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['For the purpose of colorectal cancer detection, we investigated fibrillin-2 (FBN2) methylation in the serum of colorectal cancer patients using quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (qMSP).', 'Out of 78 patients with colorectal cancer, 49 (63%) exhibited methylation of FBN2 in their tumor tissue DNA, suggesting that FBN2 methylation frequently exists in colorectal cancer. We next examined the methylation status of FBN2 in the serum DNA of patients with colorectal cancer. Out of 49 serum samples, four (8%) exhibited FBN2 methylation in their serum DNA by qMSP, suggesting that FBN2 methylation exists in the serum of colorectal cancer patients. After completion of qMSP analysis in all specimens, clinicopathological data were correlated with the molecular analysis findings. Interestingly, methylation of FBN2 was found in the serum DNA of male (p=0.0167) patients, and in those with hepatic metastasis (p<0.0001).'] Is fBN2 methylation detected in the serum of colorectal cancer patients with hepatic metastasis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8474228382110596,
-1.4111430644989014,
2.333380699157715
] |
['Past work has established that human glioblastomas and breast cancer cells invariably express the activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) and that loss of function of ATF5 caused massive apoptotic death of all cancer cell lines tested. ATF5 expression and function in pancreatic cancer cells have not been investigated.', 'Quantitative real-time/reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (QRT/RT-PCR), western blotting (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and promoter reporter assay were used for gene expression analysis. MTT [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay and FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) analysis were used to monitor cell viability/apoptosis.', 'ATF5 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer cells as compared with non-tumor tissues. Both paclitaxel treatment and loss of function of ATF5 elicited apoptosis of SW1990 cells. Interference with ATF5 function in SW1990 cells resulted in down-regulation of BCL-2 and up-regulation of BAX, resulting in enhanced sensitivity to apoptosis induced by paclitaxel treatment.'] Does interference with ATF5 function enhance the sensitivity of human pancreatic cancer cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4901485443115234,
-1.2327122688293457,
2.791728973388672
] |
['Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate-limiting enzyme in heme catabolism, is known to play a role in the protection of cells against oxidative stress, inflammation, anomalous proliferation and apoptosis. As yet, the role of HO-1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development and metastasis remains unclear and insufficient data are available regarding its impact on the prognosis of NSCLC patients.', 'Seventy NSCLC patients who underwent surgical resection were included in this HO-1 expression study and, concomitantly, clinical parameters were collected. Two lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549 and H441) were used to assess both invasive and migratory parameters in vitro.', 'NSCLC patients with a high HO-1 expression ratio (tumor tissue/normal tissue) (> 1) exhibited a significantly poorer prognosis and a higher metastatic rate compared to those with a low HO-1 expression ratio (p\u2009<\u20090.05). The invasive and migratory abilities of A549 and H441 cells significantly increased after exogenous HO-1 over-expression and significantly decreased after siRNA-mediated HO-1 expression silencing. HO-1 up- and down-regulation also positively correlated with the expression of metastasis-associated proteins EGFR, CD147 and MMP-9. In addition, we found that HO-1 expression can be inhibited by PI3K and AKT inhibitors, but not by MAPK inhibitors.'] Is high expression of heme oxygenase-1 associated with tumor invasiveness and poor clinical outcome in non-small cell lung cancer patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3839173316955566,
-1.2612831592559814,
2.715022563934326
] |
["Glycyrrhizin (GL) has been found to inhibit extracellular HMGB1 cytokine's activity, and protect spinal cord, liver and brain against I/R-induced injury in experimental animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effect of GL in rat myocardial I/R-induced injury and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.", 'Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent a 30-min left coronary artery occlusion followed by a 24-h reperfusion. The rats were treated with glycyrrhizin or glycyrrhizin plus recombinant HMGB1 after 30 min of ischemia and before reperfusion. Serum HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and hemodynamic parameters were measured at the onset and different time points of reperfusion. At the end of the experiment, the heart was excised, and the infarct size and histological changes were examined. The levels of Bcl2, Bax and cytochrome c, as well as phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-JNK and phospho-P38 in the heart tissue were evaluated using Western blot analysis, and myocardial caspase-3 activity was measured colorimetrically using BD pharmingen caspase 3 assay kit.', 'Intravenous administration of GL (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the infarct size, but did not change the hemodynamic parameters at different time points during reperfusion. GL significantly decreased the levels of serum HMGB1, TNF-α and IL-6. GL changed the distribution of Bax and cytochrome c expression between the mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions in the heart tissue, resulting in inhibition of myocardial apoptosis. Moreover, expression of phospho-JNK, but not ERK1/2 and P38 was decreased by GL in the heart tissue. All of the effects produced by GL treatment were reversed by co-administration with the recombinant HMGB1 (100 μg). Intravenous administration of SP600125, a selective phospho-JNK inhibitor (0.5 mg/kg), attenuated HMGB1-dependent Bax translocation and the subsequent apoptosis.'] Does glycyrrhizin protect rat heart against ischemia-reperfusion injury through blockade of HMGB1-dependent phospho-JNK/Bax pathway? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.277679920196533,
-1.4560139179229736,
2.72385835647583
] |
['Successful outcomes have been obtained by exploiting adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) in regenerative medicine. NADPH oxidase (NOX)-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to control stem cell self-renewal. Several high glucose (HG)-mediated effects depend on NOX-generated ROS. In this study, we investigated whether, and how mechanistically, HG concentrations control ASC fate in patients with diabetes.', 'ASCs from the visceral adipose tissue of non-diabetic (N-ASCs) and diabetic participants (D-ASCs), identified by surface markers, were counted and evaluated for ROS generation and stem cell properties. Their ability to release soluble factors was assessed by BioPlex analysis. To reproduce an in vitro diabetic glucose milieu, N-ASCs were cultured in HG (25 mmol/l) or normal glucose (NG) concentration (5 mmol/l), as control. ASC pluripotency was assessed by in vitro study. The p47(phox) NOX subunit, AKT and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4; also known as POU5F1) were knocked down by small-interfering RNA technology. Stem-cell features were evaluated by sphere cluster formation.', 'The ASC number was higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic controls. Production of OCT4 and NANOG, stem-cell-specific transcription factors, was upregulated in D-ASCs compared with N-ASCs. Moreover, we found that ROS production and AKT activation drove D-ASC, but not N-ASC, secretion. When N-ASCs were cultured in vitro in the presence of HG, they also expressed OCT4/NANOG and formed spheres. By knock-down of the p47(phox) NOX subunit, AKT and OCT4 we demonstrated that NOX-generated ROS and their downstream signals are crucial for HG-mediated ASC de-differentiation and proinflammatory cytokine production.'] Does a diabetic milieu promote OCT4 and NANOG production in human visceral-derived adipose stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.388009786605835,
-1.338966965675354,
2.704145669937134
] |
['To determine the long-term safety of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in eyes with plaque-irradiated posterior uveal melanoma.', 'In this retrospective case series, patients with plaque-irradiated posterior uveal melanoma subsequently underwent PPV for vitreous hemorrhage. The main outcome measures are the rates of intraocular melanoma dissemination, extrascleral extension of melanoma, local melanoma recurrence, and systemic melanoma metastasis after PPV.', 'Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients underwent PPV for vitreous hemorrhage after iodine 125-labeled plaque radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma. The mean interval between the onset of vitreous hemorrhage and PPV was 13 (median, 10; range, 0-52) months. The mean time from PPV to last follow-up was 5 (range, 0.5-16) years. There were no cases of intraocular melanoma dissemination or extrascleral extension of melanoma. One patient (2%) developed local choroidal melanoma recurrence (2 years after PPV and 5 years after initial plaque radiotherapy) and was successfully managed with transpupillary thermotherapy. Systemic melanoma metastasis occurred in 4 patients (9%) during a mean interval of 5 years after plaque radiotherapy. During follow-up, 43 patients (91%) were alive without systemic metastasis and 4 patients (9%) were alive with metastasis.'] Do safety of pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with plaque-irradiated posterior uveal melanoma? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.034775733947754,
-1.414592981338501,
2.481163740158081
] |
['We previously demonstrated that short-term treatment with a standardized kudzu extract (NPI-031) reduced alcohol drinking by men and women in a natural setting. The present study was conducted in nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers to assess the safety and efficacy of 4\xa0weeks of kudzu extract in an outpatient setting.', 'This randomized between-subject, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 2\xa0weeks of baseline, 4\xa0weeks of treatment, and 2\xa0weeks of follow-up. Seventeen men (21-33\xa0years) who reported drinking 27.6\u2009±\u20096.5 drinks/week with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse/dependence took either kudzu extract (250\xa0mg isoflavones, t.i.d.) or matched placebo on a daily basis. They reported alcohol consumption and desire to use alcohol using a wrist actigraphy device; twice weekly laboratory visits were scheduled to monitor medication adherence and adverse events.', 'Medication adherence was excellent and there were no adverse events and changes in vital signs, blood chemistry, and renal or liver function. There was no effect on alcohol craving, but kudzu extract significantly reduced the number of drinks consumed each week by 34-57\xa0%, reduced the number of heavy drinking days, and significantly increased the percent of days abstinent and the number of consecutive days of abstinence.'] Does a standardized kudzu extract ( NPI-031 ) reduce alcohol consumption in nontreatment-seeking male heavy drinkers? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2495853900909424,
-1.1233704090118408,
2.4229259490966797
] |
['Increased body mass index (BMI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with a greater burden of symptoms and poor perceptions of the benefits of exercise. In AS, the effect of obesity on disease characteristics and exercise perceptions is unknown. We evaluated the prevalence of obesity in AS, to assess the attitudes of patients toward exercise and to evaluate the effect of obesity on symptoms and disease activity.', "Demographic data and disease characteristics were collected from 46 patients with AS. Disease activity, symptomatology, and functional disability were examined using standard AS questionnaires. BMI was calculated. Comorbidity was analyzed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Patients' attitudes toward exercise were assessed using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). We compared the disease characteristics, perceptions regarding exercise, and functional limitations in those who were overweight to those who had a normal BMI.", 'The mean BMI in the group was 27.4; 67.5% of subjects were overweight or obese. There was a statistically significant difference between those who were overweight and those with a normal BMI regarding their perceptions of exercise (EBBS 124.7 vs 136.6, respectively), functional limitation (Bath AS Functional Index 4.7 vs 2.5, Health Assessment Questionnaire 0.88 vs 0.26), and disease activity (Bath AS Disease Activity Index 4.8 vs 2.9). There was no difference between the groups in terms of their comorbid conditions or other demographic variables.'] Is increased body mass index in ankylosing spondylitis associated with greater burden of symptoms and poor perceptions of the benefits of exercise? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9110387563705444,
-1.0208215713500977,
1.070246696472168
] |
['Comparative proteomics identified the plasma protein afamin as potential biomarker for ovarian cancer (OC). Significantly decreased afamin plasma concentrations in pre-therapeutic OC patients reconstituted to control values after successful tumor surgery. This study evaluates the association of afamin with survival and response to therapy in serous OC patients within the OVCAD consortium project.', 'We measured afamin in 215 pre-therapeutic plasma samples, 246 tumor lysates and 109 plasma samples taken 6months after finishing platinum-based chemotherapy. Differences in afamin plasma concentrations among FIGO stages were tested by Kruskal-Wallis test; association of afamin concentrations with overall and progression-free survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival plots and multivariate adjusted COX regression analysis.', 'Pre-therapeutic afamin correlated significantly with FIGO stages (p=0.012) and was lower in the presence of metastases (p=0.013) and poorly differentiated OC in patients responding to therapy (p=0.016). Afamin ≥48.0mg/L was also associated with a lower hazard ratio for recurrent disease as compared to afamin <48.0mg/L (p=0.007). Post-therapeutic afamin ≥48mg/L was positively correlated with overall (p<0.001) and progression-free (p=0.012) survival and was lower in non-responders than in responders (p=0.048). Thus, afamin returned post-therapeutically to values of healthy controls in responders (p<0.001) but not in non-responders (p=0.114). Afamin in tumor lysates was lower in poorly differentiated OC than in G 1+2 tumors (p=0.041). Higher afamin concentrations in tumor lysates were associated with increased overall survival (p=0.003).'] Are plasma concentrations of the vitamin E-binding protein afamin associated with overall and progression-free survival and platinum sensitivity in serous ovarian cancer -- a study by the OVCAD consortium? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7737492322921753,
-1.5359106063842773,
2.304839849472046
] |
['Genome-wide association studies of asthma have implicated many genetic risk factors, with well-replicated associations at approximately 10 loci that account for only a small proportion of the genetic risk.', 'We aimed to identify additional asthma risk loci by performing an extensive replication study of the results from the EVE Consortium meta-analysis.', 'We selected 3186 single nucleotide polymorphisms for replication based on the P values from the EVE Consortium meta-analysis. These single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped in ethnically diverse replication samples from 9 different studies, totaling 7202 cases, 6426 controls, and 507 case-parent trios. Association analyses were conducted within each participating study, and the resulting test statistics were combined in a meta-analysis.', 'Two novel associations were replicated in European Americans: rs1061477 in the KLK3 gene on chromosome 19 (combined odds ratio\xa0= 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.25) and rs9570077 (combined odds ratio\xa0=1.20; 95% CI, 1.12-1.29) on chromosome 13q21. We could not replicate any additional associations in the African Americans or Latinos.'] Does further replication studies of the EVE Consortium meta-analysis identify 2 asthma risk loci in European Americans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4150117635726929,
-0.6756402850151062,
1.1385548114776611
] |
['Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an effective treatment for patients with terminal chronic liver disease, despite the high incidence of biliary complications. The objective is to evaluate the results and long-term impact of biliary complications after THDV.', 'From 2000 to 2010, 70 right lobe LDLT were performed. Biliary complications (leakage and stenosis) of the 70 LDLT recipients were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.', 'A total of 39 patients (55.7%) had some type of biliary complication. Twenty nine presented a leak, and of these, 14 subsequently developed a stricture. In addition, 10 patients had a stenosis without prior leakage. The median time to onset of stenosis was almost a year. Patients with previous biliary leakage were more likely to develop stenosis (58% vs. 29.5% at 5 years, P=.05). With a median follow up of 80 months, 70.8% of patients were successfully treated by interventional radiology. After excluding early mortality, there were no differences in survival according to biliary complications. A decrease of biliary complications was observed in the last 35 patients compared with the first 35.'] Do [ The biliary complications in live donor liver transplant affect the long-term results ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.5434821844100952,
-1.1507153511047363,
1.6750919818878174
] |
['The objective of this study was to assess the predictive value of clinical and exercise test variables in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).', 'A customized symptom-limited ramp treadmill protocol was used to assess 725 PAD patients referred for exercise testing at the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital between 1997 and 2011. Detailed clinical and exercise test data were collected at baseline, and patients were followed up for a mean of 11.3 ± 6.3 years.', 'During follow-up, there were 364 deaths. Baseline exercise capacity was 7.0 ± 2.6 metabolic equivalents (METs) among survivors and 5.5 ± 2.4 METs in those who died (P < .001). Although several physiologic parameters differed between survivors and nonsurvivors, age-adjusted Cox regression revealed that exercise capacity was the strongest independent predictor of death. Each additional MET achieved was associated with age-adjusted 18% and 20% reductions in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively (P < .001 for both). This variable surpassed all classical risk factors (including smoking and history of congestive heart failure) and all measured exercise test responses (including symptoms and electrocardiograph abnormalities).'] Is exercise capacity the strongest predictor of mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7665401697158813,
-1.1674187183380127,
1.9809801578521729
] |
