro endothelial permeability. Endothelial cells were pretreated with 18α-GA before exposure to P. gingivalis LPS, and total RNA or proteins were extracted and analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or western blotting.', 'Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS-induced endothelial permeability was significantly inhibited by 18α-GA both in vivo and in vitro. 18α-GA reduces P. gingivalis LPS-induced gap formation of endothelial cells. Importantly, 18α-GA modulated the expression and secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a key inducer of vascular permeability, by downregulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). 18α-GA suppressed P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) kinase activation, IκBα phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB.'] Does glycyrrhetinic acid inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular permeability via the suppression of interleukin-8? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.483837604522705,
-1.3362867832183838,
2.8394765853881836
] |
['Obesity is associated with hypertension, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. Bariatric surgery significantly decreases weight and blood pressure (BP). Low plasma nitric oxide (NO) and raised asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of NO, concentrations are associated with both obesity and hypertension. Correlations between the changes in these parameters were studied after bariatric surgery.', 'Weight, BP, plasma ADMA and NO were measured in 29 obese patients (24 female, 5 male) before and six weeks after bariatric surgery.', 'Patients were 39.2 ± 1.2 (mean ± SEM) years old and weighed 126 ± 3 kg. Six weeks after the surgery, patients had lost 10 ± 0.7 kg (P < 0.0001) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) decreased by 11 ± 1.0 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The plasma ADMA concentration decreased by 24 ± 2% from 5 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.3 μmol/L (P < 0.0001). The plasma total nitrite concentration increased by 15 ± 1% from 51.4 ± 2.6 to 60 ± 3 μmol/L (P < 0.0001). The correlation between the decrease of ADMA and increase of NO subsequent to weight loss was significant (P < 0.0001). However, MAP was not correlated to the changes in ADMA or NO.'] Are improved blood pressure , nitric oxide and asymmetric dimethylarginine independent after bariatric surgery? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2397348880767822,
-1.600670576095581,
1.8451530933380127
] |
['To study the potential role for using serum biomarkers, including insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, antimüllerian hormone, and inhibin B, as correlates of intratesticular T (IT-T) concentrations in men.', 'Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.', 'University-based medical center.', 'Thirty-seven healthy men aged 18-50 years.', 'All men received the GnRH antagonist acyline, plus very low doses of hCG (0 IU, 15 IU, 60 IU, or 125 IU) SC every other day or 7.5 g T gel daily (75 mg delivered). The IT-T concentrations obtained by percutaneous testicular aspiration with simultaneous serum protein and steroid concentrations were measured at baseline and after 10 days of treatment.', 'Intratesticular and serum hormone and gonadotropin concentrations.', 'After 10 days of gonadotropin suppression, serum INSL3 decreased by more than 90% and correlated highly with IT-T concentrations. In contrast, serum inhibin B, antimüllerian hormone, and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone did not correlate with IT-T. Serum INSL3 increased with the dose of hCG administered and returned to baseline after treatment.'] Is serum insulin-like factor 3 highly correlated with intratesticular testosterone in normal men with acute , experimental gonadotropin deficiency stimulated with low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin : a randomized , controlled trial? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.384845018386841,
-1.2763278484344482,
2.7446200847625732
] |
['It has recently been shown that the lactation-induced inflammatory state in the liver of dairy cows is accompanied by activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which regulates the expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes and thereby protects tissues from inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The present study aimed to study whether the Nrf2 pathway is activated also in the liver of lactating sows.', 'Transcript levels of known Nrf2 target genes, UGT1A1 (encoding glucuronosyltransferase 1 family, polypeptide A1), HO-1 (encoding heme oxygenase 1), NQO1 (encoding NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1), GPX1 (encoding glutathione peroxidase), PRDX6 (encoding peroxiredoxin 6), TXNRD1 (encoding thioredoxin reductase 1), and SOD (encoding superoxide dismutase), in the liver are significantly elevated (between 1.7 and 3.1 fold) in lactating sows compared to non-lactating sows. The inflammatory state in the liver was evidenced by the finding that transcript levels of genes encoding acute phase proteins, namely haptoglobin (HP), fibrinogen γ (FGG), complement factor B (CFB), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), were significantly higher (2 to 8.7 fold) in lactating compared to non-lactating sows.'] Is the stress signalling pathway nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 activated in the liver of sows during lactation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.391827344894409,