['Wildtype p53 and Smad4 are important suppressor genes in tumor genesis and development. The mutation in p53 gene is closely related to the early formation of breast cancer. In this research, we try to explore the status of Smad4 in breast cancer cell line MCF7 after knocking down p53.', "MCF-7 was bought from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) in incubator containing 5% CO2 at 37°C. In this study we apply to analytical methods such as growth ratio analysis in vitro, immunoblot analysis, flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis, RNA extraction and Real-Time PCR and data analysis.", 'The results indicated that specific down regulating of p53 can significantly increase the expression of Smad4 in cancer cell line MCF7 and promote cell apoptosis. In MCF7 cell line p53 gene is negatively related to Smad4 in great extent.'] Does down-regulated P53 by siRNA increase Smad4 's activity in promoting cell apoptosis in MCF-7 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.342785596847534,
-1.1869184970855713,
2.633709669113159
] |
['Frailty is a phenotype characterized by complex and challenging medical problems and higher susceptibility to adverse health outcomes. It can be derived at by a multidimensional process known as comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), which assesses the functional reserves of the elderly. In this study we report for the first time on a prospective evaluation of the association between CGA and postoperative complications after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for biliary disease.', 'Fifty-seven patients older than 65 years who were to undergo elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for uncomplicated biliary disease were prospectively examined. Preoperative CGA was performed and the patients were categorized as fit or frail. The main outcome of the study was the rate of any postoperative complication within 30 days of surgery.', 'There were 29 women (50.9 %) and the median (interquartile range) age of the cohort was 73 (8.8) years. Thirty-two patients (56.1 %) were categorized as frail and 25 (43.9 %) as fit. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 23.7 %, most of which were grade I and II (18.8 %). Frail patients, according to the CGA assessment, experienced a significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications compared to their fit counterparts (84.6 vs. 15.4 %, p = 0.023). Frail patients experienced a significantly higher frequency of prolonged (more than 2 days) postoperative hospital stay compared with their fit counterparts (p = 0.023).'] Does frailty predict outcome of elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in geriatric patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.1166702508926392,
-1.3612701892852783,
1.4239789247512817
] |
['The ideal management of cholelithiasis and common bile duct stones still is controversial. Although the two-stage sequential approach remains the prevalent management, several trials have concluded that the so-called laparoendoscopic rendezvous (LERV) technique offers some advantages, such as a reduced risk of post-ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) pancreatitis. This study aimed to compare the single-stage LERV technique with the two-stage endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.', 'A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LERV and the two-stage sequential approach was conducted. The outcomes considered were overall complications and pancreatitis. Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from 1998 to July 2012. Odds ratios (ORs) were extracted and pooled using a fixed or random-effect model depending on I (2) used as a heterogeneity measure.', 'Four RCTs, including a total of 430 patients, met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of overall complications was lower in the LERV group (11.2 %) than in the two-stage intervention group (18.1 %) (OR, 0.56; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.99; P = 0.04; I (2) = 45 %). The findings showed that LERV was associated with less clinical pancreatitis (2.4 %) than the two-stage technique (8.4 %) (OR, 0.33; 95 % CI, 0.12-0.91; P = 0.03; I (2) = 33 %).'] Does laparoendoscopic rendezvous reduce perioperative morbidity and risk of pancreatitis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8796638250350952,
-1.5949808359146118,
2.4740302562713623
] |
['Patients with significant comorbidities often are denied laparoscopic colorectal resections, because they are thought to be too "high-risk." This study was designed to examine the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic colorectal resections in high-risk colorectal cancer patients and to compare them with a similar cohort of patients undergoing open resections in the same time period.', 'This was a single-center, prospective, cohort study conducted at a high-volume, nonuniversity, tertiary care hospital. From a database of 616 patients submitted to elective colorectal surgery for cancer within a fast-track protocol (January 2005 to November 2011), 188 patients who met at least one minor (age >80 years and body mass index (BMI) >30 m/kg(2)) and one major (cardiac, pulmonary, renal or liver disease, diabetes mellitus) criterion were classified as high-risk. Differences in baseline characteristics, intraoperative outcomes, and short-term (30-day) postoperative outcomes, as well as the pathology findings and the readmission and reoperation rates, were compared between the open and laparoscopic cohorts in both high- and low-risk groups and between high- and low-risk groups.', 'During the study period, 68 high-risk patients underwent laparoscopic resections and 120 had open surgeries. A shorter length of postoperative stay (6 vs. 9 days, p < 0.0001) and fewer postoperative nonsurgical complications (4 % vs. 19 %, p = 0.003) were observed among the laparoscopic group. Postoperative major (p = 0.774) and minor complications (p = 0.3) and reoperations (p = 0.196) were similar between the two groups, and a significantly lower rate of mortality (1.5 vs. 7.5 %, p = 0.038) was observed in the laparoscopic group than in the open group.'] Does laparoscopic surgery improve postoperative outcomes in high-risk patients with colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.890311360359192,
-1.23439621925354,
2.152315139770508
] |
['Myostatin, a member of the TGFβ superfamily, is well known as a potent and specific negative regulator of muscle growth. Targeting the myostatin signalling pathway may offer promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of muscle-wasting disorders. In the last decade, various myostatin-binding proteins have been identified to be able to inhibit myostatin activity. One of these is GASP1 (Growth and Differentiation Factor-Associated Serum Protein-1), a protein containing a follistatin domain as well as multiple domains associated with protease inhibitors. Despite in vitro data, remarkably little is known about in vivo functions of Gasp1. To further address the role of GASP1 during mouse development and in adulthood, we generated a gain-of-function transgenic mouse model that overexpresses Gasp1 under transcriptional control of the human cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter/enhancer.', 'Overexpression of Gasp1 led to an increase in muscle mass observed not before day 15 of postnatal life. The surGasp1 transgenic mice did not display any other gross abnormality. Histological and morphometric analysis of surGasp1 rectus femoris muscles revealed an increase in myofiber size without a corresponding increase in myofiber number. Fiber-type distribution was unaltered. Interestingly, we do not detect a change in total fat mass and lean mass. These results differ from those for myostatin knockout mice, transgenic mice overexpressing the myostatin propeptide or follistatin which exhibit both muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia, and show minimal fat deposition.'] Does ubiquitous Gasp1 overexpression in mice lead mainly to a hypermuscular phenotype? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3962481021881104,
-1.2944227457046509,
2.7011096477508545
] |
['Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a molecular determinant regulating the extracellular matrix calcification. To further confirm whether the MGP genetic polymorphism was universally associated with the risk of kidney stone, we investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms of MGP with kidney stone in the Chinese Han population.', "728 subjects were recruited for the study. We firstly re-sequenced the human genomic MGP gene including the 1500 bp promoter, 5'-UTR, 4 exons and 3'-untranslated regions, identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MGP, and performed an association analysis with kidney stones in 54 subjects of the Chinese Han population. A candidate tag SNP was genotyped in total subjects using an allele specific PCR, and further analyzed the association with kidney stone.", 'We identified 18 polymorphisms including four tag SNPs. A tag SNPrs4236 was associated with kidney stones. The G allele carrier had a 1.373-fold reduced kidney stone risk compared with A allele carriers in SNPrs4236 (odds ratios (OR)=1.373; 95%CI, 1.051-1.793; p=0.019). However, we did not find an association between the polymorphism and clinical characteristics of kidney stones.'] Is a polymorphism of matrix Gla protein gene associated with kidney stone in the Chinese Han population? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7807713747024536,
-1.2648305892944336,
2.1168904304504395
] |
['We aimed to compare serum cystatin C levels (sCysC) in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) with a control group and to investigate whether it could be used as a predictor for acute kidney injury (AKI).', 'sCysC was measured in 62 neonates with RDS (n\u2009=\u200928) and control neonates without RDS (n\u2009=\u200934), whose gestational ages (GA) were between 27 and 29 weeks (subgroup 1) and 30-32 weeks (subgroup 2). AKI was defined as oliguria and/or increase of serum creatinine. Blood samples were obtained on postnatal days (PND) 3 and 30. sCysC levels were determined by particle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay.', 'There were six neonates with AKI (RDS-AKI subgroup) and 22 neonates without AKI (RDS-no AKI subgroup) during the first 7 days. Although sCysC levels were lower in neonates with RDS than controls on PND3 in both GA subgroups, the differences were not significant. However, in neonates with RDS and AKI, sCysC levels were significantly higher than neonates with RDS but no AKI and neonates in the control group on PND3. sCysC level was found to have a statistically significant association with AKI development in preterm neonates with RDS.'] Does serum cystatin C predict acute kidney injury in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9448109865188599,
-1.3355101346969604,
2.3467607498168945
] |
['Heparin-binding growth factor signaling is involved in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers. It can be regulated by sulfation of cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). SULF1 is a heparin-degrading endosulfatase which can modulate the sulfation of HSPGs.', 'The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of SULF1 in modulating proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by decreasing heparin-binding growth factor signaling.', 'We restored SULF1 expression in the ESCC cell line KYSE150, and examined the effects of SULF1 expression on the proliferation and invasion of KYSE150 cells. In addition, we investigated the expression of SULF1 in human ESCC tissues and analyzed the correlation of SULF1 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics of ESCC.', 'Our study shows that re-expression of SULF1 in ESCC cell line results in the downregulation of hepatocyte growth factor-mediated activation of MAPK pathways with a resultant decrease in cell invasiveness. Cell proliferation was also inhibited in SULF1-transfected KYSE150 cells. Immunohistochemical assays reveal that SULF1 is expressed in nearly half of the human ESCC tissues but not in normal esophageal epithelial cells. SULF1 expression in human ESCC tissues is negatively correlated with tumor size and tumor invasion.'] Does sULF1 inhibit proliferation and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by decreasing heparin-binding growth factor signaling? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3893191814422607,
-1.1341592073440552,
2.5428290367126465
] |
["Histopathologic differentiation between the stages of Barrett's carcinogenesis is often challenging. Liver-intestine (LI)-cadherin, an intestine-specific marker, is involved in intestinal metaplasia development in gastric and colon cancers and could be of value in diagnosis and differentiation.", "To examine the expression of LI-cadherin in the sequence of Barrett's carcinogenesis and to evaluate its association with clinicopathological data.", "LI-cadherin expression was immunohistologically investigated, by use of anti-CDH17 antibody, in gastric mucosa (GM) biopsies taken from the cardia (n\xa0=\xa09), in Barrett's esophagus (BE) without intraepithelial neoplasia (without IEN) (n\xa0=\xa09) and BE with low-grade IEN (n\xa0=\xa011), and in esophageal adenocarcinoma (ADC) (n\xa0=\xa013).", 'The immunoreactivity score was highest in adenocarcinoma (mean IRS\xa0=\xa04.0), and dropped gradually from BE with IEN and BE without IEN (mean IRS\xa0=\xa02.0) to cardia mucosa (IRS\xa0=\xa00). Similarly, the intensity of staining and the percentage of positive cells increased during the sequential stages of BE carcinogenesis. Comparative analysis showed that LI-cadherin expression was significantly different between cardiac epithelium and ADC. Also, percentage of positive cells in GM was significantly different from that in BE with IEN. LI-cadherin IRS was lower for tumors with poor differentiation than for moderately differentiated tumors, but the difference was not statistically significant.'] Is liver-intestine-cadherin a sensitive marker of intestinal differentiation during Barrett 's carcinogenesis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.0571513175964355,
-1.5254507064819336,
2.6161210536956787
] |
['Growth of the small intestine in the infant rat is promoted by crypt fission and later by increased crypt cell proliferation. Notch signaling could promote crypt fission. Hes-1 is a Notch target gene.', 'We assessed the effect of Notch signaling on intestinal crypt fission and on growth of the intestine in the infant rat.', "Hes-1 expression was determined in the small intestine of litters of Hooded Wistar rats aged between 3 and 72\xa0days. Hes-1 RNA expression was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Four groups of rats (n\xa0=\xa08 or 9) were injected daily, ip, either with vehicle or with the Notch inhibitor DAPT at doses of 3, 10, and 30\xa0mg/kg, from days 9 to 13 of life, and killed on day 14. A microdissection technique was used to measure crypt fission, mitotic count, and apoptotic count. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and by use of Dunnett's F test.", 'Hes-1 expression and crypt fission peaked on day 14. DAPT reduced Hes-1 immunostaining in proportion to dose. DAPT reduced villous area to 72\xa0% (p\xa0<\xa00.01), 53\xa0% (p\xa0<\xa00.001), and 38\xa0% (p\xa0<\xa00.001) of control values for 3, 10 and 30\xa0mg/kg doses, respectively, and reduced crypt fission to 53\xa0% (p\xa0<\xa00.001) and 38\xa0% (p\xa0<\xa00.001) of control values, respectively, for 10 and 30\xa0mg/kg doses. Crypt mitotic count was not affected by any DAPT dose. DAPT at 10 and 30\xa0mg/kg significantly increased apoptosis in crypts, by 6.5 and 4.8-fold, respectively.'] Does notch signaling promote intestinal crypt fission in the infant rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.9917953610420227,
-1.7313644886016846,
1.722360372543335
] |
['Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is widely used for treatment of a variety of human malignant solid and metastatic tumors, including esophageal cancer. However, the clinical effect of this drug is limited because of intrinsic and acquired resistance to it. Organic cation transporters (OCTs) are important in the cellular uptake of cisplatin.', 'Our objective was to test the hypothesis that cisplatin resistance is associated with alteration of expression of OCTs.', 'Levels of expression of OCTs in paired esophageal cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissues were examined by use of immunohistochemistry.', 'We found that OCT1 silencing impaired cisplatin-mediated apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. The level of OCT1 mRNA in cisplatin-resistant cells was markedly reduced compared with parental cells. Promoter methylation of OCT1 was induced in cisplatin-resistant cells.'] Does long-term cisplatin exposure promote methylation of the OCT1 gene in human esophageal cancer cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.568424940109253,
-1.0723297595977783,
2.743741989135742
] |
['A number of studies have found an increased risk of lower extremity injuries in obese patients. Most studies, however, are unable to provide stable population-based estimates based on the degree of obesity and few assess the risk pertaining to more detailed fracture location in the lower extremities.', 'We therefore investigated the relationship between obesity and lower extremity fractures in different age and fracture locations in a stable population.', 'This is a population-based, cross-sectional study from the electronic medical records of 913,178 patients aged 2 to 19\xa0years. The body mass index (BMI) for each patient in the cohort was used to stratify patients into five weight classes (underweight, normal weight, overweight, moderate obesity, and extreme obesity) based on BMI for age. Records were assessed for the occurrence of lower extremity fractures for each cohort member. The associations among the five weight classes and specific lower extremity fractures were estimated using multiple logistic regression models and expressed with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multivariate analysis to adjust for patient demographic variables.', 'Overweight, moderately obese, and extremely obese patients all had an increased OR of fractures of the foot (OR, 1.14, 1.23, and 1.42, respectively, with 95% CI, 1.04-1.24, 1.12-1.35, and 1.26-1.61, respectively) along with the ankle, knee, and leg (OR, 1.27, 1.28, and 1.51, respectively, with 95% CI, 1.16-1.39, 1.15-1.42, and 1.33-1.72, respectively). The association was strongest in the 6- to 11-year-old age group. We found no association between increasing BMI and increased risk of fractures of the femur and hip.'] Is childhood obesity associated with increased risk of most lower extremity fractures? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6036924123764038,
-0.9761360287666321,
1.6819736957550049
] |
['Parkin is recruited to defective mitochondria to promote degradation by an autophagy mechanism (mitophagy).', 'VDACs specifically interact with Parkin on defective mitochondria and are required for efficient targeting of Parkin to mitochondria and subsequent mitophagy.'] Do voltage-dependent anion channels ( VDACs ) recruit Parkin to defective mitochondria to promote mitochondrial autophagy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.559913158416748,
-0.6382452249526978,
2.2029356956481934
] |
['Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation increases energy consumption and may help in the treatment of obesity. Cold exposure is the main physiological stimulus for BAT thermogenesis and the sympathetic nervous system, which innervates BAT, is essential in this process. However, cold-induced BAT activation is impaired in obese humans. To explore the therapeutic potential of BAT, it is essential to determine whether pharmacological agents can activate BAT.', 'We aimed to determine whether BAT can be activated in lean and obese humans after acute administration of an orally bioavailable sympathomimetic. In a randomised, double-blinded, crossover trial, we administered 2.5 mg/kg of oral ephedrine to nine lean (BMI 22 ± 1 kg/m²) and nine obese (BMI 36 ± 1 kg/m²) young men. On a separate day, a placebo was administered to the same participants. BAT activity was assessed by measuring glucose uptake with [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging.', 'BAT activity was increased by ephedrine compared with placebo in the lean, but unchanged in the obese, participants. The change in BAT activity after ephedrine compared with placebo was negatively correlated with various indices of body fatness.'] Does ephedrine activate brown adipose tissue in lean but not obese humans? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.284351110458374,
-1.2775921821594238,
2.620785713195801
] |
['Surfactant deficiency is the pivotal abnormality in Neonatal and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Surfactant deactivation can produce hypoxemia, loss of lung compliance, and pulmonary edema, but its circulatory consequences are less understood.', 'To describe the sequential hemodynamic changes and pulmonary edema formation after surfactant deactivation in piglets.', 'Surfactant deactivation was induced by tracheal instillation of polysorbate 20 in 15 anesthetized and mechanically ventilated Large White piglets. The hemodynamic consequences of surfactant deactivation were assessed at 30, 120, and 240\xa0min by transpulmonary thermodilution and traditional methods.', 'Surfactant deactivation caused hypoxemia, reduced lung compliance, and progressively increased lung water content (P\xa0<\xa00.01). Early hypovolemia was observed, with reductions of the global end-diastolic volume and stroke volume (P\xa0<\xa00.05). Reduced cardiac output was observed at the end of the study (P\xa0<\xa00.05). Standard monitoring was unable to detect these early preload alterations. Surprisingly, the bronchoalveolar protein content was greatly increased at the end of the study compared with baseline levels (P\xa0<\xa00.01). This finding was inconsistent with the notion that the pulmonary edema induced by surfactant deactivation was exclusively caused by high surface tension.'] Does surfactant deactivation in a pediatric model induce hypovolemia and fluid shift to the extravascular lung compartment? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.407381057739258,
-1.3265726566314697,
2.7847256660461426
] |
['Thousands of common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are weakly associated with schizophrenia. It is likely that subsets of disease-associated SNPs are associated with distinct heritable disease-associated phenotypes. Therefore, we examined the shared genetic susceptibility modulating schizophrenia and brain volume.', 'Odds ratios for genome-wide SNP data were calculated in the sample collected by the Psychiatric Genome-wide Association Study Consortium (8690 schizophrenia patients and 11,831 control subjects, excluding subjects from the present study). These were used to calculate individual polygenic schizophrenia (risk) scores in an independent sample of 152 schizophrenia patients and 142 healthy control subjects with available structural magnetic resonance imaging scans.', 'In the entire group, the polygenic schizophrenia score was significantly associated with total brain volume (R2 = .048, p = 1.6 × 10(-4)) and white matter volume (R2 = .051, p = 8.6 × 10(-5)) equally in patients and control subjects. The number of (independent) SNPs that substantially influenced both disease risk and white matter (n = 2020) was much smaller than the entire set of SNPs that modulated disease status (n = 14,751). From the set of 2020 SNPs, a group of 186 SNPs showed most evidence for association with white matter volume and an explorative functional analysis showed that these SNPs were located in genes with neuronal functions.'] Do genetic schizophrenia risk variants jointly modulate total brain and white matter volume? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.44033682346344,
-0.8415913581848145,
1.2623496055603027
] |
['To assess the association between weight status and dental caries among 12-year-old Brazilian schoolchildren.', 'This cross-sectional study was carried out in Porto Alegre using a multistage probability sampling strategy to draw a representative sample of schoolchildren attending public and private schools. Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene habits, anthropometrics, and dental caries were collected. Overweight and obesity were defined according to WHO categories for BMI (body mass index)-for-age Z-scores. Survey Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between weight status and dental caries. Estimates were adjusted for gender, socioeconomic status, and brushing frequency. Prevalence ratios (PR), rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported.', 'One thousand five hundred and twenty-eight of 1837 eligible schoolchildren were examined. Prevalence of overweight and obesity were 22.15% (95% CI = 20.59-23.72) and 13.61% (95% CI = 11.44-15.78), respectively. Caries experience was observed in 55.23% (95% CI = 45.26-65.19) of children. Schoolchildren presented, on average, 1.39 (95% CI = 1.07-1.71) decayed, missing or filled teeth. No significant differences in caries experience or extent were observed among BMI groups. After adjusting for important cofactors, weight status was not associated with caries prevalence (overweight, PR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.89-1.10; obese, PR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.87-1.16) or caries extent (overweight, RR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.74-1.12; obese, RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.72-1.04).'] Are overweight and obesity associated with dental caries among 12-year-old South Brazilian schoolchildren? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.376971960067749,
-1.1680150032043457,
0.6570395231246948
] |
['Globally there are approximately 9 million new active tuberculosis cases and 1.4 million deaths annually. Effective antituberculosis treatment monitoring is difficult as there are no existing biomarkers of poor adherence or inadequate treatment earlier than 2 months after treatment initiation. Inadequate treatment leads to worsening disease, disease transmission and drug resistance.', 'To determine if blood transcriptional signatures change in response to antituberculosis treatment and could act as early biomarkers of a successful response.', 'Blood transcriptional profiles of untreated active tuberculosis patients in South Africa were analysed before, during (2 weeks and 2 months), at the end of (6 months) and after (12 months) antituberculosis treatment, and compared to individuals with latent tuberculosis. An active-tuberculosis transcriptional signature and a specific treatment-response transcriptional signature were derived. The specific treatment response transcriptional signature was tested in two independent cohorts. Two quantitative scoring algorithms were applied to measure the changes in the transcriptional response. The most significantly represented pathways were determined using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.', 'An active tuberculosis 664-transcript signature and a treatment specific 320-transcript signature significantly diminished after 2 weeks of treatment in all cohorts, and continued to diminish until 6 months. The transcriptional response to treatment could be individually measured in each patient.'] Are detectable changes in the blood transcriptome present after two weeks of antituberculosis therapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3874027729034424,
-0.9121047854423523,
2.428342342376709
] |
['Secreted factors from epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) have been implicated in the development of cardiomyocyte dysfunction. This study aimed to assess whether alterations in the secretory profile of EAT in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) affect contractile function and insulin action in cardiomyocytes.', 'Contractile function and insulin action were analyzed in primary adult rat cardiomyocytes incubated with conditioned media (CM) generated from explants of EAT biopsies obtained from patients without and with DM2. CM from subcutaneous and pericardial adipose tissue biopsies from the same patients served as the control. Cardiomyocytes treated with CM (EAT) from DM2 patients showed reductions in sarcomere shortening, cytosolic Ca(2+) fluxes, expression of sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum ATPase 2a, and decreased insulin-mediated Akt-Ser473-phosphorylation as compared with CM from the other groups. Profiling of the CM showed that activin A, angiopoietin-2, and CD14 selectively accumulated in CM-EAT-DM2 versus CM-EAT in patients without DM2 and CM from the other fat depots. Accordingly, EAT biopsies from DM2 patients were characterized by clusters of CD14-positive monocytes. Furthermore, SMAD2-phosphorylation, a downstream target of activin A signaling, was elevated in cardiomyocytes treated with CM (EAT) from DM2 patients, and the detrimental effects of CM (EAT) from DM2 patients were partially abolished in cardiomyocytes pretreated with a neutralizing antibody against activin A. Finally, both recombinant activin A and angiopoietin-2 reduced cardiomyocyte contractile function, but only activin A reduced the expression of sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticulum ATPase 2a.'] Do secretory products from epicardial adipose tissue of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus induce cardiomyocyte dysfunction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4099361896514893,
-1.3742215633392334,
2.8013246059417725
] |
['To explore the association between genetic polymorphisms of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) and susceptibility, chemotherapy response rate and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).', 'This is a prospective study in which 562 patients with NSCLC and 764 healthy controls were enrolled. Three RAGE genetic polymorphisms, namely, -429T/C, -374T/A and 82G/S were genotyped. Platinum-based chemotherapy was given to 432 subjects with advanced inoperable NSCLC and their responses to chemotherapy were evaluated.', 'All the polymorphic genotypes of RAGE polymorphisms were associated with susceptibility for NSCLC. Only the 82G/S polymorphisms denoted a significant difference between responders and non-responders to chemotherapy. The 82SS genotype and 82S allele distribution not only increased the NSCLC risk, but also was associated with a lower chemotherapy response rate and poor prognosis, indicated by overall survival and progression free survival.'] Are rAGE genetic polymorphisms associated with risk , chemotherapy response and prognosis in patients with advanced NSCLC? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2987024784088135,
-1.0954099893569946,
2.4272427558898926
] |
['Some alexithymic features are similar to negative symptoms of schizophrenia, while somatosensory amplification has been defined as an abnormal perceptual style that could be related to hallucinations and positive schizophrenic symptoms. This study analyzed whether both psychological constructs are related to the type of clinical symptoms and to the neuropsychological performance of patients with schizophrenia.', 'Thirty-seven patients with schizophrenia were assessed psychologically (20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Somatosensory Amplification Scale), clinically, and neuropsychologically and were compared with a control group of healthy subjects (n= 37).', 'No differences were found in alexithymia or somatosensory amplification between patients and controls and there was no relationship between the two psychological variables and the type of psychotic symptoms in the patient group. However, among patients with schizophrenia, somatosensory amplification was related to significantly better neuropsychological performance than that found in alexithymic subjects and in patients in general.'] Is somatosensory amplification in schizophrenia associated with preserved neuropsychological function? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.903887391090393,
-0.4359925091266632,
1.4909765720367432
] |
['Human congenital non-syndromic hydrocephalus is a vastly heterogeneous condition. A subgroup of cases are not secondary to a specific cause (eg, a neural tube defect), and within this subgroup, autosomal recessive inheritance has been described. One homozygous mutation in the DAPLE (Dvl-associating protein with a high frequency of leucine residues) protein-encoding gene CCDC88C (coiled-coil domain containing 88C) has recently been reported in a single family. The role of this gene has not been validated in another family, and no other autosomal recessive gene has been reported.', 'We used homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing in two families with primary, non-syndromic congenital hydrocephalus from two different ethnic backgrounds.', 'In each family, we identified a novel homozygous mutation of CCDC88C. One mutation produced a premature stop codon at position 312 of the protein, while the second mutation induced a frameshift in the last exon, producing a stop codon that truncated the extreme C-terminus of DAPLE, including the 2026-2028 Gly-Cys-Val motif known to bind the post synaptic density protein (PSD95), Drosophila disc large tumor suppressor (Dlg1), and zonula occludens-1 protein (zo-1) (PDZ) domain of Dishevelled.'] Do two novel CCDC88C mutations confirm the role of DAPLE in autosomal recessive congenital hydrocephalus? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4183380603790283,
-1.134613275527954,
2.603703498840332
] |
['The role of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis remains unclear.', 'We evaluated the role of TNF-α and NSMAF gene product factor associated with neutral sphingomyelinase activation, a protein adaptor of the TNF-α receptor-1, in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.', 'Mice deficient either for TNF-α or factor associated with neutral sphingomyelinase activation, as well as control animals, were fed a methionine and choline-deficient diet for 5 weeks. Liver histology, serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase levels were compared between groups.', 'Weight loss, decrease of serum triglyceride and glucose levels and increase of alanine aminotransferase levels were attenuated in TNF(-/-) mice. Similarly, we found a significantly lower lobular inflammation in TNF(-/-) mice. Liver expression of transforming growth factor-β, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ(1, 2) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 was attenuated in TNF(-/-) mice. In addition, the phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine liver ratio decrease was less important in TNF(-/-) mice. The increase in hepatic sphingomyelin and ceramide levels was less pronounced in TNF(-/-) animals.'] Is the pro-inflammatory action of tumour necrosis factor-α in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis independent of the NSMAF gene product? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4414827823638916,
-1.3317738771438599,
2.829529047012329
] |
['Optimal vitamin D status is known to have beneficial health effects and vitamin D supplements are commonly used. It has been suggested that vitamin D supplementation may increase blood lead in children and adults with previous lead exposure. The objective was to determine the safety regarding lead toxicity during 12 weeks of high-dose vitamin D3 supplementation in children and young adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).', 'Subjects with HIV (8-24 years) were randomized to vitamin D3 supplementation of 4000 or 7000 IU/day and followed at 6 and 12 weeks for changes in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25D) and whole-blood lead concentration. This was a secondary analysis of a larger study of vitamin D3 supplementation in children and adolescents with HIV.', 'In 44 subjects (75% African American), the baseline mean ± standard deviation serum 25D was 48.3±18.6 nmol/L. Fifty percent of subjects had baseline serum 25D <50.0 nmol/L. Serum 25D increased significantly with D3 supplementation during the 12 weeks. No subject had a whole-blood lead >5.0 μg/dL at baseline or during subsequent visits. Whole-blood lead and 25D were not correlated at baseline, and were negatively correlated after 12 weeks of supplementation (P=0.014). Whole-blood lead did not differ between those receiving 4000 and 7000 IU of vitamin D3.'] Is blood lead concentration altered by high-dose vitamin D supplementation in children and young adults with HIV? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.634300172328949,
-1.4030604362487793,
1.150407314300537
] |
["The aim of the study was to describe parents' experiences and the information used when making decisions about tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor (TNFαi) treatment.", 'We interviewed parents of children with Crohn disease (CD) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis who had experience deciding about TNFαi treatment. Interview questions focused on information used to make decisions and factors that influenced decision making. We used thematic analysis for all coding and analysis. Coding structure was developed by a multidisciplinary team review of the initial interviews. Two coders then coded the remaining interviews, compared coding, and resolved disagreements through discussion. Data were analyzed by thematic grouping and then compared between diseases.', "We interviewed 35 parents. For nearly all parents the decision about TNFαi treatment was the most challenging medical decision they had made; however, parents of children with CD experienced more stress and anxiety than did other parents. Both groups of parents sought information from multiple sources including health care providers, the Internet, and social contacts. They looked for information related to treatment effectiveness, adverse effects, and other individuals' treatment experiences. In CD, information was used to help make the decision, whereas in juvenile idiopathic arthritis it was used to confirm the decision."] Does parents ' information need in tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitor treatment decisions? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.195441246032715,
0.21732346713542938,
1.027339220046997
] |
['Prostate morphogenesis initiates in the urogenital sinus (UGS) with epithelial bud development. Sulfatase-1 (SULF1) inhibits bud development by reducing extracellular heparan sulfate (HS) 6-O sulfation and impairing FGF10 signaling by means of the ERK1/2 mitogen activated kinases.', 'We characterized the expression patterns of HS 6-O sulfation modifying enzymes in the developing prostate by in situ hybridization and showed that Sulf1 and Hs6st1 had overlapping but distinct expression domains. Notably, Hs6st1 was present while Sulf1 was excluded from the tips of elongating epithelial buds. This predicted relatively high HS 6-O sulfation at the tips of elongating epithelial buds that was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The pattern of Sulf1 expression in the peri-mesenchymal epithelium matched predicted locations of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Exogenous BMP4 and BMP7 induced Sulf1 expression in the UGS, decreased epithelial HS 6-O sulfation, and reduced ERK1/2 activation in response to FGF10.'] Do distinct expression patterns of Sulf1 and Hs6st1 spatially regulate heparan sulfate sulfation during prostate development? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.468127965927124,