-1.2567965984344482,
2.6643733978271484
] |
['Periventricular nodular heterotopia are common malformations of cortical development that are associated with many clinical syndromes and with many different neuroimaging phenotypes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific malformation phenotypes may be related to location, side, or number of PNH as assessed by MR imaging.', 'MR images of 200 patients previously diagnosed with PNH were retrospectively analyzed. PNH were classified according to their location along the ventricles (anterior, posterior, or diffuse), side (unilateral or bilateral), and number of nodules (<5, 6-10, or >10). The cerebrum, brain stem and cerebellum were analyzed to assess associated anomalies. Associations between PNH location and the presence of other anomalies were tested by using Fisher exact test and χ2 test.', 'Posterior PNH were significantly associated with malformations of the cerebral cortex, diminished white matter volume, and mid-/hindbrain anomalies. Diffuse PNH were associated with diminished white matter volume, callosal "anomalies," and the presence of megacisterna magna. Unilateral PNH were strongly associated with cortical malformations.'] Is location of periventricular nodular heterotopia related to the malformation phenotype on MRI? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4495339393615723,
-1.1767408847808838,
2.7552597522735596
] |
['Coordinated cell growth and development requires that cells regulate the expression of large sets of genes in an appropriate manner, and one of the most complex and metabolically demanding pathways that cells must manage is that of ribosome biogenesis. Ribosome biosynthesis depends upon the activity of hundreds of gene products, and it is subject to extensive regulation in response to changing cellular conditions. We previously described an unusual property of the genes that are involved in ribosome biogenesis in yeast; a significant fraction of the genes exist on the chromosomes as immediately adjacent gene pairs. The incidence of gene pairing can be as high as 24% in some species, and the gene pairs are found in all of the possible tandem, divergent, and convergent orientations.', 'We investigated co-regulated gene sets in S. cerevisiae beyond those related to ribosome biogenesis, and found that a number of these regulons, including those involved in DNA metabolism, heat shock, and the response to cellular stressors were also significantly enriched for adjacent gene pairs. We found that as a whole, adjacent gene pairs were more tightly co-regulated than unpaired genes, and that the specific gene pairing relationships that were most widely conserved across divergent fungal lineages were correlated with those genes that exhibited the highest levels of transcription. Finally, we investigated the gene positions of ribosome related genes across a widely divergent set of eukaryotes, and found a significant level of adjacent gene pairing well beyond yeast species.'] Is the adjacent positioning of co-regulated gene pairs widely conserved across eukaryotes? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.6140477657318115,
0.6846136450767517,
1.061916470527649
] |
['To test the hypothesis that the subset of patients with impaired renal function who are exposed to gadolinium-containing contrast agents (GCCAs) and develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) have a genetic predisposition for disease.', 'We examined whether an intronic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in caveolin-1 (CAV1 rs4730751) and 2 coding SNPs in transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFB1 rs1800471, codon 25; and rs1800470, codon 10) were associated with the NSF phenotype.', 'Forty-one patients with a history of chronic kidney disease and GCCA administration were studied, including NSF cases (n = 17) and control subjects (n = 24) without clinical or histological evidence of NSF. No significant differences in the genotype frequencies at these SNPs in TGFB1 and CAV1 were found between patients with NSF and subjects without NSF.'] Are fibrosis-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms in TGFB1 and CAV1 associated with the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3081085681915283,
-1.194016456604004,
2.5715057849884033
] |
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