-1.1622135639190674,
2.638165235519409
] |
['Balanced chromosomal rearrangements occasionally have strong phenotypic effects, which may be useful in understanding pathobiology. However, conventional strategies for characterising breakpoints are laborious and inaccurate. We present here a proband with a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and a balanced translocation t(10;11) (q23.2;q24.2). Our purpose was to sequence the chromosomal breaks in this family to reveal a novel candidate gene for aneurysm.', "Intracranial aneurysm (IA) and TAAs appear to run in the family in an autosomal dominant manner: After exploring the family history, we observed that the proband's two siblings both died from cerebral haemorrhage, and the proband's parent and parent's sibling died from aortic rupture. After application of a genome-wide paired-end DNA sequencing method for breakpoint mapping, we demonstrate that this translocation breaks intron 1 of a splicing isoform of Neurotrimin at 11q25 in a previously implicated candidate region for IAs and AAs (OMIM 612161)."] Does a balanced translocation truncate Neurotrimin in a family with intracranial and thoracic aortic aneurysm? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3706893920898438,
-1.3591787815093994,
2.82965087890625
] |
['To examine the predictive factors of capsule endoscopy (CE) completion rate (CECR) including the effect of inpatient and outpatient status.', 'We identified 355 consecutive patients who completed CE at Rush University Medical Center between March 2003 and October 2005. Subjects for CE had either nothing by mouth or clear liquids for the afternoon and evening of the day before the procedure. CE exams were reviewed by two physicians who were unaware of the study hypotheses. After retrospective analysis, 21 cases were excluded due to capsule malfunction, prior gastric surgery, endoscopic capsule placement or insufficient data. Of the remaining 334 exams [264 out-patient (OP), 70 in-patient (IP)], CE indications, findings, location of the patients [IP vs OP and intensive care unit (ICU) vs general medical floor (GMF)] and gastrointestinal transit times were analyzed. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS version 17 (Chicago, IL). Chi-square, t test or fisher exact-tests were used as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with incomplete CE exams.', 'The mean age for the entire study population was 54.7 years. Sixty-one percent of the study population was female, and gender was not different between IPs vs OPs (P = 0.07). The overall incomplete CECR was 14% in our study. Overt obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGB) was significantly more common for the IP CE (P = 0.0001), while abdominal pain and assessment of IBD were more frequent indications for the OP CE exams (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively). Occult OGB was the most common indication and arteriovenous malformations were the most common finding both in the IPs and OPs. The capsule did not enter the small bowel (SB) in 6/70 IPs and 8/264 OPs (P = 0.04). The capsule never reached the cecum in 31.4% (22/70) of IP vs 9.5% (25/ 264) of OP examinations (P < 0.001). The mean gastric transit time (GTT) was delayed in IPs compared to OPs, 98.5 ± 139.5 min vs 60.4 ± 92.6 min (P = 0.008). Minimal SB transit time was significantly prolonged in the IP compared to the OP setting [IP = 275.1 ± 111.6 min vs OP = 244.0 ± 104.3 min (P = 0.037)]. CECR was also significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with OGB who had OP vs IP exams (95% vs 80% respectively, P = 0.001). The proportion of patients with incomplete exams was higher in the ICU (n = 7/13, 54%) as compared to the GMF (n = 15/57, 26%) (P = 0.05). There was only a single permanent SB retention case which was secondary to a previously unknown SB stricture, and the remaining incomplete SB exams were due to slow transit. Medications which affect gastrointestinal system motility were tested both individually and also in aggregate in univariate analysis in hospitalized patients (ICU and GMF) and were not predictive of incomplete capsule passage (P > 0.05). Patient location (IP vs OP) and GTT were independent predictors of incomplete CE exams (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively).'] Does inpatient capsule endoscopy lead to frequent incomplete small bowel examinations? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2876085042953491,
-1.718401551246643,
1.985113263130188
] |
['To determine the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on intestinal permeability (IP) in mice with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), and the expression of tight junction proteins.', 'We selected D-lactate as an index of IP, induced FHF using D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine/TNF-α, assessed the results using an enzymatic-spectrophotometric method, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effect of the administration of anti-TNF-α immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, before the administration of D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide, on TNF-α was also assessed.', 'IP was significantly increased in the mouse model of FHF 6 h after injection (13.57 ± 1.70 mg/L, 13.02 ± 1.97 mg/L vs 3.76 ± 0.67 mg/L, P = 0.001). Electron microscopic analysis revealed tight junction (TJ) disruptions, epithelial cell swelling, and atrophy of intestinal villi. Expression of occludin and claudin-1 mRNA was significantly decreased in both FHF models (occludin: 0.57 ± 0.159 fold vs baseline, P = 0.000; claudin-1: 0.3067 ± 0.1291 fold vs baseline, P = 0.003), as were the distribution density of proteins in the intestinal mucosa and the levels of occludin and claudin-1 protein (occludin: 0.61 ± 0.0473 fold vs baseline, P = 0.000; claudin-1: 0.6633 ± 0.0328 fold vs baseline, P = 0.000). Prophylactic treatment with anti-TNF-α IgG antibody prevented changes in IP (4.50 ± 0.97 mg/L vs 3.76 ± 0.67 mg/L, P = 0.791), intestinal tissue ultrastructure, and the mRNA levels of occludin and claudin-1 expression (occludin: 0.8865 ± 0.0274 fold vs baseline, P = 0.505; claudin-1: 0.85 ± 0.1437 fold vs baseline, P = 0.1), and in the protein levels (occludin: 0.9467 ± 0.0285 fold vs baseline, P > 0.05; claudin-1: 0.9533 ± 0.0186 fold vs baseline, P = 0.148).'] Does tumor necrosis factor alpha increase intestinal permeability in mice with fulminant hepatic failure? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9523392915725708,
-1.5930864810943604,
2.5745158195495605
] |
['The WHO 2008 guidelines recommend that bone marrow (BM) slides for the morphological assessment of dysplasia should be made from freshly obtained BM specimens, and that specimens exposed to anticoagulants for more than two hours are unsatisfactory. However, BM aspirates may be exposed to excessive concentrations of anticoagulant, due to underfilling of the tube or inadequate mixing of the specimen. Here, we document the morphologic changes in BM smears resulting from exposure to excessive concentrations of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).', 'Subjects with normal morphology in BM smears without anticoagulant were studied. Smears without anticoagulant and smears made from BM stored in excessive EDTA for 2 h at room temperature were stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa, and cell morphology was evaluated microscopically. Neutrophil and megakaryocyte size were measured using a calibrated microscope eyepiece graticule.', 'Excessive EDTA concentrations induced progressive nuclear and cytoplasmic contraction with respective membrane damage, cell smudging and pyknotic nuclei. In the granulocytic and megakaryocytic series, hypolobated neutrophils, small neutrophils and micromegakaryocytes were increased in number. In erythroblasts, nuclear contour irregularities were induced, but in general, artifactual changes did not mimic dyserythropoiesis. With excessive EDTA concentrations, morphologic features of erythroblasts and megakaryocytes were obscured by nuclear and cytoplasmic contraction.'] Does excessive EDTA induce morphologic changes in bone marrow smears that mimic specific features of dysplasia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4853827953338623,
-1.3191909790039062,
2.9008378982543945
] |
['To further investigate the anti-colorectal carcinoma (CRC) effect of Sophoridine (SRI) which is a quinolizidine alkaloid extracted from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Sophora alopecuroides L. and detect the mechanism involved, provide some basis for the development of S. alopecuroides L.', 'The anti-proliferation of SRI in human colorectal cells SW480 were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. The potential mechanism of anti-proliferation was also investigated using apoptosis assays. The rate of apoptosis cells was detected also. The apoptosis-related proteins cysteinyl aspartate specific protease (caspase), caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, and poly-ADP-ribose-poly-merase (PARP) were determined by western blotting analysis. In animal studies, nude mice were subcutaneously injected with SW480 cells in the armpit to establish the xenograft tumors and administrated with different drugs (control, 5-Fu, SRI H, and SRI L). The general state of health of the mice and the growth of tumors were observed and the inhibitory rate was calculated. The pathology and ultrastructure of xenograft tumors treated with SRI were observed also.', "SRI significantly inhibited the growth of SW480 cells, and the administration of SRI significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors without apparent toxicity. SRI's mechanism of action involved the induction of apoptosis."] Does sophoridine exert an anti-colorectal carcinoma effect through apoptosis induction in vitro and in vivo? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.476531744003296,
-1.3221768140792847,
2.859513759613037
] |
["The apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype in response to pharmacological treatments in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains a matter of controversy. This analysis investigated the effect of the APOE genotype on the clinical response to rivastigmine transdermal patch monotherapy or memantine plus rivastigmine patch in patients with mild to moderate AD.", 'Two hundred and six (n = 206) patients with probable AD and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores of 10-20 were randomized to rivastigmine patch monotherapy or memantine plus rivastigmine patch for 24 weeks. Of the 206 patients with probable AD, 146 patients who consented to genetic testing for APOE were included and assessed for this subgroup study.', 'There were no significant differences on MMSE, NPI, ADAS-cog, ADCS-ADL, CDR-SB, NPI and FAB between rivastigmine patch monotherapy and memantine plus rivastigmine patch according to the APOE genotype. However, patients with moderately severe AD (MMSE ≤15) who were APOE ε4 carriers showed higher responder rates on ADCS-ADL with memantine plus rivastigmine patch compared to rivastigmine patch monotherapy.'] Is response to rivastigmine transdermal patch or memantine plus rivastigmine patch affected by apolipoprotein E genotype in Alzheimer patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1927683353424072,
-1.4061717987060547,
2.6524384021759033
] |
['Locally-active growth factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases in which organ fibrosis is a characteristic feature. In the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD), two such pro-fibrotic factors, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) have emerged as lead potential targets for intervention. Given the incomplete organ protection afforded by blocking the actions of TGF-β or PDGF individually, we sought to determine whether an agent that inhibited the actions of both may have broader effects in ameliorating the key structural and functional abnormalities of CKD.', 'Accordingly, we studied the effects of a recently described, small molecule anti-fibrotic drug, 3-methoxy-4-propargyloxycinnamoyl anthranilate (FT011, Fibrotech Therapeutics, Australia), which should have these effects.', 'In the in vitro setting, FT011 inhibited both TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB induced collagen production as well as PDGF-BB-mediated mesangial proliferation. Consistent with these in vitro actions, when studied in a robust model of non-diabetic kidney disease, the 5/6 nephrectomised rat, FT011 attenuated the decline in GFR, proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis (p<0.05 for all). Similarly, in the streptozotocin-diabetic Ren-2 rat, a model of advanced diabetic nephropathy, FT011 reduced albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.'] Does a purpose-synthesised anti-fibrotic agent attenuate experimental kidney diseases in the rat? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4352686405181885,
-1.3152155876159668,
2.8039708137512207
] |
['Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) was shown to reduce P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression and activity in several tissues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of IFN-α pretreatment on the antitumoral and antimetastatic, Docetaxel (DTX, P-gp substrate), on Lewis Lung Cancer (3LL) bearing mice and to correlate it to DTX pharmacokinetics.', 'Six groups of C57/Bl6 mice received subcutaneous (s.c.) 2.10(6) 3LL cells, then IFN-α 4MIU/kg for 7days, then received or did not receive i.v. or oral DTX (30mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic studies were done on a part of the mice: DTX concentrations were assessed in plasma and tumors, where AUC were estimated with the Bailer method, and half-lives and MRT were determined with a non-compartmental analysis. Tumor growth was assessed more than 21days: animals were then sacrificed and lung metastases number was counted. Kaplan-Meier analysis was made to analyze survival data during the survey period.', 'DTX i.v. associated with IFN-α significantly improved mouse survival (19.6±0.6days vs. 17.1±0.8days for control mice, p=0.047) with greater antimetastatic effects (87.5% reduction in the number of metastases compared to control mice). The effect on tumor growth was not modified within the IFN-α/DTX i.v. treated groups when compared to mice receiving DTX i.v. alone. The pharmacokinetic analysis showed an increase of DTX concentrations in tumors at 30min after DTX i.v. administration and an increase in the oral bioavailability of orally given DTX following an IFN-α treatment.'] Does interferon-alpha improve docetaxel antitumoral and antimetastatic efficiency in Lewis lung carcinoma bearing mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9321675300598145,
-1.572953224182129,
2.4935989379882812
] |
['Fluticasone furoate (FF) is an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) with 24-hour activity in development as a once-daily treatment for the long-term management of asthma.', 'To assess the efficacy and safety of 4 doses of once-daily FF administered using a dry powder inhaler in patients (≥12 years) with moderate asthma, uncontrolled on low-dose ICS (fluticasone propionate [FP] 200 μg/day or equivalent).', 'This double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study randomized 622 patients to 1 of 6 treatments: FF (100, 200, 300, or 400 μg) once daily in the evening, FP 250 μg twice daily (active control), or placebo for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in predose evening forced expiratory colume in 1 second (FEV1) at week 8.', 'At week 8, relative to placebo, all doses of FF once daily and FP twice daily demonstrated significantly (P < .001) greater increases from baseline and greater than 200-mL increases in predose FEV1. There was no evidence of a dose-response relationship between FF doses. Improvement with once-daily FF was similar to or greater than that for twice-daily FP. Secondary efficacy endpoint findings generally supported the efficacy of FF 100 to 400 μg once daily, although statistically significant improvements versus placebo in symptom-free 24-hour periods were only reported for FF 400 μg. There were few withdrawals due to lack of efficacy. Oral candidiasis was reported in 0 to 4% of patients; 24-hour urinary cortisol excretion ratios were similar across active treatment groups and not significantly different from placebo.'] Is once-daily fluticasone furoate efficacious in patients with symptomatic asthma on low-dose inhaled corticosteroids? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6915065050125122,
-1.600661039352417,
2.319399356842041
] |
['We showed previously that the acute effect of ethanol on intestinal immunoglobulin A (IgA) expression might be mediated by endogenous nitric oxide (NO). To extend these findings, this study was designed to investigate a possible role of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in the observed phenomenon, using 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a selective inhibitor of its activity.', 'Adult male Wistar rats were treated with: (a) ethanol (4\xa0g/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.), (b) 7-NI (25\xa0mg/kg, i.p.) followed by ethanol (4\xa0g/kg, i.p.) 30\xa0min later and (c) 7-NI (25\xa0mg/kg, i.p.) followed by saline 30\xa0min later. Untreated rats were used as controls. The concentrations of serum and intestinal IgA were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while the expression of nNOS was determined using western blot and immunohistochemistry.', 'Acute ethanol treatment significantly increased the concentration of IgA in the ileal extracts, whereas it decreased its serum level. Inhibition of nNOS activity by 7-NI abolished this action of alcohol on IgA. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that the acute alcohol administration induced an increase in the expression of intestinal nNOS. Furthermore, nNOS-immunoreactive cells, observed within the lamina propria of small intestine, were numerous in ethanol-treated rats.'] Does neuronal nitric oxide synthase mediate the effect of ethanol on IgA? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.351142168045044,
-1.3963226079940796,
2.7931933403015137
] |
['The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of irinotecan monotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (APC).', 'Patients with APC refractory to gemcitabine and S-1 were included. Irinotecan (100 mg/m(2)) was administered on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity was observed. The relationship between uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1 family polypeptide A1 gene (UGT1A1) polymorphisms and clinical outcomes was evaluated.', 'Between January 2007 and December 2011, 231 cycles were delivered in 56 patients. Irinotecan was administered as second-line chemotherapy in 35.7% of patients and as third-line chemotherapy or later in 64.3%. A partial response was achieved in two (3.6%) and stable disease in 23 patients (41.0%), giving a disease control rate of 44.6%. The median time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were 2.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-3.5) months and 5.3 (95% CI 4.5-6.8) months, respectively. Median survival from the first-line chemotherapy was 19.5 (95% CI 15.3-23.8) months. Major grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (28.6%), anemia (12.5%), and anorexia (10.7%). Patients with *6 and/or *28 allele(s) (n = 15) were associated with grade 3/4 neutropenia and anorexia but showed longer TTP (5.3 vs. 1.8 months; p = 0.05), and OS (8.0 vs. 4.8 months; p = 0.09) than those without *6 and/or *28 (n = 29).'] Are uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1 family polypeptide A1 gene ( UGT1A1 ) polymorphisms associated with toxicity and efficacy in irinotecan monotherapy for refractory pancreatic cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7608519792556763,
-1.6139702796936035,
2.3439083099365234
] |
["General practitioners have a key role in updating their patients' medication. Poor communication regarding patients' drug use may easily occur when patients cross health care levels. We wanted to explore whether such inadequate communication leads to errors in patients' medication on admission, during hospital stay, and after discharge, and whether these errors were potentially harmful.", 'Exploratory case study of 30 patients.', 'General practices in central Norway and medical ward of Innlandet Hospital Trust Gjøvik, Norway.', '30 patients urgently admitted to the medical ward, and using three or more drugs on admission.', "Discrepancies between the patients' actual drugs taken and what was recorded on admission to hospital, during hospitalization, at discharge, and five weeks after hospital stay. The discrepancies were grouped according to the NCC Merp Index for Categorizing Medication Errors to assess their potential harm.", 'The 30 patients used a total of 250 drugs, and 50 medication errors were found, affecting 18 of the patients; 27 errors were potentially harmful, according to NCC Merp Index: 23 in category E, four in category F. Half of the errors originated from an incomplete medication list in the referral letter.'] Does poor communication on patients ' medication across health care levels lead to potentially harmful medication errors? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.4787813425064087,
0.5728567242622375,
-0.03427668660879135
] |
['Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 produced in airway epithelia has been suggested as a contributor to the airway remodeling observed in asthma patients. The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is a demonstrable modulator of TGF-β1 production and thus a potential regulator of airway remodeling.', 'To define the signal event by which SHP2 regulates asthmatic responses in airway epithelial cells by using a mouse model of experimental OVA-induced airway remodeling.', 'The airways of Shp2(flox/flox) mice were infected with recombinant adenovirus vectors expressing a Cre recombinase-green fluorescence protein (GFP) fusion protein as part of allergen provocation studies using mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and repeatedly challenged with OVA. Several endpoint pathologies were assessed, including airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), lung inflammatory score, peribronchial collagen deposition, and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) hyperplasia. In vitro studies using airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were used to investigate the role of SHP2 in the regulation of pulmonary remodeling events, including the expression of collagen, α-SMA, and TGF-β1.', 'Chronic OVA challenges in wild-type mice resulted in airway remodeling and lung dysfunction (e.g., increased inflammatory scores, collagen deposition (fibrosis), smooth muscle hyperplasia, and a significant increase in AHR). These endpoint pathology metrics were each significantly attenuated by conditional shp2\xa0gene knockdown in airway epithelia. In vitro studies using BEAS-2B cells also demonstrated that the level of TGF-β1 production by these cells correlated with the extent of shp2 gene expression.'] Does protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 regulate TGF-β1 production in airway epithelia and asthmatic airway remodeling in mice? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5157406330108643,
-1.2720592021942139,
2.801480531692505
] |
['Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced apoptotic cell death, which is an important pathogenic factor of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to explore the role of the PERK-eIF2 pathway in CSE-induced human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cell apoptosis and to evaluate the protective effects and possible mechanism of salubrinal (Sal) on CSE-induced HBE cell apoptosis.', 'Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEpC) were cultured and then treated with CSE alone or together with Sal or preincubated with or without PERK siRNA. Expressions of p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, and caspase 3 and 4 were detected with PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was detected using AnnexinV-PI flow cytometry.', 'CSE induced apoptotic cell death and caused a dynamic change in PERK-eIF2α pathway activity following the course of CSE exposure. The knockdown of PERK suppressed the expression of both PERK and p-eIF2a and caused a great increase in cell apoptosis. Sal could eliminate the effects of PERK knockdown, protecting the cells against the CSE insult, and this protection was accomplished through maintaining the homeostasis of PERK- eIF2α pathway.'] Does salubrinal protect against cigarette smoke extract-induced HBEpC apoptosis likely via regulating the activity of PERK-eIF2α signaling pathway? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.549450635910034,
-1.253132939338684,
2.814117670059204
] |
['Atherosclerosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the arteries and is thought to be one of the most common causes of death globally. In recent years, the functions of adventitial fibroblasts in the development of atherosclerosis and tissue repair have gained increased interests. LPS can increase the morbidity and mortality of atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular disease. Although LPS increases neointimal via TLR4 activation has been reported, how LPS augments atherogenesis through acting on adventitial fibroblasts is still unknown. Here we explored lipid deposition within adventitial fibroblasts mediated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to imitate inflammatory conditions.', 'In our study, LPS enhanced lipid deposition by the up-regulated expression of adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) as the silencing of ADRP abrogated lipid deposition in LPS-activated adventitial fibroblasts. In addition, pre-treatment with anti-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antibody diminished the LPS-induced lipid deposition and ADRP expression. Moreover, LPS induced translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), which could markedly up-regulate lipid deposition as pre-treatment with the NF-κB inhibitor, PDTC, significantly reduced lipid droplets. In addition, the lowering lipid accumulation was accompanied with the decreased ADRP expression. Furthermore, LPS-induced adventitial fibroblasts secreted more monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), compared with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1).'] Does lipopolysaccharide promote lipid accumulation in human adventitial fibroblasts via TLR4-NF-κB pathway? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.462616205215454,
-1.3284354209899902,
2.823624849319458
] |
['We assessed the frequency and relatedness of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates to determine whether healthcare workers, the environment, or admitted patients could be a reservoir for MRSA on a burn trauma unit (BTU). We also assessed risk factors for MRSA colonization among BTU patients.', 'Prospective cohort study and surveillance for MRSA carriage.', 'BTU of a Midwestern academic medical center.', 'Patients admitted to a BTU from February 2009 through January 2010 and healthcare workers on this unit during the same time period.', "Samples for MRSA culture were collected on admission from the nares and wounds of all BTU patients. We also had collected culture samples from the throat, axilla, antecubital fossa, groin, and perianal area of 12 patients per month. Samples collected from healthcare workers' nares and from environmental sites were cultured quarterly. MRSA isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.", 'Of 144 patients, 24 (17%) carried MRSA in their nares on admission. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.25-24.30), admission for necrotizing fasciitis (OR, 7.66; 95% CI, 1.64-35.81), and MRSA colonization of a site other than the nares (OR, 23.40; 95% CI, 6.93-79.01) were independent predictors of MRSA nasal carriage. Cultures of samples collected from 4 healthcare workers and 4 environmental cultures had positive results. Two patients were colonized with strains that were indistinguishable from strains collected from a healthcare worker or the environment.'] Do the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on a burn trauma unit? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8871593475341797,
-1.171280860900879,
2.1320996284484863
] |
['Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is a common and serious clinical condition. Lactoferrin (Lf) has displayed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in protecting the intestinal mucosa. The objective of this study was to investigate whether oral administration of Lf could attenuate I/R-induced intestinal injury.', 'The experimental design consisted of three groups of Wistar rats (24 per group): sham operation, control (I/R, saline), Lf (I/R, Lf). Intestinal I/R was produced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 45 min. Eight rats from each group were randomly sacrificed 3, 12 or 36 h after reperfusion, and blood and intestinal samples were collected.', 'Intestinal I/R resulted in gut damage evidenced by morphological alteration, reduction of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GGT) activity and increased cell apoptosis. Daily administration of Lf (200 mg/kg) for 14 days before surgery significantly attenuated gut damage by reducing the histologic score and apoptosis index, and restoring intestinal γ-GGT activity. Lf reduced intestinal malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase, restored glutathione and decreased serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 compared with saline control in I/R rats. In addition, oral administration of Lf did not produce any significant effects in healthy rats; Lf at doses of 50 or 100 mg/kg also attenuated I/R-induced gut damage, but administration of Lf for 7 days did not exert a significant protective effect against I/R-induced gut damage.'] Does oral administration of lactoferrin attenuate intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.015406847000122,
-1.4846822023391724,
2.5155813694000244
] |
['To determine whether the pattern of progressive disease (PD) for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients has changed with the introduction of the current standard of care protocol - postoperative conformal radiotherapy to a dose of 60 Gray in 30 fractions with concurrent low-dose (75-100\u2009mg/m(2) ) temozolomide, followed by six cycles of adjuvant high-dose (150-200\u2009mg/m(2) ) temozolomide - as compared with radiotherapy alone.', "For GBM patients commencing combined modality treatment between October 2005 and August 2009, the MRI scan confirming progression (if any) was co-registered with the original planning CT scan, and progression site(s) marked. Coverage of the composite progression volume (PDvol) by the original 95% prescription isodose volume was obtained from dose-volume histogram (DVH) data, and assigned as 'central', 'in field', 'marginal' and 'out of field', corresponding to >95%, >80%, 20-80% and <20% coverage.", 'Of 68 consecutive patients identified, 54 (79.4%) had documented PD. Of the 47 (87%) evaluable patients, 43 (91%) had in field progression with 36 (77%) of these being central. Of the remaining four cases, three (6%) had marginal progression, and only one patient (2%) had out of field progression. Median overall and progression-free survival were 11.6 and 6.6\u2009months, respectively.'] Does the addition of temozolomide change the pattern of progression of glioblastoma multiforme post-radiotherapy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.4647611379623413,
-1.7127954959869385,
2.2189736366271973
] |
['Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has been demonstrated to be expressed in prostate carcinoma cells and estrogen signals through ERβ to act as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer patients. ERβ is thought to regulate the cell cycle of prostate carcinoma cells by controlling the expression of cell cycle regulators including cyclin D1 (CCND1). This interaction is of particular interest as CCND1 has been implicated in the development of prostate cancer.', 'We evaluated ERβ and CCND1 immunoreactivity in human prostate cancer (n\u2009=\u2009112, surgical specimens), and correlated the findings with clinicopathological features of the patients. Subsequent in vitro experiments using PC-3 prostate carcinoma cells were also performed to examine whether estradiol (E2) could change the expression level of CCND1 mRNA.', 'CCND1 immunoreactivity was detected in 78/112 cases (70%), and was significantly correlated with incidence of perineural invasion and ERβ immunoreactivity (P\u2009<\u20090.05). Forty-eight hours incubation with E2 (10\u2009nM) increased the expression level of CCND1 mRNA as well as c-jun (JUN) and c-fos (FOS) in PC-3 cells, and PHTPP (ERβ antagonist) suppressed E2 -induced expression of those mRNAs.'] Is cyclin D1 ( CCND1 ) expression involved in estrogen receptor beta ( ERβ ) in human prostate cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2769453525543213,
-1.3702304363250732,
2.6490230560302734
] |
['Previous research has demonstrated that ground reaction force (GRF) recorded during eccentric ankle exercise is characterized by greater power in the 8- to 12-Hz bandwidth when compared with that recorded during concentric ankle exercise. Subsequently, it was suggested that vibrations in this bandwidth may underpin the beneficial effect of eccentric loading in tendon repair. However, this observation has been made only in individuals without Achilles tendinopathy. This research compared the force frequency characteristics of eccentric and concentric exercises in individuals with and without Achilles tendinopathy.', 'Eleven male adults with unilateral midportion Achilles tendinopathy and nine control male adults without tendinopathy participated in the research. Kinematics and GRF were recorded while the participants performed a common eccentric rehabilitation exercise protocol and a concentric equivalent. Ankle joint kinematics and the frequency power spectrum of the resultant GRF were calculated.', 'Eccentric exercise was characterized by a significantly greater proportion of spectral power between 4.5 and 11.5 Hz when compared with concentric exercise. There were no significant differences between limbs in the force frequency characteristics of concentric exercise. Eccentric exercise, in contrast, was defined by a shift in the power spectrum of the symptomatic limb, resulting in a second spectral peak at 9 Hz, rather than 10 Hz in the control limb.'] Does achilles tendinopathy modulate force frequency characteristics of eccentric exercise? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.299429178237915,
0.015864169225096703,
1.340234637260437
] |
['Although a more favorable course of multiple sclerosis is associated with a low degree of cortical pathology, only longitudinal studies could definitely confirm this association.', 'We followed 95 early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS; median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) = 1.5, mean disease duration = 3.1 ± 1.3 years) and 45 benign MS patients (EDSS ≤ 3.0, disease duration ≥ 15 years, normal cognition) for 6 years, with EDSS evaluations every 6 months and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and then yearly.', 'At baseline, we detected 406 cortical lesions (CLs) in 67/95 (70.5%) early RRMS and in 24/45 (53.3%) benign MS patients (p = 0.046). After 6 years, the appearance of new CLs was observed in 80/95 (84.2%; 518 CLs) of our early RRMS and in 25/45 (55.5%; 63 CLs; p < 0.001) benign MS patients. At baseline, after corrections for age and disease duration, we observed a cortical thinning of several frontal and temporal regions in our RRMS study patients, compared to the benign MS patients (p ranging between 0.001-0.05). After 6 years, the cortical thinning had increased significantly in several cortices of RRMS patients, but only in the occipital-temporal (p = 0.036) and superior parietal gyrus (p = 0.035) of those with benign MS. Stepwise regression analysis revealed the CL volume (p = 0.006) and the cortical thickness of the temporal middle (p < 0.001), insular long (p < 0.001), superior frontal (p < 0.001) and middle frontal gyri (p < 0.001) as the most sensitive independent predictors of a favorable disease course.'] Is low degree of cortical pathology associated with benign course of multiple sclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.83986496925354,
-1.4428393840789795,
2.3601174354553223
] |
['To assess the views of psychotherapists regarding management of treatment errors by reviewing and analyzing interviews with therapists.', 'A literature search was used to identify topics for the interview guide. Semi-structured interviews with 30 psychotherapists were conducted and analyzed according to qualitative content analysis, a framework approach.', 'Psychotherapists report an open approach to handling treatment errors: the majority claim that they would discuss errors with their patients. Experiences with error disclosure were on the whole rather positive. Errors of colleagues would be discussed in a supervisory way or, in more serious cases, be reported.'] Do [ A pilot study for handling errors in psychotherapy - therapists report from practical experience ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.636842966079712,
2.2285096645355225,
-0.2959860563278198
] |
['We aimed to describe the relationship between early peripheral leukocyte apoptosis and incidence of subsequent infection in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock (T/HS).', 'T/HS patients requiring emergency surgery were prospectively enrolled. Nucleosome ELISA and TUNEL staining were performed on peripheral blood drawn pre-operatively, post-operatively and at 24 h. Subjects were followed for 30 days or until death or hospital discharge to record all episodes of infection.', 'Forty-one subjects were enrolled. Six died within 24 h of surgery and were not included in the analysis. Nucleosome levels peaked post-operatively and dropped to baseline levels at 24 h (p = 0.03). TUNEL analysis revealed that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) accounted for 72% of apoptotic leukocytes; the remaining apoptotic cells were mainly lymphocytes. Increased post-operative leukocyte apoptosis was associated with decreased systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) severity. Seventeen of the 35 survivors (48.6%) developed infections, while 18 (51.4%) did not. Pre-operative and post-operative nucleosome levels were 2.5 and 3 times higher, respectively, in T/HS patients who did not develop infection compared to those who did. Increased nucleosome levels were associated in particular with protection against sepsis (p=0.03) and multiple infections (p = 0.01).'] Is increased apoptosis of peripheral blood neutrophils associated with reduced incidence of infection in trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.104182004928589,
-1.3047919273376465,
2.454561710357666
] |
['The pathogenesis of influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (hereafter, "H5N1") infection in humans is not completely understood, although hypercytokinemia is thought to play a role. We previously reported that most H5N1 viruses induce high cytokine responses in human macrophages, whereas some H5N1 viruses induce only a low level of cytokine production similar to that induced by seasonal viruses.', 'To identify the viral molecular determinants for cytokine induction of H5N1 viruses in human macrophages, we generated a series of reassortant viruses between the high cytokine inducer A/Vietnam/UT3028II/03 clone 2 (VN3028IIcl2) and the low inducer A/Indonesia/UT3006/05 (IDN3006) and evaluated cytokine expression in human macrophages.', 'Viruses possessing the acidic polymerase (PA) gene of VN3028IIcl2 exhibited high levels of hypercytokinemia-related cytokine expression in human macrophages, compared with IDN3006, but showed no substantial differences in viral growth in these cells. Further, the PA gene of VN3028IIcl2 conferred enhanced virulence in mice.'] Are differences in cytokine production in human macrophages and in virulence in mice attributable to the acidic polymerase protein of highly pathogenic influenza A virus subtype H5N1? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5977511405944824,
-0.8143172264099121,
2.4553720951080322
] |
['Mechanical dyssynchrony associated with rapid pacing induces cardiac cell stress and myocardial apoptotic pathway activation that has been implicated in the pathophysiology of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Effects of dyssynchrony per se are not fully understood. The objective of our study was to test whether ventricular dyssynchrony would elicit myocardial alterations in LV calcium handling regulation and cell survival or apoptosis signalling in right ventricular-paced swine.', 'Implantation of pacemaker was performed under anaesthesia. Endocardial bipolar screw lead was inserted into the right jugular vein and positioned either in the right atrium or at the right ventricular (RV) apex. Swine were paced at 150 beats per minute for 3 weeks.', 'Compared with right atrial pacing, RV pacing led to abnormal LV sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium uptake (315 ± 65 vs 155 ± 55 nmol/min/mg, P < 0.05) and LV calcium-handling protein expression, ie, 35% reduction in ryanodine receptor 2, 25% decline in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase, 70% increase in Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, and 10% increase in phospholamban. RV pacing also elicited activation of LV apoptotic cascades without nuclear apoptosis. So-called interrupted apoptosis was the result of increased expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Apoptosis and calcium mishandling were documented in absence of depressed heart function (ejection fraction 62 ± 8% vs 57 ± 12%, in right atrial- and RV-paced hearts, respectively, P > 0.05).'] Does right ventricular pacing with mechanical dyssynchrony cause apoptosis interruptus and calcium mishandling? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3494813442230225,
-1.395950198173523,
2.8138256072998047
] |
['BK polyomavirus (BKV) infection remains a significant cause of nephropathy and graft loss. Fluoroquinolones inhibit BKV replication in vitro, and small studies suggest in vivo benefit. A strategy of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis directed specifically against BKV has not been formally tested against a control group in kidney transplant recipients.', 'We retrospectively compared the impact of a change in antibiotic prophylaxis practice from no BKV prophylaxis (Group 1, n=106, July-December 2009) to BKV prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin 250 mg twice daily for 30 days (Group 2, n=130, January-June 2010) on the rate of BKV infection during the first 12 months after kidney transplantation.', 'Baseline demographics, transplant characteristics, induction immunosuppression, and 1-year incidence of acute rejection were similar between groups. Group 1 had fewer patients on maintenance corticosteroids (65.1% vs. 83.2%, P=0.002). At 3 months, Group 1 had a significantly higher risk of developing BK viremia (0.161 vs. 0.065, P=0.0378) and viruria (0.303 vs. 0.146, P=0.0067) compared with Group 2, but this difference disappeared at 12 months for both viremia (0.297 vs. 0.261, P=0.6061) and viruria (0.437 vs. 0.389, P=0.5363). Adjusting for the difference in steroid use did not change the results. There was a trend toward higher incidence of biopsy-proven BKV nephropathy in Group 1 (4.7% vs. 0.8%, P=0.057).'] Does ciprofloxacin prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients reduce BK virus infection at 3 months but not at 1 year? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7311033010482788,
-1.6217854022979736,
2.3181281089782715
] |
['We investigated the association between the ratio of serum glycated albumin (GA) levels to hyperglycemic levels (GA/A1c ratio) and the progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis.', 'For this retrospective longitudinal study we recruited patients who had undergone carotid IMT measurement twice and been tested consecutively for both A1c and GA levels every 3 or 6 months. The subjects were classified into two groups based on non-progression (group I) and progression (group II) of carotid IMT. Mean values of A1c and GA and the GA/A1c ratio were compared between groups.', "Of the 218 subjects (122 men and 96 women), group II (n=77) showed significantly higher baseline systolic BP, eGFR, GA, GA/A1c ratio, and progression of carotid IMT (Δ IMT) than group I (n = 141). The mean A1c level tended to be higher in group II than in group I (p = 0.054). By Spearman's correlation test, baseline diastolic BP, total cholesterol, triglyceride, GA, and GA/A1c were significantly associated with Δ IMT in group II but not in group I. In multivariate regression analysis, serum level of GA and GA/HbA1c ratio predicted progression of IMT after adjustment for other risk factors in both models applied."] Does serum glycated albumin predict the progression of carotid arterial atherosclerosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9507170915603638,
-1.3173060417175293,
2.306457757949829
] |
['Mechanical ventilation of preterm babies increases survival but can also cause ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), leading to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). It is not known whether shear stress injury from gases flowing into the preterm lung during ventilation contributes to VILI.', "Preterm lambs of 131 days' gestation (term = 147 d) were ventilated for 2 hours with a bias gas flow of 8 L/min (n = 13), 18 L/min (n = 12) or 28 L/min (n = 14). Physiological parameters were measured continuously and lung injury was assessed by measuring mRNA expression of early injury response genes and by histological analysis. Control lung tissue was collected from unventilated age-matched fetuses. Data were analysed by ANOVA with a Tukey post-hoc test when appropriate.", 'High bias gas flows resulted in higher ventilator pressures, shorter inflation times and decreased ventilator efficiency. The rate of rise of inspiratory gas flow was greatest, and pulmonary mRNA levels of the injury markers, EGR1 and CTGF, were highest in lambs ventilated with bias gas flows of 18 L/min. High bias gas flows resulted in increased cellular proliferation and abnormal deposition of elastin, collagen and myofibroblasts in the lung.'] Does high bias gas flow increase lung injury in the ventilated preterm lamb? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.364358425140381,
-1.161537528038025,
2.627107620239258
] |
['Although ablative fractional laser for the facial photodamaged skin was effective and safe, there have been only limited reports regarding the efficacy and safety of fractional Er:YAG laser treatments for photodamaged facial skin in Asians.', "Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of the Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) using the ''ablative'' fractional resurfacing mode to treat photodamaged facial skin.", "A total of 29 Korean patients were treated for photodamaged facial skin using a fractional Er:YAG laser. The number of treatments was mean 2.3 sessions at two-week intervals. Independent investigators assessed the efficacy using standardized photographs. The patients' satisfaction rate was also evaluated.", "For dyspigmentation, 62.5% of the treated patients showed improvement greater than 26%. Regarding wrinkles, 50% of the treated patients showed improvement greater than 26%. All patients showed various degrees of improvement in skin laxity. Assessing the overall features, 62.5% of the study subjects showed improvement greater than 26%, and most of them (91.7%) reported that their subjective satisfaction rate was above 'slight satisfaction'. Downtime accounted for approximately one week in most patients."] Is a fractional 2940 nm short-pulsed , erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser effective and minimally invasive for the treatment of photodamaged skin in Asians? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6887836456298828,
-1.4510542154312134,
2.183413505554199
] |
['The default response of the esophagus to injury includes inflammation and scar tissue formation often leading to stricture. Biologic scaffolds composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) have been associated with the reconstitution of functional esophageal tissue in preclinical studies and clinical case reports of esophageal mucosal resection, anastomotic reinforcement, and full circumferential replacement. However, the mechanisms responsible for this change in the default response to esophageal injury are not fully understood.', 'The objective of the present study was to determine whether bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) participate in the long-term remodeling of ECM scaffolds in the esophageal location in a mouse model.', 'BMCs were present in low numbers in remodeling ECM scaffolds. Compared with the untreated control mice, the ECM-implanted animals showed better remodeling of the epithelial layer.'] Do bone marrow-derived cells participate in the long-term remodeling in a mouse model of esophageal reconstruction? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.598538398742676,
-0.9138595461845398,
2.5922141075134277
] |
['Notch signalling plays an important role in many cell activities, involving proliferation, migration, differentiation and cell death. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of such signalling on adipogenesis of mouse adipose-derived stem cells (mASCs).', 'Jagged1 (50 and 100\xa0ng/ml) was added to mASCs to activate Notch signalling, 2\xa0days before adipogenic induction. At 5 and 7\xa0days after induction, oil red-O staining was performed to evaluate lipid accumulation. Then real-time PCR was performed to examine expression of Notch downstream genes (Notch-1, -2, Hes-1 and Hey-1) and adipogenic transcription factor (PPAR-γ). Expressions of Hes-1 and PPAR-γ at protein level were confirmed by immunofluorescence staining.', 'Our data indicated that Jagged1 promoted adipogenic differentiation of mASCs. Moreover, Jagged1 also increased expression of Notch downstream genes and PPAR-γ. Expressions of Hes-1 and PPAR-γ were found to be enhanced in Jagged1 pre-treated mASCs when compared to controls.'] Does jagged-1-mediated activation of notch signalling induce adipogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2058889865875244,
-1.235339879989624,
2.4431984424591064
] |
['Tumor cells with stem-like phenotype and properties, known as cancer stem cells (CSC), have been identified in most solid tumors and are presumed to be responsible for driving tumor initiation, chemoresistance, relapse, or metastasis. A subpopulation of cells with increased stem-like potential has also been identified within sarcomas. These cells are endowed with increased tumorigenic potential, chemoresistance, expression of embryonic markers, and side population(SP) phenotype. Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are soft tissue sarcomas presumably arising from undifferentiated cells of mesenchymal origin, the Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC). Frequent recurrence of LMS and chemoresistance of relapsed patients may likely result from the failure to target CSC. Therefore, therapeutic cues coming from the cancer stem cell (CSC) field may drastically improve patient outcome.', 'We expanded LMS stem-like cells from patient samples in vitro and examined the possibility to counteract LMS malignancy through a stem-like cell effective approach. LMS stem-like cells were in vitro expanded both as "tumor spheres" and as "monolayers" in Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) conditions. LMS stem-like cells displayed MSC phenotype, higher SP fraction, and increased drug-extrusion, extended proliferation potential, self-renewal, and multiple differentiation ability. They were chemoresistant, highly tumorigenic, and faithfully reproduced the patient tumor in mice. Such cells displayed activation of EGFR/AKT/MAPK pathways, suggesting a possibility in overcoming their chemoresistance through EGFR blockade. IRESSA plus Vincristine treatment determined pathway inactivation, impairment of SP phenotype, high cytotoxicity in vitro and strong antitumor activity in stem-like cell-generated patient-like xenografts, targeting both stem-like and differentiated cells.'] Does eGFR inhibition abrogate leiomyosarcoma cell chemoresistance through inactivation of survival pathways and impairment of CSC potential? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4944121837615967,
-1.2842676639556885,
2.88519287109375
] |
["The study examined the effects of a parental intervention to reduce parents' stress levels during the hospitalization of their very preterm infants in a NICU, taking into account possible differences between mothers and fathers.", "Parents of infants born ≤ 32 weeks gestational age (GA) were randomly assigned to a standard support group (N = 21) or intervention group (N = 21). The intervention was based both on a joint observation method and infant massage provided by both parents. Parents' stress was assessed by the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, after the first week of admission and at the infant's discharge.", "At discharge, intervention group parents showed significantly lower levels of stress related to infants' appearance/behaviour and to parental role alteration (PRA) than those of the standard support group (p = 0.000). Overall, mothers reported more stress compared with fathers (p ≤ 0.05). The intervention was effective in reducing the stress-role alteration in mothers (p < 0.05), but not in fathers."] Are mothers fathers : differences between parents in the reduction of stress levels after a parental intervention in a NICU? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-2.3057782649993896,
0.780439555644989,
0.6918399333953857
] |
['To determine whether sulforaphane (SFN) protects neurons against injury caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and, if so, to investigate the possible mechanisms.', 'Primary cultures of neurons were prepared from the cerebral cortex of 1-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats. On days 5-6 in vitro, the neurons were exposed to OGD for 1 h, followed by reoxygenation for 24 h. Cells were treated with 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2.5, or 5 μmol/L SFN, with or without 10 μmol/L LY294002, a PI3K-specific inhibitor, during OGD/R (a total of 25 h). After 24-h reoxygenation, MTT was used to assess viability and injury was assessed by Hoechst 33258/propidium iodide (PI) staining; immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were performed to detect molecular events associated with apoptosis.', 'The MTT assay showed that 1 μmol/L SFN significantly increased viability, and Hoechst 33258/PI staining showed that the numbers of injured neurons were reduced significantly in the SFN group. Furthermore, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot showed that SFN increased Bcl-2 and decreased cleaved caspase-3 levels. Moreover, LY294002 inhibited the phosphorylated-Akt expression evoked by SFN, decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression.'] Does sulforaphane protect primary cultures of cortical neurons against injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation via antiapoptosis? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2456185817718506,
-1.353002905845642,
2.649029493331909
] |
['To determine whether experienced health professionals recognise patient deterioration more accurately and efficiently using (a) novel observation charts, designed from a human factors perspective, or (b) chart designs with which they have long-term experience.', "Participants were 101 health professionals experienced in using either a multiple parameter track-and-trigger chart or a graphical chart with no track-and-trigger system. Participants were presented with realistic abnormal and normal patient observations recorded on six hospital observation charts of varying design quality, including the chart that participants were familiar with (or a very similar design). Across 48 trials, the participant was asked to specify if any of the vital sign observations were abnormal, or if all of the observations were normal. Participants' overall error rates (i.e., proportion of incorrect responses) and response times, the main outcome measures, were calculated for each observation chart.", 'Participants made significantly fewer errors and responded significantly faster when using a novel user-friendly chart compared with all the other designs, including the charts that they were experienced with in a clinical setting.'] Do a human factors approach to observation chart design can trump health professionals ' prior chart experience? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.9278963804244995,
1.3418240547180176,
-0.17088203132152557
] |
['To examine the feasibility and potential benefits of using recumbent cross-training for nonambulatory adults with cerebral palsy (CP).', 'Observational.', 'Clinical center for CP treatment and rehabilitation.', 'Significantly motor-impaired adults with CP (N=11) with a mean age ± SD of 36.3±13.2 years and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels III and IV.', 'Participants completed a 40-minute session of aerobic exercise using the NuStep Recumbent Cross Trainer, in which resistance was progressively increased at 5-minute intervals.', 'Every 5 minutes during the exercise session, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption (VO(2)), energy expenditure, and respiratory exchange ratios (RERs) were recorded along with rating of perceived exertion. Immediately after, and 24 hours postexercise, participants received a standard survey to assess levels of pain and discomfort.', 'All participants were able to complete the 40-minute exercise protocol. Five of the 11 participants achieved a heart rate of at least 60% maximum throughout the duration, 10 participants had a significant elevation in VO(2) from baseline, and all participants had elevated RER values. Six participants reported pain during exercise, but only 2 reported pain after exercise was over.'] Is recumbent cross-training a feasible and safe mode of physical activity for significantly motor-impaired adults with cerebral palsy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.8648408651351929,
-0.8208959102630615,
1.7721161842346191
] |
['Pulmonary contusion (PC) is common in cases of polytrauma. The aim of this study was to perform a multivariate analysis of risk factors associated with the occurrence of infection in PC and analyze the microbiological epidemiology.', 'All patients with PC admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2002 and December 2006 were included in this retrospective observational study. Patients with penetrating thoracic trauma or those who died in the 48hours following admission to hospital were excluded. Diagnosis of bacterial infection in PC was performed if hyperthermia was associated with a positive quantitative culture (103\xa0colony forming units/mL) on the bronchial sample. Univariate analysis provided statistical difference between variables that were integrated in the multivariate analysis model. Multivariate analysis was then performed to determine the risk factors of bacterial infection in PC.', 'One hundred and seventeen patients were included. The incidence of bacterial infection in PC was 33.3% (39\xa0patients). The most frequently encountered bacteria were Haemophilus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas sp. and Streptococcus sp. According to multivariate analysis, the existence of hypothermia at hospital admission increased the risk of PC infection (OR=2.61; IC\xa095% [4.2-13.3]).'] Does [ Hypothermia at admission increase the risk of pulmonary contusion 's infection in intubated trauma patients ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.985878586769104,
-1.3156696557998657,
2.344301223754883
] |
['Chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is a systemic syndrome characterized by imbalances in mineral homeostasis, renal osteodystrophy (ROD) and ectopic calcification. The mechanisms underlying this syndrome in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are not yet clear.', 'We examined the effect of normal phosphate (NP) or high phosphate (HP) feeding in the setting of CKD on bone pathology, serum biochemistry and vascular calcification in calcification-prone dilute brown non-agouti (DBA/2) mice.', 'In both NP and HP-fed CKD mice, elevated serum parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were observed, but serum phosphorus levels were equivalent compared with sham controls. CKD mice on NP diet showed trabecular alterations in the long bone consistent with high-turnover ROD, including increased trabecular number with abundant osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Despite trabecular bone and serum biochemical changes, CKD/NP mice did not develop vascular calcification. In contrast, CKD/HP mice developed arterial medial calcification (AMC), more severe trabecular bone alterations and cortical bone abnormalities that included decreased cortical thickness and density, and increased cortical porosity. Cortical bone porosity and trabecular number strongly correlated with the degree of aortic calcification.'] Does high phosphate feeding promote mineral and bone abnormalities in mice with chronic kidney disease? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4714157581329346,
-1.2547736167907715,
2.7672064304351807
] |
['Calcium signaling is important for both normal physiologic processes and pathology of various diseases. Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) gene has been reported to be a potential candidate for calcium influx. The present study aimed to investigate the possible role of TRPM7 channels in apoptosis in rat basophilic leukemia mast cell line (RBL-2H3), which is widely used in mast cell-associated studies.', 'A recombinant retrovirus vector siRNA targeting rat TRPM7 gene was constructed and identified. Cellular survival was assessed by MTT. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and TUNEL-FITC/Hoechst 33258 staining.', 'The transfection efficiency by retrovirus vector was about 60%-70%. Transfection with TRPM7 siRNA significantly reduced TRPM7 expression both at mRNA and protein levels. Suppression of TRPM7 expression by siRNA led to significantly decreased cellular survival rates and increased apoptosis rates in RBL-2H3 cells.'] Does retrovirus-mediated siRNA targeting TRPM7 gene induce apoptosis in RBL-2H3 cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3596456050872803,
-1.2537815570831299,
2.6962661743164062
] |
['Carotid intima-media thickening is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in humans. We discovered that intima formation and cell proliferation in response to carotid injury is greater in SJL/J (SJL) in comparison with C3HeB/FeJ (C3H/F) mice. The purpose of this study was to identify candidate genes contributing to intima formation.', 'We performed microarray and bioinformatic analyses of carotid arteries from C3H/F and SJL mice. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the ribosome pathway was significantly up-regulated in C3H/F in comparison with SJL mice. Expression of a ribosomal protein, RpL17, was >40-fold higher in C3H/F carotids in comparison with SJL. Aortic vascular smooth muscle cells from C3H/F grew slower in comparison to SJL. To determine the role of RpL17 in vascular smooth muscle cell growth regulation, we analyzed the relationship between RpL17 expression and cell cycle progression. Cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from mice, rats, and humans showed that RpL17 expression inversely correlated with growth as shown by decreased cells in S phase and increased cells in G(0)/G(1). To prove that RpL17 acted as a growth inhibitor in vivo, we used pluronic gel delivery of RpL17 small interfering RNA to C3H/F carotid arteries. This resulted in an 8-fold increase in the number of proliferating cells. Furthermore, following partial carotid ligation in SJL mice, RpL17 expression in the intima and media decreased, but the number of proliferating cells increased.'] Is ribosomal protein L17 , RpL17 , an inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle growth and carotid intima formation? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.2088773250579834,
-1.3230698108673096,
2.556939125061035
] |
['To investigate the significance of intra-abdominal fat area (IAFA) on new onset of individual components of the metabolic syndrome: high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, or hyperglycemia.', 'We conducted a longitudinal study using checkup data of a hospital from 1994 to 2010. Of 25,255 subjects, we examined 1,380 Japanese, who underwent computed tomography to measure IAFA and had no metabolic syndrome components at baseline.', 'During 3.6 years of the mean follow-up period, one of metabolic syndrome components occurred in 752 subjects. Of three components, high blood pressure was more prevalent. The multiple Cox regression analysis disclosed that IAFA is significantly associated with onset of metabolic syndrome components (HR: 1.05 per 10 cm(2), 95%CI: 1.03-1.07). This finding was independent of BMI, and significant even in non-obese individuals with body mass index <25 kg/m(2).'] Is intra-abdominal fat area a predictor for new onset of individual components of metabolic syndrome : MEtabolic syndRome and abdominaL ObesiTy ( MERLOT study )? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9837902784347534,
-1.188205361366272,
2.3359241485595703
] |
['Small body size at birth is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Dietary habits are tightly linked with these disorders, but the association between body size at birth and adult diet has been little studied. We examined the association between body size at birth and intake of foods and macronutrients in adulthood.', 'We studied 1797 participants, aged 56 to 70, of the Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, whose birth weight and length were recorded. Preterm births were excluded. During a clinical study, diet was assessed with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. A linear regression model adjusted for potential confounders was used to assess the associations. Intake of fruits and berries was 13.26 g (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56, 25.96) higher per 1 kg/m(3) increase in ponderal index (PI) at birth, and 83.16 g (95% CI: 17.76, 148.56) higher per 1 kg higher birth weight. One unit higher PI at birth was associated with 0.14% of energy (E%) lower intake of fat (95% CI: -0.26, -0.03) and 0.18 E% higher intake of carbohydrates (95% CI: 0.04, 0.32) as well as 0.08 E% higher sucrose (95% CI: 0.00, 0.15), 0.05 E% higher fructose (95% CI: 0.01, 0.09), and 0.18 g higher fiber (95% CI: 0.02, 0.34) intake in adulthood. Similar associations were observed between birth weight and macronutrient intake.'] Is body size at birth associated with food and nutrient intake in adulthood? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.5692567825317383,
-1.3272883892059326,
0.9750012159347534
] |
['Most heart failure patients have multiple comorbidities.', 'This study aims to test the moderating effect of comorbidity on the relationship between self-efficacy and self-care in adults with heart failure.', 'Secondary analysis of four mixed methods studies (n = 114) was done. Self-care and self-efficacy were measured using the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Comorbidity was measured with the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Parametric statistics were used to examine the relationships among self-efficacy, self-care, and the moderating influence of comorbidity. Qualitative data yielded themes about self-efficacy in self-care and explained the influence of comorbidity on self-care.', 'Most (79%) reported two or more comorbidities. There was a significant relationship between self-care and the number of comorbidities (r = -.25; p = .03). There were significant differences in self-care by comorbidity level (self-care maintenance, F[1, 112], 5.96, p = .019, and self-care management, F[1, 72], 4.66, p = .034). Using moderator analysis of the effect of comorbidity on self-efficacy and self-care, a significant effect was found only in self-care maintenance among those who had moderate levels of comorbidity (b = .620, p = .022, F(change) df[6,48], 5.61, p = .022). In the qualitative data, self-efficacy emerged as an important variable influencing self-care by shaping how individuals prioritized and integrated multiple and often competing self-care instructions.'] Do multiple comorbid conditions challenge heart failure self-care by decreasing self-efficacy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-0.8512364625930786,
-1.1375547647476196,
0.969520092010498
] |
['[Ca(2+)](i) oscillations are irregular and heterogeneous.', 'The correlations between NFκB/STAT3-GFP transcription and [Ca(2+)](i) spike amplitude/cumulative spike duration are revealed by simultaneous monitoring in single cells and validated in cell population.'] Do irregular Ca ( 2+ ) oscillations regulate transcription via cumulative spike duration and spike amplitude? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.7307202816009521,
-0.9880862832069397,
1.85372793674469
] |
['The choice of implant design plays an important role for primary fixation of a TKA. Short-keeled tibial components allow implantation through a smaller approach with less femorotibial subluxation.', 'The purpose of this study was to detect early implant failure resulting from aseptic loosening after cemented short-keeled and standard tibial baseplate implantation.', 'Between 2008 and 2010, a group of 160 consecutive patients (with 80 standard and with 80 short-keeled tibial trays) received cemented TKAs. At 1-year followup, patients were examined clinically and radiographs were analyzed regarding aspects of radiolucency. The components were divided into five zones on each radiographic view and the measurements of the 10 zones were added.', 'The mean sum of radiolucencies was increased significantly with the short-keeled baseplates. In the current study, short-keeled tibial trays revealed a revision rate of 6.3% after 1-year followup. In contrast, none of the standard tibial baseplates were revised.'] Do short-keeled cemented tibial components show an increased risk for aseptic loosening? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9167823791503906,
-1.272298812866211,
2.2134838104248047
] |
['The overexpression of Aurora A kinase (AurA) has been reported in various malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the expression of AurA and the effects of AurA inhibition in cancer stem cells are not yet fully understood. We investigated the expression and inhibition of AurA in AML stem cells (CD34(+)/CD38(-)).', 'Expression of AurA was investigated in cell lines (NB4 and KG1) that express high levels of CD34 and low levels of CD38. Primary AML cells were harvested from 8 patients. The expression of AurA and cell death induced by inhibition of AurA were analyzed in CD34(+)/CD38(-) cells.', 'AurA was shown to be overexpressed in both primary AML cells and leukemia stem cells (LSCs) compared to normal hematopoietic stem cells. Inhibition of AurA plus cytarabine treatment in LSCs resulted in increased cytotoxicity compared to cytarabine treatment alone. Additional stimulation with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) increased the cell death caused by AurA inhibition plus cytarabine treatment.'] Is aurora A kinase expression increased in leukemia stem cells , and a selective Aurora A kinase inhibitor enhances Ara-C-induced apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia stem cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.413670301437378,
-1.148782730102539,
2.5836939811706543
] |
['Genetic variability affects clinical outcome in pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients. Evaluating gene polymorphisms in ABC transporters could help identify relapse risk and predict outcome.', 'The SNaPshot SNP technique was used to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the multidrug transporter 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRP1, MRP2) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) genes of 82 pediatric ALL patients. The association between the SNPs with risk of all events and death as well as with survival was evaluated by the univariate Cox proportional hazard model.', 'The BCRP G34A SNP was the only SNP significantly associated with ALL. Risk factors included pre-treatment WBC counts and post-treatment peripheral and bone marrow leukemic cell counts. We found no association between MDR1 SNPs with these factors. The BCRP C421A C/A and C/C genotypes were significantly associated with low pre-treatment WBC counts while MRP2 G1249A G/G was significantly associated with low levels of post-treatment peripheral and bone marrow leukemic cells. A combination of C1236T, G1249A and/or G34A SNPs was significantly associated with lower EFS and OS.'] Are gene polymorphisms of ABC transporters associated with clinical outcomes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.262984037399292,
-1.2527384757995605,
2.5639090538024902
] |
['The present study was designed to investigate the prognostic factors of stage IIA (pT3N0M0) colon cancer.', 'We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with stage IIA colon cancer treated with curative surgery alone from January 2004 to June 2008 in Peking University Cancer Hospital. Patient demographics, and clinical, histopathologic, and laboratory data were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to identify prognostic factors associated with 3-year disease-free survival (DFS).', 'For the 84 valid cases reviewed in this study, the 3-year DFS was 88.1 %. That for a group with elevated CEA was 77.1 % and for a group with a normal CEA level, it was 95.9 %, with statistical difference (p = 0.007). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that CEA level (p = 0.012, OR = 8.013, 1.573-40.817), expression of Ki67 (p = 0.099, OR = 3.298, 0.799-3.610), male gender (p = 0.024, OR = 7.212, 1.293-40.237), and anemia (p = 0.011, OR = 6.461, 1.537-27.151) were the independent prognostic factors for 3-year DFS. Stratified analysis revealed that an elevated CEA level combined with high expression of Ki67 was associated with poorer prognosis (3-year DFS 70 %).'] Is elevated preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA ) and Ki67 predictor of decreased survival in IIA stage colon cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.87037193775177,
-1.495703935623169,
2.3783607482910156
] |
['Cancer incidence and mortality rates have decreased over the last few decades, yet not all groups have benefited equally from these successes. This has resulted in increased disparities in cancer burden among various population groups.', 'This study examined trends in absolute and relative disparities in overall cancer incidence and mortality rates between African American and white residents of Wisconsin during the period 1995-2006.', "Cancer incidence data were obtained from the Wisconsin Cancer Reporting System. Mortality data were accessed from the National Center for Health Statistics' public use mortality file. Trends in incidence and mortality rates during 1995-2006 for African Americans and whites were calculated and changes in relative disparity were measured using rate ratios.", 'With few exceptions, African American incidence and mortality rates were higher than white rates in every year of the period 1995-2006. Although cancer mortality and incidence declined for both groups over the period, relative racial disparities in rates persisted over the period and account for about a third of African American cancer deaths.'] Do cancer health disparities persist among African Americans in Wisconsin? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 1 | [
-1.293586254119873,
2.9545230865478516,
-2.1435863971710205
] |
['Peritoneal clearance of albumin-unlike the transport of small molecules-is defined by both vascular surface area and size-selective permeability. Few studies have supported a positive correlation between peritoneal albumin loss and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether baseline peritoneal loss and clearance of albumin and other proteins is a risk factor of death in peritoneal dialysis patients.', 'All incident peritoneal dialysis patients in our center during the last 15 years were included. Mass-transfer area coefficient of creatinine and peritoneal clearances of albumin, β₂-microglobulin, α₂-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin G were calculated during a standard peritoneal permeability analysis. The total amount of albumin loss in the dialysate was also calculated. Overall mortality was studied with an intention-to-treat analysis.', 'Two hundred fifty-seven patients were included. High baseline albumin clearance was associated with fast transport status, the presence of peripheral arterial disease, and a high comorbidity index, whereas C-reactive protein levels did not differ from the patients with low albumin clearance. Age, high comorbidity score, C-reactive protein levels >10 mg/L, and a low serum albumin were associated with mortality. Peritoneal albumin clearances and albumin loss were not associated with death in crude and adjusted analysis. Similarly, peritoneal clearances of immunoglobulin G, α₂-macroglobulin, and β₂-microglobulin were not determinants of survival.'] Do peritoneal albumin and protein losses predict outcome in peritoneal dialysis patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3091132640838623,
-1.3494194746017456,
2.7398765087127686
] |
['Incubation of chronic myeloid leukemia cells in hypoxia inhibits growth and selects BCR/Abl-independent cells with stem cell properties which are refractory to imatinib-mesylate. This study aimed to characterize the relationship of this refractoriness with glucose availability in the environment.', 'K562 or primary chronic myeloid leukemia cells were cultured at 0.1% O(2), different cell densities and glucose concentrations. The stem and progenitor cell potential of these cultures at different times of incubation in relation to BCR/Abl(protein) expression and sensitivity to imatinib-mesylate was explored by transferring cells to growth-permissive secondary cultures in normoxia, according to the Culture-Repopulating Ability assay methodology.', 'Hypoxia-resistant cells maintained BCR/Abl(protein) expression until glucose was no longer available in primary hypoxic cultures, where glucose availability appeared to regulate cell number and the balance between the enrichment of cells with kinetic properties typical of stem or progenitor cells. Cells surviving merely hypoxic conditions were, upon transfer to secondary cultures, immediately available for numerical expansion due to the maintained BCR/Abl(protein) expression, and were consequently sensitive to imatinib-mesylate. Instead, BCR/Abl(protein)-negative cells selected in primary cultures under oxygen/glucose shortage underwent a delayed numerical expansion in secondary cultures, which was completely refractory to imatinib-mesylate. Cells with the latter properties were also found in primary chronic myeloid leukemia explants.'] Does glucose availability in hypoxia regulate the selection of chronic myeloid leukemia progenitor subsets with different resistance to imatinib-mesylate? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5373847484588623,
-1.109795093536377,
2.7132949829101562
] |
['To compare pulse oximetry in children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and controls and test the hypothesis that vitamin C deficiency (VCD; <11.4 μmol/L) is associated with nocturnal haemoglobin oxygen desaturation in SCA.', 'We undertook nocturnal and daytime pulse oximetry in 23 children with SCA (median age 8 years) with known steady-state plasma vitamin C concentrations and 18 siblings (median 7 years).', 'Median nocturnal delta 12 s index (delta12 s), a measure of haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) variability, was 0.38 (interquartile range 0.28-0.51) in SCA and 0.35 (0.23-0.48) in controls, with 9/23 and 6/18, respectively, having a delta12 s >0.4, compatible with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Eleven of twenty-three with SCA had VCD; logged vitamin C concentrations showed a 66% decrease per 0.1 unit increase in delta12 s ([95% CI -86%, -15%]; p=0.023) and delta12 s >0.4 was associated with VCD (odds ratio 8.75 [1.24-61.7], p=0.029). Daytime and mean nocturnal SpO(2) were lower in SCA but there was no association with vitamin C.'] Is nocturnal haemoglobin oxygen saturation variability associated with vitamin C deficiency in Tanzanian children with sickle cell anaemia? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.6965101957321167,
-1.2862836122512817,
2.0352888107299805
] |
['Transjugular intrahepatic stent-shunt (TIPSS) insertion, in patients with uncontrolled gastro-intestinal bleeding, often results in worsening of the systemic hemodynamics which can be associated with intracranial hypertension but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study explored the hypothesis that TIPSS insertion results in acute endotoxemia which is associated with increased nitric oxide production resulting in systemic and cerebral vasodilatation.', 'Twelve patients with cirrhosis who were undergoing TIPSS for uncontrolled variceal bleeding were studied prior to and 1-h after TIPSS insertion. Changes in cardiac output (CO) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured. NO production was measured using stable isotopes using l-[guanidino-(15)N(2)] arginine and l-[ureido-(13)C;5,5-(2)H(2)] citrulline infusion. The effect of pre- and post-TIPSS plasma on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity on human endothelial cell-line (HUVEC) was measured.', 'TIPSS insertion resulted in a significant increase in CO and CBF. Endotoxin and induced neutrophil oxidative burst increased significantly without any significant changes in cytokines. Whole body NO production increased significantly and this was associated with increased iNOS activity in the HUVEC lines. The change in NO production correlated with the changes in CO and CBF. Brain flux of ammonia increased without significant changes in arterial ammonia.'] Is acute endotoxemia following transjugular intrahepatic stent-shunt insertion associated with systemic and cerebral vasodilatation with increased whole body nitric oxide production in critically ill cirrhotic patients? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4826600551605225,
-1.357433795928955,
2.890608787536621
] |
['Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a strong predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whites appear to have a higher prevalence of CAC than African-Americans (AAs), but it is unknown if type 2 diabetes, a major cardiovascular risk factor, attenuates this difference. We investigated the relationship of race and CAC in a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes without clinical CVD.', 'multivariable analyses of self-reported ethnicity and CAC scores, stratified by gender, in 861 subjects [32% AA, 66.9% male] with type 2 diabetes.', 'AA race was associated with lower CAC scores in age-adjusted models in males [Tobit ratio for AAs vs. Whites 0.14 (95% CI 0.08-0.24, p<0.001)] and females [Tobit ratio 0.26 (95% CI 0.09-0.77, p=0.015)]. This persisted in men after adjustment for traditional, metabolic and inflammatory risk factors, but adjustment for plasma triglycerides [0.48 (95% CI 0.15-1.49, p=0.201)] and HOMA-IR [0.28 (95% CI 0.08-1.03, p=0.055)] partially attenuated the association in women.'] Does type 2 diabetes attenuate racial differences in coronary calcification? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1043365001678467,
-0.9245781302452087,
2.1122188568115234
] |
['Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) redox signaling regulates multiple aspects of cell growth and survival, and elevated tumor levels of Trx-1 have been associated with decreased patient survival. PX-12, an inhibitor of Trx-1 currently in clinical development, has been found to decrease tumor levels of the HIF-1α transcription factor. SSAT1 has been reported to bind to HIF-1α and RACK1, resulting in oxygen-independent HIF-1 ubiquitination and degradation. SSAT2, a related protein, stabilizes the interaction of the VHL protein and elongin C with HIF-1 leading to oxygen-dependent HIF-1α ubiquitination and degradation. We investigated the effects of PX-12 and Trx-1 on SSAT1, SSAT2, and inhibition of HIF-1α.', 'A panel of cell lines was treated with PX-12 to investigate its effects on SSAT1 and SSAT2 expression, and on HIF-1α protein levels. We also evaluated the regulation of SSAT1 through the Nrf2 and PMF-1, two trans-acting transcription factors.', 'We found that PX-12 increased nuclear Nrf2 activity and antioxidant response element binding. PX-12 also increased the expression of SSAT1 but not SSAT2 in a PMF-1-dependent manner that was independent of Trx-1. Inhibition of Nrf2 or PMF-1 prevented the increase in SSAT1 caused by PX-12.'] Does antitumor agent PX-12 inhibit HIF-1α protein levels through an Nrf2/PMF-1-mediated increase in spermidine/spermine acetyl transferase? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.407377243041992,
-1.2420578002929688,
2.666043281555176
] |
["This study was inspired by coalescing evidence that magnetic therapy may be a viable treatment option for certain diseases. This premise is based on the ability of moderate strength fields (i.e., 0.1 to 1 Tesla) to alter the biophysical properties of lipid bilayers and in turn modulate cellular signaling pathways. In particular, previous results from our laboratory (Wang et al., BMC Genomics, 10, 356 (2009)) established that moderate strength static magnetic field (SMF) exposure altered cellular endpoints associated with neuronal function and differentiation. Building on this background, the current paper investigated SMF by focusing on the adenosine A(2A) receptor (A(2A)R) in the PC12 rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cell line that displays metabolic features of Parkinson's disease (PD).", 'SMF reproduced several responses elicited by ZM241385, a selective A(2A)R antagonist, in PC12 cells including altered calcium flux, increased ATP levels, reduced cAMP levels, reduced nitric oxide production, reduced p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation, inhibited proliferation, and reduced iron uptake. SMF also counteracted several PD-relevant endpoints exacerbated by A(2A)R agonist CGS21680 in a manner similar to ZM241385; these include reduction of increased expression of A(2A)R, reversal of altered calcium efflux, dampening of increased adenosine production, reduction of enhanced proliferation and associated p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation, and inhibition of neurite outgrowth.'] Does static magnetic field exposure reproduce cellular effects of the Parkinson 's disease drug candidate ZM241385? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.5167856216430664,
-1.24373197555542,
2.8220114707946777
] |
['To investigate the efficacy and complications of limbal allografting from related live donors (RL-LAT) for limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to ocular chemical burn.', 'Retrospective comparative case series. Limbal allografting from related live human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched (n = 10) and-unmatched donors (n = 2) was performed in 12 consecutive patients (12 eyes) with limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to ocular chemical burn, including 9 alkali burn and 3 acid burn; whereas allolimbal cadaver transplant was performed in another 15 patients in Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between April 2006 to December 2007. Systemic cyclosporine A was administered to later eight recipients in living related donor group and all patients in cadaver donor group. Main outcome measures were restoration of corneal epithelium, reduction in corneal vascularization, improved corneal clarity, and visual improvement. Mean follow-up was (11.4 ± 3.6) months (from 12 to 27).', 'In living related donor group, ten patients (83.3%) achieved initially reepithelialize, and epithelial healing time was (9.6 ± 3.4) d. Nine patients (75.0%) achieved stable ocular surface (stable corneal epithelium, decreased vascularization of corneal surface, and reduced corneal opacification). However, in seven eyes (77.8%) achieved stable ocular surface, gradual recurrence of peripheral corneal vascularization occurred after 5 to 8 months postoperatively. Whereas in cadaver donor group, twelve patients (80.0%) achieved initially reepithelialize, and epithelial healing time was (11.2 ± 4.6) d. Seven patients (46.7%) achieved stable ocular surface. However, in all seven eyes achieved stable ocular surface, gradual recurrence of peripheral corneal vascularization occurred after 4 to 10 months postoperatively. The differences of both the rate of initially reepithelialize and epithelial healing time between these two groups showed no statistical significance (χ(2) = 1.764, P = 0.117; t = 0.116, P = 0.133, respectively). However, the differences of both the successful rate of ocular surface reconstruction and the recurrent rate of corneal vascularization during the follow-up period between these two groups were statistically significant (χ(2) = 4.158, P = 0.015; χ(2) = 3.463, P = 0.022, respectively). In living related donor group, features of graft rejection developed in two patients with postoperative stable ocular surface, Both rejected recipients had one among HLA-matched and one among-unmatched respectively. Whereas in cadaver donor group, features of graft rejection developed in three patients with postoperative stable ocular surface. None of the donor eyes had any complications.'] Do [ Limbal allografting from related live donors for limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to ocular chemical burn ]? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.823956847190857,
-1.6294739246368408,
2.4466755390167236
] |
['although numerous studies have explored the mechanisms regulating the enzyme activity of NADPH oxidase in diabetic nephropathy (DN), little information is available for the contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to the regulation of NADPH oxidase expression. Therefore, the present study was to test whether miRNAs importantly contribute to the regulation of NOX4 expression, a major catalytic subunit of NADPH oxidase under hyperglycemia.', 'diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin. miRNA microarray, Western blot, real-time RT-PCR and luciferase reporter assays were employed in this study.', "among 5 miRNAs, which are predicted to have a binding capacity to rat NOX4, the miRNA-25 level was significantly reduced both in the kidney from diabetic rats and in high glucose-treated mesangial cells, accompanied by the increases in NOX4 expression levels. In an in vitrostudy, we found that NADPH activity was increased by 226.2% in miRNA-25 inhibitor transfected cells and decreased by 51.0% in miRNA-25 precursor transfected cells. miR-25 inhibitor dramatically increased both NOX4 mRNA and protein levels. We then showed that miR-25 negatively regulated NOX4 expression by directly targeting the 3'-UTR by luciferase reporter assays. It was found that transfection of miR-25 precursor significantly decreased the luciferase activity of NOX4 3'-UTR by 39.5%, whereas the mutant sequence restored levels to 79.4%. Finally, our results indicated that the miR-25-mediated NOX4 mRNA level may result from the regulation of mRNA stability."] Is regulation of NADPH oxidase activity associated with miRNA-25-mediated NOX4 expression in experimental diabetic nephropathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.1657044887542725,
-1.1821165084838867,
2.336315870285034
] |
['Polysaccharide krestin (PSK) is a mushroom extract that has been long used in Asia and recently in Western countries as a treatment for cancer due to its presumed immune potentiating effects. Although there have been reports of clinical responses after patients have ingested PSK, the mechanism of action of the agent remains undefined. The current study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of the antitumor actions of PSK.', 'The immunostimulatory effect of PSK was first evaluated in vitro using splenocytes from neu transgenic mice and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 knockout (TLR2(-/-)) mice. Then the immunostimualtory and antitumor effect of PSK was determined using tumor-bearing neu transgenic mice, TLR2(-/-), and wild-type C57BL/6 mice.', 'We demonstrate that PSK is a selective TLR2 agonist, and the activation of dendritic cells (DC) and T cells by PSK is dependent on TLR2. Oral administration of PSK in neu transgenic mice significantly inhibits breast cancer growth. Selective depletion of specific cell populations suggests that the antitumor effect of PSK is dependent on both CD8(+) T cell and NK cells, but not CD4(+) T cells. PSK does not inhibit tumor growth in TLR2(-/-) mice suggesting that the antitumor effect is mediated by TLR2.'] Is polysaccharide krestin a novel TLR2 agonist that mediates inhibition of tumor growth via stimulation of CD8 T cells and NK cells? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.4306442737579346,
-1.2384846210479736,
2.732996940612793
] |
['Parathyroid hormone-like hormone (PTHLH) is abundantly expressed by human endometrial stromal cells during decidualization. However, the role for PTHLH in the decidualization process is unknown.', 'To examine the effects of PTHLH on the induction and maintenance of decidualization of human uterine fibroblast (HUF) cells in vitro.', 'HUF cells were treated with a PTHLH siRNA or a PTHLH receptor antagonist (bPTH(7-34)) before or after decidualization with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), estradiol (E(2)), and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Decidualization was monitored by immunocytochemistry and the induction of decidualization-specific marker genes, including IGFBP-1, prolactin, lefty, and transcription factor FOXO1.', 'HUF cells decidualized after pretreatment with a PTHLH siRNA showed greater morphologic changes of decidualization, greater IGFBP-1 protein, and two- to threefold more IGFBP-1, prolactin, lefty, and FOXO1 mRNAs than cells pretreated with a nonsilencing RNA. The PTHLH siRNA pretreated cells also had 31% less DNA fragmentation (TUNEL assay) and 30-35% less caspase 3 levels during decidualization than cells pretreated treated with nonsilencing RNA. Treatment of HUF cells with PTHLH siRNA or bPTH(7-34) at 9 d after the induction of decidualization also resulted in 2.1- to 3.2-fold greater IGFBP-1, prolactin, lefty, and FOXO1 mRNA levels than that noted in control cells treated with nonsilencing RNA.'] Does parathyroid hormone-like hormone ( PTHLH ) repress decidualization of human uterine fibroblast cells by an autocrine/paracrine mechanism? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-2.3491017818450928,
-1.374619960784912,
2.763707160949707
] |
['In stage II colorectal cancer (CRC), high-risk patient selection is required, but no candidate markers have been elucidated. Our concern was whether anastomotic leakage (Lk) is a potential available clinicopathological factor for selecting high-risk stage II.', 'Two hundred seven patients with stage II CRC who underwent curative resection were analyzed. Clinical variables were tested for their relationship to survival.', 'The 5-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) was 87.0%. The univariable prognostic analyses indicated that Lk (P\u2009=\u20090.003) was the only significant factor. The multivariable prognostic analysis revealed that Lk remained to be potently independent [hazard ratio (HR), 4.21, P\u2009=\u20090.021), and the DFS was 58.3% in cases with Lk, while 88.7% in the counterpart. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed perioperative blood transfusion (P\u2009=\u20090.001) was independently associated with Lk. Intriguingly, Lk was closely associated with hematogenic recurrence (P\u2009=\u20090.003) rather than peritoneal or local recurrence. Although sustained increase of the serum C-reactive protein at 2\xa0weeks after operation predicted poor prognosis, the mutitivariable analysis including the C-reactive protein level revealed that Lk still indicated the prognostic potential (HR, 3.70, P\u2009=\u20090.075).'] Does anastomotic leakage contribute to the risk for systemic recurrence in stage II colorectal cancer? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.9824151992797852,
-1.576357126235962,
2.593061923980713
] |
['Previous studies have demonstrated that endogenous bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) level is reduced in acute kidney injury and administration of exogenous BMP-7 has a beneficial effect on kidney function. In spite of preventive management, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is still the third cause of acute deterioration of kidney function in hospitalized patients. With this background in mind, we studied changes in serum BMP-7 in a group of patients with chronic kidney disease and contrast-induced nephropathy.', 'We enrolled 45 consecutive adult patients with a baseline serum creatinine ≥ 1.4 mg/dl admitted for coronary angiography. We measured serum BMP-7 levels before and 48 h after coronary angiography. The primary end point was the development of CIN, defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration by 0.25 mg/dl or 25% over the baseline value within 72 h from contrast exposure.', 'Overall, CIN occurred in 8 (17%) patients. The concentrations of serum BMP-7 were significantly decreased in the CIN group compared to baseline (488.6 ± 56.8 vs. 356.4 ± 24.8, P = 0.01); in contrast, the concentration of BMP-7 level did not change in patients without CIN (444.6 ± 54.6 vs. 440.0 ± 53.9, P = 0.09).'] Does bone morphogenic protein-7 serum level decrease significantly in patients with contrast-induced nephropathy? | qiaojin/PubMedQA | 2 | [
-1.2835756540298462,
-1.445838451385498,
1.7481521368026733
] |
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